It was a typically busy day at the course yesterday. I got there early and went to the Betfair marquee. We had a betting panel of four giving their views to our guests.
Harry Findlay, part owner of Denman, appeared impromptu in the box and got onto the stage – he spent about 15 minutes explaining why he thought Denman should be a 4/7 shot and not the 2/1 that was being offered. He left to rapturous applause – the marquee is full of big punters and Harry is the perfect speaker. I’m glad he won his bet.
Later I went to our box for lunch, and had a good chat with Clive Smith, owner of another Nicholls hotpot, Kauto Star. Clive is a really nice guy – softly spoken and friendly. He couldn’t be any more different to Harry, who is also a nice guy but isn’t backward in coming forward. If Kauto wins tomorrow we have to give Clive a £1 million bonus.
I spent the rest of the day with punters, firstly in the marquee and later at the Queens Hotel. There was the normal amount of heavy drinking, but I was feeling a bit ropey and didn’t touch a drop all day. I rarely drink these days – I don’t seem to cope with it very well. I’m feeling a bit perkier this morning.
I only had one bet yesterday – Lord Of Illusion, who lead for a while but was never going well enough. The highlight today is Black Jack Ketchum in the World Hurdle. He’s not been the same force this season, but my gut feel at this stage is that he will win. Monet’s Garden is another favourite today that I like. I may have a bet on Reveillez who I backed last year – the ground may do the trick for him.