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Plus 10 and drizzling when driving in.

I spent a week driving around the country just over a month ago with the PJA Joint jumps president David Bass.. The time not only buggered up my back, but it was interesting listening to his views and other jockeys views on last summers BHA whip rules..

They (The Professional Jockeys Association) were not happy, but after many hours of chatter amongst themselves it seems that they have managed to find a solution that they could agree on, and then they consulted with the BHA, and yesterday the latest new whip rules appeared.. Tighter and tougher, but more flexible with how to handle the whip.

Importantly the removal of the word “discretion” is a big plus as there should be no discretion.. Rules are rules… It will be tough for the first few weeks while in the bedding in period..

The whip rules are a very contentious issue and are never going to appease everybody. But the jockeys are the ones who are on the forefront of the changes. They are the ones who felt the last BHA set of rules were unworkable and I believe it is an excellent example of jockeys sticking up for their rights and thoughts and the BHA for listening and taking on board what they said. A first?

If you subscribe to the Racing Post or buy one.. Richard Forristal's article needs reading.. Richie used to be my conditional jockey!..

Try as you might to win races but poor Denis O Regan has now made two trips to Hereford races this season in a desperate attempt to win a race there ..

If Denis were to win then he would become the only rider to have ridden a winner on every jump racecourse in England and Ireland.. Sadly his nearest placing yesterday was a second. He will be back?

Thursday is our easy day and we have no runners.

When God created the donkey, he said:"You’ll work day and night, and you’ll carry in your back heavy baggage. You’ll eat grass and you’ll have low IQ. You’ll be living for 50 years."

"But my God, 50 years is a lot of time for that kind of life! Give me only 30." And so it happened.

Then, God created the dog:"As a dog, you’ll guard man’s property and you’ll be his staunch/loyal friend. You’ll eat their left overs and you’ll be living for 25 years."

"Oh, Mighty God. This kind of life is unbearable. Give me only 10 years to live, please." And so it happened.

Then, God created the monkey:" You’ll jump around, tree to tree, and you’ll act like a fool so people can be entertained by you. You life will last 20 years."

"No, God, please! Don’t let me suffer for that long. Give only 10 years to live." And so it happened.

Last, God created the Man:"You’re a Man. You’re the only sensible being on the planet earth. You’ll use your inteligence to dominance the other creatures. You’ll be in charge. You’ll life will last 20 years."

"But my one and only God, 20 years is not too long to achieve my goal. I beg you to give me the donkey’s 20 years, dog’s 15 years and monkeys 10 years." And so it happen.

Since then men lives for 20 years as a man. Then, he gets married and works as a donkey for 20 years by carrying heavy baggage night and day.

He haves children and lives as a dog, guarding the house and his property, eating family left overs. And when he grows old, he lives like a monkey. He’s his grandchildren entertainer by acting fool!

To finish.. Happy birthday to my ex assistant Eddie Hales.. Eddie is now running the famous Mikey Ryans in Cashel.