The result of the Sussex Stakes, won by 150/1 chance Qirat, encapsulated the season so far. I have often talked and written about the ‘rhythm’ of a season, with a top horse or yard heading the field, but it would … Read More »

I tip Jimmy Deans a filly I like at Deauville, knowing full well that an appreciation of Un Homme et une Femme will follow; let’s just say he knows his films and leave it at that. It’s good to see … Read More »

One of the most profitable sources of winners is to identify what I call a ‘golden thread’ of form before it becomes generally recognised. Going back many years, I remember Green Desert being beaten by Sure Blade on his debut … Read More »

I was saddened to read that Alan Bailey died last week at the age of 86. Although I hadn’t seen Alan for a few years, we became friends when he trained a filly for our racing club named Timelee. She … Read More »

I tend not to speak to trainers these days unless I happen to see them at the races. I occasionally email them but I fundamentally believe it is not my business to ask them about their horses. That was certainly … Read More »

A recent race at Newmarket was sponsored by the brewers Adnams, the full title being Adnams Pink Gin Gallop Handicap. I’ve kept up with the wine and spirits trade after spending several years in the industry but I hadn’t noticed … Read More »

Ian Carnaby

I have just had a friend over from the States who has followed racing in the UK closely for over 60 years and it’s always interesting to hear what he has to say, given his distant perspective. The first thing … Read More »

David Brailsford was renowned for his use of the marginal gains theory in cycling, which is based on the premise that if you break down everything that goes into riding a bicycle and then improve it by 1% when you … Read More »

I think it’s fair to say that the Irish Derby on Sunday confirmed the earlier impression that we are not dealing with a vintage crop of middle-distance three-year-olds this season. Lambourn was all out to beat stable-companion Serious Contender, who … Read More »

A lot is made of which horses can act on the ground when conditions are testing but rather less is said when the ground is riding fast. Members of the TV teams working at Royal Ascot last week noted the … Read More »

At Sandown the other day the television presenter, handing over to the commentator for the final race, mentioned that ‘Ginger Baker’ would be performing afterwards. ‘No, me neither,’ came the response. I have no problem with that. If ‘Ginger Baker’ … Read More »

Although there is no disputing the quality of racing at Royal Ascot this week, there has not been anything like the build-up in the media that you have in the jumps season for Cheltenham. There is no weekly ‘Road to … Read More »