Review of 2015

Just to keep readers up to date, I am still waiting for news regarding when racing may resume due to the coronavirus before taking the forthcoming edition of Ahead On The Flat to the printers. It remains to be seen whether the action will return at the beginning of May. Personally, I will be very surprised if that is the case but we will see. The book is complete and ready to go. It is frustrating for everyone concerned but we must look at the bigger picture. At the time of writing on Thursday, another 765 people have died in England during the last 24 hours. We all love the sport but it is not at the top of most people's list of priorities at present. Please keep checking on here re updates on publishing dates etc.

On a happier note, I actually did a day's work on Wednesday - well, an hour and a half's worth. Alongside Angus McNae and Stewart Machin, we reviewed the 2015 Flat and jumps season on Racing TV. Golden Horn was very much the headline horse during the Flat campaign with six wins, including the Epsom Derby, Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. John Gosden's colt suffered two defeats during his illustrious career, both at the hands of fillies, namely Arabian Queen and Found. He was a superb horse who was aggressively campaigned. As far as the jumpers were concerned, Coneygree won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on only his fourth start over fences, while Mullins trained eight winners at the Festival, including four on the opening day. The highlight of the meeting and whole season was Vautour's win in the JLT Novices' Chase. A three times Festival winner, the ex-French gelding was brilliant that day and I don't believe any horse in training would have beaten him, including Coneygree. The Rich and Susannah Ricci owned gelding sadly lost his life in a freak accident at home when only seven years old. For me, he is one of the Cheltenham 'greats.' It is always a pleasure to work with Stewart - I've said it before, he is the most professional person I have ever worked with and ever likely to. Like Vautour, he is a class act. 

Easter is going to feel very strange over the weekend - although everyday seems the same at the moment - stay safe and stay at home and try not to eat and drink too much. Happy Easter.