High bridges too. Long and winding roads. Tolls to pay (actually, I made that last bit up, as I’m pretty sure you no longer have to pay for the privilege of driving into Wales)…
Saturdays inevitably bring out the “weekend drivers”. Who dawdle and doddle along with nil thought for those who are actually trying to get somewhere. “Doreen, let’s go out for a nice drive…”
These “dawdlers” tap the brake pads at every bend and lump and bump and dip, oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. Heaven forbid that they get behind a tractor or a bike or, joy of joys, a combine harvester. The concept of an overtake is entirely beyond them, and the long two hours to Chepstow suddenly becomes a torrid expedition…
Here’s hoping that the rain puts off Doreen and her mates, and that our lorries have clear sailing to all parts…
Barney and Sophie headed to Welsh Wales. Over the Severn Bridge to Chepstow. Home to the most ludicrous “Owner and Trainer” Bar in the land. Instead of positioning the bar so that racegoers can enjoy the fabulous views away into Wales and over the Severn Estuary, the “fabulous” is entirely blocked out and “O’s and T’s” get to look out over the concrete mess out the back…
PERIGORD NOIR. With talented apprentice Ashley Lewis having his first ride for us. Like so many two-year-olds, “work in progress” and “pennies dropping” and “best days lie ahead…”
Thankfully, Jeff Randall, part owner of PN, tells me that the wine in the OT is sensational. Which will be good news for Barney, Sophie, Steve Goodrich and family. A cheeky Riesling from Snowdonia perhaps….
Candida gets the Goodwood gig. GOOLOOGONG (Benoit de la Sayette). Back in trip after his sensational 3rd behind subsequent Prix de Kergorlay winner Defiantly at Glorious. I adore this horse, and he is a pleasure to watch on the gallops every day. Owners Mark and Lavinia Sherwood will be watching on from Deauville – I have just recovered from my lunch with them over there on Tuesday….
I’m headed Thameside. Windsor. Getting a lift with my great mate and VESPER HONEY’s part owner Mark Tracey. I have only just recovered from my lunch in Deauville on Tuesday with Mark, Glen Lomas and others….?! David Egan up on this lovely filly who is “work in progress”, “pennies dropping” and “best days lie ahead….”
May the roads be kind, the bridges clear and toll free…
Lords yesterday. Lovely to spend most of the day with our Best Man Paddy Byng. Catching up…
England in the ascendancy and Pakistan looking shot to pieces. Only the rain can save them, and plenty of that in these parts right now. At least we have a Test Match destined to drift into Day 4 and possibly beyond….
