Daklondike Runs At Lingfield

There are two meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Lingfield and Sedgefield while the all-weather flat fixture from Southwell has been lost to the elements...how ironic is that?  I guess they should rename it 'most weather racing'.  David has one runner this afternoon as he saddles Daklondike in the novices' hurdle at Lingfield at 1.30pm.  Our former Irish point-to-point winner will stay the trip well and the trainer seems to have found a race in which he has solid claims.  He is a chaser in the making but has already done more than enough to suggest he will be winning over hurdles at some point.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

We have had an incredible amount of rain in the west country over the last few days meaning that some of the roads are impassable while you cannot get on a train south of Taunton.  There was another 42mm of rain overnight at the yard meaning that we have had in excess of 100mm since the weekend!

I see that it is former rugby star Stuart Barnes' (no relations) birthday today.  Stuart has been involved in plenty of racing partnerships at Pond House - many happy returns!

I had to laugh when I heard that one of Lambourn trainer Oliver Sherwood's owners had bought him a wing walking experience.  Personally I cannot think of many things worse - perhaps owner Tim Syder doesn't like his trainer?!  I think if I were Oliver I would give it to Mrs Barnes as a Christmas present!

Altior ran out the ready winner of his novices' chase at Kempton yesterday.  It was only a two runner race and I don't think that does any good for racing, only the two competitors who picked up £4,500 and £1,335 respectively.  You can understand why trainers are reluctant to run against a top-class hurdler over fences, should they get anywhere near him they are going to get crucified by the handicapper.  I can't imagine the sponsors were happy with the turnout - perhaps there should be an amendment to the rules whereby the races are voided if they attract less than five or six runners?

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One of the first jobs for England manager elect Gareth Southgate has to be to punish Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lalland and show his authority.  Southgate has yet to be confirmed manager even though he is the only candidate at this time.  I think the FA have bottled it...they should be the ones dishing out the sanctions.

I see that six weight lifters have been stripped of their 2012 London Olympic medals for cheating in the 84kg category.  The trouble was so rife that ninth placed Tomasz Ziewnsk now picks up a bronze medal.  You know how I feel about drug takers - they should be banned for life, even the tennis players and even if they have a great pair of legs!

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Isn't it great living in the 21st century where deleting history has become as important as making it?!

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