Taunton's Belated Return

It is good to be back at Taunton this afternoon, albeit belatedly after their first meeting of the season was moved to Chepstow on account of the unseasonably firm ground.  We have three runners this afternoon, Tigger and Arab League (who will be partnered by Tom Scudamore) and Bumblebee (Conor O'Farrell) and they look to have chances in open looking races.  Yesterday's runners at Exeter, including the immensely popular Lough Derg have all returned safe and well - I never cease to be amazed by the popularity of "Douglas"...he is a real people's champion and that was proven again when the racecourse presented him with a large box of mints.  I can't remember the last time that something like that happened to a horse just for turning up!

It is good to be back at Taunton this afternoon, albeit belatedly after their first meeting of the season was moved to Chepstow on account of the unseasonably firm ground.  We have three runners this afternoon, Tigger and Arab League (who will be partnered by Tom Scudamore) and Bumblebee (Conor O'Farrell) and they look to have chances in open looking races.  Yesterday's runners at Exeter, including the immensely popular Lough Derg have all returned safe and well - I never cease to be amazed by the popularity of "Douglas"...he is a real people's champion and that was proven again when the racecourse presented him with a large box of mints.  I can't remember the last time that something like that happened to a horse just for turning up!

*****

Yesterday I bought you a picture of exciting ex-French recruit War Singer working on the gallops alongside Decoy (who runs at Cheltenham tomorrow) and this morning I am pleased to share a photograph of the pair of them schooling over hurdles earlier in the week.  Tom Scudamore was aboard War Singer, while amateur jockey Mikey Ennis was aboard Decoy.  I also have a picture of last weekend's Sandown winner Enfant de Lune in action alongside Quocotiep on the gallops - Enfant de Lune is another to run at Cheltenham tomorrow.

  
Above left: (l-r) War Singer and Decoy school over hurdles and right: (l-r) Enfant de Lune and Quocotiep

*****

I see that Novak Djokovic did actually turn up to play in Paris yesterday depsite his shoulder injury and what is more, he actually managed to win.  I guess that goes to illustrate his superiority in the game right now - the fact that he can turn up and beat his opponent single handed (quite literally!).  He collected his $1million bonus - fortunately I couldn't get anybody to give me a price about him turning up!

*****

I can't help myself, I just have to comment on the richest sportsman in New Zealand, Steve Williams.  I am of course talking with tongue firmly in cheek about Tiger Woods' former caddy - Williams doesn't play sport at all, he just carries people's bags around and has been very lucky to caddy for Tiger in the past.  Following his comments about the former world number one I am surprised that he can get a job at all, nevertheless he is currently in the employment of Adam Scott.  I can tell you he certainly won't be earning as much carrying Scott's bags around... if I was him I would be inclined to keep quiet and be thankful that he has so much cash, especially considering he has no sporting ability.