It has been a week or so of catching up with the holidaying horses and more sales. The trade at the Tattersalls “Derby” Sale in Ireland was ferocious, mainly because the quality was so strong. My owner described the arduous process of finding the appropriate horse, then “falling in love” and then being outbid as heartbreaking and draining. One has to feel partly attached to the horse on which you could be about to spend a considerable amount of money trying to obtain.

When our luck wasn’t apparent early, Tennyson kept ringing in my head. While we had “loved and lost” and moved on, I reminded myself of my fortune to have someone who will entrust me with “their love”. Thankfully our jury, consisting of owner and groom, plus agent David Redvers and assistant Hannah Wall, did find one that we unanimously agreed would be suitable. Any member of the jury has a right of veto, but all things fitted, as did the price of the final bid.

Thus, with everyone happy and owner head over heels with her true love, or number one of the list we had compiled from a load of horses, we went home before I got tempted to buy any more.

I was once told that the sales are the best free education you can get. I would agree, as there is so much going on coupled with so many people to learn from. It is certainly an emotionally edifying rollercoaster, but one that climaxes in what one can only compare to the largest poker game since Casino Royale itself.

This is not an attempt to surpass Mr Fleming’s thriller, but the sales version is made far more interesting by bidding on a horse where looks, movement and the all-important but intangible attitude is judged by human instinct alone. Furthermore, even if you obtain what you think is your unicorn (fabled creature), there is still the chance to be disappointed. A “bargain buy” will only be so when you have seen your faith vindicated on the racetrack.

Time and, of course, money will tell but they can’t all be swans and one has to realistic. However, at the moment they remain untapped potential with their value being in the potential that you believe them to have. Belief goes a long way – believe me.

Soles, souls and Fox Rocks

The weekend saw me take part in a “Mud Runner” event at Eastnor Castle and, while it was tough, it was made tougher by the fact that my soles decided to leave my shoes after 3K. A further 7K without soles was painful but satisfying to complete with a 4th place. Elements of Zola Budd, I thought.

I got my soul (sic) back for “Fox Rocks”, the Ledbury hunt ball, which was the next port of call. It was an excellent event which, like all heavenly things, had no boundary or end. In fact, it even provided Grecian-style (more heathen than heavenly?) facilities to freshen up before heading home to make 8:30am Mass. This manifested itself in many naked bathers frolicking in a duck pond in the early hours.

Worryingly, hunt balls are meant for people of a certain age, but it doesn’t disqualify juvenile behaviour… now that never gets old.

Sunday saw the hurdles debut of That Was The Pension at Uttoxeter. He is a natural hurdler and very quick through the air. From the moment we schooled him you could see his aptitude for jumping. Although his chassis is not so robust, he came out of his race in good health. He ran well but got tired as he was too gassy, having not run for four years. I saw plenty to suggest that he is worth persevering with and will find him another opportunity in a couple of weeks.

So You Think retired, and a bold move in Ireland

Sadly, the multiple Group One-winning So You Think will not be seen in the field of racing combat again. His time on UK soil will be vividly remembered by his current trainer Aidan O’Brien’s humbling admittance to his mistakes in training him and his former trainer Bart Cummings’ hubristic criticism of those handling him. Antipodean sporting pride is one that runs deep and I hope that So You Think will himself embellish his own pride at stud.

As So You Think’s name is temporarily extinguished, Camelot’s name is still lighting up the racing scene. His Irish Derby triumph will be remembered for his ability to handle extreme conditions as much for it being run at 7:40pm on Saturday night. It is to their credit that Horse Racing Ireland are showing a great desire to please the masses.

The talk of making Frankel more marketable is all very well, but it is really about making the whole package more accessible. Racing For Change is doing its very best to do this, but by moving a race as prestigious as the Irish Derby to a better time for public appreciation shows radical audacity in abundance. Criticised they may have been but they are trying their damndest to broaden racing’s sphere of influence. Come September, if Camelot does triumph in the St Leger at Doncaster then I hope he may have made the headline in papers other than the Racing Post.

This is no criticism of my daily must-read but a want to see a superstar (I’ll let you judge the quality of the current crop of three-year-olds) appreciated by all. Some may even find it more exhilarating than page three of The Sun… But I’ll let Mr Murdoch be the judge/control of that.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Royal Ascot was a multidimensional celebration of talent and tradition. These combined made for a spectacular event. While the horses made their own headlines, the BBC presentation was made in immaculate fashion by consummate professional Clare Balding.

Clare is a relatively unsung hero and one with an embarrassment of riches in the knowledge department. The void that the BBC has left has been enlarged by the fact that Clare will no longer adorn our screens. Her attention to detail and intense enthusiasm is captivating. Ascot is somewhere she particularly excels, as there is so much that needs explaining and so many personalities to interview that one needs extensive knowledge of the intricate details.

Peter Dimmock was right when giving Clare so much credit for being the special headline act. In addition, in her Racing Post column Hayley Turner describes her as “in a class of her own”, which basically confirms that if presenters were handicapped like horses, Clare Balding would be pounds higher than her rivals – rather like Frankel. A British presenter to be proud of.

Who shone at Ascot?

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune made Ascot the best sporting saga.

The highlight for me would be Frankel. My sister Lydia – who actually spent the week on the BBC team – suggests that racecourse vets and doctors will have to start using Ferraris to keep up with this horse. This may be the best way to try to describe the indescribable.

Willie Mullins once again carried all before him with his runners and Simenon simply sauntered home with the Ascot Stakes and Queen Alexandra Stakes.

John Gosden had his team in ferocious fettle and, if you describe the ambitious young as “hungry”, then William Buick is starving. One had to feel for him unfortunately getting nutted on the line by Ryan Moore in his gallant effort for the top jockey award.

More is what we would like to see of Black Caviar, but sadly not on our shores. One would have to admit to there being a hollow aspect to her victory. She did look demure walking round the paddock before the race and tired afterwards. For Australia it wasn’t just about winning a race; it was about maintaining its sporting pride. Celebrate the Aussies did, but most likely after removing their hearts from the mouths. She came, saw, didn’t annihilate but won and, as trainer Peter Moody said, he would settle for an inch.

One must spare a thought for my former boss James Fanshawe, who not only lost a potential sprinting star to injury in Deacon Blues but also lost valuable lengths at the start of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes when Society Rock sat down in the stalls. While one never knows what might have been, he was eye-catching when finishing late and fast.

A royal revival

Ascot brimmed with pride at The Queen’s horse Estimate impressively winning the Queen’s Vase and, appropriately, it saw a resurgence in the fortunes of trainer Sir Michael Stoute. He was unlucky to be doing battle with another Aussie ace in So You Think with Carlton House, but he also added to the Juddmonte racing and breeding operation’s prize haul with Sea Moon.

Both Sir Michael and Frankie Dettori let the horses do the talking, and former champions they may be but has beens they are most certainly not. The finish to the Gold Cup couldn’t be written if you had tried.

Frankie had the choice between Colour Vision and Opinion Poll. In addition, with heir apparent Mikael Barzelona rumoured to be enthroned as number one in Godolphin’s also resurgent kingdom, then a lot was at stake. Mikael is definitely snapping at Frankie’s heels – well, he literally was on Opinion Poll – but to no avail. Like Black Caviar, it wasn’t just a race, but also represented the old brigade reasserting their authority.

What’s happening at Dason Court?

At Dason Court the Doncaster Sales store purchases are all broken in and hacking up the gallop. It is a hair-raising time and not for the faint-hearted, but great fun. As I have been reminded, they are all dreams at the moment with potential to be realised.

It has been rather quiet, other than King’s Apollo disappointing at Uttoxeter. It is back to the drawing board as he took regressive, rather than progressive, steps. He jumped right all the way and lost valuable ground. He has never shown a tendency to hang at home, but he is still so mentally immature that I won’t judge him too harshly just yet. There are a few things I will change that may help him.

While I was delighted to see my view confirmed, I wasn’t quite prepared for it so soon with ex-pat Ballybough Gorta winning at Hereford on Sunday. He is a horse who I thought would appreciate the summer ground and fences. All his siblings’ wins have come on good going or faster. Sadly for me, with the weather not helping and pressure to run before his sale date, he is a winner now but for Peter Bowen, whose team are in cracking form.

The remaining thought is with John Gosden, who described racing as a game of vicissitudes. While he sadly lost one potentially good horse in The Nile at the Royal meeting, the winners then started to flow. They do say this game can tame lions.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The aptly named Thousand Stars triumphed in Sunday’s Grande Course De Haies D’Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle) for the second year running. He is aptly named because there are just so many stars of sport out at the moment, and none so more than in horse racing.

Thousand Stars is Ireland’s version of Overturn and one who would scale the Heights of Abraham for you with sheer grit and determination. His 2010 County Hurdle triumph still lives long in the memory as he announced himself – Rooster Booster style – as a horse about to burst out of handicap company.

In winning on Sunday he defeated the highly progressive Nikita Du Berlais and confirmed that he does stay a truly run three miles, as he has often looked to be suited by the intermediate distance of 2m 4f. He is unfortunate that while he can win his battles, there are certain others – namely Big Buck’s and Oscar Whisky – who win the wars. It is a testament to him and his trainer Willie Mullins that he is able to turn out in May and June and plunder France’s biggest hurdling pots.

Camelot, the St Leger and changing the Classic programme

As human stars await the Olympics, the racing world also waits for something that most thought would never happen again. Racing’s traditionalists could be about to have the proof of their argument in its truest form.

Although the hitherto “old-fashioned and unobtainable” Triple Crown is now looking like a truly possible achievement, there are still some that called for the British programme to be pushed back so that the Guineas start later. Some refuted this as “moving the goalposts” while others concurred, as it would help some horses come to hand without having to rush them.

No one likes change, and in this instance I would be against it. As veteran trainer Clive Brittain suggested, trainers are actually better equipped (in terms of facilities) to prepare a horse for the April and May Classic trials than those of yesteryear. One must remember that before Nijinsky won the Triple Crown in 1970 there must have been those who wondered if it had become dated, as it had not been achieved since 1935 when the unbeaten Bahram won for the Aga Khan.

While a decision on Camelot’s participation at Doncaster in September will probably wait, it seems that the racing world are almost relying on Coolmore to honour racing by granting Camelot the opportunity to conquer fashion and restore the jewels in the forgotten Crown. It would be an achievement of mind-blowing proportions if he were to take part, let alone triumph in the St Leger.

In addition, it would be under the young yet ultra-cool and seemingly unflappable Joseph O’Brien. Strangely, a similarly youthful Steve Cauthen steered Affirmed to US Triple Crown glory in 1978. This neatly leads us to I’ll Have Another, who reminded us all of the brittle nature of the thoroughbred when succumbing to a tendon injury the day before his date with destiny.

The Americans definitely defeat us in the “let’s go Triple Crown mad stakes” and rightly so. David Cameron might yet allow a projected image of Camelot on to Big Ben, like the one of I’ll Have Another on the Empire State building. However, with the current Leveson inquiry David Cam-has-elot on his plate.

Union Rags filled the gaping void by winning the Belmont Stakes in tenacious style under new big-race jockey John Velazquez. If the horse showed tenacity, then his owner-breeder Phyllis Wyeth must have instilled it in him. Wheelchair-bound Wyeth’s story is astonishing and her desperate need to hold on to this horse was rewarded with a Classic triumph.

Each Olympics tells part of my life story

A Golden Age indeed. The recent Diamond Jubilee gave London an appetiser of what the Olympic mayhem may be like. The Jubilee was a fantastic celebration of tradition and ritual that people are proud to be born in to. At the helm is someone who people truly adore, as she is the unmoved monarch who epitomises what it is to lead a nation and Commonwealth.

Exciting times are in store, with Royal Ascot playing host to an International equine battle and Wimbledon and the Olympics to follow.

I find it quite frightening how different one’s life can be in every Olympic year. Since being in prep school (St Richard’s) for Atlanta in 1996, I have been to secondary school (Worth Abbey) for Sydney in 2000, James Fanshawe’s for Athens in 2004, and lastly Nicky Henderson’s for Bejing in 2008. My best memory would still be the injury-prone Kelly Holmes’ 800 and 1,500m wins – now that was true grit. As for London 2012, I am at Dason Court and I hope to still be here for Rio de Janeiro in 2016, otherwise something has gone horribly wrong…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It may sound odd, but I love seeing horses relax in the sunshine-drenched paddocks. The time they get to visit “Dr Green” is of the utmost importance and a vital part of their season ahead. I always feel for the poor Flat horses, as their holiday period is freezing winter with no good grass, whereas the jumpers get to unwind mentally and physically in the sunshine with lush grass.

While all these equine machines are recharging their batteries, the one machine that works overtime is the steam cleaner. This was one of my earliest purchases as cleanliness and hygiene is paramount. Those who know me will testify that I like a neat and clean atmosphere in which to work. The Karcher cleaner was bought at a bargain price, is big and scopey and – although it drinks fuel – you can turn it off and shut it away. I bet you never thought you would hear a steam cleaner likened to a horse.

As the stars of the jumps season temporarily fade into the galaxy, the Flat astronomers had predicted great things from their side of the stratosphere, and goodness me they were right. Over the past week, Black Caviar, I’ll Have Another and Frankel have been the asteroids that obliterated their counterparts.

John Francome pointed out that watching Black Caviar’s victories is rather like groundhog day as they all seem visually similar and on similar tracks. It will be interesting to see how she takes to the British racecourses.

I am loving the banter and claim-staking as to who is “the greatest”. Officially it is Frankel, but the Aussies take pride in their sporting heros and will not let that apparent error of judgement lie.

And on the subject of Frankel, it did amaze me how hollow I felt when his career was apparently hanging in the balance, as this horse promises so much and continually delivers. It only dawned on me how much he is needed when he had his “racecourse gallop” in the JLT Lockinge stakes at Newbury. Joni Mitchell was spot on, as no one really does know what they have got until it’s gone, and it’s much easier to appreciate the past than realise what you have in the present.

What I also find fascinating is Coolmore’s role in this story. They have not only got an exceptional horse in Excelebration and will do their best to topple the extra- (not sure what comes after exceptional) exceptional Frankel, but they also have rescued the breeding industry from dying with new fashions. I am sorry to say that this once again brings in our Australian cousins that I keep on banging on about.

Coolmore purchased Frankel’s damsire Danehill from none other than his owner breeder Khalid Abdulla, and turned this very useful sprinter but non-staying miler into a sire sensation.

It was key that he started his career in the southern hemisphere. As a sire he was far more dynamic than as a racehorse and, as I said before, the Aussies are the ones who train horses, not for certain trips, but as animals who can run at a high speed over what ever trip you want. So Danehill wasn’t cast as a sire of sprinters but of good speed horses. It was only later that Europe began to appreciate Danehill and he sired Derby winners and Ascot Gold Cup winners over much further than he was ever effective himself.

Furthermore, there was a time when the commercial appreciation of a Derby winner as a stallion came into question. Italian breeder Frederico Tesio had already outlined how our industry was based around Epsom’s winning post, but this became old-fashioned as Derby winners came and went as racehorses and sires. This was because people seemed to want to breed for speed.

What John Magnier and co at Coolmore have done is reaffirm Tesio’s statement by producing the best Derby-winning sire seen for many a year. Galileo was a beautifully actioned racehorse who only ran once at two but who carried all before him at three.

They say that it is important for Derby winners to drop back to a mile and quarter after their Epsom triumph for commercial stud value (like High Chaparral, Authorized and Sea The Stars), but Galileo never won again after his famous King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes victory over Fantastic Light at Ascot.

No one knew that his dam Urban Sea would go on to produce perhaps the greatest all-round performer of recent times in Sea The Stars, but Galileo had already cast his galaxy of stars and the one he has produced in Frankel is certainly one that shines brightly in any era.

Galileo is still relatively young for a sire to have had so many class performers and on all levels. Derby winners will come his way – remembering that he himself ended Sadler’s Wells’ Derby hoodoo. Galileo is the best stallion in the world and, although he was no dirt performer himself, who knows whether he may produce a Kentucky Derby winner. It was his sire Sadler’s Wells that produced dirt sire sensation El Prado.

As Coolmore continues to reaffirm the old ways, then who is to say that they won’t let Camelot bid for immortality with a Triple Crown bid? According to many this is no longer the ultimate test of the thoroughbred, but is, in breeding-speak, as dead as the Latin language.

In the USA they will not settle for Meat Loaf’s assurance “two out of three ain’t bad” as I’ll Have Another has surprised me by winning the second leg of the Triple Crown – the Preakness at Pimlico. A racing nation will hold its breath until a week on Saturday when he bids for immortality in New York where so many have failed. Of the three races, the Belmont Stakes is the one that I would have thought would suit this horse most – so you never know…

Symonds family update

As racing lives in hope of finding new champions and being continually awed by the current ones, I know that certain establishments have lost their star students and governors, with my sister Lydia completing her time at Trinity College Dublin and my father temporarily away from the helm of the farm with knee replacements. Dublin has lost someone of many talents and a dynamic that stretches from the bars of Temple Bar to the libraries and lecture halls, while I have been temporarily left without a father and, more importantly… a gardener!

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Precocious talent and toughness were the themes of the first Classic weekend. The 18-year-old Joseph O’Brien pulled the proverbial sword from the stone with the confidence that belies his usually A level-taking age group. His ride aboard Camelot in the Racing Post Trophy last September was startling, but this was astounding. So much was against this colt, with trip appearing a minimum and ground a worry, but Joseph rode him to perfection.

In the world of Camelot, then, it seems that everyone at Ballydoyle does indeed sit on a round table. Trainer and proud father Aidan O’Brien – or Merlin if you like – championed everyone in the team bar the yard cat and dog for their contribution to a 3000-Guinea weekend. It was a double they also achieved in 2005.

But no knight would be complete without his horse. Camelot and Homecoming Queen led very different juvenile campaigns. While Camelot was allowed two runs, the regally-bred Homecoming Queen ran 11 times, and even in nurseries. While many thought it would be a case of Carly Rae Jepsen proving correct with Maybe calling the shots, I think the majority overlooked a tough-as-teak filly with an impeccable pedigree.

Her half-sister Queen’s Logic was equally precocious, but injury meant her ultimate potential was never realised. She has however since produced the very speedy Lady Of The Desert.

Homecoming Queen’s diminutive sire Holy Roman Emperor was also a precious talent, but once again cut short. This time it was by another sire’s shortcomings; he filled the spot left vacant by the infertile George Washington.

His deployment to Coolmore as a fully fit two-year-old brimming with potential was widely criticised at the time and no one will ever know if he would be a Johannesburg or Arazi (bitter disappointments at three) or a Guineas winner like Henrythenavigator, but he certainly seems to be making waves at stud. Furthermore, he is from one of the best families in the stud book.

American Triple Crown is much more intense

While the UK-based Classic generation have from May until September to complete the specified Classic races, in America they have a mere six weeks. This can be very taxing and it is no surprise that it has not been achieved since Affirmed took the Triple Crown in 1978. Apart from the huge difference in the amount of time these horses get to recover, the UK Triple Crown – similarly not completed since Nijinsky in 1970 – is run over a far wider spectrum of distances.

What is notable is that in antipodean terms none of this would seem extraordinary, as they continue to “back up” (run a horse quickly in similarly big races with the gap of a week or sometimes less) and over a variety of distances.

This is why I find the Australian strategy so compelling. A horse does not necessarily have a specific trip, but it’s basic ability to gallop at speed means that they can ride the horse to get whatever trip they would like it to. Any horse that can gallop a furlong at around 12 seconds should be competitive in most races, depending on how the horse is trained or ridden – or so they say and continually prove.

Peter Moody, trainer of Black Caviar, has exclaimed that he cannot wait to come over and “kick some Pommy butt” and, if the aforementioned equine Cathy Freeman were to step up to a mile for the first time and take on Frankel in the Sussex Stakes, then it would be a most interesting race tactically.

Her running style would lend itself well to a step up in distance, as she seems quite amenable tactically. After all, it was her grandsire Royal Academy who won the six-furlong July Cup and famously went on to triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Mile under Lester Piggott at Belmont Park in 1990.

I have once again digressed “down under”, and it was in the northern hemisphere in Louisville, Kentucky – birthplace of Muhammad Ali – that 20 horses “ran for the roses” in the Kentucky Derby.

Bodemeister led at a breakneck pace that only Secretariat himself could sustain and was cut down by I’ll Have Another. While the credit must go to the winner, who simply stayed better than any other horse, more credit should go to the runner-up who ratified his trainer Bob Baffert’s belief that he is a serious operator.

Mike Smith was widely criticised for arriving too late on Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic when beaten by Balance, and the clock in his head must have lacked balance on Saturday. Thus he has received similar criticism for a ride in which he did too much – jockeys are damned if they do and do not. Had he won, then Bodemeister would be deemed the next American superstar and he will be a very interesting proposition in the half-furlong shorter (1m11/2f) Preakness Stakes a week on Saturday.

Friday’s Kentucky Oaks saw Rosie Napravnik make history as the first lady rider to win an American Classic aboard Believe You Can. The likes of Julie Krone have been to the fore in the US stakes races well before the UK’s lady riders, but it will surely not be too long before the likes of Hayley Turner, Kirsty Milczarek and Cathy Gannon (when not injured) ride a Classic winner, as they continue to thrive.

King’s Apollo is being educated on the Flat

The sun seems to be on sabbatical at the moment with the rain working overtime. It was a strange situation when I ran Valmari at Bangor, knowing that she needs further than 2m1f but thinking that the heavy ground would accentuate the distance, only to find that it had almost dried out too much for her. In other areas of this very small but strange country there were and still are race meetings called off due to waterlogging.

King’s Apollo is one of our Flat horses that is taking advantage of the softer ground. I hope that he is going to make a jumper eventually but, as he is a three-year-old, he would only be eligible for three-year-old bumpers later in the year or juvenile hurdles in the coming weeks. His enthusiastic team of owners decided to go for the latter option, which is why he is being educated on the Flat.

Any prize money would be a bonus, as he is a jumper through and through, but a precocious one. Although it is an odd way of doing it, it will be interesting to see how he gets on. He is a real ball of energy and is so athletic that his early schooling as a two-year-old was very good indeed. Now he has a handicap mark on the Flat we will restart schooling him over hurdles.

Interestingly, my head lad Mark White commented that his former boss David Nicholson used exactly the same tactic with Stayer’s Hurdle winner Anzum, so if he was an ounce as good it would be fantastic.

While jump trainers continue to make hay while the sun doesn’t shine, the uncertainty of the weather creates mayhem for the Flat trainers but Camelot proved the old adage to be right – good horses go on any ground.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Since my last blog I have seen racing drowned literally and metaphorically. Aintree was a fantastic meeting but to say it wasn’t marred by the deaths of Gottany O’s, According To Pete and Synchronised would be an understatement of the largest proportions. This will be the only mention I make of these lost warriors because, although they made a premature exit from this world, to carry on assessing the nature of their demise would be unfair on those still grieving their loss.

Dason Court inmates perform well

Meanwhile at Dason Court, Mirific put in a vastly improved performance from the front. Frustratingly he finished second but we learned plenty from it, which is the most important part. He is ready to go again now but, while he wants very soft ground, horses cannot wear a snorkel and flippers…

Another very pleasing performance, and again from the front, was from Trojan Sun at Southwell. There are many reasons why this was so satisfying.

Elsa had chosen the race because she thought he would enjoy the brush hurdles as he is a future chaser. I had met his owner-breeders Ian and Angela Low while I worked at James Fanshawe’s in Newmarket when their horse – Trojan Sun’s half brother Alfie’s Sun – had won at Huntingdon for Don Cantillon. My girlfriend at the time looked after “Alfie” so I went along to Newmarket’s Chinese restaurant, The Fountain, for the celebrations. It was not long after that I discovered that their son Matthew was engaged to my mother’s best friend’s daughter, Katherine.

It was at their Warwickshire wedding that I was promised my first horse, which became Trojan Sun. A tedious link, perhaps, but a very small world.

However, small is not a word that I would use to describe Trojan Sun, so to win over hurdles was a bonus and at a time when Ian was wondering whether to persevere with him. It has just taken him time to learn to settle and breathe properly. It was an old colleague who did the steering as Jerry McGrath made every yard of the running to win comfortably.

Trojan Sun has since jumped 10 fences and returned home for a summer break.

Jumping from Punchestown and Sandown

The recent action at Punchestown was swimming with stars. “The show must go on” appeared to be the theme of the week, and many plaudits must go to Richie Galway and his team for battling through horrendous weather.

The highlights for me were AP McCoy’s power-packed ride aboard Alderwood; Philip Hobbs’s Lazarus-like performance with Snap Tie and the reappearance of a horse I have longed to see ever since I saw him at the sales in Flash Of Genius.

Hurricane Fly rather breezed in rather than with his usual electric surge, and Quevega duly disposed of her rivals that include the gallant Voler La Vedette.

The percentage of horses that have followed up their Cheltenham Festival successes must be the highest for many a year. Sir Des Champs and Champagne Fever look destined for top honours next season with the latter likely to follow Florida Pearl and Missed That by going straight over fences. Paddy Mullins must have been pinching himself all week – and not so he could feel the warmth from the bitter wind. He is riding with the utmost confidence and was simply brilliant aboard Uncle Junior in the La Touche Cup.

Sizing Europe capped another good season by reversing placings with old rival Big Zeb. The notable performance came from the fourth-placed China Rock, who followed up this two-mile “warm up” with victory in the rescheduled three-mile Guinness Gold Cup on Saturday. Every cloud does have a silver lining for some.

This weekend also brought a turn in Tidal Bay, who annihilated his rivals in the Bet365 Gold Cup under top weight. There was no doubt that there was talent dormant in this horse somewhere, but to dispel his burden in such conditions with such disdain was startling.

Sanctuaire took his more experienced rivals on a tour de force in the two-mile Celebration Chase. A horse of his ability could yet prove a potent threat in the top division.

Once again Daryl Jacob proved a more than able deputy in Ruby Walsh’s absence. He and Richie McLernon had shone as “understudies” at Aintree, providing an enthralling battle to the line in the Grand National on Neptune Collonges and Sunnyhillboy. The former, don’t forget, became the first grey to win the National since Nicolaus Silver in 1961 and revived memories of John Hales’ super grey One Man, who was so tragically lost on the Mildmay course in 1998.

The imperious Black Caviar

For me the weekend was all about the astounding antipodean achievements at Randwick and Morphettville. In wording Black Caviar’s victory in detail, the Racing Post’s use of the word “imperious” says what a thousand words could to describe this rarest of animals.

While Black Caviar created headlines of her own, some others achievements may have gone unnoticed with Gai Waterhouse ruling Randwick. Pierro won the Champagne Stakes, thus completing the two-year-old Triple Crown, and More Joyous won her third Group One within a month. This mare is unbelievable and brilliantly campaigned by the queen of the Australian racing circuit.

In the Northern Hemisphere another spectacular stalwart, Cirrus Des Aigles, won his first Group One on home turf when dancing away with the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. Throw into the cauldron the now-mended Frankel and there is a lot to look forward too.

A new season starts

The majority of the equine and human in mates at Dason Court have gone on their holidays and the time is fast approaching to build up to next season. Plenty of replenishment is needed in terms of both the yard and the bloodstock. This quest to improve everything annually, and particularly the bloodstock, is something that Nicky Henderson and his Seven Barrows team instilled in me – look to the future. Something I always live by is to remember where you have been, where you are and where you are going… A philosophy I hope that helps me better last season’s tally – and I had better get going as it has already started.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I recently likened the horses in the yard to a vase of lilies that adorned our hallway. Some are in full bloom, some wilting and some yet to bloom. It has been a long season and a few of the inmates at Dason Court are due a break.

Horses will tell you in many ways, but while one must be realistic about the need to keep a horse going when the weather and ground are so capricious, sods law dictates that as soon as you turn out your soft-ground horse when the ground is firm, the horse will inevitably be standing out in showers of rain.

Titivating can be expensive and risky regarding running a horse when conditions do not suit – perhaps it’s best not to be tempted.

Don’t tell me we don’t care for our horses in racing

As Aintree action looms, the inevitable talk of last year’s mayhem arises. Public perception is very important and 2011’s events left a sour taste in the mouth of millions of viewers, who then expressed their displeasure by widely criticising the sport itself and those who support it.

When arguing with such critics, one must leave aside the fame and significance that a race like the Grand National holds. A horse race is a horse race and just because it holds more significance because of tradition makes it no different from any other race. In this way although criticism flows around Aintree time, it does indeed ebb during most of the year when horses also sadly lose their lives at other race meetings.

What people seem to forget is that no one likes fatalities, and the part that annoys the racing fraternity is that critics also imply that losing a horse doesn’t seem to matter to those around the fallen animal. Thoroughbreds are looked after like kings and, as any owner will confirm, it costs a lot to keep an equine athlete in the lifestyle that it needs to run to the best of his or her abilities.

The “Sport of Kings” is followed by many and criticised by plenty, but this is an industry where the ultimate price to pay is death – equine and human. It is a very high-risk sport and we cannot get away from that. I am not echoing Scott-Holland’s “death is nothing at all”, because it is everything, but the point is that covering up things that occur because people don’t like seeing them is like living in Plato’s cave – thus, a dream world.

I admit there are probably better ways of dealing with fatalities at the races, but saying that fatalities are unacceptable is misguided. Horseracing is a small part of an equine world where millions of pounds funds the thoroughbred to evolve and be cared for, while at the same time there are plenty of other situations where equines – or animals in general – are neglected. Because these are not in the public domain people don’t become suddenly enraged. The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare are charities that constantly strive to conquer the ongoing issues with animal cruelty that people aren’t even aware of.

The young jockey Patrick Mullins’ article in the Racing Post on Tuesday, 10 April very eloquently described the loss felt by those close to a horse that loses its life. The death of Dooney’s Gate in last years National made nothing else matter, and he publicly displayed similar sentiments about the loss of Scotsirish at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

In the National every single one of those 40 horses is cared for and nurtured; they are not simply numbers or statistics. Although not everyone can see it, the camaraderie in horse racing – equine and human alike – is like a river, and at its source is a spring that centres on the love of the horse. As it meanders its way to the delta the strong currents mean the river overcomes obstacles and adjusts to changes – it widens, erodes and floods – but the basic spirit and camaraderie runs very deep and is there right to the very end.

Drama in the desert

Meanwhile, Elsa was dispatched to Dubai to witness the very international card at the Meydan oasis. It was spectacular in every way. A card that was marred by the deaths of some favorite stalwarts (Fox Hunt, Bronze Cannon and Grand Vent) otherwise lived up to its billing.

Notable results were Aidan O’Brien’s first Dubai winner in Daddy Long Legs, who is bred to be a Kentucky Derby horse and could yet turn out to be just that.

Cityscape ended his Group One hoodoo in devastating fashion and in so doing gave under-rated jockey James Doyle his first top-flight success.

The very admirable gelding Cirrus Des Aigles not only annexed the Sheema Classic but also alerted Europeans that he will not lie down without a fight against those most valuable stallion prospects – he gave us an appetiser of this in the Champion Stakes at Ascot last October. He is also the only Pattern performer that his sire Even Top has ever produced and the only Pattern performer in the first three dams of his pedigree – unique indeed.

The apparent under-dog Monterosso then won the World Cup. The victory was notable for the fact that Mickael Barzelona, the precocious Mozart-like entertainer, celebrated like no one can. The maestro Andre Fabre was dead right in his prediction that this “man” could be the next world-class jockey on the scene.

Furthermore, Monterosso’s sire Dubawi continues to thrive and memories of his sire Dubai Millennium’s devastating display in the desert were revived. Sheikh Mohammed has certainly found a great sire after tragically losing one so young.

Lastly, So You Think was the apparent disappointment of the meeting, but people forget what he has already achieved.

American trainer Greg Gilchrist once said that people spend far to much time saying what a horse can’t do rather than finding out what a horse can do, and to this end what more does So You Think have to do? He has been a superstar from Australia to Europe and whatever he does embellishes his already illustrious career.

The last thought of World Cup night must go to trainer Marco Botti, whose horses all performed creditably but did not win. He did, however, earn more in one night than most top trainers do in one season.

Meanwhile a week later in Rosehill, Australia, Gai Waterhouse purloined two Group One races with her ultra-consistent mare More Joyous and the very exciting two-year -old Pierro. Then, to sign the masterpiece, she also won the Group Three with Western Symbol – like So You Think by High Chaparral. Gai is certainly continuing the legacy of her father, the legendary T J Smith.

The BMW Stakes went to Manighar – a former in-mate of Luca Cumani’s – and just for good measure he beat Americain, formerly with Alain Du Royer Dupre in France, and in third was another Cumani ex-pat in Drunken Sailor. Talk about talented transferring…

Click here for Runners, Tips and Free Bets on the Grand National 2012

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If only Wordsworth could wander as a cloud, but rather than be lonely bring all his friends. An invasion of cumulonimbus clouds is much needed. There are indeed crowds of daffodils that dance in the serene sunshine, but all this dry springtime glamour turns a trainer’s mind into a habitat of turmoil. Sometimes it seems that every effort you make to ready horses for a race could be superfluous, as the ground will ground them to a firm halt. Complaining as I am, there is nothing to be done bar hope, pray or indeed – like Phil Collins – sing for a deluge.

No one wants to be building an Ark, but without some rain, horses won’t be loading two by two or perhaps at all. Racecourses will be under pressure to produce safe ground and I do feel for the clerks of the course and groundsmen who are working overtime to produce safe ground. We are all in the same boat – an ironic saying if there was one.

What was up with Carole’s Spirit?

All the runners from Dason Court last week returned in good order. Carole’s Spirit ran a very strange race at Haydock. She looked outpaced all the way and then ran on for third.

Although a third place is not bad, it was her style of running that flummoxed me as she had shown more speed last time at Warwick. The race was run in a very fast time and I think the winner – Lord Wishes – could be very smart.

Owner Paul Murphy suggested that she could have been backing off the first-time tongue-tie, which is a possibility. If she had won, and raced in the same way, I would have still have been questioning her performance. An odd one, but after a thorough veterinary check she seems fine, so we are none the wiser.

Better from Ballybough Gorta

Ballybough Gorta ran a similar race at Hereford and, although it seems strange, I wasn’t disappointed, as I think he will be more competitive in novice handicap hurdles or chases. He hails from a family that love the fast ground, as does his sire, Indian Danehill, so he may come into action as a summer jumper.

Damn that Venetia Williams!

I thought Thursday would bring the winning tonic that I needed, but it was not to be. Apparently everybody needs good neighbours, but surely they don’t need ones who come and beat them doing handstands. While Valmari ran a very good race at Chepstow, her jumping could have been sharper. She would also have appreciated more cut in the ground, but she was beaten by a better horse on the day, pure and simple. Her belated hurdles career has brought about a new lease of life for her and she will jump fences next season too.

Hurricane’s run explained by pus in the foot

Young Hurricane put in a very disappointing performance in what was a hot-looking bumper at Chepstow. He did not progress one iota from his near miss at Hereford. If he had run mid-field I would have been happier, but he is much better than he showed on this occasion, so I was delighted that Nathan Cook found an immediate problem on his return home.

Jockey Felix de Giles had suggested that he was backing off something and that he wouldn’t let himself down to gallop. While it was alarming he returned home lame, it was because he had pus in his near-fore foot, which could definitely have contributed to his abject display.

I did not know of this immediately after the race so was rather disconsolate. My sister Bridget suggested that a ride on the waltzers at the fairground across the rode would cheer me up, and she was dead right. Perhaps every trainer may benefit from buying such a release to overcome the disappointments that racing often deals you.

Saturday morning saw the invasion of the “Mumbo Jumbo” syndicate. Their filly – Liqueur Rose – has returned to Dason after a mid season break and they all came to see her work. She has certainly improved since making a winning debut at Bangor in January. I will find a small bumper for her and pray for rain. However, as I explained to the sunshine-basking crew, the exciting times lie next season with her hurdles career. She is still on the weak side so this year is a bonus and she has already schooled well when with Marcus Foley last year.

Our thoughts turn to the Flat

The Flat season creeps up so quickly after Cheltenham, and it is odd to think that the traditional curtain raiser – the Lincoln – is upon us already. There is so much to look forward to and so many questions to be asked of many talented horses.

I am looking forward to an early-season clash between Frankel and Strong Suit in the JLT-sponsored Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May. Frankel will then be asked to step up two furlongs to 1m2f at some point. I am sure he will stay, and the scary part is that it may even bring about some improvement.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Classics favourite Camelot was asked no serious questions at his recent racecourse gallop at The Curragh, but looked to have matured very well physically. He is an exciting horse with a lot of scope to stay for one who has already shown us plenty of pace.

So You Think tries to swell his already very international bank account in the Dubai World Cup at the crescendo of the many carnivals at Meydan, while the Derby market is as unpredictable as the Triumph Hurdle market.

One trainer who will be hoping for a better season is Sir Michael Stoute, who endured a torrid time of it last year for one who so regularly churns out quality winners. I am sure that I am joined by many in wishing Freemason Lodge a vastly improved year.

The final word will go to Mick Channon who, as one sagacious source recently reminded me, suggested that racing is the only sport in which you have to lose before you can win. Wise words indeed, but particularly when “sola fide” (through faith alone) is often the only means by which racing folk progress, because without faith hope founders, and without hope, the means to carry on in adverse circumstances is extinguished.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The saddest part of the Cheltenham Festival is that it always seems to end abruptly. Not so sad, of course, for livers which get regularly over-exercised during the week.

If Hansel and Gretel found a house made of confectionery, then the average Festival-goer found a village made of Guiness. Unlike many racegoers, Hansel and Gretel actually remember leaving the house, but also left with their pockets full of treasure.

In the land of all things rich with fairy tale, there was one lone wolf that blew the bookmakers’ houses down. This is perhaps the greatest gambling story I have ever heard – and happen to be close to. Anyone who ever has a bet has the ultimate dream of betting a little to win a lot. Although this can happen at Cheltenham due to the ultra-competitive fields, a bet working like the one in this instance is as rare as all the planets lining up with the sun.

Nicky Henderson’s assistant headlad Conor Murphy had told me about this “ridiculous” but quite feasible bet he had had back in December, and of course it went straight to the back of my mind in the file labelled “no chance”.

Though it may seem so, Conor is not a hardened gambler but one who flutters with regularity on a small scale. For him it is all about his job. He has certainly inherited headlad Corky Browne’s metronome-like work ethic and intensively cares for each horse at Seven Barrows.

The fact that he had first-hand involvement in ensuring that each of the runners from Seven Barrows got to Cheltenham in full physical health makes this novelty bet more astonishing. Bet or no bet, Conor would be doing this to the highest standard anyway.

He reveled in his already accumulating bet by watching the horse he rides every day, Finian’s Rainbow, win the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Nirvana was reached when Riverside Theatre won the Ryanair under an awesomely inspired ride by Barry Geraghty.

I remember being completely flummoxed when Riverside was beaten in the 2010 Arkle Chase and many – including me – questioned the tactics and the horse’s ability to handle Cheltenham.

Barry could not have made his point in a more positive way, because it seems that the reason why Riverside couldn’t win an Arkle is because he had only just got going after two miles. The extra five furlongs meant not only could Riverside display great courage in defeating Alberta’s Run – another expertly trained and tough campaigner – but also that Conor achieved what others fail to do in 15 questions with Chris Tarrant (make a million).

I am absolutely thrilled for Conor and, as Nicky Henderson explained, it really couldn’t happen to a better fellow. He admitted that he would have settled just for Finian’s to win the Queen Mother, so the rest really is a bonus, albeit a life-altering one.

Big wins for small trainers

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune were evident for Denis O’Regan on Wednesday when Cotton Mill brought a new meaning to “winging the second last”. His fortune was retold on Thursday when he steered Cape Tribulation to victory in the Pertemps Final.

This was the first of two victories for Malton-based trainer Malcolm Jefferson, who later triumphed with Attaglance in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle.

In what was a refreshingly good week for Northern stables, my former boss Peter Scudamore – partner and assistant to trainer Lucinda Russell – was involved with perhaps the most impressive of the aforementioned winners in Brindisi Breeze. His latest Haydock win had already received a big boost as it produced the very impressive EBF Hurdle Final winner Ambion Wood under top weight at Sandown the previous Saturday.

In our preview at the Castle House Hotel in Hereford, Peter and Lucinda had shown concern for the lack of rain at Cheltenham, but it seems that he will probably be a better horse on better ground; the Skye (sic) appears to be the limit.

A sky that has no limit is Big Buck’s, or in actual fact he could be more like a bottomless pit. While it was clear that Oscar Whisky did not stay the trip, Big Buck’s showed us a new dimension in dusting off a renewed challenge from the very talented Voler La Vedette.

This very consistent mare would, much like Brindisi Breeze, prefer the better ground than the ground that she has been running on in Ireland. Having failed to settle behind Quevega in the 2010 running of the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle over 2m4f, earplugs were deployed and have seemed to help her settle thus stay further.

Sadly her sire King’s Theatre died last year, but he certainly left an indelible mark in her, Riverside Theatre and Brindisi Breeze.

This is also another example of a son of Sadler’s Wells thriving in the National Hunt sphere. While Oscar ruled the first two days, King’s Theatre and Old Vic (Sunnyhill Boy) took the mantle for the latter part of the week.

McCoy and Sadler’s Wells: legends

Not to be outdone by his overbearing offspring, Sadler’s Wells topped it all by siring the Gold Cup winner Synchronised. While there would not be many National Hunt breeders who could afford to send their mare to Sadler’s Wells, Noreen McManus clearly foresaw a very good cross (also seen in variable reverse with Bobs Worth) by sending her Bob Back mare Mayasta to Coolmore.

Oddly enough, Mayasta would have been remembered in other ways as she was McCoy’s first winner in the McManus silks. A yarn with plenty of likable twists indeed, but the main one came in the marriage of horse and jockey.

When McCoy rode Mayasta at Punchestown in April 1996, little did he know that she would produce the perfect partner for him. While he lovingly described Synchronised as looking like no more than a riding cob but one with a heart the size of himself, trainer Jonjo O’Neill also described the partnership of horse and jockey as like a hand perfectly fitting a glove.

In much the same way as Paul Carberry brought the curtain down on the Festival with a masterclass ride on the difficult Bellvano in the Grand Annual, McCoy – Paul’s antithesis in style – gave the crowd a reminder as to why he is 16 times champion jockey. Sheer guts, determination and courage were displayed by both McCoy and his equine die-hard ally in the Gold Cup. While the best horse may not have won, true grit certainly did. The Giant Bolster put in an excellent round of jumping, and without the star-crossed McCoy and Synchronised would have been triumphant.

The other improved performer was Time For Rupert, who travelled with more ease and alacrity than before.

Long Run was perfectly placed throughout but seemed to lack the finishing kick that he so impressively displayed last year. Disappointing as it seemed, it could be that he takes a year to get over a couple of hard races last season. It is also worth remembering that he is still only a seven year old.

Horses didn’t regain Gold Cups but a certain Kauto Star rewrote that statistic so you never know. It will be an interesting division next season with this year’s freshmen, including Sire Des Champs, Bobs Worth and Hunt Ball, becoming sophomores.

A blank weekend for us

While others dealt with a Cheltenham hangover, I hoped for a bit of luck on Saturday at Kempton, Ffos Las and Uttoxeter. While success was not to be found Tweedledrum gave hope that she may – on a day of her choice – be first past the post. Of the other runners, all returned home sound but were disappointing with reasons not immediately apparent.

Yesterday I did have the pleasure of having a tour around the Olympic Project. I thought renewing Dason Court with the pressure of a completion date was a challenge, but this is a whole new level. Obviously there is slightly more money behind this project, but the vision and inspiration of turning around what was basically a landfill site is incredible. “Ex nihilo” is from what God created the earth, and this project would run along a similar theme. I cannot wait for the Games to start and as Lord Coe pointed out, there are only 18 Sundays left.

We move on to Aintree

Aintree is the next major battle ground for champion trainer Paul Nicholls and heir apparent Nicky Henderson. Nicky’s team does seem a cut above all other trainers, but as ever the Grand National could prove a pivotal point in the battle. Neither trainer has ever triumphed in this famous steeplechase, so it would be a good time for either to have their inaugural victory.

The last word must go to Kauto Star who pulled up in the Gold Cup. Although retirement was not immediate, after an illustrious and record-breaking career when retirement time does come, let Dr Seuss guide you in saying: “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Prior to Festival action commencing I was accused of still banging on about the Seven Barrows squadron. In a Festival preview, trainer Fergal O’Brien and jockey Alain Cawley accused me and Andrew Tinkler of continually playing Nicky Henderson’s potential greatest hits.

At the halfway stage it seems that our prediction is proving accurate, as Nicky is firing his guns with Zaytsev-like accuracy.

Sprinter Sacre was simply scintillating and hyperbolic adjectives to assign to this ultimate athlete will never do him justice.

In the Supreme Novices’ the tough and more battle-hardened Cinders And Ashes made dust of his rivals with an impressive display. Trainer Donald McCain has been very bullish about his chances, and what a way to be proved correct. While excuses in defeat are not always warranted, enormous credit must be given to Darlan after his horror fall in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. In addition, he only made his racecourse debut on 23 April last year at Haydock.

The Champion Hurdle produced a surprise winner (for some, anyway) in Rock On Ruby, and Sadler’s Wells’ legacy is still evident as his sons or grandsons sired the first four home. His sons also sired four of the seven winners on Tuesday.

Rock On Ruby was notable in many ways. Firstly for the part played by Paul Nicholls’ pupil assistant Harry Fry, and secondly for Noel Fehily’s long overdue first championship race victory.

Quevega has as usual been conspicuous by her absence all season and annihilated her “rivals”, while Hunt Ball proved the expected handicap good thing.

Hunt Ball has been the most improved horse of this, or perhaps any, season. First-season trainer Keiran Burke lost his stable star Sparky May to injury, but has quickly unearthed another. Admirable owner Anthony Knott is an added and very entertaining bonus; the epitome of a National Hunt owner.

Wednesday produced a first festival winner for Rebecca Curtis with Teaforthree and it was business as usual with J T McNamara proving a very able amateur rider. Business as usual continued with Willie Mullins winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with the very exciting Champagne Fever – certainly an aptly named winner.

Michael Buckley has had a year to forget in many respects and Finian’s Rainbow gave him his biggest ever victory. He is a man who adores his horses, and particularly this galloping machine. An emotionally draining year for him indeed, but it now has the ultimate silver lining.

Simonsig is going to prove another Henderson chaser of seemingly limitless potential with scope in spades.

Meanwhile, Bobs Worth has not been such an obvious candidate for star of the show, but the humble horse has certainly exalted himself. A hard knocking; an honest and hearty horse whose enthusiastic owners – The Not Afraid Partnership – are a great bunch of friends who love to celebrate their little horse with the huge heart.

I am enjoying Cheltenham from a very leisurely perspective as we have no runners until Saturday. We could end up with six runners and while others endure the Festival fatigue, I hope we may be able to appropriate a race or two.

Our last runner – Prince Buster – performed well at Sandown. With Sanctuaire streaking off in front, Denis O’Regan took his time and jumped him round for third place. I was concerned about the stern jumping test that Sandown provides, but Buster jumped well and confirmed that he also needs two and a half miles. He is also settling much better.

I am looking forward to the Oscar Whisky/Big Buck’s clash and, of course, the decider between Kauto Star and Long Run.

After Finan’s Rainbow won today surely Somersby must have a great chance in the Ryanair on Victor Chandler Chase form.

With none of last year’s champions reaffirming their authority so far, it could be a very different firmament of stars next season, but that is of course after the hurly burly is done and the battle lost or won – I just hope that along the way no other equine warriors are lost in action.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I must begin with offering my apologies to the sponsors of the Racing Plus Chase. Last week I made a comment that seemed to denigrate the new sponsors of this race, which was not my intention. Sponsorship is possibly the most important asset that racing has at the moment, as it helps swell the dwindling prize-money fund and also enables racing to gain advertisement.

I was being an insensitive traditionalist who must realise that, as time moves on, racing must also evolve. For example, the Paddy Power Gold Cup has been run under many guises (Mackeson, Murphy’s and Thomas Pink), but it is the sponsors that enable it to remain the valuable prize that it is today. I never meant to discredit Racing Plus for their sponsorship, and I hope that they remain at the helm of this traditionally famous mid-season staying contest.

The lull before the storm

It currently feels as if the Ancient Mariner has shot the proverbial albatross. The lull before the Festival storm is palpable. While trainers etch the finishing touches on their masterpieces, they must feel as alone and nervous as the aforementioned Mariner as judgment day is soon nigh.

There is so much that can happen before battle commences. We have already been reminded of the apparently immortal Kauto Star’s fallibility. Fingal Bay is another who will not be able to display his talent on racing’s greatest stage. These losses are a reminder that training horses is not for the faint-hearted especially when the ultra media-friendly Paul Nicholls is lambasted for his alleged mishandling of Kauto Star’s recent fall.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds. This should not be seen as an error of judgement on Paul’s part, but rather confirm the unpredictability of an animal. Kauto may have been none the worse for his fall, thus no one would have known. If Paul had said anything, he would have been accused of falsely muddying the already murky waters. Certainly a rock and a hard place if ever there was one.

How different my life is a year on

What can happen in a year is astonishing. Last year I was a panelist at five or six Festival previews, as I was in a position [as assistant trainer to Nicky Henderson] that was deemed enviable and, looking at my former glories, it does remain so. I will watch fondly as the Seven Barrows team do battle at Cheltenham next week and, of course, I will watch excitedly as an old ally – Long Run – has his date with destiny on Friday 16 March in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. I was lucky enough to have a very sturdy lifeboat when I left the gargantuan liner that is Seven Barrows and, although the task ahead to launch my own similar fleet will be daunting, it’s all part of the challenge.

Monk ‘tearing up trees’

The one animal that has been “tearing up trees” (terminology for a horse that is working well) is not equine but canine. My father went planting trees on Saturday but, much to his chagrin, his over-zealous and eager-to-please Labrador Monk thought it necessary to uproot and return the newly planted saplings to his master’s feet. It appears that while father and son are conservationists, the dog is not.

No winners but lots of promise

While Monk destroys the plans for an arboretum, the horses are metaphorically creating an environment of similar content by performing with immense credit. Although none got their heads in front last week at the crux of the argument, they all came out of their respective races with much hope of future success.

Harry’s Boy ran a much-improved race and both he and his inexperienced jockey – in-house conditional Nathan Cook – appeared to have learnt from their Taunton debuts. Harry’s Boy has one more run until he is handicapped, which is where I believe his success will come.

Alpha Way appeared out of his depth, but again performed well in second place. He put in some spectacular leaps before coming up against another well-handicapped runner from the in-form Venetia Williams yard. When I congratulated her, Venetia smiled and cheekily thanked me for giving her horse a lead at a good pace. This is of course a tactic that we cannot begin to try and change with a hot head like Alpha Way.

I really feel that Venetia’s Aramstone yard will have some luck next week as her horses are in rude health. Never underestimate Miss Williams, and especially in handicaps. Surely I was going to learn something in my early tutelage with Venetia…

I really fancied our horse Young Hurricane to win the bumper, but he showed a lot of inexperience. However, he was closing at the finish under the highly talented conditional jockey Jeremiah McGrath. He finished second and displayed immense promise as he is still such a shell of a horse.

I may write my next blog after the Festival. In the meantime, success will spin itself a good yarn. While fortune appears to favour the brave, there is one ingredient that most will hope to have on their side next week, and that is a good dollop of luck. With that in mind, let the mayhem commence.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s been a busy week at Dason Court Stables and we’ve had some pleasing results.

Wednesday: Doncaster

Wogan showed a lot more zest on quicker ground and at his favourite venue, Doncaster. He jumped very well in first-time cheek-pieces. These enabled him to travel and concentrate better. He got tired as he hadn’t run for a bit, and ironically probably traveled a little too keenly early on.

Thursday: Lingfield and Huntingdon

We had three runners at Lingfield and two at Huntingdon on Thursday. It was a case of “ride as many as you can” before heading off to the races. I went to Lingfield and Elsa (aka The Glamour) drove the box and officiated at Huntingdon.

Trojan Sun is learning to settle much better. He ran a good race as he jumped well and his wind sounded less of a problem. I am sure he will more competitive in handicaps and on better ground.

Fleur De Vassy was disappointing as I think she likes to get her own way, which was always going to be difficult in a bigger field than at Ffos Las. In addition, she also found the ground on the tacky side.

Mirific wants even further and very soft ground – practically unraceable would suffice.

Meanwhile at Huntingdon Zennor’s owners, Paul Murphy and his daughter Amy, had feared that Zennor may not be getting the trip over hurdles. In her prep run over two miles at Kempton she appeared not to get home. Having never run over so far on the Flat before, it was a foray into the unknown.

Generally, two-mile Flat performers are usually said to appreciate further over jumps, while a mile and quarter or mile and half performers are usually the speedy two mile hurdlers.

Zennor has always showed bags of speed at home so it is not a total surprise that this is the case. It is a shame as she has a very good hurdling technique, but there are no mile and half hurdle races.

Prince Buster pleased me more than any runner recently as he has been difficult to get right so far. I have been sure that he wants two and a half miles, but his tendency to pull too hard means that he is probably better off over two miles to begin with.

He had put in a very bad bit of work in January and a trach wash revealed that he was full of mucus. After a period of convalescing in the field he perked up and started looking better.

Jockey Alain Cawley dropped him right out the back and he settled beautifully. Momentarily I wondered whether he was too far out of his ground, but he ran on behind two talented performers to finish third. He also confirmed my thoughts that he would need two and half miles. I hope he stays healthy, physically and mentally, as there is no doubt that he is a talented performer with a very enthusiastic, and not to mention patient, gang behind him.

Friday: Warwick

Friday’s Warwick card featured the debut of Carole’s Spirit, who is the latest foal out of Carole’s Crusader. Therefore, this makes her a half-sister to Mad Max and the ultra-tough Carole’s Legacy. I saw her in the field two years ago and have been excited ever since. She wasn’t quite ready for the race but, as a qualifier for the Mares’ Bumper Final at Sandown on 10 March, I was keen to run.

She looked outstanding, traveled well throughout the race and performed with credit in fourth place. I am as sweet on her as an individual as I am her pedigree.

Pedigrees are something that I have always been passionate about, although I am not sure where this came from. While riding out for Venetia Williams, I can remember trying to memorise all the door names with sire, dam, date of birth and owner; perhaps it hailed from that early information sponging.

My worst nightmare is having a thoroughbred stood in front of me and not knowing what it is by or out of. Some wise old sages would say that you train the individual horse and not the pedigree. This is, of course, very true but there is nothing more that I appreciate than a family – National Hunt or Flat – that produces good racehorses!

A quiet Saturday

Saturday was a quiet day as we had no runners, but I did enjoy the racing from Kempton and Newcastle, where Denis O’Regan displayed his depth of skill in the saddle aboard Portrait King to purloin the Eider Chase.

Kempton also featured a fine effort from the Tom George trained Nacarat to win his second Racing Post Chase (I am not about to start calling it the Racing Plus Chase thank you very much).

Richard Lee also produced another horse in Hector’s Choice to run well in a staying handicap. His team continue in good order.

Sunday: Fontwell… and Howick

The Sabbath included a lovely trip down to Fontwell with Duc De Regniere and Abruzzi. The results were very pleasing as Duc appeared to enjoy himself and was just headed for second place and Abruzzi ran a much better race than he did at Kempton.

I think Duc preferred the better ground, smaller field, turning track and cheek-pieces. Sir Peter and Lady Gibbings were ecstatic that their “Darling” was reverting to his usual type. Importantly, he seems to have come out of the race in good form and I will look for his next assignment.

I chose Fontwell for Abruzzi as they have unusually long bumpers there. A two-mile, two-furlong bumper seemed ideal for a horse who, I thought at Kempton, looked like he needed a stiffer test. His all-weather debut wasn’t ideal but it also wasn’t a waste of time as the improvement he showed at Fontwell was astonishing. He was doing his best work at the end and simply ran into a very nice horse of Nick Gifford’s. His team of owners were absolutely thrilled as he traveled impressively and shouldn’t be too long in going one better.

Dason Court team member James Nixon had a book of three rides at the Curre and Llangibby point-to-point at Howick on Sunday and, although his finishes were more alphabetical than numerical, he and the horses enjoyed themselves and live to fight another day. He also got farther than I ever did!

In Biblical speak the best advice could be that “the last shall be first and the first shall be last” or perhaps “gloria victis” (glory to the vanquished). These of course all come with the necessity of Sir Henry Cecil’s still-echoing advice, “Patience, patience and more patience…”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I am sorry about my absence, but of course I come and go with the racing action.

The weather had made the racing fraternity ride the great plain of tedium. However, when the gloomy mists of boredom and inertia evaporated, the action was so plentiful and of the highest quality. Friday’s Newbury card had elements that Tolstoy would struggle to convey in pages of War and Peace.

While the Nicky Henderson-trained Sprinter Sacre looked like a horse with the world at his feet, his stable-mate Darlan looked very unlucky (in the game of racing).

On the subject of the more important game of life, both Darlan and AP McCoy looked very lucky. A bone-crunching fall in the Betfair Hurdle didn’t stop the resilient “iron man”, who then rode Shutthefrontdoor to win the Listed bumper. The only issue I have is that unlike Meryl Streep he won’t be getting a BAFTA – or even nominated for an Oscar. It seems that only the trivial act of counting strikes with a padded stick can stop this man.

Sprinter Sacre is a horse I could eulogise about from here to my retirement. Like Philip Hobbs’ rare act of waxing lyrical about Fingal Bay, Barry Geraghty picking a similar theme about a horse is as as rare as seeing a fox pursuing a hound. Barry’s attributes as jockey are numerous, but the quality that I have always most admired about him is that he is very down to earth. Rather than a hyperbolic description of a horse’s performance, he is very measured and matter of fact about what actually played out in a race. When he describes Sprinter Sacre as “the best he has ridden” (Moscow Flyer, Big Zeb and Kicking King among them) then it pays to lend an ear.

This is a horse who has it all. His ability to jump boldly and cleverly is something that you simply cannot teach a horse – they either have or they don’t.

It is so rare for a horse that physically possesses so much potential to actually fulfill it. Willie Mullins’ Mikhael D’Haguenet is a prime example of a horse who looked a world-beater in novice hurdles and was once “potentially the most exciting chaser around”. Sadly his lack of ability to jump fences was disappointing, so he returned to hurdles. And I nearly omitted the infamous failed chaser Big Buck’s as another prime example.

Talking of sons of Big Buck’s sire, Cadoudal, neatly moves us on to Long Run, who staked his Gold Cup claims in the Denman Chase last Friday. The storm will fret until Gold Cup day as to whether it was a good performance or not, but from someone who knows the horse it looked clear that he ran a very good race; that’s if he had one at all. For me Long Run has become rather idle and was only in second gear at Newbury. It is easy to forget that he once won the two-mile Kingmaker Novice Chase around Warwick to display his Arkle claims. I will admit that, particularly after the RSA Chase in which he was third I thought that, like his half-sister Liberthine, he might not ever stay three miles around Cheltenham.

He has seemingly relaxed and become more lackadaisical. It is notable that his earplugs are no longer needed. When he returned to training last summer, he was a much more relaxed individual who needed more chiding up the gallop. He was idling in front in the Gold Cup last year and was the same at Newbury. He is now a relentless galloper who probably takes a bit more work to get the oil into that huge engine. I seem to remember Aidan O’Brien describing Yeats in the same way in his latter years at Ballydoyle.

Long Run should also be given extra credit as the Seven Barrows team really fancied Burton Port to run well, which he did. He is certainly a horse who could surprise a few in the Gold Cup.

Another long-absent star lit up Ascot on Saturday as Riverside Theatre put in an immaculate round of jumping to win the Ascot Chase. He is a horse I have always been very fond of and I remember the day he got injured last year all too well as we thought he had a serious chance in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.

I don’t try and talk about my former life at Nicky Henderson’s too much, but it’s just that they are doing so well. A mention must go to Nico de Boinville, who had a day to remember as he is trusted work rider of both Long Run and Sprinter Sacre, and also rode The Queen’s Barber’s Shop to victory at Fakenham. I was delighted for him as he is a hard worker and very talented horseman indeed.

Other horses that caught my eye were the Alan King-trained Balder Succes and Swincombe Flame, trained by shrewd handler Nick Williams. This progressive mare ran very well in third after setting a breakneck pace at Ascot.

Our runners

Of the inmates at Dason Court, I was very pleased by the weekend’s runners. Nuisance ran another good race when second at Fakenham. She is showing a really good attitude and I hope she won’t be long in winning.

Then followed the 40-1 13-length success of Valmari at Wincanton. Teaching horses to jump can be a challenge, but I always feel that it gets more difficult with an older horse. Therefore when this eight-year-old mare appeared I knew it could be a challenge.

She started her life in Greece before joining Clive Brittain, where her rating got to a height of 89. On moving to another trainer she hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, although through no fault of her own. It was then that her current owner – Lawrence Jacobs of Leonard Jay Ltd – purchased her. She was covered by Lawman in Ireland but the foal died, so she was sent to me.

We started teaching an old mare new tricks. After a satisfactory comeback on the Flat, we schooled and schooled her. This is where my education with Yogi Breisner at Seven Barrows became invaluable as I used similar techniques to sharpen up her jumping. Her win was not a total shock and I was so pleased for Lawrence.

You simply never know how horses will take to it until you try – she answered my question in no uncertain terms. The shame is that she didn’t start her jumping career earlier in life. I only hope the postman, who caught me rushing out of the yard, took my very confident advice that she would go very well.

At Ffos Las on Sunday Tweedledrum didn’t stay the 2m 6f trip on the tacky ground and is also neatly proving my point that she is way too high in the handicap.

Midnight Belle ran a cracker in a very hot bumper. She was the first unraced horse home and behaved impeccably. Prior to the race the paddock was like a war zone – all part of the fun of bumper races, of course. I am looking forward to running her again.

The future looks bright as our team, equine and human, remain in good spirits. There are moments when I have to act in a Jerry Springer-esque manner when trying to train my staff – much harder than training horses – but otherwise all seems fair in love and racing. I am excited by the prospect of the Cheltenham Festival and of course by the arrival of the truly unbelievable Australian sprinter Black Caviar. The eager anticipation of her antipodean farewell would probably be akin to the great Phar Lap in 1931. These are exciting times for equine fanatics from winter through to summer – we’ve got a galaxy littered with stars.

Racing aside (a very uncommon phrase from me), one thing I will be doing is going to see the new film The Woman In Black, directed by James Watkins. For those who haven’t read the book or seen the stage show I would advise you to do so. Susan Hill splendidly conveys classic Gothic themes in her writing. The Gothic novel was, of course, designed to transport those in a mundane world to mysterious and far-flung places. My world is far from mundane, but I hope the film can transport me from a world away from racing and into the arms of a terrifying scorned lady; some might call it a kind of therapy…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s been a week without a winner, but one full of promise.

Of the runners this week I was pleased with all bar one. First Act threw in a flummoxing effort at Leicester. There is no doubt that she would have preferred better ground, but she was still disappointing. In account of her poor racecourse performances, which do not corroborate with her homework, we gave her a wind operation. I was therefore expecting an improved performance, which it appeared to be for a way, but the result was the same – pulled up. An enigma indeed.

On Wednesday we had three runners at Hereford and one on the Flat at Kempton. Trojan Sun put in a vastly improved effort on ground that would have been too testing for him. He was also only just ready for the race as he holds little condition, so I didn’t overdo him for his first run back from his wind operation. He was more relaxed throughout the race, jumped well and, although he finished down the field, he galloped all the way to the line and in a quality type of race.

I am going to run him in another novice hurdle and then wait for the ground to dry up and ready him for novice handicap chases. A horse of his size and immaturity requires patience – a word all owners love!

Alpha Way alerted us that his mind was places other than Hereford when he misbehaved at the start and made a jumping error – both uncharacteristic. He didn’t run too badly in a higher class race and is earning extra poundage all the time – good for people and not horses.

Nuisance ran a great race and traveled so well. She looked inexperienced in the final furlongs and she struggled on the testing ground. Having only just turned four, I was delighted with her run and she should improve on that effort next time out.

On Friday many expected Mirific to make a successful handicap debut. While he ran well in third, it wasn’t what everyone expected. While saddling Mirific I glanced at the opposition and, incidentally, also our travel companion. Nagpur was this lovely, big, strong, chasing sort who I took rather a shine to and also decided was built to carry weight; in this instance 12st4lbs, thus spotting us just over a stone. He is trained by form encyclopedia Venetia Williams, who wouldn’t run a horse with that weight without knowing he had a chance on form.

Nagpur absolutely obliterated the field and is definitely a name to note. If I am going to emerge from a battle defeated it might as well be an educational battering!

Mirific came out of the race creaky and sore but will hopefully improve with more tender loving care. He is very fragile – all part of the challenge I suppose!

The Flaming Matron ran a blinder in the Doncaster bumper on Saturday and looks a dour stayer. She was actually quite an appropriate runner as the seemingly timeless standing dish of St Richard’s school (my prep school) matron Fiona Rhatigan sadly died last week. Fiona and Benedicta “Dicky” Sewell always allowed me to watch the racing on occasions. Television was only to be viewed for educational purposes of course and this was all part of mine! Fiona will be greatly missed. Her formidable manner and wicked sense of humor will be forever in my and countless others memories.

Hurricane blasts past

The weekend action saw the return of Hurricane Fly. The superlatives simply run dry. The only way I can convey what he does is that he reminds me so much of Istabraq. He was the horse that captured my imagination and without him I would probably have never lasted through school. You can imagine how I felt visiting him at Martinstown Stud, and then he came to stay at Seven Barrows for a photo shoot with Binocular. It was like meeting your teenage idol – sad but true.

Hurricane Fly had so many things against him on Sunday that a defeat would have been excusable, but he put in a monstrous performance in horrendous conditions.

Flemenstar turned the Baileys Arkle into a procession and, while it is sad that we wont see him over here (he has an aversion to travelling), it is doubly sad that we won’t see his trainer, Peter Casey. Mr Casey somewhat shocked television presenter Tracey Piggott with his rather candid description of his planned celebration. A real character and one who won’t let the “best horse he has trained” race unnoticed. He certainly does look talented indeed.

Cheltenham Trials Day

Cheltenham Trials Day on Saturday saw Big Buck’s tantalise in-running punters once more. His incalculable talent is married to his mercurial way of running. He is the archetypal anti-hero and this “failed” chaser has earned more of a cult following by his domination of the three-mile hurdling division.

The Giant Bolster and the admirable Midnight Chase were names that also featured on the winners’ list. Midnight Chase is a horse I can see with serious place prospects in the Gold Cup in March; he has a tough attitude, like many by Midnight Legend.

The Giant Bolster raced from the front and gave a breath-taking display. His jumping has left a lot to be desired on occasion and, although it was under a light burden, it was impressive.

The Triumph Hurdle market has more changes than the BHA’s rulebook and Saturday’s controversial trial race didn’t help matters. In this sphere, the horse that I cannot wait to reappear is Minsk, trained by Dessie Hughes – watch this space intently!

On Tuesday I attended Jo Winter’s funeral, which was like a who’s who of racing. Jo was Fred Winter’s eldest daughter and very close to all at Seven Barrows. She will be sadly missed as her work ethic and attention to detail was second to none. Jo provided trainers like Nicky Henderson, Alan King and Sir Henry Cecil with horses in the best of health for the season ahead, making a trainer’s job much easier. This is not forgetting the countless horses that got sent back to her for her to resurrect.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Alpha again! Alpha Way delivered once again at Taunton on Thursday. Having previously found the 2m 4f trip too far on tacky ground at Ludlow, he slayed his rivals using the most potent weapon in his expanding arsenal – his jumping. I have always said that two-mile handicap chasers often have to be the most proficient of jumpers as they can encounter the rough and tumble that are is often associated with handicaps – at great speed.

Lorna and Sue Brooke had selected the Taunton race and the more I looked at it, the more I fancied him to enjoy the tight nature of the track. As soon as they had jumped off, his rivals were struggling to gallop and jump with him. It also must be remembered that he is still in novice company, so the fact that his jumping is so efficient is a massive advantage.

In addition, his jockey Felix de Giles does a great job, which involves a semi-struggle with this tearaway but, as Lorna has always said, “Alfie just gets on with it”. Lorna has reformed this criminal, not by telling him what to do but by channeling his seemingly endless energy in the right direction by simply letting him be himself.

Life gets harder for him now. In the same way that successful people get taxed for their efforts, horses get handicapped for their success. Sadly, horses can’t escape to Monaco to avoid the handicapper, although it’s a cool idea!

Wind operation should help Trojan Sun

We are now into the second half of the season when the now handicapped horses have had their breaks and the younger horses have had time to develop. On Wednesday last week I took six horses down to the Mandown gallops in Lambourn. Bar Trojan Sun, these were all unraced. The box trip and day out is an important part of a young horse’s education.

I came away a pleased trainer. On hypothetical homework, these young horses could potentially hold their own in bumpers. They are my blank canvases to paint. Although my artistic license allows me either to produce mess or masterpiece. Whatever their abilities, I will hopefully have given them enough experience to do themselves justice in their respective bumpers.

Trojan Sun has had two races in his life. He is 18hh and his wind has always given cause for concern. After his first race for me at Huntingdon, David Mathieson from the Newbury-based practice O’Gorman Slater Main and Partners carried out an overground scope on him. This involves galloping the horse until fatigued with a scope through the nasal passage and focusing on the pharynx, or main airway junction, which also includes the larynx. So much can be heard on the confines of the gallops at home, but sometimes a wind problem doesn’t arise until the point of fatigue in racing conditions.

Trojan Sun needed his palate cauterising and a laser hobday. The first part means burning the flaccid palate (which inhibits air intake when under pressure) to make it stiff, thus stabilising it. It will therefore not move and obstruct the horse’s airway. This is the same operation recently performed on Bobs Worth and Binocular.

The second is less intrusive than the old form of a hobday. This process involves reshaping the larynx to make it more symmetrical. Having done all this and given him time to convalesce after the operation, I thought a gallop over 1m5f round the “bowl” gallop would help give him the confidence that he can now breathe more adequately.

He wore a tongue-tie and his wind sounded more silent. This was important as the lack of noise denotes a clearer airway. The horse also seemed to relax more, thus not worrying about working with a problem. We will find out more when he runs at Hereford next Wednesday.

American awards, but British (and Irish) horses

Internationally, it was fantastic to see Cape Blanco honoured at the Cartier Eclipse Awards – America’s prestigious racing awards – as top turf male performer. Three times he trekked back and forth and three times he courageously won Grade One races.

Although jumping may not be as fanatically followed in the US, there are plenty of ex-pats (equine and human) plying their trade across the pond and for good prize money. Steeple Chaser of the Year Black Jack Blues is one notable type. He was formerly successful in eight races in the UK for Rebecca Curtis and was bred by Brian Griffiths in Clifford, near Hay-On-Wye.

I grew up in this village and used to ride Welsh Mountain ponies (see photo above of me on stallion Action Man) at what is now the stud run by Brian and his wife Gwen. They have had horses with Nicky Henderson for a number of years and enjoyed a great success at Sandown recently with homebred Kells Belle in the Listed mares’ hurdle.

Somersby’s win means much to many people

Somersby’s Victor Chandler Chase win was so well deserved for a horse who has been the proverbial bridesmaid. Furthermore, Henrietta Knight returned to the Grade One scene and, fittingly, with husband Terry Biddlecombe by her side. That Terry is still with us after a recent stroke, let alone in attendance, is clearly greatly appreciated by the racing fraternity. He is a real character whose return to better health seems to have also boosted the equine inmates at West Lockinge Farm as the horses are in rude health.

Jockey Dominic Elsworth could identify with Terry as he has also bounced back from what looked to be a career-ending fall at Ffos Las in 2010.

We wait for the return of the ultra-tough AP McCoy, who seems to find Plumpton on a Monday rather more attractive than the Sandy Lane hotel in Barbados. Steve McQueen summed up the ferocious resilience of men like him, Dominic and Terry when he said, “racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting…”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Success with Liqueur means lots of liquor! Liqueur Rose’s success at Bangor recently was notable for so many reasons.

First, she is a beautifully bred own-sister to Amaretto Rose who was the first horse I ever sat on at Nicky Henderson’s yard in July 2006. Amaretto was certainly no stunner but immensely talented. Her career was blighted by hard luck but also punctuated with displays of an untouchable talent, evident in the 2007 running of the Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.

Second, although Amaretto was sold by her breeder – locally based former trainer Colin Jackson – for a meagre £11,000, Liqueur Rose is still owned by Colin, his wife Ann and daughter Sarah. She is the third generation of her family to use the Caradoc gallops as Colin would bring her mother Teenero and grandmother Miss Nero down here for their race preparations.

Third, she was in pre-training with highly talented horseman Marcus Foley at Barbury Castle. Marcus and I are old friends from our days at Seven Barrows and he tipped the then-unnamed Liqueur Rose as one to note very early. He also got run away with on Amaretto Rose in her first ever run and confounded all by winning impressively; that takes some doing around Towcester!

Fourth, it was jockey Denis O’Regan’s first success for the stable. He had said very early on that he wished to ride for me and has been a regular work and schooling jockey during the week. His ecstatic grin said it all. In addition, although she didn’t win by far in a weak sort of race, he said that next year over hurdles on softer ground she could be one to look forward to – always good to hear!

Fifth, (apologies if you find number listing dull!), it was the first winner that wore the logo of our yard sponsors – Hereford Forklift Trucks.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, it was the first winner in my mother’s colours. This filly is not owned but leased by her syndicate, which means when she is in training the “Mumbo Jumbos” pay and hopefully enjoy her, but as soon as she is out of training for some reason then she returns to the Jacksons at Cradley. Ultimately of course she will return to them for her breeding career. A good deal indeed and very much the same as Amaretto Rose – owned by Shade Oak Stud while being a first lease for the Weatherby’s Racing Club. Let us hope the first time is a charm!

Jane Symonds (aka Mum) has owned and had shares in racehorses, pointers and even trotters (they wore her colours, anyway) and has never seen them come home in front. The colours were a family heirloom left to her by her great-grandfather. She has done so much for me – the free taxi service, the cooking, dealing with tantrums, not to mention expensive schooling! So I was absolutely delighted to be able to train a winner for her – racing’s ultimate thrill. Someone who selflessly gives so much to others certainly deserves that.

Furthermore, her motley crew were all her close friends from her childhood to the present day. An insignificant race, but never has so little meant so much to so few – I hope Churchill won’t mind me adapting an appropriate phrase!

Not so lucky this time

Luck doesn’t always go the way you hope and nearly a week later saw another home-bred Alflora mare, Fleur De Vassy, lead all the way at Ffos Las before being cut down in true Crisp style by the Peter Bowen-trained Normally.

They always say that you should back the first trainer you see at the racecourse and of course on arrival I greeted Peter and Karen Bowen with a polite wave and hello. I might have said something different on their departure!

Fleur De Vassy is owned by a syndicate that includes Len Jakeman, who also raced her mother Royale De Vassy who sadly died last year. Len also owned horses in partnership with Mum at Venetia Williams’, so understood what the previous Friday had meant. Len has an intricate knowledge of racing and knows that Fleur is no star but that a chase win would help embellish her pedigree for imminent breeding purposes and, of cours,e the memory of her mother.

Her brother – Royale’s Charter – is currently performing with credit under the care of shrewd trainer Nick Williams. Hopefully he can help endow the pedigree upon Fleur’s retirement. Although the result was annoying, she ran a cracker under a very good ride by the massively under rated Felix De Giles. Furthermore, we all enjoyed a great day under the guidance of racecourse supremo Dai Walters – what an entertainer!

An exclusive showing of War Horse

Thursday also saw the local premiere of War Horse at the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford. One of the film’s executive producers, Revel Guest, sadly lost her young grandson Thomas to a brain tumor in December 2010. Dreamworks agreed to allow an exclusive early showing of her film in her local city and in aid of the Thomas Grahame Trust. It was a very well attended event and one that is close to my heart, having lost my school friend Patrick Lamb in the same way at the age of 16.

As the stage show is so outstanding, Steven Spielberg certainly had a lot to live up to. It is a film littered with so many current themes and one that appropriately shows how “hope can be found in the extremes of adversity”.

In her pre-film speech, Revel suggested how the film evokes emotions through people’s bond with animals, but also mankind’s bond with each other. Sadly, World War One cannot account for man’s injustice to man. In Afghanistan a son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse or friend are lost all too regularly and War Horse reminds us that the horrors of war are still evident.

It will also serve as a memorial for Corisande, Angus, Iona and Lisabel of their son and brother who fought so valiantly against the most unjust adversity.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horse racing’s popularity was certainly in evidence over the Christmas period. I spent Christmas Day with the other five immediate members of my family, and was treated to a sumptuous feast created by my other three siblings.

Matthew and Mary seemed to upstage the stable-bound Mary and Joseph as Julian Fellowes continued to captivate audiences with Downton Abbey.

While true love was resurging on the screen, a certain resurgent Star shone brightly at 3.10pm on Boxing Day. On the hallowed Kempton turf Kauto Star achieved something that will be forever inscribed into horse racing’s most sacred annals. By regaining his King George crown he not only drew level at two apiece in skirmishes with Long Run, but also once again staked his claim to the ultimate steeplechase crown at Cheltenham in March.

This is back-from-the-brink stuff as last year he looked a shadow of his former self. Paul Nicholls knew no other way to dispel those calling for the horse’s retirement than to build him back up out of the ashes that were left after disappointing at Punchestown in May. Who is to say that he won’t go to the Gold Cup with a live chance?

As for statistics, he has already smashed all those into smithereens.

The argument will continue to rage as to what makes this horse so great. Ruby Walsh summed it up well in his post-race comments, saying that it was Kauto’s “longevity and versatility”. It is true that handicappers measure greatness by winning margin and weight-carrying ability, but Kauto is a renaissance horse. Despite not winning the Irish National and carrying big weights in handicaps he has done what Desert Orchid did, but more times over.

To keep any horse going for as long as Kauto Star is a massive challenge, but at that level is simply unheard of, so the team at Ditcheat must be given so much credit.

Grands Crus and Sprinter Sacre

In reference to the race itself, I thought Long Run ran a very similar race to Bobs Worth in the Feltham Novices’ Chase. Both looked to struggle with Kempton’s quick track and, rest assured, they will be both be seen to better effect round Cheltenham.

David Pipe’s Grands Crus was electric and his Festival target remains of great interest. Although no novice chaser has won the Gold Cup since 1974, he may be the type to be competitive in open company, having already run in a World Hurdle and won a novice chase at Cheltenham.

Sprinter Sacre certainly lived up to his lofty reputation by trouncing Peddler’s Cross in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase. For B J Geraghty to say he is possibly “the best I have ever ridden” is a gargantuan statement from a man who has ridden some of racing’s finest equine stars. This beautiful and muscularly refined beast moved with a light and graceful cadence while being bold and clever at his obstacles. There is no coincidence that some great horses (Nijinsky II, Nureyev etc) have been named after male ballet dancers!

Welsh and Irish action

While not winning with such graceful aplomb, equal in guts was Welsh National victor Le Beau Bai for fellow Herefordian Richard Lee. Richard has had his horses in tremendous form and this win was not coming out of turn for trainer or the grafting jockey Charlie Poste.

In Ireland, Leopardstown staged its Christmas festival on unusually good ground. AP McCoy was at his brilliant best in the Lexus Chase on Synchronised. This son of Sadler’s Wells was bred by Noreen McManus and carries on the legacy of the great sire, who died on 26 April last year.

It was fantastic to see his other jumping giant, Istabraq, looking so well while parading before the race named in his honour. The winner of this race, Unaccompanied, displays Sadler’s Wells’ attributes as a damsire and also shows a different strain of the famed Galileo/Danehill cross that produced Frankel (among many others) working as a reverse cross – and over jumps!

Hunting Wogan

Our inaugural Christmas party was a great success with any incidents being conspicuous by remaining unaccounted for! I have to admit to feeling slightly jaded the next day. A couple of hours hunting on Wogan quickly solved that. He proved a very able hunter and loved squelching along the rain-sodden banks of the River Wye. Sadly his thunder was stolen by the presence of dual Festival winner Idole First under former star lady rider Shirley Vickery.

Wogan disappointed at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day but I feel he is better suited by a flatter track as he can get into more of a rhythm. Newbury the previous day would probably have suited him better, but the ground was too soft for him there. He also has to go left-handed and has quite a high rating, so there are lots of criteria to fulfill before a race is deemed suitable, and then you need lots of luck.

Perhaps I need reminding of why I am doing this job again! Like a very large and complicated puzzle, there are so many pieces that need to go together for things to fall right.

The crowd at Cheltenham was incredible. This was probably in part due to the fact that New Year’s Day fell on Sunday, thus no hunting or shooting. Once again, one can only be thankful for a Christmas period with great weather and calendar construction that lent itself so well to horseracing – an easier time for stable staff and swelling crowds at the races.

I remain rather frustrated at times as things don’t always go the way you hope but The Queen reminded me in her Christmas Day speech that one of the festive themes is to “find hope in adversity”, which I will constantly strive to achieve. However, the adversity Her Majesty is referring to is on a whole new level to the apparent “adversity” that we are experiencing. Perhaps The Queen was referring to one’s subjective adversity, no matter how great or small; tackle it and move on.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

No one dreamed or sang of a ridiculously warm Christmas, but it appears we are about to have one. It is so strange that last year I was trying to keep the lid on a very fresh Long Run before the King George, which was then postponed 20 days due to bad weather.

It could not be more of a different situation this year – equine preparation and weather alike! From a trainer’s perspective Christmas is situated perfectly this year with it falling over a weekend. It therefore works exactly like a normal weekend. That is what you call logistical bliss!

Last week was an interesting week for Dason Court. Tweedledrum decided to put her hitherto recalcitrant foot forward in the best way! She finished second at 100-1 at Exeter and, that being her third run, she now qualifies for a handicap mark. This will now be rather higher than it would have been based on her previous performances.

On Friday Scholastica ran a good race in the Championship Bumper at Ascot, but as ever they went a funereal pace. After pulling rather hard she then galloped on too late, as she gallops rather than quickens.

Duc De Regniere seemed to hate the tacky ground and blundered at the first down the back.

I keep reminding myself of Dr M V O’Brien’s philosophy that “disappointment makes the thrill of success greater”. Saturday was disappointing as he is better than that; it’s just trying to get all the colours of the Rubik’s cube in line.

Christmas shopping is my worst nightmare, as rather than being spontaneous, it’s enforced buying. Inspiration runs dry as the harder you look, the less you find… The brighter sides of Christmas are the return of my siblings and the parties. I am going to have to delve into energy reserves for a party per day.

The post-Christmas blog could be interesting after our inaugural yard Christmas party. Christmas spirit and alcohol-fuelled actions always make for a Jilly Cooper-esque scandal!

We have also had a new addition to our staff in Nathan Cook, who has joined us from Sue Smith. He will be our conditional jockey and his move south will hopefully prove fruitful for his career and hopefully not detrimental to his sanity.

On Friday, Duc De Regniere and Wogan have a date with the South Herefordshire Hunt – the best start to Christmas weekend. Shirley Vickery recently told me that Toby Balding used to say that for hunting to really freshen up a racehorse, it needs to be done three times – I certainly don’t mind three times being a charm!

Lastly, I hate to ruin Bing Crosby’s “white dream”, but sadly if it came true it certainly ruins sport for all readers of Horse & Hound. With that in mind I wish you all a very happy Christmas and enjoy the warm weather – the sport can go on!

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I will admit to having an obsession with Masterchef. If you will work with my very leftfield brain, you will see the parallels it has with horseracing.

You see so much passion within each contestant and only practical experience can help you to achieve your goals. Working in respected kitchens and for great chefs is the best possible grounding, but it is up to the individual to understand and create their own way of achieving the best results.

One of the main ingredients of greater success is a well-established team. If you liken a yard to a kitchen and imagine the pressure that each member of that kitchen is under during the hours of service, there is no sudden pressure like that in our sport. This is immense and first, second and third impressions are everything. In that great juggling act, drop one ball and the rest may as well join their fallen brother. It really fascinates me how much one person’s actions can have a detrimental bearing on the whole team’s achievements and in such a short space of time in an industry when timing is paramount!

Michel Roux jnr has that omniscient aura about him. But he is not one to force his idealistic measures on a young chef; he lets them evolve and develop in their own manner. What’s more, he shows admiration and respect to the “method chef” and ones who draw from their own experience. He has earned his respect by working tirelessly to achieve a higher level of dining and his position as a teacher is seen in the results of those who have worked with and for him.

Perhaps I should leave the parables to the Bible, but there is definitely a correlation between a chef’s kitchen and a racehorse training establishment!

Two awards ceremonies

Last week I attended two events in London. On 1 December the annual Racehorse Owners Association Awards were held at the Hilton hotel. Despite someone deciding to relieve me of my iPhone, I had a very good evening. The winners included Long Run, Frankel and Sir Henry Cecil. The event was sponsored by Starlight Children’s Foundation, which is immensely important. If you think life is hard for you then Starlight will make you aware that there are some struggling to survive – and only in the spring of his or her life.

Starlight – much like the Make-A-Wish Foundation – helps grant the wishes of children who have been struck by illness. These wishes can sometimes be trivial things that you or I take for granted everyday or indeed something more fantastical. If it helps them in some way then it is certainly doing the right job.

On Monday 5 December Andy Clifton invited me to join his table at the 45th Horserace Writers and Photographers Derby Awards lunch. A very fun and alcohol fuelled event! My former boss gave me my only experience of this event so far, although I was always the one at home on the end of the phone coherently speaking of the days events.

Racing personalities were aplenty and the winners were most appropriate. Again Sir Henry Cecil was honoured, as was Nick Luck (best broadcaster); Lee Mottershead (writer); Mel Fordham (owner and photographer) and Donald McCain jnr (National Hunt trainer).

Tribute was paid to Michael Jarvis and Ginger McCain, whose son Donald announced that it was only his fourth time in the capital!

Frank McMahon won the Stable Staff of the Year award, which was appropriately presented to him by Sir Henry Cecil. This is where appreciation is never misplaced as without grafters like Frank, who works for trainer Reg Hollinshead, racing simply would not happen. His dedication has helped and taught so many over the years that it was fantastic to acknowledge him in this way.

Making the right call

The Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown last weekend is one of my favourites, and featured top-class action with Al Ferof fending off the fast-improving For Non Stop in the now Grade One Henry VIII Novices’ Chase. I was impressed with both horses at this most demanding of tracks.

While the Tingle Creek itself had a slightly depleted field, it produced an outstanding winner in Sizing Europe. He is a horse who has experienced the ups and downs associated with the sport but has always bounced back through trainer Henry de Bromhead’s astute handling. I do feel sorry for the horse in second, Kauto Stone, as although he put up an excellent display he does have gargantuan boots to fill, being Kauto Star’s half-brother.

Referring back to two former blog luminaries, the Winter Novices’ Hurdle saw Fingal Bay and Simonsig fight out the finish, with the former holding sway. I would not be at all surprised to see these two at the head of affairs at Prestbury Park in March. There is no doubting the imense potential they both have, but the question is which race they will run in.

I remember the discourse and debate that Nicky Henderson went through at last year’s Cheltenham Festival when trying to decide which race Bobs Worth should run in. A great problem to have indeed, but difficult in that you want the best for the horse and if you are not sure of that, then it is a judgement call.

You also want to do right by your owners. Bobs Worth won, but at the expense of Michael Buckley’s horse Mossley – Michael’s third second placing of the week! What if Bobs Worth had run in the 2m4f race rather than the three-mile novices’ hurdle?

In all walks of life one can either ponder on the “if” of the past or indeed the “if” of the future, but throw in a racehorse and so many more ifs, loads of buts and thousands of cannots arise. So much is based on intuition and trial and error. On my relatively blank canvas I am getting used to “getting on with it” and understand that too much time spent wondering is time better spent doing.

The children that Starlight support are a testament to the fact that pontificating on life isn’t always best. They would give anything to be well enough to move forward with their lives but understand that if you can’t do anything you can only do nothing… Charities like Starlight can help turn that nothing into something. Sadly, the “if” in their lives is far greater than the “if” in mine.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In May 2010, I was having the annual trip with my then-boss Nicky Henderson to the Doncaster store sale in search of the next star – like Bobs Worth who, at £20,000, came reasonably priced.

The sales are a great place to learn and it costs nothing to be there, sponging up information. I used to spend hours at Tattersalls in Newmarket with no other ambition but to learn from the hive of activity.

Bloodstock agent David Minton, Nicky and I had been through and finalised our list of potential stars – remember these are store sales, so what I talked about in “what makes a racehorse” all applies, but this is all prediction and judgement about what are, so far, beasts of untapped potential. Buying into the unknown can be tremendously satisfying and also very aggravating. However, an unknown and potential star is cheaper than the already reputable Kauto Star!

While Nicky did battle with Messrs Nicholls, King and McCain, I was out on the rails thinking how on earth I would have the means to come by a horse at this sale. My training career was not commencing for another year, but investing in this equine kindergarten might pay off in a year’s time. It was then that David Redvers approached me and told me to look at Lot 210 across the pre-sale ring. A swaggering three-year-old Old Vic filly strode by; she was a racey early type.

Telepathically, David then suggested that I needed to think about stock for when I started training and that a filly of this type had helped another Herefordshire trainer early in her career (Lady Rebecca and Venetia Williams). You can only imagine how that made me feel!

We discussed a plan and it ended up with me being the one to bid on lot 210. There was limited interest in her and we secured her for £6,500.

She came to hand early and, after spending time at Seven Barrows, we moved her to Charlie Longsdon where she won her bumper at Uttoxeter in the spring.

I named her Scholastica because both David and I were educated in Benedictine schools and actually attended the same prep school – he is another St Richard’s expat. Saint Scholastica is Saint Benedict’s twin sister so I thought it appropriate at the time – David and I being so pious, of course!

It certainly helped on Saturday when she made her reappearance for me at Bangor. She confirmed my belief that she is tough and talented – which is always reassuring. After Duc De Regniere’s slightly disappointing effort, she gave me the boost I needed.

A fairytale Hennessy result

Carruthers winning the Hennessey was the result of the season. Owned and bred by Lord Oaksey, trained by his son-in-law and ridden by the jocular Mattie Batchelor. John Lawrence (Lord Oaksey) rode Taxidermist to win the second running in 1958 of this steeplechase.

Although he famously had an ante-post wager on his then young horse Carruthers for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, something about this triumph, and Lord Oaksey’s lamented absence, had more resonance. He and his wife Chicky put so much into the backbone of horseracing and while they soldier on for the good of the sport and its supporters, the BHA choke on trying to solve “problems” like next years fixture list. This is of course a key factor in the creating of their famed Injured Jockey Fund calendars and diary.

So many people rely on the jurisdiction of the powers that be in horse racing and at the moment so much of what they rashly or mistakenly do seems unjust to many. What happened on Saturday was an Aldaniti meets Dawn Run moment. Disbelief was suspended and reality blurred into the surreal – as my English teacher would say, “like any gothic novel!”

What a monster Big Buck’s is

Saturday also saw the return of the formidable Big Buck’s. What a monster of a horse he is. He dwarfed everything else around the paddock in stature and the on the racecourse in sheer ability. What is more incredible is that he looked like he would come on for his run a lot and he simply toyed with the opposition!

The legacy of his sire, the now deceased Cadoudal, lives on through his sons, which also include none other than Long Run. These two outstanding physical specimens certainly live up to their looks. Racing fans have been spoilt in the staying hurdling division in recent years with the likes of Baracouda, Iris’s Gift and Inglis Drever, but Big Buck’s really does look like the real deal. He is doing what Limestone Lad did parochially in Ireland but also on the biggest stage.

Equating form in time is difficult but the evergreen “Limestone” did floor reigning Champion Hurdler Istabraq in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle in 1999… Perhaps a match between Big Buck’s and Hurricane Fly in the Aintree Hurdle would suffice?

This aside, Big Buck’s has now equalled Bula’s record of 13 unbeaten starts over hurdles and the sky is simply not even beginning to be the limit for this eight-year-old. His groom, Rose Loxton, must have “Ditch-eated” her alarm clock in order to dote on this horse and his now apparently ageing stable-mate – none other than Kauto Star.

These horses seem to be timeless and although it is easy to take them for granted, we must not be guilty of doing so. Indeed, Paul Nicholls will tell you how hard it was to get Call Equiname to win one Queen Mother Champion Chase or even get Young Devereux to the track.

Denman, Kauto and Big Buck’s have been standing dishes for so many years and the saddest thing about National Hunt racing is that we only begin to truly appreciate them when they aren’t there.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

From Alpha to Omega! Thursday 17th November will be a day that I will never forget. It was the day that Alpha Way gave the team at Dason Court our first taste of training success.

There were so many reasons as to why he was such an appropriate winner. As I have said before, Lorna Brooke and I were at prep school together and I have known her family for a long time. It was great to achieve a winner for them – and at our local track. I can still remember backing their hunter chaser at 12-1 at Hereford in 1995 – a right touch for a 10-year-old boy!

Back to Alpha Way – Lorna must be given a lot of credit as she deals with this equine pariah. “Alfie” is something of a handful at times but Lorna knows him back to front and has learned how to curb his mindless enthusiasm. Jockey Felix De Giles did exactly what was appropriate for a horse of this nature. It was a question of when the horse was going to get tired – and I thought he was – but he put in a tremendous leap at the open ditch. The race then fell apart behind him so he coasted home, leaving me with a sense of shocked, disbelieving relief!

Felix is a tremendously skilled rider and again we learned our trade together at Nicky Henderson’s yard. In addition, our new sponsors Hereford Forklift Trucks (HFT) had a corporate day, so we introduced ourselves to a boxful of people and promptly told them that our bumper horse had a better chance than Alpha Way!

I live by the maxim that if you expect nothing you may get something, but if you expect something then you probably get nothing! I believed that Alpha Way was in the right race and that he had the ability to win. However, his keen nature can be detrimental to his chances, especially on his first outing for a while.

It has been difficult to get winners early on as a lot of our horses are young and don’t have handicap ratings. If all our inmates were very good horses then handicap marks wouldn’t be so important, but in order to get a limited horse to be competitive in a race, then they should be running against horses of similar talent. In a normal novice race you could be meet the next potential superstar at level weights, so your chances of winning are very slim.

I could do with a few more like Alfie who are ready to run in races against horses who they have a realisitic chance of beating. One never knows how much a horse can improve.

We arrived back to the yard to find long-time family friend and Venetia Williams’ linchpin Shirley Vickery with two bottles of champagne, so we added a few to the stash and celebrations commenced. This is where it gets worrying, as I can only just about remember doing a Radio 5Live interview with Mick Fitzgerald and Clive Smith about Saturday’s Betfair Chase. Celebrate the success as there are plenty of disappointments, and we now continue our quest for winners!

What terrific racing last weekend

What followed Thursday’s racing at Hereford was two cracking days of sport at Ascot and Haydock.

Nicky Henderson’s Simonsig looked as good as his reputation suggested he would be and Broadbackbob, from the same yard, gave longtime owner Anthony Speelman a broad smile. Fittingly, Simonsig could well end up contesting the race his owner sponsors at Cheltenham – the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Saturday gave us a spectacle rarely witnessed anywhere other than Cheltenham. The scenes at 3:12pm in and around the paddock at Haydock show us what a great sport we revel in. What Kauto Star and his team achieved on Saturday was something extraordinary. It gave way to overwhelming and emotionally-driven veneration of this outstanding warrior. If Steven Spielberg can achieve this in his forthcoming film then give him his Oscar right now!

I watched from Huntingdon and when Kauto walked into the winner’s enclosure the whole place erupted with clapping. It was exactly what racing, enshrouded in whip debates and prize money and fixture issues, needed. It is – and always will be – all about the horse. Long Run ran well in a race that he clearly needed and battled on hard. I can hear Nicky saying that “the Gold Cup is in March and not November” and that while “the battle is lost, the war is yet to be won!”

The admirable Overturn continued his purloining of big races – Flat or jumps. Although he fell, Oscar Whisky was running a good race on his return but Overturn is notoriously tough to pass and his previous race fitness gave him the edge. Overturn has a touch of Sea Pigeon about him, so who knows what might happen come March.

Master Minded certainly looked like he had improved since Aintree and his jumping was back to the efficient, slick and fast method of old.

A big runner for us on Saturday

Exciting times are in store for jump fans with the Hennessey meeting at the end of the week. Duc De Regniere is going to run in the race that he won in 2008, the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle. I have been riding him out for the best part of four-and-a-half years and it was a real confidence booster that his owners, Sir Peter and Lady Gibbings, have entrusted me with their prized possession. He is a real character and it’s lovely to have with me here as I feel the change of scenery has done him good.

He will be difficult to place because he is so highly rated, so we can but try our best against the best. People have often suggested that he is a good yardstick to have, but while he is great to lead babies, he doesn’t work like a horse rated 150+ and never has! There is a reason why he went off at 8-1 for his debut at Newbury in December 2006! He would be the best of poker players.

I am looking forward to seeing him run as we have had some great times and his owners have been very patient, so it would be wonderful to get him back to something like his best. Provided he comes out of Saturday in good form then there is always the option of going over fences with him. Big Buck’s maybe the best staying hurdler for many years but “Duc” has the edge over him on chase wins – a versatile horse indeed and one that I hope does himself and all of us justice on Saturday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It was definitely a Paddy Power Gold Cup weekend to remember – or not, if you graced The Outside Chance bar during or after racing. The scary thing was looking at the time, expecting to see the later hours of the evening and finding it was only 7pm – you are then in a time warp and dangerously close to losing all sense of, well, anything. A real den of iniquity and great fun.

The sport lived up to all expectations and more importantly, to my knowledge, all creatures equine and human returned home in one piece.

My highlights were a very accomplished ride by Tom Bellamy on Swing Bill in a race more difficult to win than the Gold Cup – ask Mr S Waley-Cohen! In the same way, Harry Derham lived up to his pedigree by producing the goods on the big days. What a pity Joseph O’Brien is not called Richard as then you would have the most potentially talented Tom; Dick and Harry ever assembled!

On the equine side, Grands Crus and Fingal Bay were impressive in their respective races. The former has that wonderful way of speedily travelling away from an obstacle blended with dour staying ability. The latter is very exciting, particularly as the unassuming Philip Hobbs describes him as “potentially the best we’ve had.”

No one needs reminding of the current talent at his Sandhill Stables (Captain Chris, Menorah, Wishfull Thinking etc) and of course the past heroes (Flagship Uberalles, Rooster Booster, What’s Up Boys, Detroit City, One Knight…)

Fingal Bay seems to have a tremendous attitude and, I have been told, shows just glimpses of ability at home, rather than the “X Factor”. This is an important topic in racing when looking for that potential star. A horse can have film star looks and float along the ground and be… slow! A good-looking horse and a racehorse are different things. There are times when you find the complete package, but it is rare. Not even Plato’s Cave can explain how we view the perfect racehorse as there is so much to take into account.

Another scenario is the proverbial good-looking “pigeon-catching” machine that flies up the gallops but has an attitude problem. This is the most frustrating!

Why is a good horse good?

Horses continue to confound us and that is perhaps why it interests us so much. Experts spend hours looking at horses, their pedigrees and all the other criteria in a bid to find the next star. However, sometimes it is what goes on inside a horse’s head that is paramount. A limited horse with the will to win is better than the “morning glory” speedball who won’t win. There are of course other reasons why horses do not finish their races well or seem to shirk the issue, but I will leave that for another time.

I am not marketing horseracing very well! It just fascinates me that horses continue to fool us. My friend Barry Geraghty always found it funny that his old ally Moscow Flyer couldn’t win a bumper. Moscow was, however, the most beautifully balanced horse, which is perhaps why he came into his own over hurdles and fences.

Also, why is it that eight flights of hurdles can induce parity in horses with a 20lbs difference between them on the Flat? Willie Carson described the well-related and disappointing Flat performer Istabraq as flat-footed and slow. I would be the first to admit that a slow horse is a slow horse, Flat or jumps. Was it that he needed time to mature or that his hurdling ability was so superior to his contemporaries? There are so many imponderables that it is difficult to know where to start or end.

If you watched the recent Channel 4 documentary Inside Nature’s Giants then you will have seen how heart size and lung capacity is measured. Superior athletes probably do have these physical attributes, but again it is the immeasurable will to win that matters most.

A second Secretariat – or Arkle

In America Secretariat is regarded as the ideal racehorse. His physical appearance, presence and galloping ability are something of folklore. If you haven’t watched his 1973 Belmont Stakes win then I strongly suggest that you do – and the clock doesn’t lie. In the same way potentially great steeplechasers in the British Isles are compared to Arkle, he was the infallible force whose achievements have yet to be matched. Not necessarily good-looking, but he had presence and his will to win was evident in his welter-weight-carrying performances against future champions.

Best Mate was the horse that, like Sea The Stars, had that presence, and both were also outstanding specimens.

I didn’t doubt his trainer Henrietta Knight when she said Best Mate could have turned his hand to anything – his physique would allow him to. More recently, Frankel has been the same this season and that has also been coupled with people’s love of his trainer, Sir Henry Cecil.

Here is a thought that not many seem to have pondered publicly. As much as we will miss Goldikova, can you imagine if the one horse that she had found insurmountable had stayed in training at four? That horse was of course the unbeaten Arc winner Zarkava – we can only sit and wonder…

Long Run returns

The weekend ahead sees the return of the King! I am so excited about seeing the Gold Cup winner Long Run at Haydock. Never did I think that I would ever be associated with a horse of his calibre – let alone ride him for two years in my previous job at Nicky Henderson’s. Great horses are not often physically and mentally everything in one, but this horse has it all. Sad as it is, I can get emotional when talking of him as he is a horse of a lifetime and what he did on 18 March 2011 will be something that no one will ever forget. His self-assured character coupled with his incalculable ability is astounding. One can only look to his future battles, where you will see that his will to win is as large as the tremendous ability he shows us.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

People can now change their default button, as the Flat turf season has officially come to an end. We must remember to congratulate those who have carried all before them this year. Paul Hanagan subtly chalked up plenty of winners to win his second jockeys’ championship. A very quiet man, but one with a will of iron, and an immensely talented rider.

Subtlety is also the manner in which Richard Hannon and Peter Doyle conduct their yearling purchases. Spending little money on yearlings that, year in year out, win stacks of races is the way in which Richard Hannon finds himself at the top of the trainers’ tree once again. They are not men to adhere to breeding fashions and buy horses as individual athletes – now that’s what I call value!

Dave Gilmour famously sung that “money, so they say, is the root of all evil today” and this Chauceresque admonition is perhaps regarded as a gross generalisation. But there is so much that occurs in an industry which is mainly driven by a love of horses, because of money. Racing is an entertainment industry and although people complain about prize money I do believe that most would run in a £25,000 Cheltenham Gold Cup – it’s the prestige, you see!

National Hunt horses are not exclusively known as money-makers like their Flat counterparts. Sadly, perhaps due to prize money levels, the time has now come when, if a two-year-old wins a maiden Flat race, some owners dream not of Royal Ascot but of a phone call from a bloodstock agent offering telephone numbers to buy the horse to race in Hong Kong.

Maybe “your first loss is your best loss” and it is all business, but it is sad to see young horses retire to stud so early, or potentially talented ones leave this country to make their fortune elsewhere.

One thing I do appreciate, however, is that we will be seeing the likes of So You Think and Strong Suit next season. They are not bound to earn their keep in the breeding shed but to demonstrate their incalculable abilities on the greatest of stages once again.

The Breeders’ Cup had some odd results this year but some great results for Europe and none more so than Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien. His immensely talented son Joseph will sadly have to be one of the aforementioned “shooting stars” for reasons other than money. His body is getting the better of him and, while he is a natural, he can’t fight nature…

The strange thing about racing in the US is that there are no whip rules and racing is fuelled by medication. This means Zenyatta can be considered the darling of American racing and much to my chagrin, beaten like Rhianna sung in “S&M”. Furthermore, due to substances like Lasix, other countries’ selling platers can become US superstars. Ironically, I learned this year that while some horses can dramatically improve for the use of drugs like Lasix, it can be detrimental to others. Not always performance enhancing then?!

There is currently, and rightly so, a great effort to get young people involved in the industry. Although there are some youngsters who share an equine passion, most of my friends at school only wanted to learn about racing through the medium of gambling, which brings us neatly back to money. This is not something that we should try and hide, as gambling is a big part of our sport.

While I think that a lot of racing fanatics would race good horses for little money, commercially horseracing and the betting industry are, and must be perceived to be, mutually dependent. This is why the issue of the bookmakers not supporting our sport is a major one and, much like the whip problem, something that the powers that be have allowed to occur. Of course, to alienate bookies altogether would be to bite the hand that commercially feeds us.

I am not a betting man. Although I had my first touch on a horse called Highway Five at Hereford a long time ago, I never really got hooked. It was always the judgement of when the horse could win that gave me a buzz rather than the money.

Winners are what it is all about and they can come via very different routes. We are still looking for that path to success but we are navigating our way through the early stages that will hopefully take us there one day. I can only continue to hope that our equine friends keep good health along the way!

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“As flies to wanton boys are jockeys to the BHA; they ban/fine them for their sport!”

This is quite a neat adaptation of a quotation from Shakespeare’s King Lear of which a friend recently reminded me. The controversial lava from this ever-erupting volcano keeps flowing.

Racing is lucky to have figureheads that regally stand out from the crowd. We should be celebrating Frankel’s achievements and excited about his future targets. In addition, although Kauto Star and Denman’s past record will do well to be surpassed, Long Run is a damn good candidate to take on the hefty mantle – and perhaps surpass it…?

Equine achievements aside, AP McCoy is still rewriting history in his constant battle to better his previous season’s tally; a sportsman like no other. These are the kind of chattels that the racing community should be cherishing rather than belittling jockeys, who risk life and limb every day. Furthermore, the racing fraternity lives in hope that sense will prevail soon as to the wider world looking into racing’s microcosm, it seems that the whip review has been chaotically handled.

Far too many quick, rash and seemingly thoughtless ideas have been suddenly implemented. Training horses can be considered an inexact science but this certainly needed more thought and perhaps trialing. Communication between those who have to carry out the new stipulations and those who implemented them needed to be greater. The point to remember is that jockeys do not race-ride to abuse horses.

Sadly, the mess that has ensued further fuels the public perception that, due to racing’s shambolic jurisdiction, they feel have to keep involving themselves in a dispute which, unbeknown to them, affects more than the horse itself. To talk of it is to fuel it, so no more!

What’s happening in Herefordshire?

Although the weather is unusually warm for the time of year we have now had some rain – so no more moaning about the weather, I promise. We have been able to run a few more due to the rain-softened ground.

Mirific ran a good race at Exeter and, although he would prefer even softer ground, he jumped and travelled well after a break of two years. He is owned by Michael Buckley, who was unable to attend due to a pressing engagement in America – ending in the Breeders’ Cup! Although he had no other runners on the card he did take a keen interest in the result of the Haldon Gold Cup as his horse, Finian’s Rainbow, will do battle with the likes of Captain Chris, Medermit and Ghizao once again.

I have to spare a thought for fellow Herefordian Richard Johnson, who went to Exeter (aka mini-Cheltenham) full of hope. He won the first race but had two grounding experiences on the high-profile Menorah and aforementioned Captain Chris. Luckily, all appeared unscathed and all one can do is utter the cliche “that’s racing!”

From Melbourne to Kentucky

Another not-too-distant neighbour, bloodstock agent and stud owner David Redvers had what he described as his “best day in racing ever” at 4am (GMT) on Tuesday when Dunaden tenaciously held off the Ed Dunlop-trained Red Cadeaux in the Melbourne Cup. I am sure that firstly, a certain Lady Rebecca could have a rather good argument as to Mr Redvers’ best ever day’s racing and secondly, I am sure that the infamously xenophobic Australians would prefer it if the Europeans kept their own fracas far from Flemington!

David and his assistant Hannah Wall not only bought me my first horse – Scholastica – but have also guided Sheikh Fahad Al Thani into British racing. This has included some very shrewd equine purchases. With thoughts very much on the future, Sheikh Fahad’s family have also sponsored the new British Champions’ Series, Champions’ Day and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting. It was to this end that two years ago David purchased Dunaden so that Sheikh Fahad could have a runner on Arc weekend.

I wish them all the very best of luck at Churchill Downs this Saturday with Strong Suit, although he will have to overcome a dreadful draw of 11 of 13. The next excitement is indeed the Breeders’ Cup this weekend, where the seemingly timeless Goldikova bids for an unprecedented fourth win in the Mile. We have come therefore full circle to another chattel to champion because, in my view, there will never be another like her.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I currently feel that we are in a constant state of dress rehersal – lots of practising for the real event. In As You Like It, William Shakespeare stated “All the world’s a stage; the men and women merely players”, which reduces our short, and thus important, time on this earth to theatrics!

As we continue to ready the horses for their “first night performances”, each and every member of the team works hard to get the best out of each horse prior to their races. This is where your team becomes invaluable.

Our administrative officer is Elsa Buckler. Elsa understands a trainer’s habits as she is the daughter of Dorset trainer Bob Buckler. Elsa re-exchanged urban for rural life, having left London and the slightly larger Niarchos Family office, to join us in July. Elsa, Aidan (Border terrier) and I co-habit Dason Court Cottage, so it provides a great working environment!

Mark White is our head lad and, not unlike his namesake in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Mark came from Richard Phillips’ yard, having spent 14 years with David Nicholson. His experience is invaluable and knowledge extensive. Although a man of few words, he is reliable and also a very talented rider too. He used to ride a very popular grey horse at Jackdaws Castle called Relkeel. As you will come to learn, a few members of our staff have been associated with current and former equine stars – let us hope it remains so.

The team in Ivy Cottage

We have a cottage on the farm that houses three thoroughly diligent members of the team. Like all of us, they have their idiosyncrasies. James Nixon is a non-drinking 19-year-old Scouser (unusual?) who I met at Seven Barrows. He is a talented rider on the cusp of launching his point-to-point career. Sometimes his love of sleep can get in the way of his work, but his easy-going outlook on life is always refreshing. He used to ride out the 2011 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner Bobs Worth everyday and look after the horse – Mossley – that finished second in that race, so he has his own high standards to live up to.

He and Mark are boys in a sea of girls and, although they remind me of this, James seems to think that most girls swarm around him like bees to a honey pot.

Kat Sowa is another Nicky Henderson ex-pat who finds nothing too much trouble and is always smiling. She left Seven Barrows midway through last season but always promised to join us here. Owner Michael Buckley had requested that she look after his horse Spirit Son, which she did (as well as Oscar Whisky), and was sad that she left him but then delighted that she now looks after his horse here, Mirific. My problems here are quite obvious – these people have already experienced racing’s creme de la creme!

Lorna and the Cornish pasty

Lorna Brooke is a young lady who I met at St Richards’ Preparatory School – not the usual place to find staff but if they have passed through that academy at some point, they will be most reliable, I can assure you! Lorna came to us from Henry Daly having worked for Richard Lee and Fran §ois Doumen. She is a very accomplished point-to-point and bicycle rider. She and her friend Jane Williams recently completed the John O’Groats to Lands End challenge in aid of their injured friend Isabel Tompsett.

She also keeps her pointers in the unlicensed part of the yard, which suits well but means she does everything on the run. I recently saw her devouring a Cornish pasty (made by my Mum and highly recommended) on horseback, but she assured me that it was easier than a bowl of cereal!

Lorna also bought with her an owner as her mum – Sue Brooke – has joined the Mumbo Jumbo syndicate that is run by my mum, Jane. This motley crew (lots of girls!) lease a very promising full sister to Amaretto Rose called Liqueur Rose. That was the starting team of grafters that live in Ivy Cottage – oh to be a fly on the wall.

Three more stars

As the number of horses has risen, so has the number of staff. Isabel Davies came from Chris Wall’s Induna Stables in Newmarket. She recently came to Herefordshire as her boyfriend is doing a farriers’ course in Hereford. It is always reassuring when you phone a prospective member of staff’s former employer for a reference and they show much remorse in losing them. His loss is my gain as Izzy has been a good addition to the yard and is a very competent rider.

Vicky Cole came to ride out the same day as Izzy and is Herefordshire born and bred. She had worked with hunters and pointers previously and has settled into her job well.

The extended team goes on and on. Everyone has been a great help to get the place looking great. Darron Perkins only came to put a bathroom and kitchen into my house in May but ended up restoring the entire place. His attention to detail, covering of all eventualities, tireless work ethic and wicked sense of humour means that he has been the highlight of summer 2011.

Don’t forget my sister…

Niki Sturgis and Lydia Symonds (sister) have also helped but mostly in painting the yard (not red but as good as). Indeed, you can’t choose your family but I am glad that I have been stuck with Lydia. A humorous, knowledgeable, helpful and argumentative girl with a passion for sport. A blog written by her would probably be more interesting!

As you can see, a lot of people have put a lot of time into helping me start up. I am and will be eternally grateful for their time. Even Greg Hodder and Alan Lloyd have been taking a keen interest in the yard in their rare time off from all things shooting. Again, they have been so helpful and it is amazing to think in their limited knowledge of racing sometimes they come up with the best suggestions – something to bear in mind perhaps!

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What a weekend! The racing certainly lived up to its billing and the whip did exactly what it is meant to do – create a debate that nearly overshadowed a fabulous weekend of sport.

The French had a weekend to remember with the gelded Cirrus Des Aigles gaining his first Group One win for his most endearing trainer Corine Barande-Barbe. He humbled future breeding millionaires with his unique – or should I say eunuch! – turn of foot.

Christophe Soumillon then succeeded where General Montcalm failed in 1759 by conquering all in the Canadian International on Sarah Lynx for British ex-pat John Hammond and thus vanquishing his apparent – not to mention expensive – British misdemeanour.

Mr Hammond also trained the winner’s sire, Montjeu, who had a Group One double with Miss Keller. This brings us back to the legendary Sadler’s Wells, sire of Montjeu – who also had Fame and Glory victorious at Ascot – and of course sire of Galileo (himself sire of Frankel). Galileo has certainly brought Derby-winning stallions back in vogue in a world where speed seems to be holding sway. His dynamic as a sire is second to none and his half brother Sea The Stars’ progeny still awaits us.

I will leave Flat racing with mention of former H&H columnist James Fanshawe and his fantastic and patient handling of the very exciting sprinter Deacon Blues. And of course of Sir Henry Cecil; his regal conduct and quiet manner seemed to have been partly instilled into the hither-to-over-zealous Frankel – a horse that inflates Flat racing to a higher echelon of respect.

Please let it rain…

The team here at Dason Court, equine, canine and human, are all thriving. With no proper rain about we are still “patiently” holding off running horses. Cabin fever has not quite set in yet and the staff are enjoying being tossed around by very fresh horses!

This always reminds me of my time riding the yearlings in the winter at James Fanshawe’s – wall-to-wall terror but great fun and very good for one’s riding.

I left school and worked for Michael Scudamore Snr for a season. I then, under the guidance of Janet Anderson, went to work for James Fanshawe for three months in the summer and loved it so much that I stayed for nearly three years. An immaculate yard with fantastic horses, plus a boss who shared my taste in music, was just what I wanted.

James has a great feel for horses and is a fantastic trainer of a racehorse. You could judge his mood if it was classical or rock music playing in his office. He was so supportive when I told him I was going to Seven Barrows to work for his antithesis, Nicky Henderson.

My time with Nicky Henderson

Becoming assistant to Nicky and part of his well-established team was going to further my education. I became the proverbial information sponge while at Seven Barrows. This was something I tried to explain to my school teachers when I decided against university. I wanted to learn practically -and earned while learned!

It was at Seven Barrows that I met the ultimate teacher in Albert “Corky” Browne, Nicky’s head lad. He is someone who cares deeply for his job and will go to the ends of the earth to help you. “Working hours” don’t exist in his world – work is an hour-on-hour way of life.

A good grounding

I live in hope that an education in such respected establishments will serve me well. Having been in the Golden Valley and South Hereford Hunts and branches of the Pony Club, I got the best basic grounding with horses and the countryside. You also need very understanding parents who are willing to drive you around the country!

However, it is later in life that you need to decide how best to endorse the opportunities that were given to you. Horseracing was the only equine discipline where I felt I could flourish.

A great influence on me

Lucinda Darling (n ©e Greenwood) was the epitome of someone who looked after horses to the highest standard and, much to her credit, with health and safety (equine and human) always in mind. Her stockmanship and horsemanship – a loosely used term but here very applicable – were outstanding.

Although not a trainer, she was someone who had a deep impression on me as a person of great integrity. Charismatic and fun, she was also a very successful event rider while being an avid racing follower. I can still hear her say in matters of stressful complication “…don’t forget to KISS!” which, I was to learn, meant to Keep It Simple Stupid! Direct and sound advice indeed.

[[ more talk than action at present ]]

At the moment I feel more of a hypothetical trainer as a lot has been talked but action has been sparse. I only hope that I can live up to people’s expectations. I feel and hope that I have created a good team in order to get the best results. I will talk more of the team next week, but until then we will all remain dreaming of what could be ahead for an exciting but so far inert team of horses! Whatever happens I will certainly not forget to KISS.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“You can expect disappointments; they only make the thrill of success greater…”

Dr MV O’Brien never said a truer word. A sport where ecstasy is often coupled with agony is where I have chosen to try to make a living. In May of this year I left Nicky Henderson’s yard after 5 years as his assistant trainer. Since then I have been busy developing my yard in Herefordshire. It was a satellite yard for [former trainer] John Edwards so, although it had the basic structure, it needed some time (and money!) spent restoring it.

It has certainly been a learning curve, and indeed Rome was not built in a day. Developments in the yard will never cease, but the basic infrastructure was completed by the open day we held on 11 September. The team – equine and human – all gave a good account of themselves. This is certainly a dream realised for me as I have been thinking of resurrecting Dason Court as a training establishment for years.

My first runners

That was the first step completed and the second step was on Thursday, 6 October at Exeter where we had our first two runners. This was also massively hyped up in the media – so no pressure!

I can admit that I have already made my first mistake, which was to run Tweedledrum on firm ground on which she couldn’t raise a semblance of a gallop, let alone a jump.

Strathcal ran a good race over a trip that probably stretches him and, again, he would like to get his toe in. Thankfully they both came back in good shape and we live to fight another day.

Tweedledrum may revert to the Flat before seeing a hurdle again and Strathcal might head to Ludlow on 20 October. But, alas, we need rain! I feel like Job paradoxically wallowing in nothing but gloriously warm weather, but I – along with a lot of the racing fraternity – could do with some rain. It makes preparations difficult and running horses nigh on impossible.

Advice from Sir Henry Cecil

Enough moaning! I am very exciting by the team of 25 horses we have here for the long season ahead. If I ever get tempted to rush I still hear Sir Henry Cecil’s three words of advice to me when starting training: “patience, patience and more patience”.

Certainly a man with more than enough pressure, as his stars are at the helm of an ultra-exciting racecard at Ascot on Saturday on QIPCO British Champions’ Day.

No one likes change but one has to hope this might be one of the wiser moves by racing’s governing bodies. Let’s not talk of the dreaded whip debate now!

Of course die-hard jump fans had their aperitif last Saturday at Chepstow with Cue Card putting in an impressive round of jumping. One can only endeavour, hope and dream to have a horse of that calibre one day. Indeed,a star is currently in the firmament as Frankel bids to cap a fantastic season; a great horse guided by a great man – let us enjoy them!

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now