A weekend off....

Last Updated: 08.02.2019

Friday, 8th February 2019

A weekend off….

We don’t know for sure at this stage whether this equine flu is going to peter out like a storm in a tea-cup or whether it has got a grip and is going to have a severe impact on racing over the next few weeks.

The media loves a good crisis. And all manner of wild speculation is passed-off as fact or real possibility whilst these stories are in whirlwind mode....

Me? I’m just following developments. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I hope it’s all over quickly....

The racing authorities rightly come in for a lot of criticism at times. But they’ve been decisive on this. They acted quickly to contain things and that might be the crucial factor in all of this when push comes to shove....

You’ve got a few trainers pulling their faces about being on lockdown. But better that than the authorities dithering about and acting too slowly or too cautiously and letting this virus get a proper grip....

I reckon we’ll know a bit more after the weekend....

For now, there’s no racing. And no saying how long that cessation is going to last....

Not to worry. If racing doesn’t resume over the next few days there is plenty for us to be getting on with...

Plenty of prep for Cheltenham (let’s hope and fervently pray that the Festival goes ahead unaffected)....

And some special bits and pieces that I wouldn’t normally get an opportunity to share – data you will find useful in the months ahead....

We’ve got a free weekend. It doesn’t happen very often. But it’s not always a bad thing – it’s  an opportunity to rest the brain and recharge the batteries....

I don’t know about you, but I will probably watch the rugby and keep an eye on the golf....

That’s all from me for today.

I’ll be back next week.....

Until then. Stay tuned.

Nick Pullen

Against the Crowd