Not nearly as severe as forecast. More an "air frost" than a ground frost. The science of which I cannot begin to explain. Bitterly cold out on the gallops. But the ground itself almost frost free. So we could, after all, canter our horses yesterday morning. Another odds on shot turned over.....
But the immediate forecast not exactly rosy. Turf racing still on the "back burner", Kempton's allweather set to stage a Jumpers Bumper card, a few Cheltenham prep runs being consigned to the rubbish bin. A "Jumpers Bumper Card" a fine idea. And a whole heap more alluring than the usual dross laid on at the track......
Patrick drove me over the hill to the Stud to see a couple of old friends yesterday. Saddlers Bend and Sparkling Montjeu here to foal for the first time. Saddlers in foal to Sakhees Secret, Sparky in foal to a sire whose name escapes me. A Hamdan horse. "Al Mutafacquasomething".....
Both were stars for us when in training. Saddlers winning off a mark of 45, before ending her career at Epsom on Oaks Day. Sparky less good. But tough. Very tough. Winning for us over hurdles and on the flat. I am sure they will both produce hardy offspring......
Harry Redknapp innocent. The HMRC have wasted a huge amount of money and time pushing forward a spurious case. Influenced, perhaps, by the profile of their target. Looking for a publicity coup. A massive error of judgement, prompting some ludicrous quotes of the "we are still confident that we made the right decision to prosecute" variety. No. You made a bad and costly call. You got it very wrong.....
Capello gone from the England job. Which is a relief. Another costly mistake. Capello never appeared to have the confidence of his players, and came across as a slightly ludicrous and comical character. Partly on account of his accent and his dubious grasp of the English language. Which was not his fault. But from the outset there appeared to be a basic communication crisis between player and manager. He will console himself with his massive pay-off, and drift back to his Tuscan Villa to turn it into a Tuscan Palace....
Who next ? Harry will be the bookie's favourite, but he seems to be enjoying Tottenham's renaissance. Who else ? Mourinho, Sir Alex, Martin O'Neill......
Mourinho to United. Sir Alex to England. Probably not.....
mourino to united ,hughes to england and sir alex to QPR MAYBE??????????
Posted by: andy jones | February 09, 2012 at 08:15 PM