Limerick dogs it!

We did something a bit out of the ordinary this week as Limerick Lord headed to Towcester - not to run over hurdles but to race a greyhound in an epic duel.
The encounter was over a distance of three furlongs and was arranged by bookmakers William Hill to promote both the Epsom Derby and the greyhound Derby which took place this weekend. Handily at the track, both the dog and horse winning lines are in the same place, meaning the finish is easy to judge. I thought it would be a tight call but, in the end, the greyhound came home an easy winner by eight 'dog lengths'. However, as per usual, our rider Adam was full of excuses after and said the greyhound had a decent head start as there was a communication error which meant the horse stalls were opened late. Add to that the fact we had to race on very soft ground, I'd be happy to have a rematch in fairer conditions! Jokes aside, it was a good morning out and I was happy to be part of something unusual like this - I even think Limercick had fun too! A video of the day can be seen by CLICKING HERE.

Horse & hound ahead of their duel

The greyhound scores a controversial victory!

Back to the proper racing and we have another busy week in store.
Kicking off at Brighton on Monday is Spirit Of Sarwan. He made a very encouraging debut at Newmarket last month and has come out of the run in great form. I think that effort entitles him to go close this time, providing he handles the course's unique undulations.

Spirit Of Sarwan (Adam) leads the string

Wednesday sees the return of Great Yarmouth after its recent ground issues and we'll be there with Harry Bosch. He was ready to run a big race last time but got taken on for the lead and went far too fast, so it is best to ignore that run. He is on a mark he can win off and this is his time of year so I hope he can start to get competitive again.

Harry Bosch (Tess)

Thursday looks set to be a busy one with runners all over the country.
Close to home, we have Serendib's Glory at Yarmouth. She shows lots of ability at home but hasn't matched it on the track. I'm inclined to think her breathing is holding her back so I'll put a tongue strap on to help her out and see if it can get her into top gear.
At Nottingham, Duke Of Diamonds looks to hold a great chance, providing the ground isn't too firm. The form of his Catterick run is working out very well and he has improved again since then. Also there will be Attain who has been unlucky the last twice after being in the wrong place during his races. He takes all his work well and is still in good form.

Duke Of Diamonds (Mark) & The Ducking Stool (Sarah)

Also on Thursday we have Silver Alliance at Newbury. He hasn't been putting in much effort since coming back this year so he'll wear a pair of blinkers in the hope that they can wake him up. We've won this race five times in the past before so hopefully some of that luck can rub off on the old boy.

Handheld runs at York on Saturday but you won't see him in your newspapers as he is taking part in a charity race. I was asked a month ago by a friend if I had a horse suitable for a young lady to ride and Andy was the perfect candidate. His rider Siobhan has raised over £10,000 and has come in to have a sit on Andy for the past few weeks. It's all for a good cause and for once the result doesn't matter so hopefully the pair have plenty of fun and come back safe and sound.

Handheld (Siobhan) & Attain (Ross)

Finally, on Sunday, The Ducking Stool heads to Doncaster. She missed a few weeks' work with a skin infection and needed her run last time so now she should be a lot fitter. She seems best in late summer nowadays and I'd be happy if she can just show a bit more spark.

My Name is Jeff, Our Cilla & Tallulah's Quest gallop on the grass

THREE TO FOLLOW LEADERBOARD

Annette Hall	45
David Haddrell	37
Barbara Walton	34
Jonathan Kinge	30
Pauline Kennedy	30
Dudley Lever	28
Chris Shirran	27
Gay Chalklin	27
Maureen Case	27
Anthea Telford	27