The Cheltenham track looks in sufficiently good shape to avoid Saturdays card being called off on Friday afternoonThe sacred turf here at Cheltenham has been having a good, long drink. An area of surface water at the far end of the home straight, by the two-mile start, has completely drained away, giving sustenance to hopes that we may be able to have some actual racing here on Saturday and Sunday. Related: Legal team optimistic for Kemboy despite owners being kicked out of racing The surface water I saw yesterday has gone pic.twitter.com/veRMbRBNbdNewcastle12.00 Mr Love 12.30 Speak Of The Devil (nb) 1.05 Chanting Hill 1.40 Skipping On 2.15 Royal Claret 2.50 The King Of May 3.25 Wetlands Continue reading...
Brian Hughes is top-priced at 2-1 to become the National Hunt champion jockey and end the rule of McCoy and JohnsonIt is almost a quarter of a century since National Hunt’s champion jockey was someone other than Tony McCoy or Richard Johnson. In truth, it’s pretty much that long since anyone else was even a credible contender, as Johnson was the only rival within hailing distance in most of the 20 seasons in which McCoy had an iron grip on the title.But could April 2020 be the month when a new name finally emerges? The betting markets seem to think so. Brian Hughes was a 7-2 chance for the title on Monday morning but less than 24 hours later –...
Gordon Elliott’s star did not look herself as Bacardys sailed past on Sunday but we should see a better horse next monthWow, talk about turning a drama into a crisis. Nothing could be more “ho hum” than a veteran jumper running a poor race on the first run back from a summer break in a race that hardly matters, so I thought defeat for Apple’s Jade at Navan on Sunday would be readily brushed off by connections, but instead there were hints that she might be nearing the end of her stellar career. Related: Nicky Henderson says Santini a King George doubt following Sandown win Ruby Walsh on Apple's Jade"She never looked in control of this race. More people might...
Colin Tizzard’s charge should have a bright future and can foil Bryony Frost’s bid for a hat-trick in the Badger Beers ChasePresent Man gets the good ground he loves as he seeks a hat-trick in the Badger Beers Silver Trophy at Wincanton under Bryony Frost. They should fare well again but giving weight to the younger White Moon (3.35) is a lot to ask.There were more lows than highs to the grey’s novice season and he managed to trip himself up on his reappearance, but Colin Tizzard’s charge should have a bright future in this sort of contest. The excellent Robbie Power must hope this is the first time they manage to avoid falling after two previous outings together. The...
Shock expressed by pair who say they had a share in the horse and did not know he had been transferred elsewhereAnother insight into the running of the Supreme Horse Racing Club came on Thursday night when it emerged that Open Eagle, who carried the club’s blue and white colours with some success, is now registered with a new owner and trainer and may compete in hunter chases this winter. The Guardian has heard from three people who say they owned a share in the horse, two of whom say they have never been told the club was planning to pass him on to someone else.“I had been made aware through contacts that the horse was being retired from racing,”...