Exeter Go Ahead!

I was pleasantly surprised to see Exeter give this afternoon's card the go-ahead following twenty millimetres of rain overnight.  They passed an 8am inspection this morning, although I would imagine that the going will be bottomless and some of the hurdles are going to be bypassed.  Qalinas and Diamond's Return (pictured above) run for the yard, with the latter bidding to complete a quick hat-trick under Conor O'Farrell.

Diamond's Return bids for a hat-trick at Exeter this afternoon

I was pleasantly surprised to see Exeter give this afternoon's card the go-ahead following twenty millimetres of rain overnight.  They passed an 8am inspection this morning, although I would imagine that the going will be bottomless and some of the hurdles are going to be bypassed.  Qalinas and Diamond's Return (pictured above) run for the yard, with the latter bidding to complete a quick hat-trick under Conor O'Farrell.

*****

Despite Ascot losing their flat card tomorrow, it is good to see that contingency plans have already been made to move the meeting to Kempton.  Credit where it is due and the BHA should be applauded for this move - at least we are going to get some sort of racing on Wednesday.

*****

I see that it is "The Kentucky Kid" Steve Cauthen's 52nd birthday today.  The Kid won the Triple Crown in America at the age of 16 aboard Affirmed and then went on to do the same over here when winning the Fillies' Triple Crown on Oh So Sharp, as well as add three champion jockey titles.  He was a great jockey who rode one of his first outside winners in this country aboard MCP's Mareth Line.  Martin would put Steve up whenever Barry Hills did not need him.  Happy Birthday Steve!

*****

What a great football match last night as Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 to go back to the head of the Premiership.  Even the managers squared up on the touchline - if Sir Alex had gone any redder, I think he would have gone off pop!  The title now looks City's to lose, with seemingly only Newcastle standing in their way with two matches left - does it get any more exciting?

It was obviously cheaper for Roy Hodgson to manage the England football team rather than Harry Redknapp.  Could it be coincidence that Hodgson is out of contract with WBA this summer and the FA will not have to pay the club any compensation?  I think not, talk about cheapskates...this is our national side we are talking about here, why cut costs?  My mate tells me that Hodgson has managed fifteen club sides and three international sides - he said, "It seems like he can't get on with anyone"!