One day and a false start in and I’m loving it – I’ve got to know a lot of people who I only see at Cheltenham, and being away from Betfair makes it even more of a social occasion. The racing almost takes a back seat for me these days, but it’s top class this year, and as the Racing Post says this may be the best two days racing ever.
As I write my blog today it feels like the Betfair marquee is the centre of the Cheltenham universe. Clive Smith and Harry Findlay are on the stage in the Betfair box debating the merits of their horses, while Jim Lewis (owner of Best Mate) is standing on the sidelines. A combination of the Betfair million with the fact that two of our most important customers own the big two horses has given us all of the aces – it barely past 11 a.m. and our marquee is completely packed.
Yesterday was great – I spent most of the day shopping (first time I’ve done that for years) and we had a good meal in the Daffodil in the evening. Tuesday I spent most of the day talking to customers. I’m in the Racing Post box today.
The big news came in at around 10:30 – Mon Michel has got in to the County Hurdle. Better still – Jamie Moore has decided to take the ride. I haven’t seen the card yet, but he’s my first ever Cheltenham runner and he has a proper chance – I’d expect him to be second or third favourite. I’m not going to back him now as I’d be concerned if there was too much rain, but I’m expecting a big run.
*** this was yesterday’s post which I’ve found in my drafts