SOMEBODY asked me who I was going to back for the Champion Hurdle the other day. I replied in the style of Ruby Walsh: “I’m going to wait until the last possible moment and consider all the options. Why the rush?” Ruby must be getting bored of being quizzed about who he is going to …[Read More]
THAT was a wonderful weekend of racing. Big Buck’s, The Giant Bolster, Hurricane Fly, Our Conor, Harry Topper, Annacotty, Valdez, Red Sherlock, Trifolium. What was not to like? Despite his first reverse in 19 races, the returning Big Buck’s divided opinion among pundits and bookies. The criticism of Sam Twiston Davies was predictable although the …[Read More]
The Cheltenham Festival kicks off 10 weeks tomorrow and the excellent Christmas racing has had a shuddering effect on the ante-post markets. But the brilliant performances of Silviniaco Conti, My Tent Or Yours, Bobs Worth and Hurricane Fly were all overshadowed by the plight of the great Sprinter Sacre. The irregular heartbeat that caused him …[Read More]
IT WAS a marvellous weekend of racing. But there were ripples rather than waves when it came to the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets. HURRICANE FLY was eased by most bookies for the Champion Hurdle after breaking the world record of Grade One victories. But he could do no more than win and 6/1 looks generous …[Read More]
AT LAST it’s here. No more Cheltenham previews. No more posturing. Let’s get down to business and try to find some winners. The Cheltenham Festival will probably start with the most testing conditions for several years. That’s, of course, if it passes a 10.30am inspection although officials remain bullish that racing will go ahead. But …[Read More]
ALAN King must have walked under a few ladders this season. It is fair to say his luck has been out and his vets must be among the busiest in racing. Consider some of the King big guns who will be absent from the Cheltenham Festival: Medermit, Montbazon, Invictus and Batonnier to name a few. …[Read More]
THE weather is awful and the picture is decidedly foggy surrounding the Champion Hurdle. Looking for ante-post value has been made more difficult by the interrupted preparations of so many of the main contenders. But with the last four winners among the 34 entered, it could be the toughest race to win at the Cheltenham …[Read More]
THE winners of the last four StanJames Champion Hurdles are among 34 entries for this year’s renewal announced today. The sponsors make Hurricane Fly their 7/2 favourite as he looks to regain the crown he lost to Rock On Ruby last March. Darlan is next best at 4/1 for Nicky Henderson. Rory Jiwani, of StanJames.com, …[Read More]
Horse Racing Chat has been named among the Top 10 horse racing blogs in the UK. 
