Texas Jack lands spoils, but Instalment steals limelight

Friday, January 17, 2014

Noel Meades Texas Jack beat Baily Green to land the Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday, but it was the third horse, Last Instalment, that was the real eye-catcher.

By Pat Keane

He jumped beautifully, showing plenty of enthusiasm, and, indeed, went across the final fence upsides the first two home.

Last Instalment had no more to give through the last 100 yards, however, but was only eventually beaten three parts and half a length.

His performance delighted trainer Philip Fenton. Wasnt that a lovely run?, he said.

You couldnt but be pleased, he hadnt been away anywhere, except to have a spin on the flat at Leopardstown.

The only fences he jumped were a couple at home. Tomorrow morning will tell a lot and we will see how he is over the next fortnight. All being well the Hennessy (Leopardstown) is the plan.

Paul Carberry was superb on Texas Jack, producing him with typical timing going to the last and the winner found plenty to beat Baily Green, who made a slight error at the obstacle.

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Texas Jack lands spoils, but Instalment steals limelight

Verdict

A winner over fences in France in 2012, Upepito has his first start for Venetia Williams in this. It would be no surprise to see him involved at the business end but FIRTH OF THE CLYDE may have too much for him on this occasion. The latter has taken really well to fences and further progress is expected on the back of a win at Wetherby. Flaming Gorge has struggled off higher marks since winning over these fences last year but a conditional's allowance could see him back in the mix, while Great Oak is also back on a winning mark now and showed signs of a resurgence over timber at Fakenham last month.

Firth Of The Clyde 9-5fav (11-7) Held up towards rear, in touch 7th, mistake 5 out, challenged and not fluent 2 out, kept on gamely to lead run-in, won at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov beating Tahiti Pearl (11-9) by 1l, 6 ran.

Flaming Gorge (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Jumped right, chased leader, led narrowly 6th until next, chased leader, pushed along and every chance approaching 2 out, one pace in 3rd after 2 out, 3rd of 6, 17l behind San Telm (11-0) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.

Upepito (FR) (11-2) won at Auteuil(FR) 2m 2f chs gs in Sep '12 beating Urokwell (10-12) by 20l, 9 ran.

Munsaab (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd 6th until 3 out, weakened next, went 3rd close home, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Tresor De Bontee (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Dec.

Speedy Bruere (FR) 16-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, pushed along and lost place before 9th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Theatrical Star (11-12) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Dec, 6 ran.

Jack The Gent (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Led, blundered badly, headed and lost place 2nd, closed 6th, weakened approaching 4 out, jumped left and blundered next, 4th of 6, 48l behind Baile Anrai (11-9) at Leicester 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.

Great Oak (IRE) 5-4fav (11-3) Took keen hold, held up in last pair, headway approaching 2 out, went 3rd under pressure and no impression when hung left before last, kept on same pace flat, 3rd of 6, 4l behind Miss Biscotti (10-5) at Fakenham 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

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Calverts Carpets York Handicap Chase 2m 2f

Verdict

These Grade 2 novice chases for mares are rare which is why UNE ARTISTE is entered here. Nicky Henderson's mare, the Fred Winter winner at Cheltenham in 2012, made all for a comfortable victory at Huntingdon on her second start over fences and there looks plenty more to come. Aibrean overcame some sticky jumping to win nicely at Naas, giving the impression that she will improve despite her age. Backinthere has run reasonably well at Grade 3 level since making a winning debut over fences at Clonmel in October though she was behind Kates Benefit and Caoimhe's Delight at Cork and the former is looking a nice prospect. Leish Oscar was only moderate over hurdles but looks much better over fences. She was left clear when nearest challenger Mullaghanoe River came down at Down Royal but was going just as well and the latter has since won a better race. Miss Palm landed a Tramore handicap but then couldn't cope with a 5lb rise and a longer trip on this course.

Leish Oscar (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to lead 3 out, asserted after 2 out, easily, won at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs sft in Dec beating Drawn N Drank (11-5) by 13l, 10 ran.

Byerley Babe (IRE) 9-10fav (11-7) Soon mid-division, closer order 7th, 3rd 5 out, 4th before straight, challenged travelling smoothly and led before 2 out, left clear last, easily,, won at Limerick 2m 3f beg chs hvy in Dec beating Hill Rock (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.

Une Artiste (FR) 8-15fav (11-0) Made all, hard driven when quickened clear from 2 out, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f mares nov ch (4) gs in Dec beating Baby Shine (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.

Caoimhe's Delight (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistake 4 out, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, no impression before last, kept on same pace to 2nd run-in, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Theatre Bird (10-13) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hdl G3 (1) sft in Dec.

Kates Benefit (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Soon led, tended to jump a little left, headed 3rd, close up, on terms before 5 out where slight mistake, soon led, pressed and jumped left 2 out, jumped left again last and headed, rallied, not get to winner, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Dressedtothenines (10-11) at Cork 2m 1f mares nov chs Grade 3 (1) sft in Dec.

Carrigeen Lonicera (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, 6th 5 out, ridden and no impression in 7th after 3 out, kept on without threatening from last, 4th of 13, 9l behind Aibrean (11-7) at Naas 2m 3f mrs beg chs sft.

Backinthere (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, pushed along 7 out, ridden 5 out, 7th approaching straight, 5th from 2 out, soon no impression and kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 19l behind Dressedtothenines (10-11) at Cork 2m 1f mares nov chs Grade 3 (1) sft in Dec.

Pur Style (FR) 12-1 (9-10) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, 3rd approaching straight, ridden and no impression in 6th before last, no extra run-in, 8th of 9, 16l behind She's Got Grit (9-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp chs in Dec.

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Fame And Glory & Sans Frontieres Coolmore National Hunt Sires E.B.F. Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4f

Annie Hagopian - IHSA Over Fences
First IHSA show of the season. High point rider!

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Jumping Fences - "XIII" Full E.P.
Jumping Fences newest E.P. "XIII" 1. Say Goodnight 2. Stalemate 3. A.W. 4. Madison 5. Things we say (cover) 6. This summer never ends download the Full E.P. ...

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Posted on: 5:11 pm, January 14, 2014, by A.J. Bayatpour, updated on: 08:28pm, January 14, 2014

WASHINGTON COUNTY (WITI) From Port Washington to Washington County, crews on Tuesday, January 14th were paying close attention to the roads as snow was expected. We saw morning snowfall and an afternoon lull. Winds picked up late in the afternoon and snow was expected to pick back up Tuesday evening and Tuesday night. Crews who work to keep the roads clear were worried Tuesday about the potential for blowing and driving snow especially along rural roads.

For much of Tuesday afternoon, areas like West Bend saw freezing rain but with the potential for snow and high winds, highway crews were hopeful they could get some help from snow fences.

One such snow fence was placed outside West Bend East High School.

A lot of our students live in rural areas around, and so, it seems to be the drifts happen much more out in those areas, obviously. Those are things we have to consider when planning events and whether we`re going to hold them, Principal Jim Curler said.

The stretch of Highway G that runs past the school is a small part of Washington Countys plowing plan.

We`ve got 186 highway miles that we cover and it is tough. It takes anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours for the course of an entire route for a driver so by the time they get back, there`s some problem areas that we have to keep track of, Assistant Highway Commissioner Chris Walter said.

Of course, blowing and drifting snow can quickly cover roads that crews just plowed and thats where snow fences come in.

A lot of these sections our guys work, they know where the drifts are. They`ve been plowing them for a number of years and that`s where we try to put snow fences in those areas to protect against drifting, Walter said.

Curler says the fences have gone up at the high school every winter in the 15 years hes been at West Bend East.

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Road crews in Wash. Co. gear up for possible long night Tuesday

Verdict

Strathaird has no chance at the weights but the remainder can all be fancied. EDMUND was having only his second start over fences when comfortably beating Mumgos Debut over this track and trip. An 8lb rise looks a bit harsh but he's progressive and should take care of the runner-up and complete a double. Turf Trivia isn't badly treated though may be undone by the conditions but Decent Lord loves heavy ground and he's won over hurdles here in very testing ground. He ran his best race to date over fences at Southwell last time and looks a threat. Prince Tam reserves his best for this track and four of his five victories have come here.

Decent Lord (IRE) 7-4fav (10-11) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden to challenge before last, every chance run-in run-in, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind The Informant (10-7) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) hvy.

Mumgos Debut (IRE) 9-2 (10-1) Led, ridden after 3 out, headed between last 2, no extra from last, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Edmund (10-6) at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.

Turf Trivia 18-1 (11-2) Pressed leader, led narrowly 4th, headed after 3 out, no chance with winner next, weakened into 4th flat, 4th of 7, 13l behind Coax (11-1) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Dec.

Strathaird (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Held up towards rear, weakened from 6 out, 5th of 6, 33l behind The Informant (10-7) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) hvy.

Prince Tam 18-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, bumped 4th, ridden before 9th, jumped slowly and weakened next, 5th of 7, well behind Ballycool (9-9) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Dec.

Edmund (IRE) 5-1 (10-6) Held up in touch, headway after 5 out, went 3rd before next, ridden after 3 out, led between last 2, kept on flat, won at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec beating Mumgos Debut (10-1) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.

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Posted January 14, 2014

The Lions (7-9) lost six of their last seven games en route to missing the playoffs for a second straight year. (Paul Sancya/AP)

When the Detroit Lions went searching for a head coach in 2009, they focused squarely on the assistant coaching ranks Leslie Frazier, Todd Bowles and Ron Rivera among the names considered then alongside Jim Schwartz, who they eventually hired.

The focus this time around though GM Martin Mayhew insisted he would not pigeon-hole himself in such a way appeared to be on those with head coaching experience, like Gary Kubiak and Mike Munchak. For a Lions organization which feels it can contend for a playoff spot and has whiffed on its last three rookie head coaches (Schwartz, Rod Marinelli and Marty Mornhinweg), that approach presented itself as a more unassailable one.

And therein may lie the issue with Detroits coaching search, the teams sixth since 1997, which ended Tuesday with the pick of Jim Caldwell: There is no such thing as a safe, slam-dunk hire in the NFL. Bill Belichick tanked in Cleveland before eventually landing in New England. Pete Carroll was a bust with the Jets and Patriots, only finding his footing with Seattle more than a decade later. The Lions certainly are hoping especially after Whisenhunt fell out of the mix that Caldwell can find similar success in his second go-round as head coach. But is there any guarantee he will? Conversely, is there any assurance that Whisenhunt has a brighter future in Tennessee than any of the options Detroit was considering after he chose San Diego?

Hardly.

Obviously, experience as a head coach is important, Mayhew said. It doesnt matter what side of the ball it is. I also think we can take into account a coachs ability to change our culture a little bit. It has to be something bigger than just scheme that somebodys bringing to our table.

So, how was a franchise thats tried just about everything supposed to avoid repeating its mistakes of the past?

Short of plucking a head coach from college, a risky venture in its own right, the Lions have banged down every door over the past decade-plus. They hired the grizzled and experienced veteran (Bobby Ross); a promising offensive mind who was being groomed to be a head coach (Marty Mornhinweg); the big-name star (Steve Mariucci); a well-traveled defensive guru (Rod Marinelli); and, finally, the up-and-coming, coveted rising talent (Schwartz).

Only two, Ross and Schwartz, were able to even make the playoffs. Neither won once there.

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Detroit Lions' search for a 'safe' hire may be a fool's errand

Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp #39;s Adventure -- World Without Fences (Malay -- Malaysia)
Disney Lady dan Tramp 2: Pengembaraan Scamp (Melayu -- Malaysia) Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp #39;s Adventure (Malay -- Malaysia) 22...

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Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp's Adventure -- World Without Fences (Malay -- Malaysia) - Video

There he was, on Monday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, a gorgeous sunny day, wearing a shirt and tie in the 27 C heat: Wayne Gretzky, making his first official appearance on behalf of the NHL in eons and it was good to see him back.

Officially, the occasion was the arrival of the ice truck a term used to describe the largest mobile refrigeration unit in the world which will turn the stadium infield into a hockey arena under the swaying Southern California palm trees two Saturdays from now.

Unlike the previous Winter and Heritage Classics, all played in traditional hockey markets, this game in the NHLs Stadium Series will be played between Gretzkys former team, the Los Angeles Kings, and the No. 1 team in the league, the Anaheim Ducks, against a lush and summery backdrop.

There will be a beach volleyball court set up in left field, a sound stage in right field where the rock band Kiss will play, and, in centre, a swimming pool with the Ducks logo emblazoned in the middle.

Gretzky attended the press gathering at the urging of his former teammate Luc Robitaille, now the Kings president of business operations, but also because the NHL asked him to come in and help bang the publicity drums.

This was noteworthy because Gretzky hasnt been seen in too many NHL arenas of late. And though he would never characterize himself as estranged from the league, it is no coincidence fences are finally being mended now that the NHL has finally paid him what he was owed him as an unsecured creditor of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Gretzky, who was accompanied Monday by his wife, Janet, had kept the NHL at arms length after he resigned as Coyotes head coach, preferring to watch his children play sports and essentially be a stay-at-home dad, sprinkled with the odd promotional appearance for his corporate sponsors.

Robitaille said the Kings invited Gretzky to be part of the outdoor game festivities, but it was important it came from the league, too. It was [NHL chief operating officer] John Collins and his group and [commissioner] Gary Bettman and [deputy commissioner] Bill Daly, they reached out to him and asked him to be part of it. We wanted to make sure it came from everyone. We cant have this game without having Wayne.

Wayne Gretzky is probably like our Babe Ruth and we need him around. When he came to L.A., it changed the game in the United States forever. You look at what hes done on the ice, its incredible. A lot of what hes done off the ice is his legacy and it lives on. Its very important hes a part of the league and involved in all the big events that are going on.

The league has wanted to get its most iconic face more visible for some time now, and Monday was the perfect opportunity on two separate fronts.

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Duhatschek: In the City of Angels, NHL mends fences with The Great One