The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) has been in existence for 60 years, and this year, it should be acknowledged for its support of Haynes, who has benefited greatly from it. My initial connection with Haynes was through another jump jockey, Jimmy Harris, based in the Midlands, who suffered a back injury at the age of 36 in 1971. I began […]
Last year’s safety review resulted in several changes to the Grand National race. The number of runners was reduced from 40 to 34, the first fence was moved 60 yards closer to the starting line, and the start was altered so that all horses are standing, rather than walking, when the race begins. These changes were implemented in the hope […]
Trained by champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls, the six-year-old, last seen winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in December, has not been sighted since. At the Cheltenham Festival, he finished second in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, chasing home Ballyburn. The Arkle form may be represented in the Maghull Novices’ Chase (5.00) by the placed horses Found A Fifty and Il […]
From May 1, the Jockey Club is reducing its executive contribution to prize-money at racecourses it owns and runs. The Jockey Club will be reducing its contribution to prize-money by approximately £750,000 to £31.1 million for the year. As a consequence, levy payments and entry fees are also expected to fall, meaning the total prize-money available at Jockey Club racecourses […]
The Cheltenham Festival is a crucial event for the Seven Barrows yard, directed by a well-known trainer. However, the recent poor performance at the festival has caused distress. Despite much effort, only two wins were secured out of 31 runners in March, marking the first festival without a win since 2008. This disappointing outcome has brought into focus the challenges […]
The latest update for the Classic Getaway race includes the withdrawal of Bronn and Full Back in recent weeks. Additionally, Topham entries Empire Steel and Fantastic Lady have not been confirmed, nor has Angels Dawn. The final field will be confirmed at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, with no reserves available. This means that if the top 32 are declared, […]
After a race at Wolverhampton, jockey Joe Fanning was taken to New Cross Hospital as a precaution for scans and returned home in the early hours with his travelling manager. Fanning, the seventh winning-most jockey in British Flat racing history, stated that he was concussed and had scans which came back fine. He expressed uncertainty about the duration of his […]
Friday afternoons at Meydan used to be an attractive alternative option for those in search of competitive racing, but it’s sad to relate that too has become a thing of the past. The Dubai Racing Carnival has gone the same way as jumping. What was once a series of beguiling turf races has become a procession, with Appleby streets ahead. […]
This time, it’s leading Racing Post tipster Paul Kealy. If it stays dry she might go to the Morebattle at Kelso on Saturday to have a crack at the £100,000 bonus for winning that and any race at the festival. I won’t be opposing her there, that’s for sure. Getting closer to him and beating him are two different things. […]
Here is a selection of views from two Conservative Members of Parliament. Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor, raises concerns about the prevalence of problem gambling, particularly regarding National Lottery scratchcards. He notes that problem gambling among lottery scratchcard users is significantly higher than those who gamble on horseracing. Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, expresses worries about the impact of affordability […]