Poole A Lingfield Winner

The stable enjoyed another winner yesterday when Poole Master obliged at Lingfield under Chris Honour.  The ground looked very testing yet our seven year old seemed to handle the going very well and cruised to a comfortable success in this novices' hurdle as his starting price of 30/100 suggested that he should.  He is clearly very useful and is still lightly raced so there is the prospect of further improvement from him.

The Tracey Shuffle finished a close second on his hurdling debut, being beaten only 1/2 length under stable jockey Tom Scudamore.  He duelled for the lead early on, and was rallying on the run-in to do down narrowly.  Had he had jumped the last two hurdles cleanly I am sure that he would have won - even so, it was an encouraging first effort over timber and he looks like a winner waiting to happen.

Over at Taunton, Lucy's Perfect performed the best of our runners there, running a big race under 11-9 to finish third, beaten only three lengths in the novices' handicap chase on only her second start over fences.  Young conditional jockey Conor O'Farrell gave the mare a good ride and to me it looked as though a step up in trip could also benefit her.  Hopefully she will be able to build on this, and she should be well up to winning over fences.

One that did take my eye yesterday was Master Milan, who ran in the 2m4f handicap chase at Lingfield.  He ran an eyecatching race under a considerate ride and looked like he should soon be winning.

On to today, we have one runner, Ladyvie at Chepstow.  The ex-French five year old mare has yet to win, but she boasts plenty of solid placed form and I am sure that David will find a suitable opportunity for her sooner or later.  This looks to be a competitive little race with a couple of last time out winners in opposition, but the drop back in trip should suit Ladyvie and she should be a nice ride for talented amateur Mikey Ennis.

*****

Many happy returns to former Irish champion jockey turned trainer Charlie Swann.  Charlie was a fantastic jockey and rode plenty of winners for MCP during his career.  Despite his success, Charlie was a very quiet and unassuming fellow.  Contrarily, it is Harry Findlay's 50th birthday today and you could never call him quiet!  Harry used to be in the racing press everyday, but you never hear of him now...it is a great shame as racing needs characters like him.  Anyway, happy birthday to you both.

*****

What a dire performance from England's cricketers (the "number one" Test team in the world!) to be drubbed by ten wickets inside of three days by the Pakistani's.  England were bowled out for a terrible 160, although in fairness the pitch did begin to turn a bit...listen to me, even I am trying to make excuses for their awful batting display!  As far as I can tell, Kevin Pietersen is not as good as he thinks he is, and if your country is in trouble you shouldn't be attempting the kind of shots that he was playing - it is time he was left out.  By the way, Pakistan are only 8/1 shots to achieve a whitewash in the series and judging by this performance, I wouldn't rule it out.