Last week at Goodwood there was the customary crop of eyecatchers, although not as many as we had before the false rail and cutaway was introduced two furlongs from home in 2022. I’m not sure how punters fared over the … Read More »

I never had much of a feel for Saturday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes but, even so, it was negligent of me not to make any mention of the winner Goliath. One of my cardinal rules from … Read More »

The early indications are that there are some pretty smart two-year-old fillies in Ireland at this stage of the season. Fairy Godmother came from what looked an impossible position to win the Albany Stakes while the following day Bedtime Story … Read More »

The overriding emotion that emanated from those close to City Of Troy following his hard fought success in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes on Saturday was more one of relief than elation, with Ryan Moore telling Nick Luck in a post-race interview … Read More »

This may be premature, but I suspect this year’s Classic crop of three-year-olds may end up proving a fairly ordinary bunch. Less than a couple of lengths covered the first four home in the Irish Derby and although the result … Read More »

Having lived in Ascot for many years I can fully appreciate the quandary clerk of the course Chris Stickles faces over watering. The area is prone to very localised thunderstorms and flash floods, with torrential rain capable of changing the … Read More »

It came as no surprise to learn over the weekend that City Of Troy will be aimed at the Coral-Eclipse rather than the Irish Derby. Group 1 form over ten furlongs is always favoured over mile and a half form … Read More »

Hi there I sensed a collective sigh of relief from the majority of pundits following the success of City Of Troy in the Derby last weekend. In the old days I would have said this was due to the landing … Read More »

Hi there Last Friday was one of the most absorbing days of racing that I have seen in a long time. Quite why we had an afternoon clash of meetings at three top-tier tracks – Newbury, Newmarket and York – … Read More »

Written on Monday 13th May 2024 Hi there I’m not sure that the Derby picture is any clearer now, following the weekend trials at Lingfield and Leopardstown, than it was a week ago. Those of us of a certain age … Read More »

Hi there! I am incredibly excited about the enhancements we are introducing to The Weekend Card, starting this week with the publication of my Premier List and Sleeper qualifiers, the latter incorporating a few handicap projects and unraced horses. As … Read More »

Life is a struggle. In the context of world events it can, for many, be all too much. So I don’t want anyone reading this to think I am unaware of the misfortunes of others. There is always someone worse … Read More »