While his team-mates were toiling in the field in Barbados last Friday, arguably the greatest bowler this country has produced was taking in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
At least Jimmy Anderson, whose ridiculous non-selection made less sense with every passing over, was well looked after.
England’s record wicket-taker was a guest of the Jockey Club in their plush Club Room.
Jimmy Anderson (here pictured at the Brentford Community Stadium) took advantage of his enforced break to take in the Cheltenham Gold Cup
On the subject of strange moves from the ECB, what of the decision to sound out Sir Dave Brailsford over a role in the review team charged with reshaping English cricket? At a time when the Government are all over Chelsea and ethics in sport, this was the man in charge of Team Sky, who a 2018 select committee accused of having ‘crossed an ethical line’ in pursuit of success.
It would appear Andrew Strauss, tasked with carrying out the audit, has a short memory.
Brighton owner hits Festival jackpotAside from owning Brighton, Tony Bloom is renowned for two passions — horseracing and high stakes gambling.
On Wednesday one of his horses, the Willie Mullins-trained Energumene, won the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Bloom was there to see the victory and even wore a Brighton manager’s coat to collect the trophy.
Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Energumene and Tony Bloom his Brighton coat
Perhaps just a coincidence, then, that bookmakers Star Sports took a £150,000 bet on the horse to win at odds of 100-30 two hours before the race, via a call to one of their offices… in Hove.
Murrays are big racing fansJudy Murray was among the record numbers who headed to Gloucestershire for the Cheltenham Festival.
She believes that tennis star sons Andy and Jamie — who have previously attended jump racing’s showpiece as fans — may well be back in the future as horse owners.
Leeds stars get a welcome breakEarlier this month, Sports Agenda reported how new Leeds manager Jesse Marsch had been given an ovation from his players following a rousing first speech at the club’s Thorp Arch training ground. On Friday night, they were at it again.
After the 3-2 comeback victory at Wolves, which went a long way towards securing Leeds’ Premier League safety, the American told the players they were not needed back at training until Wednesday.
New Leeds manager Jesse Marsch rewarded his players after the victory at Wolves
Given it is the first time in three and a half years that such time off has been granted, thanks to the relentless demands of previous manager Marcelo Bielsa, it is hardly surprising that the delighted cheers were heard right down the Molineux corridors.
Cheltenham to cap crowdsJockey Club officials will discuss capping the attendance at Cheltenham following a record-breaking year.
More than 280,000 spectators flocked to the course, with new highs set on each of the four days. Wednesday’s downpour took place with 64,000 present and there
