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Captain's Blog - 27th September 2010

A couple of years ago we visited some friends in Wigan and spent a lovely day in their local before heading off for dinner. The pub we were in was buzzing all day and amongst those enjoying the day with us was Terry Newton. Terry may not be a familiar name to you all but suffice to say he was a tremendous Rugby League player for Leeds, Wigan Bradford and Great Britain. It was good to meet him. Since then things have gone wrong for Terry who tested positive for using human growth hormone and was banned from the game he loved for two years. Yesterday afternoon it was announced that at the age of 31 Terry took his own life. He must have been in a very dark place and even though he played for some arch rivals of our team St Helens, such sad news transcends club rivalry. The family of Rugby League will rally round and support his family and I for one will be joining in the tributes to him when the Grand Final takes place at Old Trafford on Saturday. A tough guy but a nice one whose loss will be felt deeply.

We had a bit of luck with our selections on Saturday but it could have been so much better. Our two each way selections were both third at 28/1 and 11/2 respectively. I must admit I got fairly excited when at 28/1 Imperial Guest hit the front inside the final furlong at Ascot only to be run down by Frankie on Redford. We got a decent run for our money and more importantly turned over a profit which is what it is all about.

I have worked in the studio for the last two days, but will be ringing the changes today as I make my way to Kempton to cover the six race card there. Racing at Kempton is a more than frequent phenomena but a six race card is a rarity and with the last race at 4.40pm it will be an early bath for Eddie Freemantle and myself which will give us both time to freshen up for an eight race marathon at Newbury on Tuesday. With a bit of luck the rain will stay away and we will have an interesting afternoon. Between races we will be having a chat about the action that took place at Ascot on Saturday. In particular the performance of Frankel will come under the Freemantle microscope, some people are saying that what this horse achieved on Saturday makes Harbinger’s King George pale into insignificance, it has even been written that what Harbinger did was barely believable. This is palpable nonsense in my opinion, but what I think is of little consequence, it is the Freemantle verdict that you need and for that you will have to tune in to this afternoon.

A busy week ahead for me which includes three days at Kempton, a day at Newbury, a wedding and the Rugby League Grand Final. No rest for the wicked I guess. Onwards and upwards now though for leg one at Kempton this afternoon.

Take it easy out there and take plenty of water with it.

Todays Selections

2:10 Kempton – Barnet Fair (each way 11/2 Bet365 )