52 Day Ban For Robert Cooper

Only one real talking point today and that is the huge ban for amateur jockey Robert Cooper. He picked up the ridiculous 52 day ban on New Years Eve for striking Elton Fox with his whip 23 times in the backhand position. The BHA have said he did not give his mount time to respond on 12 separate occasions, despite the huge ban he  still got Elton Fox up to win by about a length and a half. Many people in the racing world have been outraged that a jockey that has lifted a horse to win should get such a ban. Cooper's ban comes days after Richard Johnson picked up a 2 day ban for his late rally to win on Carrickmines at Taunton. It seemed the whip rule debate had died down a little however this throws it back into the fire. We shall have to wait if Cooper appeals against his ban.

Yesterday's lucky 15 wasnt too lucky with Taikoo making a bad mistake and dropping out of contention half way through the race, clearly something amiss with him, it was reported that Theology made a mistake 3 out just when moving in contention and Brian Hughes reported he lost his action. I wouldnt be giving up with them two just yet, especially Theology. Mountainous was an impressive winner at FFos Las making all the running and jumping perfectly, it looked like he was about to be swallowed up turning for home but a strong Sam Twiston Davies kept him up to his work and he ended up winning going away, it appears the handicapper hasn't caught him yet. Azulada bay maybe needed a bit more help in the jumping department from jockey Chris Timmons however that could just be me talking through my pocket.

Today a horse runs at Fontwell which i have been waiting to reappear for about 2 months, the horse is called Makethe Mostofnow and is in the third race. From the Evan Williams yard that hasnt been training too many winners as of late but his yard's last two runs have been encouraging. This is the only horse Williams is bringing over from Wales to run at Fontwell today and it seems they have handpicked this race (after being entered in many races and being pulled out). Disappointingly only a 6/4 shot but i cant see this horse lose today and his first win at FFos Las looked really impressive and may suggest he has a little bit about him. His first race has turned out to be a fairly hot contest with Rev It Up and Paul Nicholls' Dualla Lord in front of him albeit 25 lengths but the run can be forgiven.

Thanks for reading and as always, Happy Punting