Disappointing results

I am afraid it has been a disappointing couple of days for the November Update. The selections on Saturday ran well but the two on Sunday were poor. Perhaps Mourne Crystal is crying out for further or slower ground because I can't believe that is as good as he is. He looked to be in control for much of the opening maiden hurdle but found little off the bridle in the homestraight, while Harry Lowes was too keen during the early stages and went from seemingly going well to coming off the bridle at the top of the hill in a matter of strides in the Greatwood Hurdle. 

There is no doubt the clerk of the course and the groundstaff faced a thankless task over the weekend. It has been a unprecedentedly dry summer / autumn and it is difficult to remember such a strange start to the season. The officials at Cheltenham were further hampered by the fact it froze on Friday evening which meant they were unable to water. Then, having decided to water after racing on Saturday (until 2.30am on Sunday), the rain arrived later in the day. As a result, there was standing water on the hometurn which led to a last minute inspection and the ground was reportedly greasy. It is easy to point the finger but this year's Paddy Power meeting was hardly a good advert for British National Hunt racing. 

Having suggested Crystal Island at 11/2 for the novices' handicap chase on Sunday in the November Update, it was frustrating to hear Nicky Henderson had withdrawn his runner. However, it was the sensible thing to do - why would you risk a talented horse injuring himself so early in the season and jeopardising his whole campaign. 

Congratulations to triple French champion jockey James Reveley who rode four winners at Auteuil on Sunday - three of which were in Grade 1 events. 

Thankfully, there is plenty of rain forecast on Tuesday and I am heading to Carlisle to see Bossiman Jack in the beginners chase - it looks a proper race. Twenty four hours later, there promises to be an even better one at Ffos Las.