The Lincoln Meeting

 As the start of the flat season looms ahead, we have a look into the history of the Lincoln meeting. 

The meeting initially started at Lincoln's racecourse which was open from 1773 to 1964. A year after the racecourse shut the meeting relocated to Doncaster. 

The racecourse shut after the Betting Levy Board stopped financially supporting them and regardless of council pleas the closure still happened. 

Lincoln racecourse first ran the Lincoln Handicap in 1849 and since then the name has altered starting as the Lincolnshire Handicap then going to the Lincoln Spring Handicap before changing to the name we are familiar with now. The race itself has changed a huge amount going from a 2 mile race to a 1 mile in 1855. Allegedly the Lincoln Handicap had the biggest field ever in 1948 with 58 horses running. 

Since the meeting began there's been a handful of occasions where the meeting was run in different places like Lingfield in 1961, Pontefract 1942-1944, Redcar in 2006 and Newcastle in 2007. The more recent relocations were a result of redevelopment work at the normal course. 

Despite,  Lincoln racecourse shutting in 1964 the Grand Stand and the rails are still up and there have been multiple rumours over the past couple of years about it reopening to no avail. 

The two-day meeting has grown to new a scale with there now being other huge races run like the Brocklesby and the Doncaster Mile Stakes. The entries will be made today for the first day of the meeting; let's hope to see some new stars for the start of the flat season. 

Interview with Josie Gordon

Josie Gordon won Champion Apprentice Flat jockey in 2016 and a year later she became the second female jockey to ever ride 100 winners in a season. She took time out of her busy schedule to speak to me. 

Josie didn't grow up in the racing industry but her mother was a riding instructor and this began her love for the animal. Gordon wanted to be a jockey since she was 12-years-old and had a little bit of a background in the pony racing circuit before she followed the route of attending the British Racing School in Newmarket for a nine weeks course. They then gave her a placement in a yard to be an apprentice. “I’ve been into horses and ponies since I was little that got me into racing. There are lots of things I love about being a jockey, you get to ride horses, I love the speed and going quick on them. I like the racing community too as everybody who works in racing does it because they love the horses. 

“The racing course is good because it takes you back to basics, so many people on my course hadn’t even ridden a horse. I’d only ever done show jumping, eventing and cross country. I think race riding is the complete opposite of that.” The tone of her voice you can hear a smile thinking back to the early stages of her riding career, she believes if you want to be a jockey, racing schools are the best things to do because once you’ve got that basic knowledge, they then put you into a yard. She believes this practical experience is vital. 

“I think in the back of my head because I was so young and naïve, I thought because I could ride a horse it’ll be easy but you’ve got to be working hard.” Being an apprentice jockey is tough due to the highly competitive nature, there can be multiple apprentice’s in one yard all fighting for the same rides. “You’ve got to be the one who’s working the hardest to get the most rides.”

Commenting on the weights Josie doesn't struggle with hers, naturally riding light, in the last 12-months her lightest has been eight stone one. “I’m lucky, I don’t struggle. Girls are naturally lighter than boys. It's something to do with the bones being lighter. If I had an eight stone I'd probably have a little sweat and watch what I eat for a few days - I normally go for a run too.”  She doesn't have to check everything she eats but doesn't believe she'd be a jockey if she had to because she loves food.

The racing industry has changed a huge amount since Gordon began riding, her among some other female jockeys like Hayley Turner and Hollie Doyle have put women on an equal playing field to their male counterparts. When she first started out, there were times when she was the only female jockey in the weigh-in room. Now, this has changed and she believes that in another ten years the genders will be equal and the weigh-in rooms will have to keep making room for more women. 

When asked if she had faced any sexism in the industry, she had a long think before responding, only one memory came into her mind. She said: “Years and years ago, I was on the way to the races, it was a three hour journey and I was about one hour away and my agent rang me and said the horse wasn’t running. It had won the past two races and I asked why. He told me it was because the owners found out I was a girl. I thought he was joking.” There's still a bit of disbelief in her voice. This was the only time she could think her gender had impacted her. 

Gordon has proved gender has no impact on the ability or capability to win as she won the Champion flat apprentice of the Year, this means she rode more winners than any other apprentice and she was crowned at her favourite track Ascot. “I think when I was 16 in my head I thought I was going to be the best jockey”, she giggles reflecting on her youthful foolishness.  She added: “I think you have to kind of have that in your head but I realised how hard it was then I was like I’m kind of getting knocked down a few steps here. I think you have to have some ambition to aim at.” Her aim to win Champion Flat Apprentice of the year came after her agent said they should give the All-weather apprentice championship a try.  When she won this, she thought she could have a chance at the turf title. She said: “It was brilliant but if you want to do it you have to throw everything at it. I was knackered, it was chaos but it took dedication and hardwork but it worked.” 

In the racing industry, there are a few jockeys who are admired by many like Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore. Gordon said: “Ryan Moore is a very respected person and jockey. Ryan keeps himself to himself but if you want advice you can ask him. 

“I look up to lots of jockeys for different reasons- when I was a kid I remembered watching the racing and Hayley Turner was the only female jockey on the uprise. I used to think wow I’m going to be like her one day and then when I started to compete against her, I was like wow this is amazing.” 

Gordon has ridden over 350 winners in her career, but it hasn't always been easy. When she started riding she struggled; there were 18 months between her first and second wins which made her contemplate quitting. Despite, her multiple big race wins, the win she’s most proud of is her first winner Chester’slittlegem at Bath, she said: “It was a little filly that I rode every day at home she was a little tricky but I knew her inside out and she knew me.” Gordon talks about how she wrote notes of things that she wanted to achieve, these included having a race ride, having a winner, riding against Frankie Dettori and riding on Channel Four. Her ambition has paid off as she achieved many of these things and 2022 looks bright for Josie Gordon as the start of the flat begins.

Chelts tips day 3

 

 Another tricky day yesterday. Let’s see how these go today 

Chelts tips day 2

 Let's hope we can have a better day than yesterday. My bets were only a 2nd, 3rd and one win. With them watering and the chances of rain I hope I'll have some more luck today.

Cheltenham day 1 tips

These are my tips from the first day of the Festival. I think favourites will do really well so I'm looking for some value in outsiders that could be places. Additionally, I think the ground will be a bit firmer so I think this will affect some of the racing. 

Interview with Harrison Shaw

Harrison Shaw is a 25-year-old, flat jockey based in the North of England. After losing his apprentice claim a year ago he has since become the stable jockey to Declan Carroll and regularly rides for Karl Burke and Bryan Smart among others.

Harrison first interacted with horses when his dad bought his younger sister a pony, "I got involved through the pony and then I went show jumping. I was show jumping against Amy Ryan and she told me to go into her dad's yard and give it a go", he said. His career started very quickly after this he went straight from finishing his A-levels to trying to get his apprentice license.

He's had an allergy to animals his entire life and this comes out like eczema in hives, watering eyes and red skin. His parents helped him get onto a medical trial with about five other people for a new drug. This amazingly worked. He said: "Everything else I tried medically didn't work until this. I get an injection regularly and it reduces my allergy symptoms from what was 90% to now below 20%. I wouldn't be able to be a jockey without it."

Harrison with Ireland's Eye 

Like many jockeys, Harrison often has to make low weights, his lowest in the last 12 months has been eight stone four, when he gets a cheat day he either has a Chinese takeaway or steak and chips. Commenting on these low weights, he says: "I don’t struggle with the weights but I could make it easier for myself. I like food too much and would rather eat and go for a jog to lose weight on the course than starve myself and be weak when riding." He praised his boss Declan Carroll for being understanding about the challenges jockeys can sometimes face making the of weight. Adding that Carroll would never push his limits.

One of the main horses Harrison has a buzz about for next season is Tweet Tweet her impressive wins at York, Haydock and Thirsk have shown her quick turn of pace. He feels confident about her getting black type in the future. He maintains the view that she is one to watch out for! 

Harrisons next ride is at Southwell on Friday on Sir Sedric, who won last time out. We wish him luck and a safe ride. 

Nottingham Races

The soft ground saw some non-runners. There was also a double on the day for Tom Marquand and David Egan, paired with outsiders winning made for an interesting race card. It is, however, always a shame that Nottingham Racecourse itself struggles with staffing issues and food shortages. 

In the 3:40 the big field made it tough to decide who was going to win. In the early stages, Gweedore took keen hold of the race but after two furlongs Larado took the lead. This left Arthur's Realm, Rogue Bear and War Defender chasing. From under four furlongs out headway was made by Masked Identity with Eloquent Arthur. Gweedore struggled from this point onwards. Three furlongs out headway was made by Rogue Bear. One furlong out Rogue Bear was ridden to lead disputing with Larado. Eloquent Arthur was finding it tough to get into the places. In the final stages of the race, Masked Identity went narrowly clear of Larado. First Rogue Bear 14/1 by 2 1/4 lengths- this win was very easy and I expect an interesting race next time out. The second was Masked Identity by a nose and the third was Larado by 2 1/4 lengths. 

The fifth race was a class three handicap, this was the second part of David Egan's double. Sharvara led with Typewriter, Sanitiser and New Pursuit close behind. Sharvara dominated for the majority of the race, leading the bunch until three furlong out. Then, New Pursuit and Typewriter were pushed along. Despite Sanitiser's efforts, he lost his place and struggled to maintain his place in the field. With one furlong left Sharvara lost the lead to Typewriter. In the closing stages, there was no catching of Typewriter. Implore did show a weak challenge. The rest of the field was far back. First was Typewriter by 2 lengths, second Implore by 7 lengths and third was New Pursuit by 3 lengths. Personally, Implore was the most impressive in the closing stages. However, I think Martin Harley left it too late, showing off the colts quick turn of foot but still not quite getting there. 

I'm not sure when my next blog will be but keep watching my Twitter for updates.

Leicester Races

The heavy showers had the ground going to good. This led to a few horses being withdrawn. It was no day for betting with four favourites being placed and little value in the winners apart from Katie's Kitten. This filly is quickly becoming a course specialist despite rising in the weights. There was also a double on the night for Trevor Whelan and Roger Charlton. 

The second race was a selling race which ended up with the winner being bought back in for £18,000. This race had Red October showing some pace, the gelding was away quickly followed by Aboard The Beagle. The midfield horses were Barbarosa and Twiggys Pride. After the first furlong Aboard The Beagle took over the lead and at two furlongs out Decora joined the two front runners Red October and Aboard The Beagle. Two furlongs to go and Red October was going strong matching Aboard The Beagle's pace. However, in the closing stages Red October steamed ahead even after being eased up he went on to win by 7 lengths. The second was Aboard The Beagle by 3 1/4 lengths to third place Decora. This was the most impressive finish of the evening. 

The penultimate race had Waleyfa lead closely followed by Subtle Beauty, Breakaway and Enchanted Night. Slowly away were Wild Rhythm and Ratafia. A few in the field were quickly outpaced and struggling. At five furlongs out Wild Rhythm had moved up the field and pressed the leaders. With two to go Waleyfa was being ridden hard like Wild Rhythm. Subtle Beauty was close up and went second again. But when Callum Shepherd pushed the button one furlong out Subtle Beauty led again and couldn't be caught by the chasing pair of Waleyfa and Wild Rhythm. Waleyfa kept on well to finish second by 2 lengths to Subtle Beauty. The third was Wild Rhythm by 1 1/2 lengths. 

Hopefully, more race meeting reviews soon. In the meantime, I will be enjoying the racing from Glorious Goodwood. 

Royal Ascot tips day two

 After a mixed day yesterday with two 1sts, a 25/1 third with Vintage Clarets and some duck eggs I hope I have a better day today. 

2:30 Desert Dreamer 

3:05 Dancing King 

3:40 Queen Power 

4:20 Love 

5:00 Not sure 

5:35 Dig Two or e/w Spring Is Sprung 

6:10 Not sure 

Fingers crossed we have some winners. 

Royal Ascot tips day 1

 With Royal Ascot once again upon us, these are my picks for day one. 

2:30 Palace Power and Top Rank E/W 

3:05 Vintage Clarets E/W 

3:40 Oxted and Liberty Beach E/W 

4:20 Naamoos 

5:00 I can't back against Rachael Blackmore- Cape Gentleman 

5: 35 Not sure 

6:10 Throne Hall 

Good luck to everyone betting on Royal Ascot and I hope all jockeys and horses get back safe.  

Cheltenham's Final day Tips

 There's been some good racing this week, let's hope that the final day gives some more excitement and hopefully a few surprises. I'm looking forward to the Gold Cup very much and I think it will be excited. 

1:20- For a bet to win I would pick Tritonic. But as an outsider I have to go for the 50/1 shot Talking About You. 

1:55- As an each way bet I'd have to go for Petit Mouchoir with weight being taken out by using the 7lb claimer, this will only be to the horses advantage. I also really like Champagne Gold, it's really hard to bet against Rachael Blackmore after her form this week. 

2:30- Here I have the 16/1 shot that has come in from 25/1 from Paul Nicholls yard- Threeundertrufive. But favourite Stattler will be hard to beat. 

3:05- I hope that Al Boum Photo continues his winning streak from last year. However, Champ does have a fair shot.  

3:40- Chameron although he's not close in the betting has a chance of being placed alongside Salvatore.  

4:15- I think the favourite Elimay will be a tough one to beat but I can't offer any outsiders for a worthwhile bet. 

4:50- I would love to see a female jockey win here- this being either Page Fuller on First Lord De Cuet or Millie Wonnacott with Fabulous Saga. But again here I am not too sure. 

Chelts picks Wednesday and Thursday

 These are my Chelts day two and three picks- again we have some small fields but I'm sure that there will be some exciting races. The ground has gone even softer which I'm sure will benefit some horses. For Wednesday and Thursday I do not have picks for every race, however I do have horses who do not think will win. 

1:20- In this I find it hard to see Bob Olinger getting beaten. Team of Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore should put up a great competition on day two. I clearly see Rachael at least winning one race this Cheltenham. 

1:55- Again this is a race for the favourite's Monkfish is going to into this off strong form and near perfect performances. But this does make it bad for betting. 

2:30- For this I do have an outsider he's a 16/1 shot- Thomas Derby. A recent dip in form shouldn't count him out and I do see him being placed. To strengthen his chance he is a course winner.  

3:05- Politologue for me is a no brainer in this race everything seems to me is in his favour and I am very confident that he will be placed. 

3:40- In this race I'm not too sure on what the winner will be but I can only say that I do NOT think that Tiger Roll will win. His recent form has been anything but great- this makes me less than confident in him. But I do think it will be an interesting race to see if he has his normal skill back. 

4:15- Again in this race I'm not sure it seems like a narrow race between the two swirling favourites of Sky Pirate and Embittered. In this race I can see there being an upset to the the favourites. 

4:50- Super Six is a fairly big outsider but the lower weight should work in his favour. The ground will be getting sticky at this point which shouldn't bother him. 

Thursday- This is the edited version due to horses being pulled. 

1:20- Envoi Allen doesn't look beatable here but the odds aren't for betting. 

1:55- There's two horses in this that I am really surprised by their odds. I think Champagne Platinum and Brinkley both have a shout in this race. The bigger field means that both these horses can get cover and more surprise outcomes will happen. 

2:30- Min should be tough to beat but as an outsider I would go for Kalashnikov. He will give you a nice each way bet. 

3:05- I have a good feeling about Flooring Partner who should benefit from the ground changing form and by this point a little bit tacky.  

3:40- I think Two Taffs will be a wild card this year. His form and distance wins only add to my belief he will be placed. Here the Shunter should be hard to beat ultimately.

4:15- My picks for this one seem a big peculiar being Allavina but this is alongside second favourite Roseys Hollow.   

4:50- Again I'm not too sure here nothing is screaming out to me in this- not a betting one for me. 

My Cheltenham Day One picks

 On the first day of Cheltenham the fields have me rather disappointed. There's a desire to increase the number of races but there's races with only six horses in. It's not as exciting as normal but it doesn't mean the quality of horses and the racing isn't top notch. 

1:20 - For me it really is a two horse race being between Appreciate It and Ballyadam. These two have great form and even love the ground. I think this will give the audience a Supreme Novices' Hurdle to remember. 

1:55- For me I struggle to contemplate Shishkin not winning this. The betting isn't great with Shishkin but the odds show how strong of a competitor he is. 

14:30- In this I have picked out a wild card, this bet is an outsider. Vintage Clouds has reasonable form on this ground. Also after a recent wind surgery he seems to have picked up his form and after his prior wind op the performances picked up. My other pick would be Alnadam for the Skelton partnership. The softer ground should be in his favour. 

15:05- It seems like Goshen and Honeysuckle will both be near favourites and they will pose a huge threat to the rest of the field and will be hard to beat. For an outside bet Sharjah from Willie Mullins yard. This horse should suit the ground and the distance and I think the two favourites will set the pace Sharjah needs to come through horses to win. 

15:40- Here I think that My Sister Sarah really has an opportunity, it's clear that the distance won't be a problem for her. Her trainer Willie Mullins has notorious form in the Mare's Hurdle and I think it will be one of his mares to win this year too. 

16:15- Balko Saint not only has the form, he has also performed well at Chelts before, this little bit of experience on the track is only to his advantage. Houx Gris might go favourite but has more than a fair chance with consistent form and you can't go far wrong having Harry Cobden riding.

16:50- I have two picks here Remastered and Soldier Of Love both of these are outsiders so could easily be each way bets. Remastered should do well as long as he can finish strong and Soldier Of Love has the jockey-training combination of Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost- they will be tough to beat.  

Have any picks that you think I should know about let me know! 

Impressive Female Flat Jockey's

 Reflecting on the last season and seeing as the Lincoln is less than 40 days away (I'm very excited already), I decided to look at some of the current female jockey's that have or are going to change the racing game. 

Hollie Doyle - She is changing the game for so many positive reasons. Last season she continued breaking records having the most wins by a female jockey in a season, had a 15% strike rate, alongside Championship day wins and a five-timer at Kempton. These are feats not achieved by many. Alongside this, she continues to push the boundaries of racing and is bring it to a whole new platform being placed third at the Sports Personality of the Year awards. For this next season, I can only see her extending her accomplishments. 

Hayley Turner- She was the first female champion apprentice in 2005 and a first female jockey to ride at the Dubai World Cup in 2012. Often Turner is deemed to be a jockey who has paved the way for many other females. 

Laura Pearson- A 5lb claiming apprentice who since changing her agent has taken the racing world by storm. Currently, she is having a two-month break ahead of the up-and-coming season. She already has had a 21% strike rate. I can see a bright future for this apprentice and perhaps Pearson even becoming Champion Apprentice. 

Joanna Mason- Another 5lb claimer before taking her apprentice license out, she had much success as an amateur jockey and she even took the title alongside Serena Brotherton in 2015. This has stood her in good stead with lots of knowledge on race-riding, this shows in her riding.  

Georgia Dobie- She is another apprentice (5lb claim) who has caught my eye with a 14% strike rate last year and her nomination in the Lester's apprentice jockey of the year award in which she narrowly lost out in taking the prize. Having experience riding abroad in Australia this can be seen in her riding ability and her strength in the final furlongs.

Saffie Osborne- In 2020 she suffered what appeared to be a bad fall in which she broke her arm and some ribs. Before this she was beginning to make a big name for herself having an 11% strike rate, this comes after she has competed internationally and nationally in youth eventing. Her father Jamie Osborne has given her a grounding in racing and I think she has much more to show already being an accomplished rider. I am excited to see what wins she will produce next season. 

Are there any up-and-coming jockeys I should know about? Let me know in the comments or tweet.

Reasons to vote for Hollie Doyle for Sports Personality of the year

 Hollie Doyle has been nominated for BBC sports personality of the year and these are the reasons why you should vote for her tonight when the voting opens. You can vote by clicking here. I tipped Hollie Doyle on a previous blog to be one to watch this year. 

In the last year, despite Coronavirus Hollie Doyle has been breaking records. This season Doyle has had 146 winners, this exceeded her own record from the previous year. Additionally, these race wins include her first group one on Glen Shield, she had her first win for a female on Championship day, a Royal Ascot winner (only a few women have achieved this feat) and she had a five-timer at Windsor in August. Her wins are unmatched by any other female jockey.

Doyle has also put so much hard work into getting where she is today. She started off in pony racing riding a really unruly pony but has gone on to ride horses of all different calibres and win. While she was an apprentice she was told that she wasn't strong enough. Doyle took this and worked on it, to get to where she is today. When she's not riding winners, you will find her in the gym working on the fitness that gives her the winners.  

Hollie Doyle has done so much for the sport of horse racing, she's opened people's eyes that both genders can be equal in terms of riding winners. Also, she's encouraged other women to get involved in the sport and is inspiring by giving girls a role model. 

This year Doyle is the only female nominated, despite all of the women who are at the top level in sports. There is a lack of representation in Sports Personality of the Year of women, proven by the last female winner was 14 years ago being Zara Philips. Doyle is defying norms if she wins. 

These are my reasons why I think you should vote for Hollie Doyle- let me know if you have any other reasons. Vote tonight!

Nottingham Races

 A surprising journey to Nottingham races came from ditching going to university for the day. With some of the cracking races, it was well worth it. The race day had nine races, the first two being tricky as they were maiden races with the runners being two-year-olds. My highlight again went to Fantasy Master, who won by a length backing up his prior win on course. 

The second race had Ryan Moore win for Sir Michael Stoute. Noon Star the winner was very clearly going to triumph, the willingness to continue to fight back either to chase or to go on to lead. Ocean Road and Mrs Fitzherbert were big outsiders and slowly away, struggling to get into the race but once they found their feet were away and in the final stages showed promise. First place was Noon Star by 3 1/4 lengths, the second was Ocean Road by 1/2 length and third was Mrs Fitzherbert by 5 1/2 lengths. 

The listed race of the afternoon, the Rous Stakes saw the favourite take the glory. Wonderwork led the way initially in the sprint. With Dakota God, Alijady close up. He was tracked by Tis Marvellous and a lot of the horses were in the middle of the field- not having much impact. At four furlongs out Dakota Gold took over the lead, Wonderwork did give chase as did most of the field moving forward. With three furlongs to go Alijay was pushed along and went on strong. In this race, many of horses appeared to hang and struggle. Dakota Gold, in the end, could not be caught, he went to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Second Alijay was 1 3/4 lengths clear of third, who was Wonderwork by 3/4 lengths.  

Additionally, we must give Hollie Doyle a shout out as yet again, she's breaking records (this time however it's her own). In back to back years she has upped the record despite, the current Covid situation. The new record is 117 and I am sure this will be built on greatly. 

Nottingham races

 Yesterday I attended Nottingham Races for the first time this season, despite the lack of atmosphere and the true spirit behind racing it was not too bad. I had a really lucky day and picked a winner or a place in every race. The first two races were tricky as many were unraced and young horses. Only one favourite won on the day. 

The first race had an 80/1 shot under the unstoppable Tom Marquand win! Prospect led the race, chased by High Security, Harworth and Jennivere. There was a few dwelling at the start including Fantasy Master, Strangerontheshore and Rosa Bonheur. Fantasy Master struggled in the early stages and stumbled, having to be pushed at three furlongs on. At two furlongs out, Fantasy Master made headway as did High Security and Jacattack. At one furlong out, Fantasy Master stumbled again but Prospect was having to be pushed along. High Security and Harworth struggled for room if they had enough space next time they might be ones to watch. But it was Fantasy Master who managed to get the win by 1/2 length, the second was Prospect and third by 3/4 lengths was High Security. 

The 2.20 Inhaler was a little ahead of Jadwal with Mishal Star and Vedute tracking the leaders. Temple Bruer lacked for room but at two furlongs out when he had space he went on. Vedute and Muay Thai were running on strong with Bhubezi who went to lead. At one furlong out the lead changed again was briefly Vedute before Mishal Star took keen hold. Tempel Bruer tried to challenge, however, didn't have enough to compete. First place was Mishal Star by 1 1/2 lengths, the second was Temple Bruer by 2 3/4 lengths and third was Vedute by a neck. 

A new blog will be out soon, this will discuss how more and more jockey's keep testing for cocaine metabolites and the question mark over the outcome of Oisin Murphy in France. 

Ayr Racecourse

 On Monday it was my first time racing since January. And if anything I was apprehensive after hearing all the negative feedback about the racing experience. But I was pleasantly surprised by the experience and by the level of racing. 

On arrival there was the standard procedure: the questionnaire answered, temperature checked and ID checked. Mask to be worn in communal areas and plenty of sanitiser. However, as far as I'm concerned Ayr racecourse has it right. Open spaces used effectively, the bar open enabling drinks to be flowing like a normal race day, the tote and two other bookmakers on course. And hot food available for racing staff and owners from a burger van which had delicious chips. These are all helping to bring the experience back to normal and for the better. The only thing that I could criticise is that racecourses the size of Ayr they could easily have all owners back and racing. Thus further taking steps to get racing back to normal. 

The 3.10 had a close race yet in the midsized field many weren't really involved. Bumbledom was first to lead, tracked by Destination Aim and Al Mansoura. Close up was Equidae and Sienna Dream. The rest of the field were never better than midfield. At two furlong out Equidae took on the lead as Al Mansoura was switched and pushed along. Sienna Dream and Jessie Allan were ridden out. There was to be no catching of the first to as Equidae and Al Mansoura went head to head. But Equidae won this battle by only a neck. The second was Al Mansoura by 1 length and third was Sienna Dream. 

The 4.50 had an unsurprising result with an unexpected ban. Taramanda led the race, followed by Shanghai City and Manzo Duro with Tiritomba sat midfield. These positions were like this until three furlongs out where Ricksen made good headway as did Manzo Duro. Two furlongs to go Tiritomba didn't have a clear run as Ricksen led, followed by Manzo Duro. At one furlong out Tiritomba was switched out and clipped heels with Ricksen. This hampered Ricksen. Although Tiritomba went on to win by 2 1/4 lengths, the second was Ricksen by 3 3/4 lengths and third was Manzo Duro by a nose. 

Oisin Murphy, who rode Tiritomba, due to this dangerous riding when he clipped heels means that a careless riding ban will be implemented on the Ledger week at Doncaster. He has a seven-day ban so that means that he will miss the entire meeting. Although, he has suggested that he might contest this and appeal. 

Hopefully, my next blog will be soon, keep up to date with my twitter! 

Racing round up!

This is this weeks racing round up! We have lots of exciting news about jockeys and a look at some of the best moments from Glorious Goodwood and the gorgeous Enable.  

There has been exciting news for Lizzie Kelly as she retires from racing. This comes as she announces her pregnancy. Lizzie Kelly has been a record-breaker within the sport being the first female jockey to win grade One Jumps race. She has paved the way for other female future jockeys and the sport is grateful for this. 

We had another retirement announcement from the jump jockey Barry Geraghty. He has a list of success next to his name which includes 1920 wins and the second most successful jockey at Cheltenham Festival. Additionally, this announcement comes after the prior 18 months being littered with injuries. There's nothing but best wishes to both Lizzie and Barry. 

Hollie Doyle just keeps on improving on her recent form. Now she has signed a retainer with the owner and breeder Imad Al Sagar. He has over 30 horses in training and this now gives Hollie an even bigger platform to show her talent. It's very exciting to see what this new partnership brings. 

Tuesday at Goodwood saw an amazing Stradivarius. This just showed the level of class the horse has. After being continuously blocked and not getting a gap, there was a point in the race where I thought he's not going to do it. But Frankie Dettori stayed calm and was patient. Frankie switched him one furlong out and went on well towards the end to win by a length to second Nayef Road. 

On Wednesday, at Goodwood in the Qatar Sussex Stakes had some of the best horses running. There were lots of short odds and a massive question over whether Mohaather, Siskin or Kameko would win. With an early lead from Kameko, it looked as though he would dictate the race. However, this was not the case as Mohaather despite struggling for room, when he got switched and ran on well towards the final furlongs. The surprise Circus Maximus challenging him. Siskin although, I found fell rather flat in the closing stages. The winner was Mohaather, second Circus Maximus, third was Siskin, fourth was Kameko. 

Battaash on Friday again had the miracle happen. After racing freely he went on to led and was pushed inside the final few furlongs. He kept on well beating Glass Slippers into second by 2 1/4 lengths. This race also saw him winning the King George Qatar Stakes for the fourth year running. Additionally, he broke the track record with 55.62 seconds. Meaning Battaash is only improving as he set the previous course record a mere 12 months ago. 

A couple of Saturday's ago at Ascot in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes we saw the incredible Enable. Sovereign had the lead going 6 lengths clear being tracked by Enable and Japan. Sovereign was tiring slightly. But Enable was going strong. But Japan weakened inside the final furlong whereas Enable was well clear and gaining momentum. First was Enable, second Sovereign, third Japan. 

 This is the latest blog with my highlights of the past few weeks! What were your highlights? 

My open letter to the British Horseracing Authority

After talking to some owners and trainers all I'm hearing since owners have been allowed back is complaints. They understand that these are the steps that need to occur for getting back to normal but the situation is far from perfect.

To get racing you have to jump through numerous hoops. Including: at least one member of the party filling out the Coronavirus protocol; inform the racecourse and make sure all your details and the other person you attend with are on the list to be let in. These, however, are understandable.

Then when you get to the racecourse it is largely common sense social distancing and having your temperature taken. Yet you're only allowed to be there a minimum 45 minutes before and an hour after your race. Surely, with all the space on a racecourse which is more than adequate for social distancing, there could be a full day made of the races for the owners.

These people are the backbone of racing and aren't being treated correctly. As one Twitter user Kaz, said: "As an owner why would you want to go racing if you can’t access parade ring or winners enclosure? Might as well stay at home. Owners are funding the sport and this is how they’re treated."
Owners can't even properly debrief with the jockey and yet the BHA are scratching their head as to why more owners don't partake.

Furthermore, no facilities including bars and restaurants are open which are a quintessential part of racing. This can easily be done on any scale by allowing a table to be allocated to each owner with social distancing and having plenty of staff on hand. One owner Mrs Sarah Bryan said: " They have all your details and know how many people are doing but yet they can't let people stay for longer or open any of the facilities."

I think that the idea for Goodwood allowing the public in is ghastly. The owners who have been paying their bills, kept their horses in training and supporting stables from afar are simply being neglected. If this does not change I struggle to see anyone who will buy new horses or continue pumping money into the sport.

Until the BHA sort out a plan of action I can't see the point of going racing, for many owners, this isn't the atmosphere they expect. Gone are the nice days out and the memories from my childhood of screaming horse home and taking selfies with jockeys. This is slowly becoming less like the sport that so many love.