A winning bet
We had racing at Kenilworth at the weekend and it was again a day of seconds. It really does start to get one down as every time one runs second, particularly in a handicap, the handicapper decides to notch the horse up another couple of points and make it even more difficult for that horse to win next time out.
I have said before that I don’t think we win enough handicaps but if you are having a run of seconds, it is not hard to see why. Hopefully things will turn.
All was not lost with the weekend with the fantastic display by Kingvoldt.
He looks to be a really special horse, not just as a 2 yr old but also for the future. He is one of those fellows which just does everything right and on the day produces the goods. Whilst he is a good-looking fellow, I would not describe him as George Clooney. However, he has everything in the right place; good attitude, great motor and definite ability.
Fingers crossed for a bright future with him. He could not do any more than win and I feel that when he goes around the turn, with his pedigree he should be all that much better. Our 2 yr olds look a nice bunch this year and hopefully we can take this forward into next year.
Jake White is a great motivator
On a sporting front, I have to say that Jake White’s Sharks victory in New Zealand was one of the best television spectacles I have seen for a long time. What an amazing achievement to play that long with 14 men against one of the strongest sides in the competition. The man is nothing short of a total genius and while obviously an extremely clever and astute coach, he also has that one vital thing: he can motivate his players and get them to play as a united front.
What a remarkable achievement and a bit like Variety Club winning – it made me proud to be mostly South African. My only gripe is that the Stormers had the chance to employ him but like England, decided to look elsewhere. The mind simply boggles when one has the opportunity to employ the best coach in the world by a county mile and one just turns it up. Amazing.
On another sporting front, I am pleased to gloat about Manchester City’s victory in the League. Whilst I stopped being a City fan, one of the few things I got right at the start of the season was having a few bob on them to win it. It certainly helps me settle my bill with my friendly bookmaker after having backed all those 2nd places.
Well done, City. I felt dreadfully sorry for Liverpool as they seemed to play the best football all season and just fell at that last hurdle. Next year’s premiership looks something to look forward to – more than I can say for England’s world cup appearances. I must remember to book my dinner dates well in advance.
Finally, many of the stables these days have a lead horse which we use to help with some of the difficult youngsters. Our stable is no different. We had the most smashing fellow. He was only a moderate racehorse and won one race but he was the most amazing lead horse. He would bump, bore and bully and encourage any awkward 2 year olds and 3 year olds and never had a malicious bone in his body. He really had the best nature, was a lovely ride and was probably the fittest horse in the yard. Sadly, on Sunday morning we came to work and found he had passed away during the night.
He will leave big hooves to fill and we will all miss him. Thank you for all your hard work, Mount Mulanje. Whilst you didn’t put it in on the track, you certainly put it in at home and you leave an empty space in our hearts and the stables.
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