OCTOBER 2011

Monday 31 October 2011

Choc aboard Yvonne Evelyn at Kempton Park this afternoon

Choc had 2 riding engagements at Kempton Park this afternoon:

Yvonne Evelyn (Alan King) finished 5th in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (8 ran).

Radetsky March (Mark Bradstock) was pulled up after 3 out in the Handicap Hurdle (10 ran).

Tomorrow, Choc has 2 riding engagements at Exeter, both for Alan King:

13:50 Lovcen – NH Novices’ Hurdle

14:50 Medermit – Haldon Gold Cup (Grade 2 Limited Handicap) – his 6 rivals include Captain Chris and Ghizao.

Interestingly, later in the afternoon, Menorah and Sam Winner will be competing in a Novices’ Chase.

As you may have gathered, I took a trip to Kempton Park today; although it didn’t turn out to be one of my most memorable trips to the races! I will, however, upload my photos and write a brief diary of the day.

Not surprisingly, I’m still working on my Ascot diary; but I have uploaded my photos.

Click here to view races 1 & 2; Click here to view races 3, 4, 5 & 7

Sunday 30 October 2011

Choc had 2 riding engagements at Huntingdon today:

Balzaccio (Alan King) won the Novices’ Chase (7 ran). Choc’s 18th winner of the season. J

Go Amwell (J R Jenkins) finished 7th in the Handicap Hurdle (12 ran).

Tomorrow, Choc has 2 riding engagements at Kempton Park:

14:05 Yvonne Evelyn (Alan King) – Novices’ Handicap Chase

14:40 Radetsky March (Mark Bradstock) – Handicap Hurdle

Wishing Aidan Coleman a speedy recovery; he’s broken a collarbone having been unseated from Dover’s Hill at Ascot yesterday afternoon.

I’ve spent today working on the first draft of my Ascot diary. Hopefully I’ll upload my photos onto the site later this evening.

Saturday 29 October 2011

Choc ‘holds court’ with members of the Million In Mind Partnership

having finished 4th aboard Torphichen in the

Byrne Group Handicap Steeplechase

Five riding engagements for Choc at Ascot today and this is how he fared:

Batonnier (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (13 ran).

Torphichen (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th in the Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed) (2 miles 1 furlong) (9 ran).

Kumbeshwar (Alan King/Choc) finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle (Listed) (13 ran).

Golden Kite (Adrian Maguire/Choc) finished 4th in the Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (3 miles) (17 ran).

Court In Session (Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) won the Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran). Martin’s 18th winner of the season.

Jojabean (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th and Typhon De Guye (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) finished 6th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (10 ran).

Here is a report regarding the big race at Ascot, the United House Gold Cup Handicap Steeplechase, which was won by Exmoor Ranger. More

The Martin Keighley trained Court In Session, ridden by Richard Johnson,

wins the Novices’ Hurdle race. Martin’s 18th winner of the season

Meanwhile at Wetherby:

Havingotascoobydo (Martin Keighley/AP Cawley) won the Novices’ Chase (3 ran). Martin’s 19th winner of the season.

Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/AP Cawley) finished a nose 2nd and Dhaafer (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 9th in the Handicap Hurdle (17 ran).

Congratulations to the Martin Keighley team, a very good day at the races.

Weird Al won the Charlie Hall Chase, with Time For Rupert filling runner-up spot. More

Tomorrow, Choc has 2 riding engagements at Huntingdon:

13:25 Balzaccio (Alan King) – Novices’ Chase

15:35 Go Amwell (J R Jenkins) – Handicap Hurdle

I’m staying home tomorrow ... but may venture out to Kempton Park on Monday as I have booked the day as leave!

Friday 28 October 2011

Brilliant news ... Choc rode a double at Wetherby today, and a runner-up: JJJ

Raya Star won the Handicap Hurdle (12 ran); Choc’s 16th winner of the season.

Araldur finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase (Listed) (11 ran).

Secret Edge won the Juvenile Hurdle (Listed) (12 ran); Choc’s 17th winner of the season.

Five riding engagements for Choc at Ascot tomorrow:

13:55 Batonnier (Alan King/Choc) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

14:30 Torphichen (Alan King/Choc) – Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed) (2 miles 1 furlong)

15:00 Kumbeshwar (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

15:40 Golden Kite (Adrian Maguire/Choc) – Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (3 miles)

16:15 Court In Session (Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) – Novices’ Hurdle

17:25 Jojabean (Alan King/Choc) & Typhon De Guye (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) – Standard Open NH Flat Race

Meanwhile at Wetherby:

16:30 Havingotascoobydo (Martin Keighley/AP Cawley) – Novices’ Chase

17:05 Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/AP Cawley) & Dhaafer (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle

Ruby Walsh rode Fistral Beach to win the big race of the day at Wetherby; the race in which Araldur finished second. More

Here is a link to Martin Keighley’s latest column in the Gloucestershire Press. More

No prizes for those who can guess where I’ll be tomorrow ... Ascot of course!

Thursday 27 October 2011

One runner of interest today, at Stratford Upon Avon:

Marc Aurele (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) finished 4th in the ‘Hands and Heels’ Selling Hurdle (7 ran).

Choc has 3 riding engagements tomorrow, at Wetherby, all for Alan King:

14:45 Raya Star – Handicap Hurdle

15:20 Araldur – Handicap Chase (Listed)

15:55 Secret Edge – Juvenile Hurdle (Listed)

Despite his recently expressed reservations, Ruby Walsh will be returning to these shores to ride at Wetherby tomorrow and Saturday. More

The weather has been damp in the southeast today ... but I’m not sure if we’ve had enough rain yet to make much difference to the local racecourses.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Choc had one riding engagement today, at Haydock Park:

Ishikawa (Alan King) finished 6th in the Juvenile Hurdle (9 ran).

One runner of interest tomorrow, at Stratford Upon Avon:

14:50 Marc Aurele (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) – ‘Hands and Heels’ Selling Hurdle

Having won last Saturday, he’s running again to take advantage of his old rating (plus Danny’s 3 pound allowance) having been put up 18 pounds when reassessed!

No riding engagements for Choc tomorrow.

A new Midsomer Murders tonight ... although, unfortunately, the series is not so enjoyable now that the character of Tom Barnaby, played by John Nettles, is no longer in the show. But I still enjoy identifying the locations, which are usually in the Chilterns area or just beyond.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Just one runner of interest today, at Chepstow:

Fitandproperjob (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) finished 7th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (13 ran).

Tomorrow Choc has one riding engagement, at Haydock Park:

14:20 Ishikawa (Alan King) – Juvenile Hurdle

Ruby Walsh has lodged an appeal against the ban awarded to him at Aintree last Saturday. More

Must mention that the 3-year-old Grumeti will be heading for Alan King’s yard to begin his career as a juvenile hurdler. He was purchased for 100,000 guineas by yard sponsor Max McNeill at Newmarket’s Horses-In-Training Sale, having won twice on the flat during the summer for the Michael Bell yard. Mr McNeill recently lost Mille Chief following a fatal injury on the gallops.

Only two months until Christmas Day ...... aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Monday 24 October 2011

Just one runner of interest tomorrow, at Chepstow:

17:40 Fitandproperjob (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) - Standard Open NH Flat Race

No riding engagements for Choc.

One of my favourite horses, Kumbeshwar, may get an outing at Ascot on Saturday ... hopefully along with my favourite jockey! More

Sunday 23 October 2011

Two runners of interest at Aintree today and this is how they fared:

Champion Court (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) won the Novices’ Chase; Martin’s 17th winner of the season.

(4 ran). Many congratulations to the team.

Mister Stickler (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (8 ran).

Champion Court has a 14-1 quote for this season’s RSA Chase following today’s victory. More

Following yesterday’s falls, Choc experienced no soreness and Sweet Irony is fine (information supplied by Choc via Twitter!); and Martin confirmed in his blog that his three horses and their jockeys escaped unscathed from their mishaps too. So that’s all very good news.

Not such good news for flat race jockey George Baker, who broke an arm at Wolverhampton yesterday evening following a fatal injury to his mount. More

No National Hunt racing in the UK tomorrow.

I felt a little ‘out of sorts’ on Friday evening and throughout yesterday too. But, fortunately, I woke up feeling a lot better this morning but still decided just to take it easy for the day.

Saturday 22 October 2011

Choc had 3 riding engagements at Chepstow this afternoon and this is how they fared:

Sweet Irony (Alan King/Choc) fell at the 7th and Hard To Swallow (Martin Keighley/Harry Skelton) fell 2 out in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (12 ran).

Sir Harry Ormesher (Alan King/Choc) finished 17th in the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (18 ran); he was actually last but Rebel Rebellion was disqualified from 6th place and placed last.

Oh Crick (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th in the Handicap Chase (2 miles ½ furlong) (6 ran).

Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) finished 7th in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (10 ran).

Choc’s other two intended rides, Gwendraeth Girl and Walls Way, were non-runners.

Meanwhile at Aintree:

Havingotascoobydo (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) fell at the 6th in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (6 ran).

And at Stratford Upon Avon:

Marc Aurele (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) won the Selling Hurdle (7 ran). Martin’s 16th winner of the season.

Marleno (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) fell in the Handicap Chase (6 ran).

Talk about a day of incidents for the ‘home teams’; I hope Sweet Irony, Hard To Swallow, Havingotascoobydo and Marleno are all okay following their mishaps.

Two runners of interest at Aintree tomorrow:

14:35 Champion Court (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – Novices’ Chase

15:45 Mister Stickler (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase

There may be trouble ahead ... with Ruby Walsh suffering his first whip ban. More

Albertas Run won the Monet’s Garden Old Roan Chase with Master Minded disappointing in third. More

Arrived back from London at 18:00. Didn’t get to see a show, as Angy had to catch an early train home to Eastbourne. But it was nice to meet up with everyone anyway.

Friday 21 October 2011

It’s great to see Choc has 5 riding engagements tomorrow, at Chepstow (there being 8 races on the card):

14:05 Gwendraeth Girl (Tony Carroll/Choc ) – Maiden Hurdle Div II

15:05 Walls Way (Tony Carroll/Choc) – Handicap Chase (2 miles 3½ furlongs)

15:40 Sweet Irony (Alan King/Choc); Hard To Swallow (Martin Keighley/Harry Skelton) – Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2).

16:15 Sir Harry Ormesher (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

16:50 Oh Crick (Alan King/Choc) – Handicap Chase (2 miles ½ furlong)

17:25 Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

Meanwhile at Aintree:

16:40 Havingotascoobydo (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

Master Minded faces just two rivals in the Monet’s Garden OId Roan Chase, Albertas Run and Pure Faith.

And at Stratford Upon Avon:

14:20 Marc Aurele (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) – Selling Hurdle

16:25 Marleno (Martin Keighley/Dave Crosse) – Handicap Chase

Martin’s Column appears in the Gloucestershire Press today. More

Amendments to the whip rules were announced today. More

But the PJA has voiced serious concerns despite the changes. More

And the Guardian is reporting that the jockeys want to go on strike because they are still not happy with the amendments. More

I’m going to London tomorrow, with my friends Lesley and Fay; we will be meeting up with Angy, our friend from Eastbourne. We might take in a show ... if the tickets aren’t too expensive! I’ve always fancied seeing Phantom of the Opera, but we shall see.

And I look forward to watching a recording of the day’s racing from Chepstow upon my return ... I can’t be ‘dragged’ away from the racing for too long, especially if Choc is riding!

Thursday 20 October 2011

Today, Choc was at Ludlow, where he had two riding engagements:

Red Mercury (Alan King) finished 9th in the Juvenile Selling Hurdle (10 ran).

Mykingdomforahorse (Richard Lee) finished 6th in the Novices’ Hurdle (9 ran).

No riding engagements for Choc tomorrow.

Master Minded is a definite runner in this Saturday’s Monet’s Garden Old Roan Chase. More

Nacarat and Time For Rupert are expected to run in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on 29 October. More

There was a 4-horse pile-up in the Beginners’ Chase at Ludlow today, but fortunately all the horses involved were okay, as were three of the jockeys; the fourth, Tom Scudamore, was stood down for the remainder of the day with a suspected thumb injury. More

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Today there were two runners of interest and very good news regarding Choc:

Fontwell Park:

Ballygarvey (Henrietta Knight/Choc) was a non-runner in the Novices’ Hurdle

Balzaccio (Alan King/Choc) won the Beginners’ Chase (4 ran); Choc’s 15th winner of the season. J

He stayed within the new whip rules and beat Ruby too!

Here’s are links to photographs taken today at Fontwell by Edward Whitaker (love the first one):

http://photos.racingpost.com/app/WebObjects/RPShop.woa/wa/p?p=0gfkVnuSn7lACHXB0AZldQ..a

http://photos.racingpost.com/app/WebObjects/RPShop.woa/wa/p?p=951rspNqxo0LnqlpXAuXYA..a

http://photos.racingpost.com/app/WebObjects/RPShop.woa/wa/p?p=aWRwfc-gfkkljiBVqZlyDA..a

http://photos.racingpost.com/app/WebObjects/RPShop.woa/wa/p?p=NW9n5Gr5fLz_aAdKVJuPHA..a

Worcester:

Won More Night (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) finished 5th in the Handicap Chase (7 ran).

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

14:10 Red Mercury (Alan King) – Juvenile Selling Hurdle

17:20 Mykingdomforahorse (Richard Lee) – Novices’ Hurdle

News today that 5-time Group 1 winner Dream Ahead has been retired to stud. More

The PJA (Professional Jockeys’ Association) is urging the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) to make urgent progress on changes to the new whip rules. More The PJA has also released a proposal for the revision of the rules. More

And the jockeys involved in the ‘yellow flag’ incident at Wetherby have lost their appeal case. More

And me? I’ve finished and uploaded my photographs and diary relating to my trip to Kempton Park last Sunday. Click here to read.

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Today there was just one runner of interest, at Exeter:

Spring Moon (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) finished 2nd by just a neck in the Beginners’ Chase (2 ran).

Tomorrow there are three runners of interest:

Fontwell Park:

14:20 Ballygarvey (Henrietta Knight/Choc) – Novices’ Hurdle

14:50 Balzaccio (Alan King/Choc) – Beginners’ Chase

Worcester:

15:50 Won More Night (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) – Handicap Chase

Master Minded may make his seasonal debut at Aintree on Saturday. More

At the moment, Choc’s week appears to be shaping up with Ludlow on Thursday, Chepstow on Saturday and Aintree on Sunday. But we shall see, as plans can change before the weekend ...

Monday 17 October 2011

RIP Mille Chief

2006 to 15 October 2011

Winner of the 32Red Handicap Hurdle at

Sandown Park on 08 January 2011

Today I thought I’d do a little tribute to Mille Chief, who sadly had to be put to sleep after breaking a hind leg on the gallops.

Mille Chief won six of 14 career starts and £78,795 in prize money; he won 4 of his nine starts in Britain. I remember watching his first race in this country, a Juvenile Hurdle, on TV, when he was brought down 2 out at Market Rasen when seeming like the winner. However, he won his next two Novice Hurdle races, one at Kempton and one at Huntingdon, and became a live prospect for the 2010 Triumph Hurdle. Sadly his appearance at the Festival was curtailed by an injury.

He returned to action the following season (2010/2011), running 6 times, winning the 32Red Handicap Hurdle at Sandown and the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. Unfortunately he disappointed at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival, finishing last in the Champion Hurdle, and was pulled up in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in April.

Hopes were high that he would become a real contender for this season’s Champion Hurdle, having matured. Sadly it was not to be. A young and very talented horse; we shall never know how good he could have been. RIP.

* * * * *

Here is the link to the article about Mille Chief’s fatal injury as reported on the Racing Post’s website. More

Just one runner of interest today, at Plumpton:

Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) won the Novices’ Handicap Chase (3 ran); Martin’s 15th winner of the season. Congratulations to the team and Danny too.

Tomorrow there is one runner of interest, at Exeter:

16:40 Spring Moon (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) – Beginners’ Chase ... there are only 2 runners declared!

Once again, there are no riding engagements for my favourite jockey. L

Following today’s meeting the BHA has instigated a review of the new whip rules. More

And my current project is to write-up my diary for yesterday!

Sunday 16 October 2011

I know the southern racecourses are desperately in need of rain to enable Alan King’s horses to run and Choc to have far more rides; but it was nice to spend a pleasantly sunny autumnal afternoon at Kempton Park ... and, of course, the highlight of my day was taking part in the final furlong course-walk with Choc! There was a good turnout for the walk and, not surprisingly, the new whip rules were the main topic of conversation.

There were two runners of interest at Kempton Park, and this is how they fared:

Total Submission (Martin Keighley/AP McCoy) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase [3 miles] (7 ran).

Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) fell at the last when booked for second place in Handicap Chase [2 miles]; I’m pleased to report that she seemed okay, and cantered rider-less past the winning post (6 ran).

Just one runner of interest tomorrow, at Plumpton:

14:50 Jacko’s Boy (Martin Keighley/Danny Hiskett) – Novices’ Handicap Chase

No rides for Choc tomorrow; but he may have rides at Fontwell Park and/or Ludlow later in the week. J

I can’t believe that Dan Lobb has just been voted off Strictly Come Dancing. But, hopefully, Nancy Dell’Olio will be booted out next week; she has to go!

Very sad news for the Alan King yard ... Mille Chief broke a hind leg on the gallops yesterday and had to be put down. RIP. LLL

Saturday 15 October 2011

One runner of interest at Cheltenham today:

Benbane Head (Martin Keighley) finished 4th in the Handicap Chase (8 ran). AP McCoy replaced Tom Scudamore, as the Champ’s intended ride was a non-runner.

Tomorrow there are two runners of interest at Kempton Park:

15:50 Total Submission (Martin Keighley/AP McCoy) – Handicap Chase [3 miles]

16:55 Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) – Handicap Chase [2 miles]

Ruby Walsh spoke very eloquently about the new whip rules when interviewed at Cheltenham by Racing UK.

Meanwhile, at Ascot:

Frankel’s winning sequence continued with a brilliant win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. More

A second big win of the day for the French, having beaten Wales in the Rugby Union World Cup earlier today, they took the Champion Stakes with Cirrus Des Aigles. More

However, the race was marred when the winning jockey, Christophe Soumillion, was awarded a ban and lost his percentage of the prize money having transgressed the new whip rules. More

I’m not sure whether it was my imagination, but the racing from Cheltenham seemed sanitised today; was it the lack of runners or the new whip rules?

The BHA will be consulting members of the PJA on Monday, regarding possible ‘tweaks’ to the new whip rules. This being the case, the strike action planned for that day has been called off.

My opinion is that the BHA has to remove the stupid ‘number of hits’ before and after the final furlong or fence and allow the jockeys to use their discretion as to when during the race they use their imposed quota.

Get well wishes to Willie Twiston-Davies who, for the third time this year has been sidelined by injury, this time with a broken collarbone; he was unseated due to a tack malfunction. It was only his second ride back following a broken ankle. Talk about unbelievable bad luck.

Looking forward to my afternoon out at Kempton Park tomorrow. JJJ

Friday 14 October 2011

Today there were 3 runners of interest, all trained by Martin Keighley, on the first day of Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting:

Pilgrims Lane (Paddy Brennan) finished 8th; Snake Charmer (Dave Crosse) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle (9 ran)

Court In Session (Harry Skelton) won the Maiden Hurdle (9 ran); Many congratulations to Martin and his team, their 14th winner of the season.

Tomorrow, there is one runner of interest at Cheltenham:

14:40 Benbane Head (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) – Handicap Chase

And, on Sunday, there are two runners of interest at Kempton Park:

15:50 Total Submission (Martin Keighley/AP McCoy) – Handicap Chase [3 miles]

16:55 Sky Calling (Martin Keighley/Tom Scudamore) – Handicap Chase [2 miles]

Following yesterday evening’s incident at Kempton Park when Richard Hughes relinquished his licence having been awarded a second ‘new whip rules’ ban, jockeys are set to strike on Monday in protest against the rules. More

The jockeys awarded bans following Wednesday’s voided race at Wetherby have lodged an appeal. More

But good news regarding Terry Biddlecombe – he’s returned home from hospital following a stroke. More

As you can see from the above, Choc has no riding engagements this Saturday or Sunday ... however my weekend isn’t going to be a totally Choc-free zone, as he’s doing a final furlong course-walk at Kempton on Sunday. So I’ve now planned a trip to Kempton Park. JJJ

Thursday 13 October 2011

Just one runner of interest today, at Uttoxeter:

Always Bold (Martin Keighley/Sam Drinkwater) finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle (16 ran).

Unfortunately The Fox’s Decree (Martin Keighley/Choc) was a non-runner, having found to be lame.

Tomorrow, there are 3 runners of interest, all trained by Martin Keighley, on the first day of Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting:

15:20 Pilgrims Lane (Paddy Brennan); Snake Charmer (Dave Crosse) – Handicap Hurdle

16:30 Court In Session (Harry Skelton) - Maiden Hurdle

No rides for Choc tomorrow.

Harry Skelton is the first National Hunt jockey to fall foul of the new whip rules, having hit his horse 9 times during a race at Wincanton today.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Two runners of interest tomorrow, both in the same race at Uttoxeter, and both trained by Martin Keighley:

16:10 Always Bold (Sam Drinkwater); The Fox’s Decree (Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

Oooops! AP McCoy, Brian Hughes, Denis O’Regan, Brian Toomey, Jonathon Bewley, Alexander Voy, Graham Lee, Paddy Brennan and Danny Cook have each been awarded a 10-day ban for ignoring a yellow flag which was raised to void a race at Wetherby following a fatal injury to a runner on the previous circuit. The ban runs from 26 October to 04 November. More

And an unfortunate injury for flat race jockey, Cathy Gannon, who has suffered a broken leg when unseated at Nottingham today. More Wishing Cathy a speedy recovery.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Just one provisional riding engagement listed for Choc at the moment, for Cheltenham on Saturday. Choc has described this week as ‘bleak’ because, due to the lack of rain, Alan King has no entries at the moment.

It’s a shame Choc has so few riding engagements, as it puts in doubt any plans I might have for a trip to the races this weekend; I need to do a rain dance or, alternatively, pre-race entertainment could be Native Americans doing a rain dance!

News that retired jockey Terry Biddlecombe is recovering after a stroke. More

Aintree’s Old Roan Chase is to be named in honour of popular retired grey Monet’s Garden. More

Sunday 09 October 2011

Choc rode at Goodwood today, and this is how he fared:

Perception (Alan King) finished 12th in the 2 mile Handicap race for National Hunt jockeys (13 ran). In fact Choc and Wayne Hutchinson, who completed in last place, cantered up to the line, their horses having weakened some way out. The race was won by Colin Bolger aboard Epsom Salts.

Meanwhile, at Ffos Las, Martin Keighley had 2 runners:

Havingotascoobydo (Paddy Brennan) scooted up to win the Novices’ Chase on his jumping debut (6 ran); Congratulations to the team on their 13th winner of the season.

Marc Aurele (Sam Drinkwater) finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle (15 ran).

Amazingly, veteran Josef Vana won the Velka Pardubicka yet again. More

No National Hunt racing tomorrow; the next fixture being at Huntingdon on Tuesday.

Saturday 08 October 2011

Three runners of interest at Chepstow today:

Secret Edge (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Juvenile Hurdle (8 ran).

Le Beau Bai (Richard Lee/Choc) was eased towards the line when out of contention and finished 11th; Pilgrims Lane (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (13 ran).

Mick Fitzgerald interviewed AP McCoy prior to racing and he said he’d been schooling horses for Martin Keighley this morning. Click here to read Martin’s blog.

Cue Card made an impressive debut over fences at Chepstow today. More

The Jamie Osborne trained Never Can Tell won the Cesarewitch for owner Marwan Koukash. It was also Frankie Dettori’s first victory in the race. More

Tomorrow, Choc will be taking part in a flat race for National Hunt Jockeys at Goodwood!

14:00 Perception (Alan King) – 2 mile Handicap

The other jockeys taking part are Aidan Coleman, Andrew Thornton, Matty Batchelor, Gerard Tumelty, Colin Bolger, Alan O’Keeffe, Liam Treadwell, Denis O’Regan, Wayne Hutchinson, Hadden Frost, Harry Skelton and Joe Tizzard.

However, Choc does have winning form at Goodwood ... two of his flat race victories took place at the track; the other courses where he rode flat race winners as a lad are Leicester, Pontefract, Southwell and, possibly, Haydock Park ... Choc wasn’t 100% sure about the last one!!! Information courtesy of my little tweeting pal ... aka Choc! J

Meanwhile, at Ffos Las, Martin Keighley has 2 runners:

14:50 Havingotascoobydo (Paddy Brennan) – Novices’ Chase

15:20 Marc Aurele (Sam Drinkwater) – Handicap Hurdle

On Strictly Come Dancing, Jason Donovan was top of the class again this week. Once more, Russell Grant was the most entertaining; fittingly the music chosen was Abba’s Dancing Queen!

Friday 07 October 2011

One runner of interest today at Newton Abbot:

Tri Nations (Martin Keighley/Choc) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle (10 ran).

Ruby Walsh rode a double; 1 for Evan Williams and 1 for Paul Nicholls.

Three runners of interest at Chepstow tomorrow:

14:25 Secret Edge (Alan King/Choc) – Juvenile Hurdle

17:50 Le Beau Bai (Richard Lee/Choc); Pilgrims Lane (Martin Keighley/Paddy Brennan) – Handicap Chase

With the ‘proper’ National Hunt season just getting underway, Martin Keighley’s weekly column in the Gloucestershire Press has begun again today. More

Nothing specific planned for this weekend but, as mentioned a few days ago, I’m hoping to go racing next weekend to either Cheltenham and/or Kempton Park.

Thursday 06 October 2011

Worcester

Jacko’s Boy (Harry Skelton) finished 3rd in the Selling Handicap Hurdle (8 ran). Jacko was ‘tubed’ recently and is in the last chance saloon but, as he finished a close third today, perhaps he will be given another opportunity.

The Fox’s Decree (Richard Johnson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (6 ran).

Exeter

Spring Moon (Tom Scudamore) finished 2nd in the Beginners’ Chase (3 ran).

One runner of interest tomorrow, at Newton Abbot:

15:30 Tri Nations (Martin Keighley/Choc) – Handicap Hurdle

I notice that Ruby Walsh is riding at Newton Abbot tomorrow; that’s a sure sign that the main National Hunt season is about to kick off!

Strangely, this meeting isn’t listed on the 2011 Fixture list that I printed out from the internet before the beginning of the year; nor is it listed in my William Hill Winter Festival diary 2011!

I’m going to put a fleecy blanket on my bed this evening, as I woke up feeling cold last night. It’s too early to change from my summer weight duvet to a winter weight one yet.

Wednesday 05 October 2011

No riding engagements for Choc tomorrow, but Martin Keighley has 3 runners:

Worcester

15:30 Jacko’s Boy (Harry Skelton) – Selling Handicap Hurdle

16:30 The Fox’s Decree (Richard Johnson) – Novices’ Handicap Chase

Exeter

15:50 Spring Moon (Tom Scudamore) – Beginners’ Chase

I was sad to read that Belinda Keighley’s pony Onny has been put down at the age of 32. RIP

Choc rode out first lot at Martin’s yard yesterday, and schooled Busby Berkeley too. Following that, he attended a compulsory Jockeys’ Seminar held at Newbury racecourse!

Tuesday 04 October 2011

There’s National Hunt racing at Ludlow and Towcester tomorrow ... but no riding engagements for Choc. L

Cheltenham racecourse is due to unveil redevelopment plans next year. More

Sunday 02 October 2011

Martin Keighley had two runners at Uttoxeter and this is how they fared:

Won More Night (Danny Hiskett) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles] (7 ran).

Consult (Tom Scudamore) finished 7th in the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles] (9 ran).

As I was out this afternoon, I missed the racing from Longchamp but here is a round-up:

The veteran Kasbah Bliss finally claimed a Group 1 win when triumphing in the 2 mile 4 furlong Prix Du Cadran.

The Bryan Smart trained Tangerine Trees claimed the 5 furlong Prix de l’Abbeye.

Elusive Kate trained by John Gosden and ridden by William Buick won the Prix Marcel Boussac (2 year old fillies).

Trainer Roger Varian, who took over the licence from the late Michael Jarvis in February, trained his first Group 1 winner when Nahrain won the 1 mile 2 furlong Prix de l’Opera (3 year plus fillies and mares).

Frankie Dettori gained his 500th group race victory when the Christophe Ferland trained Dabirsin won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

The David Simcock trained, William Buick ridden Dream Ahead beat French heroine Goldikova in the 7 furlong Prix de la Foret.

And, finally, German trained Danedream won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe; Snow Fairy finished 3rd, fillies filling the first three places. So You Think finished 4th and there were many disappointing runners.

No National Hunt racing tomorrow.

Spurs beat Arsenal lost 2-1 in their local derby. That will please my younger brother Neil who supports Tottenham but not my older brother Nick who supports Arsenal!

Saturday 01 October 2011

Today there were 3 runners of interest at Fontwell Park:

Caught By Witness (Martin Keighley/Choc) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle (9 ran).

Lidar (Alan King/Choc) didn’t jump well and finished last in the Beginners’ Chase (5 ran).

Marc Aurele (Martin Keighley/Sam Drinkwater) jumped to his left throughout and was pulled up in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (6 ran).

Choc has no riding engagements tomorrow, but Martin Keighley has two runners at Uttoxeter, including my favourite stable charge, Consult!

14:50 Won More Night (Danny Hiskett) - Handicap Hurdle [2 miles]

17:10 Consult (Tom Scudamore) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles]

I enjoyed watching Strictly last night and this evening; but it’s a nuisance that the programme started at 18:00 today ... far too early, as there’s now nothing to watch for the remainder of the evening. The most amusing performance of the weekend was from Russell Grant dancing a very camp Cha Cha Cha! My favourite for departure next week is Nancy Dell’Olio – she completely messed up the routine and it wasn’t in the slightest bit funny; unlike Lulu who forgot her steps but at least she improvised. Poor Anton, he’s been teamed with another dud in Nancy! Jason Donovan performed the best ... he’s very competitive and will be a force to be reckoned with.

I spent the day working on my cross stitch picture but, now the daylight has gone, I will probably do a little knitting – another Rico Loopy scarf beckons, this time a Berry coloured one.