It's been a couple of weeks since my last diary but it's flown, a busy time, I mentioned in my previous blog that I had to go for an angiogram, to see if I have angina or heartburn. I had the procedure, on the morning of The Oaks. An angiogram is where they inject you with dye, put a camera up your artery to see if there are any blockages in the blood flow to your heart. Let's just say that it wasn't too much red wine and pickled onions that caused my chest pain, which was a bit of a shock, but at least I know. The doctor told me I need and an echocardiogram before the surgeons would make their decision as to what to do next. Yes, surgeons, I probably should have cut down on the crisps and pasties, An echocardiogram is a little like what pregnant ladies have to scan their unborn babies and not invasive. The angiogram was a different matter altogether, so no driving for 48 hours after having it which scuppered any plans to drive to Epsom, so I missed the Derby meeting which was a bugger. On the plus side, I have managed to interview Tony Calvin and Johnny Dineen for #BettingPeople since so watch out for them after Royal Ascot.
This Thursday I was up at Newbury for the first time in a while. It was a regular venue for me for years with the bookies I worked for, Jack Lynn, Dave Phillips, the odd day with Jack Bevan and five years with Ivor Perry were spent there. Jack Lynn used to bet in the fifth row on a Friday and Saturday. It's hard to believe now with just a handful of bookmakers in Tatts. I was there on Thursday in a brand new role, representing RaceShare who had their first 2 year old runner William Haggas charge Treasure Time. My job was to meet and greet the owners that had come to the course. What a lovely bunch of people they were too, just the sort of people that racing clubs attract, real enthusiasts who were fun to be around. The word from the trainer before the race wasn't one of over confidence, the thinking being that Treasure Time would come on for the run and certainly benefit from the experience gained on his debut. That certainly was the case with the added complication that our boy, yes I have a share too, was being a little too much of a boy in the preliminaries. In the race itself it took a while for the penny to drop but he ran on well at the end, 'Green' was Tom Marquand's summing up after finishing ninth. There's a lot of fun to come with him and I'm sure their other horses.
My echocardiogram was booked for this Saturday. I was looking forward to getting it done and then facing head on what's to come at the earliest opportunity. On Wednesday I got an letter asking me to confirm that my private health insurer was going to pay requesting I contact them for confirmation. I called as I was leaving the car park at Newbury. I was put in the queue soon after, I finally got through as I was turning off the M5 at Junction 27 for Tiverton, that's a fair way for a 'sick' person to have to hang on. Then when I pulled over to talk to the very nice chap on the other end of the line was told that they wouldn't pay because their and the hospital in question's contract had expired at the end of May. Nightmare. Luckily Nuffield Health in Exeter were able to step in so my rearranged echocardiogram is on Tuesday at 8.30am, then hopefully I can kick on.
I was at the dogs at Towcester on Saturday night for the Star Sports sponsored Quarter Finals. It was another good night. There were some decent bets flying about. There do seem to be more heavier staking cash punters at the dogs than horseracing these days. The finals night on 1st July is shaping up to be a cracker, I've thoroughly enjoyed the pervious Derby Final nights I've attended and highly recommend the sport and atmosphere.
As I've mentioned previously, I love going to Nigel Hawke's yard Thorne Farm, I've not been over there much recently because many of the horses are enjoying their summer holidays. I'm looking forward to being a regular visitor again when the new National Hunt season proper looms and Nigel has his older stars and new purchases in training again.
Meanwhile, if you fancied holidaying, a racing trip or even getting married in Devon, specifically at glorious Thorne Farm then you might be interested in what Hawke Barn has to offer, tell they I sent you. Here's the link.
On a betting topic owners struggling to get on might like to know that they can back their horse to win at least £10,000 with Star Sports. There are certain terms and conditions but there's no catch. If you own a horse you can back it to win at least £10,000 from 10am and £20,000 off the show. You don't have to be an owner or bet big to bet with Star Sports, they have an app, website and telephone line, if you fancy giving them a spin here are the details with my link below it.
If you are interested, please sign up via my link below and I bag a bit of commission and brownie points.
Back to the health thing, I'm told I have to have a heart bypass, they aren't sure exactly which one to do, apparently there are several, they need the final scan to decide. Now I'm not an athlete but am certainly not the chubbiest in the betting ring either. Luckily I have been pulling up the near £80 a month for private health insurance for my family and myself. I thought it was a bit strong but now I need it, cheap at twice the price, phone waiting times could be better though!
I don't mind admitting when I got the news that I was a bit emotional, your immortality is suddenly resting on a photo finish and a good man with a scalpel. I've now come to terms with what they tell me is a routine operation these days. Blimey, my father-in-law had a double lung transplant in 2014 so this is a mere minor procedure compared to him. Still, it's hard to see past the operation to the future at this point, must be a bit like a jockey only having to jump the last in the National.
Finally, when I was 12 I was given a mix tape which included the hitherto unheard in the whole Walronds Estate, 'God Save The Queen' by the Sex Pistols. When I got breathlessly home and told my mum and dad, my dad put a dampener on things by asking, 'And what makes you think you'll be allowed to play that in this house?' I was instantly a teenager a year early, and did get to play it, many many times. Who'd have thought that hopefully, 47 years later that very same Johnny Rotten that sang the song that said nasty things about the Queen would be appearing at the school hall I had many assemblies in. I say hopefully, as it's next May in Tiverton. Of course we bought tickets, 1.01 is value jumping the last isn't it!
The final plugs of the blog, It's Royal Ascot this week. Bet Goodwin are another bookmaker for whom I have an affiliate deal. Now if you're the sort of person that likes a multiple on a Saturday or has a regular recreational punt Bet Goodwin could be for you. They offer BOG and all sorts of concessions to ease your pain if you suffer an unlucky loss, give them a go and get the warm glow of knowing that if you lose a few bob, I'm copping! Julian also puts a fair bit back into racing having a couple or three horses in training with Chris Gordon.