Joe Tizzard's Blog : Wednesday 16th November 2011
THE OPEN REVIEW
Last weekend, Cheltenham Racecourse staged the thrilling three-day Open meeting and successfully attracted bumper crowds with the most competitive racing.
We had plenty of runners so I was very professional all weekend – only enjoying a glass of wine on Sunday evening.
After racing most evenings, many jockeys and trainers headed to the Outside Chance – a new Jockey Club bar facility - offering cocktails and music till late in the night. It was a fantastic venue and really made after racing / waiting for the traffic to easy during a festival meeting much more enjoyable.
Last Friday, we ran Cue Card in a hot Novices Chase which was won by David Pipe / Tom Scudamore with Grands Crus. Sadly, I was bounced out of the saddle on Cue Card and you only have to imagine my temper that evening! Channel 4 Racing’s John Francome said Cue Card was never travelling and was waiting to fall but I completely disagree with that statement. The false start didn’t help – making Cue Card very keen to begin with and his mistake was purely a novice error. I squeezed him to take off and he didn’t and guessed at it. However, Cue’s back home in fine form with not dents in confidence – he’s not that sort of horse. The plan is to find a nice little race for him within the fortnight.
Hey Big Spender ran a blinder on Saturday finishing fourth. His campaign is the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow in December.
BURTS CHIPS MINI CHALLENGE
Last Sunday, my colleagues took part in Burts Chips Mini Cooper Jockeys Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund and Greatwood. They had two minutes to squeeze as many jockeys into the car and amazingly 18 fitted it raising £1,800. Strategically, I was too tall to take-part but Mattie Batchelor managed to make plenty of noise - positioned across the dashboard and horn!
WINCANTON THIS THURSDAY
Following a busy week, this week is much quieter. For the first time ever, we have no entries for Wincanton this Thursday. Gates open 11am with the first of six races off just after 1pm. I don’t know whether go racing and support Emma (my girlfriend) or hunting for the day. Hmmm, a tough decision....
EXETER ON SUNDAY
We have one entered for Exeter this Sunday and four at Towcester. If I was allowed to punt – Cannington Brook at Exeter will have a real nice chance.
ENDS – NOV 15
PLEASE NOTE: The opinions published in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Wincanton Racecourse.