Uttoxeter Runner

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Newmarket and Newcastle while there are a couple of jumps fixtures from Uttoxeter and Wetherby.  David has one runner today; Mr Burgees who takes part in the 4.20pm race which is a 2m4f handicap chase.  Our seven year old has some fair form and is fitted with a pair of blinkers for the first time.  A clear round of jumping would give him a good chance under Tom Scudamore.  Newcastle deserve a dishonourable mention again with only £37,000 in prize money up for grabs across their eight race card - more low value, low grade fodder on the all-weather, just what we all need!

I see that one of our former jockeys, Rodi Greene is in the running to win the UK Coaching Awards in London next month.  He won more than 350 races during his career, including the Coral Cup for Martin aboard Ilnamar and he also scooped a 'Lester' for ride of the year in 2002.  He now coaches a number of the young jockeys including last season's champion apprentice Tom Marquand and leading lady conditional Lizzie Kelly.  Good luck Rodi!

Judge Felix Wheeler certainly has better eyesight than I do.  This was confirmed when he announced that the last race at Lingfield yesterday was officially a dead-heat.  In fairness, it was so dark and the photo quality so poor that a dead-heat was probably the fairest result.

*****

I see that my beloved West Ham are going to ban 200 of their thugs.  How can you possibly govern that many people?  I am sure a good few of them will manage to find their way into the stadium.  I saw pictures of a toilet that had been completely destroyed with all the basins smashed off the wall.  These are not normal people we are dealing with here, the best place for them is prison - especially on a match day.

I was speaking with former six times world snooker champion Ray Reardon at my local golf club yesterday and he reckons that Ronnie O'Sullivan is getting a bit twitchy.  Remember, Ray used to help out Ronnie a few years ago.

As predicted, I reckon England's cricketers could struggle when they head to India.  We seem to have two spin bowlers who cannot spin the ball - Bangladesh certainly don't seem to be having too much trouble handling them.

*****

Isn't it strange how all forms of gambling are frowned upon by all religions.  All except marriage of course...and I should know!

Tweet