So Near!

Sure Josie Sure finished a good second at Ayr yesterday afternoon trying to concede 4lbs to the A P McCoy ridden Remember Now.  We also filled the runner-up spot with I'msingingtheblues in the handicap chase, both horses are entered again at the Scottish track this afternoon although Sure Josie Sure will not take her chance.  Our other runners yesterday afternoon were in the handicap hurdle at Chepstow and while Spanish Cruise ran creditably to finish second, hot favourite Spirit Of Barbados ducked left at the first flight, running out and depositing rider Rhys Flint.  With three seconds yesterday, we really did have a case of seconditis - let's hope that we can go one better this afternoon with our runners.

Sure Josie Sure finished a good second at Ayr yesterday afternoon trying to concede 4lbs to the A P McCoy ridden Remember Now.  We also filled the runner-up spot with I'msingingtheblues in the handicap chase, both horses are entered again at the Scottish track this afternoon although Sure Josie Sure will not take her chance.  Our other runners yesterday afternoon were in the handicap hurdle at Chepstow and while Spanish Cruise ran creditably to finish second, hot favourite Spirit Of Barbados ducked left at the first flight, running out and depositing rider Rhys Flint.  With three seconds yesterday, we really did have a case of seconditis - let's hope that we can go one better this afternoon with our runners.

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As a consequence of the trainers adhering (largely) to the horsemen's tariff, there will be a walkover on the flat this afternoon at Leicester.  It's the first walkover for more than three years so if you are going you will see one horse canter past the post with David Coyle on board - it will be Coyle's first winner.  The jumps trainers have been boycotting races that fall below tariff for longer than their flat counterparts, but have yet to force a walkover...all trainers really do need to stand united for the greater good.  Anyway, let's hope that the prizemoney issues are sorted out soon.

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I must admit to having had a little smile when I saw the headlines that Ladbrokes had suffered a £10.7 million hit from a bad Cheltenham Festival.  They say that a succession of well backed winners left them with a massive hole in their net revenue over the first three months of the year.  Our Kim Muir winner Junior was a £1million loser for them...I almost feel sorry for them (almost)!

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It's Manchester City versus Manchester Utd this afternoon in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley.  Both matches should have been played up north - just think of all the money the fans would have saved if they hadn't had to travel down south.  Having said that, the FA do not think of the fans, just how much money they can take at Wembley this afternoon to deduct from the cost of the stadium.  There will probably be another friendly shortly...something like England versus The Isle Of Wight!

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There is only a week left to get your entries in for a chance to win two packages for a night at Exeter races on 3rd May, so don't forget to have a go at our fantastic competion!

Win a Ladies’ Night Package for Two on Ladies’ Night at Exeter Racecourse featuring Tony Hadley Live after Racing on Tuesday, May 3

Tony Hadley, widely regarded as one of the finest vocal talents in pop history, is set to perform at Exeter Racecourse on May 3 at its most glamorous evening of the year and we have two Ladies’ Night Packages to give away for this fantastic night out.

The prize for two includes premier tickets, a one course meal in the Denman Room and a glass of wine or drink of choice, a racecard and a betting voucher.

Tony Hadley’s performance coincides with an evening of fashion, racing and champagne. As well as six exciting races and music, there are £1,000’s worth of prizes to win for the best dressed ladies including a romantic night for two, including dinner, breakfast and a bottle of champagne at Combe House, Gittisham, stunning jewellery from Siler and Sand and gifts from Leonard Coombe Master Saddlers and Country Life at Newton Abbot.

The evening is also the chance to mingle with the crowds, make new friends and relax in the racecourse’s gorgeous surroundings.

Tickets for the race night and concert are priced at £20 (Premier), £15 (Grandstand and Paddock) and £5 (children aged 17 and under) and are available now by contacting the ticket hotline on 0844 5793005 or by visiting www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.

To enter our competition please answer the following question and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send it on a postcard by April 23 to David Pipe Ladies’ Night Compeition, Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XS.

Which band was Tony Hadley in?

Don’t forget to include you name, address and contact details.