Exeter on Monday

Today we have one runner at Exeter, Royal Defender who runs in the 3.20pm novices handicap hurdle over 2m5f and Jack Tudor rides. He has had just the three runs over hurdles to date and makes his handicap debut today. His best form so far was a third at Lingfield and after that he was a big price in a hot novice event at Cheltenham. He has not been the easiest to train at home but returns to action in a suitable looking race today and will enjoy the step up and trip and ground conditions . He’s an Irish point point winner and is about 9/2 in the betting. Hopefully he can show us a bit more on the racecourse today like he does at home.

There are two jumps cards today, the one at Exeter and another at Huntingdon. There is one all weather meeting on the flat at Newcastle.

Remastered ended up not running at Ascot yesterday. Despite a tiny bit of overnight rain on Saturday, David felt the ground was a little on the quick side for our gelding. With rain due this week there are other suitable opportunities coming up.

Castle Daragh was a little disappointing at Kilworthy point to point yesterday. He was having his second start for the yard, and was giving Lukke Morris his third point to point ride. He held a good position early, but then became a little detached and pulled up just before the last. We are entering him today for Easter Monday at Cothelstone, where it will be the turn of Conal Kavanagh to have his first ever ride on our seven-year-old.

The Irish dominance of the Grand National was heightened even further yesterday when it was announced Threeunderthrufive would be going to Sandown on the final day of the season rather than the Aintree showpiece. This horse was one of just six British trained runners guaranteed a run in the race at the moment, which just highlights how strong the Irish are right now.

England were easy winners in Italy yesterday in the women’s Six Nations rugby. They won 48-0 which was very impressive even if expected. France also looked very good on Saturday in beating Ireland, while there was a close game in Cardiff between Wales and Scotland. Scotland just edged a 20-18 victory, but Wales did miss a kick very close to full-time which could have changed the result.

Carlos Sainz and Ferrari won the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. His win was impressive but equally so was the fact he had returned from having his appendix out just 16 days earlier. It was a 1-2 for Ferrari with Charles Le Clerc finishing second. Max Verstappen was looking for his tenth win in a row but I think it was good for F1 that there was competition to his dominance down under.

Two slices of bread got married.

The wedding was amazing until someone toasted the bride and groom!

Happy Monday!