Racing Diary

Welcome to my racing diary, which is designed to look back at the recent action on the track. It is intended to pinpoint noteworthy performances and any opinions I wish to express. I will review, rather than preview certain days during each month and pass on any thoughts I may have.

I will also pass on any observations I may gain whilst going racing plus any other relevant information.

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Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Thank you to those who emailed saying they had take the advice re Beamazed and Vamizi at Carlisle on Monday. Some clients even managed the forecast which was very rewarding. I was working at Wetherby yesterday and spent most of this morning at Kevin Ryan's yard at Hambleton. The 2011 season proved a memorable one for Kevin and he appears to have the ammunition to repeat it in 2012. I was lucky enough to be taken on to the gallops at the top of Sutton Bank and see the likes of Masamah and Racy plus a host of two year olds put through their paces.

Tomorrow, I heading to Mark Johnston's yard at Middleham and then David O'Meara's just outside Helmsley on Friday, plus a telephone interview with Roger Charlton later the same afternoon. Then, I have been kindly invited to the Million In Mind open day at Paul Nicholls' stable at Ditcheat. Coughing in the yard meant Paul cancelled his Press day on Wednesday but Sunday's event goes ahead when I will be part of a panel previewing the Cheltenham Festival along with Paul himself, Anthony Bromley and hopefully David Minton. I will therefore get the rundown on both the Nicholls and Henderson stable because the last two named are close to the head of Seven Barrows. All in all, it should be a good few days and I will be writing a report of the trip to Somerset in the One Jump Ahead Cheltenham Festival preview. Looking further ahead, I am going to be involved in one of Racing UK's Festival preview programmes on Monday 5th March. Along with my colleague Alex Steedman, we will be joined by Ruby Walsh, which I am greatly looking forward to.

Sunday 19th February 2012

Unfortunately, for the second consecutive race Trustan Times didn't get the opportunity to show what he can do. Tim Easterby's gelding turned for home travelling strongly but was positioned in such a way that he was completely blinded going into the third last fence. Hampered soon afterwards, he never recovered before running on at the finish to claim third position behind Mic's Delight. Three miles will suit him long-term but he has enough speed for two miles six. One couldn't feeling this was a missed opportunity.

I am heading to North Yorkshire in the morning to interview David Barron before working at Wetherby for Racing UK on Tuesday. I will be back to update the Diary later in the week. I will be interested to see how Crowning Jewel performs in the opening novice hurdle at Carlisle on Monday. Unsuited by the sharp track at Catterick last time, he has already won a bumper at the Cumbrian venue and I expect him to go close. The staying handicap chase is also an interesting event with Horsham Lad and Vamizi meeting for the second time at the track this term. Fergal O'Brien's gelding came out on top last time but I think Lucinda Russell's charge will go well. He needs a stiff right-handed track and goes well fresh. Ignore his last two runs. The other runner I am interested in is Beamazed who is a course winner and proven soft ground performer. 

Saturday 18th February 2012 Top 40 Prospects - 3 winners Invictus (6/1), Royal Guardsman (4/1) & Theatre Guide (9/4)

Invictus returned to his best with a convincing win in the Reynoldstown Novice Chase at Ascot. Alan King's former Irish pointer returned home sore following his run in the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but he put in another splendid round of jumping to beat the likes of Bobs Worth and Alfie Spinner by upwards of three lengths. The RSA Chase will almost certainly be next but it was interesting to hear Robert Thornton say that he jumped to his right at Prestbury Park last time. Was that due to a preference for going right-handed, even though he has won at Plumpton, or was he feeling something having lost a shoe? Time will tell but either way he has been a terrific horse for the Top 40.

It was encouraging to see Colin Tizzard's pair Royal Guardsman and Theatre Guide show what they are capable of at Ascot and Wincanton respectively. The pair had disappointed on her seasonal reappearances at Aintree in October but both had been given time and looked different propositions here. Indeed, the stable had a fantastic day with a further two winners at Haydock.

Talking of Haydock, there was some terrific action with Giles Cross gaining a much deserved success in the Grand National Trial. Runner-up in two Welsh Nationals, he was given a patient front running ride by Denis O'Regan, who purposely didn't commit him until after the final fence. Three and a half miles looks the top end of the ten year old's stamina range as he held the late challenge of the veteran Neptune Collonges, who ran a blinder under a big weight. I was delighted for Victor Dartnall and Denis O'Regan.

Brindisi Breeze surprised me in the Graded novice hurdle as he galloped his rivals into submission. A winning Irish pointer for Pat Doyle, he has thrived since joining Lucinda Russell and could be called the winner some way from home. I spoke to Peter Scudamore afterwards and the multiple champion jockey feels slow ground is essential for the gelding. While he is likely to take his chance in the Albert Bartlett NH at the Festival, the underfoot conditions will dictate his chance. Ambion Wood ran like a horse who had had enough for the season.

The concluding hunter chase at the Merseyside track was run in blizzard like conditions. While it was disappointing to see the favourite Description fall at the end of the backstraight, it was very much a case of the sooner the race finished the better because it was bloody freezing. It was a cracking day's racing but it wasn't half cold and dark by 5.05.

Thursday 16th February 2012

There should be some terrific jump racing over the next couple of days with Newbury restaging their 'Super Saturday' tomorrow. I am working at Haydock on Saturday for Racing UK and, while the ground is likely to be testing, their should be some high quality equine talent on show. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how Ambion Wood gets on over three miles in the Graded novice hurdle. The good news is that Denis O'Regan will be back on board Victor Dartnall's gelding.

Switching codes, I am also looking forward to interviewing David Barron for the first time on Monday. I am delighted to say the Thirsk based handler has agreed to an interview for Ahead On The Flat. David sent out 57 winners last season and he has strengthened his already strong team with a couple of interesting additions in the sprinting ranks during the winter. Widely regarded as one of the shrewdest men in the business, it is a major coup for AOTF. Next week, I have also lined up interviews with Roger Charlton, Richard Fahey and Mark Johnston and hopefully a couple of others TBC.

Wednesday 15th February 2012

Simonsig regained the winning thread with a most impressive victory in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. The grey was cantering throughout and Barry Geraghty barely moved a muscle throughout the two miles two contest. Interestingly, Geraghty apparently recommended to Nicky Henderson afterwards that the Neptune Investments NH may suit the former pointer more than the Supreme NH at the Festival. Either way, he is a tremendous prospect and he could be something special over fences in time.

Indeed, it proved a very productive day at the Borders track for Henderson and Geraghty with the pair registering a treble. Lyvius, highlighted by Anthony Bromley as a horse to follow in both the Paddy Power & February Updates, looked a decent prospect when winning the opening novice hurdle. A decent performer on the Flat in Germany, he looks a very good buy at 32,000gns and the four year old could make an impact at the end of season Festivals.

Horses inevitably pick up injuries but it was sickening to hear that Last Instalment had incurred a tendon injury following his win at Leopardstown on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season. Philip Fenton's gelding had looked a natural over fences and was set to play a significant part in next month's RSA Chase at Cheltenham. Perhaps two races on drying ground have done the damage but Fenton is now left with the likelihood that the seven year old will never fulfil his undoubted potential. The former top amateur rider has endured wretched luck during the last twelve months with his other stable star Dunguib also currently on the sidelines. Last Instalment was a class act who I am convinced would have developed into a Gold Cup contender in twelve months time. Let's hope he returns one day but I suspect he will be a shadow of his former self. It is bitterly disappointing.

On a happier note, dual champion jockey Paul Hanagan has kindly nominated 12 horses to follow for Ahead On The Flat. Paul partnered all twelve and he passed on his thoughts on each this afternoon. I am sure readers will find them interesting, not to mention profitable to follow.

Tuesday 14th February 2012

I am productive day in Newmarket yesterday interviewing Marco Botti, William Haggas and Roger Varian for Ahead On The Flat. All three were fantastic hosts and trio have some terrific prospects for the new season. There was no shortage of snow in East Anglia and it is certainly the first time I have seen the Rowley Mile course completely covered in white. Leaving Suffolk last night, I couldn't help feeling I had discovered the winner of the 2012 Lincoln. Time will tell.

It was good to see Last Instalment maintain his unbeaten record in the Grade 1 Dr P.J.Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday. Philip Fenton's gelding made all the running and stayed on too strongly for the likes of Call The Police to win with something in hand. The RSA Chase is next and the return to three miles will be in his favour. It was interesting to read the Racing Post's Monday Jury yesterday with some contrasting views regarding the Gigginstown Stud owned seven year old. Barry Geraghty stated Last Instalment "is the first novice I've seen for a long time who could be a Gold Cup horse for the future. He'll have a huge chance if he goes for the RSA Chase." One of the Trading Post members of the RP, on the other hand, is "not convinced he's anything special and suspect he may be found wanting for class in the RSA," despite the fact he is already a dual Grade 1 winner over fences. The same journalist was then asked "which other horse this weekend caught your eye," and he replied, Call The Police. "I've no doubt there's a big race in Call The Police over fences," he commented.

Thursday 9th February 2012

It was sad to hear that legendary National Hunt trainer Josh Gifford passed away earlier today following a heart attack. I was lucky enough to interview Josh for my first ever Update in 1996 and never found him anything but helpful. He trained some fantastic horses over the years with the likes of Brief Gale, Bradbury Star and Deep Sensations standing out during my time. I will never forget the last named winning the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury in 1990 under Richard Rowe, having run an eyecatching race in the Lanzarote Hurdle a few weeks earlier. Brief Gale was a top-class mare who lowered the colours of the much vaunted Harcon in the Sun Alliance Chase and Bradbury Star was a fantastic horse. I can remember going to Halifax on New Year's Day in 1992 to watch a rugby league match but purposely stopped off en route to find a betting shop to watch Bradbury Star run in a novice chase at Cheltenham. Needless to say, he won easily under the stylish Declan Murphy. The other horse I was convinced that was going to reach the top that Josh trained was Grooving. Sadly, he never fulfilled his potential. Josh Gifford, along with the likes of Jimmy FitzGerald and David Nicholson amongst others, was one of the best of his profession when I first got interested in the sport. Very much one of the old school, there are sadly few of them left.

Declan Phelan's golden spell continued at Thurles this afternoon with Carrigeen Lechuga winning the mares' novice chase at odds of 10/1. Featured in the Irish Pointers section of OJA, she won by a length and a quarter from Dessie Hughes' Definite Class.

Tuesday 7th February 2012

Jumping fans will be keeping their fingers firmly crossed that the cold snap relents in time for Newbury's top-class fixture on Saturday. If indeed the meeting gets the go ahead, all eyes will be on the likes of Grands Crus, Long Run, Sprinter Sacre and Zarkandar. It is very much a case of quality throughout the card with the afternoon rounding off with a fascinating bumper. Irish expert Declan Phelan highlighted River Maigue (see the Christmas Special) as a horse to keep close tabs on during the next few years and the Zagreb gelding is entered in the Grade 2 event. A winning pointer for Michael Hourigan, he has been subsequently bought by former trainer John Edwards on behalf of Michael Buckley and is now under the guidance of Nicky Henderson. It is worth remembering Edwards bought Finian's Rainbow for the same connections before he established himself a top-class performer under Rules.

I am delighted to announce that Andrew Balding has agreed to a stable interview for the forthcoming edition of Ahead On The Flat. The head of Kingsclere Stables sent out 70 winners last term and a formidable string for the new campaign. Update subscribers will be fully aware that Andrew has featured in the past but it will be the first time he has been included in AOTF.

It came as no surprise to see Tom Segal nominate First Lieutenant as one of his two ante-post selections for the RSA Chase in today's Racing Post, having studied the market for the three miles contest last night. Mouse Morris' gelding had shortened up significantly by 9pm and the 12/1, which was apparently available with Betfred, had long gone by the time the paper had reached a newsagent. Indeed, the prices issued in today's paper were appreciably out of date leaving punters with no chance of obtaining such odds.

The Racing Post included an interesting and entertaining interview with Peter Walwyn on Sunday. I particularly liked Peter's idea of having a 'bus' which contained people in the sport he didn't like with former owner Daniel Wildenstein as the driver and Willie Carson as the conductor. One story regarding Peter which didn't feature in the article but has been well documented in the past is the one when the former trainer trimmed his credit card with a pair of scissors in order for it to fit into his wallet but he couldn't understand why it didn't work when it came to making a transaction. Class.

Talking of Racing Post articles, I am sure many of you will be currently enjoying Sam Twiston-Davies' weekly column, especially if you were born post 1985. There is little doubt Sam is rapidly developing into one of the leading English jump jockeys, in a sport which is dominated by outstanding Irish riding talent. However, I am not sure if it is a southern trait or one which is restricted to Gloucestershire but it seems strange that Sam constantly refers to his father in his articles as 'Nige.' Perhaps it is the modern way. The other slightly baffling comment in this Monday's article was the fact that Viking Blond has been entered in the Grand National despite the fact "he didn't like being crowded at Chepstow" in the Welsh version. Surely, the entry is more down to Nige than Sam though.

I will be back to update the Diary later in the week when hopefully the weather will have improved. In any case, I can hear the phone ringing in the background and it may be Jim - sorry, I mean my father.

Monday 6th February 2012

Blenheim Brook (7/2) provided the Top 40 Prospects with another winner at Ayr. Appreciating the return to three miles plus, Lucinda Russell's gelding was given an excellent hold up ride by Peter Buchanan. The former pointer had been outstayed by Lie Forrit when the pair met at Kelso earlier in the season so Buchanan ensured he held on to his mount for much longer on this occasion before producing him after the third last. His jumping improved as the contest went on with the winning margin of a length and a quarter flattering the runner-up. The Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has been mentioned as a possible target next month but he won't, of course, have the assistance of Buchanan in the three miles contest. Cloudy Lane proved a few years ago that novices can win the race though.

With limit jumps action due to the cold snap, it has enabled me to get cracking with Ahead On The Flat. I am going down to Newmarket early next week and have already arranged a couple of interviews with William Haggas and Roger Varian. The pair are two of the town's leading lights amongst the training ranks and both visits should prove highly informative. I will be back with more news on interviews etc over the next couple of days.

Although the National Hunt racing was restricted to Ireland over the weekend, there was at least some other good sporting action on TV. I not quite sure how England managed to win the Darts World Cup with Australia squandering the final leg and Ronnie O'Sullivan produced some memorable moments in the final session of the German Masters against Stephen Maguire. Unfortunately, the coverage of the snooker was restricted in the closing stages due to the endless African Nations Cup but it was great to see Ronnie back in the winner's enclosure. It was also exciting stuff at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United were given a couple of dubious penalties but, needless to say, their management felt they were hard done by and should have had more.

Saturday 4th February 2012

Irish expert Declan Phelan continues to fly the flag for One Jump Ahead with Starkie winning the bumper at Fairyhouse at odds of 5/2. Henry De Bromhead's gelding, who is featured in the Irish Pointers section of OJA, stayed on strongly inside the final quarter of a mile to beat Peking to Paris by three lengths. The plan is to run in another bumper before going novice hurdling in the Autumn.

Declan's article in the Christmas Special produced its 11th winner from only 16 runners when Rathlin won for the second time over fences with a two and three quarters victory. Mouse Morris' gelding was kept up to his work close home by Davy Russell but looked in control throughout. Stiffer tasks lie ahead.

With Ffos Las, Sandown and Wetherby all biting the dust, we were only left with a couple of all-weather meetings plus Fairyhouse. Despite that, Wolverhampton and Fairyhouse managed to clash for at least two races. When it comes to common sense, racing is rarely near the front of the queue.

Friday 3rd February 2012

It  won't be long before the Cheltenham Festival Preview nights get underway. On Thursday 8th March, there is a Festival Preview at Knaresborough Cricket Club in North Yorkshire with the doors opening at 7pm. The tapes go up at 7.30pm and amongst the star studded panel is Jim McGrath of Channel 4 Racing and Skybet's odds compiler Michael Shinners. Admittedly, the pair are Yorkshiremen but both good fellas and everyone is sure to have an enjoyable and informative evening. Tickets are £8 and available from James Bridson. The Leeds Rhinos fan can be contacted at james.bridson@hotmail.co.uk. I strongly recommend you go along if in the area. 

Thursday 2nd February 2012

Declan Phelan's Irish Angle article in the Christmas Special continues to churm out the winners. Folsom Blue was winning for the third time and provided Declan's piece with its 10th winner from only 15 runners when running away with the 2m 6f Listed novice hurdle at Clonmel by nine lengths. Conor O'Dwyer's gelding is improving rapidly and may well have booked his ticket for the Cheltenham Festival with the Albert Bartlett NH his target. Long-term, he will make a lovely staying chaser for his owners, the Gigginstown House Stud.

The entries for the Cheltenham Festival novice hurdles were published today and it was encouraging to see Mono Man (Top 40 Prospects) amongst them. Found to be lame after his run at Newbury's Hennessy meeting, it remains to be seen whether he lines up at the Festival but at least he must be back in full work and a return to action is imminent.

There is still time to order a copy of the February Update. It remains to be seen how much jump racing takes place during the next couple of days. Chepstow has already gone by the wayside, while Catterick faces an early morning inspection. Sandown's card on Saturday is the subject of a Friday morning inspection and it must be odds against Wetherby going ahead with snow and frost forecast in the next 48 hours.

Weather permitting, the Super League season kicks off tomorrow evening. That's the good news. The bad news is the Six Nations also gets underway over the weekend.