JOHN Francome had it right in my book. “Make the Aintree fences bigger, not smaller. It will make the jockeys and horses slow down.” Francome was derided for his contrary viewpoint back in April amid the blizzard of animal welfare support, but he had a salient point. Saturday’s Becher Chase was an underwhelming spectacle. I …[Read More]
04
Jan 2013
Francome waxes lyrical over Poet in Tolworth Hurdle
THE Tolworth Hurdle doesn’t tend to get racing fans as excited as other Grade Ones. Its post-Christmas slot may not do it any favours, but there is no escaping it is always a high-quality race. Down the years it has been won by budding stars who have gone on to win a novice hurdle at …[Read More]
01
Sep 2012
Channel 4: don’t lose the humour
I FEEL like the Channel 4 Racing team have become close pals of mine over the past 28 years. We have spent a lot of time together. Me sitting on the couch watching them do their stuff on Saturday afternoons and, in particular, during the big midweek meetings. I’ve watched John Francome and John McCririck …[Read More]
