A Newbury Runner!

Today we just have the one runner on the flat at Newbury, Myristica.  She runs in the 4.55pm handicap over 1m2f with Oisin Murphy on board.  She is a four time winner over this distance from 25 starts and makes her stable debut this afternoon after we bought her from the sales in the autumn.  She would probably prefer the ground better than she will encounter today but she is in good form and we will find out a bit more about him this afternoon.  She is a big price in a very competitive race with 18 runners.  We have schooled her at home and she jumps well so we look forward to getting her out over hurdles soon but it will be good to see her in action later.

Last night unfortunately Texard and Gearoid Harney got no further that the second fence in their race.  While the fall looked innocuous enough itself, unfortunately Gearoid hit the ground hard and was knocked unconscious.  He came around after a few minutes and was sent to Exeter hospital for further tests where they found he had fractured a vertebrae in his back.  Thankfully he can move all his finger and toes and fingers crossed he will make a full recovery and we are awaiting further news this morning.  Texard is absolutely fine and we would all like to send Gearoid are best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Today the feature racing is up at Ayr where they have the Scottish National at 3.35pm.  Kitty’s Light who was runner up in the race last year is the current favourite and hopefully he and Jack Tudor can win the big race.  The pair won the Eider last time out at Newcastle and will love the ground and stays all day.  There is also jumping action at Bangor this afternoon while on the flat they race at Newbury, Thirsk, Brighton and Nottingham.  In Ireland they have two flat meetings at Navan and Limerick.  I was with Jo Supple last night and she rides out for Rod Millman in the mornings.  Their team had a double yesterday and have actually had four winners from their last ten runners.  They have two good chances at Nottingham today with Bama Lama in the 5.25pm and Just a Spark in the 6.30pm so they could be worth following.

I am off to Holnicote point to point near Minehead shortly as I am one of the joint secretaries organising today.  I work with Jo who is Philip Hobbs’ secretary helping to run the event and I am just hoping all the officials and everyone turns up who we need to allow the day to go ahead!  The weather is set to be fair so hopefully we will have a few runners, a good crowd and the day will run without a hiccup!

Last night I watched the second half of the Arsenal against Southampton match and what a cracker it was!  Southampton held a 3-1 lead until the final few minutes when Arsenal scored two late goals to bring the scores level.  Eight minutes of injury time followed and things did not look good for Southampton as Arsenal attacked in constant waves but they held firm and the game finished a draw.  This was not what Arsenal wanted as they are trying to win the title and they are now only four points ahead of Manchester City but have played two games more.  It is a crucial game on Wednesday evening as the two teams meet at the Emirates in what promises to be a fascinating contest.  There are five Premiership games today but there is also the first FA Cup semi-final at Wembley as Man City play Sheffield United at 4.45pm. 

My grandfather was terrible, but then I had my first child…and he became a great grandfather!  Have a good day.