Derby Recollections

Only a couple of days now until one of my favourite days of the year, the Epsom Derby and there is still uncertainty surrounding my ante-post fancy Carlton House.  Despite reassurances that the whole thing has been blown-up out of proportion, I see that at one point yesterday he wasn't even favourite on the exchanges which I find quite incredible.  He is in the best possible hands and I am hoping to be cheering on a Royal winner this weekend.  I will also be keeping an eye on Treasure Beach - he is one of Aidan O'Brien's less fancied runners, but he has shown decent form nonetheless, winning the Chester Vase last time out.  He was bred just down the road at Ashley House Stud near Axminster, so there is a little bit of local interest with this one.

It's scary how time goes by...did you know that on this day in 1954, the great Lester Piggott won the first of his nine Derby's aboard Never Say Die?  He was just 18 years old and is mount was allowed to start as a 33/1 chance.

Forty years ago to the day, Mill Reef routed his opposition under Geoff Lewis to win the 1971 Derby.  He went on to win the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot as well as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and establish himself as one of the greats of our sport.  Not only was he a great racehorse, he proved to be a great stallion as well, siring the winner of two more Derby's in Shirley Heights (1978) and Reference Point (1987).

The winner of the Derby on Saturday will pick up just shy of £710,000, a prize that is well worth winning I am sure that you will agree - but what about the ongoing row over funding of everday races?  In this country Richard Hannon is currently heading the flat trainers championship with £901,000 in prize money from his 62 winners.  Over in Ireland Aidan O'Brien leads the way with nearly €1.3 million from only 29 winners - it just goes to show how much better prize money is elsewhere, with France offering better rewards still.

*****

I was delighted to see Sam Allardyce named as manager of my beloved West Ham.  He should certainly have no problems getting his views across and provide the leadership that has been so sadly lacking.  West Ham are now 8/1 shots to win League One and be promoted straight back to the Premiership - come on the Hammers!