For those of you following the Olympics there will be an equestrian element to the sports on show over the next couple of days thanks to the Modern Pentathlon.
The Modern Pentathlon became an Olympic event in 1912, with a separate competition for women introduced in 2000.
The 5 sports of modern pentathlon are shooting, fencing, swimming, show jumping and running. They represent the daring adventures of a French cavalry officer whose horse was brought down in enemy territory while he was delivering a message. He defended himself with his pistol and sword, then swam across a raging river before delivering his message on foot.
Back home tomorrow’s racing has again been decimated by the weather but it does look as if Chester’s evening meeting should survive as well as some all weather action at Great Leighs.
Montjeu has made a successful start to his stud career and is the sire of such stars as Authorized, Hurricane Run and Motivator. He is also the sire of First Avenue who runs in the 6.10 at Chester tomorrow. First Avenue has form figures this season of 3322 but there are reasons to hope that he might be able to get his head in front tomorrow. Montjeu’s progeny tend to prefer soft ground and indeed First Avenue won as a 2 year old in good to soft going at Yarmouth. His main danger could come from Leslingtaylor, a versatile sort that boasts 12 career wins including 4 over hurdles and 2 over fences.
If you are thinking of having a flutter on the 8.10 you will need to watch your bets as both Madam Hoi and Madam Rio are entered.
Formation, trained by Ed Dunlop was a winner at Pontefract earlier in the season but has been beaten twice since. He is clearly a horse with plenty of ability but does look like a bit of a character and needs to be cajoled along a bit. He runs in the 5.00 at Great Leighs tomorrow. He has won on the all weather before, at Wolverhampton as a 2 year old.
Today’s picture is by courtesy of the artist Jo Stockdale.
ahorse 