I could probably have chosen a quieter weekend to spend a few days away, but I have a long-standing engagement in Verona on Saturday evening to celebrate Alex and my Ruby Wedding anniversary. I have, at last, come to a … Read More »

If someone had told me that defending champion Marin Cilic would take only three games against Novak Djokovic in their US Open semi-final, I’d have advised him to take more water with it. However, the Serb was in magnificent form … Read More »

The only high spot this week was Heartsong winning again at Brighton. She has been a good source of profit on the line, though the 6/4 after her 10/1 success at Chepstow was rather disappointing. The handicapper will make things … Read More »

Anyone who doubts the wondrous way nature works should sit back and ponder the seasons. Not just their variety and changeability, but their timing. For example I now find myself ready for autumn, just as in a couple of months … Read More »

I was quite pleased with the main selection last week, Shared Equity running well all the way to finish a good third in a very intricate Goodwood handicap. True, the handicapper knows all about him but I feel sure Jedd … Read More »

Walsall could hardly have made a better start in League One and, with Sheffield United taking the day off, the Saddlers could go clear at the top by beating Bury. There is invariably a banana skin, of course, and they … Read More »

This is my favourite time of year, with the better quality late-developing two-year-olds starting to appear. I am not sure that Worlds His Oyster falls quite into that category, but he looked very useful when showing a sharp turn of … Read More »

The final tennis major starts today at the Billie Jean King Tennis Centre in Flushing, New York. The Centre contains the largest tennis stadium in the world, a 22,500 seater venue named after the inspirational black American Arthur Ashe. The … Read More »

There have been persistent rumours in the last fortnight that Aidan O’Brien may be ready to move along and make way for someone else to take over at Ballydoyle. Apparently he was upset that his son Joseph was replaced by … Read More »

I am still away on holiday in Canada and, although it has been possible to keep a weather eye on the racing, I shall wait until we return next Friday before making any firm football selections. All I would say … Read More »

We are enjoying an extended family holiday in Canada but I’ve been trying to keep an up-to-date service running on all Marten Julian fronts. I was very happy with Desert Law on the telephone line the other evening but, from … Read More »

One of the most frustrating things for a serious backer, especially one who is looking more towards the long term, is a sudden or unexpected change in the ground. We have had plenty of occasions in recent years when that … Read More »