George IV paid his last visit to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton in 1827. He loved the town and he loved his Oriental pleasure palace even more. His successor William IV was also very fond of Brighthelmstone, as it was … Read More »

Hi there, I read today that Free Wind, on whom Kieren Shoemark received criticism in certain quarters for his ride in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood, has been retired having injured herself as the stalls open. Then on Sunday … Read More »

I read today that Free Wind, on whom Kieren Shoemark received criticism in certain quarters for his ride in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood, has been retired having injured herself as the stalls open. Then on Sunday in the … Read More »

Last week at Goodwood there was the customary crop of eyecatchers, although not as many as we had before the false rail and cutaway was introduced two furlongs from home in 2022. I’m not sure how punters fared over the … Read More »

I never had much of a feel for Saturday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes but, even so, it was negligent of me not to make any mention of the winner Goliath. One of my cardinal rules from … Read More »

The early indications are that there are some pretty smart two-year-old fillies in Ireland at this stage of the season. Fairy Godmother came from what looked an impossible position to win the Albany Stakes while the following day Bedtime Story … Read More »

I always thought there had to be another Bellamy’s and, of course, there is. It’s on Bruton Street, W1 and looks a rather expensive restaurant. Anywhere with a separate oyster bar will need careful consideration, yes? Bellamy’s takes its name … Read More »

The overriding emotion that emanated from those close to City Of Troy following his hard fought success in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes on Saturday was more one of relief than elation, with Ryan Moore telling Nick Luck in a post-race interview … Read More »

Hi there, The overriding emotion that emanated from those close to City Of Troy following his hard fought success in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes on Saturday was more one of relief than elation, with Ryan Moore telling Nick Luck in a … Read More »

This may be premature, but I suspect this year’s Classic crop of three-year-olds may end up proving a fairly ordinary bunch. Less than a couple of lengths covered the first four home in the Irish Derby and although the result … Read More »

Having lived in Ascot for many years I can fully appreciate the quandary clerk of the course Chris Stickles faces over watering. The area is prone to very localised thunderstorms and flash floods, with torrential rain capable of changing the … Read More »

You make it to 75 and you assume that, by and large, there are very few surprises left. I’m happy to go along with this, the occasional 125/1 winner notwithstanding, but on Radio 3 the other morning I heard something … Read More »