By chance last night I was reading an old review written by the late Clive James about a biography of the poet WH Auden, in which he refers to what he calls the ‘clarity of detachment.’ I was thinking this … Read More »

Last week’s events at Cheltenham perfectly illustrated the unpredictable nature of this fascinating game. Nobody could have foreseen the sequence of incidents that unfolded in the Champion Hurdle, while the defeat of five odds-on favourites ensured that the layers finished … Read More »

They seem to race a lot at Doncaster. It’s not just my imagination. Summer and winter, afternoons and evenings, fixtures on Derby day and fixtures during Cheltenham; Jonjo O’Neill was recently anticipating a routine task on Town Moor until Willie … Read More »

Well it’s almost upon us … the highlight of the season. By the end of this week we’ll know which of the good things got beat and whether Constitution Hill and Galopin Des Champs belong in the stellar galaxy of … Read More »

It was only on Saturday that I was telling someone that we were approaching a time of the season when it was important to keep your eyes on the cards away from the main action, while most people are focused … Read More »

Nick Luck is in a class of his own as a presenter but his interview with Nico de Boinville in his Sunday morning programme made for uncomfortable viewing. Nick skilfully steered the conversation to calmer waters by asking his guest … Read More »