I made no secret that I did not hold a strong view on the Derby and readily concede that this time a week ago the winner was not on my mind. Having said that, had I followed up the train … Read More »

Now that there are regularly six meetings a day in Britain and Ireland it is even more important for serious backers to be selective and not allow themselves to become distracted. There is plenty of low-grade racing around at this … Read More »

Last Sunday at the Curragh could prove to have been one of the most pivotal days in Aidan O’Brien’s season. Of course, a weekend seldom passes in Ireland without a representative from Ballydoyle making an impression, but the reason why … Read More »

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 »

I was probably not alone in looking back at the form of 200/1 winner Heavenly Heather after she had won the Class 2 Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships Handicap at Newcastle last Friday. I hold firm in my belief that the … Read More »

I have to start with a word of praise for the ride Harry Cobden gave Captain Cody to win the Scottish Grand National on Saturday. This could all have gone horribly wrong for him. Riding the horse for the first … Read More »