Judi's a Winner

Businessmoney Judi returned from a little break to score her third win over hurdles at Newton Abbot yesterday under a fine ride from Tom Scu.  Our mare seemed not to appreciate the rain softened ground at Aintree last time but preferred the drying conditions at Newton Abbot.  She took the lead at the third last hurdle and looked well in command coming to two out before jumping the penultimate flight violently to the left abd Tom scu did well to stay in the saddle.  He picked her up well as her closest pursuer Hes Our Lad came to challenge but Judi stuck to her task gamely an was just in command when the second horse unseated his rider at the final flight.  It was great for her owners Bob and Iris Lefory who were present at the track and also bred the mare as well.  

 Businessmoney Judi

Our other runners from the weekend all returned safe and sound I am pleased to report.  Tigger ran a fine race to finish second under our young conditional Frank Hayes while none of our quartet in the big hurdle race of the day on Saturday appeared to appreciate the soft ground.  Mamlook came to challenge turning for home in the big handicap chase but eventually weakend to finish sixth yesterday and Goodnight Alfie finished fifth in the maiden hurdle.  It was a great weekend of racing action from Newton Abbot on their biggest weekend of the year and there were massive crowds on both days.  Despite some early rain on Saturday it was dry for racing and it was very sunny and hot at the track yesterday.  If you could not make the track this time I highly recommend a visit next year!

Away from the racing in promises to be a cracking final days play at the Oval in the cricket.  Engalnd have forced India to follow on in the batting and they are still chasing England's great 1st innings total so Strauss and co will be hoping to bowl the Indians out and win the match.

I was also like to play a small tribute to Doreen Rackham who died yesterday in Lambourn.  Although I personally didn't know Doreen that well she was well known in the racing world and she dedicated her life to helping those involved with racing.  David and Tom Scu knew Doreen very well and she was due to be visiting Pond House but she sadly lost her battle with throat cancer yesterday.  There are some lovely tributes in the Racing Post today from Tony McCoy, John Francome and Nicky Henderson amongst many others and this very special lady will be missed by us all.