So near and yet so far – the punting today had much the same air as Chicky Oaksey having to explain why there won’t be any Injured Jockey diaries until December. The Friday of the open meeting is Countryside Day. When the shires come out to see mates, bid in the British Olympic Equestrian team’s auction, support the countryside in general and watch some decent racing – after having bought some Christmas presents and stocking fillers in the numerous shops. Often that meant diaries for the family stockings, and one each for the stable staff. As I suggested yesterday, the failure of the BHA to get anything resembling an informative list of race dates with key races out before today is dismal in the extreme. For it to now impact the IJF Christmas fundraising efforts is just plain sad.
Talking of dismal efforts – a very brief insight into where my money will be going tomorrow.
12:35 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hdl (Registered As The Prestbury Juvenile Hdl) (G2) Cl1 (3yo) 2m½f 11 run
GALACTIC JACK 2 pts e/w
1:10 Wienerberger Amateur Jockeys’ Hcap Chs Cl3 (4yo+ 0-140) 3m1f 20 run
STRICTLYADANCER 4 pts e/w – READ TO RETURN – 3 pts e/w
1:45 From The Horse’s Mouth Podcast Nov. Chs Cl1 (5yo+) 3m½f 6 run
GOOD RISK AT ALL 4 pts win – 2 pts SFC to beat BROADWAY BOY
2:20 Paddy Power Gold Cup Hcap Chs (Premier Hcap) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m4f 14 run
NOTLONGTILLMAY – EASY AS THAT 7 pts Dutch the pair
2:55 Paddy Power Games Hcap Hdl Cl2 (4yo+) 3m 15 run
JUDICIAL LAW 4 pts e/w
3:30 Paddy Power Intermediate Hcap Hdl Cl3 (3yo+ 0-140) 2m5f 9 run
GYENYAME 3 pts Win – 1 pt RFC with SPRINGWELL BAY
4:05 Karndean Designflooring Mares’ Bumper Cl1 (4-5yo) 2m½f 15 run
SHARP OBJECT – WORLD OF FORTUNE 5 pts dutch the pair