Aintree Eve

Flat racing takes the driving seat today with three meetings at Catterick, Nottingham and Kempton and in Ireland they race on the flat at Gowran Park.  There is one jumps meeting today at Fontwell but the stable does not have any runners.  It is a quieter day for the jump racing fans but with the declarations for Aintree tomorrow already done we will also know the Grand National line up by later this morning as well as Friday's runners at the track.  While it is a shame we don't have anything going to Aintree this year, there will be some great racing to watch.  On Thursday evening there is also sales after racing.  If anyone would like to buy lot 1, Holshot, I would really like him to come here to Pond House!  He is the half brother to my family owned Jaipaletemps and I have been following his career.  After finishing places in an Irish point to point he won the other day on just his second start.  If he has the same attitude as Jaipaletemps he will be a cracking buy but I think you may need deep pockers, he will probably make six figures.  You can check out the Aintree sales lots here and they even have videos of the horses latest runs to watch, it is interesting if nothing else!  https://www.goffs.com/sale/UK/aintree-sale-2026

Yesterday a few of the jockeys were finalised for some on the intended Grand National runners, namely those who will be carrying the green and gold colours of JP McManus.  Paul Townend will ride I am Maximus who is looking to go one place better than when he finished runner up twelve months ago.  They of course won the big race two years ago and will be looking to re-claim the big prize and if he did would be the first horse to do it since Red Rum.  Tiger Roll won it twice in a row in 2018 and 2019 and our very own Comply or Die won the big race in 2008 and narrowly failed to win it again by finishing second in 2009 behind 100/1 shot Mon Mome.  Jonjo O'Neill rides Iroko, while Richie McLernon keeps the partnership with Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho.  Mark Walsh will ride Jagwar while Daniel King will be on board Oscars Brother.  Harry Cobden is set to carry the green and gold hoops aboard Perceval Legallois but could switch to Spillane Tower if that one does not go in the Aintree Bowl on Friday.  Next the team will just have to work out who carries which colours hat silk - a nice problem to have!  Jockey Ben Jones is having a terrific season and he will ride for the second time in the Grand National having picked up the ride on the Joseph O'Brien horse, Jordans.

The other talking point about Aintree is the ground.  The track is putting on a lot of water each day to try to achieve good to soft going all round.  With warm sunshine and a breeze both yesterday and today it is not making their job any easier but I know they will be doing their best for such an important meeting.  While conditions look set to remain dry, the temperatures on the day are not forecast to be as warm as they are during this week.  While not so good for the racegoers, it should be ideal conditions for the horses which is the main thing.

Last night, Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 away while Arsenal won away, 1-0 at Sporting Lisbon.  The other quarter finals take place this evening with Barcelona at home to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool have a tough match away in Paris against Paris St Germain.  Both games kick off at 8pm.  

Why did the teacher go to the optician?

She was missing a pupil!

Have a good day!