Cheltenham Handicap Weights

It was the unveiling of the weights for the Cheltenham handicaps yesterday and David was present at the Prestbury course to see what his entries have been burdened with.  To be honest, I am not quite sure why they hold such an event - it is not like the Grand National where the handicapper can use his discretion to manipulate the weights, the weights are decided by the horses official ratings.  Anyway, Mike Vince was on hand to conduct an interview with David, so to hear his reaction to the weights and his Festival plans, click here...

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Looking through the birthday's list, I see that it is "The Voice's" 93rd birthday today.  Of course, I am talking about Sir Peter O'Sullevan - what a great comentator.  Sir Peter always used to be picking my brains as to the way that Martin trained, and yes I know what you are all thinking...it wouldn't take long to pick my brains!

I also notice that it is snooker legend John Virgo's birthday today.  Virgo is 65 (and I reckon that is probably about his highest break these days!) - John used to perform exhibitions at the Warner holiday camps and we would often bump into each other on the circuit.  That reminds me of a quick story...my playing partner back then, Benny Robertson (an England International) was once locked in one of the bars along with Virgo - as you can imagine they spent the whole evening drinking.  They only complained when the bar manager came in and put the shutter up, letting in the light!  Those were the days...

Talking of snooker legends, John Parrott rushed back to Liverpool following his visit to Pond House on Tuesday morning to see his beloved Everton take on Reading in the FA Cup.  I bet he wishes he had never bothered as Reading won - John is a massive Toffee's supporter so you could say that he finished up snookered!

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Finally, I have a couple more photographs from the gallops - this time of Cheltenham Festival entry Consigliere in action.

  
Above left: Consigliere in action, and right: The string make their way back down the gallops