No Runners Monday!

We are back to Monday again, (weekends, go far too quickly!!) and there are two jumps meetings today at Catterick and Plumpton. The stable does not have any runners.  There is an all weather meeting at Wolverhampton and no racing in Ireland today.

Things were a little disappointing over the weekend for the stable, American Sniper cruised into contention three out in his race at Newbury on Saturday, but did not last home and weakened quickly. I thought he would appreciate the 3 miles but maybe on this testing going it was a bridge too far. I didn’t think Jilaijone ran too badly in the Betfair hurdle, held up towards the rear, He did pass rivals later on but was never able to get involved in the business end of the race. Both horses have returned home safe and sound and we can look forward to other days.

Ramses De Teillee and Remastered ran in the veterans chase at Exeter yesterday, but both unfortunately pulled up. Ramses De Teillee travelled well near the front of the field before tiring turning for home. I am not sure Exeter has ever been one of his favourite tracks but it was still disappointing and David will have a chat with his owners about the future. Things looked promising for remastered for a long way and he travelled and jumped nicely in mid division. I thought rounding the home bend He may get involved with the principles, but again found relatively little for pressure, and it is back to the drawing board with him.

Harry Cobden won the bumper at Exeter yesterday, and this winner drew him level with Sean Bowen in the jockeys title race. Harry, was 30 winners behind Sean Bowen before he got injured on boxing day and has slowly clawed back the deficit. He is on a red hot run at the moment and has ridden 15 winners from 49 rides in the last fortnight. he is now best priced at 1/3 favourite to win the jockeys title which ends on the 27th of April at Sandown, this would be his first title. I’m sure Sean Bowen will not let him have it easy however, but he is now a 9/4 chance to win his first jockey title, it promises to be a good battle to the end.

There were impressive winds for Shishkin and Edwardstone at Newbury on Saturday, which is fresh hope to the British trainers ahead of the Cheltenham festival next month, but in all honesty we looked to have it still all to do against the Irish. Most of the football results over the weekend, went as expected, and there was a good win for Manchester United Villa Park yesterday, they beat Aston Villa 2-1 while Arsenal thrashed West Ham 6-0.  Liverpool finish the weekend at the top of the Premier League table on 54 points but Manchester City are in second place on 52 points Having played a game less. Arsenal also have 52 points and it promises to be a great fight for the title for the rest of the season. There is one Premier League match this evening, Crystal Palace are at home to Chelsea, 8pm kick-off.

It was also an exciting weekend of rugby with England coming from behind to beat Wales at Twickenham and Ireland dominating against Italy with the Italians, not even managing to score a point in Dublin. France beat Scotland at Murrayfield.  The six nations action takes a break next weekend, but returns in two weeks time. Ireland head the table with two wins and 10 points, followed by England with two wins and eight points. I think Ireland look so strong and are the best team and would be my choice for the six Nations winners.

The recipe said, set the oven to 180° degrees.

Now I can’t open it, because the door is facing the wall!

Happy Monday!