Hi there! I’m pretty sure that the powers that be will have breathed a collective sigh of relief when 21 of the 32 starters in the Grand National came home, with no fallers and just two horses – Mac Tottie … Read More »

Hi there! The Irish domination of our showpiece meeting at Cheltenham is likely to become one of the main topics of conversation again as we approach the Grand National a fortnight on Saturday, with just five of the 34 sure … Read More »

Hi there, I have to start this piece on a sad note. As some of you may be aware, I was blessed to count Steve Harley as a friend for over forty years, so news of his illness and then … Read More »

Hi there, This week, away from the political scene, the weights for the nine handicaps at Cheltenham are published. As you may know I always like to dig out the plots for these races … Sire Du Berlais was a … Read More »

Hi there! I was going to start this piece with an expression of my disappointment in the aftermath of the weekend’s action at Leopardstown but the news of the tragic death of 25-year-old Keagan Kirkby, who has been part of … Read More »

Hi there! May I start by wishing you all a very healthy and successful 2024. Many people around the world will be keen to see the back of 2023, especially from a political and ecological perspective, but racing – famously … Read More »

Hi there! If ever I were asked to nominate just one golden rule for betting, and believe me I have dwelt on this long into the wee small hours, then it would be to follow a yard in form and, … Read More »

Hi there, Well you don’t need me to tell you that the big talking point over the weekend was the performance of City Of Troy in the Dewhurst Stakes, with plenty of discussion afterwards about the relative merits of the … Read More »

Hi there! With Arc trials at Longchamp on Sunday and Group 1 action in Ireland you could be forgiven for overlooking the victory of Bay Bridge in the September Stakes at Kempton on Saturday. With a BHA rating of 121 … Read More »

Hi there, Before I pass on my thoughts about the Irish Derby I want to bring to your notice the victory of Manxman in the opening extended 1m 3f 0-55 apprentice handicap at Windsor on Saturday. I would not blame … Read More »