Hi there! The first thing to say is that I expect Cheltenham’s clerk of the course Simon Claisse is sleeping more easily after what must have been a very stressful few weeks leading up to the Festival. There is obviously … Read More »

Hi there! Nicky Henderson reported that he was ‘very pleasantly surprised’ with the condition of the track when he took his traditional tour of the course this morning. Although the ground is officially described as soft, with heavy patches, Henderson … Read More »

Hi there! The big news broke this evening that Sizing John would not be able to defend his crown in next week’s Gold Cup. After Robbie Power rode the horse in exercise this morning he reported that something “wasn’t right” … Read More »

Hi there! The major talking point at the moment relates to the weather, with some of the more reliable forecasters predicting a severe low-pressure system hitting the south-west over the weekend. If you believe the Daily Express, which I concede … Read More »

I am delighted to report that the Bulletin Book goes to print on Monday, packed with over 30,000 words of analysis covering every race. It would not be fair to subscribers to give too much away, but the main query … Read More »

Everything went to plan on Saturday, with the successful returns of Altior and Native River at Newbury and Saint Calvados impressing in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick. Starting with Saint Calvados, Harry Whittington’s bold-jumping five-year-old made his three useful … Read More »

For once the accolades that have come the way of Samcro seem justified following a hugely impressive victory in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown this afternoon. Despite dropping half-a-mile in trip down to two miles he had … Read More »

I don’t appear to have missed much while I was away for a few days earlier this month. My short break in Gran Canaria almost came to a grinding halt before it started when upon opening my I-Pad in the … Read More »

I am not surprised that a handful of bookmakers have decided to introduce the ‘non-runner, no bet’ concession earlier than usual for the top races at Cheltenham. As if the ante-post market were not dormant enough, any confidence that interested … Read More »

I have just in the last hour completed writing the text for the Winter Guide – a mighty 28,000 words packed with news, views and previews of the season past, present and future. I make no apology for there being … Read More »

There were plenty of long-term pointers at Newbury today. Colin Tizzard and Robbie Power have high hopes for the opening maiden hurdle winner Lostintranslation when he can race on good ground in the spring. The jockey said afterwards that he … Read More »

Hi there It’s a long time since I’ve seen a Grade 1 race won by the margin Bristol De Mai achieved in yesterday’s Betfair Chase at Haydock. We all acknowledge that on testing ground the distances can be exaggerated, but … Read More »