APRIL 2019

What’s new this month?

22 April 2019 – Lambourn Open Day Diary

22 April 2019 – Cheltenham Festival Day 4 Blog

Sunday 28 April 2019

Altior won the Celebration Chase and sets a

new record of 19 consecutive win over fences

Alan King’s Talkischeap, ridden by Wayne Hutchinson, wins the bet365 Gold Cup in style!

Here are yesterday’s results for my runners of interest:

Wolverhampton:

Ingenium (David O’Meara/Shane Kelly/Apple Tree Stud) finished last in the Novice Stakes (5 furlongs & 21 yards) (7 ran); first outing and ran very green evidently!

Sandown Park:

Harambe (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd and Scarlet Dragon (Alan King/Richard Johnson) finished 4th in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Championship Final) (15 ran).

Altior (Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville) won and Sceau Royal (Alan King/Daryl Jacob) finished 2nd in the Celebration Chase (Grade 1) (5 ran).

Beware The Bear (Nicky Henderson/Jeremiah McGrath) was pulled up and Talkischeap (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson won the Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) [3 miles 4 furlongs & 166 yards] (15 ran); Alan’s 91st winner of the season and Wayne’s 88th winner of the season.

Mia’s Storm (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 6th in the Select Hurdle (Grade 2) (7 ran).

Good Man Pat (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (11 ran).

River Frost (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 11th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 173 yards] (14 ran).

Sadly Josses Hill passed away following the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase ... L

RIP Josses Hill

As yesterday was the final day of the 2018 / 2019 National Hunt season, here are details of the Jump Jockey and Trainer Championships:

Jump Jockeys’ Championship 2018 / 2019
Position	Jockey	Wins	Rides	Strike Rate	Total Prize Money
1	Richard Johnson	200	980	20%	2,258,652
2	Harry Skelton	178	745	24%	2,083,624
3	Brian Hughes	146	889	16%	1,458,812
4	Harry Cobden	109	518	21%	2,306,917
5	Sam Twiston-Davies	105	681	15%	1,447,613
6	Aidan Coleman	95	583	16%	1,247,063
7	Sean Bowen	91	593	15%	1,375,012
8	Wayne Hutchinson	88	413	21%	1,033,048
9	Nico de Boinville	86	381	23%	1,743,666
10	Tom Scudamore	82	686	12%	1,214,486
11	Tom O’Brien	78	548	14%	1,109,408
12	James Bowen	72	481	15%	823,156
13	Gavin Sheehan	69	411	17%	729,957
14	Paddy Brennan	68	554	12%	1,050,534
15	Sean Quinlan	61	473	13%	750,376
16	Adam Wedge	59	504	12%	863,985
17	Daryl Jacob	58	371	16%	1,198,550
18	David Bass	55	334	16%	687,510
19	Bryony Frost	50	307	16%	988,839
20	Jonathan Burke	45	377	12%	577,583

Trainers’ Championship 2018 / 2019
Position	Trainer	Wins	Prizes	Runs	Prize Money
1	Paul Nicholls	135	440	589	£3,307,171.58
2	Nicky Henderson	141	382	544	£2,908,079.57
3	Dan Skelton	204	738	987	£2,296,258.48
4	Colin Tizzard	77	396	600	£1,888,756.98
5	Willie Mullins	8	41	74	£1,409,434.85
6	Gordon Elliott	55	150	206	£1,358,678.38
7	Philip Hobbs	106	401	561	£1,305,373.66
8	Alan King	91	367	499	£1,259,316.08
9	Nigel Twiston-Davies	63	351	530	£1,257,830.12
10	Tom George	52	272	377	£902,459.70
11	Harry Fry	47	155	242	£823,437.24
12	Evan Williams	53	348	507	£822,908.23
13	Gary Moore	58	286	420	£739,298.50
14	Venetia Williams	42	174	277	£735,009.70
15	Peter Bowen	64	250	368	£717,638.85
16	Emma Lavelle	35	172	264	£710,969.12
17	Nicky Richards	42	168	222	£680,689.52
18	Olly Murphy	82	318	431	£662,548.89
19	Dr Richard Newland	53	174	217	£645,005.08
20	Jonjo O’Neill	56	307	472	£639,239.92

Friday 26 April 2019

Here are yesterday’s results for my runners of interest ... and 4 winners:

Perth:

Forgotten Gold (Tom George/Mr Noel George) was pulled up in the Open Hunters’ Chase (6 ran).

Warwick:

Lord Walsingham (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th and My Charity (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) won the Maiden Hurdle (10 ran); Graeme’s 19th winner of the season.

Midnightreferendum (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs] (11 ran); Alan’s 88th winner of the season and Wayne’s 85th winner of the season.

Skipthecuddles (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong] (7 ran).

Follow The Swallow (Graeme McPherson/Miss Lilly Pinchin) won the Handicap Chase [3 miles] (6 ran); Graeme’s 20th winner of the season.

Hello Buddy (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 6th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race Div I (9 ran).

Kempton Park:

Peggies Venture (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs] (3 ran); Alan’s 89th winner of the season and Wayne’s 86th winner of the season.

And today’s results for my runners of interest, at Chepstow:

Timcoda (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase [3 miles 2 furlongs & 54 yards] (13 ran).

Alrightjack (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (5 ran).

Chapmanshype (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 2nd and Grey Diamond (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the NH Maiden Hurdle (11 ran); Alan’s 90th winner of the season and Wayne’s 87th winner of the season.

The Character (Donald McCain/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 11 yards] (10 ran).

Here are tomorrow’s runners of interest, at Sandown Park, for the final day of the 2018/2019 National Hunt season:

13:50 Harambe (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Scarlet Dragon (Alan King/Richard Johnson) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Championship Final)

15:00 Altior (Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville) & Sceau Royal (Alan King/Daryl Jacob) – Celebration Chase (Grade 1); also taking part are Diego Du Charmil, God’s Own and Vosne Romanee

15:35 Beware The Bear (Nicky Henderson/Jeremiah McGrath) & Talkischeap (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson – Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) [3 miles 4 furlongs & 166 yards]

16:10 Mia’s Storm (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Select Hurdle (Grade 2)

16:40 Good Man Pat (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Handicap Chase

17:15 River Frost (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 173 yards]

Due to take part in the Equine Heroes Parade are Frodon, Paisley Park, Clan Des Obeaux, La Bague Au Roi, Kalashnikov, and Pentland Hills. Cyrname will be joining them, as he won’t be taking part in the Celebration Chase due to unsuitable going conditions.

In addition, recent retirees The New One and Coneygree are due to appear.

And at Wolverhampton:

18:00 Ingenium (David O’Meara/Shane Kelly/Apple Tree Stud) – Novice Stakes (5 furlongs & 21 yards)

Wednesday 24 April 2019

It’s catch-up time again ...

Here are yesterday’s results for my runners of interest, at Ludlow:

Hey Bill (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 7 furlongs & 171 yards] (6 ran).

Delirious Love (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 7th in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

And today’s results for my runners of interest:

Fontwell Park:

Primogeniture (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 1 furlong & 165 yards] (4 ran).

Double Treasure (Jamie Snowden/Max Kendrick) won the Novices’ Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 164 yards] (3 ran); Jamie’s 31st winner of the season.

Lord Condi (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 2nd in the Novices Hurdle [2 miles 1 furlong & 162 yards] (4 ran).

Jeans Genie (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 4th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (7 ran).

Southwell:

Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Jack Quinlan/EPDS Racing) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase [1 mile 7 furlongs & 153 yards] (6 ran).

Taunton:

Easkey Lad (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran).

Lakeside Pearl (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (5 ran).

And tomorrow’s runners of interest:

Perth:

16:35 Forgotten Gold (Tom George/Mr Noel George) – Open Hunters’ Chase

Warwick:

14:00 Lord Walsingham (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & My Charity (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Maiden Hurdle

15:10 Midnightreferendum (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs]

16:15 Skipthecuddles (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong]

16:45 Follow The Swallow (Graeme McPherson/Miss Lilly Pinchin) – Handicap Chase [3 miles]

17:20 Hello Buddy (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Standard Open NH Flat Race Div I

Kempton Park:

19:20 Peggies Venture (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs]

* * * * * * *

There are further offerings from ‘Madden World’ today. Richard attended the Time 100 Gala in New York City yesterday evening, and here is my favourite photo from the event:

And, if this isn’t enough, Richard is featuring in the April/May edition of Jackal magazine (this photo-shoot took place on 09 Febuary, the day before the Film BAFTAs).

Here are my favourite three (of 10) ... I think these are stunning:

Monday 22 April 2019

Here are today’s results for my runners of interest:

Huntingdon:

King Vince (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 7 furlongs & 129 yards] (7 ran).

Plumpton:

Praeceps (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Juvenile Hurdle (5 ran); Alan’s 87th winner of the season and Wayne’s 84th winner of the season.

Wilde Spirit (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (11 ran).

Brother Bennett (Zoe Davison/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles & 214 yards] (4 ran).

Bostin (Daniel O’Brien/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles & 217 yards] (9 ran).

And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest at Ludlow:

15:25 Hey Bill (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 7 furlongs & 171 yards]

15:55 Delirious Love (Graeme McPherson/Kieland Woods) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Willie Mullins won his first Irish Grand National today, with Burrows Saint ridden by Ruby Walsh. He also trained the 2nd and the 3rd!!!

Sunday 21 April 2019

It has been a beautiful weekend weather-wise and, being Easter, I took a trip to the Lambourn Open Day on Friday … and, as usual recently, I’ve been neglecting my blog for the past few days! Although I have been busy, drafting my Lambourn Open Day diary.

So here is today’s catch-up … but, first, three of the Friday’s photos:

Sprinter Sacre

Altior

Me with one of my favourites ... Theinval

Here are Thursday’s results for my runners of interest at Cheltenham:

The Cull Bank (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed) (4 ran).

Brillare Momento (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) finished 11th in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Listed) (16 ran).

And yesterday, at Haydock Park:

Mahlermade (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won and Salmanazar (Alan King/Tom Cannon) was pulled up during the Staying Chase Series Final Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 125 yards] (8 ran); an excellent way for Mahlermade to break his duck. Alan’s 86th winner of the season and Wayne’s 83rd winner of the season.

Ziga Boy was a non-runner later in the afternoon due to unsuitable ground.

And today’s results, Sunday:

Ffos Las:

Lostnfound (Jamie Snowden/James Davies) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (7 ran).

Market Rasen:

Court Out (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) was pulled up during the Maiden Hurdle (7 ran).

Regulation (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) fell at the last during the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 139 yards] (8 ran).

Midnight Chill (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 3rd and Comanche Chieftain (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) fell during the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (4 ran).

Akarita Lights (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd during the Standard Open NH Flat Race (5 ran).

I’m sad to report a fatality at Plumpton, where the Ed de Giles-trained Lesanti died as a result of a fall during the Maiden Hurdle. RIP

And Easter Monday’s runners of interest:

Huntingdon:

14:15 King Vince (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 7 furlongs & 129 yards]

Plumpton:

13:50 Praeceps (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Juvenile Hurdle

14:25 Wilde Spirit (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

16:10 Brother Bennett (Zoe Davison/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles & 214 yards]

16:45 Bostin (Daniel O’Brien/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles & 217 yards]

Wednesday 17 April 2019

Here are today’s results for my runners of interest, at Cheltenham:

Thistle Do Nicely (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan/part owned by Apple Tree Stud) finished 2nd and Cotswold Prince (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished last in the Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran).

Fidux (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd and Back On The Lash (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 56 yards] (15 ran).

Solstice Star (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) was pulled up in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (11 ran).

Dans Le Vent (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 10th and Reve (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs & 213 yards] (13 ran).

Dingo Dollar (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was pulled up and Somewhere To Be (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) was also pulled up in the Handicap Chase [3 miles & 2 furlongs] (9 ran).

Capital Force (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle (for Conditional Jockeys and Amateur Riders) (14 ran).

And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest, again at Cheltenham:

14:05 The Cull Bank (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed)

15:15 Brillare Momento (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

Tuesday 16 April 2019

Here are today’s results for my runners of interest, at Exeter:

Boldmere (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 2nd and Mr Pumblechook (Alan King/Watyne Hutchinson) finished 6th in the Novices’ Hurdle (9 ran).

Raving Bonkers (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 5th in the Maiden Hurdle (13 ran).

Whenhellbrokeloose (Alan King/Mr Alex Edwards) finished 7th in the P2P Bumper Maiden National Hunt Flat Race (Amateur Riders’ Race) (11 ran).

And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest, at Cheltenham:

14:05 Thistle Do Nicely (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan/part owned by Apple Tree Stud) & Cotswold Prince (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) – Novices’ Hurdle

15:15 Fidux (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Back On The Lash (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 56 yards]

15:50 Solstice Star (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

16:25 Dans Le Vent (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) & Reve (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs & 213 yards]

17:00 Dingo Dollar (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Somewhere To Be (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) – Handicap Chase [3 miles & 2 furlongs]

17:30 Capital Force (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) – Handicap Hurdle (for Conditional Jockeys and Amateur Riders)

* * * * * * *

Another offering from ‘Madden World’ ...

Audio Only - Apple Podcast - Awards Chatter - Bodyguard 15 April 2019 - 45 minutes of pure magic!

The Scotsman, one of Hollywood's hottest young actors (in more ways than one, in the eyes of many), reflects on playing Robb Stark on 'Game of Thrones,' his Golden Globe-winning turn as a PSTD-afflicted bodyguard protecting the British Home Secretary and those pesky rumours that he may be the next James Bond.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/richard-madden-bodyguard/id1039032256?i=1000434934574

Monday 15 April 2019

Visit to the BFI and Radio Times TV Festival ...

The BFI & Radio Times TV Festival takes place every two years, over a 3-day period; the inaugural event having taken place on 2017. The venue being the BFI on London’s Southbank.

This year’s Festival took place on 12-14 April, with two events of particular interest to me – ‘How we made Bodyguard’ with Jed Mercurio, on Friday 12 April and ‘Midsomer Murders’ with Neil Dudgeon, Jane Wymark, Nick Hendrix and Annette Badland on Sunday 14 April.

I booked both in late February, choosing seat E27 on both occasions. Obviously I was working on Friday 12 April, so travelled up to London in the evening, after work; this meant a direct journey from Luton to London Bridge Station, before changing onto the Jubilee Line to travel to Waterloo station.

It’s always a little disorientating, when one emerges from the underground but, having taken a few steps in the wrong direction and seen a sign indicating the Imperial War Museum, I did a 180 degree turn to head in north-westerly direction instead. My route took me past the Imax roundabout and along Concert Hall Approach to the Royal Festival Hall. Knowing exactly where the latter is, might help me should Richard Madden attend the TV Baftas on 12 May; although he is a glaring omission from the nominations, especially as Bodyguard has been nominated for a number of these awards.

Anyway, I decided to climb the steps leading to the Hayward Gallery, but ended up upon Waterloo Road once more and heading towards Waterloo Bridge! Anyway, I found steps leading down a level, and then down again to the rear entrance of the BFI; you can’t get me lost … even if I don’t have a map to hand!!!

I arrived at around 18:45 and collected my tickets for Friday and Sunday at the box office. The event was taking place in NFT1, starting at 19:30, so I headed back down the corridor to this theatre and waited outside until the attendees from the previous event departed.

Having found my seat amongst the audience, I was able to relax in comfort until the event commenced ... apart from when I had to stand in order to let people reach their seats to the left of me!!!

There were five chairs on the stage; the attendees being writer Jed Mercurio, Executive Producer Simon Heath, Special Effects Supervisor Toby Stewart and Visual Effects Director Drew Jones. The fifth person being a lady radio presenter, who is also a super-fan of the show.

Jed has a very interesting career background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jed_Mercurio

Anyway, the topic of the event was ‘How We Made Bodyguard’ so the focus was upon the Sniper and the Explosion scenes. To set the scene, we were treated to a viewing of one of the Bodyguard trailers.

It was explained how the scenes were created and put together; the sniper scene car interiors were shot against a green screen, with the separately filmed background melded together to form the scene. They explained that the amount of ‘blood’ used, resulting from the driver (Terry) being shot, was far more than would actually be produced during such an incident; it was all there for effect!

The special effects guy (Toby) had sat in the mocked-up car during the effects trials, whilst the ‘bullets’ were being shot at it, to prove that it was safe for the actors to do the same. There was glass on the outside of the windows, which would shatter, but plastic on the inside to provide protection.

There was no sniper on the roof because, as Bodyguard was filmed not long after the Las Vegas terrorist incident, they were not permitted to place a fictional sniper on the roof for this scene. To facilitate this, the screen on David Budd’s mobile phone was also a green screen.

It proved more difficult than usual to get permission to film the action where the car is reversed during the sniper scene … because the road crossed the boundary between the Metropolitan Police jurisdiction and the City of London Police area; but the Director was keen to film in that location.

Once again, during the preparations for the bombing scene, the special effects guys would stand close to the action so as to work out exactly how near or far the actors and stunt team could afford to be to the mock explosion. We saw footage of Richard Madden being tugged backwards to simulate the effects of the explosion, with a green screen behind him.

It was explained that there were two choices with regards to locations for this explosion scene – either build a set in a derelict location and totally wreck it, or use the University of London plus a studio mock-up; they chose the latter as it was cheaper. Bray Studios were used where necessary.

Here is more background information which I found online:

https://inews.co.uk/news/bodyguard-special-effects-team-reveal-secrets-behind-keeley-hawes-bomb-blast/

Jed praised Richard’s dedication to the role of David Budd.

The most expensive constituent part of Bodyguard is … the actors of course!!!

Talks are continuing regarding Bodyguard 2 … and they realise it is going to be far more difficult to shoot the follow-up than the original, because everyone now knows who they are; it will be impossible to do it incognito!!!

As Bodyguard was filmed in late 2017 / early 2018, the filming conditions were cold. Evidently there were a few snow flurries whilst shooting the opening sequence to Bodyguard; it was shot at the Mid Norfolk Railway in Dereham in Norfolk, permission having been revoked to film at Waterloo Station. The opening sequence was, in fact, the final major sequence of the series to be filmed.

I’m not sure if I’m coming out of left-field on this one … it may be solely my imagination … David Budd will feature in Bodyguard 2 but not as a bodyguard, he will have moved on to a different professional role in life?

This outlines a number of the locations used during the filming:

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/travel/bodyguard-filming-locations/

And there is going to be dance-mix version of Ruth Barrett’s Bodyguard theme too!

There was a 15-minute questions and answers session at the end, with around half a dozen or so people asking theirs. I didn’t ask a question, as I felt it would have been far too Richard Madden-related … besides, I really cannot speak in front of so many people!!! I’m far too self-conscious and shy ...

Here’s more background to the discussion on the evening, as reported by the Radio Times:

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-04-15/bodyguard-creator-jed-mercurio-keeley-hawes-julia-montague/

All in all, it was an interesting 60 minutes …

Facing a 90-minute journey home, I decided to join the long queue in the ladies loo before departing. I left via the same door as I’d arrived but, this time, I continued along the roadway towards the Royal Festival Hall, before heading a short distance along Belvedere Road and returning down Concert Hall Approach, heading beneath a railway line and entering Waterloo station by the main entrance.

I headed along the concourse, following the signage to the underground. I returned to London Bridge, and waited upon platform 5 for a northbound Thameslink train back to St Albans. I then walked home, arriving back at 22:05.

If you wish to read the Bodyguard scripts, they are available on the BBC’s Writers Room page:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/bodyguard

Before turning in for the night, I spent time watching ‘Oasis’ - a pilot from Amazon Prime; it never became a series but stars Richard Madden of course … a fellow fan told me about the link, which had been published on a facebook Appreciation page. It’s worth a watch … especially as he’s very pretty in this one … and you’ll be able to appreciate rather a lot of him too!!!

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5fdt4r?fbclid=IwAR2qdxBM0rhEbrqgjYpUqVDwyjPg1Y8S45A9QrgjPE_okUNjTuUC0O6EXWk

Sunday 14 April 2019

Apologies for not writing a blog since Thursday … it’s been a busy weekend, with a visit to London on both Friday evening and this afternoon too.

I attended the BFI Radio Times Festival held at the BFI on the Southbank – Friday’s offering was ‘How we made Bodyguard’ with Jed Mercurio, also Executive Producer Simon Heath, Special Effects Supervisor Toby Stewart and Visual Effects Director Drew Jones. I’m working on a write-up of this!

And today’s event was ‘Midsomer Murders’ with Neil Dudgeon, Jane Wymark, Nick Hendrix and Annette Badland. They are currently filming the 21st series, with the first episode in the can by next Thursday!

Anyway, here are the results for Friday for my runners of interest:

Ayr:

Our Power (Alan King/James Bowen) finished 4th in the Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (5 ran).

Deyrann De Carjac (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles] (11 ran).

Senior Citizen (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 6th in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (7 ran).

Floral Bouquet (Jamie Snowden/Tom O’Brien) finished 5th and Lostnfound (Jamie Snowden/Sam Twiston-Davies) fell during the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (11 ran).

Fontwell Park:

Double Treasure (Jamie Snowden/Max Kendrick) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (5 ran).

College Oak (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 2nd in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (11 ran).

And Saturday:

Ayr:

Azzerti (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was pulled up during the Novices’ Handicap Chase (9 ran).

Redicean (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 11th and Dino Velvet finished 2nd in the Scottish Champion Hurdle (Grade 2) (Limited Handicap) (14 ran).

Ballywood (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (7 ran).

Dingo Dollar (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner and Skipthecuddles (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) was pulled up during the Scottish Grand National (Grade 3) (23 ran).

Potterman (Alan King/Oakley Brown) finished 2nd in the Hands & Heels Handicap Hurdle (for Conditional Jockeys and Amateur Riders) (11 ran).

Zulu Dawn (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 5th and Sheshoon Sunny was a non-runner in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (12 ran).

Bangor-on-Dee:

Timcoda (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) was badly hampered and unseated at the first fence during the Novices’ Handicap Chase (14 ran).

And today’s results:

Wincanton:

Tiffin Top (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran).

Perfect Predator (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (15 ran).

Stratford-Upon-Avon:

Red Admirable (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 2 furlongs & 83 yards] (10 ran).

There are no runners of interest tomorrow.

* * * * * * *

This is today’s offering from ‘Madden World’ and a great deal of fun:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/video/richard-madden-absurd-fan-theories/vp-BBVT8DF

This must have been recorded before his hair was coloured to auburn, although that is his natural colouring! Red is difficult to colour, and fades quickly too; I think the original colour may need to be stripped first too, before being completely successful. I understand Richard is worried about turning grey ... although he does have a very attractive ‘Madden streak’ already.

Thursday 11 April 2019

Cue Card has left the Tizzard’s yard to begin his new career as an ROR horse:

https://www.racingpost.com/news/latest/joe-tizzard-enjoys-one-last-sit-on-legend-cue-card-as-chaser-starts-new-career/375307

Here are today’s results for my runners of interest:

Huntingdon:

Fatima Blush (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) was pulled up during the Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Div I (9 ran).

Marlow Moss (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) finished 8th in the Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Div II (9 ran).

Coole Well (Jamie Snowden/Max Kendrick) finished 5th in the Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran).

Millstone (Alan King/Oakley Brown) finished 3rd in the Maiden NH Flat Race (Conditional Jockeys & Amateur Riders) (10 ran).

Wetherby:

World War (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) finished 7th in the Maiden Hurdle (16 ran).

My Charity (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle Div I [2 miles 5 furlongs & 56 yards] (9 ran).

Big Nasty (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran).

Mercers Court (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Handicap Chase [3 miles & 45 yards] (10 ran).

And tomorrow’s runners of interest:

Ayr:

13:50 Our Power (Alan King/James Bowen) – Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier)

14:20 Deyrann De Carjac (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles]

14:55 Senior Citizen (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

16:30 Floral Bouquet (Jamie Snowden/Tom O’Brien) & Lostnfound (Jamie Snowden/Sam Twiston-Davies) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

Fontwell Park:

15:15 Double Treasure (Jamie Snowden/Max Kendrick) – Novices’ Hurdle

17:30 College Oak (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

* * * * * * *

Here is today’s offering from ‘Madden World’ … an interview in ‘Interview’ magazine; Richard is being interviewed by Elton John, ahead of the release in May of Rocketman:

https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/elton-john-goes-inside-the-mind-of-bodyguards-richard-madden

Those are nice photos … although he should really have had a horse too … but I prefer this one, along with others taken at last Sunday’s Deadline event held in LA. He’s full of boyish charm!

I also love the way that the pink background sets off his naturally auburn hair!!!

Wednesday 10 April 2019

Here are today’s results for my runners of interest, at Warwick:

Newtown Boy (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Novices’ Hurdle (15 ran).

Board Of Trade (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (7 ran).

Little Millie (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) won and Telson Barley (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 2 furlongs] (15 ran); Wayne’s 82nd winner of the season.

And one at Kempton Park too:

Zorro’s Girl (Archie Watson/Hollie Doyle/Apple Tree Stud) finished 3rd in the Handicap [7 furlongs] (12 ran).

And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest:

Huntingdon:

13:40 Fatima Blush (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) – Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Div I

14:10 Marlow Moss (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) – Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Div II

14:45 Coole Well (Jamie Snowden/Max Kendrick) – Novices’ Hurdle

17:25 Millstone (Alan King/Oakley Brown) – Maiden NH Flat Race (Conditional Jockeys & Amateur Riders)

Wetherby:

13:50 World War (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) – Maiden Hurdle

15:25 My Charity (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Hurdle Div I [2 miles 5 furlongs & 56 yards]

16:30 Big Nasty (Martin Keighley/Leighton Aspell) – Novices’ Hurdle

17:05 Mercers Court (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [3 miles & 45 yards]

* * * * * * *

Richard Madden has been participating in a couple of events in LA, relating to being a contender for an Emmy Award later in the year ... and this is today’s offering; I could watch and listen to him forever:

Richard Madden from 'Bodyguard,' Emmy Contenders chats with the Los Angeles Times

It’s such a shame Bafta didn’t nominate him for a TV award this year; the ceremony of which takes place on Sunday 12 May.

Tuesday 09 April 2019

Just one result to report today, from Exeter:

Sammylou (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 10th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 135 yards] (13 ran).

And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest, at Warwick:

15:15 Newtown Boy (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle

15:45 Board Of Trade (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

16:20 Little Millie (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Telson Barley (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 2 furlongs]

Wayne Hutchinson is currently on 81 wins for the season, with Little Millie having won at Uttoxeter on 30 March, and also with The Glancing Queen winning at Aintree.

Alan King now has 85 winners, as he trains The Glancing Queen.

Brendan Powell Senior is quitting training due to financial pressures.

RIP

Sadly these three horses were lost during the Aintree Festival

Crucial Role,

trained by Dan Skelton

Forest Des Aigles,

trained by Lucinda Russell

Up For Review,

trained by Willie Mullins

Monday 08 April 2019

Here is Tiger Roll being paraded at the end of Grand National Day … he was so frisky that he could have gone round again!!!

It’s also catch-up time, following my visit to Aintree …

Here are last Wednesday’s results for my runners of interest:

Market Rasen:

Harambe (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the NH Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran); Alan’s 84th winner of the season and Wayne’s 79th winner of the season.

King Vince (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) fell three out during the Handicap Chases [2 miles 5 furlongs & 89 yards] (8 ran).

Rebel Royal (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 7th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 139 yards] (10 ran).

Wincanton:

Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Jack Quinlan/EPDS Racing) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [1 mile 7 furlongs & 149 yards] (8 ran).

Chapmanshype (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 4th in the NH Maiden Hurdle (10 ran).

Kempton Park (AW):

Zorro’s Girl (Archie Watson/Hollie Doyle/Apple Tree Stud) finished 2nd in the Handicap Div I [7 furlongs] (9 ran).

And yesterday’s results for my runners of interest:

Ffos Las:

Ami Desbois (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 7 furlongs & 177 yards] (12 ran).

Chat To Charlie (Max Kendrick/Graeme McPherson) finished 7th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (8 ran).

Plumpton:

Vieux Lille (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) was pulled up during the Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 152 yards] (5 ran).

Cloud Formation (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) finished 7th in the Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (9 ran).

And one runner of interest tomorrow, at Exeter:

16:40 Sammylou (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 135 yards]

I succumbed to a cold virus whilst away, and it seemed to take a turn for the worse when I arrived home yesterday but, despite a sleepless night, I attended work today!

Link to Aintree Blogs ... work in progress ... soon!!!

Tuesday 02 April 2019

There was no result to report yesterday, from Ludlow, as Timoteo was a non-runner.

Here are tomorrow’s runners of interest:

Market Rasen:

14:30 Harambe (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – NH Novices’ Hurdle

15:05 King Vince (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) – Handicap Chases [2 miles 5 furlongs & 89 yards]

16:05 Rebel Royal (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 139 yards]

Wincanton:

16:15 Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Jack Quinlan/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Chase [1 mile 7 furlongs & 149 yards]

17:15 Chapmanshype (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – NH Maiden Hurdle

Kempton Park (AW):

17:10 Zorro’s Girl (Archie Watson/Hollie Doyle/Apple Tree Stud) – Handicap Div I [7 furlongs]