Hi there, I read today that Free Wind, on whom Kieren Shoemark received criticism in certain quarters for his ride in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood, has been retired having injured herself as the stalls open. Then on Sunday … Read More »

Hi there, 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 … Read More »

Hi there! 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 … Read More »

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 like to try to find a … Read More »

Hi there! I’m pretty sure that the powers that be will have breathed a collective sigh of relief when 21 of the 32 starters in the Grand National came home, with no fallers and just two horses – Mac Tottie … Read More »

Hi there! The Irish domination of our showpiece meeting at Cheltenham is likely to become one of the main topics of conversation again as we approach the Grand National a fortnight on Saturday, with just five of the 34 sure … Read More »

Hi there, I have to start this piece on a sad note. As some of you may be aware, I was blessed to count Steve Harley as a friend for over forty years, so news of his illness and then … Read More »

Hi there, This week, away from the political scene, the weights for the nine handicaps at Cheltenham are published. As you may know I always like to dig out the plots for these races … Sire Du Berlais was a … Read More »

Hi there! I was going to start this piece with an expression of my disappointment in the aftermath of the weekend’s action at Leopardstown but the news of the tragic death of 25-year-old Keagan Kirkby, who has been part of … Read More »

Hi there! May I start by wishing you all a very healthy and successful 2024. Many people around the world will be keen to see the back of 2023, especially from a political and ecological perspective, but racing – famously … Read More »