Weekend Jottings!

It's a quiet day for the stable with no runners this afternoon, although there is jumping action taking place at Wincanton and Hexham.  They are two very different types of track - Hexham is very stiff, while Wincanton is a speed track.  I still remember David getting beaten on a very short priced favourite at Hexham during his riding career - the horse was called Liadett and that's about all you need to know!  He didn't half get some stick from the crowd afterwards - fortunately he has proven to be a far better trainer than jockey (although he was still a lot more successful as a jockey than his father ever was!).

Talking of jockey's, I see that one of the greats, John Francome reckons that ante-post second and third favourites for this years Grand National, Synchronised and Junior will not get round.  He reckons that they are not good enough jumpers to complete the course - that is a pretty bold statement from a man who never won the big one.  Mind you, he is right, they will have to jump well to be competitive from their big weights but luck will also play it's part as they will have to avoid other fallers.  I guess we will find out in less than three weeks...where does the time go?!

*****

I see that Lord Oaksey is 83 today.  I remember back in the day when I used to make the odd appearance on the Morning Line, "The Noble Lord" would always be an absolute gent and was very helpful - he was also very good at keeping McCririck in line!  They could certainly do with him back on the show, even if it is just to keep motor-mouth quiet!  Some of these so-called experts are not all they have cracked up to be - I remember many years ago when I was in Newmarket, I gave an "expert" a tip, but as it turns out, she didn't even know how to place a bet...I kid you not!  Anyway, I digress...Many happy returns Lord Oaksey.