That Friday Feeling

It's Good Friday and there is no racing on, but at least for racing fanatics who are missing their fix, there is the Lambourn Open Day today and most of the trainers will be flinging their doors open to the public from 9am this morning.  Organisers are expecting between seven and ten thousand people to attend this annual fundraiser - I see that John Francome will be joining A P McCoy in the show jumping event that takes place in the afternoon.  At Francome's age you would think that he would be finding something less dangerous to do with his spare time!  There will also be a demonstration of the air track bed that teaches jockeys how to fall as safely as possible.  Noel Fehily is one of the jockeys participating in the demonstration - he could probably have done with a few lessons back along!

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It looks like being a great card at Sandown tomorrow.  The mixed meeting brings a close to the National Hunt season with the Bet365 (formerly Whitbread) Gold Cup and the yard will be represented by Faasel and Gentle Ranger.  Faasel finished runner-up in the Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival for the second consecutive year last time out, while Gentle Ranger will certainly appreciate this 3m5f trip around a stiff track like Sandown.  It should be an exciting close to the season - I always remember Lord John Oaksey saying that it was his favourite meeting of the year and few would disagree with him, you could say that it marks the handover between the jumps and flat seasons.

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How on earth did A P McCoy manage to win on Moghaayer yesterday?  The horse gave the champ absolutely no help whatsoever...A P gave him the kid glove treatment - that was no good, so he reverted to his amazing strength and managed to get his reluctant mount home in front - vintage A P!