Wednesday News

There are two jumps meetings today at Ludlow and Sedgefield but the stable does not have any runners.  There is an all-weather flat card at Kempton while in Ireland they race at Fairyhouse.  It was a tough day at the offices for our runners at Taunton yesterday and we weren't able to grab any of the prize money but all horses have returned safe and sound and there will be other days for them.

It is breaking news this morning that the Aga Khan has died at the age of 88.  He passed away on Tuesday at his home in Lisbon surrounded by his family.  He has been one of the most influential owner-breeders in international horse racing for many years and his colours have been carried to victory by some of the most famous racehorses ever  Shergar is probably the most famous, but he also had four dual Derby winners, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand and won the Prix de l'Arc De Troimphe four times with Akiyda, Sinndar, Dalakhani and the super mare Zarkava who was unbeaten in her career.  While his main focus was in France and he also owned four studs in Ireland and he had horses in training with many trainers around the World.  

There was a forfeit stage on Tuesday for some of the big races at the Cheltenham Festival.  There were no great surprises and Galopin De Champs remains 4/7 favourite to win the Gold Cup for the third time.  Embassy Gardens, Minella Crooner, Gerri Colombe and Il Est Francais were the four horses scratched from the big race.  Fact to File remains favourite for the Ryanair chase in which there were six horses forfeited while Jonbon still heads the Champion Chase betting.

There is football action this evening, with the second leg of the semi-final between Newcastle and Arsenal which kicks off at 8pm.  Newcastle take a 2-0 lead into this game and have home advantage so I think it will be very difficult match for the Gunners to turn around but it should be a good watch.

My phone just fell down a flight of stairs...

It's okay though, it was in my pocket!

Have a good day!