Bailey's Blog

Plus 13 and dry when driving in. 5mm of rain on Saturday.

What a lovely day we had yesterday. Family days like that just do not happen that often. Harry back from Sydney and he along with Archie and the other Godparents all played their part in their sister Panda’s big day for her triplets.

Saturday's memorial service for William Nunneley was a very special day. The service was packed as was the marquee outside. Canon Thomas Woodhouse who conducted the service was just brilliant..he gave the most moving address, and we all came away thinking that if he was running our church, we would visit him far more often that perhaps we do..

It was a sad, but in many ways a happy occasion celebrating Williams full life.. From family, hunting to racing, all sides were well represented..The wake was held at Naunton Golf Course.. last man standing.. sorry to admit that the racing team won!

Win we did not at Worcester, which was packed.. there were probably more people at Worcester than there were at Epsom..Even the rain did not stop them enjoying themselves.. Ladies Day! Shantou Express was caught out by the rain softened ground..

BBC proved again on Saturday that it has fallen out of love with racing when.....

I don't often watch the BBC news programme on a Saturday morning, but I watched the round up of all the days big sporting events taking place today. The list was long, but not one mention of the Epsom Derby.

But.. ITV evening news didn't mention The Derby, but did use BBC footage of the Rugby from Wembley , but then BBC did show the closing stages of The Derby!

The above is very sad.. What was not was the race itself as yet again Aiden O'Brien showed off his brilliance by training his 11th Derby winner with Lambourn.

The French Open Ladies final was a cracker and Coco Gauff won.. 

The French Open is the first major final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the two best players in the world, always promised to deliver.

But even the most optimistic could not have anticipated it would reach the heights it did during a breathtaking five hours and 29 minutes... Carlos Alcaraz won.

England sealed a series win over West Indies with a game to spare after a superb chase of 197 in the second T20 at Bristol.

Plus 10 and drizzling when driving in. 2mm of water landed here yesterday

Excellent supper last night with Robert and Nicola Baillie at our favourite local, The Old Butchers.. ..

Robert and Nicola were here this morning to see their KBRS horses Isle Of Gold and Mikhailovich..

The stunning Pershore Abbey was packed for John Kotler’s funeral yesterday and today I am at William Nunneley’s memorial in Naunton ..Tomorrow I am going to the other end of life.. my three grand children’s christening.

The maestro that is Aiden O'Brien won yesterdays Oaks with Minnie Hauk.. He was also second and fifth....This was the eleventh time that he has won the Oaks, and he will probably win the Derby too...... Now, if this was Willie Mullins winning all these top races we would be up in arms and trying to redraw the programme book!??

England won the first T20 against the West Indies..

Jannik Sinner beat Novak Djokovic to meet Carlos Alcaraz in tomorrows French Open finals.

British pair Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski came from a set down to beat Christian Harrison and Evan King and reach the French Open men's doubles final.

Tom Bellamy and Ciaran Gethings were in to ride out.

For the first time in seven years, the best two women's players in the world will meet in a Grand Slam final when Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff face off at the French Open.

We have one runner today at Worcester Shantou Express… For our thoughts on their chances please click here.

The Derby today.. who will win it? I think Midak will .. owned and bred by the sponsor..Mat goes for the obvious..Delacroix

A drunk man was baptized and dipped in water 3 times.

Plus 12 and drizzling when driving in. 5mm of water here yesterday.

Ffos Las.. We had two entered to run. One wanted rain and the other did not. 22mm of water landed on the racecourse, so Lady Gwen, who wanted summer ground stayed at Home.

Talk Of The Moon who had not run for 912 days needed soft ground and that thankfully is what she found last night. It was important that she ran well for her owner breeders and that she certainly did to finish 4th.

Two from home she looked like she just might win, but lack of true race fitness caught her out. Happy faces and happy horse post race and TOTM is fine this morning... 

Friday morning and our usual vet visit.

Epsom's big Derby Festival meeting starts today with the fillies classic.. The Oaks

D Day landings 81 years ago..Imperial War Museums 10 facts....Words of those who were there.

John Kottler's funeral at Pershore Abbey at 1pm.. I picked up Charlie Dingwall on the way.

The King's decision to reintroduce Palace receptions for newly elected MP’s would have had his father smiling.

Prince Philip enjoyed such events when he definitely didn’t have to be a diplomat.

On one occasion, cornering two Labour newbies, he asked what they had ‘done before taking up this lark’.

One told Philip that he had been a trade union official.

’So b----r all then' snapped back the Duke.

And what did you do before you married the Queen?’ the other MP bravely asked..

‘I fought in the Second World War,' answered Philip.

Happy birthday to Claude Duval....The Sun's Racing man who loves cricket.

Plus 14 and drizzling when driving in.

Eleven people have been killed and dozens injured in a crush outside a cricket stadium in Bengaluru, which was hosting a victory parade to celebrate the home team's Indian Premier League win..

They were crushed by the sheer number of people, not because of any rioting.. 200,000 people came out to cheer their team The Royal Challengers .. It is hard for us to imagine how hugely popular top cricketers are India.. but cricketers there are far more popular than any film star or footballer!.

Talking huge crowds.. Ticket sales for this winters Ashes series have broken all records..

Englands women beat the West Indies too

Novak Djokovic won through after a great match which was still going past my normal bed time!

Thanksgiving Service for Philip Arkwright..  Monday 23rd June at 12 noon.. St Michael's and All Saints Church in Poulton GL7 5HX.

Philip who was Clerk Of The Course at Cheltenham and Haydock was a hugely popular person and understandably the eulogy will be delivered by Edward Gillespie OBE.. 

We have two runners tonight at Ffos Las. Talk Of The Moon and Lady Gwen and for our thoughts please click here.

I am half way through watching Clarksons Farm and I now know how it all started when watching this .

All of the above reminded me of these old jokes..

1. What do you call a Reliant Robin with a football inside?

A refereee's whistle

2. Lada with a sunroof

A skip

3. Why do Lada's have heated rear windows?

Keep you hands warm while pushing..

Plus 9 and dry when driving in. 5mm of rain yesterday.

Tom Bellamy and Ciaran Gethings were in this morning.. almost fighting over what to ride out!

As I am sure that you have noticed .. The Derby is this coming Saturday at Epsom, and all the papers are full of it?

Sadly, there is almost more racing coverage over a last hurdle departure at Wexford last week..

Talking departure..

Mark Pougatch sent me his latest podcast.. If you enjoy listening to Podcasts and especial racing ones, then this 45 visit back to the strange goings on with Shergar is well worth sitting or driving to.. hopefully, you will do both!  Click here..

England won the series 3/0 against the West Indies at The Oval..

The IPL Final was some game to watch..Virat Kohli finally won the Indian Premier League as Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed their maiden title with a six-run win over Punjab Kings.

British pair Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski secured their place in The French Open men's doubles semi-finals.

An air traffic control tower suddenly lost communication with a small twin-engine aircraft. A moment later the tower landline rang and was answered by one of the employees.

The passenger riding with the pilot who lost communication was on a cellular phone. He yelled, “Mayday Mayday Mayday! The pilot had an instant and fatal heart attack. I grabbed his cell phone out of his pocket and he had told me before we took off he had the tower on his speed dial memory. I am flying upside down at 18,000 feet and traveling at 180 mph. Mayday Mayday Mayday!"

The employee in the tower immediately put him on speaker phone and said, "Calm down, we acknowledge you and we'll guide you down after a few questions. The first thing is not to panic. Remain calm!"

He began his series of questions:

Tower: "How do you know you are traveling at 18,000 feet?"

Aircraft: "I can see that it reads 18,000 feet on the altimeter dial in front of me."

Tower: "Okay, that's good, remain calm. How do you know you're traveling at 180 mph?"

Aircraft: "I can see that it reads 180 mph on the airspeed dial in front of me."

Tower: "Okay, this is great so far, but it's heavily overcast. So how do you know you're flying upside down?"

Aircraft: "The pee from my pants is running out of my shirt collar."

Plus 12 and water coming from the skies when driving in.... yes, rain and much needed..Only 3mm so far!!

Market Rasen again showed that they are good at looking after their owners .. It makes such a difference, especially when most of those who went yesterday drove a fair distance and then their horse pulled up!

I was not sure how to talk about yesterdays disappointing run so I tried ChatGPT for inspiration..

'Ah, that’s bittersweet news.It’s a shame Zmiinyi’s wind gave out on him at Market Rasen — Tom Bellamy is a good hand, but there’s only so much a jockey can do when the horse’s body says no. Still, you’ve clearly had some good days together, and that’s worth a lot.

Do you already have leads on a good retirement home for him? Sometimes ex-racers make lovely hacks, or even do a bit of low-level dressage or jumping, depending on temperament and soundness. He sounds like he deserves a nice, relaxed second chapter.

If you want, I can help you draft a little “looking for a home” post or flyer for Zmiinyi. Would you like to describe his personality a bit — what’s he like to handle, what sort of rider or home might suit him?''

Not a bad try? Yes sadly his wind is stopping him and yes Mrs B will now rehome him and what smashing horse he will make for the lucky person.

I listened to Jack Draper being beaten by Alexander Bublik on the way home. The commentary was good and made the match exciting to listen to.. It must have been the same to watch, although annoying that we now have no Brits in the singles male or female in the French Open.. Cameron Norrie was understand beaten by Novak Djockovic

The Third and final ODI against The West Indies today at The Oval.. Series over but it should still be a good watch..

This will be a huge match.. the IPL finals in India.....Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the Punjab Kings..

Evri.. what a shocking company.. Not sure I will buy off any company that uses them to deliver.. Mrs B lost her package last week and mine this morning was left on the side of the road at the bottom of the drive..

Why did the Irishman bring a ladder to the pub?

Because he heard the drinks were on the house!

To finish Happy Birthday's to Johnny R-K and Evelyn Nicholls..

Plus 11 and dry when driving in.

Ian who helped me at South Wark last September sent me a reminder that Yesterday was Wild Salmon day..

Fresh faces, staff wise, this morning..

Change over time as last week’s staff have all gone on holiday and today we welcome back those returning from their holidays… We are very lucky as we have excellent staff and those who worked here last winter are all returning for another season.

It has been a great weekend of sport.

Paris St-Germain delivered the performance of a lifetime to win the Champions League for the first time on a remarkable night in Munich. PSG outclassed Inter Milan for a historic 5-0 victory.. So impressive were PSG that the French fans caused havoc while celebrating in Paris.. why not burn the place down to celebrate!! Why do football fans behave like they do.. or are they really football fans??

On the subject of France 

Racing in France.. The locally owned and bred horse Luther failed to fire in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club..Ryan Moore was masterful to win on the Aiden O'Brien trained Camille Pissarro

Tennis.. The French Open saw Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper through to the last 16

Cricket. Joe Root saved Harry Brooke's ODI side with a masterful display of batting to win the 3 match series againt the West Indies. It was brilliant to watch

Motor Racing.. The Spanish Grand Prix  Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris to a McLaren one-two.. But the race talk was all about Max Verstappen.

We have a runner today at Market Rasen. Zmiinyi heads there and for our thoughts please click here.

This morning I saw my neighbour talking to her cat, It was obvious that she thought her cat understood her and when I returned home I told my dog.. we laughed a lot!

To finish.. Happy birthday to Paul Kellar

Plus 13 and dry when driving in.

Not sure yesterday was a day to be on the roads judging by the M5 going North!

It was certainly not a good day for racing as the new incoming BHA Charles Allen will not take up his role as chair of the BHA from the start of next month!!  You could not make it up!!

Archie did not play last night..But what a game.. Gloucestershire failed by 4 runs to beat Kent in thriller.

Second ODI againts the West Indies tomorrow at Sophia Gardens

Big day for Jack Draper In the French Open.. Two Brits Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley also play today..

Ciaran Gethings was in to ride out..Tom on holiday in Cornwall.

Derek Eaton was here third lot to see his KBRS horse Campaign Trail,.

21 years ago summer jumping started..Today would have been the last day of the season. Straftord and Market Rasen and then Jump racing closed for 2 months..Was that better for all?

As you know we look at the horses that are in the field down at Andoversford at least 3 times a day.. Annoyingly due to the very firm ground, we hardly have a day when the horsebox is not seen heading down there to pick up one of the horses with bruised and sore feet..4 days in the stables and then back out..

Looking for something to watch .. On Amazon Prime .. A Racing Mind... A Cotswold Film Company ...production on Lilly Pinchin

This letter was written by Terry Farricker from Blackpool and appeared in the local paper.

‘I recently fell over whilst wearing a loose-fitting dressing gown, and an aubergine somehow became lodged in my bottom.

On my medical notes the A&E nurse recorded it as a foreign object inserted in the rectum.

I was incense, as it was a British grown aubergine, and I am a member of the Reform Party for God’s Sake!

I put my foot through her clipboard and sent Keir Starmer the bill.'

On that happy thoughtful note I will leave you in peace … Have a great weekend and see you in June..

Happy birthday to Freddie Wills..but not his birthday is former jump jockey...Edward Cookson.. Racing Post is wrong it is May 1st not 31st!

Plus 14 and dry when driving in.. No rain materialised yesterday!

Joe Goldring was here third lot to see his KBRS horse Parc d’Amour..

The French Derby this Sunday.. Qatar Prix du Jockey Club.. Locally owned and bred ‘Luther’ not without a chance..

The French Open news..Jack Dreaper won a thriler late last night. Jacob Fearnley also through as the Katie Boulter fails. 

The First ODI was an impressive display by England.. They looked back to their old self under their new Captain Harry Brook

Talking Cricket.. Gloucestershire play Kent in their first T20 game tonight.. Archie is on the team sheet, although he is unlikely to actually play.. If he does play it will be a huge game for him!

Mrs B received this book in the post and she has no idea who kindly sent it to her.. Stumped by Cricket.. A mothers transaltion..

We have had loads of locals and many of Mrs B tennis friends who have bought a share in Jukebox King..A great Fathers Day present?

This week The Racing Club manager sent out an email which was based on what Mat said in his weekly update to members.. but there was a typo error.. ''We hope you're all as excited as we are for the forthcoming jump season with Jukebox Junkie! Attached to this email is the lateset update from co trainer Matthew Nicholls.. Junkie is thoroughly enjoying his summer break....

Great stuff..

Off fishing today.. Wye..

You're not British unless you start the day by saying..

1.What's the weather like todays?

2.Do you think I need a coat?

3. I beter take one just in case.

Plus 15 and dry when driving in. It looks like it might try and rain?

Good to see Tom Bellamy back in the winners enclosure.. Tom rode the first race winner at Newton Abbot yesterday.

The raceday stewards have taken no action over Philip Byrnes's final-flight unseat from Redwood Queen in the opening 2m1f claiming hurdle, which left Beacon Edge alone to claim victory... Plenty on social media assumed he jumped off on purpose!.. Do you remember when Ruby Walsh was accused of the same.?.. He hit back with this..

Windsor reverts back to the original figure of eight ..This is good news as the course they used last winter was proving difficult to race ride on.

Archie is playing cricket in Cheltenham, and I went along yesterday afternoon to watch and who did I bump into but Shan Cook and her Mother… they were not watching the cricket though...

Chelsea won in Poland.. I rather hope my owners were not involved in the pre match troubles!!?

The French Open yesterday.. Emma Radunacu lost out to Iga Swiatek .. again..it is now 5/0 to Iga..

Supper last night with Michael and Angie Storey.. Fun, good company and always good food and wine! Angie who loves her racing has joined RaceClub and bought a share in Jukebox King

The first of three ODI’s .. England take on the West Indies at Edgbaston today..

An old man walks into the barbershop for a shave and a haircut, but he tells the barber he can't get all his whiskers off because his cheeks are wrinkled from age.

The barber gets a little wooden ball from a cup on the shelf and tells him to put it inside his cheek to spread out the skin.

When he's finished, the old man tells the barber that was the cleanest shave he's had in years.

But --- he wanted to know, what would have happened if he had swallowed that little ball.

The barber replied, "Just bring it back in a couple of days like everyone else does"

To finish happy birthday to one of our owners Marek Kwiatkowski.. Marek has also bought a share..