Winner at Plumpton!

     Activist wins at Plumpton yesterday!
Activist was our 31st winner of the season yesterday at Plumpton ridden by Jack Tudor. It was lovely to get our five-year-olds first win over hurdles and confirm the promise he had shown in his latest start at Lingfield where he finished second. He has taken a little while to a acclimatise since coming over from France, but since an enforced break over the autumn/winter period he has returned in better form than ever. He bumped into a well treated rival last time, but it was nice to see him have his day in the limelight yesterday afternoon. It was a comfortable success in the end and hopefully the handicapper won’t overreact. He does have entries later this week but I think the plan is that he will not be taking up any of these engagements. He is fine after the race, but I don’t think the handicapper will be put up too much for the win so we will enjoy this success and wait for another day.

Only Fools couldn’t make it a double for the team on the day. She was sent off favourite for the final race on the Plumpton card but never really looked that happy from an early stage. Her jumping was not as good as it can be and jockey Jack thought they did not go as strong enough pace for a liking. She didn’t really see out the race properly And I don’t think she showed her true form. It was slightly disappointing run but I’m sure she can bounce back from this.

There are two jumps meetings today at Catterick and Leicester, but the stable does not have any runners. There is an all weather fixture at Southwell and no racing in Ireland. Martin McIntyre, heads to Leicester for a ride in the final race of the day, a 2m4f maiden Hunters chase. it is a competitive race and he looks to have it to do on the betting, but hopefully he can have a good spin round and you never know.

Last night in the football, West Ham 4-2 Brentford. Tonight, there are three FA Cup, fifth round matches Bournemouth play Leicester at 7:30pm. Blackburn are at home to Newcastle 7:45pm kick-off while Luton play Man City at 8pm.

In India were easy winners against England in the latest test match winning by five wickets having easily reached their target of 192 runs set by the visitors. This defeat means England have lost a series against India, and it is the first time that Captain Ben Stokes has lost a test series. India, however, are very strong at home and are now at a 12 year unbeaten run which is some going.

I lost three fingers on my right hand, so I asked the doctor if I’d still be able to write with it?

He said maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it!

Have a good Tuesday.