So, the Racing Post launched its new website this week and, to be frank, it's a pretty poor effort.
Yes, a carbon fibre style background and lots of arrows does make the site look aesthetically good but when you actually try and use the thing, blood boils.
First and foremost, the Racing Post and Racing UK are best mates. Officially. Like a couple of gay boys, they do everything hand-in-hand. And there it is, on the homepage of the site: 'Racing UK Live Stream'. Cool, a free racing channel one may naively think. Click, click and your asked to sign a subscription to watch it.
Missed another exciting installment of the seller at Wetherby? Don't worry watch it here on the Racing Post. Just give RUK some money first, thanks.
Why do they do it? The Post is expensive enough to buy as it is and then they want more money to watch races. Good old At The Races lets you watch racing from their tracks for free.
Anyway, back to the site. It's ironic that in racing the fastest horse wins the race and there you have the Racing Post website which is probably the slowest around. I just want to quickly look at the latest news but am given options of: related stories, top stories, latest stories, racing business. It's as though their trying too hard.
Herein laid the beauty of the old Racing Post site. Everything was simply arranged in black and white with no fancy graphics and if you wanted the day's results on one page, you could get the day's results on one page.
Innovators will say I'm just sceptical of change but it's going to take a whole lot of loving to like this new bird.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. x
2 December 2008
1 December 2008
Doubting Thomas
Hello and welcome back. I've had a blogging sabbatical, learnt some martial arts and am now back louder and more opinionated than ever. Move over Big Mac, Rob Spirkett has returned!
Big news at the moment has to be the main man Sam Thomas.
He has had a shocking few days and from his last 30 odd rides has fell off 7 times which, in normal circumstances, would usually go unnoticed but when you look at what he has fallen off (Big Bucks, The Tother One, Gwanako, Kauto Star), you realise that he has been hitting the deck in some pretty big races.
It is an easy target for your couch jockey to slag Thomas off on the Betfair forum and be supported by plebs like 'chipmandave' and 'beerboylee' who are talking through their pockets. But is it really the lad's fault?
When things are going badly for a jockey, their confidence must hit rock bottom and you go out on to the track just praying that you'll finish the race. And these thoughts must be niggling at Thomas so, approaching a fence he'll probably take the safe option rather than firing them in, a choice which ultimately could cost him a few lengths and maybe the race.
Now, should Paul Nicholls give Thomas the mount on hot favourite Master Minded on Saturday in the Tingle Creek? Yes. As his boss, Nicholls should have full confidence in his jockey and let him ride the Champion Chase winner. He's proven that he can win big races; his ride on Denman in the Hennessy last year was sublime and he's ridden the quirky Kauto Star to victory.
Bad luck doesn't last forever and come Saturday afternoon, 'chipmandave' will be hailing Sam Thomas as the new McCoy.
A little tip for Wednesday is Swift Sailor in the 2.40 at Plumpton.
Laters
Big news at the moment has to be the main man Sam Thomas.
He has had a shocking few days and from his last 30 odd rides has fell off 7 times which, in normal circumstances, would usually go unnoticed but when you look at what he has fallen off (Big Bucks, The Tother One, Gwanako, Kauto Star), you realise that he has been hitting the deck in some pretty big races.
It is an easy target for your couch jockey to slag Thomas off on the Betfair forum and be supported by plebs like 'chipmandave' and 'beerboylee' who are talking through their pockets. But is it really the lad's fault?
When things are going badly for a jockey, their confidence must hit rock bottom and you go out on to the track just praying that you'll finish the race. And these thoughts must be niggling at Thomas so, approaching a fence he'll probably take the safe option rather than firing them in, a choice which ultimately could cost him a few lengths and maybe the race.
Now, should Paul Nicholls give Thomas the mount on hot favourite Master Minded on Saturday in the Tingle Creek? Yes. As his boss, Nicholls should have full confidence in his jockey and let him ride the Champion Chase winner. He's proven that he can win big races; his ride on Denman in the Hennessy last year was sublime and he's ridden the quirky Kauto Star to victory.
Bad luck doesn't last forever and come Saturday afternoon, 'chipmandave' will be hailing Sam Thomas as the new McCoy.
A little tip for Wednesday is Swift Sailor in the 2.40 at Plumpton.
Laters
2 June 2008
Riding with Handlebars
Cast your mind back to 19th Century England; new technologies were appearing everyday in the build up to the Industrial Revolution and the country was the heart of a vast empire. But look a little closer. Can you see it? Yes, the jockeys had moustaches.
It's a rare sight nowadays to see a jockey with any facial hair at all, never mind structured handlebars.
The only jockey I have seen with pre-determined stubble is Mr G Edwards who rode in an amateur race once at Wolverhampton. Obviously the trend never caught on.
Looking back in the history books (ie. a quick search on Google), Tom Corrigan, an Australian jockey during the 1890s, was the last big name to sport a distinctive upper-lip hairstyle. At the time, in any part of the world, moustaches were common place at the racecourse with boys as young as five sporting one (albeit fake).
But times have changed. Today, any grown man seen with a caterpillar above his lip is either: a) a phsychopath, b) a paedophile or c) an accountant.
I think I can link this change in opinion to one man: Hitler.
But what are the practical aspects of letting the hair above the top lip grow? Well, for a start, think of all the mud and kickback that would get stuck in the hair. You'd pull up after 1m6f at Southwell and look like Father Christmas, maybe slightly less friendly. Also, having a tashe must be less aerodynamic, those extra whiskers could be the difference between winning and, well, being beaten by a whisker.
However, think of all the attention a distinctive facial trim would bring - lots of photos, strokings and maybe some women.
So, in conclusion to this scientific investigation, it would be extremly funny to see Frankie Dettori do a flying dismount with his handlebar moustache blowing in the breeze but, alas, I fear it will never happen. Why not do what England usually does in times of unhappiness - blame the Germans.
It's a rare sight nowadays to see a jockey with any facial hair at all, never mind structured handlebars.
The only jockey I have seen with pre-determined stubble is Mr G Edwards who rode in an amateur race once at Wolverhampton. Obviously the trend never caught on.
Looking back in the history books (ie. a quick search on Google), Tom Corrigan, an Australian jockey during the 1890s, was the last big name to sport a distinctive upper-lip hairstyle. At the time, in any part of the world, moustaches were common place at the racecourse with boys as young as five sporting one (albeit fake).
But times have changed. Today, any grown man seen with a caterpillar above his lip is either: a) a phsychopath, b) a paedophile or c) an accountant.
I think I can link this change in opinion to one man: Hitler.
But what are the practical aspects of letting the hair above the top lip grow? Well, for a start, think of all the mud and kickback that would get stuck in the hair. You'd pull up after 1m6f at Southwell and look like Father Christmas, maybe slightly less friendly. Also, having a tashe must be less aerodynamic, those extra whiskers could be the difference between winning and, well, being beaten by a whisker.
However, think of all the attention a distinctive facial trim would bring - lots of photos, strokings and maybe some women.
So, in conclusion to this scientific investigation, it would be extremly funny to see Frankie Dettori do a flying dismount with his handlebar moustache blowing in the breeze but, alas, I fear it will never happen. Why not do what England usually does in times of unhappiness - blame the Germans.
30 May 2008
EXCLUSIVE: Spirit to return to Feilden
One of last year's highest rated two-year-olds, Spirit of Sharjah, is set to return to his former trainer, Julia Feilden, subject to vetting.
The son of Invincible Spirit was one of the highlights of 2007, bringing success to Feilden's small Newmarket yard after he won his first two races, including a listed race at Goodwood, and then went on to put up a brave performance in the Norfolk Stakes to finish third behind the unbeaten Winker Watson.
Indeed, it was Winker Watson's trainer, Peter Chapple-Hyam, who was to benefit from this run, since after two disappointing runs in the July Stakes and the Molcombe, Spirit of Sharjah's owner, Alan Dee, decided to send his charge to the Derby winning trainer.
But the partnership never flourished and Spirit of Sharjah showed little in four runs since the move.
And so, Dee has decided to return his steed to Feilden in the hope that they can recapture some of the former glory.
"I'm having Spirit vetted to make sure he's physically alright," said 52 year-old Feilden. "He really put me on the map last year and I hope we can win some big races with him now."
The son of Invincible Spirit was one of the highlights of 2007, bringing success to Feilden's small Newmarket yard after he won his first two races, including a listed race at Goodwood, and then went on to put up a brave performance in the Norfolk Stakes to finish third behind the unbeaten Winker Watson.
Indeed, it was Winker Watson's trainer, Peter Chapple-Hyam, who was to benefit from this run, since after two disappointing runs in the July Stakes and the Molcombe, Spirit of Sharjah's owner, Alan Dee, decided to send his charge to the Derby winning trainer.
But the partnership never flourished and Spirit of Sharjah showed little in four runs since the move.
And so, Dee has decided to return his steed to Feilden in the hope that they can recapture some of the former glory.
"I'm having Spirit vetted to make sure he's physically alright," said 52 year-old Feilden. "He really put me on the map last year and I hope we can win some big races with him now."
25 May 2008
Book(ies)
I thought I'd bring a little culture to the blog and give a literary review of some of the best and worst horseracing books around.
Let's get the crap out of the way first and by far the worst book I have read is 'Arise Sir Frankie Dettori' by Marcus Stead. This book is so full of inaccuracies, it makes the author look like he doesn't have a clue about racing. Every horse, no matter what sex, is called 'her' and the horses 'ride' in races. What annoys me most though is how much Stead sucks up to Dettori like he is trying to earn brownie points; every time there is a controversial issue in the book, Stead either ignores the matter or comes to his subject's defense. If you want to read about Frankie's life, get the autobiography and ignore this rubbish. Another howler is Richard Johnson's autobiography 'Out of the Shadows'. He was still in his twenties when this was written and he hadn't really had much of a life - the book just goes on and on 'I rode this horse and then I rode this horse...' Boring. Also avoid the 5 book Jenny Pitman series which begins with 'On the Edge' which charts the troubles of woman trainer Jan Hardy. It is predictable and soppy rather like a the failure of a programme that was 'Rough Diamond'.
Cast these pieces of excrement aside and read some real literary gems. Top of the bunch is Dick Francis' 'Field of Thirteen' - a compilation of 13 short stories which always come with an unexpected twist. If you want to read a Francis novel, read 'Whip Hand'. Once you've read one of his books, you've read them all. Forget the film, 'Seabiscuit' the book by Laura Hillenbrand is a masterpiece. Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year, the story is brilliantly and accurately told. Hillenbrand paints the picture of the time perfectly and puts you in the centre of the action. A couple of decent autobiographies are 'Obsessed' by Richard Dunwoody and 'The Wayward Lad' by Graham Bradley. Both talk with honesty and intimacy which in the end makes you respect the men themselves. And finally. another jockey (but not an autobiography). John Francome is starting to churn out some decent stories which are never the same. 'Stone Cold' - the struggle of a young lady jockey to become a success - is one of the best whilst 'Stalking Horse' is not far behind with it's tale of a top jockey coming to terms with retirement and a stalker.
Let's get the crap out of the way first and by far the worst book I have read is 'Arise Sir Frankie Dettori' by Marcus Stead. This book is so full of inaccuracies, it makes the author look like he doesn't have a clue about racing. Every horse, no matter what sex, is called 'her' and the horses 'ride' in races. What annoys me most though is how much Stead sucks up to Dettori like he is trying to earn brownie points; every time there is a controversial issue in the book, Stead either ignores the matter or comes to his subject's defense. If you want to read about Frankie's life, get the autobiography and ignore this rubbish. Another howler is Richard Johnson's autobiography 'Out of the Shadows'. He was still in his twenties when this was written and he hadn't really had much of a life - the book just goes on and on 'I rode this horse and then I rode this horse...' Boring. Also avoid the 5 book Jenny Pitman series which begins with 'On the Edge' which charts the troubles of woman trainer Jan Hardy. It is predictable and soppy rather like a the failure of a programme that was 'Rough Diamond'.
Cast these pieces of excrement aside and read some real literary gems. Top of the bunch is Dick Francis' 'Field of Thirteen' - a compilation of 13 short stories which always come with an unexpected twist. If you want to read a Francis novel, read 'Whip Hand'. Once you've read one of his books, you've read them all. Forget the film, 'Seabiscuit' the book by Laura Hillenbrand is a masterpiece. Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year, the story is brilliantly and accurately told. Hillenbrand paints the picture of the time perfectly and puts you in the centre of the action. A couple of decent autobiographies are 'Obsessed' by Richard Dunwoody and 'The Wayward Lad' by Graham Bradley. Both talk with honesty and intimacy which in the end makes you respect the men themselves. And finally. another jockey (but not an autobiography). John Francome is starting to churn out some decent stories which are never the same. 'Stone Cold' - the struggle of a young lady jockey to become a success - is one of the best whilst 'Stalking Horse' is not far behind with it's tale of a top jockey coming to terms with retirement and a stalker.
22 May 2008
To be honest, I didn't really care who won the Champions' League Final. I don't have a preference for either Man Utd or Chelsea and all I wanted to see was an entertaining match. The first 120 minutes of the game were alright but lacked any real drama and could have done with some more goals. Rooney never got a mention whilst Tevez missed some easy chances. Drogba didn't deserve to be sent off but I'm glad he was - the arrogant twat. What really annoys me about top-flite football nowadays is all the diving; as soon as a player is touched, he goes to ground in excrutiating agony which disappears all of a sudden when the free kick is awarded. Those football players sure do heal bloody fast. Then we went to a good old penalty shootout and you can rely on a decent English player missing his penalty. John Terry may have slipped but this miss was just a sad reflection on the England side in general.
Like Southgate, Waddle and Beckham, racecourses made some gaffes this week. How Ayr and Sandown could water the course but manage to make parts of the track too soft to race on beats me. The only reason I can think of is that there is a hole in the hose which water leaks out of and soaks that part of the track. It just wastes people's time as they travel to the races only to find out that racing is abandoned because someone kept the taps on for too long.
Another man who looked like an idiot this week was Sam Thomas at Fakenham, when he finished the race a circuit too soon. Ok, it is hard to count how many circuits you should do around the small Norfolk course but isn't it obvious that the race isn't over when none of the other jockeys are pushing their mounts and your horse is travelling so comfortably? A ban was the only suitable punishment. Live and learn folks, live and learn.
I don't really back two year olds because you never know what to suspect from them but the vibes are good for BARWELL BRIDGE to run well in the 2.15 at Goodwood today.
Like Southgate, Waddle and Beckham, racecourses made some gaffes this week. How Ayr and Sandown could water the course but manage to make parts of the track too soft to race on beats me. The only reason I can think of is that there is a hole in the hose which water leaks out of and soaks that part of the track. It just wastes people's time as they travel to the races only to find out that racing is abandoned because someone kept the taps on for too long.
Another man who looked like an idiot this week was Sam Thomas at Fakenham, when he finished the race a circuit too soon. Ok, it is hard to count how many circuits you should do around the small Norfolk course but isn't it obvious that the race isn't over when none of the other jockeys are pushing their mounts and your horse is travelling so comfortably? A ban was the only suitable punishment. Live and learn folks, live and learn.
I don't really back two year olds because you never know what to suspect from them but the vibes are good for BARWELL BRIDGE to run well in the 2.15 at Goodwood today.
16 May 2008
Stowstowquickquickstow
It's with great sadness that I bring the news to you of the closure of Walthamstow greyhound racetrack in August. I've been to the 'Stow a few times before and it was a good night out - comfortable viewing, great banter and pretty local to most of south-east England. But if a business is losing money, as the north London racetrack was, there is only one inevitability - closure. The land the track is on will probably be converted to housing and I feel this may be a signal for things to come in the greyhound racing world. Crowds are dwindling and the dogs simply aren't reliable enough betting fodder for punters. Don't be surprised if a few more tracks announce closure in months to come.
On another matter, the 'Tote Flat Ten to Follow 2008' deadline is fast approaching and I've picked out a few that might be worth putting faith in:
RAVENS PASS - disappointed many in the Craven but now he is dropped back to sprinting he should be victorious.
NEW APPROACH - he may have been beaten in the guineas but he is still a machine nonetheless.
RAMONTI - come Royal Ascot he will hose up and collect you some points.
YEATS - doesn't run much but when he does, he wins.
PEEPING FAWN - as tough as old boots and is a sure thing in the fillies' races. Expect a lot of points from her.
SEPTIMUS - might have to play second fiddle to Yeats but if the big guy lets people down then expect Septimus to take his place.
SAKHEES SECRET - improved extraordinarily last season and will no doubt be the top sprinter this one.
RED ROCKS - goes for all the big races and is always thereabouts. He'll keep a steady supply of points coming in.
FAT BOY - won't win big races but will keep winning the ones that count.
WINKER WATSON - unbeatable last season and will be this one aswell.
On another matter, the 'Tote Flat Ten to Follow 2008' deadline is fast approaching and I've picked out a few that might be worth putting faith in:
RAVENS PASS - disappointed many in the Craven but now he is dropped back to sprinting he should be victorious.
NEW APPROACH - he may have been beaten in the guineas but he is still a machine nonetheless.
RAMONTI - come Royal Ascot he will hose up and collect you some points.
YEATS - doesn't run much but when he does, he wins.
PEEPING FAWN - as tough as old boots and is a sure thing in the fillies' races. Expect a lot of points from her.
SEPTIMUS - might have to play second fiddle to Yeats but if the big guy lets people down then expect Septimus to take his place.
SAKHEES SECRET - improved extraordinarily last season and will no doubt be the top sprinter this one.
RED ROCKS - goes for all the big races and is always thereabouts. He'll keep a steady supply of points coming in.
FAT BOY - won't win big races but will keep winning the ones that count.
WINKER WATSON - unbeatable last season and will be this one aswell.
12 May 2008
All's well that ends well
That's that done until August then.
The Premier League was wrapped up this weekend and, to say the least, it didn't really capture my imagination. Kevin Keegan spoke this week of finding it impossible for his club to break into the top four of the league (Everton are the only side to have done this in the last six years) but I think the Premiership is all about two clubs. Chelsea have been given enough money to mount a challenge whilst Man Utd have earned enough money to win the title. Soon enough, these two will get bored of their English counterparts and form a new league consisting of the top clubs in Europe. I think the 'Euro Super League' is a nice name Seb Blatter.
The most interesting and competitive part of the top flight is the relegation dog fight. Derby were relegated in about December (on another matter - why did Paul Jewell go there?) but the tussle that was left proved fascinating to observe.
Fulham showed great determination to avoid the drop and Danny Murphy is a bald legend who was a favourite of mine at Liverpool but he does good deeds for the lesser clubs now.
Racing at Chester was competitive but with respect to the classic trials, I don't think there will be any winners to come from them.
Channel 4's racing coverage is top notch and their piece with Michael Owen was fascinating. The footballer really has put in a lot of time, money and effort to build one of the best training centres in Britain. However, I think many people are misled into thinking that Nicky Vaughn is a private trainer for Owen but the Toon striker was keen to suggest that this is not the case and the facilities which he has built for owners reinterates this sentiment.
If you fancy a flutter, try RAPID CITY today in the 4.00 at Yarmouth.
The Premier League was wrapped up this weekend and, to say the least, it didn't really capture my imagination. Kevin Keegan spoke this week of finding it impossible for his club to break into the top four of the league (Everton are the only side to have done this in the last six years) but I think the Premiership is all about two clubs. Chelsea have been given enough money to mount a challenge whilst Man Utd have earned enough money to win the title. Soon enough, these two will get bored of their English counterparts and form a new league consisting of the top clubs in Europe. I think the 'Euro Super League' is a nice name Seb Blatter.
The most interesting and competitive part of the top flight is the relegation dog fight. Derby were relegated in about December (on another matter - why did Paul Jewell go there?) but the tussle that was left proved fascinating to observe.
Fulham showed great determination to avoid the drop and Danny Murphy is a bald legend who was a favourite of mine at Liverpool but he does good deeds for the lesser clubs now.
Racing at Chester was competitive but with respect to the classic trials, I don't think there will be any winners to come from them.
Channel 4's racing coverage is top notch and their piece with Michael Owen was fascinating. The footballer really has put in a lot of time, money and effort to build one of the best training centres in Britain. However, I think many people are misled into thinking that Nicky Vaughn is a private trainer for Owen but the Toon striker was keen to suggest that this is not the case and the facilities which he has built for owners reinterates this sentiment.
If you fancy a flutter, try RAPID CITY today in the 4.00 at Yarmouth.
7 May 2008
Chester this week then and with the weather we're experiencing, it would be a joy to be there. I've ridden at the Roodeye a couple of times and it is some experience: because it is a track small in size, the place is always crammed full of scousers. When going to the start of a race, there are people everywhere; either side of you, up above you on the city wall and even below you in the tunnel under the track. To ride, the track is just one big bend - I don't even think the home stretch is straight. But be warned, if you're drawn wide, you might as well give up because the course exagerates the fact that the wider you go, the more ground you lose.
So, with this in mind, remember to back horses drawn low and look out for the Hollyoaks girls who occassionally frequent the Chesire track.
I know I said I shouldn't give any more tips but may I redeem myself? On Friday, NUMIDE is in the Ormonde stakes (2.45) at Chester and I think he'll be in with a squeek. On his best form, he is the best horse in the race and although this still maybe the case, he isn't guaranteed to try as hard as he should. Just look at his hurdles form; he won his first two races and then disappointed afterwards as soon as he figured out what it was all about. Hopefully, the return to the flat will spark him up and the oddity that is Chester racecourse will surprise him into running well.
Have a bit each-way at 6/1.
So, with this in mind, remember to back horses drawn low and look out for the Hollyoaks girls who occassionally frequent the Chesire track.
I know I said I shouldn't give any more tips but may I redeem myself? On Friday, NUMIDE is in the Ormonde stakes (2.45) at Chester and I think he'll be in with a squeek. On his best form, he is the best horse in the race and although this still maybe the case, he isn't guaranteed to try as hard as he should. Just look at his hurdles form; he won his first two races and then disappointed afterwards as soon as he figured out what it was all about. Hopefully, the return to the flat will spark him up and the oddity that is Chester racecourse will surprise him into running well.
Have a bit each-way at 6/1.
5 May 2008
Guineas/Guinness
I guess you want a little review of the big races over the weekend.
I was at the Rowley Mile on Saturday and it was absolutely packed full of people. The big races really do pull the spectators in.
I think the runner-up New Approach was the best horse in the 2000 Guineas and he only got beat because he had to do all the donkey work in front. Nevertheless, Henrythenavigator put up an exceptional performance to win but he may not be of the right calibre to win the Derby.
These first two were well clear of the rest and the only one to follow from them is Ravens Pass who didn't stay the trip and will run better when dropped to 6/7 furlongs.
The 1000 Guineas on Sunday was a bit of a strange race and Natagora was in the best place in front where she could avoid all the trouble in behind. One who did suffer interference was Nahoodh and Richard Hughes was adamant that he would have won with a clear run. I don't. Saoirsie Abu is the one to take out of the race; the firmer the ground, the better and I can see her winning at Royal Ascot or Glorious Goodwood this year.
The Guineas may have been the big race on Saturday, but the strangest must have been the 5.45. Henry Cecil's Anjaan was extremely immature and in the final furlong he drifted across the course to smash into another runner, nearly knocking both of them over. Despite this, Anjaan managed to rally in the last strides and win the race. How connections managed to keep the race in the stewards' room, I will never know.
But the highlight of the sporting weekend was the Championship matches on Sunday. I think Stoke won't last a minute in the Premier League but they seem to be happy anyway. Southampton put up a mammouth display to win their game and stay up but Leceister weren't so lucky. They've never been relegated to the third tier of football before and the current squad is a far cry from the one of the 90s I remember of Casey Keller, Robbie Savage, Muzzy Izzet etc.
I was at the Rowley Mile on Saturday and it was absolutely packed full of people. The big races really do pull the spectators in.
I think the runner-up New Approach was the best horse in the 2000 Guineas and he only got beat because he had to do all the donkey work in front. Nevertheless, Henrythenavigator put up an exceptional performance to win but he may not be of the right calibre to win the Derby.
These first two were well clear of the rest and the only one to follow from them is Ravens Pass who didn't stay the trip and will run better when dropped to 6/7 furlongs.
The 1000 Guineas on Sunday was a bit of a strange race and Natagora was in the best place in front where she could avoid all the trouble in behind. One who did suffer interference was Nahoodh and Richard Hughes was adamant that he would have won with a clear run. I don't. Saoirsie Abu is the one to take out of the race; the firmer the ground, the better and I can see her winning at Royal Ascot or Glorious Goodwood this year.
The Guineas may have been the big race on Saturday, but the strangest must have been the 5.45. Henry Cecil's Anjaan was extremely immature and in the final furlong he drifted across the course to smash into another runner, nearly knocking both of them over. Despite this, Anjaan managed to rally in the last strides and win the race. How connections managed to keep the race in the stewards' room, I will never know.
But the highlight of the sporting weekend was the Championship matches on Sunday. I think Stoke won't last a minute in the Premier League but they seem to be happy anyway. Southampton put up a mammouth display to win their game and stay up but Leceister weren't so lucky. They've never been relegated to the third tier of football before and the current squad is a far cry from the one of the 90s I remember of Casey Keller, Robbie Savage, Muzzy Izzet etc.
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