Ludlow, Ffos Las Runners

There are just three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Ludlow and Ffos Las while there is an all-weather flat card from Newcastle.  David has three runners this afternoon with Martabot and Stay Out Of Court running at Ffos Las and Gone Too Far at Ludlow.  Martabot and Stay Out Of Court contests the 1.50pm race; a novices' hurdle of two miles and the Post make Martabot an 11/1 chance on the back of his decent French form.  Stay Out Of Court finished runner-up in a couple of Irish point-to-points and showed promise when third in a Worcester bumper - he looks to have sound claims with Tom Scudamore aboard.  Over at Ludlow, Gone Too Far makes his debut for the stable in the three mile handicap chase.  The eight year old runs from his highest ever mark of 135 so it will be interesting to see how he fares in the hands of Conor O'Farrell.

I thought that the horses ran okay at Taunton yesterday - Sweet Tooth Tommy was beaten in a driving finish by Jack Snipe who was partnered by David Noonan.  If I was David I would have Noonan mucking out stables all morning.  Ramses de Teillee also showed distinct promise finishing a close fourth in what looked to be a hot maiden hurdle after an eight month break.  Our former Irish point-to-point winner should be winning before too long and will certainly get further in time.

What a performance from General Tufto to win his 15th win at Southwell on his incredible 100th start at the course.  It was his 188th run in all and just to keep a horse sound for that many starts is a great achievement in itself.

It was the staff's Christmas party last night and we all headed down to the Beambridge Inn a few miles from the yard for a sit down meal, a few drinks and a disco afterwards.  As you can see from the photographs above, there was a good turn out although I am disappointed to say that they were all very well behaved!  If I hear any juicy gossip over the coming days, you can be sure that I will post it here!

*****

I can't believe that England were unable to save the final test in India, losing by an innings and 75 runs.  They lost the series 4-0, can they get any worse?  It looks as though Cook's tenure as captain could be coming to an end.  Having said that, I am not sure how many of our current team are true test players.  We are ranked number five in the world rankings - I wonder what will happen in Australia?  They certainly won't be able to blame a spinners wicket over there.

Let's hope that surgery is able to save the career of double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.  She was attacked with a knife by someone posing as an electric man.  She has had the fingers and tendons on her left hand (her playing hand) slashed.  All five digits have been operated on and hopefully she will make a full recovery - what a horrifying ordeal.

Sadly I'm not that smart - the only way I will ever say 'checkmate' is if I eat at a restaurant in Australia.

Tweet