Archive for March, 2010
Workforce may not be left idle
Mar 31st
Back in February, when most people were thinking no further than the Cheltenham Festival, a news item passed by with little fanfare.
It hinted that Workforce, an impressive Goodwood maiden winner trained by Sir Michael Stoute, was a bad bet for the Derby. He is not entered for the race and it was suggested that he [...]
Are the BHA punching their weight?
Mar 29th
The BHA have decided to fine owner David Reynolds £10,000 and disqualify him for three months after finding him guilty of violent conduct against Kieren Fallon at Lingfield Park nine days ago.
The former champion jockey may yet decide to pursue a civil action and, at a time when racing is attempting to cultivate an attractive [...]
Too much of a run for punters’ money
Mar 24th
Everyone who has ever struck a wager knows what it feels like to back a loser. But those who backed Nevertika at Haydock could be forgiven for thinking that they never stood a chance.
Trainer James Ewart allowed the heavily-backed horse to run even after he ran loose for a circuit but, when the race actually [...]
Now for the encore
Mar 22nd
The party may just be ending for the connections of Imperial Commander but the real work is just about to begin.
His victory in last Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup entitles him to be considered the best around but he can claim only temporary admission to that exclusive residence. However, to became a permanent denizen, Imperial Commander [...]
Mr Pointment or missed opportunity?
Mar 18th
Fergus and Judith Wilson have become more known for their policy of running no-hopers in the biggest jumps races than winners.
There is a good reason for that; in the last five seasons they have seen the inside of the winner’s enclosure only twice. That was at Taunton and Cartmel, which is some way removed from [...]
Dunguib: champ or chump?
Mar 16th
It may seem harsh to judge Dunguib in such stark terms. But such is his talent – or potential at least – that today’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is being viewed as part forensic examination of his ability and part coronation of the latest shooting star to blitz across the Cheltenham firmament.
His jumping has been questioned, [...]
Zaynar could be just champion for Tinkler
Mar 12th
Three months ago he was the horse jockeys were lining up to ride.
Then Zaynar was favourite for the Champion Hurdle but, after a defeat in trial race at Kelso run on desperate ground, he has been passed over by Barry Geraghty, in favour of the reigning champion Punjabi, and Tony McCoy, who has been claimed [...]
Intriguing booking for Crowded House
Mar 10th
So Jamie Spencer will be replaced on Crowded House by John Velazquez in the Dubai World Cup.
Apparently the owners believe that the American rider’s experience, having won the race on Roses In May in 2005, could prove useful because, according to the colt’s trainer, Brian Meehan, “the World Cup is an American-style race run on [...]
Battle of wits begins in earnest
Mar 8th
Solwhit has produced a dirty scope, Punchestowns is intermittently lame and across Britain and Ireland dozens of trainers are fretting.
The Cheltenham Festival is just eight days away and yet horses are finding ever more inventive ways of putting themselves on the easy list. This week those trainers with hopes for the Cheltenham Festival will stand [...]
Binocular requires sense of perspective
Mar 5th
This is usually the time before a Cheltenham Festival that produces more hard-luck stories than the poor house, as fancied horses succumb to various injuries and ailments.
Now Binocular appears ready to buck the trend by making the line-up for the Champion Hurdle, having been ruled out by Nicky Henderson with a muscle problem. Shades of [...]
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