Bits & Pieces

I watched the Doncaster Cup yesterday and I am not sure Frankie Dettori will like watching the replay.  He looked like he was always going to win until the last few strides.  I think Frankie was playing at jockeymanship but he got caught out by the strong finish of Saddler's Rock.  The three year old was getting 17 pounds as well.  I don't like it when Matt Chapman agrees with me but maybe Frankie should have kicked earlier?

There was a nasty incident at Sandown yesterday when Stratton Banker got trapped under the stalls and lay still for quite a while.  It did not look too good but thankfully he eventually came out through the backof the stalls and got the biggest cheer of the day when he got up.  Jockey William Carson trotted him up and all appeared well which was great news.

I see Peter Scudamore and Neale Doughty are taking part in a 60 mile charity walk.  Yes I did say 60 miles and I did say Scu!  It starts in Windermere village on Wednesday and finishes at Carlisle racecousre on Thursday afternoon.  The walk is in aid of a prostate cancer charity and anyone who wishes to donate can do so at http/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/walkingthewalk. I hope that someone gets a photo of Scu and sends it to our office, as I think it would be worth putting it online!  I bet he will be wearing a silly hat!  Good luck to them both as it is a nice thing to do for a great cause.

Martin and Carol are away in China at the moment and my Chinese contact tells me someone is having trouble with the food.  The soup in a basket is giving him trouble!  I do here they are having a great time over there though.  Below are a couple of photos on the gallops.  Painter Man sadly missed most of last season but he is the winner of a bumper, hurdle and two chases and it is good to have him back.  He is working nicely at home and pictured on the right it is Quinte Du Chatelet who is back in training, he also missed last season through injury.   He is a three time winner over hurdles so its great to have him back in training for this season.  

   
               Painter Man                               Quinte Du Chatelet