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 »

I am writing this on the weekend that I am usually at Newmarket for the Guineas meeting. The day when it was conceivable that three unbeaten colts – Pinatubo, Earthlight and Siskin, winners of 14 races between them, six at … Read More »

Hi there! I have said before that to succeed at racing, be it as a trainer, jockey or punter, you need to be focused to an almost obsessional degree. To use contemporary jargon there has to be almost an OCD … Read More »

There have been many special moments in my life. I have been very lucky, first to have been part of them and second, perhaps more importantly, to have been receptive to them. I am sure there have been people around … Read More »