Tom Scudasnore!

David was busy at the sales yesterday afternoon as he finished underbidder to the day's top lot Alaivan, and was the successful purchaser of Enfant de Lune.  It will be interesting to see how this one fares as the last couple of purchases from Barbury Castle have yielded a Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival winner (Junior) and a Midlands National winner (Minella Four Star).  Enfant de Lune had shown some useful form on the flat in France and over hurdles in this country and is still a novice over fences.  The sales continue today so I will be keeping a close eye out to see if he David has unearthed any potential future stars.  Tom Scudamore is up at the sales too, and I understand that his snoring is largely responsible for the master of Pond House having a less than satisfactory night's sleep!

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Sir Mark Prescott had a nice winner at Ripon yesterday afternoon when Motivado made a winning hadicap debut under Stevie Donohoe.  He won from a mark of 77 and seemed to win with plenty in hand - he looks to be very much a horse to follow.  I wonder what the handicapper will do to him now?  I would imagine that Sir Mark will be turning him out again quickly under a penalty as he looks sure to go up more than 6lbs in future handicaps.

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Talking of good winners, It is Rod Millman's 54th birthday today.  Rod used to ride for Martin in the early days (he was aboard Martin's Haydock winner Carrie Ann) and was one of the greatest talkers that I have ever heard.  I still remember Rod getting beaten on one at Market Rasen one day, so Martin and myself made him drive the Range Rover (with horse box on the back) all the way home.  We both slept as Rod managed to get lost in the Bull Ring at Birmingham!  Many happy returns Rod!

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While the Post are celebrating the career of Lester Piggott, I will share another tale with you.  I still recall Lester riding at Windsor for us in a seller on one that was expected to go close.  Lester told us to buy it back in and he would sell it to race in Italy at the subsequent auction we bought him back, and good to his word Lester then sold the horse on to the Italians.  Such was his always active mind, I expect that Lester was probably thinking halfway up the straight where the two year old could win abroad!