On saturday morning. Some of the jumpers including Not So Sure Dick, Baldadash, Oscar Close and Belle de Fontenay. And Ancient Greece and Jack's Revenge, both well back into training after their winter break. And a couple of the 2-year-olds, Sutton Sid (Dutch Art) and "Gina", the unnamed Multiplex filly......
Paul Bowden with us to watch Ancient Greece (in whom he has a leg) and Sutton Sid (who he owns outright). I have always considered myself to be an avid sports fan, but Paul is in a different league. Travelling the world and the seven seas, following English teams of all descriptions. He has secured a very impressive array of Olympic tickets. On Saturday, he was dithering about taking in Bristol Rovers at home to Oxford. He assured me that if he attended, Bristol would lose 5-0 or the match would end goalless. Nil-Nil. Guess you were then, Paul !!
No runners for us, but plenty of exciting National Hunt action to keep me glued to the television through the afternoon. The occasional slice of allweather action from Lingfield thrown in. But very dull in comparison......
On Saturday morning the Black Caviar bandwagon rolled on. Royal Ascot still the plan. Frankel versus Black Caviar. Something, finally, to match the epic Bustino / Grundy. I was there that day. A young child, but I can still remember vividly walking into the course with everybody all around asking which of the two I fancied. (Go and watch the race on Youtube if you have never seen it. Or you have not seen it for a while).....
There was something in the small print of Black Caviar's victory that struck a nerve. Mr Bittar will be well aware of the prize money disparity between here and Australia, but this race further polarised this fact in my mind. Black Caviar picking up £297,697. 9 runners. Only the 9th placed 200/1 shot out of the money. The 6th, 7th and 8th placed horses, who went off as "no hopers" at 100/1 and 200/1 twice, each picked up £9868.42. Now, I have no idea what training fees in Australia are charged at. But I am pretty confident that one 8th place finish has paid off a considerable amount of the owner's annual bill. Jealous ?? Very very......
To Milborne St Andrew yesterday. The South Dorset Hunt Point-To-Point Races. A good viewing circuit. Apart from the half mile that happens behind a thick wood. A relaxed atmosphere. A very well organised meeting. Well supported. Grass roots sport, but all the more appealing for just that reason. A day at the races without a runner a highly enjoyable and relaxed experience. I hope that we will be able to fit in a couple more point-to-points before this "calm before the storm of runners" comes to an end....
I am hugely looking forward to the summer ahead. To going racing most days. To having lots of runners. But all the same, it will be difficult to beat a days pointing in the watery sun of early spring.....
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