Royal Ascot Day 3

It has to be Yeat's Hostoric day. I've waited 12 months for today :)

2.30 There's a lot of hype over the Yank 2yos but I'm sticking with good old Monsieur Chevalier as he's won four for me already. 3.05 July Jasmine 3.45 Yeats of course 4.20 River Captain (ew) 4.55 Four Winds - for Her Majesty on Ladies Day, natch 5.30 Johan Zoffany

Ciao for now

TJ

Royal Ascot Day 2

Yeah to Mastercraftsman & Paco Boy who are my fave milers of their generation. But no time to stop so heres day 2's lucky ponies:-

2.30 Instalment / Patricians Glory (ew) 3.05 Eva's Request 3.45 Virtual (EW if your chicken but I'm going win only. I like him & think he's underated) 4.20 Kavachi / Roaring Forte (ew) Or if you're into H'cap coups Nanton. Insider stable info - dad's mate owns this grey.... mind you the last time he said it was laid out for a race it got beat out of sight. Go figure! 4.55 Misher / Grand Zafeen (ew) 5.30 Good Again

Here's to the outsiders day. Ciao for now

TJ

Royal Ascot Day 1

Can't stop just a quick note to post some Ascot tips. Duno / Don't care what the guys have gone for but these are my hopefuls. Oh and the queens hat to be apple green on Ladies day.

2.30 Paco Boy 3.05 Amour Propre 3.45 Mastercraftsman / Evasive (EW) 4.20 No Hubris 4.55 Woolfall Treasure 5.30 Hearts of Fire / Star Rover (EW)

Ciao for now

TJ

Sea The Ante Post Cash - At Last!

Sea The Stars has won the Derby at Epsom, & I'd been telling EVERYONE & ANYONE he'd win this since Cheltenham. He's landed me two nice bets now in the Guineas & this one... Triple Crown here we come. I am in love with his sexyness as much as I am with the great Montjeu or Denman.

From the moment he set foot in the parade ring he looked the winner. He was so calm & chilled & had the look of a Derby Champion. Sadly its a double edged sword winning the Derby as he's not worth at least £50mil & you wouldn't want that racng too many more times & running the risk of injury or death. So I'll forever remember him in his brief but breathtaking career as the Star he is.

Ciao for now

TJ

Superfilly Strikes Again

Rachel Alexandra made history by winning the Preakness from Mine That Bird after a gutsy front running performance. She is the first filly in 84 years to win it so she must be a class apart. Sent off the favourite (though I had bigger ante post odds, wohoo!!) the great American public knew she was something special & their faith was rewarded with a one length win. Mine That Bird came from off the scintallating pace she set but never looked like catching her as she kicked on again on when she saw him coming at her. I only have one word left to describe Rachel:

Wow.

Ciao for now

TJ

PS What The Coward Looks Like Should You Ever Meet Him

Yep he looks an underhand type to me.

Yankee Cowards Exposed

I have to speak out over the news that dumb ass Yank racehorse owner Mark Allen, owner of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird (before I go on I'd like to point out a gelding shouldn't even be allowed in the Derby as they can't be used for breeding so he can shut his yap for a start) has been trying to get sensational 20 lengths Kentucky Oaks winner, Rachel Alexandra (pictured above) out of the Preakness Stakes as she is currently 15th on the entry list & the race is only allowed 14 starters.

He got together with Ahmed Zayat an arab owner & Marylou Whitney & the three of them entered multiple other horses to push Rachel down the ballot list to deny her the chance to demolish the boys.

You would think America would want the best horses to be pitted against each other to prove beyond doubt who is the best of the bests but from what I can gather this stetson wearing Yankee twat feels so threatened his crap horse is going to be beat out of sight by a girl, he has to resort to under hand tactics to stop her.

He had the gall to say, and I quote: "I personally don't think any filly should be in a race against colts at this stage of their careers. I don't believe in running fillies against the colts." Why? Because your horse will be exposed for the dud it is? At least Rachel can pass on her illustrious bloodlines when her career is done. Which is why I think geldings shouldnt be in ANY Derby which is the one race considered by the whole world as the race in which we find the greatest horse of its generation. Mine That Bird great?? No. On the same surface Rachel blew her substandard field away. What is she meant to do? Continue to rack up a sequence against inferior fillies or mix it with the boys who are much more on her Grade One level? Honestly he just can't see the bigger picture.

Thankfully the other two owners have seen sense & Mark Allen has felt the pressure of the media not to run a second no hoper so it looks like Rachel will be going for it. She is the best filly for a long time & hopefully will become the next Go For Wand - cowardly cheats permitting.

Ciao for now

TJ

Aintree Day 3 2010 National winner victorious on Day 2

Say hello to Irish Raptor (above) the 2010 Grand National winner. You heard it here first. He loves Aintree, is a sound jumper & is quite a tall horse so wastes less energy in a race than his smaller counterparts. Now Mr Handicapper, put him up 8lbs or so to ensure he makes next years cut (he just missed out of this years event for being too far down in the weights).

TJ:- 1.45 Conflictofinterest 2.15 Made In Taipan 2.50 Ai Eile 3.25 Amigayle 4.15 Black Apalachi / Can't Buy Time (EW) 5.00 Fairyland 5.35 Whistlejacquet / Cunning Clarets

Top Dog:- 1.45 Copper Bleu 2.15 Song of Songs 2.50 Fivefourthree 3.25 Leading Contender 4.15 L'Ami / Irish Invader (EW) 5.00 Qozak 5.35 Giordano Bruno

Mini Cooper:- 1.45 Sir Tantalus Hawk 2.15 Kalahari King 2.50 United 3.25 Daldini 4.15 Kilbeggan Blade / Offshore Account (EW) 5.00 Oldrik 5.35 Like Minded

Ciao for now

TJ

Aintree Day 2 But Tragedy Has Ruined 09 For Me

A sad day all round as not only did one of my fave horses Exotic Dancer (top pic) die after his gallant second, in the same race my beloved Denman (above) fell & has hurt his leg. So as I'm in a pre PMT emotional overload mood, I'm too upset to think straight & really don't care one iota about tomorrow. So if said selections are whack, sue me.

TJ:- 2.00 Riverside Theatre 2.35 Herecomesthetruth 3.10 Nacarat 3.45 Bob Bob Bobbin 4.20 Moscow Catch / According To John (EW)4.55 Andytown 5.30 Miss Na Tintri

Top Dog:- 2.00 American Trilogy 2.35 Or Jaune 3.10 Petit Robin 3.45 New Little Bric 4.20 Pride Of Dulcote 4.55 Captain Americo 5.30 Megasue

Mini Cooper:- 2.00 Silk Hall 2.35 Massini's Maguire 3.10 Voy Por Ustedes 3.45 Ping Pong Silvola 4.20 Weapon's Amnesty 4.55 Kayf Aramis 5.30 Chilli Rose

Ciao for now

TJ

Aintree Festival Day 1 - Denman's Day (I hope)

Well another National is very nearly upon us & support for Black Apalachi is strengthening & his odds shorten by the day so I hope you took heed when I flagged him up at 25s. According to Top Dog word is Silver Birch is the winner but no horse bar Red Rum has won it more than once & with how shall we say, legs made of glass, I personally wouldn't touch that horse with a barge pole. Then again with Top Dog flagging up Papillon, Bobbyjo, Red Marauder & Numbersixvalverde as winners in recent years he's the man in form. Notice how they are all bar one is Irish? I swear its a fetish :D - sorry babes xx Anyhoo onto the (hopefully) winning ponies. Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

TJ:- 2.00 Mighty Man 2.35 Ski SUnday 3.10 Denman (festival banker) 3.45 Le Duc 4.20 Poquelin 4.55 Deep Purple 5.30 Prince Taime

Top Dog:- 2.00 Duc de Regniere 2.35 Silk Drum 3.10 Exotic Dancer 3.45 City Affair 4.20 Oh Crick 4.55 Chapoturgeon 5.30 Big Earned Fran

Mini Cooper:- 2.00 Big Bucks 2.35 Walkon 3.10 Madison Du Berlais 3.45 Take The Stand 4.20 Bambi de L'orme 4.55 Planet of Sound 5.30 French Opera / Aurora's Encore (EW)

Ciao for now

TJ

You're Fired! - I Wish

Wohoo. For the next twelve weeks I am in heaven for Sir Alan returns to our tv screens. I love his sense of humour.

Its also the Aintree Festival next week & although I don't have any representatives there in person, I shall still be posting our three sets of tips for every race. I can't believe its nearly another National. Last years event feels like it only took place yesterday. Denman may also make his final start of the season & I hope he comes back safe & sound ready for a crack at next years Gold Cup. Yes, I STILL believe in him.

Anyhoo thats it, ciao for now

TJ

Cheltenham Festival Day 4 - Gold Cup Chase

Behold the great GOLDEN MILLER (above) owned by the eccentric Dorothy Paget the first real female racehorse owner. He is a five - yeah I said FIVE - time winner of the Gold Cup in 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935 & 1936. He also won the Grand National in 1934 too. He had a total of 28 wins from 52 starts under NH rules.

Anyhoo it was a good day all round after a nice win & several places but it was Mini C who stole the show. Word has it he got lucky last night too so follow a man on fire!

His selections (& the rest of our useless donkeys) are as follows:-

TJ:- 1.30 Zaynar / Starluck 2.05 Sunnyhillboy 2.40 Den of Iniquity 3.20 Neptune Collonges / Denman (EW) 4.00 Kingscliff 4.40 Little Shilling 5.15 Poquelin / My Petra (EW)

Top Dog:- 1.30 Ebadiyan 2.05 Dave's Dream 2.40 Pride Of Dulcote 3.20 Madison de Berlais 4.00 Royal Auclair 4.40 Big Eared Fran 5.15 Pasco / Psychomondo (EW)

Mini Cooper:- 1.30 Walkon 2.05 Farringdon 2.40 The Midnight Club 3.20 Barbers Shop 4.00 Limerick Boy 4.40 Penn da Benn 5.15 French Opera

Good luck & as the curtain falls for another year I hope you all enjoyed the show. See you in 2010. Ciao for now

TJ

Cheltenham Festival Day 3 - World Hurdle

Day 3's Hero of yesteryear is a recent one, I know. Its INGLIS DREVER (nearside, black & tan silks) who won the World Hurdle (formerly the Stayers Hurdle) in 2005, 2007 & 2008. He is the ONLY horse to win this test of stamina three times which is why he is featured. He won a total of 13 from 23 starts under NH rules & Cheltenham won't be the same without him.

It looks like Top Dog was right. Follow the Irish trainer Willie Mullins whose chargers are in flying form this year. So its onto tomorrow's hero's of the minute:-

TJ:- 1.30 Willie Mullins 2.05 Willie Mullins 2.40 Willie Mullins 3.20 Willie Mullins 4.00 Willie Mullins 4.40 Willie Mullins

Top Dog:- 1.30 Isn't That Lucky 2.05 P'tit Fute 2.40 Gwanako 3.20 Shakervilz 4.00 Oceanos des Obeaux 4.40 Le Duc

Mini Cooper:- 1.30 Ring The Boss 2.05 Kayf Aramis 2.40 Tidal Bay 3.20 Big Bucks 4.00 Osaka D'airy 4.40 Shouldhavehadthat

Happy punting. Ciao for now

TJ

Cheltenham Festival Day 2 - Queen Mother Champion Chase

Ok so I couldn't find a pic of my day 2 hero the great BADSWORTH BOY but I decided it was no reason not to include him in my hero's of yesteryear theme. He is the winner of 8 starts from 18 runs under NH rules and is the ONLY horse to ever win todays feature event three times in 1983, 1984 & 1985. Enough said.

Anyway after a bad 1st day - a few scanky favourites are not my style :( - I'm calling in some outside help. I bumped into Top Dog in the supermarket last night and inevitably the subject of Cheltenham came up. He & Mini Cooper are lucky enough to be down there for the spectacle so I've had them txt me their tips so you have a choice. As Top Dog had Go Native at 12's in the opener & Mini C had Forpadydeplaster in the Arkle at 8's and also fancied Punjabi in the parade ring so had a sneaky last minute EW on him; I'd follow their tips instead of mine! So without further ado, bring on the selections:-

TJ:- 1.30 Kornati Kid 2.05 Diamond Harry 2.40 Carruthers 3.20 Twist Magic 4.00 Lough Derg 4.40 Ski Sunday / Indian Groom 5.15 Shinrock Paddy

Top Dog:- 1.30 Cant Buy Time 2.05 Mikael D'haguenet 2.40 Gone To Lunch 3.20 Well Chief 4.00 Serabad 4.40 Simarian 5.15 Meath All Star

Mini Cooper:- 1.30 Le Beau Bai 2.05 Mad Max 2.40 Massini's Maguire 3.20 Petit Robin 4.00 Great Endeavour 4.40 Helium 5.15 Gagewell Flyer

FYI Top Dog says the Champion Bumper winner WILL be a Willie Mullins trained horse as he & I quote "farms this race every bloody year". It's just a question of "which one". Ciao for now

TJ

Cheltenham Festival Day 1 - Champion Hurdle

Hello & welcome to Day One of the Greatest Show on Turf. Usually I have a pic of the horse I think is going to win the days feature event at the start of my entry but this year I thought I'd do something a little different.

This year I'm honouring Cheltenham hero's of yesteryear starting with the Champion Hurdle winner of 1980 & 1981, SEA PIGEON. Go on, look at him in the pic above in all his leaping glory winning the 1980 event. I'm not going into his life story (that's for another blog another time) but he was a grand little dual purpose horse that won 21 races from 40 starts & £130,395 under NH rules & is a personal fave of his ex jockey Jonjo O'Neill.

Ok ok, enough already I know why you're here. You want to see some winning tips. Well here goes nothing though I cannot be held accountable if my selections don't quite manage to pull it off or happen to be non runners on the day itself. I am NOT a clairvoyant!

1.30 Red Moloney 2.05 I'msingingtheblues 2.40 Wichita Lineman 3.20 Brave Inca / Whiteoak (EW) 4.00 Garde Champetre 4.40 Chomba Womba

And that is it for day one. I'm off to place my bets. Good luck & ciao for now

TJ

A Brief Natonal Note Before Cheltenham Fever Kicks In

Hoped you backed Black Apalachi when I first flagged him up as he's now 12-1 favourite for the big event after a nice win in the Bobbyjo Chase in Ireland. Also word is King John's Castle who was my 09 National tip immediately after finishing 2nd in the 08 race is also due to line up having gotten over his leg injury quicker than anticipated. So Im backing him too although EW only just in case that leg isn't quite 150%. He is generally 25's at present.

Anyhoo, its almost Cheltenham 09 so I'd best get some tips lined up seeing how I haven't been very enthusiastic about racing of late. Neptune Collonges (pictured above) to win the Gold Cup IF Denman isn't back to his best on the day. He's a nice horse & a pretty grey to boot & runs in the colours of One Man the chaser that has the honour of kick starting my love affair with National Hunt racing.

Ciao for now

TJ

2009 Grand National Winner - You Read It Here First

Following the leg injury of my previous National tip, St Johns Castle that is keeping him out of training for the season I've had to find a new tip (please do not consider this me deserting St John, if he comes back ok from his injury, I still think he can win a National. Even moreso now because many National winners have a back story of a bad injury!).

Anyway the new tip is Black Apalachi (above pic, nearside, no 7, green & blue silks) & he made mince meat of the formidable National fences on Saturday gone, in the Becher Chase winning by 30 lengths on Heavy ground, in the pouring rain. He also did it the hard way, from the front. What impressed me though was his attitude. He jumped from fence to fence & enjoyed the obsticles which is half the battle at Aintree.

Yes he ran in the 2008 National and got no further than the 2nd fence but that was his first time over the jumps I believe and the experience obviously hasn't put him off any judging by his recent performance. It was also his first time in England (he's trained & raced in Ireland) which may have unsettled him. Horses are funny creatures like that :S

He is generally at 20's but scout about and you'll get 33-1. He wouldn't want it too firm but with the trend for watering these days, I can't see the ground posing much of a problem come April. If you're worried about his fall last year, don't be. Its a relatively common trend for a horse to fall in its first National but win it the next year especially in the last few years:- Red Marauder (2001 winner), Amberleigh House (2004 winner), my beloved Hedgehunter (2005 winner), Silver Birch (2007 winner) cases in point. In fact the more I think about it the more positive that fall sounds! Also if he's up with the leaders through the race he can avoid trouble. Always a bonus at Aintree.

My advice? Fill your boots folks.

Ciao for now

TJ

Breeders' Cup 2008 - Raven's Pass Kicks Curlin's Ass

Ok firstly, I'd like to say a massive congratulations to Raven's Pass (above) & his trainer, John Gosden for beating the best horse in the world, and American star, Curlin. I feel deeply sorry for his previous owners although don't forgive them for selling out on poor Raven to what is essentially Godolphin in all but name. Ravem's future (stud or race as a 4yo) is yet to be decided but I'd bet my last penny on it being the former.

Goldikova, a fantastic French filly, I've followed since the start of the year, WILL remain in training for next year and go for a repeat bid in the Breeders Cup Turf Mile. I'd like to see her take on Britains best milers including the colts next year too rather than sticking to her own sex. I believe she can do it as she has great natural ability and an amazing turn of foot. She'll get a pull in the weights too, so c'mon Freddie, get her shipped to england for Royal Ascot 09!

Ah, Crowded House. Horrid name. Breathtaking animal. Some are touting the Guineas but I'd skip that, get on him now for next years Derby. He will win. You heard it here first. He showed a dramatic burst of speed to win the last 2yo classic pointer of the year, the Racing Post Trophy. His form was further boosted by Donativum winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf last night.

And finally, they said he couldn't do it. They said he was past his best. They said he hated Autumn. They said he hated France. Well newsflash, my beloved Yeats capped a memorable season by winning the French St Leger (the Prix Royal Oak or something like that!) in true grit fashion. He was up with the pace all the way and kicked for home well before any of his rivals. Having stolen a further two lengths from the field he powered home barely off the bridle. Ok so the field was closing toward the finish but he's been out in front on his own for the best part of two furlongs. I hope he stays in training for a record fourth Ascot Gold Cup next year.

Now its time to hand over the reins to the National Hunt boys and girls. I'm in my spiritual home with the jumpers and already several of my fave horses have been running well - Exotic Dancer, Mister McGoldrick, Oslot, Monet's Garden & Knowhere who is now Hennessey bound. It's going to be a great season. And to think, My beloved Denman hasn't even put in an appearance yet!

Ciao for now

TJ

Superfilly Of The Future:- Rainbow View

She's as pretty as a picture as well as possessing a shed load of talent. A winner of both her starts by an impressive six lengths and will surely sweep all Classics before her next season barring no injuries of course. She's by Dynaformer, a top class American based stallion I like and is generally now 6-1f for the 1000 Guineas but I'd still advise you to get on as she will surely shorten with each passing race.

Ciao for now

TJ

Somebody's Watching Over Me

My guardian angel is putting in overtime watching over me this week. Not only have I got an unexpected holiday but I received a mystery parcel that no one I know claims to have anything to do with, full of relaxation goodies like bath oils, body lotion, scented candles and a face mask, just when I was feeling exhausted to the point of a mental breakdown.

Then today it just so happens that the two weeks I'm away is also the same time the auditors are in our place. Wohoo! I have to deal with them every fucking year and they are a pain in the arse. No the wonder J looked so stressed when I put in for those two weeks off. Means she might have to do some work for a change.

So, do guardian angels exist or is it all a coincidence? I'm going with the former, especially if they look as cute as the one pictured above. Plus it sounds like something nice and good to believe in, in this horrible, cold, cruel world and to me its somewhat reassuring.

Ciao for now

TJ

The World Can Blow Coz I Finally Have A Vacation Booked!

I can't wait. Mentally Im exhausted & need this break. Haven't had any decent time off work for ages. Im away next Friday for two whole (nearly) perfect weeks. I will miss my baby though xx hence the nearly. Even so I can't help getting excited, especially as everything is kicking off at work. J's face was a picture when I told her I was putting in some time off. It's also my 3 year anniversary of working at this place next Friday & I can't think of a better way to spend it than in a foreign country, sunning myself, cool Budweiser in hand!

We're going to the Cleopatra Palace in los Americas, Tenerife. I guess you could say its a trial run for our week there over New Year. We have a poolside balcony suite (hence the above pic) & as I have just taken delivery of a fancy new camera a couple of weeks ago, I intend to take plenty of pictures & may even display them for the world to see. I doubt very much I'll post a pic of yours truly but we shall see!

Any hoo Im off to make a list of stuff to pack. Oh in other news, AF followed me home form work to have a chat about his health & how he may not be coming back to work. He also had news of R. Who is coincidently on holiday the same two weeks as me. Again. Different destinations I hasten to add but for the last two years we've been off at the same time. Its really weird. Like we're in sync when it comes to needing a break from the daily rat race or something!

Ciao for now

TJ

Croatia 2 - 1 Germany // A Mixed Result

:D Had an intense gut instinct moment this morning when I read the paper & saw the above at tasty odds. I've been doing the guys heads in at work all day telling them about my feeling! I may have Germany to win overall but I couldn't ignore this strong Gold Cup/Denman type of instinct. Guess it was right! It doesn't matter if I loose my original bet anymore. This covers all losses nicely. Im off to spend some ££ on shoes & designer dresses.

Ciao for now

TJ

Congratulations Robert Kubica

Not much to say except Robert Kubica won his first F1 race & now leads by 4 pts from Lewis Hamilton. My bet is looking nice now because even if he doesn't win often, he does consistantly score points which ever since they brought the points scored for each position closer together, its what you need.

Also a big woop to Germany for getting their Euro 08 bid off to a flying start.

That's it, ciao for now

TJ

Can Love Conquer All?

Ooh I feel like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex & The City. I love that show. Im wrapped they have reunited to make a movie. However don't get carried away because much like the heroine I have no discipline for writing about my title subject! Ok ok all I can say is well, does it?? Coz I'm fucked if I know.

The only other thing I have to say is I have a random joke from a long lost pal which goes like this:-

Being British is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgian beer then on the way home grabbing an Indian curry or a Turkish kebab, to sit on a Swedish sofa and watch USA shows on a Japanese TV. And most of all being suspicious of anything foreign. Oh and only in Britain can you get a pizza to your home faster than an ambulance. Only in Britain do banks leave both doors open and chain pens to the counter. Also supermarkets make sick people walk to the back of the shop for perscriptions while healthy people get their fags at the front of the shop. We might be British but by fuck we're funny!

Well it made me laugh anyway. I did have another one but it would probably offend religious people so I'll save myself the backlash. Urgh what a crappy PC world we live in.

Ciao for now

TJ

Henry Leads The Way

Move over Luc there is a hot new stud on the scene! Ok maybe not quite but he is getting there. Im rambling of course about the devine Henrythenavigator who may not have the best name in the world but it is apt. He is part of the mighty Coolmore/Ballydoyle fleet and has won both the English & Irish 2000 Guineas and is second favourite for the Epsom Derby.

He also has beaten that so called wonder horse New Approach twice. Fair and square. Yes he may have been the best two year old last year but he certainly isn't the best three year old. Not over a mile at any rate and considering thats probably as far as he's going to get its time for people to eat humble pie. I told you all last year he wasn't up to all the hype. God Im in the wrong job.

What is getting my goat is New Approach's trainer; Jim Bolger which is REALLY narking me coz I love him as a jumps trainer but when it comes to the flat he is evidently a complete arse. Excuses, excuses & more excuses for his colts defeat, citing the ground as too firm yesterday. In my opinion if a horse is as wonderous as they hype it to be then it should have the class to see it through races that may not always be plain sailing IE the ground, trip, draw, running style, direction of the track etc isn't what the horse prefers.

Maybe Im just old fashioned and want my heroes to be bloody, bruised and battle hardened. They don't make horses like they used to. Having just watched Seabiscuit, I know what Im talking about.

In Formula One news, Robert Kubica is hanging on to the coat tails of the leaders for the world championship in 4th place only six points off the lead. My bet is looking good so far & he was way overpriced at 25's. He's a good solid driver, who I believe has a nice future though with Lewis on the scene I think he'll never get the chance of driving in a better team. Oh well.

Ciao for now

TJ

Chaos Dosen't Begin To Cover It

Hmm as I haven't wrote on this for ages you won't be aware of all the latest developments. I can't go into details but I can say we have two drivers (and two of my closest mates I might add) off on sick notes; one for six weeks at least and the other for eight weeks. This means we've been struggling to find drivers to cover our existing workload.

Today two drivers phoned in sick which meant the situation wwnt from critical to full blown meltdown. As our drivers only really do what we class as "their" regular runs (an issue I have pointed out as being stupid for some time now) when it comes to putting a different driver on a job it results in pandemonium. Times this by swapping five drivers around and I'm not kidding, it was total chaos.

I got called into work at 8.15 when I don't even start till nine, purely to deal with the sheer volume of client complaints of "my bus hasn't turned up" etc. Trying to tell them we have skeleton driver coverage as it is without two more taking the day off sick didn't help their cause. as far as they are concerned its our problem, not theres, which I totally agree with.

Of course we managed to get things on an even keel by re-jigging the work about or so we office dwellers thought. Come 9.15 we are STILL getting calls of "my bus isn't here" when these people should have been dropped off by 8.45 at the latest. A few calls to the various drivers shed some light on the problem. It transpired they'd been given the totally wrong schedules yesterday - our leader E's fault - so they were calling for clients that didn't want transport but completely missing out those that did.

More re-jigging by which time our other regular after 9am daily contracts are due to start and we have buses sitting in the garage but no drivers. Cue this batch of clients ringing in from 9.15 onwards complaining. Honestly you wouldn't believe the damage a knock-on effect could have. It was a shambles.

To top that off, a bus limped in this morning at 8.45 having been out overnight with a group on a self drive, its back window completely smashed in. It was parked up not far from my house which is a respectable part of town quite frankly so it came as a shock to say the least. Not only is it off the road but its one of our main workhorses. We are literally fucked without it, poor thing. It happens to be my favourite bus of the fleet as its got more gadgets, leg room, heated seats, working air con, top notch suspension, a luggage boot & a CD player while the others don't!

Anyway all of the work scheduled for that bus has also had to be re-jigged and we don't know for how long because apparently the only place to get the glass this special bus requires is Spain. We've had to get new front & rear bumpers imported for it before and it took three months for them to be custom made. It's great having a special bus - until you need the replacement parts! You know what the Spanish are like. No urgency whatsoever. I offered to go fetch the glass myself on an expenses paid trip; but E said no. Pft.

And finally, onto the pic. Well that's my baby Lucarno. If you think I'm in love with Denman then I'm doubly in love with Luc. The reason for his pic is to make me happy after a hard day and to say he has four options open for his seasonal return to the track. I also hope he runs at York August meeting when I'll be there with my other baby - hey hon xx - so I can see him for the second time in all his muscular, mahogany bay glory *swoons over Luc's sexyness*

Ciao for now

TJ

Nothing Much Just Complete Randomness

Random point 1) THE single most best ad on TV at the moment is the one for water that features Brains from Thunderbirds busting some kick ass moves for a wooden puppet. Its right up there along with the Skoda cake car & Cadbury's drumming Gorilla. Best sound track goes to Nesquiks moon & stars cereal featuring the tune "Funky Town". So cool.

Random point 2) Amy Winehouse meets Jeremy Clarkson at a party. "What do you do?" she asks him. "Top Gear," he replies. "Fucking brilliant. Give us three grams". Well it was the only thing that made me smile today bar my honey pie being such a sweetie! xx

Random point 3) Yankee Triple Crown contender Big Brown has won two of the three legs & although Im not a fan, I do like to see history being made in my lifetime. On a similar subject, farewell Eight Belles the only filly in the Kentucky Derby field who lost her life just after said race. Such images do the Sport of Kings no good whatsoever. Still if the Yanks will pump their horses full of drugs...

Random point 4) Its all change at work & it looks like Im probably about to loose all my allies. Its like J has a conspiracy against me. Though her plan to have JC join us & therefore be an ally for her looks to be backfiring BIG style. Wohoo!

Random point 5) Indiana Jones is back. Oh. My. God. I love Indy. Think the Last Crusade is my absolute favourite though & Mr Spielberg is a genius. Now, if only POTC 4 was scheduled. C'mon Jerry...

Random point 6) while being forced to visit my nana (dads mam) that I don't get on with or overly like on Saturday, I saw the single most funniest thing of the year. A magpie was sitting on her back garden fence. A black cat was stalking across her grass, saw the bird, scaled the fence & then instead of the cat pouncing or the magpie flying away afraid, the bird flapped its wings which made the cat walk away then the bird proceeded to chase the cat the entire length of the fence. Ive never seen a cat look so surprised & confused nor a bird so fearless & bold. I like magpies - the birds, not the football team! - though I hate to see just the one. Im more than superstitious.

Well thats all the randomness I can cope with at the mo. Ciao for now

TJ

As One Champ Bows Out Another Ascends The Road To Glory

The immortal sire of sires & grand daddy of them all, Sadler's Wells (top pic) has been retired from stud duties at Coolmore at the grand age of 27. He's perfectly fit & healthy & has many happy years of retirement left in him but his fertility was on the wane; a problem all males succumb too at some point in their lives. Still, he leaves behind two of my fave sons of his in Galileo & Montjeu so his legacy will continue in spectacular fashion.

And as he bows out, Denman's (bottom pic) star continues to rise for he has been voted Horse of the Year by the BHA. While I am pleased at this, I am less happy at his rating of 182. Sure its fabulous but when you consider he went through the season unbeaten, carried top weight in the Hennessy, beat a high class field overseas in Ireland's Lexus chase, beat Kauto Star in decisive fashion the hard way IE out in front the best part of the race in the blue riband event of the decade; you'd expect him to be rated much closer to Kauto than that who by the way was defeated twice this year.

Still next year when my beloved Tank beats Kauto for the second time, no one - not even the suits at Timeform - can rate Denman 5lbs lower than Kauto. Bring it on. Ciao for now

TJ

Gee Teigey Another Big Priced Ante Post Winner?? Why Yes, Of Course

Natagora (grey filly, top pic) Brave little Natagora. 1000 Guineas winner 2008. 11-4f. Had you listened to me last august or so, you'd have got 50-1 ante post. Oooh ones racehorse fund is looking mighty healthy now. The next Denman here I come.

Also a big shout out to Proud Spell (bay horse, middle pic) my current fave American horse who also happens to be a filly (see a theme here?!) who won the Kentucky Oaks on Friday gone. Hell even my fave event horse, Tom Quigley (bottom pic) went well at Badminton horse trials over this weekend. Im off to dream of my future equine glories.

Ciao for now

TJ

Worship The Killer Heels

One word: WOW. Ok more words - I like talking normally. These are the latest shoes I've ordered... assuming they have them in my size. Aren't they simply devine? I saw them in black originally when looking for new shoes for work but I didn't want peep toes for the office. Then 4 weeks later they materialised in red and I just had to have them.

Not sure if I can walk in four and a half inch heels but then I do already wear kinky four inch stillettos for work. The guys like that for some reason. I still never look any taller though. Go figure!

Ciao for now

TJ

Great National Heroes No1: Hedgehunter

My favourite chaser (before Denman was even thought of) has been retired today. Im talking of course about the noble Hedgehunter. He is only twelve so should hopefully have a long and happy retirement & I look forward to seeing him each year in the past winners parade of the Grand National before the race itself. He of course won it in 2005 which is incidently the last time I backed the National winner.

Of course I am a little happy about this news because now I don't feel guilty tipping another horse for the National!! Loyalty isn't always rewarded folks. Anyway I had the pleasure of seeing my boy just once in the flesh in the 2004 National. I was there with my mam & a bunch of mates for the weekend for my 21st bday. It was love at first sight. It was his big boxy, old-fashioned looking head that did it for me. And he is simply massive in the girth - plenty of lung power! Anyway I backed him & he had a tired fall at the last when looking the winner so the following year I had him at nice odds antepost despite everyone thinking I was crazy - you know who you are! - & he romped home. Since then I've had him antepost every year. Sadly not any more.

What will I do now you cry. Well, I'm sweet on King John's Castle at this stage who caught my eye this year when second and if Denman shows up?? Do I REALLY have to spell it out?!

Ciao for now

TJ