Thoroughbred aftercare programme launched by The Howden Way December 23, 2024 THOROUGHBRED Aftercare Programme’s (TAP) launch at the Howden Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot Racecourse is the latest evolution in the significant investment made into eventing by David Howden. Further to the launch of The Howden Way in May 2022, which offers training and opportunities to riders of all ages and abilities, TAP has a clear [...]
Back Christmas cracker Banbridge for King George glory December 17, 2024 CHRISTMAS is nearly upon is, and for racing fans, bar Cheltenham, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Kempton’s King George on Boxing Day (2.30pm) is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the festive feast which awaits punters, with top quality racing on offer across both sides of the Irish Sea all the way [...]
Squirrel some Christmas cash with help from Victtorino December 17, 2024 SATURDAY’s racing offers up some tasty festive appetisers ahead of next week’s festive bonanza, which begins with a bang on Boxing Day. It’s always nice to attempt to pay for the Christmas turkey before it’s cooked, and Ascot’s card presents a few good chances of doing just that. The Grade One Long Walk Hurdle is [...]
Forward Planning set to pay off for Honeyball at Doncaster December 10, 2024 THERE’S no doubt that Cheltenham’s Saturday action will capture most punters’ attention this weekend, but I think I’ve found a bet on a less heralded card on the same day. Kateira is clearly a mare going in the right direction for the Skelton team, but her price is on the short side for my liking [...]
Fugitif can escape with December’s Gold Cup December 10, 2024 WE’RE back at the home of the Jumps this week as Cheltenham hosts its two-day Christmas Meeting. While there’s some good racing on Friday, Saturday’s card makes more appeal at this stage from an ante-post perspective and the big handicap, the December Gold Cup (1.50pm), is definitely a race to focus on. This is the [...]
I predict a Gaboriot for Greenall and Guerriero in the Becher December 3, 2024 SATURDAY also sees prestigious action up at Aintree in the shape of the Grade Three Becher Handicap Chase (2.07pm). The runners will have to contest 21 famous Grand National fences, so there’s no harm identifying contenders who’ve got experience over the uniquely testing obstacles. King Turgeon immediately comes to mind after his spring-heeled victory on [...]
Edwardstone to lead Jonbon up the creek en route to glory December 3, 2024 SANDOWN’s card this Saturday looks a pre-Christmas cracker, headlined by the Grade One Tingle Creek (3.00pm), where Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon will attempt to win consecutive editions of this coveted two-mile prize. Jonbon is remarkably consistent, and if successful on Saturday, he would take his career record to 16 wins from 19 starts and his earnings [...]
Rate looks to have Special chance in Newcastle’s Rehearsal November 26, 2024 CONSTITUTION Hill was all set to make his long-awaited reappearance in Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.10pm) on Saturday, but lameness after his much-publicised Newbury gallop has ruled him out. What remains might not be a vintage renewal on paper, but it does feature some exciting youngsters testing their Champion Hurdle mettle. Nicky Henderson swiftly shuffled [...]
V is for Venetia and Victtorino to continue winning spree November 26, 2024 LAST Saturday’s racing in Britain was dominated by one yard, with trainer Venetia Williams winning three big races in the space of 45 minutes and taking home the best part of £200,000 in prize money. The winning spree included Haydock’s Grade One feature, won for the second consecutive year by the tenacious Royale Pagaille, and [...]
Pagaille can Catch rivals cold with cut in the ground November 19, 2024 NATIONAL Hunt trainers will be breathing a sigh of relief with the wet and wintry weather that has swept into all corners of the UK this week, with it bringing a notable easing in the ground. Conditions have been dry for so long that many horses have had to delay their seasonal reappearances, but now [...]
