I'm alive, all is well. I'm done with uni now (can't believe how quickly three years can go) and I'm currently an unemployed graduate - you've probably seen one before, there's plenty knocking about these days.
World Cup time and I'd thought I'd let you into my 'portfolio'. It sounds very professional but the bets it contains are pretty amateur. Read and laugh as I try and justify betting away those hard earned (now taxable) pounds.
Holland to win outright (11-1)
Yes, everyone says the orange army implode at the big tournaments but it can't happen every time. Trends are there to be upset - look at Workforce, statisticians said no horse beaten in the Dante had won a Derby...until last Saturday. The Dutch team are full of quality: Van Bommel, Sneijder and Van Persie to name a few. The back four is a bit shaky but if they can keep it together, the Tango men will be champs.
Spain to win outright (5-1)
Okay, I've chickened out with this insurance policy but at this price, Spain look a cracking bet. Euro winners two years ago, no-one has looked like beating them since. Are sure to face a strong side in the last 16 from the Group 'of Death' G, they will be confident enough to breeze aside anyone (except Holland in the final hopefully!).
France to win Group A (2.46)
A stonking price - they won the tournament in '98 and still have the class to beat their group-mates. I'm not saying they'll go any further than the knock-out stage but they have the ability to dominate a weak group.
Honduras to concede most goals (9-1)
A tricky bet, with North Korea the favourites. Kim Jong Il's men are pretty dire but they didn't let many in against Mexico and Greece in friendlies so I'm willing to go with Honduras. They're a terrible bunch of men and how they even got to the finals is beyond me. A clean sheet is more common in Pete Doherty's bed than in a Honduras game and hopefully the likes of Switzerland, Spain and Chile can pile in the goals.
8 June 2010
19 March 2010
So you thought I'd gone.
Wassup people.
As you may have guessed, I was more tan happy to let this blog die a slow and painful death by neglect but event have conspired against my mistreatment and words have been fed to a hungry page.
At the moment I do a weekly blog for geegeez.com and I sent the editor this article before the Champion Hurdle. It reads pretty forth telling in light of recent events...
We all know JP McManus loves a bet at Cheltenham during the third week of March. His rivalry with the late bookie Freddie ‘Fearless’ Williams has gone down in Festival folk law and Barry Dennis recently recalled how he was facing an £800,000 paid out to the Irishman had Barracuda got past Ingles Drever up the Prestbury Park hill in the 2005 Stayers’ Hurdle.
Last year, we saw a heavily gambled on Wichita Lineman scrape home in front in McManus’ green and gold silks to land the William Hill Trophy and some hefty bets to boot.
Most of the Irishman’s festival punts are a strongly held secret - only a few insiders know when the money’s down. Even his trainer, Jonjo O’Neill, isn’t really sure himself when JP’s ‘having it big’.
But could this year’s gamble have been his most exposed one yet? Is the news that this horse is going to be carrying more than his jockey right under our nose?
I’m talking about Binocular.
So marginally denied in last year’s Champion Hurdle, it was made no secret that Nicky Henderson’s steed would be a stronger, much tougher animal in 12 months time.
Since then, we have seen quite the opposite: comfortably beaten twice by Go Native before landing the odds in a poor three-runner affair at Sandown, the progress we were promised from Binocular has failed to materialise.
Despite these disappointments, dreams of going two places better in the Champion Hurdle were kept alive and the son of Enrique was available at odds of 6-1 for the championship event.
Now, this is where my thinking kicks in. Was JP McManus sitting in his mansion back in Ireland thinking: ‘Sixes! That’s far too short for a good ol’ gamble!’?
So what does he do?
BINOCULAR OUT OF CHAMPION WITH MUSCULAR PROBLEM read the next day’s headlines.
Boom. There’s no better way to get larger odds on a horse than to put their participation in doubt. Some bookies even took him out of their markets.
His chances had been written off.
A ‘muscular problem’ is a very good excuse. Unlike, say, a bone fracture or tendon injury, the period of recuperation varies upon the extent. With this, they can keep the horse out of the Champion Hurdle picture for as long or as little as they want.
So, surprise, surprise, last week we hear that Binocular is back on track for Cheltenham and he is immediately re-instigated in the betting markets. At 8-1.
Now, McManus takes a sip of his 25-year old malt, reclines in his armchair and thinks: ‘Eights! Pile in lads!’.
As you may have guessed, I was more tan happy to let this blog die a slow and painful death by neglect but event have conspired against my mistreatment and words have been fed to a hungry page.
At the moment I do a weekly blog for geegeez.com and I sent the editor this article before the Champion Hurdle. It reads pretty forth telling in light of recent events...
We all know JP McManus loves a bet at Cheltenham during the third week of March. His rivalry with the late bookie Freddie ‘Fearless’ Williams has gone down in Festival folk law and Barry Dennis recently recalled how he was facing an £800,000 paid out to the Irishman had Barracuda got past Ingles Drever up the Prestbury Park hill in the 2005 Stayers’ Hurdle.
Last year, we saw a heavily gambled on Wichita Lineman scrape home in front in McManus’ green and gold silks to land the William Hill Trophy and some hefty bets to boot.
Most of the Irishman’s festival punts are a strongly held secret - only a few insiders know when the money’s down. Even his trainer, Jonjo O’Neill, isn’t really sure himself when JP’s ‘having it big’.
But could this year’s gamble have been his most exposed one yet? Is the news that this horse is going to be carrying more than his jockey right under our nose?
I’m talking about Binocular.
So marginally denied in last year’s Champion Hurdle, it was made no secret that Nicky Henderson’s steed would be a stronger, much tougher animal in 12 months time.
Since then, we have seen quite the opposite: comfortably beaten twice by Go Native before landing the odds in a poor three-runner affair at Sandown, the progress we were promised from Binocular has failed to materialise.
Despite these disappointments, dreams of going two places better in the Champion Hurdle were kept alive and the son of Enrique was available at odds of 6-1 for the championship event.
Now, this is where my thinking kicks in. Was JP McManus sitting in his mansion back in Ireland thinking: ‘Sixes! That’s far too short for a good ol’ gamble!’?
So what does he do?
BINOCULAR OUT OF CHAMPION WITH MUSCULAR PROBLEM read the next day’s headlines.
Boom. There’s no better way to get larger odds on a horse than to put their participation in doubt. Some bookies even took him out of their markets.
His chances had been written off.
A ‘muscular problem’ is a very good excuse. Unlike, say, a bone fracture or tendon injury, the period of recuperation varies upon the extent. With this, they can keep the horse out of the Champion Hurdle picture for as long or as little as they want.
So, surprise, surprise, last week we hear that Binocular is back on track for Cheltenham and he is immediately re-instigated in the betting markets. At 8-1.
Now, McManus takes a sip of his 25-year old malt, reclines in his armchair and thinks: ‘Eights! Pile in lads!’.
11 January 2010
2010 - A big year for...
I could easily give you the names of five or so horses to follow in the in the opening year of the…(what will this decade be called? The teenies?) but that’s not blogging, it’s tipping. Anyway, I’d probably be wrong. No, these are the human names that will reach a higher level in 2010, the people who you need on your side for the year ahead.
Jockey - Phil Makin.
After a fraught couple of seasons due to injuries, the ‘Tom Queally of the North’ was back with a bang in 2009. Like his southern counterpart, Makin is reliable, hard-working and gives it to you straight. With the momentum of a currently successful all-weather season behind him, he looks set to rake in a multitude of winners come the new season. Not only should he be pushing into the top 5 in the jockeys championship but a plunder of the odd valuable contest should be within. When the likes of Gosden, Stoute and Godolphin head up north and need a jockey, don’t be surprised if Makin gets the leg up.
Apprentice - Paul Pickard
Last season Frederik Tylicki proved that northern firepower can out-muster any southern attack by beating David Probert in a thrilling race for the apprentice’s championship. Likewise, a northern push could be enough to propel Pickard to the top of the rookie riders’ tree. After a promising 2009, he has decided to stay in England for the all-weather season - a wise move and one that should be rewarded with an expanding of his contacts book. Heading into the new season with a 5lb claim will make him an attractive proposition to many trainers, including that of his boss, Peter Midgeley. With an apparent natural aptitude for race- riding and a polite manner out of the saddle, Paul Pickard is a name to remember.
Trainer - Warren Greatrex
The pronunciation of his surname may be a matter of debate but there’s no doubt about the fact that Greatrex has equine firepower. The real task will be for the rookie handler to steer his horses in the right direction and aim them at the achievable targets. Backer Malcolm Denmark has put full faith in his trainer and the results have so far been highly encouraging. Greatrex has made no secret about the fact that anything he does now will be a stepping stone for future years but, from recent evidence, he big time may come sooner than he thinks.
Ok, I said I wouldn’t give you a horse to follow but there’s one bit of value I’ve seen that has to be gobbled up like the last roast potato at Christmas dinner. His name is Punjabi. Yes, that probably does ring a bell. He’s 12/1 for the Champion Hurdle, a race he won only last March. Even the each-way thieves can’t resist a price like that.
Jockey - Phil Makin.
After a fraught couple of seasons due to injuries, the ‘Tom Queally of the North’ was back with a bang in 2009. Like his southern counterpart, Makin is reliable, hard-working and gives it to you straight. With the momentum of a currently successful all-weather season behind him, he looks set to rake in a multitude of winners come the new season. Not only should he be pushing into the top 5 in the jockeys championship but a plunder of the odd valuable contest should be within. When the likes of Gosden, Stoute and Godolphin head up north and need a jockey, don’t be surprised if Makin gets the leg up.
Apprentice - Paul Pickard
Last season Frederik Tylicki proved that northern firepower can out-muster any southern attack by beating David Probert in a thrilling race for the apprentice’s championship. Likewise, a northern push could be enough to propel Pickard to the top of the rookie riders’ tree. After a promising 2009, he has decided to stay in England for the all-weather season - a wise move and one that should be rewarded with an expanding of his contacts book. Heading into the new season with a 5lb claim will make him an attractive proposition to many trainers, including that of his boss, Peter Midgeley. With an apparent natural aptitude for race- riding and a polite manner out of the saddle, Paul Pickard is a name to remember.
Trainer - Warren Greatrex
The pronunciation of his surname may be a matter of debate but there’s no doubt about the fact that Greatrex has equine firepower. The real task will be for the rookie handler to steer his horses in the right direction and aim them at the achievable targets. Backer Malcolm Denmark has put full faith in his trainer and the results have so far been highly encouraging. Greatrex has made no secret about the fact that anything he does now will be a stepping stone for future years but, from recent evidence, he big time may come sooner than he thinks.
Ok, I said I wouldn’t give you a horse to follow but there’s one bit of value I’ve seen that has to be gobbled up like the last roast potato at Christmas dinner. His name is Punjabi. Yes, that probably does ring a bell. He’s 12/1 for the Champion Hurdle, a race he won only last March. Even the each-way thieves can’t resist a price like that.
15 November 2009
Why Tony McCoy will never be SPotY
It’s November, so let the racing fraternity roll out their annual passionate plea for Tony McCoy to be nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
But what chance has he got? A reserved Irishman who quietly dominates his sport year-in, year-out against the likes of Jenson Button, Formula 1 world champion, photographed in the newspapers with gorgeous women, promoting designer clothes and generally acting the good guy.
Or how does our man square up to David Haye, the new heavyweight boxing champ? He is David, he beat Goliath. How much more of a fairytale do you want? He used to be a model and has a sense of humour that is bred into any cockney.
The problem is that McCoy’s still not a household name. Everyone knows a jockey called Frankie Dettori and, yes, he’s won the championship before but not nearly as many times as his National Hunt counterpart.
So we’ve got to ask ourselves why nobody knows McCoy. Is it because the Italian is in the mainstream media; captaining a team on A Question of Sport, opening his own restaurant, releasing his own brand of food (it never took off but we’ll overlook that).
Given the choice, I’m sure McCoy would rather win another championship rather than some popularity contest and one would have to be sacrificed to win the other. It’s a Catch-22 situation.
Winning a championship requires regular winners and this can’t be done if you’re swanning about on Ready, Steady, Cook or wearing the silver condom outfit on Hole in the Wall. But if you want the general public to get to know you, you must go on these types of shows and get your face regularly seen on the box, like Frankie has done in the past.
McCoy is, in a kind way, a nutcase - single-minded and determined to ride as many winners he can and he’d rather go to Bangor in the rain than the BBC.
Anyway, McCoy’s best chance of winning SPotY have passed. Racing is not a priority for the BBC anymore after they reduced the number of broadcasted fixtures, so it is unlikely that they are going to nominate a man who is from a sport they’re trying to shove in the corner.
But this could be leading to a bigger picture of racing’s own future.
With the Derby now kicked off television’s ‘crown jewels’ - sporting events that, by law, must be shown on terrestrial channels - will there be a time when racing is only available to watch via satellite?
Channel Four Racing has had it’s rocky patches and it’s clear that watching racing isn’t a priority for the majority of the population of Great Britain.
Tony McCoy and racing could be on the same path - ticking along without Joe Bloggs giving a damn.
But what chance has he got? A reserved Irishman who quietly dominates his sport year-in, year-out against the likes of Jenson Button, Formula 1 world champion, photographed in the newspapers with gorgeous women, promoting designer clothes and generally acting the good guy.
Or how does our man square up to David Haye, the new heavyweight boxing champ? He is David, he beat Goliath. How much more of a fairytale do you want? He used to be a model and has a sense of humour that is bred into any cockney.
The problem is that McCoy’s still not a household name. Everyone knows a jockey called Frankie Dettori and, yes, he’s won the championship before but not nearly as many times as his National Hunt counterpart.
So we’ve got to ask ourselves why nobody knows McCoy. Is it because the Italian is in the mainstream media; captaining a team on A Question of Sport, opening his own restaurant, releasing his own brand of food (it never took off but we’ll overlook that).
Given the choice, I’m sure McCoy would rather win another championship rather than some popularity contest and one would have to be sacrificed to win the other. It’s a Catch-22 situation.
Winning a championship requires regular winners and this can’t be done if you’re swanning about on Ready, Steady, Cook or wearing the silver condom outfit on Hole in the Wall. But if you want the general public to get to know you, you must go on these types of shows and get your face regularly seen on the box, like Frankie has done in the past.
McCoy is, in a kind way, a nutcase - single-minded and determined to ride as many winners he can and he’d rather go to Bangor in the rain than the BBC.
Anyway, McCoy’s best chance of winning SPotY have passed. Racing is not a priority for the BBC anymore after they reduced the number of broadcasted fixtures, so it is unlikely that they are going to nominate a man who is from a sport they’re trying to shove in the corner.
But this could be leading to a bigger picture of racing’s own future.
With the Derby now kicked off television’s ‘crown jewels’ - sporting events that, by law, must be shown on terrestrial channels - will there be a time when racing is only available to watch via satellite?
Channel Four Racing has had it’s rocky patches and it’s clear that watching racing isn’t a priority for the majority of the population of Great Britain.
Tony McCoy and racing could be on the same path - ticking along without Joe Bloggs giving a damn.
13 November 2009
Bumper System Update
It's been almost a month since I let you in on the little system Jimmy Pugh and I had developed, so I'll tell you how it's going.
The system involved backing all the horses that ran in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper in their first few starts over hurdles. Here's a breakdown of how they've done since:
Dunguib (1st) - the winner of the bumper, he was always going to be decent over timber. He won first time out at odds of 1/7. Not enough to make you rich but it's profit nonetheless. He's in tomorrow at Punchestown 1.50.
Some Present (2nd) - he won first time out at 13/8. He's come second twice since then.
Morning Supreme (5th) - won at 1/2. Entered in a Fairyhouse Grade 1 at the end of the month.
Cranky Corner (7th) - won at 5/4. Well beaten at Aintree since.
Shinrock Paddy (8th) - won at 1/2. Entered in same Grade 1 as Morning Supreme. Thank God Mr B Connell doesn't ride him over obstacles - he looks dangerous enough on the flat.
Pepe Simo (9th) - won twice at 5/2 and 8/11.
Benbane Head (10th) - beaten first time (5/4fav) then made amends at Cheltenham when 8/1.
Meath All Star (11th) - well beaten behind Some Present first time when 5/1.
Long Strand (12th) - tailed off at 10/1.
Red Harbour (14th) - third at 9/4fav.
Fennis Boy (17th) - third at 100/30.
Henry King (18th) - second behind Pepe Simo when 13/8fav.
Double Dash (20th) - second at 7/2. Entered for Plumpton on the 16th November.
Lightening Rod (21st) - tailed off seventh at 7/1.
Cadspeed (22nd) - weakened rapidly when 9/10fav. In on the 16th at Cork 2.35.
Bygones of Brid (23rd) - tailed off 4th at Chepstow when 33/1.
Quinola des Obeaux (last) - won when 8/11fav. In the Grade 1 on the 29th too.
So from these, it looks as if there is no profit in the system this year. Yes, it produces winners but they are good horses and hence win at very short odds. Backing them on their second start looks unprofitable as well as many get beat at short odds but some have improved for their debut.
Finally, here's a round up of the remainders:
Rite of Passage (3rd) - since transformed into a decent flat horse. Won the November Handicap at Leopardstown when 7/1. Holds no entries but is sure to go hurdling sometime.
Quel Esprit (4th) - entered tomorrow at Punchestown 3.30.
Lead The Parade (6th) - unraced/no entries.
Latin America (13th) - unraced/no entries.
Gagewell Flyer (15th) - unraced/no entries.
Sicilian Secret (16th) - entered on Sunday at Cork 3.35.
Abroard (19th) - been campaigned on the flat since, won in September at 10/1. Will probably go hurdling at some point.
The system involved backing all the horses that ran in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper in their first few starts over hurdles. Here's a breakdown of how they've done since:
Dunguib (1st) - the winner of the bumper, he was always going to be decent over timber. He won first time out at odds of 1/7. Not enough to make you rich but it's profit nonetheless. He's in tomorrow at Punchestown 1.50.
Some Present (2nd) - he won first time out at 13/8. He's come second twice since then.
Morning Supreme (5th) - won at 1/2. Entered in a Fairyhouse Grade 1 at the end of the month.
Cranky Corner (7th) - won at 5/4. Well beaten at Aintree since.
Shinrock Paddy (8th) - won at 1/2. Entered in same Grade 1 as Morning Supreme. Thank God Mr B Connell doesn't ride him over obstacles - he looks dangerous enough on the flat.
Pepe Simo (9th) - won twice at 5/2 and 8/11.
Benbane Head (10th) - beaten first time (5/4fav) then made amends at Cheltenham when 8/1.
Meath All Star (11th) - well beaten behind Some Present first time when 5/1.
Long Strand (12th) - tailed off at 10/1.
Red Harbour (14th) - third at 9/4fav.
Fennis Boy (17th) - third at 100/30.
Henry King (18th) - second behind Pepe Simo when 13/8fav.
Double Dash (20th) - second at 7/2. Entered for Plumpton on the 16th November.
Lightening Rod (21st) - tailed off seventh at 7/1.
Cadspeed (22nd) - weakened rapidly when 9/10fav. In on the 16th at Cork 2.35.
Bygones of Brid (23rd) - tailed off 4th at Chepstow when 33/1.
Quinola des Obeaux (last) - won when 8/11fav. In the Grade 1 on the 29th too.
So from these, it looks as if there is no profit in the system this year. Yes, it produces winners but they are good horses and hence win at very short odds. Backing them on their second start looks unprofitable as well as many get beat at short odds but some have improved for their debut.
Finally, here's a round up of the remainders:
Rite of Passage (3rd) - since transformed into a decent flat horse. Won the November Handicap at Leopardstown when 7/1. Holds no entries but is sure to go hurdling sometime.
Quel Esprit (4th) - entered tomorrow at Punchestown 3.30.
Lead The Parade (6th) - unraced/no entries.
Latin America (13th) - unraced/no entries.
Gagewell Flyer (15th) - unraced/no entries.
Sicilian Secret (16th) - entered on Sunday at Cork 3.35.
Abroard (19th) - been campaigned on the flat since, won in September at 10/1. Will probably go hurdling at some point.
4 November 2009
You have to have a full package Down Under
The Melbourne Cup is great, isn't it?. The race that 'stops a nation'. I suppose the only event that we've got on these shores to compare it to is the Grand National but we don't have a Bank Holiday just for that race, so I suppose, you can't really compare them.
It's run in the middle of the night, our time, and also the picture quality is not great and both add to the aura of the event. The fact us English can't win it either makes it all that bit more elusive.
I think I know why we can't nail the race. So many seconds we've had: Bauer in '08 went as close as we've ever been, missing out by a nose. But the problem is that we see the race is run over 2m2f. That's a marathon trip, comparable tot the Ascot Gold Cup. So we think, 'Let's send over our Ascot Gold Cup winner, they'll do it easy.'
Off the likes of Yeats and Persian Punch went and back they came with no success. Why? They're too slow. A Gold Cup horse is a gritty stayer who just plods his races out. A Melbourne Cup horse has to travel, settle and have an electric turn of foot.
We need to change our perspective on the race, no longer should we send the dour stayers but fly over the classy 1m4f horses, those, perhaps, not quite your Sea The Stars but the likes of Mastercraftsman and Fame And Glory.
Admittedly, we did have a taster of some O'Brien Classic talent in Changingoftheguard but he came nowhere in the St Ledger, hardly the classy individual needed for a raid Down Under.
It's run in the middle of the night, our time, and also the picture quality is not great and both add to the aura of the event. The fact us English can't win it either makes it all that bit more elusive.
I think I know why we can't nail the race. So many seconds we've had: Bauer in '08 went as close as we've ever been, missing out by a nose. But the problem is that we see the race is run over 2m2f. That's a marathon trip, comparable tot the Ascot Gold Cup. So we think, 'Let's send over our Ascot Gold Cup winner, they'll do it easy.'
Off the likes of Yeats and Persian Punch went and back they came with no success. Why? They're too slow. A Gold Cup horse is a gritty stayer who just plods his races out. A Melbourne Cup horse has to travel, settle and have an electric turn of foot.
We need to change our perspective on the race, no longer should we send the dour stayers but fly over the classy 1m4f horses, those, perhaps, not quite your Sea The Stars but the likes of Mastercraftsman and Fame And Glory.
Admittedly, we did have a taster of some O'Brien Classic talent in Changingoftheguard but he came nowhere in the St Ledger, hardly the classy individual needed for a raid Down Under.
23 October 2009
Sand 'The Revival' Repeal
It is with great sadness that I report the retirement of Sand Repeal.
This may be the first time you've ever heard of him, or maybe you're an avid fan of the beast, but, to me, he was a great, a horse that touched my heart.
At times though, he could seem a yak, most notably when he would occasionally nip you and produce a bruise or when he would try and barge out his stable door.
Inside though was a heart of gold.
His story began in Ireland, in 2002, when a small stud owner called Donald Cummings decided to breed Columbian Sand with Revoque - a pretty unspectacular cross, one which was unlikely to lead to a high price at the sales.
So it was not surprising that he skipped the sales and went straight to Harraton Stables, base of trainer Julia Feilden.
From here he remained. A big gangly yearling, he was castrated early to keep his mind on the job.
As a two year-old he surprised many (as he was to do in the future) by being placed twice from three runs but he was always going to be a better three year-old.
And so, loaded with a rating of 73 (the highest he would ever reach) Sand Repeal raced around the courses of the United Kingdom from Ascot to Yarmouth.
It was the winter 2006 however that he really started to make a mark. Three wins during that period kept us all warm although they were split with two defeats behind a 66 rated Young Mick (not bad form in hindsight).
Little did we know it would be another 14 months before he won another race, interspersed with one attempt over hurdles where he duly unseated his rider at the first.
During this time, I had just observed, riding him occasionally and regarding as nothing more than one in the yard.
As time went on and I started riding in amateur races, our link developed. I rode him at Wolverhampton, finished 4th and hoped I'd never ride him again because he was such hard work.
Luckily, things didn't turn out as I hoped. We went to Windsor and on the back of a few placed efforts, he started at odds of 13/2. It was a venture into the unknown on this day - he was racing over 1m4f for the first time in well over two years. I knew one thing - he stayed, so I kicked him on four out and we never saw another horse. Chuffed, I obviously was.
What came next though, no-one expected.
To Chester, three weeks later and we're still not greatly fancied at 15/2 despite our obvious good rapport. 1m4f again, so what do we do? Kick on. It wasn't so easy this time, Sand Repeal had to dig deep and dig deep he did. We won by a head.
From these days, he became a favourite. Renamed Sand 'Revival' due to his recent resurgence in form, he obtained a slight cult following amongst the villagers of Exning and university students alike.
Between then and yesterday, not much had changed; he raced, ate and went out in the field to fight the ponies.
But after 63 runs, 7 wins, 21 places and £33,000 earned in prize money, it all caught up with him. He suffered a tear in his tendon when racing at Brighton. Not life threatening, but enough to end his racing career.
His future is safe, a good home for life is certain but he will be missed by all at Julia Feilden racing, most notably by me.
He was a pet and, as much as an animal can be, a mate.
19 October 2009
Champion system?
Move over Pricewise, there's a new kid on the Saturday afternoon tipping block! Twice Over at 12/1, did you get it? Oh, but you're still in the red after a substantial forecast in the Dewhurst. Never mind. I also fancied Darley Sun in the big handicap but I didn't bother telling you because it was obvious, wasn't it?
Now for a little enlightenment. Jimmy Pugh and I are experimenting on a new system that we hope will prove profitable (like all good ideas initially do).
Take last year's Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, won so impressively by Dunguib. Now back every horse that ran in that race when it makes a hurdling debut. Any good?
Well, so far it looks promising. Second at the festival in March was Some Present...who won on 15/10 at Punchestown at 13/8fav.
Next we take the horse that finished sixth at Prestbury Park - Cranky Corner. He won at Gowran on 06/05 at 6/5fav. He's in on Sunday at Aintree.
Three places behind him was Benbane Head who won at Cheltenham on Saturday priced 8/1 after finishing third as 5/4fav on his hurdles debut. Disappointing admittedly but he eventually won nonetheless.
As for the imminent future, the ninth, Pepe Simo, runs at Wincanton on Sunday in the same race that the 18th, Henry King, makes his hurdles debut.
Shinrock Paddy, an unlucky eighth at Cheltenham runs at Thurles on Thursday.
And finally, the horse that only beat one home, Bygones of Brid, takes to the jumping game for the first time at Cartmel, also on Thursday.
Let's get on and see what happens!
16 October 2009
Lightning doesn't strike Twice
With a chill in the breeze, Wolverhampton night meetings becoming more regular and the top racehorses retiring to sud, it most definitely feels like the ed of the flat season.
For me, Newmarket's Champions Meeting tomorrow is the annual last hurrah for the speed kings. I know there's the November Handicap meeting to contend with still but, let's be honest, we won't be seeing too many superstars there and the Breeders' Cup has taken a significant knock with the imperious Sea The Stars deciding that he'll be better off enjoying the company of some lady friends rather than trounce the same old horses, this time in America.
I don't know if I'm alone on this but, I find the Champions Meeting one which is quite profitable. Maybe it's because the best horses usually win or because you can put your money on safe in the knowledge that connections are trying, but my selections always do themselves proud.
This year is no different. New Approach was scorching value at 6/4 in last year's headline Champion Stakes and the horse he beat into second that year, Twice Over, can go one better this time around.
Not only that, I've also cracked the Dewhurst Stakes as well. A quality renewal it is and I think Silver Grecian will get back to winning ways with Dick Turpin filling the runner's up spot.
For me, Newmarket's Champions Meeting tomorrow is the annual last hurrah for the speed kings. I know there's the November Handicap meeting to contend with still but, let's be honest, we won't be seeing too many superstars there and the Breeders' Cup has taken a significant knock with the imperious Sea The Stars deciding that he'll be better off enjoying the company of some lady friends rather than trounce the same old horses, this time in America.
I don't know if I'm alone on this but, I find the Champions Meeting one which is quite profitable. Maybe it's because the best horses usually win or because you can put your money on safe in the knowledge that connections are trying, but my selections always do themselves proud.
This year is no different. New Approach was scorching value at 6/4 in last year's headline Champion Stakes and the horse he beat into second that year, Twice Over, can go one better this time around.
Not only that, I've also cracked the Dewhurst Stakes as well. A quality renewal it is and I think Silver Grecian will get back to winning ways with Dick Turpin filling the runner's up spot.
5 October 2009
Youm must be in-Zain (or how it could have been)
Mick Channon hailed Youmzain as "the biggest thief since Ronnie Biggs" after the gelding's unimaginable third consecutive Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory in Paris yesterday.
In familiar style, the six year-old swooped late under Kieren Fallon to nail Cavalryman on the line in front of an ecstatic crowd.
For Fallon it was an even more memorable day, barely a month after his return to race riding from a two year drug suspension, this was his signal that he is back on the big stage.
"The horse is quite remarkable," said the Irishman. "You can only hit the front late and he's a complete mongrel but I wish all my dogs were as talented as him."
Available at odds of 20/1, it was clear that the public believed his victories over Soldier of Fortune (2008) and Sagara (2007) were complete flukes and lightning doesn't strike three times.
How wrong they were though. Despite looking short of room two furlongs out, the son of another Arc winner in Sinndar, burst through to land the £1.6m first prize.
As to the future, another crack at France's premier race looks possible.
"We'll see how he comes out of the race and check that he eats all his pedigree chum tonight," said Channon. "When he wins we give him chicken and vegetable flavour - he loves it."
"I'd love to come back here because the bread rolls are delicious but I'm not really sure whether the track suits him."
4 October 2009
Water waste of time
I'll tell you something else that has got up my goat recently - over-watering. The amount of races I've seen where the ground looks desperate is growing like Joseph Fritzl's beard.
Take Newmarket for instance; beautiful ground on the Friday, then by Saturday it's like watching a load of old chasers at Kelso. I know it's been an incredibly dry autumn but it's as if the courses have left the tracks unattended and then the day before the race they've thought 'oh, it's quite hard out here. Taps on, Geoffrey!'
The result? Ground described as good to firm yet kicks up like Worcester on a good day. The top is very loose because of all the water put on it but it hasn't had time to penetrate the ground o underneath the grass it's rock 'ard.
As you may guess, the turf is then slippy and the amount of horses who have been close to falling on the flat has increased.
So what can you do? It's too loose for the fat ground horses but still firm for the mud lovers. Leave it alone until some rain comes. Or go to Wolverhampton.
PS, I'm tempted to lay Yeats today. I know it goes against sentimentality but the old boy's always underperformed in this event and at 4/1, I'd oppose him. But lump on Dick Turpin and rob those bookies!
Take Newmarket for instance; beautiful ground on the Friday, then by Saturday it's like watching a load of old chasers at Kelso. I know it's been an incredibly dry autumn but it's as if the courses have left the tracks unattended and then the day before the race they've thought 'oh, it's quite hard out here. Taps on, Geoffrey!'
The result? Ground described as good to firm yet kicks up like Worcester on a good day. The top is very loose because of all the water put on it but it hasn't had time to penetrate the ground o underneath the grass it's rock 'ard.
As you may guess, the turf is then slippy and the amount of horses who have been close to falling on the flat has increased.
So what can you do? It's too loose for the fat ground horses but still firm for the mud lovers. Leave it alone until some rain comes. Or go to Wolverhampton.
PS, I'm tempted to lay Yeats today. I know it goes against sentimentality but the old boy's always underperformed in this event and at 4/1, I'd oppose him. But lump on Dick Turpin and rob those bookies!
1 October 2009
Pay peanuts...get monkeys
Ha! So all of those of you who voted against me updating this blog in a week were wrong. Oh, no one voted at all.
There was a little debate on the way to the races yesterday in respect to prize money - notably the lack of it. People moan that there is too much racing and not enough prize money. I take argument to this view; the amount of racing at the moment is sustainable and provides a regular flow of action to punters and fans alike. The problem is though that those associated with the upkeep of the horses (owners, trainers, staff etc) will not be able to provide the horses for the action because they can't afford to.
The recession hasn't dramatically altered the training of racehorses which has been the same, more or less, for hundreds of years but people are now being more economical - instead of trecking to a venue with one runner, they'll fill the box up with two just to make the trip more cost effective. Similarly, trainers' steeds now share lifts in horse boxes thus reducing the cost as well.
None of this is bad, in fact it saves money and reduces carbon emmissions because less boxes are travelling to the races, but it doesn't detract attention away from the problem of prize money.
You see horses racing round Wolverhampton on a Saturday night for roughly £1500. This barely covers a month's training fees for the nag. Ownership should be profitable for everyone and this would surely bring new faces to the game.
To boost the pot at the lower end of the scale, I think the authorities need to trim something off the top of the tree. Why, for instance, does the QE2 need to be £142,000 to the winner when there are only 4 runners and most years the quality of horse is substandard to Group 1 level?
Yes, the big handicaps should have valuable pots to attract competition but why does the Derby need to be worth almost £1m? Surely Chris Tsui, owner of this years winner Sea The Stars, wouldn't mind if he only won half that amount because, at the end of the day, he's still going to get insane money for him as a stallion.
Basically, the big Group 1s don't need big prizes because the value of the win comes with the horse, at sale or through breeding. Little handicap winners won't be worth much more for winning a class 6 event, they don't have a future in the industry after retirment, but if the prize is good, then things are more affordable.
Say you trim £200,000 off the prize money of the Derby, this could be redistributed as an extra £1000 prize money for 200 other races.
It seems that the rich only get richer in this game and for that reason, racing is excluding 99.9% of the British population.
29 September 2009
He's the Long-Champ
And so, after a period of Baby P-style neglect, this blog returns. It was getting a bit above itself you see; being rowdy in public, upsetting the neighbours and generally doing things that Cliff Richard wouldn't approve of. But it's back (for now) and, who knows, it might even get updated more than once a month.
The Arc this week will be the highlight of most people's weekend, I've always wanted to watch racing behind the red button because it feels dirty, like looking up Claire Balding's skirt. Oh yeah, and Sea The Stars runs.
I was lucky enough to go to Longchamp for the Arc, the year Hurricane Run won under Kieren Fallon, and I can confirm that the rumours are true - the Paris track licks the arse of anything we've got on these shores. The place has charm yet leaves you in awe at the sheer size of the place, atmosphere but decorum and, most notably, superstars that you can almost touch.
Alas, how I would love to touch (and take a few hairs to sell on eBay) one of this year's invaders, the imperious Sea The Stars. A brute of a horse who has the physique of a wild stallion but holds the temperament of an eight year-old's pony. He's got a few gears as well.
Whatever Messrs O'Brien, Stoute or Mohammed throw at the son of Cape Cross, he catches, spits on it and leaves it in a jibbering wreck on a horsebox, probably on the M25 stuck in roadworks. We apologise for the inconvenience.
The Arc this week will be the highlight of most people's weekend, I've always wanted to watch racing behind the red button because it feels dirty, like looking up Claire Balding's skirt. Oh yeah, and Sea The Stars runs.
I was lucky enough to go to Longchamp for the Arc, the year Hurricane Run won under Kieren Fallon, and I can confirm that the rumours are true - the Paris track licks the arse of anything we've got on these shores. The place has charm yet leaves you in awe at the sheer size of the place, atmosphere but decorum and, most notably, superstars that you can almost touch.
Alas, how I would love to touch (and take a few hairs to sell on eBay) one of this year's invaders, the imperious Sea The Stars. A brute of a horse who has the physique of a wild stallion but holds the temperament of an eight year-old's pony. He's got a few gears as well.
Whatever Messrs O'Brien, Stoute or Mohammed throw at the son of Cape Cross, he catches, spits on it and leaves it in a jibbering wreck on a horsebox, probably on the M25 stuck in roadworks. We apologise for the inconvenience.
26 July 2009
Tour de bore
As the Tour de France has just rolled to a ceremonious end in Paris today, I have been left with a feeling of disappointment.
Billed as the great clash between the old warrior Lance Armstrong and the new sensation Alberto Contador, this year's Tour never really lived up to it's hype and despite some flashes potential history making moments, the surprises came few and the racing came slow.
The problem was probably due to there being far too many flat stages where the peloton race in a bunch very steadily for a few hours and then the last kilometre is a mad sprint, usually won by Britain's Mark Cavendish.
Cav let us down, he didn't have the passion to win the green (sprinter's) jersey. He may look back on the Tour with regret. The fastest man on the road he was but points aren't just won at the finish and Thor Hushov deserves all the plaudits for making breaks midway through stages to collect some points for himself.
One rider who can hold his head high is our very own Bradley Wiggins. I may be disappointed that he didn't nick a podium place (a fiver each-way at 200/1) but coming fourth is the best any Brit has done and the bravery he showed up the mountains was admirable. He looks like a skeleton but the legs are obviously strong and this experience is sure to bring him some big prizes in the future. I want his autograph!
And Sir Michael Stoute didn't do bad at the weekend either but I think it was a weak renewal of this now substandard race. Year on year, we are left with the also rans to collect this big prize and it's about time someone did something about it.
Accountability in horseracing? That's a whole new debate!
Billed as the great clash between the old warrior Lance Armstrong and the new sensation Alberto Contador, this year's Tour never really lived up to it's hype and despite some flashes potential history making moments, the surprises came few and the racing came slow.
The problem was probably due to there being far too many flat stages where the peloton race in a bunch very steadily for a few hours and then the last kilometre is a mad sprint, usually won by Britain's Mark Cavendish.
Cav let us down, he didn't have the passion to win the green (sprinter's) jersey. He may look back on the Tour with regret. The fastest man on the road he was but points aren't just won at the finish and Thor Hushov deserves all the plaudits for making breaks midway through stages to collect some points for himself.
One rider who can hold his head high is our very own Bradley Wiggins. I may be disappointed that he didn't nick a podium place (a fiver each-way at 200/1) but coming fourth is the best any Brit has done and the bravery he showed up the mountains was admirable. He looks like a skeleton but the legs are obviously strong and this experience is sure to bring him some big prizes in the future. I want his autograph!
And Sir Michael Stoute didn't do bad at the weekend either but I think it was a weak renewal of this now substandard race. Year on year, we are left with the also rans to collect this big prize and it's about time someone did something about it.
Accountability in horseracing? That's a whole new debate!
19 July 2009
30 June 2009
Where Have I Been?
Apologies for the lack of updation but my second year at university is now complete and the broadband quality is not quite comparable here in sunny Suffolk as it is in the multi-million pound computer facility of the uni.
So, what's been going on? Derby (tipped you the winner didn't I?), 'Conegate' at Salisbury and Royal Ascot. Plus, the weather's pretty mild at the minute isn't it?
Before we speak of the Derby, I just want to get something off my chest. It involved a participant in the feature race on the Friday of Epsom's Classic meeting. A horse that goes by the name of Phillipina. Hype horses are aplenty in Newmarket and this must be the one on the highest pedestal of the lot. Gambled on debut (got beat), punted on at Chester (got beat) and supported in the Oaks (got beat), there must be a group of stable lads absolutely broke because of this horse and I can't think of a way they'll get their money back. Run the filly in a maiden and she'll win... at odds of 1/10 on a good day. But try and get a bigger price in a group race and she won't win. Lesson learnt = if it can't win a maiden, it can't win a Classic.
The Derby itself was like taking candy from a baby. The best horse in the race was favourite and duly obliged, so why was anybody trying to oppose him?
Royal Ascot was another whirlwind of glamour and sunshine. I don't mind the BBC's coverage of fashion, it's actually quite entertaining. That camp guy Sherwood cracks me up with his catty remarks and constant pouting. He's more use than Willie Carson anyway.
What surprised me the most was the success of the American horses. Who would have thought that their two-year-olds would be so good? And the sprinter Cannonball was no slouch either. This invasion is sure to become a annual event from now on and it would be good to see some more visits from our friends across the Atlantic. The only concern I have is the use of drugs and if some horses have been on steroids, surely the muscle they have gained will remain even if the drug is clean of the body, and this muscle will create more power and speed. An unfair advantage? Just clean up the drugs Obama.
There is little I have to say about the Salisbury ice cream fiasco but it has opened up a whole debate about customer care at the races and this is something that desperately needs revising. Admission prices need a radical makeover.
Being at home has it's perks; regular meals, comfortable accommodation and a regular income from the job but this has lead to some trouble, notably an increase in gambling. Gone are the days of the 10p Lucky15s all my budget could afford, now I'm rolling with the Harry Findlays of this world on Betfair, backing and laying all the same. Although my figures are showing a nice profit, it's the laying where it all goes wrong. On good days you can only make a small profit, bad ones yield a huge loss. It's the old mutts that do me in, things I've seen running around places like Folkestone and Beverley that I'm confident will never win a race but oh no, when Birkett's backing them to lose, they find a new lease in life (and 20lbs improvement) and scoot up. Ouch.
So, what's been going on? Derby (tipped you the winner didn't I?), 'Conegate' at Salisbury and Royal Ascot. Plus, the weather's pretty mild at the minute isn't it?
Before we speak of the Derby, I just want to get something off my chest. It involved a participant in the feature race on the Friday of Epsom's Classic meeting. A horse that goes by the name of Phillipina. Hype horses are aplenty in Newmarket and this must be the one on the highest pedestal of the lot. Gambled on debut (got beat), punted on at Chester (got beat) and supported in the Oaks (got beat), there must be a group of stable lads absolutely broke because of this horse and I can't think of a way they'll get their money back. Run the filly in a maiden and she'll win... at odds of 1/10 on a good day. But try and get a bigger price in a group race and she won't win. Lesson learnt = if it can't win a maiden, it can't win a Classic.
The Derby itself was like taking candy from a baby. The best horse in the race was favourite and duly obliged, so why was anybody trying to oppose him?
Royal Ascot was another whirlwind of glamour and sunshine. I don't mind the BBC's coverage of fashion, it's actually quite entertaining. That camp guy Sherwood cracks me up with his catty remarks and constant pouting. He's more use than Willie Carson anyway.
What surprised me the most was the success of the American horses. Who would have thought that their two-year-olds would be so good? And the sprinter Cannonball was no slouch either. This invasion is sure to become a annual event from now on and it would be good to see some more visits from our friends across the Atlantic. The only concern I have is the use of drugs and if some horses have been on steroids, surely the muscle they have gained will remain even if the drug is clean of the body, and this muscle will create more power and speed. An unfair advantage? Just clean up the drugs Obama.
There is little I have to say about the Salisbury ice cream fiasco but it has opened up a whole debate about customer care at the races and this is something that desperately needs revising. Admission prices need a radical makeover.
Being at home has it's perks; regular meals, comfortable accommodation and a regular income from the job but this has lead to some trouble, notably an increase in gambling. Gone are the days of the 10p Lucky15s all my budget could afford, now I'm rolling with the Harry Findlays of this world on Betfair, backing and laying all the same. Although my figures are showing a nice profit, it's the laying where it all goes wrong. On good days you can only make a small profit, bad ones yield a huge loss. It's the old mutts that do me in, things I've seen running around places like Folkestone and Beverley that I'm confident will never win a race but oh no, when Birkett's backing them to lose, they find a new lease in life (and 20lbs improvement) and scoot up. Ouch.
5 June 2009
Derby Drivel
It's Derby time, roll out the same old debates: Is Epsom a suitable place to run racing's most prestigious event? Can the Irish dominance ever be overturned? Yawn, sleepy, yawn.
The fact is, if it wasn't for the Irish, then there would only be five runners in the Classic. That would be a farce. Thanks to Aidan O'Brien alone the number horses starting the race is in double figures.
It's all swings and roundabouts - some years the Irish seem to be taking over British racing, other times they can't get their name on the board. Come the Breeders' Cup, the media are all to happy to adopt any Irish success as 'ours'.
It is a bit of a sorrowful state though this year that the most fancied English participant is available at odds of 20/1.
What surprised me about the race was the number of runners who are sired by a Derby winner themselves: five by 2001 hero Galileo and one by 2002 victor High Chapparal. This goes to show that far from being unable to inject class, speed and stamina into their progeny, Derby winners can produce Derby winners themselves. Gone are the days when the Cheltenham Gold Cup was the most likely race an Epsom winner would create.
Albeit, and timely with the death of Coolmore genius Vincent O'Brien, this fact has been helped by the impetus of Messrs O'Brien (x2), Magnier and Tabor.
Anyway, you probably want to know who's going to win. I don't know but I'll have a guess:
1st - Sea The Stars
2nd - Crowded House
3rd - Gan Amhras
The Guineas form will be crucial and Sea The Stars won at Newmarket like he was a horse who would get the Surrey venue's 1m4f with ease. I genuinely feel that he is a horse who could win the Triple Crown, ironically, 39 years on since the last horse who did it, Nijinsky. Trained by? Vincent O'Brien. But more is the case that he'll go to Longchamp for the more lucrative prize of the Arc d'Triomphe rather than a gallop on Town Moor.
Crowded House is a tentative selection. The manner of his victory at Doncaster late last year is still fresh in the memory and it thrusted him to the head of the market during the winter. Since then though, he has disappointed in the Dante. The son of Rainbow Quest may have come on since then and if he's back to his best, stays the trip and Spencer doesn't f*ck it up, expect him to be coming home with a surge.
As said the Guineas is a terrific form guide and Jim Bolger's Gam Amhras should stay true to my word without reversing the Rowley Mile form of his conqueror.
Or maybe not...
The fact is, if it wasn't for the Irish, then there would only be five runners in the Classic. That would be a farce. Thanks to Aidan O'Brien alone the number horses starting the race is in double figures.
It's all swings and roundabouts - some years the Irish seem to be taking over British racing, other times they can't get their name on the board. Come the Breeders' Cup, the media are all to happy to adopt any Irish success as 'ours'.
It is a bit of a sorrowful state though this year that the most fancied English participant is available at odds of 20/1.
What surprised me about the race was the number of runners who are sired by a Derby winner themselves: five by 2001 hero Galileo and one by 2002 victor High Chapparal. This goes to show that far from being unable to inject class, speed and stamina into their progeny, Derby winners can produce Derby winners themselves. Gone are the days when the Cheltenham Gold Cup was the most likely race an Epsom winner would create.
Albeit, and timely with the death of Coolmore genius Vincent O'Brien, this fact has been helped by the impetus of Messrs O'Brien (x2), Magnier and Tabor.
Anyway, you probably want to know who's going to win. I don't know but I'll have a guess:
1st - Sea The Stars
2nd - Crowded House
3rd - Gan Amhras
The Guineas form will be crucial and Sea The Stars won at Newmarket like he was a horse who would get the Surrey venue's 1m4f with ease. I genuinely feel that he is a horse who could win the Triple Crown, ironically, 39 years on since the last horse who did it, Nijinsky. Trained by? Vincent O'Brien. But more is the case that he'll go to Longchamp for the more lucrative prize of the Arc d'Triomphe rather than a gallop on Town Moor.
Crowded House is a tentative selection. The manner of his victory at Doncaster late last year is still fresh in the memory and it thrusted him to the head of the market during the winter. Since then though, he has disappointed in the Dante. The son of Rainbow Quest may have come on since then and if he's back to his best, stays the trip and Spencer doesn't f*ck it up, expect him to be coming home with a surge.
As said the Guineas is a terrific form guide and Jim Bolger's Gam Amhras should stay true to my word without reversing the Rowley Mile form of his conqueror.
Or maybe not...
26 May 2009
Hitting Ben with a Post
The Racing Post is really getting on my goat. Racing folk have to deal with it as it has the monopoly of the genre and can therefore charge what it likes - an extortionate amount.
We have to deal with it though. But the recent 'Brian or Ben' about the radical shake-up racing needs to attract a new audience has sent the Post potty.
The authorities hired a consultant agency (at a cost of £250,000) to look at the sport and see how it can be re-branded. And they concluded that racing at the moment is like Brian - "a bit boring, traditional, thinks he's old fashioned, with friends who are loyal but talk in a language people don't understand, can be arrogant, but when you get to know him can be fascinating."
This sounds pretty true to me. The large majority of everyday racegoers are just this and I would add that they are reluctant to accept newcomers into their sect.
But I suppose, the general make-up of a bookies during the week is pretty much the same, all bar the odd student popping in. This has more to do with the admission prices at racecourses. Especially in these financially harsh times, many just can't afford to go racing often enough and it is only the Brians of this world who can.
Anyway, the agency gave its idea of what racing should be like in five years time, Ben - "approachable and athletic, younger-minded, has travelled more, can talk as easily to a grandmother as a teenager, is inspiring to be with, enjoys a good time, and is entrepreneurial when people work with him."
Accepted, this Ben does sound like the perfect human being and is probably not 100% achievable but racing would be in rude health if it were this persona in the near future.
Back to the Racing Post. What annoyed me was their reaction to the whole findings. They refused to take any of the advice on board and come across as a right Brian.
It was disappointing that we were not given a strategy to implement the re-branding and it is a disappointment to me that I don't think their is anyone in the game who has the balls to grab the sport by the scruff of its neck and sort it all out.
At the moment, racing is just grumbling along and because it isn't making a loud enough noise, the media are dropping it: from the papers and the television.
Granted, the big meetings will always sell, but it's the Redcars and Wincantons on a Saturday that we really need to show to the public as a great day out.
The Post needs to drop its humiliation of Brian and Ben - they were just ways to convey the idea - and it needs to realise that the racing industry will eventually go underground if nothing is done.
Then no-one will by their fucking paper!
We have to deal with it though. But the recent 'Brian or Ben' about the radical shake-up racing needs to attract a new audience has sent the Post potty.
The authorities hired a consultant agency (at a cost of £250,000) to look at the sport and see how it can be re-branded. And they concluded that racing at the moment is like Brian - "a bit boring, traditional, thinks he's old fashioned, with friends who are loyal but talk in a language people don't understand, can be arrogant, but when you get to know him can be fascinating."
This sounds pretty true to me. The large majority of everyday racegoers are just this and I would add that they are reluctant to accept newcomers into their sect.
But I suppose, the general make-up of a bookies during the week is pretty much the same, all bar the odd student popping in. This has more to do with the admission prices at racecourses. Especially in these financially harsh times, many just can't afford to go racing often enough and it is only the Brians of this world who can.
Anyway, the agency gave its idea of what racing should be like in five years time, Ben - "approachable and athletic, younger-minded, has travelled more, can talk as easily to a grandmother as a teenager, is inspiring to be with, enjoys a good time, and is entrepreneurial when people work with him."
Accepted, this Ben does sound like the perfect human being and is probably not 100% achievable but racing would be in rude health if it were this persona in the near future.
Back to the Racing Post. What annoyed me was their reaction to the whole findings. They refused to take any of the advice on board and come across as a right Brian.
It was disappointing that we were not given a strategy to implement the re-branding and it is a disappointment to me that I don't think their is anyone in the game who has the balls to grab the sport by the scruff of its neck and sort it all out.
At the moment, racing is just grumbling along and because it isn't making a loud enough noise, the media are dropping it: from the papers and the television.
Granted, the big meetings will always sell, but it's the Redcars and Wincantons on a Saturday that we really need to show to the public as a great day out.
The Post needs to drop its humiliation of Brian and Ben - they were just ways to convey the idea - and it needs to realise that the racing industry will eventually go underground if nothing is done.
Then no-one will by their fucking paper!
4 May 2009
Travels with the Doctor.
Twenty-four hours of travelling for three minutes of action sounds like a waste of time, but not with the Doc.
Last weekend, five intrepid gentlemen amateurs set off to France led by the great Dr Phillip Pritchard to take part in the annual Brissac Challenge, a race at Angers contested between French and British jockeys.
Sailing out on a boat taken over by the Winchester Rugby under-13s, we couldn’t really get much rest during the six-hour journey but the Doctor had prescribed himself some medication which knocked him right out.
Once on hostile territory, with the help of the Doc’s sat-nav (that didn’t recognise many roads and thought we were going off-road for a fair while) we managed to turn a two hour journey to our accommodation into four hours but the banter was good despite my map reading being poor.
Dinner at the B&B was a remarkable occasion. What we thought would be just a quiet meal turned into a full blown three course job as the Chairmen of France-Galop, Angers racecourse, the gentlemen riders’ association and some expert who we saw on the television the next day all decided to join in as well. It was interesting to ponder whether such an event would take place back at home - the most senior men of the turf having a good old booze up together.
The wine flowed and spirits were high, with the Doc trying to communicate with the French in an accent that a foreigner would use if they were talking English. Whether this helps others to understand, he cannot say is clinically proven.
After a night cap of a cognac that would clear the lungs of a polio sufferer, we retired to bed having been awake for nearly 24 hours.
Despite the threat of having to muck out in the morning, we enjoyed a proper lie-in and, after a traditional croissant breakfast, made our way to the track.
For those who don’t know the Angers, it’s rather like a small Kempton - good facilities but nothing inside it. There was no catering for the jockeys and my weak French was fully exposed by some bar lady who got the tip of her life when we ordered a few Oranginas.
The language barrier came into force soon after when we received our riding instructions. With the help of a lot of hand gestures and a couple of diagrams we sort of understood what we were meant to do.
Understanding the clerk of the scales, however, was an entirely different matter. There’s a reason why we don’t use kilos over here - because they’re rubbish. All of us were the wrong weight and there was no lead anywhere, so, as it was unlikely to rain, I think they got a bit of the roof.
It’s always the most unnerving part when you look into the paddock and see what your going to ride; mine was an athletic grey who walked round like he’d had an ACP. Ben Brisbourne had a squeaky bum though when he saw his dripping with sweat and refusing to leave the track. Needless to say, he went quick to the start.
The race itself was stereotypically French - crawl for most of the way and then sprint for the last two furlongs. It’s not racing really. You go a 1m6f and finish like an animal running over 5f. If such an event was taken more seriously, it would probably be investigated by the BHA - nobody can ever remember an English jockey winning the event in its 31-year history. 2009 was no different - Phil Collington came a close second after sitting last and then storming on the outside to try and catch the winner who made all. The rest of us filled the places from fourth onwards. Everyone said they should have won.
Dejected and tired, we had a meal, drank more wine (is that the only beverage they have?) and departed.
But the adventure wasn’t over yet.
AJA chief Sarah Oliver couldn’t find the airport to catch her early flight back to the UK so she hired a car to meet us on the way to the port. Well, eventually we found her, after stopping at a Chinese restaurant not dissimilar from those seen on ‘Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares’. But then we needed to get rid of the hire car. What do you do? Leave it with a hotel. So, if you see a man who is driving a new Renault around Le Mans, tell him to take it back to Hertz.
Eventually we made it back to the port, despite the best efforts of the French to kill us after the driver in front fell asleep at the wheel, proceeded to climb the adjacent bank and miraculously kept the vehicle upright, returned to the tarmac then continued on his way. We were bricking it in behind but the Doc didn’t even flinch.
It was a terrific weekend and myself, Ben, Phil, Josh Moore and David Turner are thankful to Sarah and the Doc for granting us this opportunity to ride abroad and I hope we did Britain proud. L’annee diernier!
Last weekend, five intrepid gentlemen amateurs set off to France led by the great Dr Phillip Pritchard to take part in the annual Brissac Challenge, a race at Angers contested between French and British jockeys.
Sailing out on a boat taken over by the Winchester Rugby under-13s, we couldn’t really get much rest during the six-hour journey but the Doctor had prescribed himself some medication which knocked him right out.
Once on hostile territory, with the help of the Doc’s sat-nav (that didn’t recognise many roads and thought we were going off-road for a fair while) we managed to turn a two hour journey to our accommodation into four hours but the banter was good despite my map reading being poor.
Dinner at the B&B was a remarkable occasion. What we thought would be just a quiet meal turned into a full blown three course job as the Chairmen of France-Galop, Angers racecourse, the gentlemen riders’ association and some expert who we saw on the television the next day all decided to join in as well. It was interesting to ponder whether such an event would take place back at home - the most senior men of the turf having a good old booze up together.
The wine flowed and spirits were high, with the Doc trying to communicate with the French in an accent that a foreigner would use if they were talking English. Whether this helps others to understand, he cannot say is clinically proven.
After a night cap of a cognac that would clear the lungs of a polio sufferer, we retired to bed having been awake for nearly 24 hours.
Despite the threat of having to muck out in the morning, we enjoyed a proper lie-in and, after a traditional croissant breakfast, made our way to the track.
For those who don’t know the Angers, it’s rather like a small Kempton - good facilities but nothing inside it. There was no catering for the jockeys and my weak French was fully exposed by some bar lady who got the tip of her life when we ordered a few Oranginas.
The language barrier came into force soon after when we received our riding instructions. With the help of a lot of hand gestures and a couple of diagrams we sort of understood what we were meant to do.
Understanding the clerk of the scales, however, was an entirely different matter. There’s a reason why we don’t use kilos over here - because they’re rubbish. All of us were the wrong weight and there was no lead anywhere, so, as it was unlikely to rain, I think they got a bit of the roof.
It’s always the most unnerving part when you look into the paddock and see what your going to ride; mine was an athletic grey who walked round like he’d had an ACP. Ben Brisbourne had a squeaky bum though when he saw his dripping with sweat and refusing to leave the track. Needless to say, he went quick to the start.
The race itself was stereotypically French - crawl for most of the way and then sprint for the last two furlongs. It’s not racing really. You go a 1m6f and finish like an animal running over 5f. If such an event was taken more seriously, it would probably be investigated by the BHA - nobody can ever remember an English jockey winning the event in its 31-year history. 2009 was no different - Phil Collington came a close second after sitting last and then storming on the outside to try and catch the winner who made all. The rest of us filled the places from fourth onwards. Everyone said they should have won.
Dejected and tired, we had a meal, drank more wine (is that the only beverage they have?) and departed.
But the adventure wasn’t over yet.
AJA chief Sarah Oliver couldn’t find the airport to catch her early flight back to the UK so she hired a car to meet us on the way to the port. Well, eventually we found her, after stopping at a Chinese restaurant not dissimilar from those seen on ‘Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares’. But then we needed to get rid of the hire car. What do you do? Leave it with a hotel. So, if you see a man who is driving a new Renault around Le Mans, tell him to take it back to Hertz.
Eventually we made it back to the port, despite the best efforts of the French to kill us after the driver in front fell asleep at the wheel, proceeded to climb the adjacent bank and miraculously kept the vehicle upright, returned to the tarmac then continued on his way. We were bricking it in behind but the Doc didn’t even flinch.
It was a terrific weekend and myself, Ben, Phil, Josh Moore and David Turner are thankful to Sarah and the Doc for granting us this opportunity to ride abroad and I hope we did Britain proud. L’annee diernier!
27 April 2009
Brighton Mitre Hove Park Circuit Race 1 REPORT
A bright, warm evening greeted the new Hove Park racing season hosted by Brighton Mitre Cycling Club. A record high turn out in the Cat 4 race saw a group of 10 riders pull away from early on and they stayed away until the finish which inevitably resulted in a messy sprint. Andy Edwards (Rollapaluza) just pipped the Mitre’s own Mark Mergler on the line.
The star of the day, however, had to be teenager Felix English (Team Corridori Specialized)
who demolished his Cat 2/3 field by a whole lap and even when reunited with the main bunch, he had to be held back from attacking again. From the off, English looked determined to take the race by the scruff of the neck as he had already pulled 200 metres clear after just five minutes, accompanied by Josh Cunningham (Ingear Development Squad). These two youngsters worked together until the 20 minute mark when the eventual winner cunningly attacked his, up to this point, ally by letting him lead going towards the main climb and then storming past him up the hill. The InGear rider did not have the legs to go with English who now set his sights firmly on lapping the peloton and putting the race to bed.
It took him just over 20 minutes to do so but by this time the light had became an issue and the five laps to go sign went up prematurely. There was still the matter of the remaining places to be sorted out and as the sign went up, Andy Waterman of Dulwich Paragon accelerated away from the bunch and put a good amount of daylight between himself and the others. He looked booked for the runners-up spot until the pack began to chase him down on the last lap and it was only by a matter of millimetres that he held on from the fast finishing Sebastian Ottley (VC St Raphael) closely followed by the rest.
The star of the day, however, had to be teenager Felix English (Team Corridori Specialized)
who demolished his Cat 2/3 field by a whole lap and even when reunited with the main bunch, he had to be held back from attacking again. From the off, English looked determined to take the race by the scruff of the neck as he had already pulled 200 metres clear after just five minutes, accompanied by Josh Cunningham (Ingear Development Squad). These two youngsters worked together until the 20 minute mark when the eventual winner cunningly attacked his, up to this point, ally by letting him lead going towards the main climb and then storming past him up the hill. The InGear rider did not have the legs to go with English who now set his sights firmly on lapping the peloton and putting the race to bed.
It took him just over 20 minutes to do so but by this time the light had became an issue and the five laps to go sign went up prematurely. There was still the matter of the remaining places to be sorted out and as the sign went up, Andy Waterman of Dulwich Paragon accelerated away from the bunch and put a good amount of daylight between himself and the others. He looked booked for the runners-up spot until the pack began to chase him down on the last lap and it was only by a matter of millimetres that he held on from the fast finishing Sebastian Ottley (VC St Raphael) closely followed by the rest.
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