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We are fortunate enough to have been given permission by 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 - Starry-eyed
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.
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
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.
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."
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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
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.
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."
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
