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Captain's Blog - 13th December 2011

For a quiet Monday yesterday was eventful to say the least.

First and foremost The Tatling went out in a blaze of glory at Wolverhampton. In his final race he surged from off the pace to grab the spoils right on the line. It was a fitting way to bow out for this 14 year old whose amazing career included a win in the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. I was delighted to see him win even if he did edge out our blog selection right at the death. Let’s hope he takes to retirement in a more relaxed manner than he did when they last tried to draw stumps with him. We should also give a nod to Milton Bradley who managed this horse’s career with great skill.

Secondly what on earth was Sam Waley-Cohen up to at Fakenham. Riding Otage De Brion. To my eye and many others he seemed to ride a finish a circuit to soon. Straight after the race when interviewed he claimed the horse had made a noise and thus he pulled him up. The stewards did not buy this and gave him a 12 day suspension. In truth I did not buy it either and Sam would have done himself a favour if he had simply held his hands up. He will still be able to ride Long Run in the King George due to their being no amateur rider’s races on Boxing Day. He is a lucky boy and I suspect he knows it.

Thirdly it was announced that Kauto Star will run in the King George. This is not much of a shock but it certainly adds spice to the race which is shaping up to be a classic. Let’s hope the weather does not intervene!

I am heading out shortly to take my daughter swimming and then we are going to pick up our Christmas tree. We always get a real one and I am looking forward to seeing my daughter’s reaction to all the lights.

I am back in the studio tomorrow evening for some twilight action from Kempton. James Willoughby will be my guest and I am looking forward to our final gig together before Christmas.

Time for me to don the swimming trunks. Sorry if that conjures up images you really did not need.

All the best

Today's Selection

1.30 Southwell - Dickie Le Davoir (each way)