26th July 2017

Hi ,

Last weekend in Las Vegas a British grand dad from Bridlington in East Yorkshire claimed 4th place in the World series pro-am poker Championship winning just under £2 million. Semi retired caravan salesman John Hesp said previously the biggest tournament he had competed in was a £10 buy in at a Hull casino.

He captured the hearts of the watching audience with his colourful blazers, panama hat and determination to beat the odds. He said I am to poker what Donald Trump is to politics. The winner was Scott Blumstein from New Jersey who won just over $8 million.

Last week I was at a charity dinner at the Sussex County Cricket Club where Mickey Quin was guest speaker. We raised plenty of wonga (money) for Cricket in the community which helps bring young kids into the game.

Mick was very entertaining with his stories of his upbringing on a Liverpool council estate. One cracker was that thieves broke into Liverpool captain Steevie Gerrard’s house and stole all his European and F.A.Cup medals and International caps and then they broke into the home of the Everton captain and got away with a kettle and toaster.

The big striker finished his career abroad and came back home skint only to be approached by television to appear on Celebrity Fit Club as he had put on a bit of weight. He said I thought it was a wind up as all I had to do was diet and exercise and get paid 20 grand. First thing he did was phone his mate Paddy Power who offered him 11/2 to win and he had £400 on and history tells us he won by a short belly.

Mick now trains a few race horses at Newmarket after learning the ropes from Mick Channon and also works as a presenter on Talk Sport.

We have plenty of racing today but it does look as most of the better horses are waiting for Glorious Goodwood next week however one that stands a chance is Glory Awaits 3.20 Lingfield who has slipped down the ratings. Form students would know he ran 2nd in the 2013 2,000gns behind Dawn Approach and has some decent listed wins to his name.

One has to say the horse is not the most reliable but in this small field with Jamie Spencer on top he should be competitive.

EYE-CATCHERS

FLAT

Bollihope trainer R.Guest - Needs a longer trip of 10 furlongs or a fast pace to aim at.

Master the Wind trainer D.Elsworth - A good placed effort on soft ground but will be more effective on a drier surface.

St Andrews trainer I.Williams - Just run out of it at Chepstow over 12 furlongs and might benefit from a drop in trip.

Bonjour Steve trainer R.Price - Also ran well at Chepstow but will improve when he gets his toe in.

Make Time trainer D.Menuiesier - Romped home at Sandown and still open to bags of improvement.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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