Kempton Runners

The good news this morning is that Kempton has already passed its morning check, racing goes ahead and we have two runners there.  Sirekoff and Neon Moon head to Kempton and Jack Tudor rides both.  Sirekoff runs in the 2.50pm handicap hurdle over 2m5f and it looks a competitive 15 runner field.  We are about 28/1 in the betting and it looks like we have it all to do.  He won on stable debut at Newton Abbot but has found things a little tough going in two runs since.  I think he may need a little help from the handicapper but I am sure he can return to winning ways soon.

Neon Moon goes in the following handicap chase over 2m4f at 3.25pm.  It is another competitive race and we are about 11/1 in the betting.  Neon Moon has had a good season so far and won at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance and has been consistent since, including finishing runner up at Ludlow last time.  He could be a little high in the weights at the moment and the trip maybe a little short of ideal but he likes the track and we have gone here for slightly better ground.  I hope he has a good each way chance.

As well as jumping at Kempton there is hopefully some action to watch at Bangor as well though that must pass a morning inspection due to the threat of frost.  There are two all-weather flat meetings at Southwell and Lingfield and in Ireland they race at Dundalk.

Yesterday, we got all the way to Doncaster with the horses, the owners did as well before it was called off at 11am.  I know I have said this before but something needs to chance re the inspections.  The time and expense it cost us to get all the way there creates bad feeling all round.  I know we cannot help the weather but hopefully Doncaster may give some compensation to all those who travelled.  Racing went ahead at Ffos Las but unfortunately Back Yourself got no further than the second fence when falling.  It was a nasty looking fall but thankfully both horse and jockey are fine.

My thought this morning are with talented Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan and his family.  Michael had a horrible fall at Thurles yesterday after which racing was abandoned.  I haven't heard any further updates but all I read does not sound good but fingers crossed and sending my best wishes to him.

I watched a very impressive performance from Liverpool last night to beat Tottenham 4-0 in the second leg of the English League Cup semi-final.  They were 1-0 down after the first leg but I thought it would be tough for Spurs at Anfield and so it proved.  Liverpool were awesome and will now play Newcastle in the final next month.

Tonight attentions turn to the FA Cup and Manchester United are at home to Leicester in the 4th round, kick off 8pm.  Manchester United lost at home to Crystal Palace the other day and Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was. 

Why was the paediatrician always losing his temper?

He had little patients!

Have a good day and wishing the boss a very happy birthday!