The plainest measure of success is how often winners go on to win the Derby, which has not been achieved since Shahrastani in 1986. However, widening your viewpoint reveals more. For example, the 2021 race featured a future Group 1 winner (Alenquer), the Derby hero (Adayar), and an Irish Derby second (Lone Eagle). The Classic Trial a year later was […]
The horse in question is now eight years old and has not been performing at his best in his last two starts at Southwell and Meydan. His disappointing eighth place finish at Meydan last month has raised questions about whether he still retains his abilities as he gets older. Although he seemed like a potential Group 1 winner at the […]
The government had asked ministers to raise the levy rate and extend the sports funding system to capture a share of money bet on overseas racing by British punters. This also included a call for the government to drop affordability checks on punters or provide racing with a carve out from the proposals. The gambling white paper in April promised […]
Slade Steel secured the first victory for the Knockeen stable in the Cheltenham event. Rachael Blackmore rode him to a powerful finish, defeating Mystical Power by a length and a half. Meanwhile, the runner-up later triumphed at Aintree, setting the stage for a potential rematch in Tuesday’s Grade 1 race. Willie Mullins has 13 entries for the upcoming event, and […]
We all want what is best for the sport and that frequently leads us to highlight its ills and how it can be improved. But with Britain’s jumps finale upon us, it is also helpful to focus on why we fell in love with racing in the first place and the magic moments that ensure we keep coming back. So, […]
There are times when you have to set aside concerns and focus on ensuring that a great achievement receives its due recognition. At the time of writing, there is still a mathematical possibility for Dan Skelton to become champion trainer instead of Mullins, but it doesn’t seem like anyone expects that to happen. It’s akin to when football pundits say […]
No trainer based in Ireland has won the British jumps crown since Vincent O’Brien claimed his second championship in 1954. However, Mullins is poised to emulate that feat as he was almost £200,000 clear of second-placed Dan Skelton before racing started on Thursday. Mullins has surged clear of his opponents in the last two months courtesy of a string of […]
Cobden expressed his unease during a media conference, admitting to feeling nervous as the competition heated up. Despite having been in a comfortable leading position earlier, recent wins by Bowen had narrowed the gap. He acknowledged the need to step up his game and not become complacent. Bowen, a strong contender who had led the season before being sidelined by […]
Nicholls recently spoke at a media conference organized by Great British Racing, where he discussed Bryony Frost’s recent successes. Frost’s victory at Perth marked her fourth win in her last 12 rides. She had also won the Grade 3 Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree and the Mares’ Challenger Series Final Hurdle at Cheltenham this month. Nicholls acknowledged Frost’s riding […]
The battle for the title summit in horse racing is heating up between Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls as they strive to overtake Mullins. Mullins is determined to maintain his lead, launching an all-out assault on a card with a hefty prize fund of £675,000. The field includes Edwardstone, Editeur Du Gite, and Boothill, with notable absences such as Arkle […]