I agree with your views BTL in The Guardian, Joe. Fortunately, there are two good Irish meetings on the weekend - Leopardstown on Saturday and The Curragh on Sunday - both free to air on RTE 2, so I hope some of you have a 'dodgy box' or a VPN to access the RTE player (it's not a great player, but generally works!).
I'd keep an eye on The Curragh, (you'll want to focus on mud plodders I'd say) the forecast rain here, although unlikely, could cause an abandonment. 30mm due where I am and I'm not that far away (40km), and weather warnings in place.
I agree that mud lovers need to be watched. I live in Cork and we have seen the ground turn in our Gardens more than Kildare or South Dublin in the last week.
Always wise to look for a long chance who has form on slurry.
As Luxembourg is a Grandson of Montjeu in theory this should help but I think Camelots prefer good ground.
I will always tell people to forget VPNs not just because I don't know how to install them but the atmosphere of the Bookies is the best place to watch such a fantastic weekends Racing.
Also I think the RTE Player is allowed in the UK without a VPN which might be due to our relationship with N.Ireland.
It is a rubbish app.
I also agree with Joe on today's Guardian Forum.
I know idiots shamed themselves at Shamrock Rovers but to cancel the PL and EPL where Fans know how to applause seems a missed opportunity.
It also affects the calendar for England or Wales progressing in the Football WC.
Why would someone who loved Horse Racing want it stopped?
Surely there are more imaginative ways of showing respect.
Good point well made EGS - maybe the bookies or the boozer! Most online bookies offer freeview anyway these days, either with, or without, a nominal wager, for those stuck at home! A friend was on Orkney last football season and Liverpool were free to air on RTE, but he couldn't watch due to geography - maybe it's changed, I'm not sure.
Which kinda brings me to football and Shamrock Rovers - not heard or seen anything that went on other than the text bit on the news so can't comment. In a way I'm glad they have called it all off - both Liverpool (my team, still have a season ticket out on loan) and Celtic were at home tomorrow, and with all the will in the world, there would be an element of anti-royalty/establishment at both grounds. So maybe for the best...........
At least there are two (hopefully!) decent meeting of G1/2 and listed races with a few HC thrown in for measure! Can focus on that 100% rather than the footy!
Lots of events will be postponed as a sign of respect and historically eg the Gold Cup and Grand National have been rearranged so why not just do that with the rest of the Leger meeting?
Far from a royalist but I think the passing of liz is deeply sad. Great racing fan, great sense of duty. A life that offer privilege but so many constraints.
I was always over promoted but I was useless at 26 at the age when QE11 acceded to the throne and definitely not ready for an end date of 70 years in my Job.
I am hoping to progress to 40 years in my Job.That takes some gumption.
70 years is just beyond me as I Don't have her stamina.
As Races are cancelled in the UK I have to look to France. St.Cloud. 14.25. GIPSY CHIEF.
I will come back to the spelling at some point but that is my nap
Red Striker WON 7/1
Oskarr high wins at 11 to 8 for i suspect my first nap at balinnrobe - maybe its my lucky track.
Red Striker 19:05Ball Nap
I agree with your views BTL in The Guardian, Joe. Fortunately, there are two good Irish meetings on the weekend - Leopardstown on Saturday and The Curragh on Sunday - both free to air on RTE 2, so I hope some of you have a 'dodgy box' or a VPN to access the RTE player (it's not a great player, but generally works!).
I'd keep an eye on The Curragh, (you'll want to focus on mud plodders I'd say) the forecast rain here, although unlikely, could cause an abandonment. 30mm due where I am and I'm not that far away (40km), and weather warnings in place.
Good luck all!
Dark Image - 19.35 Ballinrobe
1655 Chantilly Rajapour
Lots of events will be postponed as a sign of respect and historically eg the Gold Cup and Grand National have been rearranged so why not just do that with the rest of the Leger meeting?
Ottilien won at 7/2.
Oscar Academy 6.05 Ballinrobe is todays nap (guess).Well done yesterday Gaz with your winner.
Beyond Ambitious 4.25B nap
Sanibel Island ew. Balinrobe 6.35
An even less informed pick than usual today - Oskar High Ballinrobe 5pm. Won the race last year so...
My eye was drawn to Make Me King in the 14.25 at Saint-Cloud but the selection is Ottilien in the 13.15 at the same course.
5.00 Ballinrobe - Bonnie Kellie
There's an interesting article in the RP about QEII's intelligent and enthusiastic breeding involvment: A towering influence boasting an intuition that comes with time and experience | Horse Racing News | Racing Post
Far from a royalist but I think the passing of liz is deeply sad. Great racing fan, great sense of duty. A life that offer privilege but so many constraints.
I raise a glass. Rest easy Ma"am
Fricotin 10.50 compiegne.