Wednesday 20 November 2019

Grand National Jokes



Grand National Gambling Tips

V-NECK 15/1 its always been a good jumper

“Foundation” 2nd Race. You can put your house on it

“Spearmint Gum”, although, no, that sticks to the rails.!

12-1 dusty carpet. It’s never been beaten.

Ironing Board, put your shirt on it.


Monday 4 November 2019

Champion Hurdle Triple Winners



At the time of writing, Buveur D’Air stands on the cusp of greatness as he attempts to become the first horse since Istabraq, and just the sixth in all, to win the Champion Hurdle three times. His Timeform Annual Rating, of 167, is some way adrift of that awarded to the greatest hurdlers since the early Sixties, so we’ve reviewed the previous triple winners of the Champion Hurdle to see how they compare. Check out the Cheltenham Betting Guide for a more up-to-date take on this unmissable festival of racing.


Istabraq (1998, 1999, 2000)



Owned, like Buveur D’Air, by J.P. McManus, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Charlie Swan, Istabraq was awarded a Timeform Annual Rating of 180, alongside Monksfield and inferior, by 2lb, only to Night Nurse in the Timeform era. Having quickened clear for an impressive, 4-length win over Hors La Loi III in the millennium renewal of the Champion Hurdle, Istrabraq was denied the opportunity to defend his title – and attempt an unprecedented four-timer – after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease forced the cancellation of the entire Cheltenham Festival in 2001. He did return for the Champion Hurdle the following year, but was pulled up before the third flight and never raced again.



See You Then (1985, 1986, 1987)



Beaten favourite in the Triumph Hurdle in 1984, See You Then was an ill-tempered, but fragile, gelding, who was rarely seen on the racecourse between his three Champion Hurdle victories. He was trained, like Buveur D’Air, by Nicky Henderson and ridden, on all three occasions, by Steve Smith-Eccles, who deputised for the injured John Francome in 1985 and kept the ride when Francome retired shortly afterwards. Despite limited racecourse appearances – between 1984/85 and 1986/87 he had just ten starts, winning eight of them – See You Then earned a Timeform Annual Rating of 173.



Persian War (1968, 1969, 1970)



Trained by Colin Davies and ridden to all three Champion Hurdle victories by Jimmy Utley, Persian War was awarded a Timeform Annual Rating of 179, 1lb inferior to Istabraq, and therefore fourth on the all-time list, according to the respected ratings organisation. The winner of the Triumph Hurdle in 1967, Persian War also finished second, beaten 4 lengths, behind Bula in the Champion Hurdle in 1971. Indeed, had he not been shuffled from pillar-to-post, among six trainers, by his owner Henry Alper, he nay have been even more successful.


Sir Ken (1952, 1953, 1954)


Trained by Willie Stephenson and ridden by Tim Molony – who also won the Champion Hurdle on Hatton’s Grace in 1951 – Sir Ken recorded his three successive victories in the Champion Hurdle in the period before Timeform ratings were published for National Hunt racing and, as such, is difficult to compare with different generations. Nevertheless, Sir Ken had the distinction of being returned at odds of 2/5 in 1953, making him the shortest-priced winner in the history of the Champion Hurdle.


Hatton’s Grace (1949, 1950, 1951)



Trained by Vincent O’Brien and ridden on the first two occasions by Aubrey Brabazon and on the last by Tim Molony, Hatton’s Grace was a plain, cheaply bought gelding, who didn’t see a racecourse until he was six years old and didn’t win the Champion Hurdle until he was nine. However, after an unlikely victory over the seemingly invincible National Spirit in 1949, he followed up in 1950 and in 1951, as an 11-year-old, became the first horse to complete a hat-trick in the Champion Hurdle. He remains one of just two horses of that age – the other being Sea Pigeon in 1981 – to win the Champion Hurdle.

Monday 14 October 2019

Tiger Roll Roars to Victory in the 2018 Grand National



The 2018 Grand National was run on heavy going for the first time since 2001 when, in atrocious conditions, Red Marauder and Smarty were the only two of the 40 starters to complete the course unscathed. However, the 2018 renewal, run on a sunny afternoon, was a much kinder affair for all concerned and, in the absence of Regal Encore and Walk In The Mill, twelve of the 38 horses that eventually faced the starter completed the course.


Sadly, they did not include the well-supported Blaklion, who was mid-division when brought down at the first fence. Similarly, 7/1 favourite Total Recall made a series of catastrophic blunders and was, frankly, fortunate to survive as long as he did before being eased off and pulled up before the second last fence. All of the other fancied horses survived, including the diminutive Tiger Roll, fresh from victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, who was sent off at 10/1 joint second favourite alongside Cheltenham Gold Cup third Anibale Fly.


Indeed, halfway up the run-in, Tiger Roll took a clear, 6-length lead and looked poised for a comfortable victory, only to be pressed by the rallying Pleasant Company in the closing stages before holding on, all out to win by a head. Winning trainer Gordon Elliott also saddled the third home, 40/1 chance Bless The Wings, who finished 11 lengths further behind, and Tony Martin completed an Irish clean sweep of the first four places with Anibale Fly, who was just a neck behind. Milansbar, a 25/1 chance trained by Neil King and ridden by Bryony Frost, who was having her first ride in the National, fared best of the domestic runners, finishing a never-dangerous fifth, 32½ lengths behind the winner.

Friday 6 September 2019

Lucinda Russell Jubilant as One For Arthur Claims the 2017 Grand National Title


The pre race favourite Blaklion was backed into 8-1 with Noel Fehily in the saddle and a fine and bright Aintree witnessed the opening throws of the race they’d all been waiting for. Such was the anticipation that two false starts had to be endured before the 169th Randox Health Grand National got underway, but it did, much to the delight of the gathered thousands.

Roi de Franc was the early pace setter, as the first two fences proved too much for Cocktails at Dawn and Vicente. Sam Waley Cohen was forced out on The Young Master just 5 fences later at Becher’s Brook, along with the Raz de Maree as the still 36 strong field jumped the Foinavon fence bathed in brilliant sunshine.

The lead changed hands a number of times and by the Canal Turn, there was a new leader in the form of Rogue Angel ridden by Bryan Cooper with Roi de France tucked in behind closely in 2nd.

The Chair

At the halfway stage, it was ‘as you were’ with the red nose band of Roi de Franc leading by 3 lengths from Rogue Angel and the rest of the field were spread over almost a furlong. Jack Kennedy’s horse was carried out by a riderless horse around the bend, losing a lot of ground, but the 50-1 shot recovered strongly to regain the lead before the next fence.

Around Becher’s again and with the finishing line just 8 fences away, Rogue Angel was looking the stronger of the leading pair, with many wondering just how much energy Roi de Franc would have left after having to recover after nearly exiting the race.

The favourite Blaklion moved with intent to the head of the field shortly after, with Rogue Angel beginning to fade, but Roi de Franc was still hanging in in 3rd. Noel Fehily was really pushing Blaklion over the Melling Road, pulling away to a 3 length lead, but the chasing pack of 10 or so horses included One For Arthur who was travelling particularly well.

Blaklion faltered at the 2nd last, as One For Arthur collided into the back of Noel Fehily’s horse and seem to come out of it looking the stronger of the two and the Scottish trained horse, ridden by Derek Fox struck for home with the crowd seeming to will him home.

Scottish Delight

It would seem to have worked, as One For Arthur stormed through the elbow, leaving Cause For Causes and Davy Russell on Saint Are in his wake and winning by almost 5 lengths. The scottish flags were waving in delight across Aintree, as this Lucinda Russell trained gelding took the accolades and the £561,300 first prize.

A fantastic National day was made all the sweeter to find out that despite there being 21 fallers in the race, all of the horses had returned to their stables safe and sound.

A great day for the sport indeed!

Wednesday 14 August 2019

Rule the World Streaks Home to Win the 2016 Aintree Grand National


History repeated itself before the 2016 Crabbie Grand National, as O'Faolains Boy was declared lame on the morning of the race, reducing the field to 39. Another absentee of note was Pineau de Re, the 2014 winner, who didn’t qualify fast enough for the final 40.

Last year’s winner, Many Clouds was installed as 8-1 joint favourite with The Last Samurai, meaning Leighton Aspell was in with a shout of making it 3 Grand National Winners in succession, a feat that had never been achieved by anyone in the 167 previous runnings of the race.

Another wonderfully bright and sunny day graced Aintree at the start of the big 4.15 race. The field got underway with no problems and the first few fences would see Hadrian’s Approach, Holywell and First Lieutenant fall. The running was quite uneventful, with the expected amount of vying for position and 50-1 outsider Aachen as the surprise front runner, with Many Clouds and The Last Samurai well placed.

Decimated

Though the fall count had been mercifully low up until the approach to the 21st fence, this was about to markedly change as the next two fences (including Becher’s Brook) saw more than a fifth of the field have their races cut short. Amongst them were Denis O’Regan on The Druid’s Nephew, Soll and Sam Waley-Cohen’s mount Black Thunder.

Second Circuit

The two favourites were well in contention over Canal Turn, with last year’s runner up Saint Are in front and looking strong. The going was heavy and several riders who had been in contention were beginning to feel the pace, as the three riders headed for home. The Last Samurai looked to steal a march, but was being tracked by the Mouse Morris trained Rule The World that had joined the front and as Many Clouds made a big mistake and falling four from home, it became a three horse race.

There was nothing in it over the last and going through the elbow, Rule The World edged in front to finish 6 lengths clear.

Having never won over fences before, Rule The World had triumphed in the biggest steeplechase in the sport, truly living up to his name. David Mullins and Mouse Morris were cockahoop as it had turned out to be an unexpectedly momentous day for them and for the Gigginstown House Stud.

Thursday 25 July 2019

Leighton Aspell Returns to Aintree to Win Back to Back Grand Nationals (2015)


There was a clear punter’s favourite going into the 2015 Crabbie Grand National, as AP McCoy was bidding for a first win in the race since 2010, with his horse Shutthefrontdoor backed into 6-1. There were just 39 runners for the first time in 11 years after number 14, Carlito Brigante was declared as a non-runner shortly before the race and a glorious Aintree, bathed in sunshine, roared as the starter raised his flag.

They sped towards the first fence, which was cleared by all but three horses, as outsiders Ely Brown and Gas Line Boy came a cropper, along with Denis O’Regan on Al Co. Bob Ford was the lead horse heading towards the second, but it was too early to tell how the race would pan out.

Becher’s

A clearer picture was forming over Becher’s for the first time, as Rebel Rebellion took the initiative to pull 2 lengths ahead of the nearest challenger. By the Canal Turn, the casualty count had risen to nine, with Richard John and Balthazar King falling, also taking Ruby Walsh on Ballycasey out of the race as he did so.

Ryan Mahon was still travelling well at the front on Rebel Rebellion heading towards the half way point of the race and the chasing pack included favourite Shutthefrontdoor in around 6th place. A great cheer rose into the sky as the horses passed in front of the grandstand with the field beginning to stretch out and 33-1 shot Rainbow Hunter joined the lead with Aidan Coleman on The Druid’s Nephew.

Obstruction

The same three shared the lead going over Becher’s for the second time as an announcement came out over the tannoy that obstructions at Canal Turn would meant it would be omitted from the rest of the race. Rebel Rebellion started to tire shortly after and dropped well away, leaving The Druid’s Nephew, Soll and Many Clouds contending for the lead, with Shutthefrontdoor on their shoulder.

The 4th from last saw the end of the action for The Druid’s Nephew as AP looked to be moving ominously towards the front, but it was Many Clouds ridden by last year’s winning jockey Leighton Aspell that was setting the pace.

Irish Joy

This is how it stayed for the rest of the race and it was Leighton Aspell who provided Trevor Hemmings with his first National winner since Ballabriggs in 2011. It was the first time a jockey had won back to back Nationals since the mid 70s when the feat was achieved by Brian Fletcher on the legend that was Red Rum.

It had been another great occasion at Aintree and none thought more so than everyone connected to Many Clouds.

Saturday 22 June 2019

Royal Ascot 2019: Day Four Results



14:30 ALBANY STAKES (Group 3)
1st  David Egan silk  6. DAAHYEH 4/1 f
2nd  William James Lee silk  4. CELTIC BEAUTY (IRE) 25/1
3rd  Harry Bentley silk  2. AROHA (IRE) 100/1
25 ran. NRs: PAPER STAR.
Jockey: David Egan 
Trainer: Roger Varian 

15:05 KING EDWARD VII STAKES (Group 2)
1st  Ryan Moore silk  5. JAPAN 6/4 f
2nd  Silvestre De Sousa silk  1. BANGKOK (IRE) 10/1
3rd  Daniel Tudhope silk  2. EAGLES BY DAY (IRE) 25/1
All 8 ran.
Jockey: Ryan Moore 
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien, Ireland 

15:40 COMMONWEALTH CUP (Group 1)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  1. ADVERTISE 8/1
2nd  Oisin Murphy silk  8. FOREVER IN DREAMS (IRE) 20/1
3rd  Kevin Stott silk  2. HELLO YOUMZAIN (FR) 6/1
All 9 ran.
Jockey: Frankie Dettori 
Trainer: Martyn Meade 

16:20 CORONATION STAKES (Group 1)
1st  Pierre-Charles Boudot silk  10. WATCH ME (FR) 20/1
2nd  Ryan Moore silk  3. HERMOSA (IRE) 1/1 f
3rd  James McDonald silk  4. JUBILOSO 9/2
9 ran. NRs: MOT JUSTE (USA).
Jockey: Pierre-Charles Boudot 
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, France 

17:00 SANDRINGHAM STAKES (HANDICAP)
1st  Hayley Turner silk  28. THANKS BE 33/1
2nd  James Doyle silk  1. MAGNETIC CHARM 7/1
3rd  Jamie Spencer silk  15. HOTSY TOTSY (IRE) 7/1
4th  Ryan Moore silk  2. CORAL BEACH (IRE) 10/1
27 ran. NRs: GALLIC.
Jockey: Hayley Turner 
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes 

17:35 DUKE OF EDINBURGH STAKES (HANDICAP)
1st  Ryan Moore silk  3. BAGHDAD (FR) 7/2 f
2nd  Frankie Dettori silk  2. BEN VRACKIE 7/1
3rd  Andrea Atzeni silk  17. FUJAIRA PRINCE (IRE) 4/1
4th  Jim Crowley silk  16. CORGI 7/1
19 ran. NRs: SEA THE LION (IRE).
Jockey: Ryan Moore 
Trainer: Mark Johnston 

Friday 21 June 2019

Royal Ascot 2019: Day Three Results




14:30 NORFOLK STAKES (Group 2)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  1. A'ALI (IRE) 5/1
2nd  Paul Hanagan silk  14. VENTURA REBEL 16/1
3rd  Jamie Spencer silk  4. DUBAI STATION 14/1
14 ran. NRs: MAVEN (USA).
J: Frankie Dettori 
T: Simon Crisford 

15:05 HAMPTON COURT STAKES (Group 3)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  15. SANGARIUS 13/2
2nd  Silvestre De Sousa silk  6. FOX CHAIRMAN (IRE) 7/2 f
3rd  James Doyle silk  12. KING OTTOKAR (FR) 5/1
13 ran. NRs: HEADMAN BUCKHURST (IRE).
J: Frankie Dettori 
T: Sir Michael Stoute 

15:40 RIBBLESDALE STAKES (Group 2)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  11. STAR CATCHER 4/1
2nd  Ryan Moore silk  3. FLEETING (IRE) 7/4 f
3rd  Oisin Murphy silk  10. SPARKLE ROLL (FR) 11/1
All 11 ran.
Jockey: Frankie Dettori 
Trainer: John Gosden 

16:20 GOLD CUP (Group 1)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  4. STRADIVARIUS (IRE) 1/1 f
2nd  Silvestre De Sousa silk  8. DEE EX BEE 7/2
3rd  W. M. Lordan silk  10. MASTER OF REALITY (IRE) 66/1
All 11 ran.
Jockey: Frankie Dettori 
Trainer: John Gosden 

17:00 BRITANNIA STAKES (HERITAGE HANDICAP)
1st  Harry Bentley silk  23. BIOMETRIC 28/1
2nd  Frankie Dettori silk  3. TURGENEV 7/2 f
3rd  Dane O'Neill silk  12. FANAAR (IRE) 50/1
4th  Kerrin McEvoy silk  20. AWE 14/1
28 ran. NRs: MASARU AWEEDRAM (IRE) ATHMAD (IRE) BEAT LE BON (FR).
Jockey: Harry Bentley 
Trainer: Ralph Beckett 

17:35 KING GEORGE V STAKES (HANDICAP)
1st  Seamie Heffernan silk  14. SOUTH PACIFIC 22/1
2nd  Ryan Moore silk  1. CONSTANTINOPLE (IRE) 11/2
3rd  W. M. Lordan silk  18. EMINENCE (IRE) 25/1
4th  Franny Norton silk  3. PERSIAN MOON (IRE) 33/1
16 ran. NRs: KALOOR GREAT EXAMPLE LEROY LEROY.
Jockey: Seamie Heffernan 
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien, Ireland  

Wednesday 19 June 2019

Royal Ascot 2019: Day Two Results





14:30 QUEEN MARY STAKES (Group 2)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  23. RAFFLE PRIZE (IRE) 18/1
2nd  John R. Velazquez silk  16. KIMARI (USA) 13/2
3rd  Christophe Soumillon silk  9. FINAL SONG (IRE) 6/1 f
25 ran. NRs: GOOD VIBES KEMBLE (IRE) EMTEN (IRE).
Jockey: Frankie Dettori 
Trainer: Mark Johnston 

15:05 QUEEN'S VASE (Group 2)
1st  Oisin Murphy silk  3. DASHING WILLOUGHBY 6/1
2nd  W. M. Lordan silk  2. BARBADOS (IRE) 20/1
3rd  Andrea Atzeni silk  9. NAYEF ROAD (IRE) 16/1
All 13 ran.
Jockey: Oisin Murphy 
Trainer: Andrew Balding 

15:40 PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES (Group 1)
1st  Frankie Dettori silk  1. CRYSTAL OCEAN 3/1
2nd  Ryan Moore silk  7. MAGICAL (IRE) 13/8 f
3rd  Pierre-Charles Boudot silk  4. WALDGEIST 4/1
All 8 ran.
Jockey: Frankie Dettori 
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute 

16:20 DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES (Group 2)
1st  Daniel Tudhope silk  9. MOVE SWIFTLY 9/1
2nd  Frankie Dettori silk  13. RAWDAA 4/1
3rd  Ryan Moore silk  1. I CAN FLY 7/2 f
All 17 ran.
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 
Trainer: William Haggas 

17:00 ROYAL HUNT CUP (HERITAGE HANDICAP)
1st  Jim Crowley silk  13. AFAAK 20/1
2nd  Jamie Spencer silk  27. CLON COULIS (IRE) 16/1
3rd  Nicola Currie silk  14. RAISING SAND 8/1
4th  Robert Havlin silk  30. STYLEHUNTER 22/1
28 ran. NRs: SENIORITY BREDEN (IRE) CRAZY HORSE.
Jockey: Jim Crowley 
Trainer: Charles Hills 

17:35 WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES (Listed)
1st  Ryan Moore silk  14. SOUTHERN HILLS (IRE) 7/1
2nd  Christophe Soumillon silk  10. PLATINUM STAR (IRE) 8/1
3rd  Paul Mulrennan silk  5. GLASVEGAS (IRE) 25/1
21 ran. NRs: SHOW ME SHOW ME LADY QUICKSTEP (IRE) IVATHEENGINE (IRE).
Jockey: Ryan Moore 
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien, Ireland  

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Royal Ascot 2019: Day One Results



14:30 QUEEN ANNE STAKES (Group 1)
1st  Daniel Tudhope silk  7. LORD GLITTERS (FR) 14/1
2nd  Silvestre De Sousa silk  3. BEAT THE BANK 20/1
3rd  Pierre-Charles Boudot silk  16. ONE MASTER 20/1
All 16 ran.
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 
Trainer: David O'Meara 

15:05 COVENTRY STAKES (Group 2)
1st  Ryan Moore silk  1. ARIZONA (IRE) 15/8 f
2nd  Tom Marquand silk  16. THREAT (IRE) 4/1
3rd  Oisin Murphy silk  5. GUILDSMAN (FR) 6/1
All 17 ran.
Jockey: Ryan Moore 
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

15:40 KING'S STAND STAKES (Group 1)
1st  James Doyle silk  2. BLUE POINT (IRE) 5/2
2nd  Jim Crowley silk  1. BATTAASH (IRE) 2/1 f
3rd  Daniel Tudhope silk  10. SOLDIER'S CALL 16/1
All 12 ran.
Jockey: James Doyle 
Trainer: Charlie Appleby 

16:20 ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES (Group 1)
1st  Ryan Moore silk  2. CIRCUS MAXIMUS (IRE) 10/1
2nd  Adam Kirby silk  4. KING OF COMEDY (IRE) 4/1
3rd  Frankie Dettori silk  10. TOO DARN HOT 2/1 f
All 11 ran.
Jockey: Ryan Moore 
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

17:00 ASCOT STAKES (HANDICAP)
1st  Richard Kingscote silk  1. THE GRAND VISIR 12/1
2nd  Ryan Moore silk  18. BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP 7/1
3rd  Jim Crowley silk  3. TIME TO STUDY (FR) 16/1
4th  P. J. McDonald silk  19. FUN MAC (GER) 11/1
19 ran. NRs: THE CASHEL MAN (IRE).
Jockey: Richard Kingscote 
Trainer: Ian Williams 

17:35 WOLFERTON STAKES (Listed)
1st  Daniel Tudhope silk  5. ADDEYBB (IRE) 5/1
2nd  Ryan Moore silk  16. MAGIC WAND (IRE) 9/2 f
3rd  Jim Crowley silk  2. ELARQAM 5/1
All 16 ran.
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 
Trainer: William Haggas 

Wednesday 12 June 2019

Royal Ascot: An Oldie but a Goodie



If you ask the man on the street what the oldest race or racing festival in the UK is, I expert he will say the Grand National. How wrong he would be though, as the Royal Ascot, a full 100 years + its senior, makes the National look like a veritable new born baby in comparison (admittedly a rather strange looking 180 year old baby, but still..).

The thrill of the likes of the Group one Diamond Jubilee Stakes (current favourite: Invincible Army) and Ascot Gold Cup (Stradivarius short-priced favourite at time of writing) are just days away now. - and of course let's not forget how much everyone gets into Ladies Day and the whole on-course atmosphere and classy nature of the Royal Ascot five day Festival

So whether on-course or primed for a punt in the comfort of your own home, let's take a whistle stop video tour of the many important world events and discoveries that came after this prestigious festival began way back in 1711. Royal Ascot starts on Tuesday 18th June until Saturday 22nd June. Tune in and watch what is sure to become another little piece of racing history!

Saturday 1 June 2019

Epsom Derby Preview 2019



The Master of Ballydoyle, Aidan O’Brien, has won the Derby six times, including three years in a row between 2012 and 2014, and once again holds a strong hand in the Epsom Classic, due off at 4.30pm on Saturday, June 1, 2019.


Sir Dragonet, an unbeaten son of Camelot, was promoted to favourite, at around 7/2, after an impressive 8-length win over stable companion Norway in the Group 3 Chester Vase, over an extended mile-and-a-half on the Roodeye, despite racing green in the early stages, and looks an outstanding contender.

However, he is closely attended in the antepost betting by the Australia colt Broome, who is more exposed, both has won both starts this term – the Ballysax Stakes and the Derrinstown Derby Trial, both over a mile-and-a-quarter at Leopardstown – with a minimum of fuss. He was only beaten a neck in the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp last October and, at 4/1 or thereabouts, looks another with a solid chance.

Last, but by no means least, of the fancied O’Brien runners comes Anthony Van Dyck, whose is available at around the 5/1 mark after a straightforward 2¼-length win over Pablo Escobarr in the Lingfield Derby Trial. As a son of Galileo, Anthony Van Dyck warrants respect but, having been found wanting on both starts a Group One level as a juvenile – in the National Stakes at the Curragh and the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, behind impressive winner Too Darn Hot – Sir Dragonet looks the pick of the trio.

At the time of writing, connections of Telecaster are yet to decide whether of not to supplement the son of New Approach for the Derby for £85,000 – that is, more than the prize money for fourth place – but he wasn’t stopping at the end of the Dante Stakes, over an extended mile-and-a-quarter at York, and looks worth the investment. Indeed, he was going away from Cartier Champion Two-year-old Colt Too Darn Hot in the closing stages on the Knavesmire, so an extra two furlongs looks with his compass and, at 7/1 or thereabouts, could be the proverbial fly-in-the-ointment as far as the O’Brien camp is concerned, if connections do decide to talk the plunge.

No prizes for originality, I’m afraid but, while Sir Dragonet may not quite fall into the ‘now is the time to bet like men’ category, made famous by the late Richard Baerlain, it was hard not to be impressed by his demolition of the opposition in the Chester Vase.



Selection: Epsom 4.30 Sir Dragonet to win

Saturday 4 May 2019

2000 Guineas Stakes Result




 















1 Magna Grecia 11/2
2 King Of Change 66/1
3 Skardu 8/1
19 ran Distances: 2½l, 1¾l, hd
Time: 1m 36.84s (slow by 1.84s)

Saturday 6 April 2019

Grand National 2019 Full Result

Place | horse | jockey | odds













(All finishers)

1. Tiger Roll (Davy Russell) 4-1 Fav
2. Magic Of Light (Paddy Kennedy) 66-1
3. Rathvinden (Ruby Walsh) 8-1
4. Walk In The Mill (James Best) 25-1
5. Anibale Fly (Mark Walsh) 10-1
6. One For Arthur (Derek Fox) 25-1
7. Regal Encore (Jonathan Burke) 66-1
8. Singlefarmpayment (Paddy Brennan) 50-1
9. Outlander (James Bowen) 66-1
10. Valseur Lido (Rachael Blackmore) 66-1
11. Livelovelaugh (David Mullins) 25-1
12. A Toi Phil (Denis O'Regan) 50-1
13. Bless The Wings (Robert Dunne) 50-1
14. Ultragold (Tom O'Brien) 50-1
15. Vieux Lion Rouge (Tom Scudamore) 50-1
16. Captain Redbeard (Sam Coltherd) 66-1
17. Folsom Blue (L P Dempsey) 66-1
18. Valtor (Daryl Jacob) 66-1
19. Don Poli (Patrick Mullins) 66-1

Friday 5 April 2019

Grand National 2019 Runners


It's almost that time again. On Saturday 6th April at 5:15pm.the one race that just about everyone tunes in to, The Grand National, is set to captivate millions both in the UK and around the world. Will 4-1 favourite Tiger Roll repeat his 2018 success, and become the first horse since Red Rum to win back to back? We'll soon find out!


Below is a list of the 40 horse line up for National, along with the horses weight, trainer and jockey.



Grand National 2019 Runners / Line-up:

Horse | weight | trainer/jockey

1 Anibale Fly, 11-10, Tony Martin/Barry Geraghty
2 Valtor, 11-06, Nicky Henderson/Daryl Jacob
3 Tiger Roll, 11-05, Gordon Elliott/Davy Russell
4 Outlander, 11-04, Gordon Elliott/Keith Donoghue
5 Don Poli, 11-03, Gordon Elliott/Patrick Mullins
6 Go Conquer, 11-03, Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies
7 Mala Beach, 11-02, Gordon Elliott/Mr Jamie Codd
8 Minella Rocco, 11-01, Jonjo O’Neill/Richie McLernon
9 Lake View Lad, 11-01, Nick Alexander/Henry Brooke
10 Pleasant Company, 11-01, Willie Mullins/TBC
11 Ballyoptic, 11-01, Nigel Twiston-Davies/Tom Bellamy
12 Dounikos, 11-00, Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy
13 Rathvinden, 11-00, Willie Mullins/TBC
14 One for Arthur, 11-00, Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox
15 Rock the Kasbah, 10-13, Philip Hobbs/Richard Johnson
16 Warriors Tale, 10-13, Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden
17 Regal Encore, 10-12, Anthony Honeyball/Mark Walsh
18 Magic of Light, 10-11, Jessica Harrington/Paddy Kennedy
19 A Toi Phil, 10-11, Gordon Elliott/Denis O’Regan
20 Jury Duty, 10-11, Gordon Elliott/Robbie Power
21 Noble Endeavor, 10-10, Gordon Elliott/Mark Enright
22 Monbeg Notorious, 10-10, Gordon Elliott/Sean Bowen
23 Ramses De Teillee, 10-09, David Pipe/David Noonan
24 Tea for Two, 10-09, Jane Williams/Lizzie Kelly
25 Mall Dini, 10-08, Patrick Kelly/Sean Flanagan
26 Step Back, 10-07, Mark Bradstock/Nico de Boinville
27 Ultragold, 10-07, Colin Tizzard/Tom O’Brien
28 Blow by Blow, 10-06, Gordon Elliott/Andrew Ring
29 Up for Review, 10-06, Willie Mullins/TBC
30 Singlefarmpayment, 10-06, Tom George/Paddy Brennan
31 Vieux Lion Rouge, 10-06, David Pipe/Tom Scudamore
32 Valseur Lido, 10-06, Henry de Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore
33 Vintage Clouds, 10-04, Sue Smith/Danny Cook
34 General Principle,10-04, Gordon Elliott/J J Slevin
35 Livelovelaugh, 10-04, Willie Mullins/TBC
36 Walk in the Mill, 10-04, Robert Walford/James Best
37 Folsom Blue, 10-04, Gordon Elliott/Luke Dempsey
38 Captain Redbeard, 10-03, Stuart Coltherd/Sam Coltherd
39 Bless the Wings, 10-03, Gordon Elliott/Robert Dunne
40 Joe Farrell, 10-02, Rebecca Curtis/Adam Wedge

Sunday 17 March 2019

Leighton Aspell Steers French Horse Pineau de Re to Claim the 2014 Aintree Grand National


The false start curse struck again in this year’s Crabbie Grand National, as the race got underway at the second time of asking with the sheepskin noseband of Battle Group up in the air with the horse refusing to start.

Hazy sunshine broke through the muggy sky as the race lost 3 runners in the first three fences and Sam Waley-Cohen hit the front on Long Run, just a fraction ahead of the closely packed field. Last Time D'Albain was the next to go at Becher’s and pre race joint favourites Teaforthree and Double Seven sat in 6th and 7th respectively.

After several fallers at Valentine’s, a fence that saw the end of Long Run, Mountainous and the Aidan Coleman owned Rainbow Hunter, Across the Bay took it up just ahead of Mr Moonshine with last year’s National winning jockey Ryan Mania in the saddle.

Halfway

Across the Bay ridden by Henry Brooke still lead jumping over the Chair, narrowly avoiding disaster thanks to an errant riderless horse. The Bay recovered to maintain his advantage over Colbert Station who was now in 2nd place, but the 15th saw the end of Teaforthree’s and Nick Schofield’s National for another year.

Disaster

Two stray horses were to prove to be Across the Bay’s downfall, as they carried the unfortunate Henry Brooke and his ride well wide, allowing the entire field to pass by. He did rejoin the race, but was never again in contention.

Noel Fehily seized the opportunity this stroke of bad fortune had provided, as he steered Rocky Creek to the front of the pack. Colbert Station remained in second place as the race passed in front of the cheering crowd and the rain began to fall and A P McCoy was well placed on Double Seven, hoping to make a successful return to the race after a few years of disappointment.

Second Jumping of Becher’s

As the field stretched going over Becher’s Brook in worsening weather conditions, Rocky Creek was still holding his position at the head of the race. Pineau de Re was making his first tentative moves towards the front at this point with the horse going well in around 6th place.

Heading For Home

As they turned for home, there were 2 clear leaders, with Rocky Creek vying for first with Pineau de Rey who was really picking up the pace. This was a decisive moment as Leighton Aspell rode strongly over the last, pulling 3 lengths clear and having cleared the elbow, it was evident that Pineau de Rey had the legs to stay the course and he did so by 5 lengths followed by Balthazar King and A P McCoy a close third on Double Seven.

It was a win for Aspell on his 7th Grand National appearance and one that earned his jubilant owners Barry Connell and John Provan a cool £561,300 in prize money.

After the race, the World Horse Welfare stated that they were happy with the modifications that had been made and the effect they had had on equine welfare at this year’s race. Another reason to feel good about racing on this most momentous of days.

Wednesday 6 March 2019

Cheltenham Festival Ryanair Chase Preview



The Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival faced a little criticism when it first came on board, as suggestions were made that it would take something away from the Gold Cup. However, as the race has grown it has developed into a top quality addition to the festival, and a big prize to win in its own right. People now respect this race, and in 2019 we look set to have another fantastic renewal.

The ante-post betting market for the race right now looks a lot different than the one we will see on the day, as horses are declared for other races, either over shorter or longer distances. The current race favourite is Min at a best-price of 5/1 as found by Oddschecker, though he is one of many horses who may look elsewhere, and the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase is the one that he may contest instead of this one.

One horse who will be going to the Ryanair is Waiting Patiently, and he will go down to the festival as one of the main hopes from the North of England. He is trained by Ruth Jefferson, who took over from her father Malcolm last year when he sadly passed away. The horse has a very apt name considering his career so far, and despite being an eight year old he has just ten runs under his belt. He has won seven of those though, and looks ready to move into top quality company which this race will give him. His best win so far came in the Ascot Chase last year, when he got the better of Cue Card in what was a very impressive win.

The original plan for the horse was to possibly go to the Gold Cup, but the yard wanted to test out his stamina with a run in the King George. He was fancied that day, but was brought down by another horse early on in the race so the yard learnt nothing. They do not want to risk his stamina, which is why the Ryanair is his intended target.

Just like Min, many of the other fancied runners in this race come from Ireland. Willie Mullins trains Min and if that horse goes for the race, he is unlikely to go on his own, with Un De Sceaux and Footpad other potential runners for the yard from Closutton. Un De Sceaux has run in this race before, winning it in 2017 before finishing second behind Balko Des Flos in 2018.

 



Elsewhere the Irish could have further representation in the race from Monalee and Road To Respect. While Monalee is still a possibility for the Gold Cup, it seems as though Road To Respect will head to this race instead. He is owned by Michael O’Leary which helps as he owns Ryanair the sponsors, but he also looked as though the Gold Cup trip would be a stretch for him, when he was beaten by Bellshill in the Irish equivalent.

Away from Ireland, two English trained runners that are set to be in the field are Politologue trained by Paul Nicholls and Fox Norton trained by Colin Tizzard. Fox Norton has run over many different distances during his career, but it appears as though two and a half miles is the trip for him. He is a top class horse but lacks the speed and change of gears for two miles, while lacking the stamina to run over three.

Politologue has been seen over two miles for a large part of his career, but the signs are that he stays this kind of trip, and could be considered a dark horse for the race.
 

The Irish look as though they are going to be strongly represented, although it is unlikely that all of the above mentioned Irish horses will run. Those trained in England should all run in the race, and of those, it is Waiting Patiently that stands out above the crowd. He deserves a change of luck in his career after struggling to get to the track as often as he should have done, and he looks to be the leading prospect for the north at the festival this year.



Wednesday 13 February 2019

Ryan Mania on Aurora’s Encore Storms Home to Win the 2013 Grand National


The 166th running of the John Smith’s Grand National was blessed with glorious April sunshine, as the waiting field cast long shadows across the track, eagerly awaiting starters orders. They went off cleanly with no hitches and Balthazar King hit the front first, leading the still complete field successfully over the first 4 fences.

Amazingly, there were still no fallers or refusal having cleared Becher’s for the first time, although the forty runners and riders had spread out somewhat after their efforts at the last fence. The commentator grew increasingly surprised as fence after fence was cleared by the entire complement of National runners.

Finally

It had to end at some point and it did as Canal Turn proved too much for The Rainbow Hunter, Treacle and Big Fella Thanks who all unseated their riders.

At the Halfway point, there were still 35 runners involved and it was Irish horse Across The Bay, ridden by Henry Brook who led the bunched riders round the turn. Richard Johnson steered Balthazar King from The Bushmakers stable just a half a length back, with Soll alongside him.

It was to be another miserable Grand National for A P McCoy, as he was thrown from the saddle falling with Colbert Station at the chair. Over the next few plain fences, the order stayed the same at the front and Across the bay pulled 3 to 4 lengths clear.

Henry Brook and his horse Across The Bay held this lead until Canal Turn when Tea For Two drifted past him. There was no distinct shape to the race going over the last open ditch, with each horse seeming to find staying upright a difficult enough job on its own, but the first three remained in place before being joined by Aurora’s Encore in 4th.

Striking For Home

Two from home and it was anybody’s race, with Sam Waley-Cohen on Oscar Time in with a shout and Aurora’s Encore staying in touch. The 11 year old pulled clear going into the elbow, Ryan Mania squeezing every inch of speed out of the horse and pulling away on the outside, it was a powerful run in that ultimately won the National for the Irish bred, British trained racehorse.

Ryan Mania’s win on the unfancied Sue Smith trained outsider was a big shock and marked only the third time a female trainer had trained the National winner.

On his win in his first ever National, Ryan Mania enthused "There are no words to describe it. I got a dream ride round. I couldn't believe my luck." and you could see on his face that it meant the world to him.

Thursday 24 January 2019

Kentucky Derby Race: How It Began?

Image Source: pixabay.com


American entrepreneur Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr visited England and France, which he attended the Derby at Epsom Downs. After enjoying the race it inspires him to create a great horse racing of his own.

He returns to Kentucky and initiated a club to raise funds to build a track, also known as Churchill Downs at these days. The track distance was inspired by the Derby at Epsom of 1½ miles but later changed to 1¼ miles in the year 1896. Churchill Downs is one of the iconic sports arenas in the world and in the record it can host up to 170,000 people as it did in Kentucky Derby Day.

The first race was on May 17, 1875, and was witnessed by 10,000 people in attendance. The race was won by a three-year-old chestnut colt, Aristides who also finished second on the Belmont Stakes.

Horse racing kind of business did not bloom right away but not until 1903 under the leadership of renowned Matt Win, Kentucky Derby began to profit and it became popular.

But in the 1990s there was movement from neighboring states to abolish horse racing but Kentucky surpasses the threat and continues to be popular as they were on news to have the very first filly to win the derby in the year 1915 and continue to gain its exposure on their popularity. Their winners are now given gifts such as gold buffet service, candlestick, magnificent cup and a great trophy each year from 1922-1924 as a sign of their victory. The Kentucky Derby Race became even more popular as they began to be broadcasted in radio in 1995.

The Kentucky Derby’s racing history and annual tradition was interrupted by a great depression in the 1930s. The year 1938 a tunnel was built that led from grandstand to the infield and opened to the public with an admission price of 50 cents. The opening of the tunnel makes things better to Kentucky Derby.

Another stepping stone for Kentucky Derby’s popularity is when it was first televised locally in 1949 where they celebrated their 75th annual tradition.

When Matt Winn passed away, Bill Corum took over that brought the Derby to big improvements such as the CBS broadcasts the Derby nationwide, concrete firewalls were constructed to the barns, additional seats were added to the Derby, filming of the race was also done for replays, and they added sprinklers system in the grandstand and clubhouse. More improvements were done during the 1960s.

In 1973 the legendary Secretariat with Jockey Ron Turcotte Astride breaks a record of 1:59 2/5 time at the Kentucky Derby. In 25 years it is the first Triple Crown win which brought the public’s focus on horse racing. In 1974 another record-breaking event was made during the 100th Kentucky Derby, 163,628 people joined to watch the race.

Over $25 million was invested to the Derby for improvements and marketing campaign throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They also launched their own website www.kentuckyderby.com during that year.

From the year 2000 until today Kentucky Derby continuously evolving, from their grounds, security, they increased their TV coverage that adds the number of people annually attends the race.

Throughout the years there are some traditions in Kentucky Derby remains in their annual celebration such as the stunning ladies hats and the official drink of the Kentucky Derby which is the Mint Julep.

Mint Julep is an iced drink with bourbon, mint, and sweet syrup served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby Glass that comes in different design throughout the years.

Raleigh DeGeer Amyx who lives in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a world-renowned collector of historical memorabilia, one of his collection is the extensive collection of Official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glasses.

The purse of the Kentucky Derby is about $2million on these days, the first place will take home for about $1,425,000. Things just run fast at this sport just like the horses on the actual race, the very first winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1875 just took home $2,850 while the second placed horse earning just $200.

In betting on the Kentucky Derby you need to be updated about the race. You should already know who are the front runners. You also need to know the history of the race which can be accessed through their website, https://www.tvg.com/promos/kentucky-derby/kentucky-derby-history.html.

All of that can help you bet for the winner of this race. Because if you bet to Kentucky Derby Race without knowing anything about the race it will only give you less chance in choosing the right winner.

In Kentucky Derby year by year it offers new for their audience as part of their marketing campaign and for now, betting is much more exciting. You can now bet in your favorite horse on the web. It gives you convenience in your time, energy, and hassle-free. Kentucky Derby Race gives you the power to bet in your own hands.

Friday 11 January 2019

Cheltenham Festival - Supreme Novices' Hurdle


The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle gets the honour of opening the action at the Cheltenham Festival every year. This really is an honour that comes with a lot of pressure as the race is expected to set the tone for the four-day event. It is a National Hunt Grade one rated race that brings together horses of four years or more competing over a distance of two miles and half a furlong (3298 meters) at the Old Cheltenham Course.

A run of well over half a century gives the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle a rich history which makes it just the ideal event to open this popular festival in Britain.

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh have had great runs in this opening race, each earning five wins in the trainer and jockey category respectively. They worked as a team between 2013 and 2015, sweeping first honours in all three years.

Mullins-trained Getabird is still favourite to win the 2018 event after winning both hurdle races he has started in with a considerable gap between him and the second placed finisher in the past season. First Flow, peerless in his last three jump races, is a close competitor.