SOMETHING DIFFERENT, A DAY OUT AT ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW

Using up the annual leave had a couple of days due this month and took a day off to visit Kew Gardens not too far away from us having been invited by a work colleague who has an annual pass to this wonderful outer London location near Richmond upon Thames. It's only a few stops on the train from home, and was hopeful that the weather would be kind for us to enjoy the delights of the Royal Gardens. Plan to get there around 11am, hopefully the weather will be kind, and jump on a bus to get us to the Lion Gate entrance on the Kew Road itself. This is close to the southern end of the garden where the Great Pagoda is situated and should give us plenty to explore today. 

Great Pagoda
In the southeast corner of Kew Gardens stands the Great Pagoda (by Sir William Chambers), erected in 1762, from a design in imitation of the Chinese Ta. The lowest of the ten octagonal storeys is 15 m (49 ft) in diameter. From the base to the highest point is 50 m (164 ft). Since it's reopening in 2006 it now has the 'dragons' on each level (see picture below) which are painted 'gold' and around 80 of them in all.

Temperate House
The Kew site, which has been dated as formally starting in 1759 has had a £41m restoration of the Grade I listed Temperate House building completed in May 2018, this now hosts many artistic events we arrived with them setting up a Japanese installation which begins on 2nd October and this will be a celebration of Japanese plants, arts and culture.

Elevated Walkway
Towering 18 metres above the ground, the Treetop Walkway is a chance to get closer to Kew’s trees. From its heights you can observe the complex ecosystem of the trees' uppermost branches, a world teeming with birds and insects, lichen and fungi. At ground level, sculptures carved from tree trunks illustrate microscopic elements of trees to explain how they grow. A path leads you below ground to the Rhizotron, an underground lab constructed to study the soil.

The Marianne North Gallery of Botanic Art

The Marianne North Gallery was built in the 1880s to house the paintings of Marianne North, an MP's daughter who travelled alone to North and South America, South Africa, and many parts of Asia, at a time when women rarely did so, to paint plants. The gallery has 832 of her paintings. She left the paintings to Kew on condition that the layout of the paintings in the gallery would not be altered.

The gallery had suffered considerable structural degradation since its creation and during a period from 2008 to 2009 major restoration and refurbishment took place, the gallery originally opened in 1882 and is still the only permanent exhibition in Great Britain dedicated to the work of one woman.

MAP

UK RETURNING TO ACTION, NEWCASTLE HORSE RACING MONDAY 1st JUNE

Monday 1st June 2020.
After around a ten week absence we can enjoy a return to horse racing action once more here at High Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Horse Racing in Britain has been suspended since 17th March because of the coronavirus pandemic and now we should be prepared to expect an ten-race opening fixture planned for Newcastle's all-weather track. That is all assuming that a return to action is approved by the government which we anticipate will be the correct course of action with health and safety of those involved in putting on this fixture paramount. The ten race card will have reduced field sizes (max 12 runners) in line with the BHA recommendations and other safety measures including masks and social distancing will be in place to enable racing to start once again this week. At the five day declaration stage the meeting had received a total of 369 entries, the meeting at Kempton tomorrow has over 450+. Racing is scheduled for meetings all this week and these will include the re-arranged Guineas Meetings at Newmarket next weekend which we will also be covering here.

Here's a link to this meeting's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the Tapeta surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Monday is for a lot of sunshine and it's going to be rather humid day too so I might say there could be a snap shower during the day. Hopefully it's a good one for the return to action not that it really matters as we'll not be there!! We expect the temperature to reach a high of 20C by the time the meeting gets underway.

Today's Races and Selections;
13:00   1m 5y Welcome Back Handicap
(Class 6, 12 runners)
The opening contests are handicaps, not that surprisingly, and we kick off over a mile trip in a very compressed handicap with only 4lb splitting the twelve runner field. While there's strong words for Mick Appleby's STONE MASON a recruit from Roger Charlton and taking a big step back in trip and grade, but surely will be fit to go. TIERCEL is of interest as the elder statesman here and plenty of course experience including a win and has a 3lb claimer which could be significant.   Result - 1st  Zodiacos 22/1.

13:35   1m 5y Betway Handicap
(Class 4, 12 runners)
A tricky handicap over the mile, where Little Jo is the only course and distance winner but that was about two years ago and appears to struggle off this mark now so is overlooked. MOTAWAAFEQ has plenty of place form on the other all weather tracks and may well do enough to place here, while AMADEUS GREY was runner up here on only all weather start and subsequently raced in some competitive handicaps around the north so should enjoy this.   Result - 1st  Little Jo 9/1.

14:10   6f Betway Novice Stakes (Div One)
(Class 5, 12 runners)
First division of the two non handicap events on this afternoons card has four here that have run before and carry weight penalties against the newcomers. Ejtilaab might struggle with 10-3 to carry though the filly LITTLE RED SOCKS is a previous winner on the all weather at Wolves and only gives 2lb to the newcomers. Among those having their debut today is FREEDOM FLYER [Withdrawn NR] who should be well prepared by new training partnership Simon / Ed Crisford, the father and son pairing is already a popular practice in Australia and the sharing of the training licence has been approved by the BHA.   Result - 1st Edraak 16/1.

14:45   6f Betway Novice Stakes (Div Two)
(Class 5, 12 runners)
Second division of the Novice Stakes contest, where only ART POWER / MAGICAL JOURNEY have been out before and the winner is likely to come from that duo according to the early betting forecast. The newcomers will need a watching brief, but the filly CONTINENTAL gets a helping hand in the weights plus Megan Nicholls 3lb claim too.   Result - 1st Art Power  5/4F.

15:20   6f Betway Handicap

(Class 4, 12 runners)

Only 2lb separates the field here for this sprint handicap so the two that have shown the most consistent form when last seen are TATHMEEN who won here two starts back, and TRICKY DICKY who won five times last season and might still be one to follow. While support for the top rated HEATH CHARNOCK should be noted, even though could do with a bit of help from the handicapper has been well supported in recent races and is consistent off this sort of mark.    Result - Brian The Snail  13/2.

15:55   6f Betway Casino Handicap (3yo)
(Class 5, 12 runners)
The Crisford horses are likely to be popular here today, and they have another chance with ROCK OF DIAMONDS in the sprint handicap. Kevin Ryan saddles OAKENSHIELD who could be worth a shout having only raced on soft going but was well supported for his race at Hamilton. Down the bottom of the list CAPTAIN CORCORAN has his British debut for trainer Eric Alston having had several races over in Ireland winning at Navan.   Result - Oakenshield 11/2.

16:30   5f Betway Handicap
(Class 5, 12 runners)
Top weight Queen of Kalahari has good winning form but away at Southwell so is passed over for the win today, while BE PROUD has raced here the last seven times winning twice and filling the runner up position three times making him a banker place bet today for me. QUANAH is looking to secure a hat trick of wins, even with the extended break, though hasn't raced on the surface is the one question to answer.   Result - 1st  Queen of Kalahari 10/1.

17:05   1m 4f 98y Betway Handicap
(Class 3, 12 runners)
in terms of class and prize money on offer this is the best race on the card this afternoon, Mark Johnston saddles two including Star of the East who hasn't been seen out for two years so we'll watch that one. John Gosden sent GOOD TIDINGS up here to win a novice event last year and although he was last at Chelmsford that was over 1m6f which might have been too far at that stage in his career. Another to look at this season is ALIGNAK (Sir Michael Stoute) a lightly raced colt by Sea the Moon should appreciate this trip and has scored on the all weather at Kempton running out a 4 1/2L winner.   Result - 1st  Alignak  5/2jf.

17:40 1m 2f 42y Betway Maiden Stakes (Div One)
(Class 5, 12 runners)
We conclude today with the only other non handicap events a pair of maiden contests where most of the runners are having their debut there is not much form to speak of. John Gosden sends FRANKLY DARLING on the long journey to Northumberland for this Frankel filly having been runner up on her only start as a 2yo. DREAM WITH ME another Frankel offspring should be ready to go for Sir Michael Stoute and the only two I'd take out of the reckoning are the top two older horses Cracking Destiny (7yo) and Fair Sheriff (6yo) who come here from the NH sphere.   Result - 1st  Frankly Darling  10/11f .

18:15 1m 2f 42y Betway Maiden Stakes (Div Two)
(Class 5, 12 runners)
The second division of the concluding maiden contest has a similar profile with just five of the twelve runners having previously seen a racecourse. Miss Seery is the only 4yo here and only had one race before a NH Bumper, might be seen better in the long term over longer trips. WISE GLORY went off favourite for his only contest finishing 3rd and will be supported for the new licence partnership of Simon / Ed Crisford. Trainer Hugo Palmer runs ZORAN who having had two runs on the all weather has the experience to bring to the party. Of the newcomers the Galileo Filly LUCK ON SUNDAY could make the most of her allowance and has champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle.   Result - 1st  Valyrian Steel  11/4.

Results will appear here later during Monday afternoon as we enjoy racing's return to action. Some interesting races and a few good results along the way, much bigger meetings to come soon too, with the Guineas due next weekend, and Royal Ascot (without the Royals, or indeed crowds) from 16th-20th June.

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND - FOOTBALL AND HORSE RACING

There are many events over this busy weekend which is of course the August Bank Holiday too it will see plenty of Football, Horse Racing and Heritage Railway events too. This Saturday while AFC Wimbledon are away to Sunderland looking for a big result in League One this season (lost 3-1) I will be out attending an Open Day at Hillingdon Railway Modellers.

Always a good day out for me as I get to take a few of my late fathers trains to give them a good run, he built plenty of O Gauge models and although I only have a small number of them left I can only display a few at home.

The important thing is to be able to get them out of their storage boxes and go give them a run now and then as well as meeting the other members and seeing their models too. I have also been accumulating some new N Gauge items including non runners most of which I have been able to get going again so will be nice to take a few and see if the N Gauge layout / test track is available. Does remind me of my Dad, and I still feel he's with me while I am still able to participate in this club and support their excellent work. 
Miss you Dad. x

That should keep me busy and out of mischief for Saturday, for me Sunday is usually a day of rest as intended, I would on most weeks be preparing myself for another exciting week ahead of work but of course we have the luxury of Monday being a Bank Holiday I will make a day out and just hope that the weather stays fine to enjoy it and then it's a short week back in the office before the month ends. 

This Bank Holiday Monday [26th August] the plan is to head over to the Isle of Wight and take a ride on their Heritage Steam Railway as well as the "Island Line" which runs from the Ferry at Ryde Pier Head down to Shanklin. The connection at Smallbrook Junction allows us to pick up the Steam service towards Haven Street and Wootton. Over each August Bank Holiday weekend, the railway organises the Island Steam Show, Bursting with surprises, the 45th Island Steam Show is an action-packed event and great family day out! 

There are bundles of fun in the main arena with The Hogg Show and Reel Stunts in Action. Watch the silly traction engines games, be awe-inspired by Haven Falconry’s birds of prey and enjoy a variety of displays and attractions to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day! And it's not just the Steam Trains and engines there's plenty for all around the Show, climb aboard the traditional fairground rides, marvel at the fascinating working steam demonstrations, relish the sight of beautifully maintained traction engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and old wagons, or simply settle back for a steam train ride through the Island's unspoilt countryside. To complete your day out, meet the Blackfoot Lodge in their Red Indian encampment, browse around the fascinating stalls, pick up a bargain from the country crafts. There are opportunities to cool down with an ice cream or a glass of your favourite tipple from our Real Ale bar, and enjoy a good variety of refreshments. Should be a fun and busy day.

While I am away though there are a few race meetings on though not as busy as I used to recall but then maybe my memory is not what it was. Horse racing on the flat at the likes of Chepstow, Epsom Downs, Southwell and Ripon as well as National Hunt action over the obstacles at Cartmel in the lake district. The latter always being a very popular meeting over the holiday, although it's not the easiest of courses to get to and good luck if you travelling anywhere this weekend with rail strikes a plenty along with the regular disruption and closure of London Kings Cross station for Engineering work and the never ending HS2 and Crossrail kerfuffle. 

Quickly putting up a selections taken from the main race (based on prize money) one from each of the following meetings on Bank Holiday Monday;

CARTMEL
3m 1f+ Handicap Hurdle (5:00)
 -- MR CLARKSON for David Pipe was a winner here in July and the seven year old is starting to show some decent form and ought to be right there along with the other hat trick seeking runner DR ROBIN [WON 8/1] for trainer Peter Bowen who also won here last month in fact has won over both hurdles and fences so plenty to like. 

CHEPSTOW
2m Sir Gordon Richards Handicap (4:55)
 -- Just the four runners and best to stay on side with DISTANT CHIMES who is most likely to keep his winning sequence going. While both GRACEFUL LADY and CHARLIE D [WON 4/1] are also proven over this sort of trip it's a bit of a step up in class and if this is run at a reasonable pace will need a career best to stop the Sir Mark Prescott runner.

EPSOM DOWNS
5f Handicap (3:05)
 -- The five furlong "Dash" handicap will be run at a furious pace as always and can go to DUKE OF FIRENZE [2nd 6/1] despite his advancing years is more than capable of getting his head in front and with plenty of experience this course holds no fears. Queen of Desire also fancied to run well here even with top weight.

RIPON
Ripon Champion 2yo's Trophy (3:55)
 -- The best race on the weekend here and there are seven 2yo's running for the listed prize worth £17k+ to the winner. Richard Hannon's OH PURPLE REIGN has been busy winning three times this year and runner up three times too. Saeed Bin Suroor runs the Godolphin owned PLATINUM STAR [WON 6/4F] who has the single best piece of form here when runner up in the Windsor Castle stakes at Royal Ascot. KEEP BUSY is a progressing filly to keep an eye on but it's LAMBETH WALK the filly to back here rated similar to Oh Purple Reign but gets a handy weight allowance.

SOUTHWELL
5f Handicap (3:35)
 -- FANTASY KEEPER continues to run well and might go off favourite today so will look at couple of course and distance winners in SAMOVAR and WARRIORS VALLEY against the field.

DOWNPATRICK 
2m 5f 160y Giltspur Scientific Handicap Hurdle (3:25)
 -- HELLO PILGRIM [3rd 7/1] / BRACKA LADY.

Whatever plans you have for the weekend hope the weather stays fine for you all and enjoy your long weekend break. 

DAY OUT TO CRYSTAL PALACE TO SEE THE DINOSAURS !!

Having a day off on Monday 1st July with the aim of going out to visit the area around what is left of The Crystal Palace which sadly was destroyed by fire in 1936. It's only a short train ride away in South London but I've not been other than for football at Selhurst. There are a few things to see and all close by to the station so for today we will jump on a train and have a walk around, it's a location I've wanted to visit for a while mainly to see the Dinosaurs which I recall as a child and must have been here with my late father, but when I mention it to others they think I'm making it up ... yet they have been there for over 150+ years. 

Amongst the things I hope to see;

•  Railway Station design from 1850s.
•  Get up close to the Transmitter Tower.
•  See the Athletics Stadium.
•  Visiting the Park with the Dinosaurs in them !!

BBC TRANSMISSION TOWER

All that Crystal Palace Park is missing now is a palace -- if we don't count the football team and as a Wimbledon fan lets move on from that. Not only is there a beautiful fishing lake, but you can also get lost in a baffling maze and spot the iconic Crystal Palace dinosaurs, over 30 statues sculpted by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, which have been around for over 160 years. The collection, also known as Dinosaur Court, were classed as Grade II listed buildings from 1973, extensively restored in 2002, and upgraded to Grade I listed in 2007.

NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE

Heading out fairly early after the morning rush hour, catch the 09:35 from platform 1 at Feltham, arrives Clapham Junction platform 4. Crossing the tracks by bridge to reach platform 15 and catch the stopping service into Crystal Palace. The 18 mile journey taking around about an hour by train. And the Crystal Palace station is a wonderful hub with services running in and out across the six platforms now. In addition the architecture around the location has been kept given it was originally built here for the Palace which was destroyed by fire in the 1930's. Warning for anyone unfit like myself the area is gravel paths but very undulating and will need some decent walking shoes really, plus there are many school trips, dog walkers and cyclists using the paths so keep your eyes open. 

And finally we find the Dinosaurs, placed around various features and a large lake home to plenty of wildlife, if it wasn't for the regular rumble of passing trains this would be an ideal place, but the peace is spoilt by several classes of local school children so didn't spend as long as I wanted too.

SANDOWN PARK BRIGADIER GERARD MEETING -- THURSDAY 23rd MAY (Evening)

The best quality evening race meeting of the season takes place at Sandown Park on Thursday 23rd May. This meeting features two Group Three races on it's six race card, the Henry II Stakes run over 2m, and The Brigadier Gerard Stakes which is run over a distance of 1m 2f. When you throw in a couple of decent listed contests too it is a wonderful evening card and it was hoped that ITV would repeat their coverage on TV which they successfully trialled last season here, yet sadly it appears the cameras are not here which is disappointing. 


It's a meeting that I attend each year as it falls close to my older brother's birthday, so we will make a night of it with some of his boys, and finding a few winners would be nice. 

A link to the evening race card can be found here; LINK



Hopefully the weather is good, and the beers are better than those recently served up at Ascot. So here are this evenings races and my selections for tonight; 

6:00pm -- MATCHBOOK EXCHANGE HANDICAP STAKES 
1 mile 2 furlongs.

Tonight's exciting meeting gets underway with this competitive handicap over 1m 2f. A field of 14 go to post, headed by UTHER PENDRAGON [3rd 10/1] who's record of 2 wins from 30 starts suggests that this higher grade will be too much and is left out. MATEWAN [13th 4/1] improving for the increase in trip and though this is seasonal debut the fact that Ryan Moore has been booked for the ride will put him high on the short list. 

NAWAR [11th 14/1] is the one for the place bet, regularly reaching the frame and this trip should be well within his range so 12/1 looks appealing.

Winner - MY BOY SEPOY 5/1.

6:35pm -- THE NATIONAL STAKES (Listed Race) 
(2yo only) 5 furlongs 10y.

The first of the quality races, a 5f sprint down the middle of the course, for which we have a short price favourite in FULL AUTHORITY a winner at Chester but this is a straight track and I can't be sure how good that form will be. which both FLIPPA THE STRIPPA [WON 16/1] and JIM JACKSON [2nd 10/1] could offer bit of value with champion jockeys in the saddle.

Winner - FLIPPA THE STRIPPA 16/1.
7:05pm THE HENRY II STAKES (Group 3) 
2 mile 50 yards.

The first of our two Group Three's tonight, the stayers event will see recent Ascot Sagaro winner DEE EX BEE [WON 4/7] aim to cement his place in the Ascot Gold Cup reckoning (although Stradivarius is going to be hard to beat) certainly stayed on to win well at Ascot and will be fancied for the repeat.

Last years winner MAGIC CIRCLE [Non Runner] should be the main danger, the Chester Cup winner might have flopped in Melbourne but won by 6L last year and as long as a good gallop is maintained should be a good Gold Cup trial. While Sir Michael Stoute should never be underestimated his MEKONG might find this trip a step too far.

Winner - DEE EX BEE 4/7.

7:35pm THE BRIGADIER GERARD STAKES (Group 3) 
1 miles 2 furlongs.

Only a small field of 6 for the feature event tonight, a race that might well end up as a match between MATTERHORN (M Johnston) and REGAL REALITY [WON 9/4] (Sir M Stoute). Can't really make a case for the others as HERE COMES WHEN surely needs soft ground to excel and that's not going to happen tonight. Ryan Moore could have a really good night and he can boot Regal Reality home who having already won a G3 race at Goodwood last year then competed at G2 level really has the best form on this going.

Winner - REGAL REALITY 9/4.

8:10pm THE HERON STAKES (Listed Race)
1 mile 2 furlongs.

A field of eight declared and we hope they will all stand their ground for the place options, while Stoute/Moore again have the fav with SANGARIUS there is a question as to what improvement has taken place from two to three with many of these so we are going to oppose this with the John Gosden trained KING OF COMEDY [WON 9/4F] with Detorri up. While doesn't have the form or fancy entries of the favourite has had a run this year winning at Yarmouth so fit and ready to do battle. 

DARK VISION [4th 10/1] was outclassed in the 2000 Guineas but this is more realistic and is included in the place bets as long as all eight stand.

Winner - KING OF COMEDY 9/4F.

8:40pm WHITSUN CUP HANDICAP 
1 mile.

Our finale is a field of 10 over the mile course before we all make a dash to the station for the train home. Top weight GREENSIDE won this two years back and could well have a say again, while LUSH LIFE [WON 11/4] would not be winning out of turn for Jamie Osborne and Jamie Spencer it would be nice if he did me a good turn for once. IVEGOTTHEPOWER [4th 16/1] should also be a lot better for the seasonal return and fast ground will be to his advantage a big price at 33/1.

Winner - LUSH LIFE 11/4.

Have a fun evening and Happy Birthday brother Graham.

That was a GOOD night out !!

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY TO ME -- 30th APRIL 1969 - 2019

I have made it an annual resolution to ensure that I am never working on my birthday and once again have the whole week booked off to enjoy myself. So what to do with all that time? Well today (Tuesday 30th April) I shall first pay a visit to the crematorium and spend some time having a 'chat' with Mum and Dad, hopefully the weather will be kind. Afterwards look to find somewhere to go out and have a nice lunch somewhere, preferably by the river so might be a trip to Richmond or Kingston but will probably be alone for the day, that's fine I've plenty of other things to do this week and will hopefully meet up with few friends and family. There is a slight chance of meeting up with a dear friend Kate, and if that happens then I will be delighted and make the day free to see her as lunch with good company is an enjoyable way to spend the day. 

Later on this week we have planned some days out which begin with an annual excursion to Ascot races on Wednesday will be joined by my older Brother and all being well a few others. It's an annual event going racing for this meeting in particular we've been doing it for the last 15 years or so, usually a nice day out, plenty to see and do. Certainly a cause for a few beers, and maybe a meal out after racing back in Twickenham perhaps. 

What else can I expect for my 50th, not too much planned for the week although if Wednesday goes to plan we can get out later in the week too. The main aim for today is to enjoy yourself, whatever you get up to try and stop worrying about things that you cannot control and concentrate on changing the things that you can have influence over.

JOLLY BOYS DAY OUT RICHMOND AND TWICKENHAM - FRIDAY MARCH 29th

This "Lads night out" has turned into a day off and full on session. It had started out as a trip down to Bournemouth and I had booked trains and hotel, but as we have people coming from the North East, and South West the logistics meant we moved it back to Twickenham. This now means the likes of 'Dave Mc' coming down from Newcastle, Jason up from Devon and Lee travelling up from Bournemouth should contribute to a fine way to spending a day off work. Hopefully I have a little bit of spending money for this, as I do have a busy month coming up too with birthdays, Easter Holidays and then full steam ahead to my 50th Birthday at the end of April. 

It's a busy day off for me, early morning I have an annual eye scan at the Feltham Medical Centre, this shouldn't take long but the side effect is that my eyes will be struggling to see for a while, therefore I will have to go out a little later than planned. Will still go out and pick up few bits for the weekend though and then meet up with guys in Richmond and all being well it'll be a great day out. 

My friend Mark has put together an itinerary which looks as follows for Friday 29th March;

14:00 - meet in Richmond at the Orange Tree opposite the station. 
15:30 - Sun Inn. A swifty in here because I like the barmaid.
16:00 - The Cricketers. For obvious reasons I like the barmaid.
16:55 - Take stock and regroup leave all walking wounded behind.
17:00 - proceed to a bus stop, whatever that is, find a route to Twickenham.
18:00 - The Fox, Church Street, Twickenham.
19:00 - William Webb Ellis, London Road Twickenham.
21:00 - Time for a curry, need to find somewhere else as the Gurkha Inn we booked have cancelled on us. 

Ended up in the Twickenham Tandoori restaurant on Church Street and can heartily recommend them, friendly, quick, wonderful food with a large variety of menu too. 

All in all a great night out again. See you next time guys

ENJOYING A WELL EARNED BREAK IN BOGNOR REGIS

Bit of a deviation from the usual football and horse-racing blogs this week, having the entire week off to try and rest and forget about all other problems. Things are not going too well so it's nice to have this opportunity to head down to the south coast for a few nights. Usually I would head off to Brighton but as I have a good friend down here in Bognor Regis making the detour along the coast and enjoying a few days away seemed like the obvious solution. 
The train is an easy option via Clapham Junction for me and by going down during midweek hopefully won't be too busy, the bad weather seems to have made that a sure thing too. We arrive into the station around lunchtime and make our way into town, while the station is fairly central it's a nice 10-15 min walk down to the beach. Although the station dates back to 1902 and pre-electrification time it's clearly had a face lift since then and still a neat terminus and plenty of sidings with a regular service back to London, Littlehampton and what appears to be a shuttle service up to Barnham for connecting services along the south coast to Portsmouth and Brighton. I can imagine this station being a lot busier back in it's heyday and the regular holiday traffic, in particular the Butlins resort, would see a fair few numbers when the sun is out. 

Staying in a nice looking hotel right on the sea front too. The oddly names Royal Norfolk Hotel, it's surely hundreds of miles off target, has recently been renovated and will be ideal for someone who is not very familiar with the location. Checking in at 4pm though so had a bit of time to pass first fortunately my lovely friend was able to collect us from the station and we can begin to catch up, there is much to catch up on too. Hotel room is fine for a single, and decent quality bathroom is also a nice surprise, while overall the hotel still seems a little dated, it's not that bad, and the receptionists and staff do a wonderful job with a smile. 

After checking in managed to take a stroll along the beach and sea front, not much on the pier and the town is still in need of a lot of renovation but it's clean, the sea looks better than at Brighton down the coast and there are not tons of seagulls stealing your ice cream either. As the sun was out every day the warm sea breeze made us catch the sun and I've not got a bright red shiny head that's still burning up now. 

Was picked up by my friend Sarah, she moved down last year but haven't had the opportunity to see her and the new home. After the tour of the home, and meeting the new 'husband to be' (Graham) who turns out to be a smashing fella, had plenty of time to chill out in the garden. Really peaceful, just a few birds in the sky the occasional light air craft and that's all. 

Lovely time had by all though. 

The return home was a trial of patience and keeping calm, a short formed train of 4 coaches, rammed with Army and Navy going to Twickenham for the Rugby today. Took us about four hours to get home, but all in all that didn't detract to a really fun few days away, I'll be back, initially for the wedding but maybe for another short break...but must pack more sun cream this time.

ASCOT RACES SAGARO STAKES MEETING - WEDNESDAY 2nd MAY 2018. (MY BIRTHDAY MEETING)

A midweek day out to Ascot this week to celebrate another birthday, been coming here for many years now on this particular meeting although numbers have sadly dwindled recently, but to celebrate my advancing years we decamp to Ascot races for their midweek fixture featuring the Ascot Gold Cup trial the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes. 

Today's race card is good quality for a midweek meeting albeit small fields as usual in the opening contests. We are delighted to have two Group three contests with the feature Sagaro Stakes over 2m and the Pavilion Stakes a 6f contest for 3yo's along along with another listed event the Paradise Stakes over the mile. In recent years the fields have been small and although the opening two races have only attracted just four runners in each the rest of the card is apart par compared to previous renewals. 

Here's a link to the days racecard;
https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/fast-cards/65077/2018-05-02/ascot

The forecast going is described as Good to Soft, Soft in places. There is a bit of a chill in the air and possible forecast for a drop of rain in the afternoon however we will have a fun day out come what may, it's the nearest local meeting to my birthday and always better than being at work. 

Here are my selections for this afternoons meeting;

2.00 - 5f Conditions Stakes (2yo) 
Our midweek event gets underway with a five furlong sprint for two year olds and we are disappointing by the small field of only four runners though not that surprised as they include a likely odds on favourite with the Aiden O'Brien inmate THE IRISH ROVER running here under Ryan Moore. 

The lack of depth makes finding an alternative for both the win and the placepot will be at risk in the first two. Would have to think that Richard Hannon (who used to farm this race in his fathers day) would have plenty to have selected from and goes with his filly SPELL who is making her debut but received a handy 5lb. 

The other pair of Getchagetchagetcha and the other filly Vikivaki make up the field. 

2.35 - 1m Conditions Stakes (3yo Fillies)
Another poor turnout with just the four again this time 3yo fillies in the line up and an even shorter looking market leader here in DATHANNA. Might have to give this a miss from a betting perspective and the placepot is going to be skipped too with a pair of odds on shots in the openers. 

Again Richard Hannon might be the most likely alternative and I'll have a wager on his RED STARLIGHT, who will be supported further if his other filly wins the opener. Previous Lingfield winner Golden Iris and Agrotera make up the field. 

3.10 - 2m Sagaro Stakes (Group 3)
A few more runner for our feature race, but not many more, with just six stayers being declared. Perhaps its the rain and soft ground that stops this being more competitive, though why some more of the NH trainers don't put one in I don't really know, it's a good prize up for grabs. Jessica Harrington sends over TORCEDOR from Ireland and has been here before in the Gold Cup at the Royal meeting and runner up in October too so should be capable of a bold showing. 

Mark Johnston is a man to be feared when sending his horses down south and has a big chance with TIME TO STUDY as he's got Ryan Moore booked too and while a few pounds off the best of these, has had a run this year last month (runner up at Musselbrough on heavy) and the small field might help plus proven on soft/heavy ground.

3.45 - 6f Pavilion Stakes (3yo) (Group 3)
At last a field of eight (assuming they all stand their ground) and headed by FIGHTING IRISH who is a multiple winner including over in France, a winner on soft going and has had a seasonal opener last month so could be very interesting here at 16/1 if they all line up. 

The really interesting one here is SOUND AND SILENCE who was good enough last year to be sent over for the Breeders Cup meeting and didn't fair too badly, this is a lot easier and the only small doubt is soft ground but that probably applies to most. 

4.20 - 1m Paradise Stakes (Listed)
And another field of eight declared for the listed event over the mile, where VICTORY BOND will be popular for another win having been busy already this year on the all weather which included a win at the AW Championship meeting over Easter. 

Also of interest is CENTURY DREAM, a winner of 4 out of 5 races towards the end of last season and includes winning form on soft ground which is a big plus today. 

4.55 - 1m Apprentice Handicap
Easily the biggest field of the meeting as always and 20 here for the finale, all apprentices, often hard to know what form they will be in and not usually a race I make a point of betting in. However, if you got 5 winners and need this for the jackpot/placepot you might do worse than throwing in the Mark Johnston trained ABAREEQ.

Wide open really and do remember BALMORAL CASTLE winning this off top weight one year so supporting that one for no other reason about 20/1. 

Good luck today.
Results will appear here during Wednesday evening, if I'm sober enough to update things then. But also check out the Pontefract blog too which is also taking place today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !! 

(well, it was on Monday 49 years young and counting)