Since the very first Derby run in 1780, no trainer has managed to win the Classic more than seven times – but that could all change this weekend as Aidan O’Brien has six runners at EpsomSince the very first Derby run in 1780, no trainer has managed to win the Classic more than seven times - but that could all change this weekend. Those who are immortalised in tales of the Turf such as John Porter and Fred Darling ‘only’ managed a magnificent seven - along with Robert Robson at the turn of the 19th century.However, an unassuming man based at Ballydoyle stables in Tipperary could surpass them on Saturday, as Aidan O’Brien sends a six-strong team to Epsom Downs...
On-course bookmakers have reacted with anger after discovering that Tote bets were being accepted at race meetingsOn-course bookmakers have reacted with anger after discovering that Tote bets were being accepted from owners at two British race meetings on Wednesday, even though racecourse betting rings remain shut under a strict British Horseracing Authority rule that only “essential” workers are permitted at meetings behind closed doors.Wednesday’s meetings at Southwell and Kempton Park were “test” events at which two owners per horse were allowed to attend, ahead of a full return of owners to British tracks from Saturday, when the action includes the Derby at Epsom. Related: Leicester meeting in balance as BHA plans for further Covid-19 disruption Catterick 12.15 Crown Princess 12.45 Newsical...
Weeks after his first Royal Ascot success, this weekend will bring another thrill for jockey whose star is on the riseBen Curtis will be introduced to his Derby mount, Highland Chief, on Friday morning when the jockey who has made so much progress in recent years will make a flying visit to the Whatcombe stables of Paul and Oliver Cole. It is a huge moment for Curtis, who was just a few months old when Cole Sr won the Derby with Generous in 1990. Related: Talking Horses: non-runners and no stalls but Leicester races on Related: Team tactics never part of racing strategy, promises Aidan O'Brien | Chris Cook Tips by Chris Cook Continue reading...
As a local lockdown is applied to the city and surrounding areas, the Oadby track is scheduled to stage races on Tuesday eveningOfficials at Leicester racecourse are waiting to learn whether their fixture scheduled for Tuesday evening can proceed, even as the first local lockdown to combat coronavirus is applied in their area. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has said the city had “10% of all positive cases in the country over the past week”, with the result that non-essential shops there will be closed on Tuesday and schools will close for most pupils from Thursday. Related: Team tactics never part of racing strategy, promises Aidan O'Brien | Chris Cook Doncaster 12.30 Digital 1.00 She Do 1.30 Mr Wagyu 2.00...
‘Someone was gonna have an accident,’ says PJA chief executive as riders appear content with not rushing to a second venueJockeys’ representatives say that a “silver lining” has emerged from the anti-coronavirus restrictions in the fact that jockeys are currently limited to riding at a single race-meeting per day. While that means some are certainly missing rides they would otherwise have had, it removes any question of them having to travel at speed to a second meeting and limits the length of their working day, benefits which are seen by the Professional Jockeys Association as outweighing the cost. Related: Horse racing helping jockeys tackle mental health issues | Chris Cook Related: Pyledriver a genuine Derby hope for 'bits and bobs'...