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Giving us a view from the Emerald Isle we have Joseph Smyth who's excellent posts have been enjoyed by all our team for a good while now

Click here to be taken to Joseph's full blog

Joining the ranks on the 16th of January is Simon Nott, who's 'Tales from the Betting Ring' are are must read for any racing enthusiast

Click here to be taken to Simon's full blog

Simon joins our top blogger Abby Rugg, who is soon to be a big name in the racing World, to reproduce her blog on this part of our website

Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog



June 18 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring – Royal Ascot – Tuesday

I always like to set off for big meetings nice and early and got a pleasant surprise when I tuned into Radio 2 in the car having missed the news on
the TV in my haste to get on the road. I recognised that voice, the dulcet Westcountry tones of none other than ex-jockey, all-round good guy and budding comedian Luke Harvey. He wasn’t cracking jokes though just telling the nation of Chris Evans fans just how much he likes Royal Ascot. His enthusiasm was palpable and timing impeccable, well I was impressed anyway, and it seems so was Chris. Look out Cornelius Lysaght, there could be competition for your racing radio crown!

Talking of luminaries of the press room, there were plenty of familiar faces in evidence who obviously like to get there even earlier than me. The vast majority of them, especially the regulars, are gentlemen (and women) to a man (woman). There are a couple though, that has to be said are on the missing list apart from all but the top meetings, appear to have delusions of grandeur. This meeting makes them even worse, put an already inflated ego in 19th century fancy dress and their pomposity seems to know no bounds. I’d wager that if I happened upon Royalty and opened the door for them they would utter a thank you.

I felt much more comfortable down in the ring with the gentlemen of the turf as they set up for the day’s business. I was looking out for my old pal Jack Bevan and Co but couldn’t find them. That was a bit weird as they bet number three in Tatts. As I stood gazing, that bloke from Time Team appeared. I wondered if they were doing a period piece on chimney sweeps as he was dressed in the garb. Then to re-visit an old joke it wasn’t that bloke from Time Team at all, but Ian who works for Bevan. He told me that they had decided to forsake their prestigious pitch in Tatts and bet by the old paddock. A bit of a gamble on their part but they were up for a punt. Watch this space.

That bloke from Time Team

The Queen’s procession preceded any real punting action. She looked resplendent in pink but there didn’t appear to be any wagering on her choice of hat colour as in previous years. There was plenty of betting in the opener though. The bookies wanted to get stuck into Animal Kingdom and the punters were keen to oblige, including one to the tune of a cool £20,000. The bookies kept the cash as the favourite flopped behind Declaration Of War. The 15/2 winner had been 10/1, ‘Terrible result for the Irish bookies’, said a well-loved PR man for an Irish bookie. I guessed he might be saying that a bit tongue in cheek, I knew he was when he burst into a grin.

I got chatting to a real bane of the bookmakers over on the rails. There is only one thing he likes better than winning off them and that is goading them after he has won off them. I suggested that the expenses might be a bit much attending a meeting like Royal Ascot for a week just to punt. With that he heaved out a house-brick sized wad of readies and waved it under the noses of the nearest layers and laughed out, ‘This lot will be paying the expenses!’ Well, you do need confidence.

The ring got the next favourite beaten too so it was their confidence that was sky-high. Geoff Banks had a brace of beauties on the joint doing all the hard work while he held court jokingly calling the prices as loudly as possible. ‘He’ll give the ring a bad name’ commented one punter with a wink. I’m not sure about that but he may well have tempted fate, to his chagrin. It did look that Dawn Approach might have just been beaten in the St Jame’s Palace Stakes, but the roar that went up when the result was given told the story. Favourite backers were in business again, including one bet of £33,000 to £24,000 that was landed by a short head.

On the rails, they bet.

War Command won the Coventry Stakes at 20/1 which was another cracking result for the books. I did spot one punter who likes to bet those sort of prices. He was sporting an original looking topper but most importantly was clean-shaven and not be-whiskered. Now he told me previously that he only shaves when he has backed a winner. His chin was so clean it could well have been that he nipped up to the gents and got a celebratory razor out between races. Let’s hope so.

When I was a floorman and asked for what some bookies might have considered to be a bet out of proportion for the meeting we were at, a common bluff retort used to be, ‘Where do you think you are? Royal Ascot?’ Well it seemed that the vast majority of Tatts had forgotten where they were, betting to 1/5 the odds in the 19-runner Ascot Stakes. You could get 1/4 if you looked around but you had to be a pretty canny shopper. Those lucky enough to be in the Royal Enclosure, at least at the top rail, had no such problem with most of those firms betting traditional odds a place.. The favourite was second behind 8/1 Well Sharp.

Extortionist won the last at 16/1. It wasn’t a case of did they win, but how much, down in the ring. The bookies will tell you that it is the quietest day and all that but they were smiling all over the place on the way out. Nasty.

(c) Simon Nott


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June 13 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring. Newbury 13/06/13

You only have to look at the results from Newbury’s eight-race card to see that the bookies had it spark bang off today. In fact there are probably a couple moving their tools from the boot of their two-year-old Mercedes into a brand spanking new one they bought with readies from a showroom they happened to pass on the way home. Only two favourites won, and one of them came second, the rest of the winners included 33/1, 20/1, 16/1 and 14/1. The layers could have hardly written in better results themselves.

Add to that, in the very first race it seemed that everyone on the track knew that Toast Of The Town was a certainty. One punter knew it so much that he had £4000 on to win £5000. The bookie that took it even shared it around with his mates in Tatts. He was a bit hasty though, he could have earned out of his hedging had he waited as weirdly it drifted despite bundles going on. Then of course it got beaten. Aye aye for the layers. The next race went to a 14/1 shot, OK Frankie Dettori was on it but still, another result.

The trouble was the crowd did look a bit on the thin side. There were a couple of sizeable punters in the ring but they were it. To make a book you need volume of money on several horses. ‘I don’t know why I am even here’ bemoaned one Tatts bookie. He was there on his own too, talk about skeleton staff. ‘I can’t even take a bet’ his neighbour added. Put this scenario into the mix and you soon realised that every ‘result’ that went in was giving the ring the rub down.


There were lighter moments amongst the doom and gloom that prevailed in some quarters. One punter had a score on the winner of the 6th at 9/2. It won, at 5/1. You might imagine that the chap might have been a bit miffed to have cost himself a tenner. Not a bit of it. Much to the amazement of those around him, not least the bookie who laid the bet, the erstwhile fellow removed his shirt did a couple of laps of the bookies, swinging his T-shirt above his head as he went. On is return he topped off his celebration but getting down and doing press-ups. ‘He looked a bit knackered by then to be fair’ observed the still incredulous bookie.

To show just how poor business was one of the biggest rails layers in the south had legged it by the penultimate. That race went to 14/1 shot Pivotal Silence who just held off the 5/1 jolly by a nose. A delighted rails bookmaker came running up and breathlessly told me that a well-spoken lady had enquired about the price of the horse earlier. He had offered her 16/1, she took that price and then had a whole fist-full of other tenner bets for other named, but unseen, companions. The bookie took the hint and had all that and some back at 20/1, well you have top make a profit. ‘And have had a right touch’, words he managed to get out just before, ‘Ding Dong – Steward’s enquiry’.

These days you wouldn’t normally worry too much. But on this occasion, the winner was long odds-against keeping the race. Our bookie mate that oh so briefly copped the lot looked like a condemned man. He didn’t have to suffer for too long though. The exchanges were right and places were reversed without too much time deliberating. Character building for both the bookie and his lady customer, let’s not forget her.

‘ They’ve always run out of money by the last if there are eight races’ piped up Natalie on the rails. She could well be correct, hardly a bet appeared to be struck before the final kick in the bookies metaphorical goolies. A 20/1 winner, but a skinner when you haven’t taken two bob is hardly a result. Oh well it’s the weekend to come, don’t worry chaps that car dealer will still have the new Mercedes in the window.

(C) Simon Nott

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June 4 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring – Epsom, Oaks and Derby

I got talking to ex-jockey, star of TV and radio and all round good guy Luke Harvey before racing on Oaks day. I have to say he is one witty bloke. If only somebody would commission an adults-only post watershed racing show it would be hilarious viewing. He had a colleague and I in stitches as he got stuck into various topics lambasting all and sundry. Quite a genuine comedian, though it was lucky none of the course photographers were in earshot. I hear Luke does after-dinner speaking, I’d bet good money he’d have everyone rolling about in no time, just one tip though, if you do book him, double-check he’s absolutely clear on which town the venue is in!

The Racing Post sponsored an ice-cream van, renamed for the event, ‘Mr Tippy’. It proved very popular with punters on course that had found the free ice-cream voucher tucked away in the paper. Anthony Kemp had a go at serving one up for the benefit of the cameras, it has to be said he wasn’t that great at it. Most onlookers we horrified that after one lick from Aly Rowell the very tasty and amply (if somewhat lopsided) filled cone was unceremoniously thrown into a nearby dustbin.

There were plenty of bookmakers down on the rails who would have happily accepted a second-hand ice cream. Nobody was complaining about the sun but probably for the first time this year the sun-lotion was being applied. The aroma of Soltan merged with that of burned bookie fingers after the first when well-backed 3/1f Thistle Bird got the money for connections and punters. Not just metaphorical burned fingers in the case of bookmaker Simon James who needed a previously burned hand bandaged to stop the sun tormenting it further.

Some layers were complaining that business was poor out in Tatts. Maybe they should invest in ice-cream vans because ‘Mr Tippy’ did a roaring trade long after those tearing vouchers from The Racing Post had been and gone. While obviously great advertising for the paper, the livery was a little too good for at least one novice lady racegoer who queued patently and then tried having a fiver on one in the Oaks. There weren’t many books moaning after Talent won the feature at 20/1 especially as she defied Secret Gesture who was one of the best-backed in the race.
I’m told things got a bit ugly out in the ring when a brawl broke out. Depending on who you asked the fighting ranged from a couple of idiots slugging it out to a damn good dry run for world war three. Either way it’s something that nobody wants to see at racecourses. The only winning clear favourite of the day being in the opening race Oaks day looked to go the way of the bookies. Not so according to some I got talking to in the hotel later on. It wasn’t the results they were complaining about but the business. Very poor with high expenses according to them. It didn’t seem to stop them ‘celebrating’ in the bar well into the early hours though, not wanting to hear any more tales about ‘poor bookies’ which were almost bringing me to tears I left them to it.

Derby Day was heaving in comparison to the Oaks, at least in Tatts, the empty pitches on the rails were evidence of what business is like on Members on the day. Most put it down to the dress restrictions. Bookies didn’t have to wait long for their first ‘result’. The first race went to 25/1 shot Pasaka Boy. There are some in the ring that love a gloat when they are winning, as I passed Geoff Banks betting on the second row he called across asking if I was security to protect all his money. That was tempting fate if ever I heard it, karma must have heard it too because Thunder Strike, one of the 3/1 joint favourites, won the next and Geoff had laid a lumpy one.

It was so busy in Tatts that getting around was a bit tricky especially as it was busy with groups of blokes walking around with pints of beer in flimsy plastic ‘glasses’. Not only that but there seemed to be scores of chaps with mobile beer kegs on their backs dispensing the stuff to what appeared to be a never ending customer base. It did make me think that it was lucky that there are very few floormen running around having back bets these days. Knocking beer flying in the course of hedging a bet would have been inevitable and probably result in the poorly paid workmen doing his wages in replacing spilt pints.


It is often lamented that money doesn’t circulate around the ring any more contributing to its demise. Well it seems that not all bookies are too keen to take hedge money. Geoff Banks called out again, but this time he had the needle. He was giving the Coronation Cup the swerve, using the time to bet on the Derby instead. It transpired that the punter that had won the lump on the previous race and wanted to play some of his winnings up on St Nicholas Abbey. Geoff had no intentions of betting on the race but was keen to accommodate his customer despite not pricing the race up. The horse was 4/11 all around him so laid a bet of £1200-£3300 as requested. Shortly afterwards a neighbouring layer went 2/5. Our hero hopped off the stool and asked him for £600-£1500 as a hedge. It is then that Geoff told me the layer did an extended ‘Betfair twist’ peering into his computer, then after an ‘inordinate’ length of time replied he could have a monkey of it on. Disgusted of Sunningdale told him to forget it and nothing was done. No doubt the boss of the firm in question was delighted that he had made that decision when the favourite won easily backed into 3/10, not so much Geoff.

There were some decent bets for the winner of The Dash, Duke Of Firenze including one of £5000-£800, come racing, get the fractions. You had to feel for the gent who laid the bet though, if it was his bogey he must have thought he had it beaten. It looked so cooked that people on the Internet laid it to the tune of £27 at 999-1, at least that was the rumour. How do you feel when you lay that sort of price and it wins? Nasty.




It did seem that much of the ring were more than happy to get stuck into Dawn Approach in the Derby, there was some business done at 6/4 and 11/8 but never looked like dipping into the realms of odds-on as some had predicted. The brave souls that went down the book with the jolly got their reward though winner Ruler Of The World at 7/1 was hardly a skinner.

The last race of the day was an impossible-looking 16-runner handicap, mind you, finding the winner would have been easier than finding a bookie betting 1/4 the odds a place. That winner was 25/1 Arctic Feeling providing the ring with a result to end the meeting. I have a business idea for anyone wanting to make a sure-fire financial killing next year. By the last there would have been a multitude of ladies who I reckon would have happily paid a pony for a pair of flip-flops after spending all day being tortured by their footwear. Maybe that is why the Queen had already legged it by then, though I expect she brings her own.


(C) Simon Nott

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April 4 2013

KATIE WALSH CAN RIDE SEABASS TO VICTORY IN GRAND NATIONAL

'WILL a female jockey win the Grand National?' is the question that has been hitting the headlines this week, and I think it could happen.

Katie Walsh, sister of champion jockey Ruby Walsh, is the only woman riding in the race and she will be partnering Seabass again, who finished third last year.

 

Seabass almost galloped to victory last year, but couldn't quite keep up with Sunnyhillboy and eventual winner, Neptune Collonges.

But I believe Katie has come back stronger this year and will charge past the post in prime position.

 

My money is on her.

 

I remember watching the 2012 Grand National. I was at my parents' house and we had a family friend over.

 

He decided to watch the race with us, and when Katie was shown on our television screen, he said: "She won't win. She's a woman."

 

No one really knew how to answer him. But I did. I replied that being a woman makes no difference to winning or losing, and I believed Katie would produce a world-class performance, as she always does.

 

And she did. Third position is great - a fantastic achievement, the best position by any female jockey in the race.

 

But Katie can finish in a better position this year. She can win and everybody knows it.

 

At the moment, Seabass is around 10/1 to win, and Katie's brother, Ruby, is currently favourite with On His Own at 7/1.

 

A jockey needs a lot of luck in the Grand National, but with focus and determination, I am positive Katie will do the girls - and racing - proud.

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April 3rd 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring – Exeter 02/04/13

There was an early scare when a 10am inspection was called after a chilly night up at Haldon. A scare is all it was though as racing eventually went ahead under glorious sunshine. It soon became evident that there were plenty of people extremely happy about that. Now there are always going to be plenty of people happy that racing at Exeter goes ahead because it is traditionally very well supported, even in horizontal rain. Though as already explained, inclement weather was not an issue today. Today was Finlake Holiday Park ‘Family Fun Day’ and the families came out in their droves. There appeared to be kids everywhere, all over the place, swinging on bars in the stands, careering around the enclosures and basically having a whale of a time. It was not only young racegoers of the future learning to love the game enjoying themselves. We could have easily witnessed the champion jockey 2023 learning their trade in either of the two pony races that preceded the mammoth 8-race card. It was great to see a film crew that looked to be from some sort of children’s’ TV show covering the races as well as Grand National winning jockey Daryl Jacob giving words of support to the riders.

Of course, all the youthful racing prodigy had parents and guardians with them. A fair few of them appeared to be novice racegoers but still looked keen to get involved in-between trying to keep tabs on their whirling-Dervish charges. The regular faces were all there too, Badger, Armaloft and the pro-punter with the big binoculars, well outnumbered though, because for all intents and purposes the meeting had a bank holiday feel to it. The ideal opportunity for a racing shop window.

The bookmakers had turned out in force too, some so keen it appeared that they were so early they almost beat the gate-men. The atmosphere was buoyant, probably a combination of a decent-sized crowd in front of them and the much-welcomed appearance of the sun at long last. If things were rosy in the ring before racing the bookmakers were positively beaming after 16/1 Fuzzy Logic, the outsider of five, won the opener. Despite much of the business being small there were still some decent-sized bets to keep the layers on their toes, all of which stayed in the hods.
With the excellent atmosphere, loads of new faces (and potentially long-term clients) in attendance and cash in the satchel the bookmakers were in full public relations mode. The ideal opportunity to get people to feel comfortable betting in the ring. After all for a lot of us the betting ring is second nature, and for some a second home, but it can be daunting for someone new to racing. After all, it would be so much easier and possibly more comfortable for the uninitiated to bet with the Tote or in the betting shop. Yes the bookies were on a charm offensive.
At least you would think that’s how it would work wouldn’t you.

The third race on the card was a 17-runner handicap. Traditional odds would be 1/4 a place which a few layers bet to, most went 1/5 and one 1/6 the odds. OK, we all know that in this particular race the place terms would favour the punters, at least on paper but would it have really hurt to play the game on a day like today? They probably didn’t deserve the 16/1 winner to be honest.

That was bad enough but a small section of the Exeter betting ring really excelled themselves in the 4.10. It was a nine-runner Hunters’ Chase with an odds-on favourite. OK once again not ideal for betting each-way if you are a bookie. The traditional odds should have been 1/5 which some bet to, others bet 1/6 but three that I saw bet to 1/7 the odds a place. Now if that wasn’t bad enough, you just sort of know that the novice punters queuing up to have their couple of quid each-way aren’t looking at the bottom line of the bookmaker’s board to see what terms they are getting. No they are clueless and just betting to the odds they can see in front of them. The final insult to injury is that those books were generally the same odds as their neighbours. The 4/9 favourite finished third behind a 20/1 winner and 66/1 runner-up with the well-backed odds-on jolly in the frame third meaning they only had two places to pay out on anyway.

The rest of the card passed with more ring-friendly results including the 28/1 winner of the last.

When I worked in the ring with bookmakers we had to continuously try and battle against the stereotypical view held by a lot of punters. That was that we were all graspers that would have them over at the drop of a hat. We did our level best over decades to try and convince them that we were in fact sporting gentlemen of the turf. With the majority of layers that is still the case. However, seeing the way some firms do business you do start to wonder.

Sadly, when betting rings are in serious decline, some ‘bookmakers’ are their own worst enemy.

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March 27 2013

Snowing again? Grand National selection

Ok so the weather recently may be as unpredictable as the decision making of Sebastian Vettel but it’s something we are going to have to get used to. Get over it. Let it not temper you enthusiasm for the climax of the National Hunt season. Put the flat racing aside for a couple of weeks and try get ahead of the majority in finding value in the Grand National. Everyone bets on the Grand National, so it’s never too early to have a look.

Firstly, if you like On His Own, I’d say it’s probably best that you get on soon. I can’t see the current 8-1 offered being around for long. It is looking likely that Ruby Walsh will ride the nine-year old, especially now with the other Willie Mullins trained runner, Prince De Beauchene coming out of the race due to injury. That seems to have made the decision a bit easier for Ruby and ok so he may have other options, with Colbert Station, Seabass and Join Together but On His Own looks the most likely going on all known form. The Presenting gelding looks capable of going close, having looked to be travelling smoothly and taking well to the fences in last year’s race. For me he was ridden like a horse that day that connections were unsure whether he would stay the trip or not, but he got himself into a good position having travelled strongly early on. He looked to be relishing the test and you can expect a more prominent display this time round. The once a year punters are sure to latch on to the Ruby Walsh factor, so his price may half before the event, and it is not hard seeing him going off a lot shorter on the day.

As much as I like the chances of On His Own, at this stage Chicago Grey looks one who is overpriced.

There is no doubting that Chicago Grey is a well campaigned horse but as a 10-year-old now, he looks capable of running a big race in this year’s National (eight of the last 10 winners have been aged either nine or 10). For starters, we can only go on what we have seen in regards to him and the Aintree fences but he looked to be enjoying the big fences as he jumped the first four well in last year’s race, only to be brought down at the fifth.

It has been a varied season for the 10-year old, winning just once in five starts. Having unseated in a Grade 1 at Down Royal on his reappearance this year, he shaped encouragingly in the Henrietta Knight Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, until a blunder four out cost him any chance. He followed that with a below par effort, 38 lengths adrift of Bog Warrior and Zaidpour in a Grade 2 at Gowran Park. His latest effort proved his well-being for this event however, where he produced a performance he didn’t look capable of. Chicago Grey has never been a ‘sexy’ horse, more of a grinder than a flashy performer. However, his Grade 2 Red Mills Chase win at Navan oozed class, over a trip that was probably shorter than ideal for him. He was sent off the outsider of four that day, only to beat a strong field virtually on the bridle.

A winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in 2011, he proved his stamina for this kind of the test, running out a four and a half length winner of the four mile event, from the Scottish Grand National winner Beshabar. A winner on good, good to firm, soft and heavy ground, conditions will not be a problem for Gordon Elliot’s horse and the 14-1 offered for the grey looks generous at this stage.

Furthermore, Gordon Elliot’s charge is beginning to look a seriously well handicapped horse, getting into the National off a mark of 141. At the time, that was 2lb lower than his Irish mark, but in light of his Navan win he is effectively 8lb well-in in the National. He looks set to carry 10-7 in the race, the lowest weight he has ever carried throughout his career. Luck in running plays a huge part in the Grand National and if similar hold up tactics are deployed, of course he is going to need plenty of luck in running. A clear round however, could see him go close.

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March 25 2013

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March 19 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring Cheltenham Gold Cup Day

Gold Cup Day started as a bit of a hangover from the World Hurdle though certainly not from booze, at least in my case, though in that respect I did appear to be in the minority. Dressed for the forecast rain I bumped into two of Geoff Bank’s glamour girls, anyone that read Thursday’s blog will know that I had been somewhat bullish about Reve de Sivola in the World Hurdle. They were both very sympathetic at my near miss, it didn’t last long though. One of them pointed out that I didn’t have a new tweed suit on but was wearing a distinctly non-glamorous raincoat, ‘With pen marks on’ as they noticed, to add to my shame and chagrin. It wasn’t all bad though, Geoff’s ex-clerk gave me a commiseration kiss on the cheek. Just a shame he is called Dave.

I did manage to avoid the tweed I couldn’t afford to buy on a visit to my mate the equestrian artist David Dent. He had a stall down at the tented village which was doubling up as a studio. Catching him putting the finishing touches to a painting was a rare treat. Maybe out of next year’s winnings…

Gold Cup day is often different class when it comes to punters really having a go. It didn’t take long for word of the first actually confirmed genuine big bets to come filtering though. One Irish rails firm of some repute had evidently taken a stand against the jolly Rolling Star in the opener laying a £70,000- £20,000 and a monster £137500 – £50,000 as well as some ‘smaller’ wagers that would make your eyes water on any normal day. They were rewarded for their courage and never really had a moment’s worry as Our Conor ran the field ragged to win in most impressive style.

Business looked good on the rails where there appeared to be a veritable scrummage to get on. The forecast rain had started but not to the extent predicted in some quarters. It was enough for the the betting ring to mushroom umbrellas though. The announcement asking for bookies to take them down during racing didn’t exactly fall on deaf ears, but the mayhem that would have ensued with a couple of hundred computer systems going into rain/electricity meltdown down had they obeyed wouldn’t bear thinking about.

If there wasn’t excitement enough down in the ring as betting on the Gold Cup reached frenzied proportions it got notched up further. It wasn’t news of another monster bet but the appearance of a couple of TV celebs in the shape of Russell Brand and Alan Carr complete with extended entourage. Having never seen either of them in the flesh before I was at first surprised just how tall the former is. Then doubly shocked that his ‘minder’ was even taller and at least twice as wide. There were to be no ‘Benny Hill’ style shenanigans as seen around Channel 4 Racing earlier in the week with that man-mountain about. The first racegoer to try getting up close and personal with his charge soon found his was blocked by a rock-solid arm of tree-trunk proportions.

The comic duo wandered up to the bookies for a bet, though I assume they weren’t the ones who had a couple of £22,000 – £8000 on the Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth. It has to be said that the punters were getting their own back after the outsider carnage and in-clover bookies of previous days. The next favourite won too, though is such cruel circumstances. when 20/1 Oscar Delta, who looked certain to win un-shipped it’s jockey on the run-in. The horse appeared to try to go around the course again then jinked at the last minute when hitting the near invisible rope blocking its way. That mishap left the well-backed favourite Salsify to win the race. 50/1 shot Divine Intervention finished 2nd and appeared aptly named. You’d hope that the multitude of punters clamouring to draw their winnings would have dropped a couple of quid into Comic Relief to acknowledge being jammy so and so’s.

The ring appeared to be half as busy as it was during the Gold Cup for the last couple of races, which was probably just as well for the layers when a right old touch was landed in the last care of the Mullins and McCoy combo with Alderwood. A lot of that business appeared to have been done off course so the ring only took the hit at around the 7/2 mark. It did look as if the majority of layers were not at all keen to stick their necks out and had already snapped the elastic bands around their winnings from earlier in the week so damage to their profits were probably limited but it was certainly last blood to the punters in what had been a bookie’s week.

So that was the end of another amazing Cheltenham Festival, I won’t say roll on next year because business resumes for me at Exeter on Tuesday. Proper job.


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March 19 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring Cheltenham Thursday

Well there it was, Cheltenham day 3 and all our hopes riding on Reve de Sivola. As is the norm for me when an exciting day beckons, I was up and at the track very early ready to soak in all the atmosphere. It was a glorious morning too, blue skies and sunshine, everything augured well for the day.

Being on-course so early there was plenty of time for catching up. One of the first bookies I saw was Johnny Boy, he used to work for Westcountry bookmaking legend and D-Day veteran Jack Lynn back when I did. He ambled up to me and said that his daughter Grace had been reading (and hopefully enjoying) these blogs. I told him how pleased I was about that. He then went on to say that Grace had made a request that I give her a mention in this one. Once he told me the reason and reminded me of the story I could hardly refuse. Some years ago Johnny and I were both working down at Lower Tatts with Jack. Johnny was one of best clerks around so was on pencil while I was eyes and ears on the floor. He was always very conscientious but had his mind on other things this particular year, his wife was due to give birth to their first child any day. Roy, Jack’s son, was aware of this, but told Johnny not to worry as ‘Nobody would have a baby Cheltenham week’. Sadly his wife Caron was unaware of this unwritten rule and promptly delivered a healthy bouncing girl, yes you guessed it, Grace, on the first day of the meeting. We were of course all very happy for the couple.

The next day Roy and Jack were not so happy. They told me that Johnny had decided that the joys of fatherhood and supporting his wife were more important that racing. Yes I know! But that it how it was, so in their words ‘He had left us in the lurch’. Followed by ‘You’ll have to clerk’. Now I did know how to clerk yes, I had a go once at a Bath evening meeting where the going was firm and each race had half a dozen runners at the most, but that was it. This was a day of monster handicaps. There was nothing for it though, I was thrown straight in at virtually the deepest end ever. ‘Just get make sure you get all the bets down’ was all I was told as both men machine-gunned wagers to me. It was all I could do to do just that. I managed OK for the first couple of races but it got busier and busier. As they were off for the 3rd I was asked how the book looked, I just looked up exasperated and said, with a few expletives, I had no idea how the bloody book looked, and I didn’t.

‘ He’s useless Roy’ Jack decided. I agreed, luckily they got a replacement and I was put back on the floor. On the floor and put to shame that I couldn’t keep up. It wasn’t all bad though, the replacement turned out to be excellent so all was forgotten when it got to getting paid. Anyway, the reason for that story, I can hardly believe it but it was 20 years ago today. Happy birthday Grace, I’ve forgiven you but I’m not sure Jack and Roy have yet, give it time.

Today I wasn’t in the ring during racing so have no real tales to tell, apart from my personal one of woe. It may have been a mistake to go to Geoff Banks’ joint before racing and show his delightful bevy of beautiful lady staff the brochure that contained a photo of the suit I was going to buy with my Reve de Sivola winnings. It was an Armaloft type mistake, though confidence was running high so let it get the better of me. I even promised to buy them all a bottle of champagne out of the winnings too.

Silly boy, I should have learned by now.

I should really have feared the worst when not long before the off a work-mate of mine called. Now this fella is a very nice chap with a heart of gold, but he is the biggest jinx known to betting man if you tell him you have had a bet. Of course, as any reader knows, I have told everyone about this bet on Reve at 33/1 and 12/1. He was just ringing to confirm it was Nick Williams, the Genius of George Nympton’s charge, that I had backed. I rolled my eyes and replied an affirmative that it was. I wasn’t quite ready for his reply, he thought so and just wanted to let me know that he had heard it wouldn’t win because it had missed some work. I thanked him for his kind words of good luck and encouragement. I knew each and every one of those words were cobblers but it costs nothing to be polite.

The worry was he was watching the race and knew which one I was on. Cue ‘Jaws’ music.

Anyway, the form book will forever tell us that Reve de Silvola did connections and trainer proud by running an extremely brave race staying on resolutely even when headed. He was still staying on when just chinned for 3rd and the place part of the 33/1 wager in the shadow of the post. Sorry Gambling Gods but that was a bit cruel. Disappointing but exhilarating none the less, the horse came back sound and lives to fight in the top flight another day. Sadly for the Timothy Foxx stall down at the village that was selling the light blue tweed jacket and waistcoat ensemble they have missed out on the sale.

Unless of course Geoff Bank’s girls gave him the brochure I left them. Maybe he went and bought that smart tweed combo himself with the untold bundles he and his fellow bookies must have won today. They could hardly have written in better results themselves. The ante-post money I now have to pull up will be a minuscule drop in his winnings ocean, but would still pay for the waistcoat. And no, I didn’t lay the place part as advised yesterday.

I’ll be over the heartbreak by tomorrow, after all, it is Gold Cup Day.

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March 19 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring Cheltenham Wednesday

 


I got the feeling that there had been mainly carnage in the ring yesterday, but maybe I’d feared the worst slightly too hastily. The first few layers that I spoke to bright and early on Wednesday morning were quite upbeat. The shrewd firm from the Westcountry had stood by their form convictions and not taken liberties with the ‘good things’ their figures highlighted. The workmen that had spent the night in the car stranded on their way back from Plumpton had both slept well. It’s funny how a sleepless night and choosing the costliest evening meal on the menu at the bosses expense will aid restful sleep winked one.

The veteran layer who had decided to postpone selling his pitch until after the festival admitted losing but also that he’d not lost nearly as much as he was entitled to so was perfectly happy with his decision so far. You do get the impression that he is going to enjoy every minute of it even if he does his cobblers each and every day though.

There was one person on course that had been a highly sought-after workman on Tuesday but wasn’t working today. Armaloft Alex. I asked if he’d had a good day on the rails. He looked a little sheepish as he shuffled from leg to leg before admitting that there had been a nerve-jangling incident. It transpired that his boss for the day had asked him to hedge a monkey on the exchanges on the second favourite. That request is a simple task for a regular clerk but our premature-celebration plagued hero was at his own admission ‘slightly ring-rusty’. Not ring-rusty enough to realise that something had gone horribly wrong when the horse he just backed went green for five figures. He’d mistakenly had five grand on instead of the more modest requested stake.

Luckily it all turned out OK when the beast in question was backed (self-perpetuated when exchange users spotted a plunge and followed it in maybe?) But for whatever reason the mistake was rectified with a profitable trade back, so all was well. All except Armaloft was back to paying to get in with no wages today. That was only because the regular team were back and not because of the rick he hastened to add. Hmmmm.

I managed stop a long-striding pro-punter in his tracks for a chin-wag prior to the first. He was OK with it though as he always has time for a chat, at least before racing. I told him all about the ante-post 33/1 and 12/1 wagers on Reve de Sivola for tomorrow’s World Hurdle. Sadly he thinks that there will be several to beat it, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly which ones. His advice was to hedge the place part of the bet, obviously sensible but oh so negative. I hate to ignore the wisdom of a seasoned professional but it goes against the grain, but will sleep on it.

Once betting got going in earnest it didn’t take long for rumours of a £90,000 – £40,000 on Back In Focus to come filtering through. Not once but twice with a £18,000 – £8000 to top it up. It looked for all the world like those hefty bets would stay in the hods of the intrepid bookies that laid them. So much so that the jolly was reportedly traded at 150/1 on the exchanges and 1/100 bet on the likely looking winner Tofino Bay. That is before that notorious heart-breaker of many a bet, the Cheltenham Hill, did it’s worst yet again. Back In Focus flew up it to land the spoils in the shadow of the post and do some serious financial damage both on and off course.

The ring got a short one turned over in the shape of Pont Alexandre in the next but it wasn’t supported in anywhere near the strength of the previous winner and was beaten by The New One who was landed a little 9/2 into 7/2 tickle.

My trilby made an appearance again today after having to sit out yesterday due to the wind. It was lucky because I did don it because I felt I had to take it off to the ever-imaginative PR team of Paddy Power. Any firm that can not only give away green ‘lucky’ y-fronts but persuade people to wear them, over their trousers of course, is good by me. Having said that, Guinness have been associated with the festival for 20 years to maybe their product helps with the latter. Not content with dishing out undies Paddy Power have been hoisting a giant inflatable pair at the far side of the racecourse too. I was slightly confused as to why they seemed to appear and disappear on an irregular basis. I managed to collar one of their PR staff who informed me that ‘Paddy’s Pants’ get pulled down every time a short one goes in. Of course, genius, and silly me!

They came down after Sprinter Sacre did what pretty much everyone wanted to see it do. Win impressively. The course commentator was exceedingly overwhelmed and almost stumbled over the rapid-fire superlatives he spat out Gatling Gun style as the 1/4 shot powered home unchallenged. Spare a thought for the layers who accepted bets of £10,000 – £40,000 and £12,500 – £50,000 though.

OK, maybe not, the ring had it spark off in the last three races with winners at 33/1, 25/1 and 25/1 making it a bookies’ day for sure.

I did have another visit to the Tented Village and have narrowed the new suit down to a couple of choices, I might even go for the waistcoat too. I’ll have to not hedge the place money then won’t I because that will pay for the extra treat. Sorry big-striding pro-punter. Here’s hoping Reve de Sivola gets a great night’s rest in his box down in George Nympton. Roll on the World Hurdle.

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March 19 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring Cheltenham Tuesday

 

I had no idea that Cheltenham were inspecting when I set off from Devon first thing. I was pretty shocked to discover that the meeting had been as short as 6/4 to be off. Thanks to the foresight and hard work of the racecourse anyone that jumped in at ‘half-arm’ backed their first loser of the day, which of course was a relief for all concerned.

As always with the first day of the festival hope springs eternal on both sides of the punting fence. The bookies are flexing their shoulders ready to open them to all-comers while the punters are lumping big-priced fancies together for life-changing Yankees. One fellow that features on a regular basis in my literary meanderings is ‘Armaloft’ Alex. He backed his first winner without even dipping into his betting bank. He turned up for a day out but ended up being pursued by no less than four bookmaking firms looking for staff. He chose a rails outfit and was soon tapping away with them, exes for the day and wages to come, “Ei Ei” as he would put it, but of course everyone else would say “Aye Aye” and keep their arm down until after the line.

One of the first layers I saw was one I mentioned in a previous ‘Tales’. He’s the veteran looking forward to one last Cheltenham before settling into retirement, he gave me a warm shake of the hand, I wished him luck and meant it. With a grin he was back to enthusiastically setting up his kit belying his years in the process.

It has to be said it was pretty nippy with the wind-chill up at the ‘wrong’ end of Tatts. “Don’t talk to us about the bloody weather” was the reaction I got from two usually amiable members of staff. They work for a firm based in Torquay who have been around since the late 1800's. The boss recently bought a pitch at Plumpton. Pulling rank with some aplomb, on Monday he stood for the firm at Taunton, which is a fair bit closer to Torquay. Meanwhile the intrepid duo were packed off to the aforementioned. Anyone who saw the morning news would have noticed that the weather in the Plumpton area had been fairly inclement resulting in the pair spending the night in the car. They eventually reached the comfort of their hotel at 7.30am, it wasn’t all bad though, they were just in time for breakfast.

One punter who wasn’t going to feel the cold was Stephen Little, ex-king of the rails. He was resplendent in a long fur coat. A similar item was always his unofficial trademark when fearlessly fielding telephone number sized bets in his heyday though the jury was out as to if it was the same garment. There was a still active layer who wasn’t going to feel the cold either. The flambouyent troubador of the ring was betting in the Centaur enclosure. His joint was staffed, as always, by a bevy of beauties as opposed the archetypal grumpy clerk still favoured by many. It was shirt-sleeve order, lovely and warm as well as packed in there long before the first so one would imagine business would have been brisk, if he could be prised from the Champagne Bar

It was a bit sad to visit Lower-Tatts and see that so many old faces that I used to work with and near are no longer in attendance. Time marches on but it’s a little depressing to see so many characters on the missing, presumed sold up, and bailed out list

The last port of call before the day’s racing begins is always to check in with the shrewd Westcountry firm who know their onions when it comes to jumping form. They were buoyant and looking forward to the racing as always but slightly apprehensive too. Their magic figures obtained from hours of hard work and study told them the good things were exactly that, good things. “We fear the worst” was their ominous message.

Most of the books set to work on the opener a good hour before racing. There is one layer on the rails who is the epitome of laid-back. You can almost set your watch by him as he sparks up his pipe and sets to work, rarely more than 15 minutes before the race. Once has does however he means business taking on all-comers before the legendary roar that lifts from the course as the horses are off. Going up late would have probably meant that he did the right prices on the winner of the first, Champagne Fever. It had been the morning plunge but returned 5/1.

There were comical scenes reminiscent of a Benny Hill sketch as a posse of limelight-hungry punters followed the Channel 4 team around the ring. The caravan of those seeking their 15 seconds of grinning in the camera fame eventually came to a halt behind a major rails layer. He was asked if he minded them broadcasting from behind his joint, he replied that he didn’t object but was a bit camera-shy. He was certainly in the minority in that immediate vicinity.

The Arkle played host to the first of the day’s bankers in the shape of Simonsig. One firm reported that they had laid a bet of £20,000 – £35,000. That but was dwarfed by rumours circulating of a monster £80,000 – £140,000. The latter wasn’t confirmed so you have to hope, at least for the sake of the bookie, that it was just a rumour as the banker proved to be just that.

Golden Chieftain won the next springing a 28/1 surprise and provided the ring respite. It didn’t last long though with Hurricane Fly landing the Champion Hurdle at 13/8. With the Cross Country race postponed until Thursday the layers had another banker to deal with in the shape of Quevega in the next. Those that decided to fill their hods and take on the punters must have thought they had done it right when the jolly hit a high of 4/1 in-running only to see the cup snatched from their lips as the mare made history by storming to victory on the run-in. It is safe to say most of the ring had suffered a terrible day. One a lighter note, one eagle-eyed person did spot the Genius of George Nympton, Nick Williams, in the vicinity of the rails shortly before the off. It’s not known if he was investing in his 40/1 charge Swincombe Flame but supported or not she ran a great race to finish 3rd. That run can only bolster hope for the well-being of our 33/1 ante-post punt on Reve de Sivola in the World Hurdle.

Talking of which, and as a footnote, I did a bit of window shopping down at the Tented Village before racing. I was quite taken by the plethora of tweed suits on show at Sandown and even more so by some on display for sale today. So I have decided, if Reve wins I’m going to get straight up to the Centaur, relieve Geoff Banks of some readies and invest in one of those country-styled beauties.

Watch this space tweed suit sellers!


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Cheltenham Festival - The Highlights

 

Performance of the week

Sprinter Sacre, Hurricane Fly, The New One, Bobs Worth and Our Conor would all be deserving winners but At Fishers Cross gets the vote. Apart from the good visual impression which he created when running out a four and half length winner of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ hurdle, the fact that it was run 59.10 seconds slower than standard, make this an even better performance. The slow pace was never going to suit the Rebecca Curtis trained six-year-old and this was evident with his awkward, slow jumping early on. As the pace increased, his jumping improved and when stamina finally became a factor, he produced the kind of form which seen him beat Neptune hurdle winner, The New One. Although both African Gold and Inish Island looked threats at one stage, under AP McCoy, At Fishers Cross travelled to the last hurdle on the bridle and showed a good turn of foot to bolt clear in the closing stages. It was an impressive burst of acceleration considering they had just run three-mile on soft ground and it showcased the engine which this horse has within. He is defiantly one to keep on side and having shown huge progression this season, who knows what he is capable of next year.

Ride of the week


He may not get the credit he deserves mainly due to the fact that his father is Willie Mullins, however there is no faulting the efforts of Patrick Mullins aboard Back In Focus in the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase. This was arguably one of the most competitve races of the week and it produced a piece of brilliance from the young jockey following a gruelling four mile chase. It is clear that a real stamina test is what Back In Focus needs, having shown a liking for this kind of examination earlier in Leopardstown. Patrick settled the eight year old in behind the early leaders and allowed him jump at his own pace. Although seemingly outpaced after three out, he allowed him negotiate his fences and knew that he had the stamina to finish strongly up the hill. There is no doubting that the departure of Rival D’estruval two out didn’t help the eventual runner-up Tofino Bay, but take nothing away from Patrick Mullins, it was a ride that any professional would be proud of, to get up in the dying strides. Connections believed that Back In Focus was at the right age to benefit for the four mile trip and how they were proved right.

Surprise of the week

Many may have fancied Our Conor to win the Triumph hurdle but If I told you before the festival that he would win by an eased down 15 lengths, not many would have believed me. Add to that, he would be 5-1 joint favourite alongside Hurricane Fly for next year’s Champion hurdle, it didn’t look likely. Although running out an impressive winner of what looked Ireland’s best Juvenile trial, the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February, a performance like this had to even surprise connections. Admittedly it did look a below average renewal of the Triumph but it was hard not to be impressed with the manner of his victory. I don’t know if I was that impressed to take 5-1 about him for next year’s Champion Hurdle but he certainly looks to have a bright future.

Eye catcher of the week

The World Hurdle looked and proved to be wide open this year with the absence of Big Buck’s but it nearly produced another winner for Paul Nicholls in the shape of Celestial Halo. Second last in last year’s Champion Hurdle, the nine-year old showed huge benefit for his first try over the three-mile trip. Having been held up, he made smooth headway from three out. He ranged up and challenged on the bridle between last the last two and was driven out to lead before the final flight. A mistake at the last cost him a chance of winning but it was a great performance for his first try over the longer trip. Who knows a good jump at the last may have sealed victory but he is totally unexposed over this trip and looks capable of producing some good performances.

Disappointment of the week

Heading into the Jewson, although it was the chosen race of the well fancied Dynaste, many still fancied Aupcharlie to come out on top. Twice beaten this season over the three-mile trip, the drop back in trip looked ideal for the seven-year old and everything pointed to him running a big race. Third in the Champion bumper two years ago showed he handled the track but a mistake at the tenth in the Jewson cost him all chance. Having travelled well throughout and making good progress, he never recovered from that bad mistake and it was a disappointing showing from the Willie Mullins trained gelding to finish eleventh.

2014 Cheltenham selection

At this early stage it is hard to pick one to win at next year’s festival but I see no reason why Bobs Worth isn’t capable of following up this year’s Gold Cup success in next year’s renewal. It was well advertised before the race the interrupted preparation he had and even during the race he had to overcome barriers, such as side stepping the falling Silvianco Conti and unsuitable soft ground conditions. Nicky Henderson’s gelding loves a stamina test and is now five from five at Cheltenham. He has clear liking for this kind of test, loves the track and I see nothing to fear at this stage from the novice ranks.

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March 8 2013

Cheltenham Festival Preview Night: London Racing Club - by guest blogger Matt Bisogno


There was a packed house of 240 National Hunt racing fans squeezed into a large room in Kensington’s Holiday Inn last night, to hear the views of an excellent panel of experts.


They were, from left to right, Phil Smith (PS), senior handicapper at the BHA, and arguably racing’s most influential man (in betting terms at least); Kate Miller (KM), William Hill’s glamorous and knowledgeable PR lass; Lee Mottershead (LM), senior writer at Racing Post, and former racing journalist of the year; Barry Faulkner, ATR presenter and chair for the night; Charlie Morlock (CM), assistant trainer to winning-most Festival trainer, Nicky Henderson; and, Declan Rix (DR), ATR writer, and keen Irish racing fan.

Phew! Good, eh?!


The assembled wisdom was invited to work through the championship races; then the key novice events; and finally, ‘the rest’. And this is what they had to say:


Champion Hurdle 2013

LM – A messy race with a small field and they might go no pace. Against Hurricane Fly. Zarkandar has the best chance.

KM – Rock On Ruby on good ground; Zarkandar on soft.

CM – Grandouet has had a bad prep; Binocular is very well and head lad, Corky Browne, has placed “a substantial bet” each way.

DR – Likes Hurricane Fly, but not at his current price. Expected to be around 5/2 or 11/4 on the day.

PS – It’s a very good Champion Hurdle. Hurricane Fly is not a likely winner on the form of his Irish runs this year. Binocular is being asked to regain the Champion Hurdle fully three years after winning it, which would be unprecedented. Loves Zarkandar, especially on soft. Likes Rock On Ruby too, which he thinks should be favourite on what he’s done (i.e. current Champion Hurdler).


Champion Chase 2013

CM – Sprinter Sacre very well, and CM is extremely confident he will show again how good he is. Finian’s Rainbow less so. Just seems out of form and hard to recommend based on his current well-being.

PS – SS currently rated 179, but we have no idea how good he is. His rating is based on historical context. Hope he wins by a big distance from reliable form horse, Sizing Europe, with a big distance to the rest, so that he can get a ‘proper’ rating.

DR – Mail de Bievre and Somersby are interesting each way.


Ryanair Chase 2013

CM – Riverside Theatre had problems, but has had a racecourse gallop and is in good nick. They don’t want rain for his chance

DR – First Lieutenant is his nap of the meeting. Backed at all rates from 12/1 down and is very confident of a big run

LM – This race looks like cutting up. First Lieutenant has a good chance, and Ghizao could outrun 33/1 odds

KM – Albertas Run interesting at 20/1 or so, despite his age.

PS – Questions whether First Lieutenant has the speed for the Ryanair after running so well in three mile races (Hennessy, Lexus). Cue Card is not good enough on historical averages (you need a 170 horse, and he’s currently 165). Albertas Run interesting at a big price.


World Hurdle 2013

LM – not sure Oscar Whisky will stay but he’s the likeliest winner all the same. The Reve de Sivola vibes have not been great, despite trainer assurances that all is well. Celestial Halo and Get Me Out Of Here interesting.

CM – Oscar Whisky probably doesn’t truly stay but he might get away with it on decent ground. Smad Place interesting.

DR – Bog Warrior is ground dependant and Smad Place is interesting each way.

KM – No money for Grands Crus with William Hill for this. Like Smad Place each way too.

PS – High 160's needed to win this. The form of the Oscar Whisky/Reve de Sivola race is not good. Bog Warrior has a nice imrovement profile (150/157/162). Grands Crus galloped the other day and looked fit, healthy and definitely still has four legs!


Cheltenham Gold Cup 2013

KM – Bobs Worth most likely winner, but she loves Sir Des Champs

PS – 182 was the sort of rating to win a Gold Cup when Denman and Kauto Star were dominant. 168 won it last year! Looking to 177ish to win it this time. Silviniaco Conti is top-rated on 175, but this will be very different from the flat track races he’s been contesting in small fields. Bobs Worth is the most likely winner. Long Run fascinating, though he has to perform to around 182 to offset the five pound claiming jockey he has (who cannot claim in this Grade 1). He’s rated 172 now, but was 182 when winning this two years ago. Cape Tribulation an interesting each way bet, as he’ll be closing all the way up the run in.

CM – it’s easy to get Bobs Worth fit, for instance his Hennessy win off an eight and a half month layoff. No issues with him, he’s been in full training all year, and goes there with every chance. Long Run has his chance at a price.

DR – Sir Des Champs has been trained up to the race so you can ignore his early season form. Bobs Worth the one to beat. The Giant Bolster and Cape Tribulation might be of interest each way.

LM – Sir Des Champs on decent ground. Willie Mullins thinks he’ll win. Captain Chris of interest each way.


Supreme Novices Hurdle 2013

PS – My Tent Or Yours is easily the most likely winner. There are three or four other possibles in a very high quality year. Jezki, Un Atout, or Dodging Bullets on ratings.

CM – My Tent Or Yours settled very well in the Betfair, and his only worry is the track as all form so far is on flat tracks. Hendo yard LOVE this horse. (CM blamed the jockey quite clearly for when he was beaten by Chatterbox, a nice horse in his own right for the same stable)

DR – Against Jezki. Champagne Fever worked well this week. Un Atout is the unknown.

LM - My Tent Or Yours will probably win.

KM – odds compilers are interested in Pique Sous and Champagne Fever each way.


Neptune Novices Hurdle 2013

DR – It’s a more competitive race than the betting implies.

CM – Chatterbox has very pleasantly surprised. He’s dodging My Tent Or Yours, and has improved a lot recently.

LM – The New One would have been very interesting, but there’s concern about any Twiston-Davies horse currently due to the bug in the yard.

PS – Couldn’t be interested in The New One with the bug. Tacquin de Seuil has bad stats to overcome, though form is fair. Pont Alexandre the most likely winner.


Triumph Hurdle 2013

DR – Our Conor much the best of the Irish. Dessie Hughes says he’s “the best we’ve had since [dual Champion Hurdler] Hardy Eustace”.

CM – No negatives for Rolling Star. Slight lack of experience but the team are very hopeful. Ground will be no problem whatever it is.

LM – It’s between the top three. Nicholls yard have been really surprised by how quick Far West is. No strong opinion on the race from LM

PS – Need a 151 or so to win this. Our Conor currently rated 150. Diakali might have been a little unlucky behind him last time and is a big price each way, at around 16/1.


Arkle Trophy 2013

CM – Simonsig is very fast, but he won’t have his own way up front here with Overturn and Arvika Ligeonniere in the field too. Simonsig is the quickest horse they have! So much so that they’re worried about the fences with him… If he stands up, he wins.

PS – Takes a low 160 performance to win generally. This year’s winner looks sure to be rated higher. Hopes Overturn wins, though not confident.

KM – Two horse race, though Baily Green at 33/1 may be interesting for third.

LM – Simonsig

DR – Simonsig, maybe by a big margin.


National Hunt Chase 2013

DR – Back In Focus a good bet as he won’t mind any ground.

PS – historically a race from which lots of winners come. Watch, and take notes. (Editor: I checked this in my database, and there were six, four and nine winners respectively within a year of each race, from a fair number of runners. This was not a profitable angle to follow)


RSA Chase 2013

KM – Unioniste has been very popular. Dynaste may well go for the Jewson.

LM – Dynaste probably too quick for an RSA, which is normally won by a scrapper. Boston Bob may not be quick enough. Unioniste the one, and Hadrian’s Approach may chase him home.

DR – Ruby Walsh rides Unioniste rather than Boston Bob, who will be partnered by Paul Townend. (Editor: Townend two from two on him, including that last gasp win in a Grade 1 last time). Houblon Des Obeaux is an out and out stayer who might reward each way support. Hadrian’s Approach also of interest each way.

CM – Hadrian’s Approach has a good each way chance. Has had a lot of schooling to improve his jumping.

PS – Houblon Des Obeaux interesting each way.


Jewson Chase 2013

PS – Dynaste wins if he runs in this.


Mares Hurdle 2013

All – Quevega at the quintuple.

Foxhunters Chase 2013

PS – Salsify the most likely winner, but Dante’s Storm, trained by Alan Hill, is an interesting runner at 20/1


Handicaps

PS – In the novice handicaps, look at horses which have only run three times, which is the minimum qualification to get a rating. Attaglance looks interesting, despite having had four runs (pulled up on first chase start).

Novices also have a great record in the Grand Annual.

In the Kim Muir, it’s almost always a very compressed handicap (small range from top to bottom), so weight is not really an issue.

JLT is a race Smith handicaps, so he said sell the winning distance!

Plenty of winners have come from Haydock’s trial days recently so maybe mark up runners who competed there.

CM – when asked what the ‘Hendo hotpot’ was, replied that they were hopeful for Anquetta in the Grand Annual (didn’t seem confident)

DR – Close House in the Pertemps

LM – Alderwood (Grand Annual), Sam Winner (Pertemps, made a compelling case for it, based on ratings and lightly raced since)

Regarding Ballynagour, suspicion it might have burst blood vessels in the past, and may either win or pull up.


********

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one evening, I got a chance to speak to Phil Smith at half time, and I asked him how the handicap ratings were produced for Irish runners over here. He explained that the BHA keep their own rolling handicap of all Irish form throughout the year, and allocate weights according to that, for jump racing.

With the flat racing, the British and Irish handicapping methodologies are largely aligned, so BHA takes Irish flat ratings exactly as they are. However, there are differences in the jumps rating methodologies and, although the method has converged to a greater degree in recent years (“they do it more like us now”), there is still a differential.


********


It was a very thought-provoking evening, and my thanks to Kate Austin and the London Racing Club board for organising.

Matt



Follow Matt on Twitter @geegeez_uk

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March 4 2013

Cheltenham festival starting XI
The perfect Cheltenham 4-4-2.

Goalkeeper: The banker of the festival. The safe pair of hands in which the team revolves around. Sprinter Sacre is just that. A winner of the Arkle Chase at last year’s festival, this seven-year old son of Network, has been nothing but impressive since making his chase debut back in December 2011. Experience is necessary for a goalkeeper and in Nicky Henderson’s gelding you have one that has been there and done that twice. A two-time winner at Prestbury Park, he is now unbeaten in seven chase starts and this year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase looks another ideal opportunity for him to record another victory. A solid platform from which to build on.


Left back: Fitness and stamina are essential. A player that will run and give all for the team throughout. Big Buck’s is the ideal candidate but with his absence, in the steps the Noel Meade trained Monksland. A deserving replacement. Not the most experienced with just seven starts to his name but clearly talented, winning five from those seven. An impressive bumper winner, the six-year-old has three Grade 2 wins to his name, most recently when impressively landing the Grade 2 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. He showed his liking for a true stamina test on that occasion and the World Hurdle looks the ideal race for him this year. He has course form, finishing third to the impressive Simonsig in last year’s Neptune Novice’s Hurdle, so he is one to be relied upon to give his all.


Right back: Again fitness and stamina are required, a real team player needed. They don’t come more reliable than the Willie Mullins trained Quevega. Four from four in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham, this nine-year old mare is a real team player. Only given the opportunity to run twice a year, she never fails to deliver and again this year looks like making it five from five at the festival. Having pleased Willie Mullins in a recent racecourse gallop at Leopardstown, she sets a decent level of form for the rest of the team to achieve.


Centre back: A real hardy player needed for this position. Someone with a bit of class and who is not afraid to take a knock. One who can pick themselves up when things aren’t going their way. Bostons Angel may be a newcomer to this role but he has shown a great liking for the position. A winner of the RSA Chase in 2011, his form took an abrupt decline following that effort. A change of sphere to Cross Country chasing and this nine-year old is a rejuvenated player. Second at Punchestown on his first try over the banks, he followed that with an eye-catching second at Cheltenham in December. His latest effort lacked his usual blaze but with a stiffer test guaranteed at the festival, he can be relied upon to take the odd hit for the team and give his best. He may be a Grand National horse in the making.


Centre back: A strong finisher needed here, someone who gallops his rivals into submission and although he may be inexperienced, The New One has been impressive this season. Although only taken to the racecourse eight times in his career, astonishingly four of those have been at Cheltenham. Two of those resulted in victories and last time out he was unlucky not to make it three, losing out by a neck on unsuitable ground conditions. The Neptune Novices Hurdle represents a stiff task for the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained gelding, with Pont Alexandre looking a worthy favourite. However the drop back in trip shouldn’t be a problem and he looks sure to grind it out up the hill. Full of determination, everything you need in a centre back.


Left midfield: Speed is needed for this position and a knack for doing things effortlessly. Although disappointing in last year’s renewal of the Champion Hurdle, Hurricane Fly is the ideal candidate for this role. Flashy as they come, the nine-year old was an impressive winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2011. He boasts a phenomenal strike rate and has been beaten in just two of his 17 starts over hurdles. As noted he has course form and has looked as good as ever in winning his three starts this year. The Champion Hurdle for me doesn’t look the strongest of renewals this year, so if on his game he is sure to take the beating.


Right midfield: A real hustle bustle player and the first race of the festival gives us an ideal opportunity to find a candidate. My Tent Or Yours would be many people choice but in Jezki you have a two-time winner at the highest level. A more reliable prospect. The second representative from the Jessica Harrington yard in the line up and he has been nothing but impressive this season. A rise from a maiden hurdle win, to two Grade 1 wins in just four starts has shown his huge progression. He is not the flashiest of performers but with the drying ground in his favour, he arguably goes into the Supreme with the best form on offer.


Centre Midfield: A onetime speedster that has had to rearrange his game with age. If going down the Ryanair route , Sizing Europe can fill this role. When you think of Sizing Europe, you think two-mile specialist and in the past you would have been right. Just under a 50 per cent strike rate in two-mile events – 10 wins from 21 starts, an elegant jumper with speed rather than stamina has been what this horse is all about. There are two main reasons why the Ryanair looks the more suitable race for him this year, rather than the Champion Chase. Firstly, simple. By going down the Ryanair route, you avoid Sprinter Sacre. Secondly, at the age of 11 now, he has given the impression that he has lost some of that natural high cruising speed. His most impressive performance for me this year came in winning the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase over the two-mile-four-furlong trip at Clonmel. A player that has needed to change his game, but one who has the class to do so. A real player.


Centre Midfield: Not sure to be everyone’s favourite but one who may be coming to the top of his game and has been brought along nicely with the Gold Cup in mind. Sir Des Champs a lightly raced seven-year old, has only been beaten twice in 10 starts. Those two defeats have come this season but his last performance when beating Flemenstar in the Hennessey Gold Cup, branded him out as a real Gold Cup contender. The Cheltenham showpiece has been marked out as his target since winning the Jewson Chase at last year’s festival and he has shown marked progression with each run this season. He is two from two at Cheltenham and has been clearly brought along with this race in mind. Like any good central midfielder, he is prone to the odd bad jump/tackle, but he has been brought along nicely for this race and his course form may just prove crucial.


Striker: A role to be filled by a real speed horse. One that can get in behind the defence and also has a bit of class. Our Conor may be the answer. A useful flat performer, the four-year has come into his own over hurdles. Three from three over hurdles, the Dessie Hughes trained gelding was most impressive in winning the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. That was arguably the best juvenile trial held in Ireland this year and although he has no previous Cheltenham form, he goes there with a favourite’s chance.


Striker: The number nine of the team, the goal scorer. The flashy player who can hopefully bag you a few goals. Simonsig in many people’s eyes has yet to prove himself at the highest level, but for me looks the Arkle Chase winner this year. Beaten just once in eight starts, the Nicky Henderson trained grey has made an effortless transition to fences, winning two Grade 2 events with ease. A winner of the Neptune Novices Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham festival, the seven-year old has the combination of speed and agility to cope with this role and looks to set a good example, leading the line.

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February 28 2013

HEROIC IMPERIAL COMMANDER BIDS TO REGAIN GOLD CUP CROWN


IMPERIAL COMMANDER is around 20/1 to regain his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown after his heroic performance at the Festival Trials.

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was thrilled with the way the 12-year-old battled against the field in the Argento Chase last month.


After leading for a long way throughout the chase, Imperial Commander was just caught by Cape Tribulation and went down to second by half-a-length.

But the 2010 Gold Cup hero will now bid to become the second horse - after Kauto Star in 2009 - to regain his crown and the first 12-year-old since What A Myth in 1969.

Twiston-Davies' horse certainly pulled off a breath-taking win at Cheltenham last month and regained fans in the process.

He hadn't run for 680 days and suffered a set back at the beginning of the season, but still managed to finish in a respectable position.

With the odds of 20/1, and Bobs Worth being the 3/1 favourite, Imperial Commander may seem like the dark the horse in the race.

But I think a small flutter on the Twiston-Davies trained horse would not go amiss.

He produced the wow factor and did what Kauto Star managed to do: doubted the punters who said he was too old to win again. He is a joy to watch and I personally did not think we would see him again.

I think Imperial Commander is one to consider and should not be crossed off the list.

He stormed up the hill like a steam train in the Festival Trials and I believe he can do it again, but this time finish one place better

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February 25 2013

Three Irish Pointers From The Weekend

1. Annie Power – inexperience may cost her a place at Cheltenham but she looked far from inexperienced at Naas on Sunday.


The Grade 2 paddypower.com Novice Hurdle just may have produced one of the brightest novice mares to come out of Ireland in recent seasons. It looked an excellent race on paper and although run 16 seconds below the average time, the visual impression was that it was a true run affair.


Firstly, training first-rate mares is not a new thing to Willie Mullins, with Quevega dominating the mares division for the past few years. Nonetheless the impression on Sunday was that Willie Mullins may just have found her successor. Annie Power went into the race on Sunday unbeaten in five starts, two of which came over hurdles, and her performance suggested she is destined for future top honours.


She was stepping into Grade 2 company for the first time, a Grade 1 in all but name, where she beat a promising field and jockey Ruby Walsh giving the impression he had plenty of horse underneath him at the finish. The field consisted of the highly regarded Defy Logic who was a facile winner of a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse earlier this month. Don Cossack who although has had his reputation punctured since, was a Grade 2 bumper winner and who last time out was narrowly denied in a Grade 2 hurdle at Punchestown. Moscow Mannon also reappeared having finished fourth in last season’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and followed that with an easy maiden hurdle success at Navan. It looked a hot race on paper and I for one was certainly impressed with the manner of her victory.


Defy Logic cut out the running and turning for home it briefly looked like AP McCoy may have stolen a few lengths on the field aboard the favourite. Ruby Walsh had his measure however and I was taking back with how Annie Power effortlessly strode alongside coming to two out. Having jumped the last two well, she pulled clear on the run in to win in good style. Although cut across the boards for both the Supreme and the Neptune, Cheltenham looks off the cards for the promising mare and she instead will go to either Fairyhouse or Punchestown.


In truth she was receiving six pound from the other leading market fancies but off level weights there is no doubting the result would have been the same and I would forecast big things from this mare next season. Another one to add to the Mullins hot list.


2. Seabass
– Aintree firmly on the cards after Bobbyjo third.


The Grade 2 At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse can always be relied upon as an approved trial for both the Irish and English Grand Nationals. Saturday produced another high quality renewal, with current favourite for this year’s Aintree showpiece Prince De Beauchene, multiple winner Roi Du Mee and the one to take out of the race for me, Seabass, all lining up.


Seabass who we all know came so close to producing a fairytale story in last year’s English Grand National, when finishing a close up third, is no doubt being brought along with that race in mind again this year. The lightly raced 10-year-old went into the race on Saturday following an eye-catching performance behind the smart Rock Critic at Fairyhouse earlier this month, and again he put up a noticeable performance to finish third on Saturday.


Having tracked the leaders throughout, he made smooth progress to take third before the last. Having held every chance at the final fence, he kept on at the one pace, showing again his liking for a true stamina test. Only beaten a length and a half by the Willie Mullins trained Prince De Beauchene, he is set to receive one pound from the current National favourite at Aintree. The run suggested to me that trainer Ted Walsh has still plenty to work with and you have to think that this was just another good preparation for the Grand National in April. By that time you can expect him to be fully wound up and round two for Katie is looking good. It will be interesting to see what weight he carries in the National, with top weight Tidal Bay missing the race.


3. Our Conor – Triumph favourite receives another form boost at Fairyhouse on Saturday.


Our Conor who has made it three from three over hurdles this season and currently sits at the head of the ante post market for this year’s Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival, received another form boost with the victory of Stocktons Wing at Fairyhouse on Saturday.


Stocktons Wing who was beaten two and a half lengths by the Dessie Hughes trained Our Conor, ran out an impressive winner of the Grade 2 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle. Our Conor who was last seen running away with a Grade 1 at Leopardstown earlier this month, form for me which is up there with the best shown by any juvenile this season, looked to be doing his best work at the finish on that occasion, which is sure to be a help at Cheltenham. You have to expect that with racing he has grown physically over the past few months, so with that and a combination of speed which he has shown by winning over seven furlongs on the flat, he goes to the festival with a favourites chance. The Irish really do hold a strong hand this year.


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February 16 2013

HISTORY OF RACING PUT UNDER SPOTLIGHT THANKS TO £14.3M HERITAGE CENTRE


RACING'S past may soon be re-lived thanks to the creation of a national heritage centre.

Members of the Forest Heath District Council approved the building of Home of Horseracing National Heritage Centre - which will cost £14.3 million - on Thursday.

Subject to the final piece of funding, the creation in Newmarket's High Street has been described as a tourist destination for UK and International visitors.

It is estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors could flock to the centre every year, bringing in £1.8m a year to the town.

The centre, which could open in 2015, will include new galleries in the Palace House Stables and Trainer's House as well as a temporary exhibition gallery, a larger library and educational facilities.

Horses will be allowed to be shown for the first time as the site's Rothschild Yard will be restored as a flagship home for the Retraining of Racehorses charity.

It certainly is a great scheme for horse racing. I think it will give the sport a boost and attract people of all ages, which may even inspire a generation.

It isn't every day you hear of these schemes go on for racing, and that it why I have decided to write about it for my blog.

More encouragement needs to be given to projects like this, not just for racing but for all sports.

Sport is important and I think enthusiasm towards it begins at local clubs, events and centres like this.

So I think it is a job well done and I am pleased the council approved it.

Not only will Newmarket benefit from the tourist destination, but racing may also increase in popularity and appreciation.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

February 12 2013

Plenty To Celebrate! - by guest blogger David Pipe

I’m not sure that turning 40 is something to celebrate, but there were five other good reasons last week with the successes of Shotavodka, Broadway Buffalo, Alderluck, Vieux Lion Rouge and The Liquidator! Despite my reservations, I did in fact have a thoroughly enjoyable day on Thursday capped off by the (appropriate!) success of Shotavodka at Taunton and a surprise birthday party at Pond House on Thursday evening. I would just like to thank everyone who sent kind messages on the social networking websites - they are very much appreciated.

Shotavodka showed the benefit of his seasonal reappearance at Wetherby when winning the maiden hurdle from the Paul Nicholls trained Maxin Chop in good style at Taunton. He ran much better than his finishing position would suggest at Wetherby, challenging the very useful Up And Go for much of the way until getting tired in the straight. The drop back in trip and frontrunning tactics certainly suited him at Taunton and this was a very pleasing performance – this was only his third start since joining us and I am sure there is more to come from him.

The stable’s good form continued on Friday with an across the card double at Newcastle and Bangor courtesy of Broadway Buffalo and Alderluck respectively. Broadway Buffalo (pictured left), who was unbeaten in two bumpers, including a useful looking Aintree race, was making his eagerly awaited hurdling debut. His jumping improved as the race went on and by the time they reached the long Newcastle straight he was pinging his hurdles. With the right horses coming to the forefront (the runner-up was rated 115 and the third horse a winning bumper performer), the way in which he comfortably drew seventeen lengths clear of his rivals bodes well for the future. He is entered in the Neptune Investments Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

Alderluck completed the double on the day with success in the 3m6f handicap chase at Bangor under a good ride from amateur jockey Mikey Ennis. He was unlucky when unseated at Wincanton on his previous start when we thought he would go well and this was just reward for his patient and enthusiastic owners Barry and Celia Rayner.

Although we drew a blank on Saturday there were a host of other notable performances, not least from Swing Bowler who ran a great race on only her sixth start (and second in handicap company) in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. To the fore throughout, she stuck on bravely once headed and will most likely be heading to the Festival for one of the handicaps such as the County. Time may well prove that she was faced with a nigh impossible task to beat impressive winner My Tent Or Yours who looks like a good thing if taking in one of the novices’ contests at Cheltenham.

We were back to winning ways on Sunday when landing both divisions of the bumper at Exeter. Vieux Lion Rouge extended his unbeaten record to three with another gutsy performance from the front under a double penalty. You don’t see that many horses win three bumpers and he is clearly a horse of considerable potential – match that with a great attitude and a tangible will to win and you can see why we think so much of him.

Although numbers for the following race were considerable depleted owing to the very testing conditions, The Liquidator could do little more than beat his rivals in facile style. He is yet another exciting youngster in our care and along with Vieux Lion Rouge; he could head to Cheltenham for the Festival bumper.

I was pleased to see the trainers support the meeting at Exeter on Sunday – the prize money was very good and they were rewarded with some excellent racing. Indeed, with the likes of Many Clouds, Just A Par, Harry Topper and Melodic Rendezvous participating I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there were not one (or more) Cheltenham Festival winners in action at the Devon track. With the Festival now only 29 days away, things really do start to build to a crescendo and I will be back at Exeter on Thursday 21st February for a Cheltenham Preview evening where I will be appearing on the panel along with Philip Hobbs and Paul Nicholls and Racing Post pundit Andrew King, Channel 4’s Tanya Stevenson and bookmaker Paddy Power. It should be an interesting and informative evening, so if you would like to attend do get in touch with Exeter racecourse.

I can give you a further update on Grands Crus (pictured right) who is back cantering now following his disappointing effort in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham. He was given an easy time of things after his race while we tried to get to the bottom of his lacklustre effort and he is now being treated for gastric ulcers. He is back on the gallops and looks well in himself so I will need to speak with his owners and decide the plan of action. Tomorrow (Tuesday) there is a forfeit stage for the Gold Cup, Ryanair Chase and World Hurdle and I can inform you that he will be scratched from the Gold Cup but will be left in both the Ryanair Chase and World Hurdle.

The Grand National weights have been unveiled this morning in London and there are very few surprises to speak of. Once again senior handicapper Phil Smith has compressed the weights by effectively dropping the ratings of several of those at the head of the weights meaning that 59 of the 83 entries are in the handicap proper. Tidal Bay heads the weights on 11-10 and is 9lbs lower than if this were a normal handicap, others that are well-treated at the weights include Albertas Run, Weird Al and former Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander.

Of the four entries from Pond House, The Package (10-8) is guaranteed to get in and has a nice weight. You have to forget about his last run over hurdles, but prior to that the form of his Hennessy fourth looks to be strong. Of course, we have it to do with Tidal Bay at these weights but the Grand National is a unique test. Problema Tic and Swing Bill (10-4) are just outside of the top forty in the weights at 45 and 47 respectively, so should get a run come 6th April. Problema Tic was still going well when an unlucky faller at the 17th in the Becher Chase and deserves his place in the line-up, while Swing Bill gave Conor O’Farrell the thrill of a lifetime when 10th in the race last year and has had a better preparation this time around. We are going to have to see how things go between now and then for Matuhi (9-11) as he needs plenty above him to come out. The top ten in the weights (and our entries) are as follows...

Horse Weight Trainer

Tidal Bay 11st 10lbs P Nicholls

Albertas Run 11st 8lbs J O’Neill

Imperial Commander 11st 6lbs N Twiston Davies

Quito de la Roque 11st 5lbs C Murphy

What A Friend 11st 5lbs P Nicholls

Katenko 11st 4lbs V Williams

Weird Al 11st 4lbs D McCain

Prince de Beauchene 11st 3lbs W Mullins

Quel Esprit 11st 3lbs W Mullins

Big Fella Thanks 11st 2lbs T George

The Package 10st 8lbs D Pipe

Problema Tic 10st 4lbs D Pipe

Swing Bill 10st 4lbs D Pipe

Matuhi 9st 11lbs D Pipe


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or visit his website by clicking here






February 11 2013

Tactics were right on Flemenstar

It’s highly possible that I might be wrong but I can’t remember where tactics have been more talked about pre-race, than the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on Saturday. Flemenstar, it wasn’t really a case of does he or doesn’t he stay but more of what is the best chance we have of making him stay. Ride him from the front as we know he appreciates or drop him in at the back and hopefully he will go asleep for a couple of miles. Tactics were crucial.

Following his third in the Lexus Chase over Christmas, Flemenstar never really looked a genuine Cheltenham Gold Cup horse and gave the visual impression that he was going further than he wanted to. The tank looked to be empty and he finished a tired horse, having looked to be easily travelling the best coming to the last fence. Let’s be honest, it wasn’t a bad display and giving it was his first try over the longer trip, connections were rightly eager to give it another go.

The visit of the ATR cameras and Matt Chapman to Peter Casey’s yard a week prior to the race, made it publicly clear that connections were in debate on how to ride the race. For the build up to the race and for promotion of the race, this was brilliant and the public for once were informed. Owner Stephen Curran declared that he was in favour of a return to more aggressive tactics and to allow the horse to jump from the front. On the other hand, trainer Peter Casey believed the best chance he had was to be ridden with restraint at the back of the field, albeit he admitted that jockey Andrew Lynch would have trouble holding back the eight year old. The latter proved the choice of connections and for me it was the right decision.

Going back to the Lexus and I’m pretty confident that if a similar prominent approach was taken in the Hennessy, the result would have been the same and Flemenstar would have failed to see out the three-mile trip. I was with Peter Casey and wanted to see the horse grounded out the back and to try getting him into a nice rhythm, conserving some energy for the finish. This to me was the only way the horse was ever going to see out the trip and with only three other runners in the field, they were never going to get a better opportunity to do so. We all know the outcome and although beaten, the visual impression was that he saw out the trip a lot better than was the case in the Lexus.

Unlike at Christmas, Flemenstar settled well and although the race was run a full eight seconds slower than the Lexus, over the same course and distance on similar ground, the visual recommendation was that he finished the race stronger than was the case last time. Having jumped the last, with 150 yards to go, it looked briefly like he may get on top of the winning Sir Des Champs. One and three-quarter lengths was all that was in it at the finish and with Flemenstar seemingly not finishing exasperated, you would have to say that they got it right tactics wise. Stamina didn’t seem to be an issue, he was simply beaten by a better three-mile horse. Let’s not feel too sorry for connections, as Flemenstar will be no push over in the Queen Mother, if that is their chosen route.


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February 07 2013

ROCK ON RUBY'S WIN MARRED BY DEATH OF DARLAN

A fatal fall by Darlan shocked the racing world on Monday.

At the final hurdle of the Champion Hurdle trial in Doncaster, Darlan tumbled over the final hurdle, launching jockey Tony McCoy and himself into the ground.

Sadly, the error proved fatal.

When I heard the news of the accident, I was at work. (I am a reporter for my local paper). I opened Twitter to see what the latest news was in my local area and was shocked to see heart-felt messages fill my timeline about Darlan.

After scrolling through them, I realised how loved the Nicky Henderson trained horse was: the potential which he had was immense and he was definitely admired by a lot of followers.

Darlan, winner of the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, had been the second favourite for the Champion Hurdle and he raced well against Rock On Ruby during the 32Red Hurdle on Monday.

McCoy travelled well behind the leader and looked ready for a gusty finish. But Darlan stepped at the hurdle and fell. The result was inevitable.

McCoy even stepped down for the rest of the day.

Rock On Ruby pulled off a gritty win, but it was - and still is - overshadowed by Darlan's death.

Harry Fry's horse did well to get ahead of Countrywide Flame, who was the long-time leader throughout the race, and no doubt he will continue to blossom.

Even a few days later, many - including myself - are saddened by the loss of Darlan. But as Nicky Henderson said, "It's some game, isn't it?"


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February 05 2013

Blake’s Blog: Disagreement In The Flemenstar Camp - by guest blogger Kevin Blake

All eyes will be on the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday, with the rematch between Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs likely to divide racing fans right down the middle.

As mentioned in this blog after the Lexus, Flemenstar doesn’t look a natural three miler and Sir Des Champs looks to be steadily being brought to a peak for the Gold Cup, which leads this corner to favour the latter performer for Saturday’s big race.

However, as intriguing as the race is from a form perspective, an interesting angle emerged during Matt Chapman’s interview with Peter Casey for At The Races last week in which Casey revealed a split in opinion between himself and the Flemenstar’s owner Stephen Curran with regard to what is best for the horse.

Casey stated that, in his opinion, the best chance that Flemenstar has of getting the three miles trip in the Hennessy would be to drop in last and ride him conservatively, even though he admitted that doing that would probably lead to Andrew Lynch fighting to keep the bold-jumping free-going Flemenstar anchored as happened in the Lexus. However, Casey went on to say that he didn’t think the owner “would allow that”, as he favours a return to more aggressive riding tactics on Saturday.

Casey also said that what he would love to see is Flemenstar taking on Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and one couldn’t help but sense his slight air of exasperation that Curran much prefers the Gold Cup as his potential festival target.

It is rare that such differences of opinion between owners and trainers become public knowledge and it is a prime example of the difficult balancing act that trainers often face with regard to their plans for their horses and the sometimes very different hopes that their owner has.

Of course, the owner pays the bills and is very much entitled to have his opinion heard and considered. In the case of Flemenstar, owner Stephen Curran and his family trained him to win a point-to-point and they pre-train him at the start of each season, which gives them the opportunity to give a more informed opinion, but it is Casey who is the racing professional in the relationship and the one who knows the horse best.

This corner agrees with Casey that Flemenstar will be seen to best effect under a positive ride over two miles and with many valuable prizes available to him over shorter trips later this season, hopefully he won't leave them behind him with a hard race at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Myth of the RSA Chase

With the annual deluge of Cheltenham preview nights about to fall all over the country, racing fans should brace themselves for all manner of clichés and faux truths, but one that always gets a strong airing and is worth looking at in more detail is the seemingly commonly-held view that the RSA Chase is a brutally hard race that often leaves a mark on those that contest it.

The theory is that the extended three miles trip on such a stiff track is an exceptionally tough test of a novice and many do not recover. It isn’t too difficult to find examples of high-profile horses that either blew out in the RSA Chase itself or failed to deliver on expectations after running in it to back up the theory, with recent apparent examples being Grands Crus, Bostons Angel, Time For Rupert, Cooldine and Weapon’s Amnesty. However, I would contend that the theory is a load of rubbish.

The reality is that any one division of novices, be it hurdler/chaser, two miler/three miler or something in between, is a very small sample size of horses in the context of the overall population of National Hunt horses. Sweeping conclusions that are ill-advisedly drawn from such small sample sizes are generally unreliable and lead to misconceptions such as the RSA Chase myth.

Given that each novice division is such a small size, it is inevitable that there will be variations in the quality of each batch of novices. Thus, when these horses complete their novice season and enter open company, which could well consist of two, three, four or five former novice generations all competing against each other on level terms, it is inevitable that the majority of high-class novices will simply not be good enough to take high ranking in open company.

While the RSA Chase regularly gets singled out, presumably due to the testing course and distance it is run over, one can just as easily find examples of renewals of other more highly-regarded novice races such as the Neptune Investments Novices’ Hurdle or Supreme Novices’ Hurdle that worked out poorly, yet this fact rarely gets a mention.

Of course, when RSA Chase winners do go on and make a significant impact in open company, such as Bobs Worth, Albertas Run and Denman to mention just a few in the last six years alone, the apparent RSA Chase curse is just as rarely mentioned.

However, that doesn’t stop the RSA myth getting trotted out each and every year and after many years of hearing the same thing, such theories have a way of becoming accepted as fact by the majority. Once that happens, the myth almost becomes self fulfilling, as trainers and owners are affected by it and show reluctance to run in the RSA Chase due to the perceived risks to their horse’s future prospects, aiming instead at the much shorter Arkle Challenge Trophy or in more recent years, the less prestigious Jewson Novices’ Chase. This weakens the RSA Chase and increases the likelihood that the form will not stand up in open staying chase company.

No one will ever convince me that an extended three miles on what is usually a sound surface at the Cheltenham Festival is a notably tough ask of a staying novice chaser who is likely to be at fever pitch in terms of condition and fitness.

Those trainers that are sensible enough to ignore the myth and run their top staying novice chasers in the RSA Chase can often be rewarded with a race that has less depth than it should, which is a rarity at the most competitive of all racing festivals.


Follow Kevin on Twitter : @kevinblake2011

February 04 2013


Gold Cup unlikely, so Champion or Ryanair for Sizing?

With the Cheltenham Gold Cup all but ruled out for two-time festival victor Sizing Europe, it will be either the Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair Chase at this year’s festival that will take his attentions.

When you think of Sizing Europe, you think two-mile specialist and in the past you would have been right. Just under a 50 per cent strike rate in two-mile events – 10 wins from 21 starts, an elegant jumper with speed rather than stamina has been what this horse is all about. Common sense would then suggest that the Champion Chase looks the ideal race then, yes? Not for me.

So why do I feel the two-mile-five-furlong trip of the Ryanair Chase looks the preferred option this year? Two reasons mainly.

Number one – Sprinter Sacre

Simple. By going down the Ryanair route, you avoid Sprinter Sacre. Take Sprinter Sacre out of the Champion Chase equation and Sizing Europe would have an exceptional chance of winning the race for a second time. The thing is however, he is not going anywhere and looks unbeatable, barring accident of course. Unbeaten in seven starts over fences, four of which have been at Grade 1 level, he sets a high standard for this year’s renewal.

His reappearance this season in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown for me was his best and although getting in a little close to one or two of his fences, he demonstrated he still had a love for the game, jumping with the same enthusiasm and accuracy that he had previously shown. He followed that up with a facile victory in the rearranged Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham recently, further compounding his Champion Chase claims. Additionally his time in last year’s Arkle (3m 51.10s) was over a second quicker than it took Finian’s Rainbow to win the Champion Chase (3m 52.21s) last year, barely coming off the bridle under the hands of Barry Geraghty. A rating of 145 over hurdles has been quickly eclipsed by his rise through the chasing ranks, currently sitting on a mark of 179 over fences.

Like many I’m sure, I will always remember Sizing Europe’s five-length defeat of Big Zeb in the 2011 Champion Chase and who knows had the last fence not been omitted in last year’s renewal, he may be going in search of a hat trick of wins in the race this year. Although it would be a great spectacle to see Sizing Europe and Sprinter Sacre locked together turning for home in the Champion Chase and as a fanatic you want to see the best take on the best, you have to be realistic also and it is hard to envisage anything other than a Sprinter Sacre victory.

Number two – Age

As I have said previously, he has been a two-mile specialist in the past but at the age of 11 now, he has given the impression that he has lost some of that natural high cruising speed. Most recently, his performance in the Boylesports Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on Sunday over two-mile, was satisfactory rather than impressive. Although running out a 10 length winner, he looked slightly laboured in a race he was expected to win easily. Foildubh looked a danger at one stage, a horse who is rated 147, 24 pounds inferior to Henry De Bromhead’s star. Ok it was evident that he wasn’t given an overly hard time, the whip was never used and he was probably not 100 per cent primed for the race but I would still have liked him to do it a bit more readily. A similar case can be put forward for his run in the Paddy Power Dial-a-bet Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, were he beat Rubi Light by just over two lengths. Again having travelled well throughout he seemed to lack that extra gear to pull clear in the closing stages, a battling win rather than an impressive one.

On the other hand, a race he has impressed me in this year was his performance in the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase over the two-mile-four-furlong trip at Clonmel. Of course he was expected to win, as the starting price of 1/7 suggested, but it was the manner in which he finished out the race, that makes me feel the extra furlong of the Ryanair would be well within his reach. His jumping improved as the race unfolded and he seemed to enjoy the extra distance, rather than the emphasis being on speed. He is unbeaten in his three runs over two-mile-four, all of which have been run in the last two years.

He has matured with racing and age and although I still believe the Gold Cup trip would stretch is stamina, the Ryanair looks the ideal race for him. That and he avoids the challenge of Sprinter Sacre. The 10-1 offered may be value come March.

BLOGGER - Joseph Smyth Click here to be taken to Joseph's full blog



January 31 2013

Oscar Whisky for the World Hurdle – Nicky was right

What a difference a week makes. What a difference one performance can make. Oscar Whisky has been a tricky one to figure out in regards to Cheltenham and I see it only fair, that if they ever assemble a suitable two-mile four Grade 1 race at the festival, they should name it in his honour for what could have been.

Before Saturday, I was positive that Nicky Henderson should bypass the festival with the eight year old and go straight for a third success in the more appropriate Aintree Hurdle. We know two-mile four is his ideal trip, and whereas the two-mile distance of the Champion Hurdle looks on the sharp side for him, I had previously been of the opinion that he didn’t stay the extended three miles of the World Hurdle. Of the two, the Champion Hurdle looked the more suitable race and you would have to think that if trained by anyone else this would be his target, let’s face it he would hold solid claims.

For obvious reasons trainers don’t like running their fancied horses against each other and Nicky Henderson has always been confident that he stays three miles. The trainer has commendable depth in the two-mile division, with Darlan, Grandouet and Binocular all capable of recording a record sixth win in the race for the trainer, but on soft ground, under positive tactics, you would have to say Oscar Whisky would have a chance.

He has winning form over the Champion Hurdle trip and his only previous try over three miles came in last year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, were he finished a disappointing fifth, 13 1/2 lengths behind the ‘invincible’ Big Buck’s. He shaped like a non-stayer on that occasion and for that reason, I was against him running in the race for a second consecutive year.

Things changed on Saturday however and during the six and a half minutes it took to run the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, as per usual the trainer was proved right and me wrong. Although run at a crawl and 51 seconds slower than average, Oscar Whisky showed no signs of stamina issues and finished a good quarter length second to prominent World Hurdle fancy, Reve De Sivola. Conditions were testing and this ensured a true stamina test.

Jockey Barry Geraghty was quick to announce afterwards that he felt the horse didnt give him the usual feel and if so the 5-1 offered for the World Hurdle, may be generous. He might not win but the World Hurdle looks the right race now, sorry for doubting you Nicky.


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- Joseph Smyth Click here to be taken to Joseph's full blog

January 28 2013

Tales From The Betting Ring – Cheltenham 26/01/13

The elation that Cheltenham’s meeting had survived the weather was tempered in parts of the ring. Most people had already heard the sad news but this was the first time they had chance to reflect on course. Well-known, liked and respected Westcountry bookie Steve Bell had passed away aged just 59. He had been a regular figure in my on-course life from the very beginning, as had his father Reg in those early days when I worked as a floorman for Jack Lynn. Sadly the betting ring and community has lost another character and he will be greatly missed. Steve’s on-course legacy lives on in his daughter Sammy who works with one of the major rails firms.

I noticed a little huddle of bookies in Tatts prior to racing. There was an interloper amongst them. The pro-punter I had spotted at Newbury last week. I enquired into his health and asked if indeed it was him I had seen pacing purposefully through the ring at the Berkshire track. He looked quite surprised that I had clocked him but confirmed in the positive. He confided somewhat wistfully that he had foregone most of his racecourse memberships these days. Adding with a hint of shame that he spends most of his racing time sat in a darkened room hunched over a keyboard tapping into exchanges, eyes glued to the action on a TV screen. He was a very successful punter on-course so cost the ring plenty when he was active there, but the on-course market is a lesser place without him and his ilk.

The Cheltenham Betting Ring wasn’t lacking players though. An excellent crowd had turned out to reward the hard work and foresight of the ground-staff and management. They were also betting like champions with decent business being done. Sadly for the layers they were only interested in two horses in the opener, and they finished first and second. The runner-up was the shade of odds-on favourite behind the second-in so not the end of the world for either party.

There is no doubt would had the better of the tussle in the next. They bet 7-2 the field at the off with plenty of decent bets for plenty of horses. None of those were for the winner Vino Griego who was without many supporters walking in the market from 16/1 out to 25/1. There were smiles all around in the ring, nothing new there when they get a result. I was particularly taken back but the jollity shown by one usually dour bookie. I have hardly seen him even break into a ‘Mona Lisa’ let alone the full on beam combined with fist ‘high fives’ with his clerk. To say he must have had it spark off would by my guess be an understatement of some proportion.

One bookmaker was asked for a £20,000 – £600 each-way a horse in the Murphy Group Chase. That’s 33/1 and a bit. He was laid half of it and got the rest just a couple of yards away. The horse was unplaced but you can still get fractions and to a place on-course, come racing. It’s not only win and each-way bets you can still get to money. Several books were offering the option of a forecast in the Victor Chandler Chase where Sprinter Sacre was long odds-on. One was a bit shocked to be offered a grand Sprinter Sacre to beat Somersby but he took the wager. He looked resigned to having done his money in cold blood until long-time leader Mad Moose ran on again towards to the line to save his bacon.

The roar that when up when Imperial Commander and Cape Tribulation slugged it out in the Argento Chase was a taste of what Cheltenham has to offer. If our memories had been fading after a few weeks of all-weather put-in meetings that roar was a wake-up call and aperitif for the festival. It wasn’t a bad result for the ring either, but it wasn’t really about that over the last.

The £1000 forecast punter was out again in the next. He backed The New One to beat At Fishers Cross. It looked for all the world like he was going to draw well after the last. Quite how he felt when he saw AP McCoy at his determined best on the latter to chin the odds-on leader and scupper his bet is anyone’s guess. I did catch the eye of the bookie who laid it. He didn’t say a word, and didn’t need to, his face said it all, ‘how the hell did I get away with that?’

Nobody who has read my previous blogs will be surprised to learn that the race of the day for me was the Cleeve Hurdle. The 33/1 and 12/1 ante-post vouchers with top independent bookie Geoff Banks for Reve de Sivola in the World Hurdle at the festival all depended on Nick Williams’ charge coming back safely. That was the least that could be hoped for, but owner Paul Duffy and his Diamond Partners got the dream result. ‘Reve’ was given a superb ride by Richard Johnson up with the pace taking the lead on the run to the last. Oscar Whisky had been held up to get the trip and loomed ominously after the last. Just when it looked as if he’d collar Reve in the shadow of the post he showed his mettle and refused to relinquish his lead. Next stop a possible re-match in March and something special to look forward to for connections, one of whom is a great friend. I might keep topping up, 5/1 each-way still looks great value.

AP McCoy rode the favourite Mr Watson to win the last. That result took the shine off what was a decent day for the layers and sent favourite-backers home happy. Having said that I doubt many people went home disappointed win or lose. The ‘big freeze’ was certainly sent packing in style with some tremendous racing and spirited punting in an electric atmosphere.

Steve Bell would have loved it.


BLOGGER - Simon Nott - Click here to be taken to Simon's full blog

January 26 2013

Value hunting despite the weather – Saturdays best bets

Earlier in the week, the aspirations of having two excellent meetings on this weekend looked scarce. Thankfully however the snow seems to have gone, the rain may have come in but it looks like both Cheltenham and Leopardstown have come out fighting, to stage an important and remarkable days racing on Saturday.

Despite only three going to post for the Irish Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown, it is a classy affair. Although beaten by the reposing Arvika Ligeonniere over Christmas here at Leopardstown, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Oscars Well reverse form with the Willie Mullins’ high class recruit. Given an easy lead in the Racing Post Trophy, Arvika Ligeonniere was allowed to dictate matters and run out a good two length winner. Coming to the line however he seemed weary and with Oscars Well closing all the time, if ridden more prominently, who knows the result may change. For me they are a lot closer than the current betting suggests, but it looks a race to enjoy rather than get involved.

The feature race on the Leopardstown card, the Boylesports Handicap Hurdle, looks a competitive renewal and current favourite Inis Meain arrives in good form following a thriving campaign on the flat. A run of good performances has seen him rise from a rating of 47 to a mark of 87 on the level, in just six outings. His previous hurdle form was adequate but at around a 9/2 chance, for me the value lies elsewhere. King Of Queens is another interesting contender and the fitting of cheek pieces may help bring even more improvement from him to defy the 10lb rise. Thomas Edison, Burn And Turn, Shrapnel and Joxer all hold solid claims but at a price, the one who has plenty in her favour is Leah Claire.

Last time out in the Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle over this course and distance at Christmas, she finished strongly to grab third spot. Despite being one of the first off the bridle, she came from near last turning for home and was unlucky not to grab second place. That was just her first start for trainer Willie McCreery and this looks the race he may have mapped out for his new recruit. She finished an honourable second in this race a year ago, off an eight pound lower mark but this time round statistics seem to be in her favour.

Seven years olds have a strong recent record in the race, winning three of the last ten runnings. She carries 10-5 on her back, with horses carrying 10-11 or less having won the last 10 runnings. She has a rating of 122 which reads well, as eight of the last 10 winners were officially rated 116 to 126 and have filled 23 of 40 places. Furthermore the last eight of those winners had posted a Racing Post rating of 119+ last time out, with Leah Claire posting a rating of 119 at Leopardstown over Christmas.

All things point to a big run and at a nice 20-1 with Boylesports, she represents good each way value, at a quarter of the odds first five home.

Cheltenham hold an equally, if not more impressive card and there seems to be plenty of value to be found. Irish Saint looks the winner of the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial, but the odds are likely to represent his strong chance. Next up and it was hard not to be impressed with Rajdhani Express last time out but at 3-1, a 13lb rise suggest he is best watched. The Victor Chandler Chase looks a straight forward task for Sprinter Sacre and value may be found by backing Williams Wishes without the favourite.

Selection: 15:20 Leopardstown – Leah Claire (each way) 20-1 - 1/4 odds first five home – Boylesports.


BLOGGER - Joseph Smyth Click here to be taken to Joseph's full blog

January 23, 2013

Talking Betting With......Geoff Banks - by guest blogger Stephen Harris from Betting Expert

How are bookmakers adjusting to today's betting environment and the modern punter? Today on the blog Stephen talks with the UK's leading independent rails bookmaker Geoff Banks.

Today we continue our popular Talking Betting With... series, where we talk to those who rely on the world of betting to earn a living in a number of different ways. We try to get inside the mindset of these "insiders" and unearth advice for all bettingexpert punters.


In the latest in the series we chat to one of the strongest and most opinionated independent layers left in the country, Geoff Banks. He has pitches at most of the major tracks in the South and holds strident views about bookmaking and the the future of horseracing in the UK

How did you first get into the world of betting and gambling?

That’s an easy one. My Father was John Banks. A fearless layer who loved gambling and horse racing. It would be hard not to have developed his love and enthusiasm for horse racing and bookmaking specifically.

What jobs have you had in the industry?

I started work in my Dad’s betting shop in Weybridge, fractionally under 18 years ago! It’s fair to say I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. From there I grounded on betting and percentages at Reading Dogs. It’s fair to say I didn’t know what I was doing there either, but I turned a profit, more out of luck – and dodging Terry Dartnall’s runners than anything else!


I followed on with several years working in Dad’s credit office and alternating with trips to the Racetracks. Finally I took over my Dad’s telephone business in 2002, and bought a series of on course pitches for myself in the ensuing period.

What is the biggest win you have ever had as a bookmaker?

Biggest single win was £120,000 when Denman won the Gold Cup in 2008. I felt his Hennessy performance to be so devastating – he would best the shorted priced Kuato Star. And so he did! Biggest single loss was £140,000 on Kauto Star in the gold cup of 2007.

How do you deal with losing runs for the firm?


Losing runs? Ride them out! It’s traditional the punters go in cycles of winning and losing – their favourite period is October to December every year! The worm always turns.

What advice would you give to any aspiring punters trying to do it professionally?

Not my job to assist the punters! But the one tip I learnt – was to note down everything I did as a bookmaker- particularly the losses. To avoid repeating errors. Too many punters fixate on their winners.

How has the bookmaking game changed in recent years?

Like many other industries, it’s had to evolve with the arrival of the internet – and the stiff competition it brings. Average wagers laid have decreased on track as the cashless society bites into the business bookmakers transact, and exchanges pressure margin.

Off track, the large concerns focus on Casino products quite naturally. Racing has been the biggest sufferer.

What are the hardest things about being the man in charge?

Nothing wrong with being in charge. My time is my own. I concentrate on running a stress free business, with clients who largely enjoy a wager, rather than the professional type. In return, my clients are traditionally laid precisely what they ask for – at the best of odds.

We concentrate on keeping our clients for life. I don’t worry about the concerns of professional punters. They have their job, I have mine.

What mentality do you need to survive at the top of a firm?

It’s critical to focus on the individual client to succeed. Too many potential quality clients are put off bookmakers by being lumped in the professional bracket by the odd win or lucky run. We take a longer view.

Second it’s as important not to view bookmaking through the eyes of the punter and get to fancying runners. The main objective is to lay horses at the right price. Achieve that and you win. Resilience and a sense of humour come also as valuable allies.

Do you use "inside" information for betting/trading or purely your judgement?

We rely on judgement and market watching. The past would have involved watching which ‘face’ was backing a horse. These days it’s become necessary to monitor in particular the drift in odds of some runners on exchanges. There’s little doubt many runners are out for a run, with little hope of winning or seeking another target. This has always been the case, so we shouldn’t be surprised at this.

In the past, this wouldn’t have greatly affected the market. These days, those same animals are unquestionably laid by connections on exchanges, who facilitate such action. It’s not uncommon to witness huge negative action on exchanges, which are routinely ignored by the stewards and BHA alike. The BHA and Integrity are at odds - if they take up the issue of non triers as aggressively as they should, I feel they believe it would portray the sport in a bad light. Their integrity department contains a handful of individuals to monitor the 1500 fixtures we have annually. It’s an impossible equation of course. Personally, I feel this is a poor way to look at the sport as a whole. We should stamp out corruption more aggressively.

How do you see the game developing in the next ten years?

Depends on several questions. Will layers and businesses on exchanges still be protected from taxes uniquely in the UK which a bookmaker would naturally pay? Or will the powers that be adopt the view of countries like Germany and Ireland?


Will FOBT’s in shops and casino products dominate the thoughts and profits of large concerns? Will racecourse Bookmakers continue to base a business on trading bets with exchanges in a declining market? Will the regulators take the issue of integrity, in an exchange driven world, with far more vigour than at present? Will racetracks continue to dominate and hog the lions share of the betting cake?


Follow Geoff on Twitter: @geoffbanksbet





January 22, 2013

Simonsig, Sprinter Sacre and Quevega – To lay or get involved?

How many favourites have triumphed in the Arkle Challenge Trophy recently, you may ask? Well ask and you shall receive.

Consistently competitive, it is not surprising they don’t have a favourable record in the race, with only two having won it in the past 11 years. Both French bred, Sprinter Sacre and the Paul Nicholls trained Azertyuiop.

Just once in that time frame has the Arkle Trophy been won by a horse sent off at odds against, the Nicky Henderson trained Sprinter Sacre (8-11), cruising to a seven length victory last year. Such is the power in Seven Barrows at the moment, it is that man again who is responsible for the current 5-6 favourite for this year’s renewal – it will be soon renamed the ‘thanks for taking part in the Nicky Henderson’s horse procession trophy’, if Simonsig implements his talents as we know he can.

Simonsig successful in seven of his eight races under rules, winning both starts over fences by a combining distance of 84 lengths, has looked an ideal chasing type. Albeit he was visually impressive on both starts, they were races he was expected to win. He faced nothing in the way of stiff competition, basically higher end handicap horses, apart from the Paul Nicholls trained Hinterland, who did exert Captain Conan to win a Grade 1 at Sandown previously.

His form over hurdles warrants a lot more respect, winning four of his five starts. His facile victory in the Grade 1 Neptune Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival last year, reads well now with the third that day Monksland, winning a Grade 2 at Leopardstown and being prominent in the betting for this year’s World Hurdle. He followed that up with a Grade 2 win at Aintree, closing the season on an official rating of 157.

The Arkle is by no means a breeze but I get the feeling that this year’s renewal is not as competitive as previous years. Overturn currently sits second in the market for the two-mile event and the dual purpose horse has also been impressive in both his chase starts. The form of both those wins don’t live up to much either but his hurdle form is also outstanding, most notably finishing second in last year’s Champion Hurdle. Arvika Ligeonniere is an interesting contender for Willie Mullins and arguably goes into the race with the best chase form on offer. Two Grade 1 wins in succession, although the drop in trip and better ground may be slightly against him, if given an easy lead he may be tough to peg back.

He may be the obvious choice but Simonsig looks the one they all have to beat. His chase form may lack depth but he jumped accurately and there is no doubting he was visually impressive. At 5-6 he represents no value but looks the one to be on. Simonsig to silence the doubters for me.

Next up and Sprinter Sacre has looked bombproof to date. Six from six over fences, with a combining winning margin of 81 lengths, I think Nicky Henderson’s gelding has more fans than Joey Barton has followers on Twitter. Just in case you’re wondering, Joey Barton has 1,910,230 followers on Twitter.

His reappearance this season in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown for me was his best and although getting in a little close to one or two of his fences, he demonstrated he still had a love for the game, jumping with the same enthusiasm and accuracy that he had previously shown.

Let’s put it into context. In Sanctuaire he had an opponent going into the race rated just 3lb lower, one of the leading two-mile novice chasers last season and had ended the term with two wide margin wins at Sandown, beating the likes of Somersby and Wishful Thinking with ease in the process. These are good horses that he beat easily with a bold front running display.

Both jumped well throughout the Tingle Creek, but the manner in which Sprinter Sacre ranged up alongside Sanctuaire and then effortlessly pulled clear to win by 19 1/2 lengths was special. Barry Geraghty remained motionless throughout the two-mile trip, probably his biggest effort coming when trying to pull him up at the finish line. You couldn’t really have asked for much more on his first run of the season. He is currently a best price 1-2 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase and at this stage you would have to say that he looks like dominating this division for some time. He definitely looks an early banker for the festival.

Finally just a quick note on the super mare Quevega. A four-time winner of the Grade 2 David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at the festival, purposely kept fresh for the race every year. We all know she will turn up again and win. A truly great training performance each time. Completes the odds on trio.

BLOGGER - Joseph Smyth Click here to be taken to Joseph's full blog


Monday 21 January 2013

‘The floorman’ – Book Excerpt

My first bookie was a confusing boss to work for. I was told at the start that I wasn’t to go near the hod and the money until they knew they could trust me. I didn’t take offence by this, in fact I was quite pleased that as I wasn’t anywhere near the money I couldn’t be the fall guy should any go missing.

My peace of mind didn’t last long because I was soon trusted to pay out and tidy the cash, but there was one exception, though I wasn’t sure if it was his little joke. I was told that I had progressed to being able to delve into the hod but on one condition, I had to roll my sleeves up showing my bare arms. I no doubt looked a bit quizzical so was given the explanation. Back in the mists of time a floorman was caught with elastic bands on his arms up his sleeves. They were loose enough that when the hod was full of readies and he plunged his arms in deep enough he’d ‘fish’ some notes without anyone being the wiser.

If a man was new there would always be a beady eye on him but money up the sleeve was apparently the way to go. To be fair though the bloke had to be a bit thick because if money continues to go missing it won’t take long for the perpetrator to be caught and that will be the end of that, honesty was the biggest qualification for a regular job on the racecourse.

One bookmaker had a little test for new staff. He’d leave a tenner in the hod when setting up before racing. The new guy would be tasked to tidy the hod, get the change ready etc, he’d soon find the tenner. If he handed it to the boss he’d pass, stick it in his pocket nothing would be said but he’d be forever wondering what he had done never to be asked again, or maybe he wouldn’t.

Although floormen were the eyes and ears of the bookmakers they weren’t necessarily held in high esteem with the layers. Especially floorman that punted. One afternoon at a desolate, rain-swept, midweek meeting bereft of punters, a bookie looked up to my boss, and then around the betting ring that was over-populated by bookmakers. He sighed and then groaned, ‘It won’t be a lot of good, there’s nobody here’, the boss replied, ‘Oh I don’t know, there are plenty of floormen and they are all c**nts!’

Never one to mince his words.

BLOGGER - Simon Nott - Click here to be taken to Simon's full blog


Thursday, 17 January 2013

61 ENTRIES FOR THE LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE - BUT IS THE RECORD NUMBER BECAUSE OF BIG BUCK'S?

A RECORD number of entries for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle has been received - a possible link between the departure of Big Buck's this season.

With a total of 61 entries, the field has been left wide open this year as the Paul Nicholls' wonder will not be taking part in the Cheltenham Festival race after sustaining an injury.

Four-time champion Big Buck's has, and always will be, a superstar to watch. But now after his shock departure from the season, I think other trainers have jumped in for a possibility of success.

At least now they know they'll be in for a chance!

Tidal Bay leads the way for Nicholls and is one of a team of six for the Ditcheat trainer - Wonderful Charm and Kauto Stone are also included.

If a Nicholls' horse does win, it will be the fifth consecutive World Hurdle for the yard.

However, I am a fan of Oscar Whisky - I have seen him around the Cheltenham track many times and have always admired watching him. He is definitely a class act and Nicky Henderson may be on to a winner with his entry.

Oscar Whisky is one of seven entries for Henderson and he has raced very well this season.

He always seems to have buzz about him and compared to other Henderson/Nicholls greats, Oscar Whisky, I think, is a dark horse (excuse the pun!)

It is a shame Big Buck's cannot take part but I still believe the World Hurdle will be fantastic to watch at the Festival.

Having a different winner will not hide Big Buck's achievements, but now the contest has opened up I think it will be refreshing to see another champion pass the post.

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Tales From The Betting Ring. Newbury 16/01/13

Newbury didn’t keep us guessing. The meeting was declared on at the first inspection despite sub-zero temperatures which lasted for most of the day. The betting ring was hardly heaving with bookies, just the stalwarts with pick numbers good enough to make it plausible to bet mid-week when it is perishing. ‘On the end for value’ joked a long-established layer from Southampton. On Hennessey day he would have been in the thick of the action where he bet, but today it was the end of a very short row. He feared that he’d have a job to get anyone near him, but was going to have a go anyway.

At first glance it didn’t look as if many punters had braved the elements either. There were a few familiar faces in the ring though, ‘Armaloft’ Alex was there, for no particular reason than it was on. I did spot another too, though I haven’t seen this professional punter for quite some time. I noticed his lofty figure striding purposefully from Members into Tatts. Twenty years ago some of the bigger bookmakers would have preparing themselves for a salvo of four or five-figure bets on ‘live’ horses. Today he just loped on, straight through the betting ring to a lofty vantage point high in the stands. His bets no-doubt placed elsewhere and via another medium, a typical example of the way things have gone.

There was a desperate finish for the opener. Punters that backed the favourite Seventh Sign must have thanked their lucky stars as he held off the fast finishing Veauce De Sivola (full brother to Reve De Silova) by just a nose. Most observers, even the cameraman, thought it and their bets had been chinned. Luckily for favourite-backers most observers and even the cameraman were wrong

Armaloft confided that the runner-up was expected to come on for the run.

Fears by bookmakers that business would be slow were alleviated in the third when fortunes came into the ring for Uxizandre. Untold bundles forced the gelding from 15/8 into 6/4. There was also solid money for the second-in. Going ‘up the front two’ would take some guts on a day like today but there was a glimmer of hope. Chiberta King was coming in for some exchange support so looked a live one against the short ones. Very live as it turned out coming to rescue the layers landing an 11/1 into 8/1, largely exchanged-led punt. A result that ensured most of the plunge cash money on the market-leaders stayed in the hods for those plucky souls who took a risk.

Just as well really as three of the last four jollies won so the readies didn’t stay in the ring long, well I did say a ‘glimmer’ of hope.

BLOGGER - Simon Nott - Click here to be taken to Simon's full blog

Tuesday 15th January

McCoy and the Supreme. Who would you choose?

Who remembers the 1999 Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham? I can’t say I do myself (I have recapped since) but one man who unquestionably will is champion jockey AP McCoy. Aboard Hors La Loi III, this has been his only victorious memory in the Grade 1. Come March however that could all change, with owner JP McManus decidedly having a grip on this year’s renewal.

Going entirely on the assumption that AP will get to choose which of the owners horses he wants to ride, which one sets the standard?

The obvious place to start is with current favourite, Jezki. Trained by Jessica Harrington, the five-year old only recently purchased by JP McManus, has been successful on six of his eight starts. His Grade 3 win in the Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas was followed by an impressive performance in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse.

To put it into perspective, in that field you had a deserving favourite in Champagne Fever, who last season won the Grade 1 Wetherbys Champion bumper at the Cheltenham festival and the Grade 1 I.N.H Bumper at the Punchestown festival. In Minsk you had a facile Irish Cesarewitch winner on the flat, plus a course and distance neck second in a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle. Zuzka was the forgotten horse of the race but she had won on four of her eight starts, including a Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Limerick, albeit over a longer distance. It was a step up in class, on unfavourable ground conditions but having travelled strongly, he showed plenty of fight and speed on the run-in, to take the two-mile Grade One contest by a length and a half. .

Last time out, the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, for me he faced his most demanding test. He faced a genuine two-miler this time in Dermot Weld’s Waaheb, and he didn’t come off the bridle to win by six lengths. All his victories have come on ground no better than soft, but the trainer has always been of the opinion that the better the ground, the better the horse will perform. At this stage he sets an accomplished standard.

My Tent Or Yours is a complex one to figure out. Unlike Jezki, he has been assisted by McCoy for the majority of his races, winning three of his six starts. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the six-year-old showed himself to be valuable, when finishing second to The New One, in a Grade 2 Bumper at Aintree. That form has been well advertised since, with the Nigel Twiston Davies horse since winning three hurdle races, including a Grade 2 at Warwick recently. He also currently sits top of the market and has been well backed ante-post for this year’s Neptune Novices Hurdle.

He followed that with an impressive win on debut over hurdles beating the consistent and useful Taquin Du Seuil in the process, an easy Grade 2 and Grade 1 winner since. The heavy ground may have been the reason for his shock defeat next time out but he got back on track with an easy seven length win at Huntington last time out. He has yet to win a graded race over hurdles but the form of his earlier victories has worked out very well, so there is no reason to suspect he won’t be competitive at this level.

On bumper form, the Noel Meade trained Ned Buntline is closely matched with Jezki. On debut he finished a three-quarter of a length second to the Supreme favourite at Leopardstown. The five year old hasn’t shown the same progression to date but he has only seen the racecourse four times. He began this season with an easy bumper victory, but his hurdles debut did not go as expected. Heavily backed into 8/13 favourite, the gelding had to settle for second place in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse. The form has received a bit of a boost since, with the winner finishing third behind Jezki in a Grade 1, but it is a race you would have expected him to win.

He made no mistakes last time out winning his maiden at Leopardstown over Christmas in easy style, but his form falls some way short of the other McManus runners.

Waaheb, a three-time bumper winner made a seamless transition to hurdles with an easy win in an uncompetitive event at Fairyhouse. Trained by Dermot Weld, last time out he was beaten easily by Jezki in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. Although open to further progression, it is hard to see the reversal of the six length defeat.

A nice position to be in. Who would you choose?


BLOGGER - Joseph Smyth Click here to be taken to Joseph's full blog


Thursday 10th January

BOBS WORTH FAVOURITE FOR CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 2013

FORTY entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup were revealed today (Wednesday) with Bobs Worth leading the pack as the favourite.

The horse, who is 3-1 with the sponsors of the 3m 3 ½f race, is one of many that is shaping the 2013 festival as a showpiece to watch on March 15.

Competition is building up and other horses including Long Run, Finian’s Rainbow, Tidal Bay and Kauto Stone were also among the 40 going for gold.

Stablemate Long Run is one of five entries for trainer Nicky Henderson – Finian’s Rainbow, Riverside Theatre and Roberto Goldback also make up the team.

Kauto Star may have said a sad farewell to racing, but trainer Paul Nicholls still has strong horses in the mix.

I think Tidal Bay is the one to watch from Nicholls’ team – his performance in the Lexus Chase was very good and impressed punters across the UK.

Ruby Walsh constantly pushed the 11-year-old until the end of the chase and he proved, along with Kauto Star, that being an older racehorse is not a disadvantage.

Entries from Nicholls’ yard also include Silviniaco Conti, Kauto Stone and What A Friend.

Is Bobs Worth a worthy favourite for the contest or can another entry go for gold on March 15?

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog


Monday 31st December


TIDAL BAY COULD WIN DOUBLE IN WORLD HURDLE AND GRAND NATIONAL

2012 has been the year for Tidal Bay – his victory in the Lexus Chase was world-class and certainly got people talking.

When he wasn’t in the top three over the final fence I didn’t think Ruby Walsh would be able to push him to glory at Leopardstown.

But when he powered ahead of the field in the final stages of the race, the racing world knew he was the one to watch.

Now trainer Paul Nicholls believes Tidal Bay could be the horse to compete in both the World Hurdle and the Grand National.

Kauto Star has shown the racing world that an older racehorse should never be doubted and Tidal Bay, aged 11, certainly isn’t a horse anyone will forget any time soon.

After seeing Walsh with Tidal Bay at Leopardstown, I understand why Nicholls is ambitious towards the horse’s future. Whatever race the trainer gives them, the pair will go for victory.

2013 would be another spectacular year if Tidal Bay pulled off the unique double. But can he finish with his nose in front again? Let’s hope 2013 brings the Ditcheat team more fortune.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog


Wednesday, 19 December

IT'S ANYONE'S GAME NOW - BIG BUCK'S DEPARTURE FROM WORLD HURDLE LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR OTHER CONTENDERS


FOLLOWING Big Buck's shock departure from the remainder of the season, Quevega is now favourite to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
The four-time Cheltenham Festival winner is leading the pack despite connections often training her for the Grade 2 mares' race.
Bookmakers were thrown into uncertainty when Big Buck's was pulled out of the hurdle after sustaining a tendon injury - but who can benefit from the situation?

Quevega has definitely caused a debate among racing fans. Her win the last year's mares' hurdle was good but if she was to repeat the performance it would certainly not be enough to win the World Hurdle.
Nevertheless she is always up for a challenge and trainer Willie Mullins knows he has a capable mare on his hands that could give him bigger titles.

Tidal Bay is also thrown into the mix and it was interesting to see Paul Nicholls mention him within hours of breaking the news of Big Buck's departure.

He is a consistent horse around the Cheltenham track and it wouldn't surprise me if pulled off a stunning performance in the hurdle.
He has really improved this season: his competitive long-distance hurdle at Wetherby was fantastic and plenty of confidence was also seen in the Hennessy.

But I personally believe Oscar Whisky will shine in the hurdle. After watching him at Cheltenham races last weekend, it is clear the horse oozes confidence around the track.

Nicky Henderson has got a trick up his sleeve - and it is in the form of Oscar Whisky. I know Big Buck's departure has disappointed many, but it has opened a door for those who wouldn't have been in the reckoning.
After all, is that a bad thing?

Despite Oscar Whisky's flop in last year's race, Henderson is still backing his champion and why wouldn't he? The horse has previously charged up Cheltenham hill four times to victory and if he holds his nerve in the World Hurdle I think he can pull off a tremendous win.
The market is fresh and even though Big Buck's will be missed in the World Hurdle, I am excited to see who else will finish on top.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

 



Wednesday, 12 December

HUNT BALL TO RACE AT CHELTENHAM BEFORE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

HUNT Ball looks ready to make an impact in Cheltenham's Charity Challenge Gold Cup before taking part in the King George VI Chase.

As long as trainer Keiran Burke is happy with the ground conditions on Saturday, the seven-year-old has a 14-1 chance of winning the two miles five furlong race.

Owned by Anthony Knott, Hunt Ball disappointed many when he was pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup due to the ground turning soft.

The horse is 33-1 for his chance in the King George and Burke is determined to enter the race at Kempton on Boxing Day.

I am at Cheltenham racecourse on Saturday and I cannot wait to judge Hunt Ball in the flesh. He is a promising horse and Burke is sure of his ability.

It seems that he is taking extra care around Hunt Ball and I hope it will be proven why this weekend. I hope conditions remain suitable for him as I would hate for him to back out of the race at the last minute.

With odds up to 14-1 I fancy Hunt Ball's chances. Who agrees? Is he preferred in the King George or do you believe in him this weekend?

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog


Wednesday, 12 December

FINGAL BAY PULLS OUT OF SEASON DUE TO INJURY


FINGAL BAY has suffered an injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The successful novice chaser made a fantastic start to his career but his unfortunate early departure was the result of a minor tendon injury

The injury was not due to the Philip Hobbs' horse running into a fence at Exeter last Friday.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog




Wednesday 12th December

COULD BOLD SIR BRIAN OUTSHINE MIDNIGHT CHASE'S ARGENTO VICTORY?


As most of my blog followers know, Midnight Chase is one of my favourite horses and Dougie Costello's ride in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham this year will be a race I will always remember.


Personally, his win over Tidal Bay by two and three-qaurter lengths was perhaps the best victory I have seen at the Gloucester track - please comment or tweet if anyone thinks differently - as Midnight Chase led the field over the first and stayed ahead throughout the race.


But will it be possible to see another success in improving youngster Bold Sir Brian in the same race on January 6 2013?


According to Lucinda Russell, the six-year-old could have his next start in the Argento, as the promising horse (rated 155) made a step up to Listed level on his previous ride at Sandown.


His performance illustrated the potential he holds and the NH trainer is thinking about giving Bold Sir Brian an entry in the Gold Cup next March.

But if he did go ahead in the Argento, would he outshine Midnight Chase's brilliant win? I am not doubting the horse's ability, I feel Costello gave Midnight Chase a ride to remember - he saved enough energy to power the horse up Cheltenham's iconic track - and even Betfred, the sponsorship behind the Gold Cup, cut the champion's odds from 40 to 16-1 for the festival.


I wish Lucinda all the best with Bold Sir Brian and I am sure he will produce a wonderful career for her. But will he give the Cheltenham crowd a race to remember? We shall have to wait and see!

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

 




Thursday 29th November

PAUL NICHOLLS IS STILL AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME

Trainer Paul Nicholls is pulling out big names for Sandown's Tingle Creek Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.


With wonder horses Kauto Star and Denman now retired, stablemates of the two racing legends have been passed the baton that will take them to glory.


Sanctuaire, the highest rated novice chaser Nicholls has ever trained and remains unbeaten in all three starts over fences, will feature in the Tingle Creek Chase on Saturday December 8.


But despite his success he faces a tough test in his reappearance on the track with unbeaten second-season chaser Sprinter Sacre.


The Tingle Creek attracts the best two mile steeple chasers in the country and often acts as a springboard for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.


Kauto Star is also to make a special appearance at Sandown Park next weekend.


But things haven't stopped there for the trainer. Silviniaco Conti is joint-favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.


The six-year-old ridden by top jockey Ruby Walsh is now 5-1jf for racing's biggest event after winning by two-and-a-half-lengths in Haydock's Betfair Chase to make it two wins from a total of two starts this season.


On the day a statue of Kauto Star was unveiled at Haydock, where he won the Betfair Chase four times, it was great to see Silviniaco Conti emerge as a possible superstar.


So Paul Nicholls shows no sign of slowing down and it is wonderful to watch more of his high-rated horses come into racing's spotlight.


Sanctuaire and Silviniaco Conti are just two examples of Nicholls' tremendous work he does for the sport and I have no doubt that the trainer can keep on creating winners in all the years he will remain in racing.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog




Wednesday 21st November

NEPTUNE COLLONGES TO BE PARADED AT WARWICK RACECOURSE


Grand National winner Neptune Collonges will be paraded at Warwick racecourse Today (Wednesday) following his success in the Aintree event.

Fresh from Al Ferof's victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Steeplechase at Cheltenham on Saturday, owner John Hales will be at the 2012 champion's side in front of the crowd at the jumps fixture.

The Grand National in April was perhaps one of the most exciting and adrenaline-rushing races this country has ever witnessed.

Paul Nicholls' grey pulled a nostril in front of Sunnyhill Boy at the very last second of the race, leaving thousands of people stunned at his and jockey Daryl Jacob's superb effort.

He was immediately retired after the race.

Not only is the horse a wonder of the track, he is a star in dressage, where he recently won in a competition with a score of 79 per cent, thanks to Hales' daughter, Lisa, who re-trained him.

I hope that a large crowd turns out at Warwick tomorrow because I feel that Nicholls' first ever Grand National winner is a legend in his own right.

Kauto Star and Denman have often over-shadowed Neptune's talent as they all belonged to the same yard but since the grey burst onto the Aintree track this year he has definitely proved that he is in the same league as his superstar stablemates.

Neptune Collonges was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock who sponsor The Highflyer Four Year Old Chase, the only race for four year olds in the racing calendar.

Neptune Collonges is one of racing's greatest talents and I hope that he will remembered for a long time.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog





Thursday, 15 November 2012

IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A FEMALE JOCKEY WINS A FLAT CLASSIC, BELIEVES AMY RYAN

AMY Ryan, the newly-crowned apprentice champion, believes that it is just a matter of time before a female jockey wins a British flat racing classic.


Beating closest rival Darren Egan by two clear winners, Amy finished her season with a total of 40.


Britain's leading female jockey Hayley Turner, who tied for the apprentice title in 2005, presented Amy with the trophy.

I agree that it is only a matter of time before a female jockey wins a classic. More and more women are coming into horse racing for a career and are constantly moving towards the top of the pack, as Amy has shown.

Barriers have been broken in the sport for female jockeys and I hope that they will continue to be.
It is about faith and patience in racing. A jockey needs a good horse and trainer to help towards big titles and now more female jockeys are getting just that.

Amy's success is a delight to see and I hope that she, along with Hayley, will encourage more girls to take up the sport who may even compete professionally in the future.

Watch this space



BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

Wednesday, 31 October 2012

RETIREMENT ENDS KING KAUTO'S REIGN


King Kauto has been retired.


The outstanding chaser, who won two Cheltenham Gold Cups and five King George VIs at Kempton, will always be remembered as one of racing's great horses.


The 12-year-old, trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Clive Smith, bows out with dignity and pride after a fantastic career.


For me, I have grown up with Kauto Star and when I first started gaining an interest in the sport he was always there in the headlines. I have always admired him so it is a sad sight to see such a wonder put into retirement.


But I think the correct decision has been made. He should be remembered for what he did, not what could have been.


Kauto Star won 16 Grade Ones throughout his career and made history in 2009 for becoming the first horse to reclaim the Gold Cup.


Many believed retirement beckoned when he was pulled up in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup last May, but Kauto Star proved the doubters wrong with a fourth triumph on his comeback in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last November, in which he defeated Long Run, the 2011 Gold Cup hero, by eight lengths.


It seemed that Long Run couldn't beat his older rival when losing again to the King after his greatest performance in his career on Boxing Day at Kempton in 2011. Kauto won his fifth King George with ease and cemented his status of one the greatest.


After a fall in schooling and pulling up in this year's Gold Cup, history will remember our star kindly, which he deserves.


As an inspirational and talented horse, Kauto Star follows stablemate Denman as a legend and one that should never be
forgotten.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

 



Monday, 24 September 2012

AINTREE RACECOURSE AND BHA GO AHEAD WITH CHANGES FOR THE GRAND NATIONAL - BUT AT WHAT COST?


Several recommendations and modifications have already been announced by Aintree racecourse and the BHA ahead of the 2013 Grand National, including a change to the start of the race.


In hope that the mayhem will be reduced or stop all together the start will be moved forward by 90 yards, making the distance of the National event 4 miles 3 1/2 furlongs, having previously been 4m 4f.


Synchronised, who tragically died after last year’s Grand National, was clearly frantic at the start and many argued that the horse was not fit to run on the day.


Having the start a few yards further down the track is a step in the right direction as taking the horses further away from the grandstand will make them calmer and less troubled by the immense sounds of the crowd, therefore leading to fewer false starts.


Other changes include doubling the distance of the 'no-' zone to 30 yards from the starting tape. Research will also be taken into the design of the fences in an attempt to make its central "core" more forgiving.


Once the race begins next year, the Grand National will not look or be the same again. The reason why a review has been conducted is because of the deaths of Synchronised and According to Pete last year.


Personally, I believe the Grand National should cut the number of entries to 30. Having 40 horses on the course at once running at the speed that they do is the most dangerous aspect of the race. If a horse falls after a fence, unharmed, they are in danger’s way of another horse landing on them and causing a serious and life-threatening injury.


It is too crowded for everyone and I honestly think that that is the main reason to why there have been a number of deaths and injuries over the last few years.


But the number will not be cut and a call by Gavin Grant, the chief executive of the RSPCA for removal of Becher’s Brook has also been resisted.


I can only imagine what will happen from 2014 to the future of the Grand National. But I suppose that it will no longer be in control of the BHA. This year they succumbed to the pressure of having to react to the public and RSPCA’s outcry.


But a horse will die within the next few years of the event. No doubt about it. It is a risk that the trainers, owners and jockeys know about and are willing to take. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t even take part. When another fatal accident happens, everything will blow out of proportion again and the BHA will again feel the need to take action.


Changes to the position of the starter's rostrum and the visibility of the starting tape will also be implemented and a pre-race briefing between the starter and jockeys is also scheduled to take place.


The landing side of fences 4, 5 and 13 will be levelled out, while the wider landing side of Becher's Brook has undergone further levelling to correct the settlement which occurred following works carried out in 2011.


A further £100,000 will be invested in further improving the course's watering abilities, while another catching pen for loose horses will be tried out in the region of fence 4.


I really believe that the changes are an overreaction but I understand why they have happened. We should be thankful that the sport is attracting more people, even if they don’t follow the sport. But the Grand National is famed for its risk and fences, so why change it now?

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog


September 5th

RACING PREPARES TO SAY GOODBYE TO FRANKEL: THE HORSE WHO BROUGHT BACK POSITIVE PRESS

Bittersweet news circulated around the UK this weekend about the announcement of Frankel's last ever career run which will take place at Ascot in October.


As many of you know from various articles I have written in the past, I am a fan of Frankel and watching the colt race has encouraged me to learn more about flat racing as well as the broadcasting that goes into it.

The unbeaten race horse will compete in the 10-furlong Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 20. Despite enthusiastic suggestions from outside Frankel's yard, the thought of racing in the Prix de L'Arc Triomphe at Longchamp was turned down in favour for Ascot.

I think it is great that Sir Henry Cecil has decided that his unbeaten superstar should stay in this country and bypass Longchamp for his final farewell on the track. It gives a sense of British spirit and greatly promotes UK racing.

The increase in ticket sales on the Flat just shows how marvellous this horse truly is. After dreadful press NH horse racing received due to the deaths of Synchronised and According to Pete in the 2012 Grand National, Frankel, with the help of Black Caviar, has promoted the sport to a new high.

Frankel's thirteenth unbeaten win in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York was a sight to see: once this colt is off our screens at the end of the year the sport won't quite be the same.

It is a shame that Cecil decided not to enter his superstar in the Arc as I reckon that race would have been the incredible for his career. Frankel would have no doubt battled for his life on the track but Ascot is still a wonderful place to display his racing ability.

Ascot racecourse will no doubt promote Frankel's last show immensely well. With the usual attendance of around 30,000 I would not be surprised to see an even bigger turnout for the Champion Stakes.

Victory from Frankel would set a European record of nine consecutive wins at Group One level and bookmakers will offer no bigger than 1-10 odds for another Frankel first.

I hope that a statue of the wonder-horse will be created at Ascot to remember the horse who made global headlines and put the spirit back into British racing.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

 



August 29th

KAUTO STAR RETURNS TO YARD BUT SHOULD HE RUN AGAIN?

As the world of Flat racing holds its breath over the where Frankel will run his last race, there is a similar story to be told within National Hunt racing.


Kauto Star has returned to Paul Nicholls' yard at the same time his stable mate Denman has left for a post-racing career as a team chaser.

With questions being raised over the horse's future, should the popular 12-year-old return to the track for one last race?

Kauto Star's previous run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup certainly enlightened these thoughts. Despite a heavy fall in schooling three weeks before the race, Nicholls still decided to enter his champion alongside rival Long Run.


However, it was too much to ask from the two-time Gold Cup champion, as jockey Ruby Walsh pulled him up before the tenth fence.

When Walsh finished the popular race that day, the crowd immediately cheered and clapped. It was noise worthy for a winner.


And that's what I believe Kauto Star is: he is one of NH's finest, similar to how Frankel is to the Flat.


I admire the ambition and faith Nicholls puts into Kauto Star as he is a wonder to watch. Last season the old race horse stamped his authority on NH racing. He landed a fifth King George VI Chase title at Kempton as well as returning to Haydock in perfect form. But best of all he is now mentioned in the same awe that Desert Orchid always will be.


I believe that Kauto Star has run his last race and we should remember him for the great titles he has already won; not the ones we thought he could.


It has been an absolute pleasure watching the 12-year-old compete all his life. But for now I think that Kauto Star should follow Denman in a post-racing career. He has been out of the field all summer and despite having time to rest and soak up more energy, Nicholls should hang up his reins.


I agree that having Kauto Star back on the track for another potential win would be fantastic, but I would hate to see him having to be pulled up again.


If the champion did return for another season, he would have to be sure of a win, otherwise it will be difficult to remember him in the same light as we do now.


But what an outstanding career he has had. Kauto Star and Frankel = two wonders of the sporting world.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog



August 18th

CHANNEL 4 GAINS A WINNER BY SELECTING CLARE BALDING AS NEW HOST FOR HORSE RACING

After the BBC recently lost the rights to broadcast horse racing on their channels, I felt saddened of the fact that we might not see Clare Balding present the sport again on our television screens.

But news of the sports presenter's move to Channel 4 has been met with praise and smiles as I believe Balding is currently the best person for the job.


During the Olympics I asked various friends and colleagues who they thought were the best hosts for the event. The majority of which answered 'Clare Balding' as she proved to be an outstanding key figure throughout the programming.


However, despite her move to Channel 4, Clare stressed that she will continue with the BBC, which has made me admire her more.

Channel 4 has confirmed that Clare will will be the lead presenter of its coverage. Their horse racing events will include Aintree's Grand National,
The Cheltenham Festival, Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot.


As an aspiring sports presenter, Balding is the perfect role model in the industry. Her warmth on camera as well as her in-depth knowledge of every sport she presents is extremely encouraging.


Even if she is not an expert in a particular sport, (e.g. boxing) she will do her homework and research into any given topic.

Personally, Balding has always been an inspiration for me: watching a woman become such a dominate figure in sport has encouraged me to work in the industry and has given me faith that if you put hard work and dedication into your career, you can achieve anything.


It was an absolute pleasure watching her host Olympic sports and I think Channel 4 have won a winner with regards to their horse racing coverage.

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog

 



July 18th

"HOW FARHH WILL FRANKEL WIN?"


The world's top-rated horse - err who is that again - oh yes, Frankel, is expected to compete against another classy horse in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on August 1.

News has circulated around the media about the latest horse to have a go at beating the superstar: Farhh, the runner-up in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, will line up aside Frankel in a few weeks.

Frankie Dettori will be saddling Farhh and I am sure quite a crowd will gather to see whether Frankel can pull out a mind-blowing 12th successful victory.

Farhh ran last year's King George winner, Nathaniel, to half a length at Sandown but was unfortunate in finishing third in the Prince Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot.

It seems that the horse's form will be ideal to place him as favourite in other Group One races, yet Godolphin has decided to set him against wonder-horse Frankel.



Why do you think that was decided? Maybe the team thinks that Farhh will produce some magic on the day. Nevertheless I am sure an exciting race will happen at Glorious Goodwood.



Frankel won the Sussex Stakes last year and is hoping to maintain his 'world-number one' status by making it 12-out-of-12 wins.
However, Farhh has only raced five times to date and has previously lined up with Sir Henry Cecil's colt at Doncaster. He was sadly withdrawn at the stalls at the beginning of the race. (Frankel, at no surprise, did win the race by 13 lengths).

I tweeted: "Frankel or Farhh on August 1st at Goodwood?" And I did receive a few replies. 100% of answers being "Frankel". Or "Abby that's a dumb question".



But my favourite one of all came from the Racing Post's sub-editor, Ross Clarke (@Rossclarke123): "How Farhh will Frankel win? About six lengths I reckon".

BLOGGER - Abby Rugg - Click here to be taken to Abby's full blog





July 11th

HOW THE £40 MILLION DEAL BETWEEN BETFAIR AND BRITISH RACING IS A GOOD AGREEMENT


Last week Betfair, an online betting exchange, signed a deal with British horse racing organisers which will allow a minimum of £40 million worth of funding to be used over the next five years.
I think that this deal has come at a good time: it will inject a secure and healthy sum of money to keep horse racing alive in this country.

The sport still attracts a huge audience within the UK, but I feel that numbers may have slipped due to the bad press the Grand National had, both this year and in 2011.

To me, the Grand National receives the most media attention in this country: it is arguably the only horse racing event that will attract an 'office sweepstake' and therefore appeal to a wider audience.

Recent posts on my blog describe my thoughts towards the Aintree event and I am saddened by how many people I have come across still base their views of horse racing on the Grand National.

However, in return of this deal, the sport has pledged a minimum number of fixtures every year and offers to maximise betting opportunities.

In my opinion, this move will give a boost for the horse racing industry as it will bring a large number of benefits to the sport: a guaranteed price will support it over the next few years as well as a certainty towards its future.

The agreement will give 10.75 per cent of all revenues on horse racing taken from its UK customers and will come into effect from the 51st Levy Scheme.

Paul Bittar, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said that the agreement "represents a landmark for both racing and betting industries".

And you know what, I think he could be right on this one.



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July 3rd

WORLD CLASS WINS IN FLAT CREATES POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE IN RACING AFTER TRAUMA OF GRAND NATIONAL

A fresh breeze of encouraging news has swept through racing this week with Camelot winning the Irish double.


The unbeaten colt claimed victory in Saturday's Irish Derby resulting in good of publicity for the sport alongside Frankel and Australia's Black Caviar.


Having these three champion horses grab headlines is ideal for racing after the bad media coverage the Grand National clocked up.


The deaths of Synchronised and According To Pete caused controversial debates, one in particular asking whether the event should be banned.


But despite all that, it seems that this season of flat racing is giving the sport a boost: more people are reading about the wonders of Frankel and Black Caviar, and not only that, more people are actually gaining an interest due to these racing legends.


Camelot joined in as a short-priced favourite on Saturday (1-5) with previous odds being 1-10 for Frankel and 1-6 for Black Caviar.


Unlike Black Caviar, Camelot didn't have to scramble to victory. He had to work for the win as rival Born To Sea finished two-lengths behind.


But Aidan O'Brien's colt is now priced at 1-2 to win the Triple Crown at Doncaster in September and I believe he has shown us that he can claim it.


Ever the optimist, I want Camelot to win the rare treble like so many others I know - Imagine more positive media coverage if he did.


For now, the terrible incidents of the Grand National have been swept under the rug and it just proves how negative headlines can cause a stir amongst non-racing fans. Rather than a mouthful of bad publicity, watching incredible wins from world class flat racing horses is exactly what the sport needs right now.



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26th June

CAMPBELL GILLIES DIES AGED 21

The sad news of Campbell Gillies' death in Corfu has circled round the globe this afternoon and seeing the number of messages on Twitter proves what a top jockey he was.


Campbell was on holiday with a group of jockey friends when he reportedly died as a result of a swimming accident.


Arguably, Gillies' most memorable ride was on Lucinda Russell's Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle in March at Cheltenham.


Sadly, the gelding died in May after he collided with a fuel tanker. The horse was Russell's first success at the jumps racing's premier meeting and is still greatly missed by all.


Even at the age of 21 the Scotsman proved to be a top winning jockey. He was to celebrate his 22nd birthday tomorrow (Wednesday) which makes the news even more poignant.


Campbell rode over 50 winners for Russell and this message was put on her website (http://www.lucindarussell.com/):


" He was a much loved, popular and respected member at Arlary House, and it is so hard to lose part of our 'family'. Our hearts go out to his mother Lesley, brother and sister Finlay and Rita.


" We are immensley proud of the achievements of Campbell. It was through his innate ability and talent that he reached great heights as a jockey at such an early age.


" More than that he had a wonderful charm that I believe came across to everyone who met him, and through his media interviews."


My thoughts go out to Campbell's family, friends and work colleagues today. I am only aged 19 and to see such a talented young man who was only two years older than me go too soon is shocking.


Racing will not be the same without Gillies but he will be forever remembered. RIP.

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22nd June

FRANKEL AND BLACK CAVIAR - BATTLE OF THE SEXES?

If you failed to watch Frankel's stunning sprint at Royal Ascot on Tuesday afternoon then you missed a piece of spectacular history being created.


His 11th straight victory has been making headlines worldwide so you don't need me repeating the stories.


But what I will say is that watching the colt win by an eye-bulging 11 lengths gave me goosebumps. I watched jockey Tom Queally remain with the pack and then suddenly lurch into action.


It was as if Frankel and Queally had a close connection on the day. Both jockey and horse must have thought: "Oh god, what will happen if we don't win? There's a lot of people here today... Err right, here we go. RUNNN!!"


Or something similar to that effect...


Sir Henry Cecil's horse is something special and watching him observe Frankel after his win on Tuesday showed how much time, effort and patience he puts in to produce fantastic moment's like that one.


Now the attention is growing more on Black Caviar. I heard someone say the other day that the 2012 Royal Ascot meeting is turning into the battle of the sexes. Can the colt out-do the mare within the racing event?


What ever happens on Saturday, Black Caviar has done her team proud. The Diamond Jubilee Stakes is her first race off Australian soil and I think she will make her 22nd start one to remember.

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18th June


ROYAL ASCOT ENCOURAGES APPRECIATION FOR FLAT RACING

Royal Ascot begins tomorrow, arguably the most exciting flat racing event around, and great horses have already been making headlines across the globe.

Even I am incredibly interested in this year's race meeting, something that hasn't really happened in the past.

I've always been a huge fan of National Hunt racing and it's only since I've had the burning ambition to become a journalist for the sport that I have gained a greater interest in the flat.

Black Caviar is the horse that has made the flat more attractive for me: she hasn't lost a race in 21 starts and her journey from Australia to the UK had me searching her name.

She is a very influential mare I must admit. Of course I have always followed horses on the flat but not as regularly as National Hunt.


Big Bucks, Midnight Chase, Denman, Kauto Star, Swincombe Flame, Katchit are all huge names in NH racing that I have grown up with and consequently admired. They're the horses that have encouraged me to go to race meetings and watch them run in the flesh.


But now I want to learn more about the flat, the jockeys and trainers and discover the difference between NH and flat horses; what makes them tick, their training schemes and the obstacles they must overcome to win a race.


I want to encourage all NH lovers to do the same: watch Royal Ascot this week and find a new appreciation for the flat. Don't dismiss the idea, it can arguably be as exciting. You've just got to find a new technique to put your finger on the winner.

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11th June

BLACK CAVIAR TREATED AS ROYALTY AHEAD OF ASCOT


Black Caviar is in good health after her marathon journey to England.


The mare travelled for 30 hours from her stable in Australia to the UK and has dropped nine kilos from her weight of 580kg.


She is to run in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in just thirteen days and pundits have already turned to bookmakers for her latest odds.


It’s as if royalty has landed in the country: the mare has been unbeaten in 21 starts and the world of horseracing has been rocked by her red carpet arrival.


Who can argue that horseracing is a dying and cruel sport now? I have never seen a horse’s journey to this country fill newspapers and websites in an instant.


It delights me in watching the preparations for the horse: time, patience and hard work is visible and the trainer, owners, pundits and journalists are treating her with the respect that she deserves.


Trainer Peter Moody has said that he is a “bit nervous about it all” and I don’t blame him! A lot of money is being ridden on Black Caviar’s back but not only that, the effort towards maintaining the mare’s profile has been huge.


Black Caviar’s journey just proves how much of an athlete a horse can be in comparison with a human.


No other Australian horse has been a big star since the 1930’s Melbourne Cup winner Phar Lap.


But can Black Caviar win in just under two weeks' time and claim her 22nd victory? Yes, I think so.

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6th June


CAN CAMELOT WIN THE ST LEGER TO WIN THE TREBLE?

The colt proved me wrong in the Epsom Derby - but will Camelot be able to prove me right this time round by winning the St Leger?
If he wins the race he will land Flat racing's Classic Triple Crown: Newmarket's 2,000 Guineas, Epsom's Derby and the St Leger was last completed by Nijinsky in 1970.

Camelot arguably has two more factors in his favour than the iconic horse did in the 70s for the Leger: a calmer temper (which Sir Peter O'Sullevan claims it's because of the horse's partnership with jockey Joseph O'Brien) and his late sire Montjeu is thought to be a better influence for stamina rather than Northern Dancer, Nijinsky's sire.

The St Leger win would make Aidan O'Brien the first trainer to win all five British Classics in a season.
I think Camelot can win the St Leger: wouldn't it be nice to see history being made right in front of us?
The last treble winner before Nijinsky was Bahram in 1935 and Oh So Sharp won the fillies version in 1985 (1,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks and St Leger).

Camelot won the Derby by 5 lengths: an easy win some may argue. O'Brien and the colt make a good team. It would be a rare occurrence for the treble to be won by the same horse, but with O'Brien on board I think they can both have a comfortable win.

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29th May

BLACK CAVIAR SIDE-STEPS SUSSEX STAKES BUT WOULD SHE HAVE WON AGAINST FRANKEL?

First of all I would like to apologise for my absence over the last few weeks - exams have taken over as you can imagine but I am happy to say that I have finished most of them and my full attention is back on horse racing!


It was announced that a clash between undefeated horses Frankel and Black Caviar in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood
has been ruled out.


Taken from Flickr: Black Caviar: Photo taken by Angus Richmond on October 8 2011


A statement was issued by Black Caviar's connections claiming that the mare will not be entered in the race on August 1st.

Frankel won the race last year and even though the colt looks certain to win it again, a certain question will stay risen: Who would have won - Frankel or Black Caviar?


Black Caviar is an undefeated Australian racehorse across 21 starts. Trained by Peter Moody, the mare was named WTRR World Champion Sprinter in 2010 and is still considered to be the best sprinter in the world.


However, Frankel is a horse that shouldn't be forgotten about: the colt is unbeaten in ten starts and similar to his rival, holds the title for best racehorse in the world.


Trained by Henry Cecil, Frankel's best performance to date is a race that will forever keep people talking. His win at Newmarket in 2011 is still described as one of the greatest displays on a British racecourse.


If Black Caviar competed in the Sussex Stakes I believe she would have won. Even though Frankel won well last year, I think the mare has more of an edge to make a race count.


After all, she has been unbeaten in 21 races compared to her rival's ten and with Luke Nolen riding her in all her starts I reckon she could have won in the £1 million showdown.


So - what are your thoughts: who do you think would have won between the pair?


Entries for the Sussex Stakes will be announced on Wednesday May 30.

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15th May

RUBY WALSH: FACT-FILE

It has been a while since my last horse racing post, so I have decided to focus on jockey's who have inspired me to work in the sport.

Ruby Walsh is a sportsman who has definitely been an inspiration, not only to fellow jockeys but also to pundits and journalists.


He tackles every race with determination and enthusiasm: not only in the high-profile races but also in the ones that may not mean as much with regards to media attention or prize money.


So here's why Mr Walsh has stood out of the crowd and is one of the reasons why horse racing is an attractive sport to admire:



FACT-FILE


Ruby Walsh dreamt that one day he would become racing’s most successful jockey and achieve high-profile wins within the sport.


At the 2009 Cheltenham Festival Walsh rode a record-breaking seven winners over the four days, yet on the second racing day of the 2010
Festival, the Irish hero rode Sanctuaire to victory in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Handicap Hurdle to make him the most successful jockey in the history of the spectacular racing event.


It should therefore come to no surprise seeing Walsh as odds-on favourite to be top jockey at this year’s Cheltenham Festival as the 32-year-old showed immense talent from an early age.


Born Rupert Walsh on May 14 1979, the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey is the second child of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh.


At a young age, Walsh won the Irish amateur title twice 1996/7 and 1997/98 before turning into the professional that we all know him to be.

The Irish wonder won the John Smith’s Grand National on his first attempt in 2000, aged 20, on Papillon, a horse trained by his father.

Ruby’s dream of being racing’s most successful jockey has become reality. To date he has ridden over nineteen hundred winners since his first win on Alexander Banquet in 1998.


The jockey really does create a buzz for all racing fans: his determination and love for the sport is visible to all and trainer Paul Nicholls must realise how lucky he is to have Ruby ride for his yard.


In March 2011 he rode Hurricane Fly to victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, finishing ahead of Peddlers Cross and popular horse Oscar Whisky. This was Ruby’s first triumph in the feature race and now he’s had it all: Walsh’s vision of winning high-profile races is no longer down to wishful thinking. He can live in reality.

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29th Apr

SWINDON TOWN VS PORT VALE: AN INSIGHT INTO MY FIRST FOOTBALL MATCH

Swindon Town 5 - Port Vale 0


For those who are following me on Twitter, you know already that I watched Swindon play at home against Port Vale in a bid to win League Two.


It was the first football match I had ever attended: my father, who is a Swindon fan, decided to take me a the game to see another side of sports journalism.


As you know I write about horse racing, but as the NCTJ sports journalism exam is 50 per cent football related, I needed to gain experience on writing football commentary.


I wouldn't say that I hate football, but I dislike it. I think there is too much attention surrounding the sport and too much money goes into it.


I believe that other sports should receive the attention football gets, but that's another argument for another blog post.


But experience is experience, and I needed some. We sat in the side stands near the press box and before the 3:00pm kick-off approached, Swindon's mascot, the Rockin' Robin, came on to the pitch and started strutting his stuff.


When I say 'strutting his stuff', I really mean trying to dance but ending up looking daft. Nevertheless, it was the first football mascot I had ever seen and I it did bring out a smile.


Swindon had already been promoted from League Two last week but if they won today they would win the League title.


I watched the players from Port Vale and Swindon run on to the pitch with five minutes to go until kick-off and the crowd roared.


Swindon started okay in the first half: I thought they were nervous as they had a lot riding on the game. Port Vale put up a good fight in defence and even though Paolo Di Canio's team did not attack as well as I anticipated, it was still a good half to watch.


Simon Ferry played well and had a few good attempts at goal. Matt Ritchie also performed well and didn't let his side down.


Ritchie scored the first goal in the first half and what a super goal it was. He powered the ball into the corner of the net and cheers exploded out of the stands.


From that moment on, captain Paul Caddis could see that his team relaxed a little. Swindon grew in confidence and they gained control on the ball.


The second half was a lot better to watch: Port Vale tried to defend as well as they did in the first half but were unable to keep Swindon's confidence at bay.


I wouldn't say that Port Vale under-performed on the day, but Swindon had a lot to prove in the game and they had more ambition than their rivals to win the match.


Wes Foderingham put up a real fight in his corner. Port Vale had four or five opportunities in the same minute and Wes was kept the opposition's score at nil.


Swindon's Paul Benson scored two wonderful goals, putting Swindon 3-0 up. Now the team had rhythm and Port Vale knew that they would find it difficult to come back from it.


Aden Flint also scored, giving Swindon a 4-0 advantage. From this moment the Swindon fans began to sing in chorus, knowing that their bid for the title was becoming a reality.


Substitute Alan Connell scored the fabulous fifth and Di Canio, who was standing on the sidelines, saluted the crowd.


When the match ended, the stadium erupted. It was an odd experience for me because I had never witnessed such an explosion.


Swindon won 5-0 and were awarded the trophy on the pitch. The crowd cheered, cried, sang and danced and it was actually quite pleasant to see.


My first football match consisted of a win, a presentation of a trophy, watching a manger salute the crowd, a Rockin' Robin attempting to look good and a delighted crowd.


I still find football exhausting but attending the match on Saturday made me appreciate the sport more than I used to and I will no longer dismiss it immediately.


I thought that the match would be my last as well as my first, but as we were driving home my father turned to me and said: "Well, as it was a 5-0 win to Swindon you'd be welcome to come again."


Maybe it's his attempt to make me a lover of football rather than horse racing but the latter is my hobby and I'll be happy once I'm back watching Midnight Chase jumping the last at Cheltenham.

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17th Apr

MY VIEW ON OTHER GRAND NATIONAL OPINIONS


Reading through a number of articles about this year's Grand National and people's opinions towards the event has made me realise that professionals and punters in horse racing now have to unite to defend the sport that they love.


Every time I flicker through an article on the deaths of Gold Cup champion Synchronised and According To Pete, I am faced with angry people who know nothing about the sport, claiming that horse racing is cruel and unnecessary.


As a person who has loved and admired the sport from an early age, I believe that now is the best and most important time for jockeys, trainers and owners to unite and defend their decisions that are made in horse racing.


Putting down a horse is a sad thing to happen but sometimes it is necessary: if those who work in the sport can understand the risk (i.e trainers and owners) then why can't other people?


Another absurd idea is to ban The Grand National. The event is the biggest jump race in Europe as the prize money is near £1 million.


Banning the race will therefore put people out of a job and Aintree, as well as Great Britian, will lose its status of being the host of a huge sporting event.


The horses who run in The Grand National spend months enduring training that their owners specifically set.


They are therefore prepared for the four mile race and are not thrown into the challenge without the training that is required.


Yes, I agree that it is upsetting when horses have to be put down as a result of a fractured leg or a broken shoulder but it is the kindest thing to do.


During a race, if a horse does fall and fracture its leg, it has so much adrenaline pumping through its body it cannot feel the pain.


As the fracture cannot be fixed and before the horse can feel the agonising pain, it is put down, a decision that trainers and owners are sometimes faced with.


But then again, they understand the risk and I hate the thought of Synchronised and According To Pete's deaths constantly overshadowing the closest finish ever witnessed.


So here's to a fantastic win by Neptune Collonges - a fantastic horse that has always been living in his stablemates' shadows - Kauto Star and Denman - but has now deservedly won the biggest race of them all.

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14th Apr

SHOULD HORSE RACING BE BANNED? - NO

The Grand National has finished for another year and yet again the sport has created negative headlines around the country.


Two horses had to be put down after yesterday's event: Gold Cup champion Synchronised and According To Pete tragically fractured legs so it was decided that they had to be let go.


It is upsetting to see talented horses lose their lives because of such incidents, but what many people do not realise, especially those who think horse racing should be banned, is that destroying the animals after these accidents is the kindest thing to do.


When a horse races it has a lot of adrenaline pumping through it's body - as would any other athlete in different sports.


So, before it can feel the pain of a fracture, for example, the kindest thing to do for it is to destroy it.


If a human were to fracture his/her leg, then it can easily be fixed: crutches and casts will be used for several weeks. But with a horse it is different.


The creatures are huge and repairing a fracture is impossible. If this does happen, killing the horse is therefore seen as the best, and the right thing to do. You cannot let a horse suffer.


Horse racing should not be banned - it is a much loved sport throughout the country and if it was to stop, then the horses will serve no purpose.


Race horses are born and bred for racing. It's their job. Those people who are ignorant enough to say that horse racing is a cruel sport should spend several weeks at a trainer's stable and watch how a horse is trained, prepared and looked after. They would then be able to see how much love and attention is put in by owners and trainers to make the sport as safe as possible for their horses.


Also, if the sport was to be banned, hundreds of people will lose their jobs. One thing that this country has always moaned about is the number of people who are unemployed. It would not help matters, in fact I believe it would make things worse.


I hold strong opinions and even though I'm only expressing my view through words, I hope it reaches a wide audience.


I hope non-horse racing fans will learn to appreciate the sport through this blog article and will learn that time and effort goes into the sport to ensure that horses are well treated and kept safe.


Unfortunately, like every sport, accidents happen. Horse racing has that low risk. People need to understand that.


If the professionals understand the risk, then everyone else should.

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12th Apr

BIG BUCK'S WINS 17TH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY


Big Buck's has made history at Aintree with a 17th consecutive victory over hurdles in the Liverpool Hurdle.

The horse, ridden by Ruby Walsh, cruised round the course and didn't seem to build up a sweat throughout the race.

The nine-year-old jumped fluently and grabbed victory by nine lengths, ahead of Crack Away Jack (second at 33/1) and Across The Bay (third at 50/1).

Nicholls' horse beat Sir Ken's previous record, which was set in the 1950s.

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4th Apr

CAN SYNCHRONISED CREATE MAGIC BY WINNING THE DOUBLE?

Synchronised is on course to do the double, but can he produce that rare headline?


After winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, Jonjo O'Neill's horse could become the first horse in 78 years to grab Britain's two biggest steeplechasing titles in the same season.


The only horse to ever achieve both titles in the same season was Golden Miller in 1934.


Tony McCoy rode Synchronised to victory at 8-1 ahead of The Giant Bolster (50-1) and 7-4 favourite Long Run.


Synchronised could do it. If Tony was riding then maybe the horse could be his second Grand National victory. I can imagine that now that McCoy has broken his Aintree curse, winners will keep on coming for him.


He'll be like a London bus - you wait all day for one then many will come at once.


If the horse can keep hold of his stamina like he did in the Gold Cup then he'll be in for a shot. He is capable and could rattle up headlines with the double.

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3rd Apr

CHICAGO GREY NEEDS TO MAKE EARLY IMPACT IN GRAND NATIONAL

The early stages of this month's John Smith's Grand National will be crucial for Chicago Grey, according to Gordon Elliott.


The nine-year-old has got detached early-on in previous races and Elliott is worried that he could get too far behind in the Aintree event.
Elliott told At The Races: "He schooled last week, schooled very well and stays well, he won the four-miler at Cheltenham last year,"

" If he can get into a nice rhythm in the first half of the race I think he`ll run a massive race. The first four or five fences are going to be very important, if he can get into a rhythm and get jumping.


" He`s probably not the best jumper in the world, he`s adequate, he has his own technique. It`s hard to know what horse is going to take to it."

Paul Carberry will ride the grey in twelve days time while Paul Nicholls is down to one representative (Neptune Collonges) after the retirement of Niche Market due to injury.



My Opinion:



There has been a lot of media hype surrounding Chicago Grey and there is no doubt in saying that he is a talented horse.
Elliott has said it right though, if the grey gets detached from the group in the early stages of the race then he's out. Carberry needs to time it well to ensure that the Cheltenham 2011 winner has a chance of winning.


Ballabriggs is another horse that needs to be watched but I cannot help but be tempted by Sunnyhillboy. I have seen him run before and is decent horse. One to watch over the next few days.

The Grand National is anybody's game - all horses are in for a shot.

What I am worried about is whether or not the high-profile racing event will attract bad publicity again. Last year was a bad year for the sport as a result of Jason Maguire's ride on winner Ballabriggs. I think people who aren't into racing need to read up on the sport so that it does not come under inappropriate scrutiny.

It angers me when people are ignorant towards the rules of the whip. With all the media attention the sport has been receiving it wouldn't surprise me if many viewers or spectators will be eagle-eyed and on the prowl for any mistake made by the jockeys.

Should it happen again: watch this space!

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18th Mar

KAUTO STAR EXITS FROM GOLD CUP BUT REMAINS THE WINNER OF RACING


And so the Cheltenham Festival is over for another year. Racing's most spectacular event has ended with shocks, surprises, happiness and sadness.

Kauto Star's exit from the Gold Cup produced a rare sight: applause and respect filled the grounds when Ruby Walsh pulled the horse up with 13 more jumps to go.

For me, the 2012 Gold Cup made me realise how much I love the sport as well as how much it made me realise I want to be a horse racing journalist.

Unfortunately I had a briefing at work at 3:30pm yesterday and as it takes me 15 minutes to drive there, I had to leave home five minutes before race time.

'Damn', I thought. 'This year's Gold Cup is going to be magnificent but I was going to miss it.'

Thank goodness for radio though! I tuned into the race and was able to listen to the commentary. Pheww! I wouldn't have to know the result of the race after everyone else.

But I did something which I had never done before when listening to a race, or watching one for that matter. When Walsh pulled Kauto Star up, I cried.

I know what some of you may be thinking, 'Crying over a horse?! That's pretty extreme.'

But Kauto Star isn't just any horse - he's a champion. He's respected throughout the racing world: he's a superstar.

He has brought joy to the sport. Not only did we enjoy watching him race, but he loved racing. He doesn't want to be standing in a field chewing on grass all day long; he wants to be racing with Ruby and having crowds of spectators applauding him.

But then the race got to the crucial stage - it got so tense that I had to pull into the nearest car-park to listen to it.

I backed Midnight Chase as he is a Cheltenham horse, so I was at the edge of my seat when Dougie Costello was leading him round the course.

Goodness knows what people in the other cars thought: 'What is that girl doing waving her arms in the air and yelling at herself?'

A.P McCoy rode Synchronised to a glorious victory. No doubt about it. He niggled the horse throughout the race, giving him constant reminders and pushing him to first place.

He deserved the win but even though Long Run was heavily backed he failed to make an impact. Tony did a brilliant job.

But Kauto Star will always be remembered in the 2012 Gold Cup as a hero, not a disappointment. He has made non-horse racing fans enjoy racing. People know who Kauto Star is.

His name will go down in history along with the likes of Best Mate, Dawn Run and Red Rum. I think you will agree with me on this one because this sporting legend deserves it.

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14th Mar

ROUND-UP OF DAY 1 AT CHELTENHAM

The Cheltenham Festival got off to a roaring start yesterday but finished with shocks and surprises.

Ruby Walsh did not have a great start yesterday: he rode champion horses yet failed to make an impact until late afternoon.

Hurricane Fly was perhaps the biggest disappointment of the day. Having set off at 4/6 Mullins' horse looked set to storm ahead of the group.

But he only finished third as Rock On Ruby, ridden by Noel Fehily, surprised punters as he finished in first place at 11/1.

Walsh knew he should have won that race and so did Mullins. It was great to see an outsider win the race and Fehily deserved the win. But I cannot help but feel a little disappointed towards Walsh and Hurricane Fly.

Al Ferof was another example of how yesterday was not Ruby's day. The grey finished fourth whilst Sprinter Sacre created a buzz for the crowd at Cheltenham.

Barry Geraghty rode the horse to a splendid victory but if Al Ferof had not made that mistake over the jump, he could have finished ahead of Henderson's horse.

However, Walsh redeemed himself by riding Quevega to victory.

She was perhaps the best horse of the day for me as she has performed perfectly.

Cinders and Ashes, at 10/1, got the Festival off to an encouraging start.

Day 2 has arrived and everyone can expect more show-stopping races. Place your bets and enjoy.

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8th Mar

CLIVE SMITH SAYS KAUTO STAR IS "NEARLY THERE" WITH HIS RECOVERY

Clive Smith has announced that Kauto Star is "nearly there" with his recovery from a fall during schooling.

Racing's most popular steeplechaser is still facing doubt about his entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but is looking much better since Paul Nicholls claimed he was 50/50 for the high-profile race.

The decision of the twelve-year-old's entry will not be made until Monday so that owner Smith and trainer Nicholls are able to assess to response to a racecourse gallop at Wincanton on Friday.

Kauto Star is a strong horse; he clearly enjoys racing so it is no wonder why he is Ruby Walsh's favourite.

He has a lot to prove though as I know that many punters are favouring Long Run, the younger horse.

But Walsh can hold his own on the steeplechaser. Even if Kauto Star is not 100 per cent, Walsh will be able to boost him to that. They make a great team and I wouldn't be surprised if they make more headlines together.

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5th Mar

MIDNIGHT CHASE - DARK HORSE FOR THE GOLD CUP - MY OPINION

Midnight Chase could be a dark horse for this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup as recent performances have been highly successful.


The horse has produced some wonderful yet memorable performances this season and I believe that Dougie Costello can ride him to victory in two weeks time.

Since Midnight Chase won the Argento Chase in January, a dress-rehearsal for the Gold Cup, his yard has kept relatively quiet about the horse's success.

I think that this could work well in their favour - keeping Midnight Chase out of the lime-light could be what they need to keep the horse's performances at a high standard.

The media has focused strongly on Kauto Star and Long Run - they are, without doubt fantastic horses - but since beating Tidal bay at Cheltenham last time, I think Midnight Chase could surprise punters and come out on top.

Costello knows how to handle the horse: they make the ultimate team. Midnight Chase jumps fluently and is capable of staying ahead.

He is definitely one to watch.

It's always great to see an outsider beat the favourite, but with regards to Midnight Chase, I think he can handle it.

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2nd Mar

NICHOLLS WILL CONFIRM KAUTO STAR'S ENTRY FOR THE GOLD CUP SIX-DAYS BEFORE THE RACE


What a week it has been for Paul Nicholls and his champion horse Kauto Star.

Racing fans and experts took to Twitter yesterday afternoon to express their fears and thoughts of whether the twelve-year-old will race in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in a few weeks time.

Kauto Star injured himself in a fall last week at his stables in Somerset.

The steeplechaser has become one of the most popular jumps horses in the country so it is no wonder that a lot of people have debated over the incident.

Nicholls told Sky Sports news: "You get a little older and take a little knock and it just takes a little bit to get over it."


" It's getting better each day, so we're still hopeful. We've still got a fortnight."

We will know for sure whether or not Nicholls will enter Kauto Star in the Gold Cup six days before the race (March 10) yet the trainer said his horse will do "his last strong piece of work" and will need to be convincing if he is to be allowed to take part."

But now it has been announced that Grands Crus may race if Kauto is not fit. Even though this may cause disappointment for all racing fans, Long Run versus Grands Crus will still be a fantastic race - even if it's not as thrilling to watch.

Punters and professionals want to see a twelve-year-old steeplechaser give another horse half its age a run for its money. We want to witness the old-dog take on new tricks.

Long Run is a fantastic horse, you don't need me to tell you that. But watching Henderson's horse take on Nicholls' supreme champion is what people are paying to see.

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28th Feb

CHICAGO GREY BYPASSES CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL AND AIMS FOR AINTREE

Chicago Grey is bypassing the Cheltenham Festival and being prepared for the Grand National at Aintree.

After delighting Gordon Elliott by finishing second behind Rubi Light in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park, the nine-year-old is now in the mix in racing's biggest event on April 14.

The grey will miss Cheltenham where he previously won the four-mile National Hunt Chase.

Chicago Grey, who has been given 10st 13lb in the National, is priced at 25-1.

My Opinion:

It is shame that Chicago Grey is missing this year's Cheltenham Festival as he runs brilliantly around the course.
But he will produce a splendid performance in the Grand National as he will add a thrill to the mix and spice things up.
Chicago Grey is a fantastic horse and should not be ruled out.

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24th Feb

BHA TO SET-UP INCIDENT ROOM AT CHELTENHAM

The British Horseracing Authority is to set-up an 'incident room' at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

It's specific task will be to monitor what is being broadcast across the media, including television, radio and online.

The aim is to keep stewards and officials situated on the ground up-to-date with public opinion towards the whip and enable them to react appropriately.

The BHA's scheme will also be put into operation at Aintree as the 2011 Grand National re-sparked the controversial whip debate.

Communication between Aintree racecourse and the BHA caused the public opinion storm on the matter which was made worse due to officials remaining unaware of what was being said and were unable to react to it.

My Opinion:

As the Grand National caused a storm within the public, allowing an 'incident room' to be set-up at Cheltenham will help save the sport from further controversial debate.

Cheltenham racecourse is my favourite, and I would hate to see it come under scrutiny like Aintree did.

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22nd Feb

BHA RELAXES WHIP RULES - AUTOMATIC SUSPENSIONS REPLACED

The new whip rules are to undergo fresh changes following a British Horseracing Authority meeting yesterday.

These changes will be made before the Cheltenham Festival so that the high-profile racing event does not become a public relations disaster as well as become overshadowed by whip bans.

From early next month, jockeys who exceed the allowed number of strikes (seven on Flat and eight over jumps) will only trigger the interest of the stewards and they will no longer be given automatic suspensions.

This means that stewards will be able to apply more common sense to the use of the whip in a race as well as more discretion in their policing work.

The penalty regime will also be eased and this will be put into practise on Thursday following the proposals put forward by the BHA's new new Chief Executive, Paul Bittar, as they were given the backing from his directors on Tuesday.

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21st Feb

DAVID PIPE TO ANNOUNCE GRANDS CRUS DECISION WEEK BEFORE FESTIVAL

David Pipe will announce whether or not Grands Crus will race in the Gold Cup a week before the race.

Race fans will have to wait a few more weeks to discover if the grey will be up against the heavy-weights in March.

Pipe said today that the ability of his top novice chaser to jump fences at Gold Cup standard is "probably the only issue" that needs to be resolved before a decision is made on whether Grands Crus will race in the Gold Cup or the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

However, that all-important decision could be left until five days before the RSA Chase on 14 March, as Pipe and the owners will weigh-up the opposition in the two races.

Pipe's guide on Grands Crus:

We would have liked to go to Newbury with him, that was the plan, but unfortunately that was the only race they didn't put on.

He's got enough experience: he's had three runs as I wanted to get some runs into him early because you never know what will happen with the weather.

He's made one mistake in those three runs.

He's jumped very well, he's jumped around Cheltenham, and Newbury and Kempton, flat tracks, galloping tracks, and he's obviously a very exciting horse.

I think it probably shows you how good he is that he finished so close to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle last year. I thought it was a fantastic race, Tom Scudamore gave him a cracking ride and we nearly pulled it off but Big Buck's had something to say.

My Opinion:

I think Pipe should think seriously about entering Grands Crus in the Gold Cup - if he did it would be an even more exciting race to watch. To put another top-class horse in the race would add greater thrill to the mix. The chaser would be in for a high chance too.

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20th Feb

PAUL BITTAR TO PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO WHIP RULES IN BHA MEETING ON TUESDAY


PAUL BITTAR is to propose new changes to the British Horseracing Authority's (BHA) controversial rules on the use of the whip.

Bittar is the new Chief Executive of the BHA and is to discuss fresh amendments to the rules in a meeting on Tuesday (tomorrow).

This meeting is an attempt to avoid damaging publicity over the controversial issue during next month's Cheltenham Festival.

Large events such as the Festival have already caused damage to the sport - last year's Grand National winner Jason Maguire re-sparked the debate over the rules and caused a media frenzy over the matter.

Bittar's suggestions are likely to aim on a reduction to the current unfair penalties for minor offences rather than any significant changes to the rules themselves.

However, there may also be scope for stewards to apply more judgement when deciding whether a jockey is in breach.


If agreed to, any changes to the rules will have little time to "bed in" before the Festival, but when set against the potential of high-profile whip bans at the Festival, Bittar has decided that this is a risk worth taking.


Finally, Paul Bittar has come to our rescue! It's about time that amendments should be made. Like I have said before, the new rules weren't at all fair for jockeys. They're ridiculous and giving horseracing a bad image. Bittar is right by suggesting to change the rules before the Festival, but is it a case of too little too late?

My answer, no. Since the rules were changed in October, Bittar has reacted well to the situation. He's realised just how harsh these rules are and how they're producing an unhealthy view into the sport.

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8th Feb

NICHOLLS SAYS IT'S "EVEN-STEVENS" BETWEEN KAUTO STAR AND LONG RUN FOR GOLD CUP GLORY

" Even-stevens" is the phrase that easily sums up the thoughts of many punters towards this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup but it seems that Champion trainer Paul Nicholls thinks the same.

Nicholls believes the race will be too close to call when Kauto Star and Long Run battle against each other in the Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday March 16.

Twelve-year-old Kauto Star has been brought back to his highest form this season, which he proved in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day by beating Long Run.

Yet Nicholls has not underestimated the task that faces both horse and himself next month. He told the Racing UK podcast: "If Kauto was four years younger, then he would be favourite, but I suppose people think Long Run will be better suited to Cheltenham and he is the champion after all.

" Without a doubt, Kauto is better than last season, and it is difficult to know whether Long Run has improved since last year, so it should bring them closer together.

" Last year, he wasn't quite finishing, but if we can get him a bit fitter, he should finish better up the hill."

" He's cantered pretty much every day since the King George; we haven't been too hard on him but now's the time to up a gear."

So, is Nicholls really saying that it is "even-stevens" between Kauto Star and Long Run? Don't forget, Ruby Walsh said something similar at the King George VI and look what happened - he won by a clear mile!

I think that the yard play down Kauto's ability for the punters. Kauto Star is a superb horse and one that is still improving. So maybe, just maybe he could produce another spectacular performance and prove those against him wrong again.


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7th Feb

GRANDS CRUS TO COMPLETE FESTIVAL PREPARATIONS AT NEWBURY


GRANDS Crus may complete his preparations for the Cheltenham Festival in the Betfair Don't Settle For Less Novices' Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

The grey remains the favourite for the RSA Chase at the Festival next month while connections have not ruled out a possible Gold Cup victory.

David Pipe's horse has started his jumping career superbly and has completed a hat-trick with a fantastic performance at Kempton on Boxing Day 2011.

However, Paul Nicholls' entries may miss Saturday's three-mile race: Join Together and Silviniaco Conti were given the option to race.

Nicholls has said that he wouldn't want the horses to have a hard race against Grands Crus but he also has the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot as a back-up option.

Other horses in Saturday's race include Loose Performer, Mossley, Our Mick and Penny Max.

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23rd Jan

LONG RUN LOOKS CERTAIN FOR DENMAN CHASE

LONG RUN looks sure to race in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury as preparation for the Festival.

The six-year-old hopes to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second time in his career but he faces rival Kauto Star yet again.

Owner Robert Waley-Cohen has had the Denman Chase in mind since Paul Nicholls' Champion horse beat Long Run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

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19th Jan

PAUL BITTAR SAYS THAT WHIP PENALTIES MAY BE EASED

The BHA's new chief executive has announced that whip penalties could be relaxed.

Paul Bittar has claimed that the controversial penalty that jockeys receive as a result of breaking the new rules may be eased.

Bittar took up the post on Wednesday (January 18) but insisted that immediate changes were unlikely, yet he discussed how the new levels of punishment were inaccurate as they don't fit the crime.

Jockeys, trainers and even punters have reacted badly to the severe penalties that are given - the row started as a result of the 2011 Grand National where Jason Maguire was heavily criticised for excessive use of the whip on Ballabriggs.

The debate has recently been reignited as a result of Will Kennedy's suspension following his win in the Lanzarote Hurdle.

He received a seven-day ban and even had to forfeit his prize money.

During that weekend, over 100-day suspensions were handed out, resulting in negative reactions from the racing world.

Come on Paul, I know you can see the severity of the punishment. It's unfair on everyone: jockeys, trainers and owners. Listen to what the professionals want and change the rules to what they were previously. It needs to be done.


NEW WHIP RULES

Jockeys can use the whip seven times in Flat races and eight times in National Hunt

Jockeys exceeding the limit by one strike will be suspended

Exceeding the limit by more than one strike will mean the jockey forfeits a share of prize money

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18th Jan

COLOUR SQUADRON TO BE TAUGHT DIFFERENT TACTICS

COLOUR SQUADRON could have a set of different tactics thrown upon him by trainer Philip Hobbs after finishing runner-up in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.

Captain Conan beat the six-year-old by a short-head in the Grade One. It was Colour Squadron's fourth start of his career.

He looked set to finish the race in first place as he did well to make all the running, but he hung badly over the last two jumps which allowed the French import to beat him in the final 100 yards.

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17th Jan

ROBERT THORNTON RETURNS TO WORK

ROBERT THORNTON returned to work this morning but he still continues to recover from a broken arm following a fall at Hereford last month.

Trainer Alan King welcomed the much-loved stable jockey back to the yard, but even though Choc's return to competitive action remains some time away, King was delighted to have him back in the saddle.

King said: "Choc was in this morning riding work. He actually gave Grumeti a breeze and it's great to have him back in the yard,

" He seems to be coming on well. He doesn't go back and see the specialist until early February, but it's good to have him around the place again."

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16th Jan

SWINCOMBE FLAME SIZZLES IN THE LANZAROTE HURDLE BUT KENNEDY MUST FORFEIT PRIZE MONEY

SWINCOMBE FLAME managed to win by a nostril in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton yesterday.

Trainer Nick Williams and jockey Will Kennedy have now won the hurdle for the second time after Swincombe Flame beat Featherbed Lane by a final stride past the winning post.

The mare did well to battle amongst the army of rivals around her and when she crept into first position, the crowd roared with delight as she was the well-backed favourite at 9/2.

Featherbed Lane, however, powered past her over the final jump, but despite a bad jump from Swincombe Flame as well as a photo finish, Kennedy brought home a winner.

But Kennedy has now been told to forfeit his prize money which he won for winning the hurdle as he was penalised for excessive use of the whip.

He also faces a seven day ban as a result.

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15th Jan

LASHING OUT - MY OPINION ON RULES OF THE WHIP IN HORSE RACING

Since the rules of the use of the whip in horse racing changed last year, it seems that each ban gets more and more ridiculous.

Personally, I believe that the whip in the sport was already used responsibly and reasonably.

Jockeys are now faced with further restrictions as to how many times they can use the whip.

From October 10th 2011, the number of times a jockey’s whip changed to eight in National Hunt races and nearly halved to seven times in flat races.

A maximum of five hits can be exercised in the final furlong or from the last jump.

With recent bans including Lanzarote Hurdle winner, Will Kennedy and amateur riders including Robert Cooper, I believe the BHA should refer back to its previous rules on the whip as jockeys were doing just as well then.

How can you reduce the number of times you can hit the horse with the whip if it doesn't even hurt them in the first place?

Jockeys need to control the horses: they are large, heavy creatures who need to be given guidance in a race.

The whip is an essential element to why racing is such a greatly admired sport as around six million people attend just over 1,500 race meets in a year.

Will Kennedy said it right : "I'm not really one for hitting them but I missed the last and what do I tell the owners?

" I either hit her two more times and win by a nostril or I don't and I get beaten. Who can say I would have won without those two hits? It's disappointing."

He said: "You work your backside off and lose two-and-a-half grand. You sometimes wonder why you bother".

The BHA needs to reconsider the rules and I believe they should return to what they were previously.

Read my interview with Sussex trainer Diana Grissell on the use of the whip: http://everyoneisstarryeyed.blogspot.com/2011/11/whipping-up-debate-with-sussex-trainer.html

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11th Jan

DON'T PUSH IT RETIRED

DON'T PUSH IT has been retired after recent results have been disappointing for owner JP McManus and trainer Jonjo O'Neill.

Don't Push It, now a 12-year-old, gave A P McCoy his first victory in the Grand National in 2010.

The superb horse then finished in a respectful third last year behind Ballabriggs and was set to make another re-appearance in April.

However, as Don't Push It's recent work has been disappointing for McManus and O'Neill, connections have called a halt to his racing career.

The horse has proved that he is a champion in the racing world by making more than £750,000 in prize-money.

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6th Jan

CAN PROSPECT WELLS WIN SANDOWN'S TOLWORTH HURDLE?

ENTERING Prospect Wells in tomorrow's Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown was an 'afterthought', claimed Graham Wylie.

Paul Nicholls' superb Flat performer has made a brilliant debut to his hurdling career and he currently stands as a favourite for the 2Red Hurdle Novices' Hurdle.

The seven-year-old horse finished runner-up at Cheltenham, behind Steps To Freedom, before another win at Newbury.

His first race over hurdles saw him finish in first place at Chepstow.

Even though it was admitted that the gelding should have some time away from racing after his creditable fourth in The Ladbroke at Ascot, it has been decided the horse should run in tomorrow's race with Ruby Walsh on board

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5th Jan

HURRICANE FLY CREATES A BUZZ FOR MULLINS

HURRICANE FLY has proved that he is still a champion hurdler at Leopardstown today and has "absolutely delighted" Willie Mullins.

Mullins has announced that he is hopeful that Hurricane Fly will make the line-up for the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.

The Irish trainer decided not to run Hurricane Fly in the Istrabraq Festival Hurdle as he was not satisfied with the horse.

The champion hurdler was unbeaten last season and he is now 5-2 to keep hold of his Cheltenham status.

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5th Jan

HOBBS CONFIDENT HE CAN END 'PHANTOM' SEASON WITH COLOUR SQUADRON

PHILIP Hobbs hasn't had the best season compared to other trainers: Paul Nicholls' season has been superb thanks to champion chasers Kauto Star and Big Bucks; Nicky Henderson's Long Run has placed him firmly back in the spotlight; and Alan King aims to win with Medermit.

Yet Hobbs believes that Colour Squadron is an ideal horse to win Sandown's Tolworth Hurdle.

The six-year-old is Hobbs promising hurdler, and the trainer is confident that he can make up for his 'phantom' season by winning the Grade One Hurdle on Saturday.

The horse has only had three starts, but can Hobbs prove that his gelding is showing the benefit of having been in full training for a whole season without actually racing?

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5th Jan

MEDERMIT TO RACE BEFORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

MEDERMIT is to race in the Betfair Ascot Chase in February before heading to the Cheltenham Festival.

Alan King's grey horse is to return on February 18 as The Ryanair Chase in March is his new target.

He was runner-up in his previous race, The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup, at the Prestbury Park track in December, finishing behind Quantitativeasing

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4th Jan

LONG RUN TO RACE WITHOUT EAR-PLUGS IN CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

LONG RUN is to run without ear-plugs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup against champion chaser Kauto Star.

Nicky Henderson has announced that the defending Gold Cup champion needs to have one or two changes in the hope of beating rival Kauto Star in the 2012 Festival.

As Henderson's preparations for the race may have over-relaxed Long Run, removing the ear-plugs will settle him down.

Henderson has also confirmed that Long Run might race in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury next month as a prep-run before Cheltenham.

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29th Dec

SPARKY MAY RETIRED

KIERAN BURKE has announced that Sparky May has been retired as a result of a leg injury.

The horse was winner a Grade Two at Ascot and won four consecutive hurdles last season. She finished as runner-up in the David Nicholson at Cheltenham as well as third in a Grade One at Aintree.

Trainer Kieran Burke said: It's a big blow, a massive blow for the yard,"

" Nothing showed up after her last run at Ascot but we thought something might be bothering her.

" She did her first bit of work but we had a scan done on her yesterday and we have decided she will have to be retired."

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27th Dec

KAUTO STAR WINS THE KING GEORGE VI CHASE FOR THE FIFTH TIME

KAUTO STAR made history in the racing world by winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton for the fifth time today.

Paul Nicholls' Champion Chaser ran a superb race by beating the Nicky Henderson's Long Run.

Kauto Star had equalled Desert Orchid's record with four wins in the Chase at Kempton, but his latest triumph in his career has now seen him crowned the 'King of Kings'.

Ruby Walsh, who rode Kauto Star to victory, said that the horse is "amazing" and he's just like a "fairytale".

The 11 year-old put his rivals to shame as he put on a fantastic jumping performance and once he hit the home straight, not even Long Run could catch him.

Even though Kauto Star is to turn 12 next week, trainer Paul Nicholls said that "he is the best".

" If he gets to Cheltenham in that form he will be the one to beat," he added.

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23rd Dec

KAUTO STAR LOOKS READY TO MAKE HISTORY AT KEMPTON

ODDS are heating up in The King George VI Chase as Kauto Star has been cut to 3-1 after it has been announced that he will face just seven other horses.

Paul Nicholls' 11-year-old is bidding to become the first horse in history to win the Chase at Kempton for the fifth time.

Kauto Star previously battled against Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month, and his win then proves to punters that the horse had returned to his former glory.

Nicholls has created a double attack on rivals in the race as stablemate Master Minded will also run in the 3m Chase.

Kauto Star was previously going to face eight other horses, but Philip Hobbs decided to take Hennessy runner-up, Planet of Sound out of the race.

Nicholls, Clive Smith and Nicky Henderson are getting their claws out this Boxing Day, as the King George 2011 looks set to create a fantastic atmosphere at Kempton.

If Kauto Star wins this race for the fifth time, history will be made. But, who are you backing?

Runners in the King George VI Chase:

Kauto Star, Long Run, Golan Way, Master Minded, Captain Chris, Somersby, Diamond Harry, Nacarat

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20th Dec 2011

RACING REACHES INTO WAYNE'S WORLD

FOOTBALL has reached into the world of horse racing after news that Manchester United player, Wayne Rooney, will take ownership of a yearling in 2012.

In partnership with his wife, Coleen, the England striker will have a two-year old yearling in training with Tom Dascombe next year.

Rooney has always enjoyed an occasional day out at Chester races but he showed a greater interest in the sport after Michael Owen invited him to Manor House Stables.

Owen owns the yard in partnership with Betfair co-founder Andrew Black, and this is where Rooney's yearling will be trained.

Let's see if this high-profile football player can have as much success on the track as he does on the pitch.

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19th Dec 2011

BIG BUCKS EN ROUTE TO BECOMING A LEGEND AFTER 14TH CONSECUTIVE WIN

BIG BUCKS is now on the road to being a legendary horse in the racing world after winning his 14th successive victory on Saturday (17th).

The horse, trained by Paul Nicholls, has a special talent that was easily visible in the Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, and it is fair to say that he is now en route to becoming one of the greatest horses in the sport.

If Nicholls had not steered the horse back to hurdles, Big Bucks' story would have been very different.

Stablemates Kauto Star and Denman add to Nicholls' success as both horses are also champions within the sport. Even though Denman retired earlier this month due to injury, 'The Tank' is remains high up with the greatest.

The reappearance of Big Buck's in the public eye will increase his interest in the Festival early next year, where he will try and make a 15th consecutive win.

Ruby Walsh summed up Big Bucks' potential by claiming the horse could win an Ascot Gold Cup.

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16th Dec 2011

TOP FEMALE JOCKEY FOUND GUILTY OF CORRUPTION SCANDAL

Female jockey Kirsty Milczarek has been banned from racing after being found guilty in a corruption scandal involving four other people.

The 26-year old was found guilty of committing 'corrupt or fraudulent' practices by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Milczarek, who is currently dating jockey Kieren Fallon, may also face a 25-year ban in the sport for the betting scam.

Milczarek and the other jockeys were accused of trying to lose 10 races in online gambling coups and scheming with two owners (named as Maurice Sines and James Crickmore) and six punters.

The other jockeys were identified as Greg Fairley, Paul Doe, Paul Fitzsimons and Jimmy Quinn.

Milczarek is one of Britain's best female jockeys and she started dating Fallon, 46, shortly after he had been banned from the sport for failing a drug test for the second time in his career.

This is the biggest corruption inquiry that horse racing has ever seen.

The investigation came as a result of suspicious activities on betting exchanges where money was gambled on horses winning or losing races.

The inquiry was centred on horses being backed to lose races between January 17 and August 15 in 2009

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10th Dec 2011

HENDERSON AND GERAGHTY WIN TREBLE AT CHELTENHAM

JOCKEY Barry Geraghty had a fantastic meeting at Cheltenham today by winning three big races for trainer Nicky Henderson.


Henderson, who celebrated his birthday today, created the final leg of the treble when Geraghty finished firmly in first with Oscar Whisky.


Oscar Whisky powered round the circuit as he took the race in his merciful stride, making Henderson drunk with excitement.


Quantitativeeasing was given a masterful ride by Geraghty in the Gold Cup Handicap Chase but was overlooked by many in favour for Sunnyhillboy.


Great Endeavour, ridden by Timmy Murphy, was also heavily backed, as the horse ran a sublime race at Cheltenham last month.

Pipe's horses, Great Endeavour and Salut Flo, ran and jumped fluently throughout the race until Murphy crashed out on a fence.

Quantitativeeasing rhythmically took the lead alongside Medermit (Robert Thornton) and Calgary Bay.


The three horses were neck-to-neck on the final furlong, put Geraghty powered past the post in prime position.

Medermit was eating at Quantitativeeasing's heels which created a thrilling race for the punters, yet Thornton was not able to overcome the horse's stride.


The next race, The International, started off with Overturn as favourite yet Grandouet placed himself firmly in the frame.

Overturn led the pack at the beginning with Grandouet racing strongly behind.

With the final two hurdles to go, Geraghty made his move and leapt ahead of Brampour and Overturn.


The final three plucked ahead of the others and Grandouet was able to pull through and win the race for 61-year-old Henderson.

Even with Gergahty bringing home two major Chase titles for his stable, Henderson was over-the-moon.


With Oscar Whisky, the shortest priced out of all three winners, finishing the Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle in first position, Henderson celebrated his birthday in style.


It seems that both trainer and jockey will celebrate with a glass of whisky tonight

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10th Dec 2011

NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER


BABY Mix made a superb British debut today in the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial Juvenile Hurdle as he beat favourite Hinterland.

Ruby Walsh put Hinterland in an early lead in the first race at Cheltenham, but Baby Mix stormed ahead along the final furlong, beating Walsh and five other rivals.

Paddy Brennan jumped the last hurdle fluently, leaving the 2-7 favourite firmly behind as he charged ahead by seven lengths.
Baby Mix won at 14/1.

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6th Dec 2011

LOUGH DERG RETIRES FROM RACING

POPULAR hurdler Lough Derg ran his last race on Saturday (Dec 3rd) at Ascot.

Trainer David Pipe retired the 11-year-old following an encouraging comeback race at Exeter but his outing at Ascot told punters that it was time to leave the racing world behind.

Lough Derg's career has spanned eight years, 61 races and 12 victories.

It has now been revealed that the Grade One staying hurdle at Ascot a week Saturday will be known as the 'Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle'.

Pipe writes on his website: "The tough as teak eleven year old, drew the admiration of countless National Hunt racing fans with his heart on his sleeve, never say die style of front running which yielded him success at Grade One level and earned connections almost £375,000 in prize money."

" There are too many highlights from his distinguished career to elaborate on here, however he would go on to finish runner-up in the 2006 Grade One Long Walk hurdle at his beloved Ascot before going one place better the following year with a typically gallant front-running performance to defeat dual Champion Hurdler Hardy Eustace."

" It is perhaps his association with jockey Tom Scudamore for which he is best known, his performance prompting his partner to burst into tears after winning the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell for a second successive year in 2009. It is this kind of emotion that has endeared Lough Derg to the public and I am sure that his legion of followers will be thrilled to hear that he ends his career sound, happy and in rude health, bucking and squealing."

Lough Derg Stats: 8 jockeys, 12 wins, 18 places, 61 races, 169 miles raced, £374, 512 prize money

A link to David Pipe's website

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5th Dec 2011

Latest Odds for Queen Mother Champion Chase 2012

Sizing Europe and Big Zeb lead the way for this Chase for the Cheltenham Festival.

Colm Murphy's horse is currently at 5/1 and Henry de Bromhead's Tingle Creek champion leads at 5/2.

Kauto Stone (12/1) and Master Minded (16/1) follow close behind - it will be interesting to see where all these big names end up in the race.

Wishfull Thinking also spices up the mix at 33/1. Definitely an each-way bet.

Following the Tingle Creek chase at Sandown on Saturday, Sizing Europe and Kauto Stone look set to battle it out again for the punters.

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3rd Dec 2011

SIZING EUROPE SEIZES VICTORY IN THE TINGLE CREEK AT SANDOWN

Sizing Europe has seized another victory today by winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown.

The 11/8F battled against Nicholls' Kauto Stone, half-brother to Champion horse Kauto Star.

Wishfull Thinking, ridden by Richard Johnson, started ahead of Sizing Europe, leading by 15 lengths at the seventh fence.

Sizing Europe and Kauto Stone galloped behind, both jumping fluently over the fences.

As the second half of the Chase came into action, Sizing Europe and Kauto Stone closed the gap with Wishfull Thinking.

Johnson may have raced ahead too quickly, leaving Wishfull Thinking less time to recover against the two horses battling against him.

The crowd roared as riders Andrew Lynch and Ruby Walsh reached the final furlong, yet by the last jump Sizing Europe was easily the best horse on form, leading by 5-6 lengths ahead of Kauto Stone.

Sizing Europe may have been a little slow on the fences on the back straight, but Andrew Lynch proved to the punters exactly why the horse is a champion chaser.

Full result:

1st - Sizing Europe, 11/8F

2nd - Kauto Stone, 7/2

3rd - Cornas, 16/1

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3rd Dec 2011

WEST END ROCKER ROCKS AINTREE

WEST End Rocker ran a fantastic race at Aintree today by winning the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase.

Alan King's horse beat Niche Market (9/1) who was the main threat in the Chase, but King's nine-year-old won 22 lengths ahead of his rival.
Ridden by Wayne Hutchinson, West End Rocker won at 10/1.

After an unlucky ride in Grand National this year, the horse now has the 2012 Grand National firmly in sight.

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1st Dec 2011

KAUTO STAR AND LONG RUN TO BATTLE IT OUT IN KING GEORGE VI CHASE 2011


Kauto Star and Long Run are to come head-to-head once again in the King George this Boxing Day.

The two horses last battled against each other in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.


Long Run was the favourite to win, but Paul Nicholls' 6-1 11-year old silenced critics by winning the Chase for the fourth time.


Nicky Henderson has announced that he expects Kauto Star to be the main threat as he attempts to win the King George VI Chase for the second time.


He claims that six-year old Long Run should race at his best at Kempton.

Stablemate Master Minded seems to be a key player in the mix and he adds to the competitive nature between Henderson and Nicholls.


Boxing day is going to be a great day for all horse racing fans. It is an important day for Henderson as he needs to maintain a challenge to Paul Nicholls.


My forecast:

Kauto Star does look promising and seems to be an ideal contender.

However, Long Run proved himself worthy at Haydock last month as he jumped fluently, but if he hadn't faulted mid-way, I believe he would have won.


Master Minded is a horse that I have always watched with interest - he has my backing for the King George.


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