Well enough of all this financial meltdown chit chat and on to the important things in life. Three runners today – Nicky Nutjob and Bet Noir go at Ponty and Bea Menace goes at Warwick. Nicky is a perfectly decent racehorse but I don’t think he’ll make up into much of a 2 year old. He’ll run respectably today though …
You ain’t seen nothin yet
I’m slightly off horses at the moment because I’ve been watching the situation in the financial markets and trying to get my head around what is going on. It hasn’t affected me much to date, at least on the face of it, although there will be plenty of knock on effects. Some thoughts then from my recent reading; I read …
Early retirement
Bad news on Lilac Moon. She has a small hole in a suspensory ligament – we’re waiting for the vet’s verdict but she’s unlikely to run again this year, which may mean an early retirement to stud. If that is the case it’s a terrible shame, as she was better than ever on the gallops. I get the sense Nicky’s …
Big business
Just a quick note today as I have to go out and man my stand at the village fair. My girls have been making jam during the week from blackberries and apples picked on the farm – we’ve got sixty jars to sell, all neatly packaged with our own brand labels on. It’s yet another business venture to cap off …
No further comment
I was out all day yesterday playing golf – I returned to find my blog overrun with comments on Betfair’s premium charge. This is my private blog specifically dedicated to horse racing, and I think it should stay that way – I’ve always tried to steer clear of Betfair related topics in here. This morning I deleted all of the BF related comments on …
New Fillies
I bought another yearling filly at Deauville – probably my last expensive purchase for a while. She’s by Sadlers Wells out of Race the Wild Wind – a Grade 1 winner in the states. She’s a half sister to King Charlemagne and Meshaheer. I’d say she’s the best bred filly I have. here’s a picture; I also bought a 2yo …
Sticky wicket
It was refreshing to read Johnny Murtagh’s comments from the Juddmonte as reported in the Sunday Times. Far from the usual denials and no comment on accusations of team tactics, Murtagh divulges all. Explaining the team’s tactics, he goes on to say “it’s what Ballydoyle is all about”, suggesting that these type of tactics are the norm. Tony Coleman champions the …
Wild West
Another day another very suspect group 1 win for Ballydoyle. I watched the Juddmonte on Channel 4 – the commentary was revealing; ” … and Duke of Marmalade has had a wonderful passage through… ” Sure he did – a nice gap opened up in front of him at exactly the right time between Red Rock Canyon and the rail. …
I’m going on The Game
Some interesting racing today, including a couple of runners for me. Lilac Moon goes in the last at Newmarket and Pansy Potter in the 4:25 at Newbury. Tom Dascombe runs a couple of likely types today, and they may both be worth following. Blakfrankisch runs in the first at Newbury, and is ridden by Michaela Sowerby. Michaela is a quality pair …
No loss in defeat
The PAs at Betfair had an evening out at Windsor races on Monday night, and they had a £50 kitty for betting on the horses. Chantelle, my PA, was responsible for investing the kitty, and she decided as follows; £20 win Hip Hip Hooray, £10 E/W Acclaimed, £10 win Right Stuff. They won at 14/1, 9/2 and 16/1. I went …