Wincanton is Off

                 On the Gallops

We have just heard that racing at Wincanton for today has been abandoned.  Wincanton were due to have a 9am inspection but have called it off earlier due frozen track.  I think it is brilliant that they have made thier decision so early because I am not keen on these late inspections unless they are pretty sure that racing is going to be given the go-ahead.  The later they leave the inspections it means that the horses will have left the yard and are travelling to the races.  Then if it is called off the poor owners have bills to pay, not to mention for everyone else involved in a race day including the spectators as it leaves everyone in limbo.  In my mind I don't think there should be any later inspections than 10am and then everybody know what they are doing.  This may mean sometimes you might lose a meeting that could of perhaps taken place but the majority of the time it would not make any difference.  I am sure if you made the racecourses pay it would help them make their minds up a lot quicker!

 It is -5c at Pond House this morning, the coldest of the winter so far but as yesterday our gallops are in good working order an the normal routine will continue at home despite the racing being off.  We have spoken to Chepstow who are due to race tomorrow and they are a little more hopeful of racing taking place.  The whole course is covered and they only reached -2c last night.  We shall just have to see what the weather brings but they are like to hold an early morning inspection.

Just think if you win this years Grand National you will get the lions share of £975,000.  I think why do they not just make it a million pounds?  Just thinkof the publicity they would get, the first million pound jumps race!

I see Peter Scu got his job as assistant to Lucinda Russell because "Lucinda loves me".  I wonder how I ever got the job with MCP?  I hope it is not because he loves me!

In the cricket, how can England be favourites with some of the firms to beat Pakistan.  We have lost the first two matches and got hammered, am I missing something?!

What a result in Italy in the football last night.  Inter drew 4-4 at home to Palermo.  Normally you don't get a lot of goals in the Italian league but that game was a cracker.

I see Cats Eyes won at Kempton yesterday.  I thought Cats Eyes won for MCP years ago over hurdles!  Have a nice day.