Sunday 6 November 2011

Breeder's Cup, Champion Jockey and Joe Frazier.

I apologise for the lack of posting on this blog for the last couple of weeks.

As this is predominantly a column concerned with sports and writing topics (although it's hard to believe sometimes), it doesn't help that my published writings have also recently been few and far between. This is due to my returning to part-time University undergraduate study which is somewhat time consuming to say the least. I still remain as a Feature Writer at Suite101.com even though I have requested a move back to Contributing Writer status (less commitment supposedly). 


Should you have the slightest interest however, I have been keeping up a Uni' based blog which is available by clicking the following link:


HORSE RACING
A fairly decent night for Europe at the Breeders' Cup last night with 2 successes for Aidan O'Briens Ballydoyle team.

Wrote, partnered by Ryan Moore impressively won the Juvenile Turf with a perfectly timed run, whilst the trainers' son Joey, became the youngest jockey at 18 to ride a winner, when steering St Nicholas Abbey to the Breeders Cup Turf.

St Nicholas Abbey, previously pictured at Epsom (KrisV)
It was sad to see French superstar Goldikova get beaten into 3rd in her final race, especially as she is the only horse ever to win 3 previous Breeder's Cups and no-one would have denied her the 4th. On a personal note, I was upset as I had the odd penny or two riding with her.

Congratulations to Paul Hanagan upon securing his 2nd UK Champion Jockey title in 2 years at the end of the turf flat season at Doncaster yesterday. He eventually triumphed by just 4 winning rides from Brazilian Sylvestre De Souza, with Kieren Fallon back in 3rd. Its now back to studying all-weather racing for the winter months for us UK flat racing fans.

BOXING
Today I heard the sad news about heavyweight legend Joe Frazier being admitted to a Philadelphia hospice after his recent liver cancer diagnosis. Who can forget his 3 fights with Muhammad Ali back in the 70's, including the one and only "thriller in Manila". There was never any great love lost between the 2 great champions, but in recent years Frazier had begun to forgive Ali for his incessant taunting during the 70's.
 
Never the best of friends, Ali and Frazier pictured in 2003 (Cliff1066)
It is unclear as to the full details of his illness, but the 67 year olds condition has been described as very serious. I can only wish him all the best in what is his most important fight of all. 


That's all for now - I will try not to leave it so long next time. 
 


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