I wanted the Southampton v Arsenal game to mean more to me but couldn’t quite make it happen. We get older and think about the time left. It was a good atmosphere the other day, even though neither side had … Read More »

One of the personal benefits of writing the Dark Horses Annual is that I used to view most of the maiden and novice races that took place in the autumn. I still managed to see many of them, but one … Read More »

Following a relatively slow start to the campaign, probably by design, Aidan O’Brien now has a firm grip on the middle-distance Classic picture having won most of the recognised trials. Taking a look at the Derby betting, and this is … Read More »

There have been plenty of highlights over the last few days at Punchestown, Newmarket and in America, but I would like to focus here on one outcome that did not go according to plan. That is the performance of Constitution … Read More »

There seems to be an understanding in Ireland that young inexperienced jumping stock needs to be brought along steadily. Invariably in large fields of novice hurdlers the market leaders set off together in the front while the others trail behind, … Read More »

MIND THE GAP! A LATE MESSAGE I don’t like gaps. I like complete sets. Therefore a piece missing from a jigsaw puzzle, especially if it happens to be a city centre somewhere, irritates me more than in bothers other people. … Read More »

I don’t like gaps. I like complete sets. Therefore a piece missing from a jigsaw puzzle, especially if it happens to be a city centre somewhere, irritates me more than in bothers other people. In the dying days of steam … Read More »