Tuesday 23rd July, 2024

With rain about, Organdi will not be going to Worcester on Thursday.  She has another entry at Uttoxeter on Sunday in an open handicap but we will see if the top weight declares or not before deciding if this is a suitable option for her.  The races are competitive enough this week due to a two week break in the jumping calendar from Monday.

Going racing might not be possible but there are plenty of other jobs to do as jumping yards throughout Britain bring in their horses from their holidays and finish all the tidying up jobs for the beginning of the new term.  It is also an opportunity for staff to have a well earned break and take their holidays.

With some of our string going out a bit later due to the wet weather, many will be coming in from their holidays in the next couple of weeks ready for their autumn campaigns.  It is always a pleasure walking around the horses in the paddocks while they have their break and the warm weather certainly helps.

One of the highlights of flat racing takes place on Saturday with the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.  This is always one of my favourite races of the year and brings back many happy memories including my favourite flat race mare Dahlia – who won it in consecutive years in 1973 and 74.  Auguste Rodin is a short priced favourite for this year’s contest and finished last in the race last year but ground conditions will be different this time.

A sporting hero of mine died recently in Ray Reardon, who for many of my generation was an exemplary character gracing our television screens.  He popularised snooker due to his immense personality and endearing combination of professionalism and warmth.  If you have not seen the BBC’s excellent tribute to him it is a must watch for all sports fans as his approach to sport and life was both endearing and infectious.