Diary: December 14 2009

With the meeting at Ayr tomorrow abandoned the only remaining jumps fixture is at Plumpton.

There is an interesting novice chase at 1.35. Francoek and Numide were both decent hurdlers but as yet have not shown the aptitude for fences that their connections light have hoped for. Either could come good here and of course the Paul Nicholls runner Mahonia has to be respected but in search of some value my selection is Shoreacres. A winner of a bumper at Plumpton he was 7th in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and his stable is in good form.

hurdlers_race_plumpton

When AP McCoy rides for trainer Charlie Egerton it is usually worth noting and tomorrow McCoy is on recent Ludlow winner Abbeviallian in the 2.05.

Today’s picture is by courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau.

How to get on in society

 

How to get on in society

Phone for the fish knives, Norman
As cook is a little unnerved;
You kiddies have crumpled the serviettes
And I must have things daintily served.

Are the requisites all in the toilet?
The frills round the cutlets can wait
Till the girl has replenished the cruets
And switched on the logs in the grate.

It’s ever so close in the lounge dear,
But the vestibule’s comfy for tea
And Howard is riding on horseback
So do come and take some with me

Now here is a fork for your pastries
And do use the couch for your feet;
I know that I wanted to ask you-
Is trifle sufficient for sweet?

Milk and then just as it comes dear?
I’m afraid the preserve’s full of stones;
Beg pardon, I’m soiling the doileys
With afternoon tea-cakes and scones

John Betjeman