A couple of non runners yesterday unfortunately and a couple of enhanced place finishes. That's IF the places were paid in one instance after multiple non runners. Our frustration continues after a fortnight of very little meaningful action due to the weather.

 

Today sees the first of 3 days at the "Berkshire Winter Million", over a million quid spaffed up in Prize Money to support the richest venue in Flat Racing and a moderate Flat Track who suddenly decide to recreate a Jumps Track that had been idle for well over a decade. Both are situated in prime Berkshire Real Estate. Is this really the way that the BHA plan to reinvigorated Horse Racing let alone National Hunt Racing?. It's TV camera fodder, throwing money at those who least need it. How about a "Wonderful National Hunt hotbed Winter Million"....I can think of wonderful thriving community Courses like Hexham and Kelso, Hereford and Uttoxeter, Taunton and Wincanton (if they want closeish geographical venues) all small Tracks doing wonderful work to keep REAL National Hunt Racing alive.....what do they have to do to get thrown this sort of support?

 

We'll watch how things go and if I'm wrong I'll hold my hands up, but this just looks plain wrong on so many levels to me?...your thoughts are most welcome and you can disagree of course.

 

It's very hard to assess form fully yet at Windsor but we will have a bash at the closing race there and a competitive Handicap Chase at Market Rasen. We looked closely at a few races on the AW Card at Newcastle, especially the Class 2 opener over a mile, but it looks favourites dominated, and over in Ireland , nothing of note on this occasion at Cork, although a few longer term big priced horses in the TRACKER system there.