One of last year's highest rated two-year-olds, Spirit of Sharjah, is set to return to his former trainer, Julia Feilden, subject to vetting.
The son of Invincible Spirit was one of the highlights of 2007, bringing success to Feilden's small Newmarket yard after he won his first two races, including a listed race at Goodwood, and then went on to put up a brave performance in the Norfolk Stakes to finish third behind the unbeaten Winker Watson.
Indeed, it was Winker Watson's trainer, Peter Chapple-Hyam, who was to benefit from this run, since after two disappointing runs in the July Stakes and the Molcombe, Spirit of Sharjah's owner, Alan Dee, decided to send his charge to the Derby winning trainer.
But the partnership never flourished and Spirit of Sharjah showed little in four runs since the move.
And so, Dee has decided to return his steed to Feilden in the hope that they can recapture some of the former glory.
"I'm having Spirit vetted to make sure he's physically alright," said 52 year-old Feilden. "He really put me on the map last year and I hope we can win some big races with him now."
30 May 2008
25 May 2008
Book(ies)
I thought I'd bring a little culture to the blog and give a literary review of some of the best and worst horseracing books around.
Let's get the crap out of the way first and by far the worst book I have read is 'Arise Sir Frankie Dettori' by Marcus Stead. This book is so full of inaccuracies, it makes the author look like he doesn't have a clue about racing. Every horse, no matter what sex, is called 'her' and the horses 'ride' in races. What annoys me most though is how much Stead sucks up to Dettori like he is trying to earn brownie points; every time there is a controversial issue in the book, Stead either ignores the matter or comes to his subject's defense. If you want to read about Frankie's life, get the autobiography and ignore this rubbish. Another howler is Richard Johnson's autobiography 'Out of the Shadows'. He was still in his twenties when this was written and he hadn't really had much of a life - the book just goes on and on 'I rode this horse and then I rode this horse...' Boring. Also avoid the 5 book Jenny Pitman series which begins with 'On the Edge' which charts the troubles of woman trainer Jan Hardy. It is predictable and soppy rather like a the failure of a programme that was 'Rough Diamond'.
Cast these pieces of excrement aside and read some real literary gems. Top of the bunch is Dick Francis' 'Field of Thirteen' - a compilation of 13 short stories which always come with an unexpected twist. If you want to read a Francis novel, read 'Whip Hand'. Once you've read one of his books, you've read them all. Forget the film, 'Seabiscuit' the book by Laura Hillenbrand is a masterpiece. Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year, the story is brilliantly and accurately told. Hillenbrand paints the picture of the time perfectly and puts you in the centre of the action. A couple of decent autobiographies are 'Obsessed' by Richard Dunwoody and 'The Wayward Lad' by Graham Bradley. Both talk with honesty and intimacy which in the end makes you respect the men themselves. And finally. another jockey (but not an autobiography). John Francome is starting to churn out some decent stories which are never the same. 'Stone Cold' - the struggle of a young lady jockey to become a success - is one of the best whilst 'Stalking Horse' is not far behind with it's tale of a top jockey coming to terms with retirement and a stalker.
Let's get the crap out of the way first and by far the worst book I have read is 'Arise Sir Frankie Dettori' by Marcus Stead. This book is so full of inaccuracies, it makes the author look like he doesn't have a clue about racing. Every horse, no matter what sex, is called 'her' and the horses 'ride' in races. What annoys me most though is how much Stead sucks up to Dettori like he is trying to earn brownie points; every time there is a controversial issue in the book, Stead either ignores the matter or comes to his subject's defense. If you want to read about Frankie's life, get the autobiography and ignore this rubbish. Another howler is Richard Johnson's autobiography 'Out of the Shadows'. He was still in his twenties when this was written and he hadn't really had much of a life - the book just goes on and on 'I rode this horse and then I rode this horse...' Boring. Also avoid the 5 book Jenny Pitman series which begins with 'On the Edge' which charts the troubles of woman trainer Jan Hardy. It is predictable and soppy rather like a the failure of a programme that was 'Rough Diamond'.
Cast these pieces of excrement aside and read some real literary gems. Top of the bunch is Dick Francis' 'Field of Thirteen' - a compilation of 13 short stories which always come with an unexpected twist. If you want to read a Francis novel, read 'Whip Hand'. Once you've read one of his books, you've read them all. Forget the film, 'Seabiscuit' the book by Laura Hillenbrand is a masterpiece. Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year, the story is brilliantly and accurately told. Hillenbrand paints the picture of the time perfectly and puts you in the centre of the action. A couple of decent autobiographies are 'Obsessed' by Richard Dunwoody and 'The Wayward Lad' by Graham Bradley. Both talk with honesty and intimacy which in the end makes you respect the men themselves. And finally. another jockey (but not an autobiography). John Francome is starting to churn out some decent stories which are never the same. 'Stone Cold' - the struggle of a young lady jockey to become a success - is one of the best whilst 'Stalking Horse' is not far behind with it's tale of a top jockey coming to terms with retirement and a stalker.
22 May 2008
To be honest, I didn't really care who won the Champions' League Final. I don't have a preference for either Man Utd or Chelsea and all I wanted to see was an entertaining match. The first 120 minutes of the game were alright but lacked any real drama and could have done with some more goals. Rooney never got a mention whilst Tevez missed some easy chances. Drogba didn't deserve to be sent off but I'm glad he was - the arrogant twat. What really annoys me about top-flite football nowadays is all the diving; as soon as a player is touched, he goes to ground in excrutiating agony which disappears all of a sudden when the free kick is awarded. Those football players sure do heal bloody fast. Then we went to a good old penalty shootout and you can rely on a decent English player missing his penalty. John Terry may have slipped but this miss was just a sad reflection on the England side in general.
Like Southgate, Waddle and Beckham, racecourses made some gaffes this week. How Ayr and Sandown could water the course but manage to make parts of the track too soft to race on beats me. The only reason I can think of is that there is a hole in the hose which water leaks out of and soaks that part of the track. It just wastes people's time as they travel to the races only to find out that racing is abandoned because someone kept the taps on for too long.
Another man who looked like an idiot this week was Sam Thomas at Fakenham, when he finished the race a circuit too soon. Ok, it is hard to count how many circuits you should do around the small Norfolk course but isn't it obvious that the race isn't over when none of the other jockeys are pushing their mounts and your horse is travelling so comfortably? A ban was the only suitable punishment. Live and learn folks, live and learn.
I don't really back two year olds because you never know what to suspect from them but the vibes are good for BARWELL BRIDGE to run well in the 2.15 at Goodwood today.
Like Southgate, Waddle and Beckham, racecourses made some gaffes this week. How Ayr and Sandown could water the course but manage to make parts of the track too soft to race on beats me. The only reason I can think of is that there is a hole in the hose which water leaks out of and soaks that part of the track. It just wastes people's time as they travel to the races only to find out that racing is abandoned because someone kept the taps on for too long.
Another man who looked like an idiot this week was Sam Thomas at Fakenham, when he finished the race a circuit too soon. Ok, it is hard to count how many circuits you should do around the small Norfolk course but isn't it obvious that the race isn't over when none of the other jockeys are pushing their mounts and your horse is travelling so comfortably? A ban was the only suitable punishment. Live and learn folks, live and learn.
I don't really back two year olds because you never know what to suspect from them but the vibes are good for BARWELL BRIDGE to run well in the 2.15 at Goodwood today.
16 May 2008
Stowstowquickquickstow
It's with great sadness that I bring the news to you of the closure of Walthamstow greyhound racetrack in August. I've been to the 'Stow a few times before and it was a good night out - comfortable viewing, great banter and pretty local to most of south-east England. But if a business is losing money, as the north London racetrack was, there is only one inevitability - closure. The land the track is on will probably be converted to housing and I feel this may be a signal for things to come in the greyhound racing world. Crowds are dwindling and the dogs simply aren't reliable enough betting fodder for punters. Don't be surprised if a few more tracks announce closure in months to come.
On another matter, the 'Tote Flat Ten to Follow 2008' deadline is fast approaching and I've picked out a few that might be worth putting faith in:
RAVENS PASS - disappointed many in the Craven but now he is dropped back to sprinting he should be victorious.
NEW APPROACH - he may have been beaten in the guineas but he is still a machine nonetheless.
RAMONTI - come Royal Ascot he will hose up and collect you some points.
YEATS - doesn't run much but when he does, he wins.
PEEPING FAWN - as tough as old boots and is a sure thing in the fillies' races. Expect a lot of points from her.
SEPTIMUS - might have to play second fiddle to Yeats but if the big guy lets people down then expect Septimus to take his place.
SAKHEES SECRET - improved extraordinarily last season and will no doubt be the top sprinter this one.
RED ROCKS - goes for all the big races and is always thereabouts. He'll keep a steady supply of points coming in.
FAT BOY - won't win big races but will keep winning the ones that count.
WINKER WATSON - unbeatable last season and will be this one aswell.
On another matter, the 'Tote Flat Ten to Follow 2008' deadline is fast approaching and I've picked out a few that might be worth putting faith in:
RAVENS PASS - disappointed many in the Craven but now he is dropped back to sprinting he should be victorious.
NEW APPROACH - he may have been beaten in the guineas but he is still a machine nonetheless.
RAMONTI - come Royal Ascot he will hose up and collect you some points.
YEATS - doesn't run much but when he does, he wins.
PEEPING FAWN - as tough as old boots and is a sure thing in the fillies' races. Expect a lot of points from her.
SEPTIMUS - might have to play second fiddle to Yeats but if the big guy lets people down then expect Septimus to take his place.
SAKHEES SECRET - improved extraordinarily last season and will no doubt be the top sprinter this one.
RED ROCKS - goes for all the big races and is always thereabouts. He'll keep a steady supply of points coming in.
FAT BOY - won't win big races but will keep winning the ones that count.
WINKER WATSON - unbeatable last season and will be this one aswell.
12 May 2008
All's well that ends well
That's that done until August then.
The Premier League was wrapped up this weekend and, to say the least, it didn't really capture my imagination. Kevin Keegan spoke this week of finding it impossible for his club to break into the top four of the league (Everton are the only side to have done this in the last six years) but I think the Premiership is all about two clubs. Chelsea have been given enough money to mount a challenge whilst Man Utd have earned enough money to win the title. Soon enough, these two will get bored of their English counterparts and form a new league consisting of the top clubs in Europe. I think the 'Euro Super League' is a nice name Seb Blatter.
The most interesting and competitive part of the top flight is the relegation dog fight. Derby were relegated in about December (on another matter - why did Paul Jewell go there?) but the tussle that was left proved fascinating to observe.
Fulham showed great determination to avoid the drop and Danny Murphy is a bald legend who was a favourite of mine at Liverpool but he does good deeds for the lesser clubs now.
Racing at Chester was competitive but with respect to the classic trials, I don't think there will be any winners to come from them.
Channel 4's racing coverage is top notch and their piece with Michael Owen was fascinating. The footballer really has put in a lot of time, money and effort to build one of the best training centres in Britain. However, I think many people are misled into thinking that Nicky Vaughn is a private trainer for Owen but the Toon striker was keen to suggest that this is not the case and the facilities which he has built for owners reinterates this sentiment.
If you fancy a flutter, try RAPID CITY today in the 4.00 at Yarmouth.
The Premier League was wrapped up this weekend and, to say the least, it didn't really capture my imagination. Kevin Keegan spoke this week of finding it impossible for his club to break into the top four of the league (Everton are the only side to have done this in the last six years) but I think the Premiership is all about two clubs. Chelsea have been given enough money to mount a challenge whilst Man Utd have earned enough money to win the title. Soon enough, these two will get bored of their English counterparts and form a new league consisting of the top clubs in Europe. I think the 'Euro Super League' is a nice name Seb Blatter.
The most interesting and competitive part of the top flight is the relegation dog fight. Derby were relegated in about December (on another matter - why did Paul Jewell go there?) but the tussle that was left proved fascinating to observe.
Fulham showed great determination to avoid the drop and Danny Murphy is a bald legend who was a favourite of mine at Liverpool but he does good deeds for the lesser clubs now.
Racing at Chester was competitive but with respect to the classic trials, I don't think there will be any winners to come from them.
Channel 4's racing coverage is top notch and their piece with Michael Owen was fascinating. The footballer really has put in a lot of time, money and effort to build one of the best training centres in Britain. However, I think many people are misled into thinking that Nicky Vaughn is a private trainer for Owen but the Toon striker was keen to suggest that this is not the case and the facilities which he has built for owners reinterates this sentiment.
If you fancy a flutter, try RAPID CITY today in the 4.00 at Yarmouth.
7 May 2008
Chester this week then and with the weather we're experiencing, it would be a joy to be there. I've ridden at the Roodeye a couple of times and it is some experience: because it is a track small in size, the place is always crammed full of scousers. When going to the start of a race, there are people everywhere; either side of you, up above you on the city wall and even below you in the tunnel under the track. To ride, the track is just one big bend - I don't even think the home stretch is straight. But be warned, if you're drawn wide, you might as well give up because the course exagerates the fact that the wider you go, the more ground you lose.
So, with this in mind, remember to back horses drawn low and look out for the Hollyoaks girls who occassionally frequent the Chesire track.
I know I said I shouldn't give any more tips but may I redeem myself? On Friday, NUMIDE is in the Ormonde stakes (2.45) at Chester and I think he'll be in with a squeek. On his best form, he is the best horse in the race and although this still maybe the case, he isn't guaranteed to try as hard as he should. Just look at his hurdles form; he won his first two races and then disappointed afterwards as soon as he figured out what it was all about. Hopefully, the return to the flat will spark him up and the oddity that is Chester racecourse will surprise him into running well.
Have a bit each-way at 6/1.
So, with this in mind, remember to back horses drawn low and look out for the Hollyoaks girls who occassionally frequent the Chesire track.
I know I said I shouldn't give any more tips but may I redeem myself? On Friday, NUMIDE is in the Ormonde stakes (2.45) at Chester and I think he'll be in with a squeek. On his best form, he is the best horse in the race and although this still maybe the case, he isn't guaranteed to try as hard as he should. Just look at his hurdles form; he won his first two races and then disappointed afterwards as soon as he figured out what it was all about. Hopefully, the return to the flat will spark him up and the oddity that is Chester racecourse will surprise him into running well.
Have a bit each-way at 6/1.
5 May 2008
Guineas/Guinness
I guess you want a little review of the big races over the weekend.
I was at the Rowley Mile on Saturday and it was absolutely packed full of people. The big races really do pull the spectators in.
I think the runner-up New Approach was the best horse in the 2000 Guineas and he only got beat because he had to do all the donkey work in front. Nevertheless, Henrythenavigator put up an exceptional performance to win but he may not be of the right calibre to win the Derby.
These first two were well clear of the rest and the only one to follow from them is Ravens Pass who didn't stay the trip and will run better when dropped to 6/7 furlongs.
The 1000 Guineas on Sunday was a bit of a strange race and Natagora was in the best place in front where she could avoid all the trouble in behind. One who did suffer interference was Nahoodh and Richard Hughes was adamant that he would have won with a clear run. I don't. Saoirsie Abu is the one to take out of the race; the firmer the ground, the better and I can see her winning at Royal Ascot or Glorious Goodwood this year.
The Guineas may have been the big race on Saturday, but the strangest must have been the 5.45. Henry Cecil's Anjaan was extremely immature and in the final furlong he drifted across the course to smash into another runner, nearly knocking both of them over. Despite this, Anjaan managed to rally in the last strides and win the race. How connections managed to keep the race in the stewards' room, I will never know.
But the highlight of the sporting weekend was the Championship matches on Sunday. I think Stoke won't last a minute in the Premier League but they seem to be happy anyway. Southampton put up a mammouth display to win their game and stay up but Leceister weren't so lucky. They've never been relegated to the third tier of football before and the current squad is a far cry from the one of the 90s I remember of Casey Keller, Robbie Savage, Muzzy Izzet etc.
I was at the Rowley Mile on Saturday and it was absolutely packed full of people. The big races really do pull the spectators in.
I think the runner-up New Approach was the best horse in the 2000 Guineas and he only got beat because he had to do all the donkey work in front. Nevertheless, Henrythenavigator put up an exceptional performance to win but he may not be of the right calibre to win the Derby.
These first two were well clear of the rest and the only one to follow from them is Ravens Pass who didn't stay the trip and will run better when dropped to 6/7 furlongs.
The 1000 Guineas on Sunday was a bit of a strange race and Natagora was in the best place in front where she could avoid all the trouble in behind. One who did suffer interference was Nahoodh and Richard Hughes was adamant that he would have won with a clear run. I don't. Saoirsie Abu is the one to take out of the race; the firmer the ground, the better and I can see her winning at Royal Ascot or Glorious Goodwood this year.
The Guineas may have been the big race on Saturday, but the strangest must have been the 5.45. Henry Cecil's Anjaan was extremely immature and in the final furlong he drifted across the course to smash into another runner, nearly knocking both of them over. Despite this, Anjaan managed to rally in the last strides and win the race. How connections managed to keep the race in the stewards' room, I will never know.
But the highlight of the sporting weekend was the Championship matches on Sunday. I think Stoke won't last a minute in the Premier League but they seem to be happy anyway. Southampton put up a mammouth display to win their game and stay up but Leceister weren't so lucky. They've never been relegated to the third tier of football before and the current squad is a far cry from the one of the 90s I remember of Casey Keller, Robbie Savage, Muzzy Izzet etc.
1 May 2008
Still got your health
I suppose it could have been worse. I mean, it's probably more demoralising to lose in the final to Man Utd than in the semi to Chelsea.
The Reds were simply outplayed in the opening half and Drogba's first goal was a blinder - he managed to place the ball into the smallest gap in the goal face. It was fortunate that Chelsea had missed a few chances and Liverpool went into the second half still with a chance.
Fernando Torres took his chance after 64 mnutes and put the score level. At this moment, we recollected moments like this in the past; a draw in a crucial Champions League match. They all had a common ending - Liverpool won and penalties decided it.
Indeed, penalties did decide the game, but there was only one. Hyypia clumsily brought down Ballack in the box and Lampard needed no excuse (but he gave one: his late mother) to send Reina the wrong way and put the Blues back in front.
Then the scousers crumbled.
It all happened so quickly. One minute we're drawing, the next we're 3-1 down. I don't think I even saw Drogba's second goal because tears were obscuring my vision. It just was not right - Liverpool are the ones who pull out the special performance in these kind of games but Chelsea humiliated us. There was one Blues fan in the pub who was screaming his head off when his team's third goal went in. To be honest, I just felt like ripping his head off.
Babel's goal in the dying minutes of the game was a consolation and if it had been the winner, we would all be reliving the moment in our heads and describing it as the goal of the season. But it wasn't and Liverpool lost, so it was just a another goal.
Ah well, as they say, 'It's only a game'. At least we've still got our health.
The Reds were simply outplayed in the opening half and Drogba's first goal was a blinder - he managed to place the ball into the smallest gap in the goal face. It was fortunate that Chelsea had missed a few chances and Liverpool went into the second half still with a chance.
Fernando Torres took his chance after 64 mnutes and put the score level. At this moment, we recollected moments like this in the past; a draw in a crucial Champions League match. They all had a common ending - Liverpool won and penalties decided it.
Indeed, penalties did decide the game, but there was only one. Hyypia clumsily brought down Ballack in the box and Lampard needed no excuse (but he gave one: his late mother) to send Reina the wrong way and put the Blues back in front.
Then the scousers crumbled.
It all happened so quickly. One minute we're drawing, the next we're 3-1 down. I don't think I even saw Drogba's second goal because tears were obscuring my vision. It just was not right - Liverpool are the ones who pull out the special performance in these kind of games but Chelsea humiliated us. There was one Blues fan in the pub who was screaming his head off when his team's third goal went in. To be honest, I just felt like ripping his head off.
Babel's goal in the dying minutes of the game was a consolation and if it had been the winner, we would all be reliving the moment in our heads and describing it as the goal of the season. But it wasn't and Liverpool lost, so it was just a another goal.
Ah well, as they say, 'It's only a game'. At least we've still got our health.
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