Whipping Up A Storm

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Sandown, Doncaster, Chelmsford City, Haydock and Beverley as well as a jumps meeting from Newton Abbot.  David does not have any runners today but Pond House jockeys Tom Scudamore and David Noonan have both picked up outside rides at Newton Abbot, indeed Tom has picked up four mounts and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he were among the winners today.

The front page of the Racing Post does the sport no favours at all today with more sensationalism about the whip.  This is old ground that has been trodden time and again and is more than a little tired.  The use of the whip has been reviewed on many occasions and is an invaluable tool to a jockey as it helps to keep their mounts going in the right direction.  They are obviously short of a story today.

I was saddened to hear that Mercy Rimell has passed away at the age of 98.  She was a great lady who was responsible for 1983 Champion Hurdle winner Gaye Brief.  Her late husband Fred was also one of the greatest trainers of all time.  Mercy came into our Cheltenham Festival marquee once or twice and she was a fascinating lady to speak with.

Did you see the weather at Yarmouth racecourse during their flat meeting yesterday?  There was torrential rain, thunder and lightning.  I do find bumbling Attheraces presenter Bob Cooper amusing, yesterday he said that Gina Harding was "having trouble with her snorkel"!  Cooper does come out with some great lines.

Are pop groups taking over?  There were no races over a mile at Haydock yesterday because the "Original Jacksons" were using the chute because they are playing after racing tonight.  Are these racecourse or music stadiums?

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There was a fantastic knock from England cricket captain Joe Root yesterday as he hit an unbeaten 184 against South Africa.  It is the highest score ever by an England captain in their first match - not only that, he was also feeling groggy and wore a jumper on a boiling hot day so that he could 'sweat it out'.  England are in a good position when they resume on 357 for 5.

Rory McIlroy shot a level par round of 72 in the Irish Open but he is 8 shots off the lead.  He is not playing like the old Rory at the moment and his putter is cold.  Eight shots is a lot to pull back and he is now a 25/1 chance to win his home tournament...I will not be one of the takers!

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What type of computer sings?  A Dell!

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