Sublime. Ridiculous. Frost in May. Hottest ever recorded May temperatures….
Derby week. Next week. I hardly dare peep around the corner to see whether the weather will play ball. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – “50% chance of rain….”
Blazing hot at Windsor yesterday, but common sense and preparation ensured that there were nil welfare issues. Horses travelling to the races well hydrated. Saddled in the pre paddock and then straight into the shady main paddock. Water, water everywhere – and plenty of it drunk. Hosepipes and cooling fans…
All credit to Charlie Rees and his team who were well prepared and who kept the buckets filled and the hosepipes running…
Derby plans are becoming a little clearer. But double guessing Aidan and “the lads” is never an easy game. I would love to see Constitution River entering the stalls not a furlong from where I am sitting right now, but Paris for him looking odds on now…
But “the lads” might well throw a curveball or three before the weekend. Some of them like a bet – apparently. So the markets will be fun to monitor in the coming days….
The Cruise Ship that is the Epsom Grandstand throwing out more “tenders” by the day….
Marquees appearing everywhere you look. Temporary stands and “bleachers”. Mowers rushing back and forth. A giant “H” carved out for those coming in from hopefully gin clear skies…
Watering. “Who would be a Clerk Of the Course….??” Good morning Andrew…
In dawn heat and under cloudless skies, the place looks fabulous. And wonderfully teed up for the greatest race…
Come on Weather Gods, play ball on this one…!!
