by JOHN SMITH The jumps season is well under way and there are some big races to look forward to in December. Sandown will host the prestigious Tingle Creek Chase on Saturday December 9 and it looks set to be a mouthwatering contest, with some big names on show. Fox Norton is the ante-post favourite …[Read More]
22
Nov 2017
Classy field in 2017 Betfair Chase
by MARK REISER. A truly A-list field has gathered for the 2017 Betfair Chase on Saturday and it is easy to see why when you consider the potential prize on offer. A cool £1million will go to any horse that can win Haydock’s Grade One contest, the King George on Boxing Day and the Cheltenham …[Read More]
17
Nov 2017
Cheltenham November Meeting
THE Cheltenham November Meeting starts today. Don’t be confused. That is now the official name of the three-day mash-up that many regard as the beginning of the “proper” National Hunt season. For 18 years it was The Open Meeting. But more of that later… Today’s opening salvo is an appetiser to tomorrow’s main course where …[Read More]
01
Nov 2017
Horses to follow at the Breeders’ Cup 2017
DEL Mar is known as the track where the “surf meets the turf.” The California city gets this due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which is less than a mile away. Surprisingly, this weekend is its Breeders’ Cup debut and it has attracted a record number of European challengers, 35 in fact. The …[Read More]
19
Sep 2017
Magic of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
WHEN you think of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a race full of nostalgia. Hunkering down around the telly as a kid on a miserably damp October Sunday afternoon; listening and watching Peter O’Sullevan effortlessly do his thing; being baffled by the Paris Mutuel and horses being …[Read More]
10
Sep 2017
Six Strings among 10 to follow on the flat
I’VE begun to see horses to follow lists for the 2017/18 National Hunt season. That’s fine but although a huge fan of the jumping game there is so much quality Flat fare to come: the Arc, Champions Day and the late season juvenile jousting among it. So here’s a few horses for the notebook who …[Read More]
16
Aug 2017
Ulshaw Bridge to strike at York Ebor Festival
THE Ebor meeting at York is a week away and one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the season lies in wait. The International could see Churchill, Barney Roy and Ulysses lock horns. Throw in the Great Voltigeur and Cracksman v Capri and next Wednesday’s opening day will be graced with a stellar cast. …[Read More]
30
Jul 2017
Six to follow at Glorious Goodwood 2017
TWO festivals for the price of one this week with both Galway and Glorious Goodwood 2017 kicking off on Tuesday. Goodwood may not start off quite so Glorious with the ground currently on the slow side of good but the weather generally looks fine for the five days of equine excellence. The obvious highlight is …[Read More]
26
Jul 2017
Galway Festival: Bank on Balko Des Flos
THE Galway Festival is a rather special thing. If you haven’t been then you are missing out. Seriously. Racing festivals are usually three or four-day jamborees but Galway lasts for seven days, a relentless week of flat and national hunt competition. The festival is synonymous with Irish legend Dermot Weld. He has been leading trainer …[Read More]
18
Jul 2017
Melbourne Cup: A Betting Frenzy and a National Holiday in Australia
THE Melbourne Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the Australian calendar, so much so that it is known as “the race that stops a nation”. Millions of people tune in to watch it, thousands place bets and even more attend in person. If you want to get involved in the fun …[Read More]
