Joe Tizzard's Blog : Monday 12th December 2011
RACING CALLED OFF
On Saturday, I drove the lorry to Lingfield Park. We got all the way, arriving 9.45am with temperatures still -1C only for racing to be called-off 15 minutes later!
It’s disappointing not only for me but also for the horse and owner. We don’t get any refund on entries or petrol - we just have to take the hit – but we’ll find another race for Golden Chiefton over Christmas.
Fortunately, we got back home in time to have a relaxing afternoon watching Channel 4 Racing.
RACING THIS WEEK
It’s a quiet middle of the week for me with one ride tomorrow at Folkestone. Lanhydrock runs in the maiden hurdle and will need the run. Then it’s all systems go for Ascot Friday and Saturday with plenty of strong runners including Cue Card, Third Intension and Cannington Brook.
AWFUL WEATHER FORECAST
We’re forecast awful weather kicking in later today. Jockeys tend to feel the cold most when standing in the paddock talking to connections – especially if we’re doing rock-light wearing only tights, light breeches, a muffler and lyric silks! Thankfully adrenalin kicks in and sees you through a race when the wind and rain is howling.
HUNTING THIS THURSDAY
As mentioned, Thursday I’ll be hunting with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale and when out we don’t wear back protectors. A few years ago, one Christmas Eve, I had a close shave and experienced a worse fall than racing and was kicked everywhere. Thankfully the hip flask sees you through the day safe and sound!
WINCANTON BOXING DAY
In two weeks time, Wincanton will stage their popular Boxing Day meeting, where 12,000 racegoers will embrace the national hunt game. I very much hope to be racing at Wincanton and a lot of my friends have taken a table in the Paddock Marquee, which is great for all ages and close to the action. Book now on 01963 32344.
GET WELL SOON CHOC
Sadly, yesterday Choc (Robert) Thornton broke his arm in a fall atHereford while riding Richard Lee-trained Western Whisky. He’s likely to miss the busy Christmas period. He suffered a terrible knee injury in 2010 and it’s just rotten luck. He’s being operated on this morning and I would like to wish him a speedy recovery.
ENDS – DEC 12
PLEASE NOTE: The opinions published in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Wincanton Racecourse.