NOVEMBER 2011

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Very good news regarding one of my favourite horses, Kumbeshwar:

Hereford

All For Free (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 4th and Kumbeshwar (Alan King/Choc) won the Novices’ Chase; Choc’s 28th winner of the season J

Godsmejudge (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th in the Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran).

Tsarinova (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle (11 ran).

Uttoxeter

Balerina (Alan King/Peter Hatton) finished 8th in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

Tomorrow there are runners of interest at two National Hunt fixtures:

Wincanton

13:10 Cool Steel (Alan King/Choc) – NH Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

13:40 Habbie Simpson (Alan King/Choc) & Midnight Sail (Alan King/Jimmy McCarthy) - Beginners’ Chase

14:45 Dineur (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

Leicester

13:00 Reyamour (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Juvenile Fillies’ Hurdle

Here is an account from ATR’s website regarding today’s victory aboard Kumbeshwar. More

And I look forward to viewing the recording of this race later this evening.

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Lough Derg in the Parade Ring

ahead of his final career start on 19 November 2011

News today that Lough Derg has been retired following a very disappointing appearance at Ascot earlier this month when he almost refused to race and was pulled up having completed one circuit. More

Tomorrow there are runners of interest at Hereford and Uttoxeter:

Hereford

13:20 All For Free (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) & Kumbeshwar (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Chase

13:50 Godsmejudge (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

14:20 Tsarinova (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

Uttoxeter

14:10 Balerina (Alan King/Peter Hatton) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

Although I’ve made a slower start than usual to my most recent diary, Newbury, I have begun the draft and, as I think it’s odds against a trip to Sandown Park this weekend (and Cheltenham the following weekend for that matter), it shouldn’t be too difficult to complete it before I go racing again.

Monday 28 November 2011

A couple of runners of interest today:

Folkestone

Golden Firebird (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (6 ran).

Ffos Las

Manor Court (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 2nd in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (5 ran).

No riding engagements for Choc tomorrow.

The trip to Kent being a long one, Andrew Thornton drove Choc home from Folkestone (in Choc’s car) and mistook the A3 turning for the M3 turning; Choc said he ‘should of gone to specsavers’. Andrew wears contact lenses and his nickname is Lenzio.

Sunday 27 November 2011

A couple of runners of interest tomorrow:

Folkestone

15:40 Golden Firebird (Alan King/Choc) – Mares’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race

Ffos Las

16:00 Manor Court (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

I’m feeling rough again today ... but I have selected and uploaded my photographs taken at Newbury yesterday.

Click here to view.

Why is it that colds always arrive to spoil the weekend, not weekdays? I suppose it’s because they are usually picked up in a Monday to Friday working environment so, by the time they develop, the worst days fall at the weekend.

Saturday 26 November 2011

Mattie Batchelor celebrates having won the

Hennessy Gold Cup aboard Carruthers

The story of the day, not surprisingly, was Carruthers’ win in the Hennessy Gold Cup; I love a good story! More

Newbury

Iron Chancellor (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Handicap Chase, for the Fulke Walwyn Trophy (15 ran).

Raya Star (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Intermediate Hurdle [Listed Limited Handicap] (aka The Gerry Feilden Hurdle) (11 ran).

Blazing Bailey (Alan King/Choc) finished 8th in the Hennessy Gold Cup (18 ran).

Hector’s Choice (Richard Lee/Choc) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (14 ran).

Big Buck’s won again, equalling Bula’s record of 13 consecutive wins. More Yes, I remember Bula!

Bangor On Dee

Titeuf De Tierce (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 1½ furlongs] (6 ran).

Quotica De Poyans (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd & Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase [3 miles & ½ a furlong] (7 ran).

Peddlers Cross won his second outing over the larger obstacles. More

Towcester

Lovcen (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) won the NH Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran).

Brimham Boy (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) finished 5th in the Handicap Chase (13 ran).

Overturn took the honours in the The Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. More

Choc has no riding engagements tomorrow.

I dropped in to see my friend Denise on my way home from Newbury, so didn’t get home until 22:30. I’m now totally ‘bunged up’ with cold ... and feeling pretty rough. I may even stay in bed all day tomorrow!!!

Friday 25 November 2011

Just a few results today:

Newbury

Ardlui (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Juvenile Hurdle (9 ran).

Oh Crick (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase, for the Jim Joel Memorial Trophy (7 ran).

And there was another one, Broomfield (Paul Nicholls/Choc) who finished 4th in the National Hunt Maiden Hurdle (12 ran). Choc acted as the ‘super-sub’, Ruby Walsh having been stood down following a bump on the back of his head when his mount fell at the final fence in the Novices’ Handicap Chase. More

There was an exciting finish to the Grade 2 Novices’ Chase, with Bobs Worth just outpointing Cue Card. More

Doncaster

Mickytaker (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (4 ran).

Tomorrow there are runners of interest at three of the fixtures:

Newbury

13:30 Iron Chancellor (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Handicap Chase, for the Fulke Walwyn Trophy

14:05 Raya Star (Alan King/Choc) – Intermediate Hurdle [Listed Limited Handicap] (aka The Gerry Feilden Hurdle)

15:10 Blazing Bailey (Alan King/Choc) – Hennessy Gold Cup

15:45 Hector’s Choice (Richard Lee/Choc) – Handicap Chase

Big Buck’s makes his seasonal reappearance in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at 14:35.

Bangor On Dee

12:45 Titeuf De Tierce (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 1½ furlongs]

13:20 Quotica De Poyans (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase [3 miles & ½ a furlong] ... nightmare names to type!!!

The highlight on the card is Peddlers Cross, on his second outing over fences, taking on 4 rivals in the Future Novices’ Chase at 12:10.

Towcester

13:35 Lovcen (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – NH Novices’ Hurdle

14:10 Brimham Boy (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – Handicap Chase

The Fighting Fifth Hurdle will be run at 14:20 at Newcastle (unlike last year when it was transferred to Newbury due to bad weather!). Binocular takes on 4 rivals, including Overturn and Celestial Halo.

I can confirm that I now have a cold (with a touch of laryngitis) ... but I don’t think it will be a particularly bad one, as I caught it from my mother. She developed the first symptoms on Monday and is already feeling a lot better.

And, of course, all being well, I’ll be heading to Newbury for Hennessy Gold Cup day; my fourth consecutive live ‘viewing’ of the famous race.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Today’s results are as follows:

Uttoxeter

King Zeal (BD Leavy/Choc) finished 6th in the Novices’ Hurdle (15 ran).

Jetnova (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Beginners’ Chase (4 ran).

Crazy Bold (Tony Carroll/Choc) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

Scourie Bay (J Mackie/Choc) finished 10th in the Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (12 ran).

Newbury

Lidar (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) won the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (4 ran).

Levera (Alan King/Ciaran McKee) finished 4th in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (6 ran).

Taunton

Monturgeon (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran).

Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Chase (6 ran).

Sweet Irony (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd & Marleno (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle (7 ran).

Rivermouth (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (8 ran).

Tomorrow there are runners of interest at Newbury and Doncaster:

Newbury

13:00 Ardlui (Alan King/Choc) – Juvenile Hurdle

15:15 Oh Crick (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase, for the Jim Joel Memorial Trophy

Doncaster

15:05 Mickytaker (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Handicap Chase

Andrew Tinkler took a fall at Newbury today and, having broken a number of bones in his hand, is on the injured list for a few days. More

And I’ve got a sore throat today and am in the process of losing my voice. For the past couple of days I’ve had an inkling that I might have a cold on the way ... just what I want with a trip to Newbury planned for Saturday ... and ongoing sinus problems. I hate November; it always seems to be the month when I catch my first, and sometimes only, cold of the winter.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Here are today’s results ... and another winner for Choc J

Wetherby

Volcan Surprise (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (11 ran).

Call Me A Star (Alan King/Choc) won the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (18 ran); Choc’s 27th winner of the season.

Fontwell Park

Frizzo (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran).

Always Bold (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) won the Handicap Hurdle; Martin’s 22nd winner of the season. Congratulations to the team.

Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (5 ran).

Tomorrow there are 3 National Hunt fixtures, with runners of interest at each of them:

Uttoxeter

12:20 King Zeal (BD Leavy/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

12:50 Jetnova (Alan King/Choc) – Beginners’ Chase

14:00 Crazy Bold (Tony Carroll/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

15:40 Scourie Bay (J Mackie/Choc) – Intermediate Open NH Flat Race

Newbury

13:00 Lidar (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

15:20 Levera (Alan King/Ciaran McKee) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Taunton

13:10 Monturgeon (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – NH Novices’ Hurdle

13:45 Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Novices’ Chase

14:20 Sweet Irony (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Marleno (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Hurdle

15:30 Rivermouth (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase

I’ve completed my Ascot diary. Click here to read.

My ENT appointment today turned out to be a waste of time on this occasion. I’ve seen a different specialist at the Medical Centre on each of my three visits, today I saw a doctor with a ‘special interest’ in ENT who, after examining me, decided to consult a colleague. I now have a 4th appointment in a couple of weeks’ time, when I will see the surgeon (who I saw during my 1st appointment and prior to my CT scan) because he wishes to carry out an operation to clear out my nasal passages and straighten my septum! Evidently there is a congenital problem with the ‘design’ of my nose, which has become apparent since the lining of the nasal passages has thickened up over the course of time. The doctor mentioned ‘polyps’ today ... which has been my theory all along! And, as mentioned a couple of months ago, my brother had an identical operation when he was in his early twenties.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

This afternoon there were a number of runners of interest at Lingfield Park:

All For Free (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 2nd in the Beginners’ Chase (4 ran).

Next Man In (Alan King/Choc) finished 9th in the Novices’ Hurdle (18 ran).

Balerina (Alan King/Choc) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle (9 ran).

Credit Crunched (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th & Saffron Lord (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase (11 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest:

Wetherby

14:35 Volcan Surprise (Alan King/Choc) – Juvenile Maiden Hurdle

15:35 Call Me A Star (Alan King/Choc) – Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race

Fontwell Park

12:40 Frizzo (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle

13:50 Always Bold (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Hurdle

14:20 Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

Tomorrow I’ve got another appointment to see the ENT specialist; the steroid nasal spray I’ve been using for the past two months has had little effect, so I guess I’ll need an operation to clear out my sinuses and to straighten the septum. The sooner the better, as I’m dreading catching my first cold of the winter.

Hopefully I’ll finish my Ascot diary later this evening, and will be able to upload it before I turn in for the night.

Monday 21 November 2011

Choc had 2 riding engagements at Kempton Park this afternoon, and this is how he fared:

Amore Mio (Richard Phillips) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle (10 ran). Choc is riding very strongly ‘hands and heels’ since the revised whip rules came into effect and his mount stayed on having dropped from third to the back of the field at the far corner! And there can be prize money down to 6th place.

Midnight Appeal (Alan King) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (5 ran).

No runners of interest at Ludlow or Ffos Las.

It was a Nicky Henderson benefit day, with him training 7 winners from 7 runners at 3 courses – 4 at Kempton, 2 at Ludlow and 1 at Ffos Las. More

Tomorrow, there are a number of runners of interest at Lingfield Park:

13:20 All For Free (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Beginners’ Chase

13:50 Next Man In (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

14:50 Balerina (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

15:20 Credit Crunched (Alan King/Choc) & Saffron Lord (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

Good news and bad news ...

Choc did another final furlong course walk at Kempton Park today. However, as I’d been to Kempton Park’s previous Monday jumping fixture and there had been no course walk, I thought it was ‘safe’ for me to arrange an appointment for the engineer to fix my TV reception problem today. So, when I discovered at 08:00 this morning that another walk was planned (via a tweet from Choc!), I was gutted. L

The appointment being at 10:00, I was still just a little hopeful that I might make it to the racecourse in time but, as the problem turned out to be worse than expected (the booster box is okay but the roof aerial and cabling had to be replaced), the engineer didn’t leave until midday so it became impossible. Mind you, I’ve now also got far better satellite picture reception, as the equipment needed to be re-tuned to receive Channel 52 (instead of Channel 68) because, evidently, a new transmitter at Hemel Hempstead has been causing interference to the signal in this area. And I was wondering why, despite the satellite box and dish being replaced a few weeks ago (it was over a decade old so I didn’t have Sky+HD) the TV reception for At The Races and Racing UK had improved very little! It’s now crystal clear!

I’ve found a photograph of Choc and Ruby taking part in the Burts Chips Mini Cooper Jockeys’ Challenge at Cheltenham in aid of the IJF and Greatwood. Click here to view.

Sunday 20 November 2011

Today’s results are as follows:

Exeter

Flaming Charlie (Alan King/Choc) was pulled up before 4 out in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase [3 miles]; having blundered and almost unseated Choc at the 12th obstacle (7 ran).

Bless The Wings (Alan King/Choc) won the Novices’ Handicap Chase [2 miles 3½ furlongs] (15 ran); Choc’s 26th winner of the season. I’m pleased to report that Rigadin De Beauchene is okay, having ploughed through the first fence leaving a gaping hole; he looked injured having lost his action, but this turned out to be because his reins were wrapped around his forelegs.

Bathcounty (FJ Brennan/Choc) fell at the last when, possibly, booked for 4th place in the Novices’ Hurdle (15 ran). Both horse and jockey were fine (15 ran).

Towcester

Consult (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

Fitandproperjob (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) was a non-runner due to lameness; Typhon De Guye (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) finished 2nd, having been caught on the line in the Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (13 ran).

Genstone Trail (Alan King) was a non-runner in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

The fog descended at Towcester mid-afternoon; it having been misty earlier in the afternoon, the 6th race (a Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase) was abandoned for safety reasons. Being November and sunny yesterday, we had fog in Hertfordshire until late morning; but fortunately the sunshine returned and it cleared here.

Tomorrow, Choc will be at Kempton Park, where he has two riding engagements:

14:35 Amore Mio (Richard Phillips) – Handicap Hurdle

15:10 Midnight Appeal (Alan King) – Handicap Chase

No runners of interest at Ludlow or Ffos Las.

News that Kumbeshwar will have his first training session over fences tomorrow, to see how he gets on; this is because the handicapper has currently got his measure over hurdles. He’s a lovely big horse, very game, and seems to swagger around the Parade Ring; I’m hopeful he gets on well.

Katchit is expected to improve from yesterday’s run and will continue hurdling for the time being.

Kalahari King is fine having been pulled up abruptly during yesterday’s Amlin 1965 Chase. More

I hope there’s not bad news to report regarding Stoney’s Treasure who, in fact, all but fell at the last fence during the Handicap Chase at Ascot on Friday; he was reported as ‘Unseated Rider’ on the Racing Post website but ‘Pulled Up’ on the At The Races site. I watched the race last evening and, although he got to his feet, he didn’t attempt to gallop away and looked distressed.

I’ve uploaded the photos taken at Ascot yesterday. Link to Races 1 to 4 and Races 5 to 7.

Saturday 19 November 2011

Master Minded wins Ascot’s Amlin 1965 Chase

An excellent day for the Paul Nicholls yard, with Kauto Star winning Haydock’s Betfair Chase for the fourth time. More

Ascot showed the race on the big screen sited at one end of the Parade Ring, it taking place as the trainers, jockeys and connections were in the paddock ahead of the sixth event. Everyone watched the race, including Choc, who stood with Alan King and Barry Geraghty. When Kauto passed the winning post, there was an outbreak of spontaneous applause; in fact I felt quite emotional!

As you may have guessed from the above photo, Master Minded won Ascot’s feature race, the Amlin 1965 Chase. More

And here are today’s results:

Ascot

Medermit (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Amlin 1965 Chase (Grade 2) (6 ran).

Katchit (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Coral Hurdle (Grade 2) (7 ran).

Torphichen (Alan King/Choc) finished 6th Handicap Chase (11 ran).

Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (14 ran).

Haydock Park

Forresters Folly (Alan King/DE Mullins) finished 6th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (9 ran).

Huntingdon

Kauto The Roc (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Chase (4 ran).

Night Rose (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) finished 2nd in the Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle (9 ran).

Spring Moon (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase (6 ran).

Tomorrow, there are a number of runners of interest:

Exeter

13:30 Flaming Charlie (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase [3 miles]

14:00 Bless The Wings (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Handicap Chase [2 miles 3½ furlongs]

15:00 Bathcounty (FJ Brennan/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

Towcester

14:45 Consult (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Hurdle

15:45 Fitandproperjob (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) & Typhon De Guye (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) – Intermediate Open NH Flat Race

Genstone Trail (Alan King) is a doubtful runner in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

And my Hennessy Gold Cup Day ticket has finally arrived. Hooray!!! So, all being well, I’ll be heading to Newbury next Saturday.

Friday 18 November 2011

There were a number of runners of interest on the first day of the Ascot fixture, and this is how they fared:

Busby Berkeley (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 7th in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (9 ran).

Henry San (Alan King/Choc) finished 8th in the Introductory Hurdle (11 ran).

Balzaccio (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th & Court In Session (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 7th in the Handicap Chase (9 ran).

Stoney’s Treasure (Alan King/Choc) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase (11 ran).

Pantxoa (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle (9 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest at three different fixtures:

Ascot

14:10 Medermit (Alan King/Choc) – Amlin 1965 Chase (Grade 2); he faces 5 rivals – Master Minded, Somersby, Stagecoach Pearl, Kalahari King and The Sawyer.

14:45 Katchit (Alan King/Choc) – Coral Hurdle (Grade 2)

15:20 Torphichen (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase

15:55 Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Choc) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

Haydock Park

13:20 Forresters Folly (Alan King/DE Mullins) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

The big race of the day is the Betfair Chase at 15:05 with Long Run taking on Kauto Star, Diamond Harry, Pure Faith, Time For Rupert and Weird Al.

Huntingdon

12:40 Kauto The Roc (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Chase

13:10 Night Rose (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle

14:20 Spring Moon (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

Being a Friday, Martin Keighley’s weekly column has appeared in the Gloucestershire Press. More

When I phoned about my Hennessy Gold Cup day ticket I was told that Newbury had been contacted and had promised to send out their tickets this week ... so I’m obviously not the only person who is still awaiting the arrival of their tickets!!! Hopefully, then, the letter will arrive tomorrow or Monday.

I’m planning to go to Ascot tomorrow; gates open at 10:45. And I hope I won’t be instructed to park under that huge cedar tree again!!!

Thursday 17 November 2011

An excellent day at Hereford ... with Choc riding a treble! JJJ

Hereford

Reyamour (Alan King/Choc) won the Juvenile Hurdle (10 ran).

Way Back When (Alan King/Choc) won the Mares’ Handicap Chase (7 ran).

Invictus (Alan King/Choc) won the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (7 ran).

Awesome Bella (Alan King/Choc) finished 10th & One More Cookie (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 7th in the Mares’ Maiden Open NH Flat Race (15 ran).

That’s Choc’s 23rd, 24th and 25th winners of the season.

Wincanton

Kings Troop (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) finished 7th in the Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

Romulus D’Artaix (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (11 ran).

Tomorrow, there are a number of runners of interest on the first day of the Ascot fixture:

13:00 Busby Berkeley (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – NH Novices’ Hurdle

14:10 Henry San (Alan King/Choc) – Introductory Hurdle

14:45 Balzaccio (Alan King/Choc) & Court In Session (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

15:20 Stoney’s Treasure (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase

15:55 Pantxoa (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

Unfortunately I can’t make it to Ascot tomorrow, as my team at work is short-staffed. But I’m hoping to be there on Saturday.

More excellent news ... Choc has written another column in the Horse and Hound this week, so I presume it will continue to appear on a fortnightly basis throughout the winter. I’m now so glad that I didn’t cancel my subscription!

For the record, this week he writes about Cheltenham’s Open Meeting, mentioning that he thinks both Araldur and West End Rocker aren’t suited to the undulations of the track; the former being difficult to keep balanced due to his size, and the latter will now try his luck in the Becher Chase at Aintree on 03 December. (That clashes with the second day of Sandown’s Tingle Creek Festival, so my hoped for trip to the Esher track may be in doubt although, of course, Choc may not necessarily ride West End Rocker. We shall see.)

Choc also wrote about both Tom Bellamy and Harry Derham, who rode their first Cheltenham winners last weekend. He recalls his first Cheltenham winner, which was in an amateur event in early autumn; and realises that, at the time, he didn’t quite realise how special, and difficult, it is to ride a winner at the track!

Once again he mentions whip bans, the jockeys still being concerned about the safety aspect of being limited to 8 smacks, especially for three mile plus races.

Choc was pleased to win the Haldon Gold Cup aboard Medermit; despite the general opinion that Captain Chris would have won but for unseating Richard Johnson at the last, Choc’s not so sure that Medermit wouldn’t have won regardless. And he mentions that Medermit is now expected to run in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot this Saturday, where he may Master Minded.

And, finally, Burts Chips agreed to pay £100 to the Injured Jockeys Fund for each jockey who managed to squeeze into a Mini last Sunday. (I’d love to have seen that!) Eighteen jump jockeys, with an average height of 5 foot 7 inches (Choc’s height) managed to fit into the car ... and Choc got totally stuck, it taking around 15 minutes to get him out!!! Although I can imagine it would be rather nice to be squeezed up against Choc; we can but dream! LOL.

Still no sign of my ticket for Hennessy Gold Cup day at Newbury ... I shall phone to chase it up again tomorrow.

But I have almost completed by Christmas present buying for this year; I like to have it sorted by the end of November.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

There were a number of runners of interest at Warwick this afternoon, and this is how they fared:

Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Mr Danny Hiskett) finished 5th in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (11 ran). Unfortunately Danny picked up a 5-day ban for excessive use of the whip.

Gospel Preacher (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (17 ran).

Ali Baba (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th and Hindon Road (Alan King/Choc) finished 7th in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (15 ran).

Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) was a non-runner in the Handicap Chase, as he needed a bit more ‘cut’ in the ground

Dalavar (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the ‘Junior’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (16 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest:

Hereford

13:30 Reyamour (Alan King/Choc) - Juvenile Hurdle

14:00 Way Back When (Alan King/Choc) – Mares’ Handicap Chase

14:30 Invictus (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

16:00 Awesome Bella (Alan King/Choc) & One More Cookie (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Mares’ Maiden Open NH Flat Race

Wincanton

13:05 Kings Troop (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – Handicap Hurdle

14:10 Romulus D’Artaix (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle

Very sad news today that Razor Royale had to be put down following an accident on the gallops when he broke a hind leg. More

Following his winning ride aboard Brampour in last Sunday’s Greatwood Hurdle, young Harry Derham has decided to turn professional. More

The good news is that my Kempton Park Boxing Day ticket arrived today ... but the bad news is that I’m still waiting for my Hennessy Gold Cup day ticket to be delivered. I shall have to phone again before the weekend to follow up my order if it doesn’t arrive in the next day or two; having already called last Friday to confirm that my order had been received, which it had. However, as Newbury had problems with their website two or three weeks ago which prevented punters ordering their tickets online at that time, it might be causing a general delay; I ordered my ticket via the BHA site due to this glitch, with my ticket due to be despatched by the relevant racecourse.

And I’ve arranged for the aerial engineer to take a look at the booster box next Monday morning so, hopefully, the problem will soon be sorted out and my bedroom TV will be working once again.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow, at Warwick:

13:30 Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Mr Danny Hiskett) - Novices’ Handicap Chase

14:00 Gospel Preacher (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

15:00 Ali Baba (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Hindon Road (Alan King/Choc) – NH Novices’ Hurdle

15:30 Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

16:00 Dalavar (Alan King/Choc) – ‘Junior’ Standard Open NH Flat Race

Damn ... on Saturday my brother Neil kindly set up my new VCR/DVD player to work with the TV in my bedroom ... and now the aerial signal booster appears to have failed. Typical! I shall pop into the local aerial installations shop tomorrow lunchtime to make arrangements to have the problem rectified; it had to be replaced once before and I had a feeling the picture quality has been deteriorating in recent weeks.

Monday 14 November 2011

Choc had 3 riding engagements today, all for Alan King, at Plumpton:

Dona finished 2nd in the Novices’ Chase (3 ran).

Ransson finished 7th in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran).

Prince Du Seuil won the Handicap Chase; Choc’s 22nd winner of the season (6 ran). J

No riding engagements for Choc tomorrow ... although I don’t suppose he’ll mind, as Folkestone and Fakenham are the ‘back of beyond’ in relation to his home county of Gloucestershire!

Sunday 13 November 2011

There were a number of runners of interest this afternoon:

Cheltenham

Court In Session (Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) jumped well on his first outing over fences and finished 4th in the Novices’ Chase (7 ran).

Chaninbar (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) was reluctant to race and then refused at the 5th in the Chase [2 miles] (5 ran).

Kumbeshwar (Alan King/Choc) finished 16th and The Betchworth Kid (Alan King/Jimmy McCarthy) finished 15th in the Greatwood Hurdle (23 ran). A Media Luz refused to start!

Pride In Battle (Alan King/Choc) finished 11th in the Handicap Hurdle (18 ran).

Bevnott (Lucy Wadham/Choc) tailed off and was pulled up in the Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran).

Montbazon (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (12 ran).

With 6 winners, plus the winner of the Charity race, Paul Nicholls was top trainer at the Open Meeting. Ruby Walsh was top rider with 5 wins ... nothing changes!

The Greatwood Hurdle was won by the Paul Nicholls trained Brampour, ridden by his 17-year-old nephew and amateur jockey, Harry Derham. More

Fontwell Park

Always Bold (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) won the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 3 furlongs] (6 ran); congratulations to the team, their 21st winner of the season.

Dhaafer (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 2½ furlongs] (12 ran).

Tomorrow, Choc has 3 riding engagements, all for Alan King, at Plumpton:

13:30 Dona – Novices’ Chase

14:00 Ransson – NH Novices’ Hurdle

14:30 Prince Du Seuil – Handicap Chase

I don’t feel that I’ve accomplished much this weekend ... but, hopefully, I’ll get the opportunity to go racing again next Saturday; although, unfortunately, I’ll have to bypass Ascot on Friday as we are too short-staffed at work.

Saturday 12 November 2011

There were a number of runners of interest today, and this is how they fared:

Cheltenham

Secret Edge (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Juvenile Hurdle) (9 ran).

West End Rocker (Alan King/Choc) was making progress when blundering badly at the uphill fence (14th) and was pulled up a few fences later in the Handicap Chase [3 miles 3½ furlongs] (11 ran).

Araldur (Alan King/Choc) finished 10th in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase but he did hit a couple of fences and blundered badly at the 11th too (Group 3 Handicap) [2 miles 4½ furlongs] (20 ran).

Choc said he was ‘starving’ last evening, having to waste down to 10 stone to ride in the race.

The race was won by the grey Great Endeavour ridden by ‘renaissance man’ Timmy Murphy, and trained by David Pipe. More

Wetherby

Mauricetheathlete (Martin Keighley/Mr N Slatter) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle (15 ran).

Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (11 ran).

Uttoxeter

Saffron Lord (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) was hampered at the first and unseated his jockey in the Beginners’ Chase (10 ran).

Ruling Party (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (18 ran).

Brimham Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) finished 4th in the Handicap Chase (7 ran).

There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow:

Cheltenham

13:10 Court In Session (Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) – Novices’ Chase

13:45 Chaninbar (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) – Chase [2 miles]; a new horse to the yard, hopefully he will put his best hoof forward as he has proved very quirky in the past, refusing to race on a number of occasions.

14:20 Kumbeshwar (Alan King/Choc) & The Betchworth Kid (Alan King/Jimmy McCarthy) – Greatwood Hurdle

14:55 Pride In Battle (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

16:00 Montbazon (Alan King/Choc) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

Fontwell Park

12:55 Always Bold (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 3 furlongs]

14:05 Dhaafer (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) - Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 2½ furlongs]

Friday 11 November 2011

Today there were a number of runners of interest at Cheltenham on the first day of their Open Meeting:

Oh Crick (Alan King/Choc) finished 7th and Havingotascoobydo (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) was the runner-up in the Handicap Chase (17 ran). The latter did really well for a novice, having only his fourth run over the larger obstacles. More

Surburban Bay (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) finished 11th in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, having looked in with a chance before making a mistake two out (23 ran).

Champion Court (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) ran very well too, finishing 2nd to Grands Crus in the Novices’ Chase; Cue Card unseated his jockey, Joe Tizzard, at the first of the open-ditches (7 ran). More

Congratulations to young Tom Bellamy, son of Robert, for riding his first Cheltenham winner aboard popular grey Swing Bill in the Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase; trainer David Pipe having three winners at the fixture today.

Being a Friday, Martin Keighley’s weekly column has appeared in the Gloucestershire Press. More

Tomorrow, there are runners of interest at all three National Hunt fixtures:

Cheltenham

13:20 Secret Edge (Alan King/Choc) – JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Juvenile Hurdle)

13:55 West End Rocker (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase [3 miles 3½ furlongs]

14:35 Araldur (Alan King/Choc) – Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (Group 3 Handicap) [2 miles 4½ furlongs]

Wetherby

14:25 Mauricetheathlete (Martin Keighley/Mr N Slatter) – Handicap Hurdle

14:55 Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

Uttoxeter

12:55 Saffron Lord (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) – Beginners’ Chase

14.05 Ruling Party (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) - Novices’ Hurdle

14:40 Brimham Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) – Handicap Chase

Today has been a typical November day ... dank and misty. Just like the Novembers I remember as a child. I have to confess that this is my least favourite month of the year. But at least there’s good National Hunt racing to cheer me up.

I’m not venturing out to the races this weekend; Cheltenham is just a little too far away as the nights draw in ... I’m going to save myself for Ascot next Saturday and Newbury the following Saturday. And, come to think of it, Sandown the Saturday after that! It’s all go ...

Thursday 10 November 2011

Choc had just one riding engagement at Ludlow today, and this is how he fared:

Catching Dreams (L Corcoran) was pulled up in the Introductory Hurdle (6 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest at Cheltenham on the first day of their Open Meeting:

13:45 Oh Crick (Alan King/Choc) & Havingotascoobydo (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

15:30 Surburban Bay (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

16:05 Champion Court (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – Novices’ Chase; Cue Card and Grands Crus also line up in this event, so it should be an exciting race.

The BHA has amended its whip rules yet again, reducing the penalties, and they will come into effect tomorrow.

More It’s become a total farce!!!

Wednesday 09 November 2011

Today there were a number of runners of interest, and this is how they fared:

Exeter:

Cosway Spirit (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th in the Novices’ Hurdle Div I (12 ran).

Malin Head (RH Buckler/Choc) finished 9th in the Novices’ Hurdle Div II (13 ran).

Iron Chancellor (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Chase (9 ran).

Who’s Afraid (Alan King/Choc) finished 11th in the Mares’ Novices Hurdle finished (16 ran).

Bangor On Dee:

Saudi Pearl (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the ‘Newcomers’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (16 ran).

Tomorrow, Choc has just one riding engagement, at Ludlow:

15:30 Catching Dreams (L Corcoran) – Introductory Hurdle

Peddlers Cross made a winning debut over fences at Bangor today. More

Donald McCain’s stable jockey, Jason Maguire, is hoping to return to action following injury within the next two weeks. More

And I’ve finished and uploaded my Sandown Park diary. Click here to read.

Tuesday 08 November 2011

Today there were a number of runners of interest and this is how they fared:

Huntingdon:

Inchloch (Miss C Dyson/Choc) finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle (9 ran).

Rivermouth (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (7 ran).

Dineur (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th in the Novices’ Hurdle (11 ran).

Royal City (Miss Louise Allan) finished 9th in the ‘Junior’ Standard Open Flat Race (12 ran).

Lingfield:

Cold Knight (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the ‘NH’ Novices’ Hurdle (14 ran).

Lidar (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd & Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 7th in the Handicap Chase (9 ran).

Again, tomorrow, there are a number of runners of interest:

Exeter:

12:50 Cosway Spirit (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle Div I

13:20 Malin Head (RH Buckler/Choc) - Novices’ Hurdle Div II

14:20 Iron Chancellor (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Chase

15:50 Who’s Afraid (Alan King/Choc) - Mares’ Novices Hurdle

Bangor On Dee:

16:10 Saudi Pearl (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – ‘Newcomers’ Standard Open NH Flat Race

Monday 07 November 2011

Today there were a number of runners of interest:

Hereford:

Godsmejudge (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran).

Western Whisky (Richard Lee/Choc) blundered and unseated Choc at the eleventh fence in the Handicap Chase (5 ran).

Southwell:

Marleno (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles] (5 ran).

Mickytaker (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Handicap Chase [3 miles] (4 ran).

Cool Steel (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle (10 ran).

Busby Berkeley (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) finished last in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (5 ran).

Tomorrow there are, again, a number of runners of interest:

Huntingdon:

13:20 Inchloch (Miss C Dyson/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

13:50 Rivermouth (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase

14:20 Dineur (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

15:50 Royal City (Miss Louise Allan) – ‘Junior’ Standard Open Flat Race

Lingfield:

14:10 Cold Knight (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – ‘NH’ Novices’ Hurdle

15:10 Lidar (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

Sunday 06 November 2011

Today there were a number of runners of interest:

Ffos Las

Bygones In Brid (Alan King/Choc) ran very disappointingly, finishing 8th in the Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran).

Habbie Simpson (Alan King/Choc) was ‘unsighted’ jumping 3 out and unseated Choc in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (5 ran). Choc confirmed, in answer to my tweet, that he is fine following the mishap.

Noble Crusader (Richard Lee/Choc) finished 5th in the Handicap Chase [2 miles] (8 ran).

Martin Keighley’s 3 runners were withdrawn; Marleno is due to compete at Southwell tomorrow.

Market Rasen

Mauricetheathlete (Martin Keighley/Mr N Slatter) finished 2nd in the ‘Hands and Heels’ Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ and Amateur Riders) (9 ran).

Total Submission (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (8 ran).

Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) won the Handicap Chase by a nose (10 ran). Congratulations to the team, their 20th winner of the season.

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest:

Hereford:

13:00 Godsmejudge (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

15:10 Western Whisky (Richard Lee/Choc) – Handicap Chase

Southwell:

12:40 Marleno (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) – Handicap Chase [2 miles]

13:10 Mickytaker (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [3 miles]

14:45 Cool Steel (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle

15:55 Busby Berkeley (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – NH Novices’ Hurdle

AP McCoy is the latest high profile jockey to pick up a whip ban; with both Ruby and AP facing a 10 day ban for their next offence. More

I’ve uploaded the photos I took at Sandown Park yesterday, and have also begun drafting my diary.

Click here & here to view the photos.

Saturday 05 November 2011

Choc accepts his memento for winning the

3 mile ½ furlong Steeplechase aboard Hold On Julio

(it was poor light for photography today ... and this was late in the afternoon!)

There were a number of runners at Sandown Park today, and this is how they fared:

Kings Troop (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) finished 6th in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (18 ran); the race was won by the ex-Alan King yard inmate Enfant De Lune, who is now trained by David Pipe.

Volcan Surprise (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Juvenile Hurdle (9 ran).

Pilgrims Lane (Martin Keighley/Charlie Poste) finished 4th & Midnight Appeal (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 4½ furlongs] (9 ran).

Pantxoa (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd & Levera (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) finished 11th in the Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

Hold On Julio (Alan King/Choc) won the Handicap Chase [3 miles & ½ a furlong] (9 ran). Choc’s 21st winner of the season.

Frizzo (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (14 ran).

Meanwhile, at Wincanton:

Jetnova (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) fell 3 out in the Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (6 ran). The horse was reported to be fine following this mishap.

Benbane Head (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 3rd in the Badger Ales Trophy (Listed Handicap Chase) (13 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest:

Ffos Las

13:00 Bygones In Brid (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

14:05 Habbie Simpson (Alan King/Choc) & Marleno (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

14:35 Noble Crusader (Richard Lee/Choc) & Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – Handicap Chase [2 miles]

15:45 Spring Moon (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) – Handicap Chase [3 miles]

Market Rasen

14:20 Mauricetheathlete (Martin Keighley/Mr N Slatter) – ‘Hands and Heels’ Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ and Amateur Riders

14:50 Total Submission (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

16:00 Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) - Handicap Chase

Today, Paul Nicholls celebrated his 2000th winner as a trainer in style, with five winners at his local track, Wincanton, plus one at Sandown Park and one at Down Royal (his 2000th being Kauto Stone). More

I enjoyed my day at Sandown Park; it didn’t rain, although forecast, but it was very dull and not conducive for photography. Some of my photos were okay but not as many as I’d hoped ...

Another busy week beckons, with photos to upload and a diary to write. I think I get a break next weekend, as Cheltenham is just a little too far away at this time of the year. I wish I lived further west.

Friday 04 November 2011

Choc had one riding engagement today, at Fontwell Park:

Way Back When (Alan King) finished last in the Mares’ Beginners’ Chase (3 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest, at both Sandown Park and Wincanton:

Sandown Park:

12:45 Kings Troop (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

13:55 Volcan Surprise (Alan King/Choc) - Juvenile Hurdle

14:25 Pilgrims Lane (Martin Keighley/Charlie Poste) & Midnight Appeal (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4½ furlongs]

15:00 Pantxoa (Alan King/Choc) & Levera (Alan King/Charlie Huxley) – Handicap Hurdle

15:30 Hold On Julio (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase [3 miles & ½ a furlong]

16:05 Frizzo (Alan King/Choc) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

Meanwhile, at Wincanton:

14:15 Jetnova (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)

15:20 Benbane Head (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Badger Ales Trophy (Listed Handicap Chase)

There’s lots of information on the news page on Alan King’s website. More

Being a Friday, Martin Keighley’s column appears in the Gloucestershire Press. More

Rain is forecast for the southeast tomorrow but, with Choc having five rides at one of my favourite racecourses, no prizes for guessing where I’ll be heading tomorrow.

Thursday 03 November 2011

There were a number of runners of interest today at Towcester, and this is how they fared:

Bold Tara (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) was a non-runner; Genstone Trail (Alan King/Choc) finished 6th in the Mares’ NH Maiden Hurdle (11 ran).

Desert Joe (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran).

Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) finished 4th in the Handicap Chase (7 ran).

La Belle Doyenne (Alan King/Choc) won the ‘Junior’ Fillies Standard Open NH Flat Race (12 ran); Choc’s 20th winner of the season.

Tomorrow, Choc has one riding engagement, at Fontwell Park:

13:50 Way Back When (Alan King) – Mares’ Beginners’ Chase

Albertas Run will be out of action until the Spring after straining a ligament in a foreleg. More

Ruby Walsh has failed in his attempt to have his whip ban overturned. More

Choc has written a column in this week’s Horse and Hound. Not surprisingly it is dominated by his concerns about the new whip rules and the possible affect it will have on the future of racing; he also mentions how tough it has been this summer for the majority of National Hunt jockeys due to there being so few spare rides, a contributing factor being that there are probably fewer horses competing now too.

There’s also mention of the Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton chocolate bars being sold in aid of the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. Here is the link to the site: http://www.injuredjockeys.co.uk/commerce-category.asp?div=Food

I’ve been very industrious over the past few days and have completed my Ascot diary, which I’ve now uploaded. Click here to read.

Wednesday 02 November 2011

Choc had one riding engagement at Warwick this afternoon:

Captain Loui (D Burchell) finished 2nd in the Juvenile Hurdle (8 ran).

Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest, at Towcester:

13:20 Bold Tara (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) & Genstone Trail (Alan King/Choc) – Mares’ NH Maiden Hurdle

14:20 Desert Joe (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

14:50 Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/Alain Cawley) – Handicap Chase

16:20 La Belle Doyenne (Alan King/Choc) – ‘Junior’ Fillies Standard Open NH Flat Race

Choc visited Martin’s yard yesterday to school Busby Berkeley over fences.

There’s been a further review of the conditions pertaining to the Grand National, which includes a rise in the minimum age limit for the horses taking part. More

I’ve finished and have uploaded my Kempton Park diary and photos. Click here to read.

Tuesday 01 November 2011

This afternoon, Choc had 2 riding engagements at Exeter, both for Alan King:

Lovcen finished 4th in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (14 ran).

Medermit won the Haldon Gold Cup (Grade 2 Limited Handicap) (7 ran). Choc’s 19th winner of the season. JJJ

Captain Chris unseated Richard Johnson at the last when upsides Medermit ... but jumping is the name of the game! More

No luck for either Menorah or Sam Winner later in the afternoon, the former unseating 2 out (a very similar incident to Captain Chris) and the latter falling at the last in the Novices’ Chase. The only other runner, Shammick Boy won at 16-1 ... and they say back the outsider of three! More

Tomorrow, Choc has one riding engagement, at Warwick:

14:10 Captain Loui (D Burchell) – Juvenile Hurdle

I wish I hadn’t bothered to go to my employer’s Quiz Night. The questions were all based around Halloween, and one round involved throwing sweets into cauldrons to score points and another round involved wrapping a team member in toilet paper to resemble a mummy! What a total waste of my time when I have lots of chores to do at home. My team was placed 5th out of 11.