Weekend Jottings!

This Wednesday Aintree will be revealing the entries for this year's John Smiths Grand National.  The weights will be out a couple of weeks later and I really do look forward to seeing them.  Obviously it is not like a normal handicap, with senior assessor Phil Smith taking previous course form into account, as well as trying to encourage some of the higher class entries to run by using his discretion to compress their usual rating.  This approach has certainly paid off in terms of quality as there are some very good horses that don't even get into the race anymore.

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Did anyone see The Morning Line yesterday?  I have to be honest (and maybe it is just a case of being set in my ways), but I much preferred the old format of the programme.  The presenters looked uncomfortable sat on those benches and some of the new technology (which I am sure they will sort out) just didn't work.  They tried to link-up with Nigel Twiston-Davies via Skype from his yard just down the road and it failed completely.  They could have gone outside and shouted to Nigel and you would have heard him!

I was also slightly puzzled as to why they were telling their viewers how to place a bet.  I would have thought that if you had tuned-in to the Morning Line, you would probably already have an interest in the sport and were more than likely to know how to place a wager.  Even my eighty year old mother-in-law knows how to bet, so they could be using this valuable air time on something else instead.  While I am all for promoting our sport, I think that side of things is best left to betting shop staff - the shops are very different nowadays, they are luxurious and friendly and generally the staff are very well clued-up and willing to help novice punters.  I was really wanting to like it, but just ended up wonering how the new Morning Line is an improvement on the old show?

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It is a big day at Ffos Las racecourse on Saturday as the bid to resurrect the Welsh Champion Hurdle.  The original race used to be run at Chepstow and Martin won it countless times down the years with the likes of High Knowl as well as course specialist Potentate.  There is good prize money to the winner so hopefully the race will be well supported - Ffos Las should be applauded for this initiative and I hope that plenty of people attend or watch on television.  This is the first time that the course will have been covered by terrestrial television - it will be shown on Channel 4.

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I see that Kelso racecourse are auctioning a lifesize cardboard cut out of A P McCoy (I presume it must have been from the push to get AP his Sports Personality of the Year Award) - AP himself said that the cut-outs probably have more personality!  I just hope it is not a picture of him swinging a golf club - now that really isn't a pretty site!  To be fair I haven't played with AP for a few years, but last time I did I remember him shanking a ball all around the greens - fortunately for him he is a great jockey!  Anyway for details of the auction simply take a look at Kelso's website kelso-races.co.uk.

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I have an important date for your calendar if you are a racing fan that lives in the West country.  Exeter are hosting a Cheltenham Festival Preview evening at the racecourse on Thursday 24th February at 6pm and they have a strong panel that will include Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs, Nick Williams and of course our own David.  Tickets are £20 each which includes a hot dinner - tickets will probably be in short supply so book early on 01392 832599.  God, I sound like Fred Pontin!