The Horseracing Bettors Forum has urged the BHA to investigate a major gamble at HexhamThe Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF), a voluntary body which represents racing punters’ interests, has urged the British Horseracing Authority to investigate the background to a major gamble at Hexham on Wednesday when Phil Kirby’s Bushypark won a handicap hurdle after being backed from 16-1 to 7-4 favourite, having been beaten by a combined total of nearly 200 lengths on his four previous outings.Bushypark finished fifth of eight, last of six, 10th of 15 and eighth of 11 on his first four starts, at SPs of 14-1, 20-1, 125-1 and 28-1 respectively. He was at least 20 lengths behind the winner on every occasion. Related: Talking Horses:...
Jockey will be aboard the reigning champion hurdler, who makes her comeback at Newcastle a week on SaturdayAidan Coleman has been named as the new regular rider for Epatante, following the retirement in summer of Barry Geraghty, who partnered her to wins in the Christmas Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle last season. “It’s fantastic to get the ride back,” said Coleman, who scored on her at Newbury last November on a day when Geraghty had gone to Newcastle for the Fighting Fifth. Related: Talking Horses: no leniency for Tiger Roll despite Cheltenham flop You can never get enough of watching stars like Altior (dark jacket, @NdeBoinville) and Epatante (@JerrymcGrath) go through their paces so here is their workout at @NewburyRacing...
‘He never went a yard,’ says official handicapper, who is not minded to slash star horse’s rating in the wake of Friday’s runConnections of Tiger Roll will be disappointed to learn that the British handicapper is not minded to make a significant adjustment to the horse’s rating, following his flop at Cheltenham on Friday. It means the veteran steeplechaser will have to beat a very high rating of around 169 if he is to win a third Grand National next year, as he is not expected to race over fences again before the National weights are fixed in mid-February. Related: Talking Horses: time for racing industry to talk about motherhood An upset in the Cross Country Chase @CheltenhamRaces as 11-year-old...
Outdated attitudes and employment practices mean the sport is failing to retain staff, according to report by Women In RacingThe horse racing industry is failing some of those who love it and depleting its own workforce through outdated working practices and attitudes towards motherhood, according to a report published this weekend. ‘Racing Home’ is the work of Women in Racing and concludes the industry is suffering from a “leaky pipeline” of employees who reluctantly leave on finding it impossible to continue their role after having children. Related: All runners but one disqualified in Fontwell race for going around hurdle Today we have launched "Racing Home- a report highlighting the challenges faced by working mothers in the horseracing industry" by @oxford_brookes...
The dual Grand National winner runs at Cheltenham on Friday, carrying more weight than the horse who beat him in MarchThe handicapper has defended his assessment of Tiger Roll which has left the great Irish horse facing what connections regard as an impossible task when he returns to Cheltenham on Friday. Having trailed Easysland by 17 lengths at the Festival in March when the pair were carrying the same weight, he must shoulder 4lb more than the French raider when they meet again on the cross-country course. Related: Talking Horses: Southwell under microscope as jump racing returns Tiger Roll Easysland Potters CornerThe top trio have all been declared for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at @CheltenhamRaces on Friday.Watch what...