Off To Fontwell

We are off to Fontwell today with one runner, Ladyvie in the 3.40pm race, a 2m4f handicap hurdle.  Ladyvie ran her best race since arriving on these shores when a close third at Taunton from this mark less than a fotnight ago and will be partnered this afternoon by stable jockey Tom Scudamore.

We are off to Fontwell today with one runner, Ladyvie in the 3.40pm race, a 2m4f handicap hurdle.  Ladyvie (pictured right exercising on the gallops) ran her best race since arriving on these shores when a close third at Taunton from this mark less than a fotnight ago and will be partnered this afternoon by stable jockey Tom Scudamore.

Many happy returns to Nicholas Mills.  Nick and his wife Sue have had horses with David (and Martin before him) for many years and have bred numerous good horses including Mr Cool, Miss Cool and most recently, Barney Cool.  Perhaps my favourite of all of them though was Very Cool, if only for the fact that he made one of our former conditional jockeys (who is now a bloodstock agent!) look a complete wally!  He told Nick after he had ridden Very Cool around Exeter that the horse would make a nice show jumper...of course, the horse went on to win six races and warrant the owners patience.  I won't tell you the name of the jockey...you will only think it a load of Maloney, sorry, I mean baloney!

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David and Gerry Supple went to the Derby awards in London yesterday and I understood they had a very good time.  They were present to witness A P McCoy receive the jump jockey of the year award (again!)...I don't know why they don't just give him the award until he retires!  Talking of the great man, I see that AP has another book out - that is the fourth one!  Not bad for a man of only 37 - there are quite a few references to MCP and it should make for an interesting read...I normally get a book from Carol for Christmas so maybe this will give her a gentle nudge!

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I see that Tiger Woods managed to get himself back in the winner's enclosure but is the former world number one really back?  The tournament he won was only the Chevron Challenge - personally I can't believe that he went up the rankings for winning his own event!  The Westwood and McIlroy victories were both in tour events and until Tiger wins against this type of player I can't see him reaching the pinnacle of the sport again.

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Looking through the Arsenal side ahead of tonight's match at Olympiakos, it occured to me that I hardly recognised any of the players names.  Arsenal have already qualified for the next stages so it is time for the boys and the ground staff to have a kick around!