Champions of Europe

What an incredible win for the England women's football team last night against Spain to be crowned European Champions.  They did things the hard way again by going 1-0 down in the first half but equalised through a great header from Russo after half time.  Extra time followed in which Spain probably looked the most likely team to grab a winner but then penalties followed and our lionesses showed nerves of steel to win the shoot out.  I have to admit that I was nervous in when Beth Mead went first for England, scored but slipped when taking to penalty and was adjudged to have made double contact with the ball.  This meant she had to take it again and her second effort was saved by the Spanish keeper.  England got back on track however and it was Spain that faltered with Chloe Kelly's penalty rather fittingly seeing the win.  Emotional scenes of celebration followed and well done to the entire England team, including those behind the scenes.  I believe they will be having a victory parade through London on Tuesday and I am sure the streets will be absolutely packed.

The Fourth cricket test test ended in a draw between England and India at Old Trafford yesterday with the visitors batting well in their second innings to force the result which looked very unlikely when they were 0-2 at the start of it!  The final test starts on Thursday this week,  Luke Littler was crowned World Match Play Champion in the darts last night after beating James Wade.  He is another with nerves of steel and is amazing to watch.

Old Bridge ran well to be second at Uttoxeter yesterday.  This was his best run since his Pond House debut and he seemed to relish the extra step up in distance and more galloping track.  He stayed on strongly behind a rival who looks well handicapped and it was a much better effort.  I would hope he can be winning on the back of this run next time.

Jumps racing now takes a break in Britain and we have four flat meetings today at Ayr, Yarmouth, Windsor and Southwell.  Most attention will be on Ireland however as we have the first day of the Galway Festival.  There are plenty of runners on their mixed card and it looks a great way to start the week.

An Irishman walks into a bar in Toronto and orders a drink.  the bartender asks him "what brings you to Canada?"

The Irishman says "Well, I was in a pub in Dublin and the coaster under my glass said 'Drink Canada Dry', so I thought I'd give it a shot!"

Happy Monday!