Variety Club
We had an interesting week in Dubai where Variety Club ran an extremely decent second on Super Saturday. Not everything went his way but that is how it goes when one races internationally – there are no give-me’s at all. I was proud of the fellow.
During the week we were treated to a little bit of Cheltenham on the one day but sadly, one had to have some computer knowledge to know how to watch otherwise one was just treated to the usual racing on our local telly track. Those of us who did know how to operate the internet were lucky enough to see some of the best jump racing I have seen in years.
There is nothing more exciting than watching the best National hunt horses in the world jumping for big prize money on good ground and really enjoying the fences.
We were treated to a magnificent display of jumping and some really tight and close finishes. It doesn’t get any better than this and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable Cheltenham Festivals I have witnessed for years.
It was also good to see my friend, David Pipe, have a wonderful festival and one which is thoroughly deserved. Life has not been easy since taking over from his father. Cheltenham sadly was not without casualty to both man and horse with a couple of horses losing their lives and a couple of jockey’s coming close to it. There is also some controversy over statements made, which is a shame as it marred what really was the most awesome four days of racing.
Tellytrack seems to be in a bit of a muddle at the moment and it will be interesting to see what the outcome will be as to what they are and are not allowed to show.
At the moment, if there is bad weather around it is a bit like our power station: we get fed poor quality. The next few weeks, I am sure, will have some interesting scenario’s popping up.
Here in Cape Town we have only been racing once a week so it is a case of twiddling our fingers midweek. Next week we are back to racing twice weekly which will keep us busy and hopefully out of mischief.
It is also sales week this week so it is back to Durbanville and looking round and trying to find next year’s champions. It has been a lucky sale for all of us – Book 2 – and I hope the luck continues.
We also had Holly’s swimming gala last Friday and she managed to bag a few more medals. It is great fun watching the children cheer home their respective houses and it is also amazing seeing how much the kids improve from one gala to the next.
It is quite fantastic to see exactly what some of them are capable of achieving and the enthusiasm shown.
