Carnival pointers under the deluge

Proof that summer was in its extreme latter stages was confirmed last week when Britain’s final flat turf evening meeting of the term was staged at Bath on a typically rain-sodden tea-time fixture.

Purists now have Dunstall Park, otherwise known as Wolverhampton, and Kempton to keep them entertained during the twilight hours.

They say time flies when you are enjoying yourself. So I assume I’ve quite enjoyed the 2008 flat season as it seems to have whizzed past almost as quick as Oasis Dream did in the 2003 July Cup.

Leger loses appeal

There are still six weeks or so remaining, and the world’s oldest Classic, the St Leger, on Saturday, is an obvious highlight for many, although I do feel with so much racing now, and the fact that it is far easier to transport horses from country to country, the final leg of the UK Triple Crown has somehow lost its appeal.

Considering its Group One status it is really struggling to compete with the likes of the Juddmonte International or the Derby which seem to attract a far superior animal.

Gone are the days when winning the Triple Crown was a number one priority for connections. A Leger winner is now deemed unfashionable for breeding.

Back to the season’s end, and while I am a tremendous fan of the sport on the level, in the UK it does mean that the jump season is fast approaching, not to mention an eagerly anticipated 2008-09 campaign in the Emirates.

Quality addition

I have never been a great supporter of all-weather racing, but following last weekend’s abysmal conditions, it’s a good job Kempton came to the rescue to stage a thrilling programme, and I have to concede, the quality of racing on the artificial surface has drastically improved.

Maybe it has something to do with the introduction of the Dubai International Racing Carnival and trainers want to try out their charges before an assault on Nad Al Sheba in January.

It’s amazing how the repercussions of Dubai’s racing extravaganza can be felt around the whole world and trainers plan well in advance a visit to the desert around their own local season.

Premio Loco, provided George Baker with arguably his easiest riding fee to date and could well have scored had I done the steering (OK, maybe not!) but there is no doubting the ability of Chris Walls’ four-year-old, and a reliable source informs me that a carnival racing application form is likely to be sent out to the Newmarket trainer.