Jenny's and Squire have gave us a great deal of pleasure Stick hope they both get the well earned retirement when their time comes. Retirement takes a bit of work, enjoy and please keep us informed on both your selections and your life in the sun all the best mate.Manyana
All the best with Jennys Surprise today, Stick. I forgot to back her last time and she won. If she wins today, I forgot again. If she finishes fourth and jumps sketchily like at Wincanton, it was me. There were quite a few surprises at Meydan yesterday. After a mediocre season in 2017, I would not have looked twice at Hawkbill. They should rename the stayers’ race after Vazirabad but I cannot see him winning the Ascot Gold Cup as he just keeps scoring the same penalty kicks every season in France/Dubai against the same opponents. Was Thunder Snow a ringer? Only won a five-runner Prix Jean Prat on turf last term. It will be interesting to see whether Mendelssohn hits the right note if he goes for The Run For The Roses.
Fairyhouse 14,20 Shar Whats Therush He won here in November beating Artic Pearl by more than four lengths and in his last race he came to win when he fell on the last hurdle. If that does not pass bill would have to fight for victory. I have a strong bet from yesterday night 9/1, now 9/2.
Godspeed and best wishes,Stick. I'm sorry you're going, because it's another name off the diminishing list of people I can wind up. News of people retiring to Spain always reminds me of the late jockey/trainer Paul Kelleway (father of Gay). Towards the end of his career, someone asked him if it was true that he intended to retire to Spain to train a few horses near Mijas, in Andalucia. "Mijas, me arse" replied the great man: it was the only funny thing I ever heard the miserable sod say, and it's always stuck. Anyway, I've been retired more than twenty years, and I know whereof I speak. Here are two rules to live by, with my blessing to you and yours: 1) never, ever, ever let anyone talk you into serving on any sort of committee. Once friends, neighbours, ex-colleagues etc etc know that you've got a bit of time on your hands, they'll be after you. Agree just once, and you'll face a lifetime of tuesday night committee meetings with borderline nutters from Neighbourhood Watch or the golf club. 2) sign up with a doctor you trust, and don't ignore any nagging signs of ill-health, particularly below the waist. Live long and prosper, Rainer
I'm not retired but I've already logged point 1 in the memory bank. My old man has held various forms of office in local bowl clubs where he lives for around 15 years. During that time he's been threatened by blokes half his age when a committee he's been on have ruled against them and received letters written to him by some fella's solicitor who wanted the new club house named after him as he donated a modest sum towards it. This is bowls we're talking about in the Home Counties. Nowadays all he and my mum seem to do is go to funerals of people I've never heard of but had some connection to various bowls clubs they've been members of. Wise words Rainer avoid committees at all costs.
I realise there is no such thing as a certainty but 4/5 about Traffic Fluide in the opener at Plumpton is surely a gift from the gods? Surely he only needs a clear round to win this on the snaff?
Has Mr Antolini lost a leg overnight? The Imperial Cup winner is now 10s having opened at 9/2. If hes fit there is no way he should be that price. Haven't backed him but Remiluc deserves a decent pot for his efforts in defeat in some very good races this season. Can't see it unfortunately with top weight.
Good luck with Jenny today and Squire on Thursday Stick. I enjoyed reading your post last night. We get very attached to our trusty hounds. I expect it must be very similar with the trusty steeds! Enjoy putting your feet up in Spain. I'm not too sure where about you are going, but think I heard you mention the South West in a previous post. I was in Dry dock for 5 weeks a couple of years ago in a place called Arsenal de la Carraca, San Fernando. As the name implies, it is an old Spanish naval base/repair facility steeped in history. A couple of us used to jump a taxi into Cadiz on a Saturday and Sunday to watch the football ( always a couple of bars showing EPL games ) and drink copious amounts of the local draught beer. I did manage to get into town early on a few occasions and have a good mooch around. Great city with plenty of history and great architecture. Flew home via Madrid from Jerez airport and managed to have a look around there too. Wherever you are going, I'm sure you'll find plenty to do and see, and with the trusty internet, you'll never have to miss a claimer from Southwell on a wet and windy Monday afternoon in the middle of winter!!!! Good luck, good health and thanks for all the times you've bailed me out the **** with them bumper winners!!!
Good luck with Jenny today stick. Fortunately for you I'm going with pressurise , was running on past beaten horses at Cheltenham. The fact they've run it again only after 17 days is maybe a plus for me. As long as Jenny comes back safe and sound.on a personal level I've really enjoy our debates on racing over the years and really respect you with your wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport. Good luck for the future and stay in touch with us, we are gonna miss you. Have a cerveza for us Cheers.
Best of luck with jenny's today stick but even better luck to you in your retirement in the sun mate, live long and enjoy
Watched that race Oddy and for a large part of the last circuit you'd be thankful it was virtual dosh only. As you say though won well enough eventually.
I've like Duc de Genievres all season and backed him e/w at Cheltenham but I've got a sneaky feeling for Pallasator today
