Streams on the cusp of becoming raging rivers…
A lot of rain bouncing off firm ground. Puddles turning to floods in minutes. Thunderbolt and lightning, very very frightening….
Calmer this morning. But more rain in the forecast and finally my oft repeated assertion through high summer is becoming a reality – “this is England, it will rain….”
Soft ground horses being entered in their droves as the turf draws to a damp end…
“Heavy” at Bath yesterday. Which is a rarity. Common knowledge that the track is the only one in the country that does not have a watering system. Why ?? The Romans got water up that hill, and there seems to be plenty of the stuff in the bars and washrooms. We just accept that the ground is going to be rock hard there in midsummer. Why….??
DANGER ALERT (Charlie Bishop) knocking on that door. Again. 3rd, beaten little more than a couple of lengths. “Beaten little more than a couple of lengths” becoming his mantra – but a whole heap better than, “never travelling, tailed off, eased when no chance…”
Danger does not mind soft ground and so still a chance or three for him in the weeks ahead. We will get that pretty head over the line…
No runners today. London calling…
A great joy to see my old mate and legendary vet Alan Walker here at Downs House yesterday. Brought along by Richard Phillips in company with Gillian Dunwoody, mother of Richard. Gillian lived here in the Fifties and has some fabulous tales to tell….
I had not seen Alan for the best part of a decade but the twinkle and the spark remain the same..
The 4th day of the Cheltenham Festival moved to Saturday ?? Under discussion. Not sure what I feel about that….??
TV coverage set to be marginalised by the denouement of the Six Nations ?? The Gold Cup still to be run on the Friday ??
“Champions – Full Gallop”. Series 2 available on ITVX. Two episodes in. Great fun and highly recommended. Flies on walls…
