A Blank Thursday!

It is a blank day for jumps racing today with both Wincanton and Ludlow having already been called off and in Ireland Fairyhouse is also abandoned.  There are two all-weather meetings at Chelmsford and Southwell but there are no runners from Pond House.  The jumps card at Lingfield on Friday was called off after an 8.30am inspection yesterday and Market Rasen look later today ahead of their Friday fixture and prospects do not look that promising.

While the weather is set to turn milder at the weekend that could be too late for the jumps meetings at Ascot, Haydock and Taunton on Saturday.  Taunton’s meeting is in the balance with a Friday check already scheduled while I am sure there will be ones at both other meetings and Haydock has snow to add to the mix as well!  Things do look a little more promising that there may be jumps racing on Sunday, fingers crossed.

The breeding season of thoroughbred horses is well underway and while I don’t pretend to be very knowledgeable in the area it somewhat fascinates me.  Yesterday I enjoyed reading about the first Stradivarius born foal, a filly born at the National Stud in Newmarket.  She looks the spitting image of her dad – chestnut with a big white blaze and four white stocks.  She is out of the mare Give Me Breath and looks very strong and athletic.  Stradivarius is now a ten year old, by Sea The Stars and he was the winner of a record 18 European Group races highlighted by three Gold Cups.  He stands at the National Stud for a fee of £10,000 live foal stud fee.  He is said to have a good book of mares coming up for 2024 with bonuses offered for both his first and second crop of foals.  The first ten two year old winners will receive £25,000 and Group winners both sides of the Irish will receive from £100,000 up to £250,000 for a Group 1 success – not a bad little incentive!  This filly foal must have a strong chance of winning at least one of the first bonuses being a first born – the oldest leading the way!

Last night in the football, first up Blackpool were against Nottingham Forest, the game went to extra time and with a big help of that, Nottingham Forest managed to secure a 3-2 result. Bristol Rovers were up against Norwich City,  Rovers were the better side during the first half and deservedly took the lead after 20 minutes, but Norwich were soon back with full force and they finished the game winning 3-1. The Last game was then Everton and Crystal Palace, Everton stole the show with only a 1-0 win result, but there was plenty of action involved in the game as Andre Gomes' gave them the winning goal with a free kick from 25 yards out! Everton held onto their first win since 16th December.  

There are no football matches as such this evening but both the African Cup of Nations and Asian Cup continues and I will keep you informed when we get to the more latter stages of the competition.  

The Dubai Classic Golf tournament gets underway today with a lot of big names in action.  Rory McIlory and Tommy Fleetwood are playing well and are potential winners and I do enjoy watching the action and looking at the nice warm sunshine!

There is also the Australian Open tennis action in Melbourne.  Once again, I haven’t had much of a chance to follow what is happening so far but I do know Brit Emma Radacanu won her first match. 

Why was the broom late for the meeting?

It over swept!

Have a good day!