There are several positives in the case for Charlie McBride’s Paddy A at Yarmouth, while expect improvements from a number up at HaydockWith the best Flat meeting of the season just around the corner, most punters will sensibly be keeping stakes to a minimum this week, but when the nap bet of the day is a 14-1 chance, there is no need to wade in too heavily.Paddy A (3.10), who runs in the third at Yarmouth, is the horse in question, and while I can see why he is priced up at double-figure odds with several lightly-raced runners from big stables in opposition, there are several positives in the case for Charlie McBride’s runner too. Related: Racing news and tips:...
If the BHA’s database is right, stewards are more likely to punish stable lads for having a pee than jockeys for improper ridingLee Mottershead has chipped in today with another absorbing, insightful piece in the Racing Post, pointing out that stewards seem not to be making proper use of the new rules on interference introduced just over a year ago. At that time, the British Horseracing Authority said that jockeys would be found guilty of “improper riding” rather than merely “careless riding” if they caused interference in a situation where they ought reasonably to have known that interference would be the result of their manoeuvre. Related: Racing news and tips: Suzi Best still awaits licence hearing after six months Continue...
Nick Fiddian-Green’s majestic horse-head sculpture Fire will grace Ascot, but sport should generally think twice about turning to statuesToday at about 10am the artist Nic Fiddian‑Green will complete the installation of his latest monumental sculpture at Ascot. Fire – the name of the sculpture, not actual flames, though we’ll come on to those – will stand 25ft tall and sit opposite the Royal Box for the duration of the racecourse’s Royal Meeting which starts next Tuesday and, confusingly, lasts for five days. Related: Nic Fiddian-Green grooms his giant horse sculpture for Goodwood Related: Who are the footballers celebrated in these statues? – quiz Continue reading...
Mitchum Swagger, ridden by Ryan Moore, looks good for the John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock (4.05)Trainer form is a tricky beast. When David Simcock saddled the second and third in the Lockinge three weeks ago it looked as if the Newmarket man had probably overcome his slow start to the season and was now worth following but, almost a month later, he is still struggling along on a low strike-rate.Breton Rock, one of his Lockinge heroes, is the likely favourite for today’s John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock and the veteran should be suited by the likely squelch underfoot. But it is not comfortable being on favourites from his yard in competitive races just now. Related: Gulf crisis plunges...
We have tips at 14-1 and 12-1 on a day when many may be glad for the diversion of horse racing …While I’m prepared to deal with the real world from time to time, as occasion demands, there are days when I’m particularly grateful for the diversion provided by the world of horse racing. For reasons that you can doubtless divine, this is one of those days and perhaps you, like me, will be delighted to see an absorbing Sandown card scheduled for this evening. Related: Gulf crisis reminds racing not to take billionaire foreign owners for granted | Greg Wood Continue reading...