I was not all together surprised to learn on Sunday that Coneygree will now miss the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. I sensed all might not have been well. Sara Bradstock, who rides him in all … Read More »

Colin Tizzard, Coneygree, Josses Hill, Jumps 2016/17, Marten Julian

Willie Mullins may not always be the toast of ante-post players with his late decisions on running plans and last-minute switches, but nobody knows his horses better and he usually gets it right. That looked the case today, when Douvan … Read More »

Djakadam, Douvan, Jumps 2016/17, Marten Julian, Willie Mullins, Winter Guide

I have been busily employed today writing my feature on the King George VI Chase for the Winter Guide, which will be out the week before Christmas. It has proved a fairly challenging assignment, if only because running plans for … Read More »

I was at Carlisle races on Monday for what looked a fairly humbrum day’s action. The lack of rain has caused havoc with the field sizes, both up here in the north and the south, but rain is forecast today … Read More »

There was a good card of jump racing at Carlisle on Sunday, where the highlight was the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase. The race had promised an intriguing three-way clash between More Of That, Bristol de Mai and Seeyouatmidnight but … Read More »

Champions’ Day at Ascot yesterday lived up to its name, with a host of Group 1 and Classic winners clashing. I had a feeling beforehand that things would not all go Aidan O’Brien’s way and the defeat of Order Of … Read More »

Promising prospects for next year abound at the moment and we may have seen a useful sort winning the 7f fillies’ maiden at Salisbury this afternoon. John Gosden holds a strong hand with his youngsters but it would not surprise … Read More »

Marten writes: ‘The Weekend Card has made a good start, with some memorable weekends. In Issue 2 all three of my selections won (9/2, 3/1 and 5/2) with three winners from four selections from the Postscript Update and Accidental Agent … Read More »

Accidental Agent, Jumps 2016/17, Marten Julian, Weekend Card

I was not as surprised as some may have been by the outcome of yesterday’s Middle Park and Cheveley Park Stakes. It was likely beforehand, and evident after a furlong, that Lady Aurelia could set the race up for a … Read More »

I was really delighted to see my selection Harbour Law win the St Leger on Saturday for Laura and Ian Mongan. I have been aware of the son of Lawman since the spring when Tony Clark, who I have known … Read More »

I was pleased to see Opal Tiara win the Group 3 Supreme Stakes at Goodwood this afternoon. I have always had a fondness for this filly, who has run some very gutsy races in her time despite occasionally being raced … Read More »

Great Success for the Weekend Card The Weekend Card has made a terrific start following its return, with three out of three (9/2, 3/1 and 5/2) from Marten’s Weekend Action feature in Issue 2 and an inspired 10/1 winner from … Read More »