I endured a long delay on the rattler on Thursday. Someone had cut through an overhead cable in the Ealing area, so the train manager, the chap we used to call a guard, told us. As I was only going … Read More »

Whilst I do not have major bets over jumps – nor anywhere else compared with a former life – Pink Gin was the start of a good mini-run, backed up by Keeper Hill and, although the price was short, Elusive … Read More »

I have experienced a few days which can only be described as ‘mixed’.  By and large, Christmas went well and it was good to see the Canadian branch of the family  –  my daughter Catherine, her husband and the four … Read More »

I trust you had a good Christmas and I wish you all the best in 2019. From a personal point of view I’d like to cut down on hospital visits if possible; a new hip and a pacemaker will do … Read More »

Well, whatever else happens this Christmas, Southampton’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal will live long in the memory. It was quite something, seeing my nine-year-old granddaughter standing up and waving cheerio to the visiting fans and I shall miss her if, … Read More »

I was pleased when Ramses de Theillee won at Chepstow because it made for a profitable weekend, though I thought the 2/1 starting price very skinny. The veteran Alfie Spinner’s poor run as a saver recommendation dented the pick-up slightly but … Read More »

This has been a week of identifying short-priced favourites which still represented value if we acted soon enough. On Monday, the day of the Horserace Writers’ Lunch, Royal Claret had a clear chance in the mares’ three-mile handicap hurdle at … Read More »

Thank you to everyone for the good wishes during my stay in hospital. I now have a pacemaker, though the decision to go ahead was in the balance. Everything had improved during my time there, including the heart rate, though … Read More »

This will be a shorter message than most because I’m writing it in the Bristol Royal Infirmary as I await a pacemaker. I’d been staying on at one pace for some time, quite unable to pick up the leaders  –  … Read More »

A hugely successful Friday at Cheltenham saw a record crowd of over 22,000 in attendance. NH racing has never known times like these and Cheltenham is at the forefront of its impressive growth. Sponsors are queueing up to be involved … Read More »

It’s been a quiet week on the punting and other fronts but this Saturday will be busier, with some good racing followed by the annual school reunion/Remembrance dinner in Southampton. I act as MC on these occasions and you will … Read More »

Many years ago – more than half a century anyway – I was a regular at Portsmouth greyhounds. Target Road, Tipner every Friday night and when my friends, one of whom had a car, tired of it I used to … Read More »