Notus Valiant Runner-up

It was a case of so near but yet so far yesterday afternoon as Notus de la Tour came agonisingly close to landing the Prix Melinoir at Auteuil under Anthony Lecordier.  Sent on after the second flight, our runner was ten lengths clear by halfway and still nicely in front turning-in.  However, despite sticking to his task really well Notus was unable to fend off the irresistible late challenge of favourite Shannon Rock and went down by a length.  Even so, he picked up close to £10,000 in prize money (almost the same as for finishing placed at Ascot and in the Totesport Trophy at Newbury!) and connections were understandably delighted by his valiant effort.  I am sure that there will be further raids in the pipeline (pardon the pun), especially with such good money on offer.

David inspects the track at Auteuil with Hubert Barbe before racing yesterday

It was a case of so near but yet so far yesterday afternoon as Notus de la Tour came agonisingly close to landing the Prix Melinoir at Auteuil under Anthony Lecordier.  Sent on after the second flight, our runner was ten lengths clear by halfway and still nicely in front turning-in.  However, despite sticking to his task really well Notus was unable to fend off the irresistible late challenge of favourite Shannon Rock and went down by a length.  Even so, he picked up close to £10,000 in prize money (almost the same as for finishing placed at Ascot and in the Totesport Trophy at Newbury!) and connections were understandably delighted by his valiant effort.  I am sure that there will be further raids in the pipeline (pardon the pun), especially with such good money on offer.  There were some surprising personalities there yesterday, including television presenter Jeremy Kyle (pictured below with MCP).

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There was a very good interview on Attheraces between Bob Cooper and A P McCoy at Southwell yestserday.  A P told Bob why his mount Hard Tackle had it all to do, and as usual the champ was spot-on.  He explained that following his win last time out, the horse was due to go up 8lbs in future handicaps and this was the only race that he was eligible for before then, but that the trip was on the short side for him.  Unfortunately the punters didn't take any notice and backed his mount down to 9/5 favourite and were left counting the cost of ignoring McCoy's wisdom.  When McCoy speaks, it is worth listening too!

Talking of jockeys speaking out, there was an interesting quote from Tony Culhane yesterday, "The trainer's a good'un but the horse is a wrong'un!" - he was talking about his mount Integria...all I will say is the horse must have some understanding owners!

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I see that Chris Hughton is favourite to take the vacant managers job at West Ham.  Personally I think it would be more suited to someone like Sam Allardyce, Neil Warnock or Martin O'Neill - someone who will be heard from the touch line and wind the players up a bit.  What about Paulo Di Canio?  He could probably still play for them as well!

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Finally, I would like to wish actor Nathaniel Parker a very happy birthday.  Nat, who is most famous for his role as Inspector Linley is 49 today - he often comes into our marquee at the Cheltenham Festival and gives me a bit of stick.  I think he is starting to look a bit older than his years...perhaps he needs to start solving those murders a bit quicker?!  Only joking Nat!