Our view of Court One.
Overcast and damp although the rain appears to have cleared now.
A frantic morning with which to begin an incredibly busy few days, topped by our annual owners’ lunch tomorrow afternoon.
Patrick Cooper, racing manager to Mrs Patino, was here to inspect the battalion. They include Prince Gagarin, who remains engaged in the Grand Prix de Paris after the first forfeit stage this morning.
Lady Derby was here to see Girl With A Pearl and Debby’s Diner was in full swing.
Racing Victoria’s international scout Leigh Jordan popped in as his recruitment campaign for the Spring Carnival turns up a notch.
Leigh has been a huge help in organising our Melbourne excursions over the last few years and we always love welcoming him back to these shores. Discussing the possibility of shipping two horses in the autumn is incredibly exciting and a little surreal…
Continuing the Australian theme, a film crew from CNN were on site second and third lot to film a documentary on Anthony Allen, which will be aired next month. His story is a fascinating one and the following is a really interesting article: http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/superracing/the-only-aid-boom-young-brisbane-jockey-anthony-allen-needs-is-the-type-that-fits-in-ears/story-fnii0mrv-1226824989744
Not so good on the down under front was the first session in Cardiff, although Joe Root stemmed the flow a little in the last half hour. Six weeks of incredible entertainment lie in store and I just hope the series lives up to its billing. I’m not sure there should be quite the discrepancy in prices between the sides!
Talking of entertainment, Harry and I have just taken our seats in Court One for an afternoon at Wimbledon. The cheers from next door should keep us updated on Andy Murray’s progress while I am very much in the Federer camp.
No runners today but one declaration for Friday with Sagaciously set to make her reappearance in the fillies’ handicap at Ascot.
Finally, Chris has been left on the verge of a breakdown following yesterday’s news that the RP website will no longer accommodate RUK replays as of next month. It seems extraordinary that these two vital components of the industry cannot not reach a commercial agreement, leaving the everyday racing fan to suffer as a result. And my racing secretary needing a paper bag to prevent him hyperventilating!
Back tomorrow.
Ed