It was a pity we couldn’t follow up an excellent weekend a fortnight ago, all three home selections last week ending in draws. As you will know, I do not search around for things on international weekends and, generally speaking, … Read More »

Things did not work out for me at Longchamp (except for Christophe Soumillon winning the closing handicap, of all things, on the German raider) but the ground was always going to be a key factor and the nap, Mecca’s Angel, … Read More »

There has been a lot of comment and reflection on Sunday’s Arc in the last few days, especially in relation to Treve and the reasons for her defeat. Much of the criticism has been aimed at her rider Thierry Jarnet, … Read More »

Looking back briefly to yesterday’s Arc the race was all about two things – the quick ground and the extraordinary self-belief of Frankie Dettori. Both Golden Horn and Flintshire were proven at a high level on fast ground, and it … Read More »

I mentioned the need for a clean sweep last week and we very nearly achieved one, with Southampton, Sheffield United and goals in the Ipswich v Bristol City game ensuring a handsome profit. It was just a pity Walsall could … Read More »

It was another good day for the column last week with Man Of Harlech taking fourth in the Cambridgeshire at 20/1 and Maljaa winning another Haydock sprint handicap. He is a bonny sprinter but they were right on his heels … Read More »

I have always loved Arc weekend. I don’t get to Longchamp much these days, but I have been very lucky in the big race itself, going back to 1981 when I tipped 50/1 winner Gold River in my Warm Up … Read More »

I have not yet found any rhythm on the football but it will come. We had a few clean sweeps last season and it’s just a question of being patient. Bristol City are worrying their supporters with a poor start … Read More »

I was quite pleased with the way things worked out last week, although it was a pity George Bowen could not quite get past stable-companion Tatlisu in the Ayr Silver Cup. We have made the point several times that it’s … Read More »

I thought Novak Djokovic held a strong favourite’s chance against Roger Federer in the US Open Final and I hope you made it pay. Federer was in good form and the crowd was right behind him but the Serb is … Read More »

It has been another difficult week, though bets have been kept to a minimum. I came closer to catching another of Richard Fahey’s on the line when El Viento finished second at 10/1 at Ayr on Friday and the trainer … Read More »

There are a few days in the autumn racing programme which are essential viewing, and St Leger and Arc trials weekend must rank top of the list. Apart from the final Classic of the season there is also an informative … Read More »