Citrus Not Bitter!

The stable enjoyed a good winner yesterday afternoon at Plumpton when Citrus won the novices' hurdle under Tom Scudamore.  Tom gave him a fine ride to avoid the early carnage as loose horses were causing all sorts of problems.  He held on to score by a neck with the odds-on favourite seven lengths back in third.  Hopefully the handicapper will not get carried away as the race fell apart somewhat.  It was a first jumps winner as an owner for former England and Somerset cricketer Craig Kieswetter who was interviewed both before and after the race by Attheraces.  Hopefully it is the first of many winners!

It was a day to remember for northern based jockey Brian Hughes yesterday as he booted home five winners and two seconds on the seven race card at Musselburgh.  His wins came to an 899/1 accumulator...now that would have been handy.  It wasn't such a good day for Nathan Evans who was fined £290 for changing his boots after he had weighed out.  I wonder why he changed them?

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Southwell and Fakenham as well as an all-weather flat card from Lingfield.  Although the stable has no runners today Tom Scudamore makes the long journey to Fakenham for a couple of outside rides and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him in the winners' enclosure aboard his brother's Dawnieriver.

I see that Chelmsford City are planning on staging more harness racing.  When I was living in Sweden it was very big over there and it is still popular in France today.  They even had races when sports personalities would take part.  I must admit, I never fancied that much...a rocking horse is about is brave as I get!

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There is some good footballing action to look forward to tonight as England take on Spain at 8pm on ITV.  England are 2/1 to win and surely we have a good chance to beat Spain with all of their injuries?  Wayne Rooney is out injured for England but I hardly see that as a negative...sorry Wayne.  Vardy's pace could catch Spain out and furthermore, you have to question Spain's motivation.

It looks as though there is a bitter rivalry brewing between snooker players Mark Allen and Mark Joyce.  World number 10 Allen said, "Mark Joyce is a d___ on and off the table.  I doubt even his mum likes him".  Strong words indeed, perhaps they should have a boxing referee to sort this one out?!

There are some interesting sports bets about at the moment and one of the most interesting I thought was the 7/4 about Andy Murray finishing 2016 as the world's number one tennis player.  He already occupies that spot so he is in a good position to manage it.  That price is available with a firm called "Youbetcha"...all these new bookmakers!

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Mrs Barnes texted me after we had a row the other day.  I couldn't believe it - she said that I was very condescending.  To be honest I was very surprised she could spell it!  Keep smiling...

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