I Can't See Binocular Winning

Every racing fan must be getting really excited now as there is only one day to go until the start of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival - the best four days jump racing of the whole year.  It must be a terribly worrying time for jockeys and trainers as they try to steer clear of any last minute injuries.  I think that if I were a jockey, I would probably give up my rides today.  If my horse had form figures that included any "F's" or "U's" next to it's name, it would certainly make me think twice.  Having said that, I would never have been brave enough to be a jockey...I did not even like getting hit with a ping pong ball - no don't laugh, they can really sting!

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A P McCoy has lost one of his strongest Cheltenham Festival rides already as it has been announced that reigning champion hurdler Binocular will not be in the line-up to defend his crown after another problem with medication at the Henderson yard.  Apparently the medication used to treat an allergy has failed to clear his system...my biggest complaint would be why were the public not told sooner?  The BHA and trainer have known about it for some time, but it was agreed that nothing would be said until after the second test was done - let's hope that the bookies refund all of the punters that have done their money without ever even having had the chance of a run.

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It was another good weekend for the yard with Danny Cook winning Sandown's novices' chase aboard our Chester Cup winner Mamlook, who in the process turned over odds-on favourite Starluck.  Danny has certainly proved a super-sub in Tom Scudamore's absence through suspension and was supplementing Friday's Wincanton win aboard Choumakeur.

David will be appearing on our Update Line this morning, giving us his three fancies for the Cheltenham Festival - for those of you who listened in last year, the master of Pond House steered you in the direction of our two winners Buena Vista and Great Endeavour - let's hope that he can repeat the trick today.  To benefit from this great information, simply call 09060 400 901 from 10am (calls charged at £1.50 per min at all times.  Helpline 01884 840715).