What an extraordinary race the American mare Zenyatta ran in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday evening. She looked virtually tailed off early on and then showed a tremendous turn of foot to catch and pass the entire field and win with her ears pricked as pictured. Rip Van Winkle was hugely disappointing. Trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Johnny Murtagh were very bullish beforehand but Rip Van Winkle folded very tamely as though he had had enough for the season. He had been on the go as long as Sea the Stars but run one race less. Twice Over ran great to be third but he was probably only about two lengths behind Zenyatta. In my opinion an in form Sea the Stars would have won this race, but obviously connections did not want to take the chance that he would have been over the top for the season. Zenyatta was sensational and is America's version of Sea the Stars. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Champions Day at Newmarket on Saturday 17th October provides a terrific days racing again with the centre piece being the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes worth £350,000.00. The race is for 3 year olds and above and will be run over 1 mile 2 furlongs. Fame and Glory is the favourite but he disappointed in the Prix de l' Arc de Triomphe two weeks ago and might well be past his best after a long season. Sariska (pictured) comes here a fresh horse. Her last three runs have all been over 12 furlongs. She was just beaten last time by Dar Re Mi in the Yorkshire Oaks. Kieren Fallon comes in for the ride as Jamie Spencer is on "forced holiday". Never on Sunday comes over from France and has smart form over 10 furlongs. The trainer and jockey won this race two years ago with Literato. If Fame and Glory is not at his best Sariska could be the one to topple him and she looks the each way value. The Totesport Cesarewitch worth £160,000.00 is a thorough stamina test run over 2 miles 2 furlongs. Trainers of predominately National Hunt horses have won this race four times over the last six runnings. With a maximum field of 34 runners a draw higher than 18 is an advantage, although old Caracciola came from draw 11 last season. Kieren Fallon comes in for the ride on Fair Along who seems to have been around for ages but is still only seven. He was placed in the race two years ago and Mamlook from the David Pipe yard was placed last year. Those two together with the handicap good thing, Darley Sun, make up my short list. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The BBC2's coverage last Sunday from Longchamp of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was terrific for the armchair viewer. Of course the star of the show was Sea the Stars. His performance in the race was staggering. He pulled very hard in the early stages of the race which was reminiscent of New Approach in the English Derby last year. However when asked to go by his jockey Mick Kinane he showed a fantastic turn of foot to cut through the field and win as he wanted. I know Timeform and the official handicapper Phil Smith can only rate him on his winning margin over Youmzain, but for me this horse has acheived more than Sea Bird II and should be rated right up there with him. He has won six Group 1 races in a season which has included the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the Arc de Triomphe. His win on Sunday was emotional for those of us that love racing and was also good for racing in general. It even got a mention on the National news ! I guess that will be the last we will see of him on the racecourse as I doubt whether he will be sent to America for the Breeders Cup. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The clock is running down to this Sunday (4th October) when the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe will be run over 12 furlongs at Longchamp. This is the greatest flat race in Europe and is always won by a very good horse. We are all hoping that Sea the Stars will be able to run and win and prove what a great horse he is. The comparisons are already being made with Dancing Brave, Mill Reef and Sea Bird II (pictured at the start of the 1965 English Derby). For us old timers Sea Bird II's performances in the Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe were breathtaking. He won the Derby without coming off the bit. I can still see him striding up the Epsom straight with his head in his chest. In the Arc de Triomphe he made a high class field look very ordinary and won by six lengths showing a tremendous turn of foot. The margin would have been more had he not drifted across the course in the last furlong. Sea the Stars is already a great horse, having won over 8 furlongs, 10 furlongs and 12 furlongs. Like Sea Bird II he has got physically stronger as the season has progressed and I am sure we will be talking of him in the same breath as the great Sea Bird II after the Arc de Triomphe. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will be run over 1 mile at Ascot on Saturday. This race for three year olds and above has been won by some great horses over the years, none more so than Brigadier Gerard and Dubai Millennium. This years race worth £250,000.00 looks to be set up for Rip Van Winkle. There are likely to be only four runners and Delegator from the Godolphin team will be the biggest danger. Rip Van Winkle (pictured) was very impressive in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. He stays beyond a mile and I expect he will make all the running and stretch Delegator's stamina to the limit. I should be able to hear a commentary of the race as I drive to Ipswich for the game against Newcastle. It will be an emotional afternoon as the North Stand will be renamed the Sir Bobby Robson Stand in a ceremony at half time. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

We are at Day 4 of the Doncaster St.Leger meeting already and I must confess that I have had to make do with watching recordings of racing in the evenings as I have been on "grandfather" duties. The Ladbrokes St.Leger is the oldest classic in the world and this years race does look a fairly open affair. The race is worth £500,000.00 and is for 3 year olds only and run over 1 mile 7 furlongs. Changingoftheguard was an unlucky loser of the the Ebor where he took on the older horses. Two years ago Honolulu,when a three year old, ran a great race to be second in the Ebor to Purple Moon but subsequently disappointed in the St.Leger when favourite. Johnny Murtagh had originally chosen Age of Aquarius as his mount before that horse was withdrawn. Godolphin purchased Kite Wood at the end of last season. He is a big strong powerhouse of a horse and a resolute galloper. Connections have some concern about the ground but there is only one St Leger and I hope Frankie Dettori will be riding yet another St Leger winner. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Group 1 Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes will be run tomorrow at Leopardstown over 1 mile 2 furlongs. The race is worth 1,000,000 euros and is open to 3 year olds and above. I would imagine we are all hoping that Sea the Stars takes his chance, if he does I am sure the outcome will be the same as when he met Fame and Glory in the Epsom Derby. Sea the Stars is a great horse effective over one mile, ten furlongs and one and a half miles. He did win at Leopardstown in August 2008 as a two year old on soft to heavy ground so I am not sure what all the fuss is about as regards the going. Great horses will act on any going in my humble opinion. Lets hope he is allowed to run. Also on the card is the Group 1 Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes for 3 year old and above fillies and mares. The race is worth 215,000 euros and will be run over 1 mile. It would be good to see Rainbow View finally win a race this season after all the expectations at the beginning of the Flat season. Perhaps a mile on soft ground will be what she needs. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup will be run over 6 furlongs at Haydock on Saturday. The race is for 3 year olds and above and is worth £275,000.00. The likely favourite is High Standing who will have the Kieren Fallon factor. If the ground gets too soft Fleeting Spirit and Finjaan will probably not run. Main Aim has been very well supported in the antepost market and will like the soft going. Corryborough (pictured) comes into the race a fresh horse. His trainer, Henry Candy, is hopeful of a big run. At 10/1 he looks the each way value in what should be a cracking sprint. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

It was good to see Delegator have a confidence building win upholding the classic form after his second to Sea the Stars in the 2000 Guineas and his second to Mastercraftsman in that epic dual at Royal Ascot in the St James's Palace Stakes. Frankie Dettori produced Delegator on the outside and he won quite easily. The win gave all the Godolphin team something to smile about and it would seem that the next port of call will be the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on the 26th September. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The 4 day York Ebor Meeting returns to the Knavesmire this year and gets underway tomorrow Tuesday 18th August. Sea the Stars appears to have frightened most of the opposition away as there are now only four runners for the Group 1 Juddmonte Internatioal Stakes worth £600,000.00 and run over 1 mile 2 furlongs. Sea the Stars should show Mastercraftsman the way home again. The Totesport Ebor Heritage Handicap run over 1 mile 6 furlongs on Wednesday for 3 year olds and upwards is the centre piece of the whole meeting. This year the race is worth £210,000.00, making it the richest handicap in Europe. In my blog of two years ago about the Ebor I did list past winners of the race. In my opinion there is nothing of the quality that we use to see contest this great race. However it does take a really good three year old to win the Ebor. Aidan O'Brien very nearly won it two years ago with the then three year old Honolulu. This year he runs the three year old Changingoftheguard who is favourite and strongly fancied. The booking of Robert Hughes for Magicalmysterytour is interesting. Magicalmysterytour only just lost out in a photo finish over course and distance on his last run. This is tougher but he might well make the frame at a nice price. Before the Ebor we have the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup run over 2 miles for 3 yo's and above. Askar Tau ran a terrible race at Goodwood in the Goodwood Cup. On Wednesday he has the services of Ryan Moore and might be worth another chance. The Group 1 on Thursday is the Darley Yorkshire Oaks worth £310,000.00 run over 1 mile 4 furlongs for 3 yo's and above fillies and mares. Sariska looks as though she has also frightened the opposition away. The meeting concludes on Friday with the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes worth £240,000.00 run over 5 furlongs being the main race. This looks as though it will be a cracking contest with Kingsgate Native, Borderlescott, Art Connoisseur, Amour Propre and Radiohead all declared to run. The winner should come from one of them. There were excuses for Amour Propre's poor run at Royal Ascot and he could be the each way bet. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The 5 day Glorious Goodwood Festival got underway today (28th) and finishes on Saturday 1st August when the Group 1 Nassau Stakes worth £200,000.00 will be run. This is a 1 mile 2 furlong race for 3 year old and upwards fillies and mares. Perhaps Rainbow View will now be running over her best distance and hopefully she will get her nose in front where it matters. The other Group 1 of the week, the Sussex Stakes, will be run tomorrow. This should be the highlight of the meeting. It is a race for 3 year olds and upwards worth £300,000.00 run over 1 mile. On form it looks to be between Rip Van Winkle, Paco Boy and Ghanaati. Johnny Murtagh considers this could be Rip Van Winkle's best distance. If he has recovered from his exertions against Sea the Stars ( pictured) in the Coral Eclipse, he should win. It was good to see Marcus Tregoning's horses back in form with Finjaan winning today. On Thursday he runs Askar Tau in the Goodwood Cup, a race for 3 year olds and upwards run over 2 miles. Askar Tau has not run since starting favourite and finishing fourth to Caracciola in the Cesarewitch last October. This is a step up but he looked a progressive horse last season and has age on his side. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The 3 day Ascot "King George" Meeting gets underway tomorrow (Friday 24th) with the centre piece of the meeting being the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes which will be run on Saturday. This race was first run in 1951 and was designed for the finest horses from different generations and different countries to compete over one and a half miles. The winner would be recognized as a true champion. There are no overseas visitors this year but we do have some three year olds to take on the older horses. Disappointingly the top three year olds, Sea the Stars, Rip Van Winkle, Fame and Glory and Sariska are all being primed for races elsewhere. It is a shame for Ascot and its new sponsors Betfair that the race is not better patronized especially as it is worth £1,000,000.00. I guess the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe run on the first Sunday in October at Longchamp will always be the number one champion race. Sir Michael Stoute appears to hold the best hand of cards with his three runners, Conduit, who stable jockey Ryan Moore has chosen to ride, Tartan Bearer, to be ridden by Michael Kinane and Ask, to be ridden by Olivier Peslier. There is bound to be a strong pace which will suit those who can stay beyond the one and a half miles. Conduit (pictured) and Ask come into this category. Conduit will be running over the distance for the first time this season and looks the one they all have to beat. The 12/1 on offer with Skybet for Sir Michael Stoute to train the first three home looks appealing. The International Heritage Handicap worth £150,000.00 will be run over 7 furlongs before the King George. Captain Brilliance will be looking to recover losses for his narrow defeat in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Newmarket July Festival gets underway tomorrow (Wednesday 8th) and promises to serve up some top class racing as usual. There are two Group 1 races, the Falmouth Stakes for fillies and mares 3 year old and upwards worth £200,000.00 will be run on Wednesday over 1 mile. The other Group 1 will be the highlight of the three days, the July Cup, a six furlong sprint for 3 yo's and upwards worth £400,000.00 which will be run on Friday. Goldikova comes over from France for the Falmouth Stakes and if she reproduces her form of last season she will take all the beating. Rainbow View has gradually improved with each run this season and should make Goldikova pull out all the stops. Scenic Blast pictured beating Fleeting Spirit in the King Stand Stakes over 5 furlongs at Royal Ascot will be a warm favourite for the July Cup. Art Connoisseur was equally impressive in winning the Golden Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs at Royal Ascot. I am hoping the extra furlong will help Fleeting Spirit get closer to Scenic Blast. She and Art Connoisseur look the each way value. The big handicap of the Festival is the Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup worth £100,000.00 run over 7 furlongs on Friday. Signor Peltro is a reliable sort and might make the frame with any luck at a big price. For all the latest news from the course click on Newmarket. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Sea the Stars appearance in the Coral-Eclipse this coming Saturday (4th July) will be a considerable bonus for Sandown and its sponsors. The Eclipse is a Group 1 for 3 year olds plus run over 1 mile 2 furlongs. This years race is worth £500,000.00 and it looks as though it could be a "cracker". The 3 year olds get a weight for age allowance of 11 lbs from the older horses and this might well be crucial. Sea the Stars will be trying to follow the Nashwan route of winning the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the Eclipse. In my humble opinion the best has not been seen of Sea the Stars yet. He has that 5th gear which only the great horses have and he has not been extended. Rip Van Winkle has improved with each run and this might be his best distance. Of the older horses, Conduit ran a smashing race over course and distance on his reappearance this season just being beaten by Cima De Triomphe who was receiving 7 lbs. Archipenko will be an interesting runner for Mike de Kock. His runners have to be respected. If Sea the Stars wins as I expect him to then we will all be wondering if his next port of call will be the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. He will have three weeks in which to recover whereas Nashwan only had two weeks in 1989. The Eclipse promises to be an exciting race. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

I have watched a lot of Royal Ascots, mainly from my armchair, but 2009's meeting has to be the best I have ever seen. Attheraces coverage of the meeting was superb for the armchair viewer. Day 1 saw the finish of the week with (pictured) Mastercraftsman and Delegator fight out a ding dong battle in the St.Jame's Palace Stakes. Paco Boy was a deserved winner of the Queen Anne Stakes, Scenic Blast showed amazing speed in the King's Stand Stakes and the Coventry Stakes produced another exciting two year old in Canford Cliffs who won by a wide margin. Day 2 saw Vision D'etat come over from France and win the Prince of Wales's Stakes. There was a very warm favourite for the Royal Hunt in Forgotten Voice who duly obliged. He looks a bit more than a handicapper ! Day 3 belonged to Yeats who created history by winning a succesive fourth Gold Cup. An amazing feat by all connected with the horse. For once racing was on the front pages for all the right reasons. Yeats is a superb stayer and he was given a great ride by Johnny Murtagh. The roof of the Ascot stands was certainly raised again. Day 4 saw Ghanaati break the course record when winning the Coronation Stakes. This was an emotional victory for the Hills family as trainer Barry Hills recovers from a life threatening illness. Ghanaati is a super filly on the fast ground. The emotions were also high for Henry Cecil who saddled his 71st Royal Ascot winner when Father Time won the King Edward V11 Stakes. Day 5 saw the forgotten horse, Art Connoisseur, win the Golden Jubilee Stakes. He showed the terrific turn of foot he has, much the same as when he won the Coventry Stakes as a two year old. He was given a great ride by Tom Queally who came in for the ride as Jamie Spencer was suspended and Hayley Turner is on the injured list. The day and the meeting finished with another incredible performance from Caracciola as he won the longest race of the meeting, the Queen Alexandra Stakes. At 12 years old Caracciola became the oldest horse to win at Royal Ascot. Royal Ascot certainly endorsed itself as the greatest Flat race meeting in the World. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The five day Royal Ascot Meeting gets underway on Tuesday 16th June with the first race going off at 2.30 pm. There are three Group 1's on Tuesday, and one Group 1 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The highlight of the meeting is always the Ascot Gold Cup run on Thursday. For me this is my favourite race of the meeting. Yeats (pictured) has already won this race three times and will be attempting to win it for a record fourth time. He is now an 8 year old and a credit to all at Ballydoyle who have kept him in training and not packed him off to stud. If he is able to win I am sure the roof will come off the Grandstand. The atmosphere that these old favourites create is great for horse racing in general. We all love our National Hunt champions who we see around for a few seasons and the Flat Cup horses give us the same excitement and pleasure. For all the Ascot news with race times click on Ascot. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Epsom Derby worth £1,250,000, a race for 3 year old colts, will be run over 1 mile 4 furlongs on Saturday. Sea the Stars (pictured with Mastercraftsman behind) was an impressive winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and provided he stays the Derby distance he will be hard to beat. Aidan O'Brien has six runners and stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has chosen Rip Van Winkle as his ride. Rip Van Winkle was a strong finishing fourth behind Sea the Stars at Newmarket. After that race Johnny Murtagh was quoted as saying "he did not think Rip Van Winkle would stay the Derby distance" so it is surprising he has chosen Rip Van Winkle as his ride. Fame and Glory looked to be the best of Aidan O'Briens' six runners. I am sure there will be a strong gallop to test the stamina of those not certain to stay. Crowded House was antepost favourite for the Derby at the end of last season but disappointed in the Dante at York. If he is back to his best he could be the each way value and might even give his jockey Jamie Spencer a great Classic double. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Epsom Classic Meeting gets underway tomorrow (Friday 5th) with the feature race being the 3 year old fillies Oaks worth £350,000 run over 1 mile 4 furlongs. Rainbow View (pictured) disappointed in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas but I am prepared to give her another chance, after all she was unbeaten as a two year old and looked to be something special. The ground has been watered at Epsom so the going cannot be an excuse this time. Sariska is the big danger. Also on the card is the Coronation Cup for 4 year olds plus worth £225,000 run over 1 mile 4 furlongs. Youmzain is the form horse here and should be the one the others have to beat but he has two ways of running. Ask was not far behind Youmzain in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe when both were beaten by the brillant filly Zarkava. Ask's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, is second to none when it comes to getting the best out of older horses and Ask might be the each way value here. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

It is under three weeks to this years Derby which will be run on Saturday 6th June at Epsom. For us old timers the Derby was always run on the first Wednesday in June. The switch to Saturday was made a few years back in order to get the crowds, who create the atmosphere, back to Epsom again. The Derby is the biggest Flat race in the calendar for the three year old colts. No horse has completed the Two Thousand Guineas/Derby double since Naswan in 1989. New Approach, last years Derby winner, was only beaten a nose in the Two Thousand Guineas and came that close to doing the double. This years Two Thousand Guineas winner, Sea the Stars (pictured beating Delegator), could be the one to do the double again. He won comfortably at Newmarket. Aidan O'Brien and the Ballydoyle team also have a very strong hand and it will be interesting to see which horse Johnny Murtagh chooses to ride. I suspect it will be Fame and Glory who stayed on well to win his race in Ireland. Rip Van Winkle finished strongly to be fourth behind Sea the Stars after an interrupted preparation for the Two Thousand Guineas. Black Bear Island finished like a stayer to beat his stable companion Freemantle in the Dante at York. Behind them was the one time antepost favourite for the Derby, Crowded House, who has now been pushed out to 16/1 and his participation in the race is in doubt. Sea the Stars has that change of gear which only the great horses have. I hope he gets to Epsom fit and well. With regard to getting attendances up at the racecourses, the first thing they should do is reduce the entrance charges. Secondly, in order to attract the younger racegoer, the entrance charge should be free for those under 21. Thirdly there should be concessions for the over 60's (not 65's) all of the time, not just on selected days when the racing is mediocre and of little interest. I personally like to attend the big meetings and see the best horses running under National Hunt or Flat. Concessions are never allowed for these meetings by the greedy racecourses. I can understand their logic but eventually they will be shooting themselves in the foot. Horse racing is a minority sport. If the powers that be want to attract more people to the racecourses they must reduce the entrance charges. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The French 2000 and 1000 Guineas will be run tomorrow (Sunday) at Longchamp. The 2000 Guineas looks a very open affair but the 1000 Guineas should provide owner George Strawbridge with some consolation after Rainbow View's disappointing run in our 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. His filly Fantasia (pictured) was very impressive when winning at the Newmarket Craven Meeting. Trainer, Luca Cumani, reports the filly to be in top form and with Frankie Dettori in the saddle she should win and therefore cement her position at the head of the antepost market for the Oaks. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

This weekend at Newmarket sees the first two Classics of the Flat Racing season run over the Rowley Mile. In the 2000 Guineas Delegator and Rip Van Winkle have come in for plenty of support in the antepost market. Delegator was well backed for the race before even setting foot on a racecourse this season. He established his position at the head of the market with an impressive win over the course in the Craven Stakes. Rip Van Winkle comes from the Aidan O'Brien yard and is the chosen mount of Johnny Murtagh. Both horses were amongst the also rans behind Intense Focus in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October. Also in that race were Ashram, Lord Shanakil, Finjaan and Ouqba. The 2000 Guineas does look very open but Delegator must have improved a lot for trainer Brian Meehan to be so confident about him. Ashram joined Godolphin after the Dewhurst where he finished upsides Delegator and might be the eachway value under Frankie Dettori. Rainbow View looks as though she could be something special and should win the 1000 Guineas on Sunday if reproducing her two year old form. For all the latest news from Newmarket Racecourses click on Newmarket. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Newmarket staged their Champions Day last Saturday with seven races, the showpiece being the Champion Stakes which New Approach won decisively for Princess Haya of Jordan. New Approach was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed for his wife at the end of last season. Can another shrewd purchase for her in Ravens Pass (pictured) complete a memorable double at Santa Anita tonight and win the Breeders Cup Classic. This race will be the last one of a nine race card. Ravens Pass has got better with each run this season, but has never run over tonights distance of one mile two furlongs. His price of 10/1 on offer at the moment looks tempting as an each way bet. He has the mighty American horse Curlin to beat. With Sheikh Mohammed wanting his jockey Frankie Dettori on board, I am sure we are going to see a big run tonight. Lets hope they are successful. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The lure of Champions Day at Newmarket with two Group 1's, three Group 2's, one Group 3 and the Cesarewitch Handicap means we will be neglecting our seats at Ipswich Town Football Club. The feature race of the afternoon, the Champion Stakes, looks as though it should go the way of New Approach (pictured winning the Derby). As usual the Cesarewitch will be the big betting race of the afternoon. The draw does seem to make a difference in this race with its large fields and the statistics show that the winner has been coming from those drawn 18 and above in the last few years. The winner could well be trained by a National Hunt trainer again this year. The two I like the look of are Arc Bleu from the canny Tony Martin yard and Mamlook from the David Pipe yard. Of course cases can be made out for quite a few of the runners and it promises to be an exciting race. For all the runners and riders with the jockeys colours click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

In my blog of a year ago on the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe I did list the past winners since 1959 and reminisced some of the great winners of this race, which in my opinion is the greatest flat race of the season. Soldier of Fortune was my hope for the race twelve months ago so I will not be deserting him this year. The softer the going the better for him. If there is a deluge of rain at Longchamp then Duke of Marmalade will not take his chance leaving Johnny Murtagh to take the ride on Soldier of Fortune. The quirky Papal Bull very nearly upset the "Duke" at Ascot and will get the strong handling he requires from the in form Jimmy Fortune. I beleive he is worth having a small saver on. Earlier in the afternoon that tough filly Lush Lashes (pictured) runs in the Prix De L'Opera, one of five Group 1's at Longchamp on Sunday, a race for 3 yo+ fillies and mares over one and a quarter miles. If Nahoodh wins at Newmarket on Saturday Lush Lashes will probably be a warm favourite for this. For all the runners and riders for Longchamp together with the jockeys colours click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

We are into the third day of Newmarket Cambridgeshire Meeting where there has been some terrific racing so far. The Group 1 race this afternoon is the Sun Chariot Stakes worth £200,000.00. Darjina comes over from France and will run provided we do not get a deluge of rain as happened on her last visit at the July Meeting. Nahoodh (pictured) won the Falmouth Stakes in her absence that day and has shown she acts on any going. She very nearly got the better of Lush Lashes last time and if still in that sort of form should go close to winning this race. For all the runners and riders with the jockeys colours click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Ascot Festival gets underway today for three days excellent racing of which the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, a Group 1 worth £250,000.00 for 3yo's+ over the Ascot round mile, takes centre stage and will be run on Saturday. There have been some super horses win this race over the years and in my blog of the race in September 2007 I did list past winners since 1959. This year sees Henrythenavigator and Ravens Pass (pictured) take on each other again. There was not much between them on their last meeting and I am hoping this time Ravens Pass can get his head in front where it matters. For the third Saturday running I will be recording the racing on my Sky+ box for watching later in the day. I will be at Portman Road Ipswich to cheer on "The Blues" and hope to see them secure a badly needed three points. I see there has been a lot of money for Duke of Marmalade for the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe which will be run next Sunday (5th October) in France. If the going remains good I am sure he will take a lot of beating. However if the going changed to soft Ballydoyle have Soldier of Fortune to fall back on. It appears this has always been his long term objective, but I guess much depends on the going for both horses. For all the runners and riders for Ascot click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Doncaster St Leger Meeting got under way on Wednesday the 10th with the build up over the four days to the St Leger which will be run on Saturday. Today (Friday) we have the Doncaster Cup to look forward to. This is a Group 2 for 3yo's+ run over 2 miles 2 furlongs. The race is worth £100,000 and if Honolulu shows the same form he displayed at Royal Ascot he could provide Aidan O'Brien and the Ballydoyle team with another big race success. They certainly have all the best stayers this season and tomorrow at the Curragh Septimus (pictured) is expected to win the Irish St Leger, a Group 1 run over 1 mile 6 furlongs for 3yo's+. This race is worth 300,000 euros and Seamie Hefferman gets the mount on Septimus as Johnny Murtagh will be at Doncaster to ride Frozen Fire in our St Leger. Our St Leger, a Group 1, is worth £500,000 and is for 3yo colts and fillies run over 1mile 6 furlongs. Frozen Fire has not run since Seamie Hefferman rode him to win the Irish Derby. In my blog of September 2007 I did reminisce and list past winners of the St Leger so I will not go over that ground again. There is an added bonus on Saturday as Doncaster now stages the Haydock Sprint Cup, postponed from last Saturday and now renamed the Ladbrokes Sprint Cup with the same declared runners. The going should still suit Utmost Respect although there appears to be plenty of confidence behind African Rose from France. For all the runners and riders with the jockeys colours click on the sporting life. The postman has just delivered my copy of the Timeform Chasers & Hurdlers 2007/08. It will not be long before the National Hunt season starts in earnest and we will be counting down to the great Cheltenham Festival next March, which will take place on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th and Friday 13th. I cannot wait ! For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Lets hope the Leopardstown Meeting is able to go ahead and Duke of Marmalade turns up for a re-match with New Approach in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes worth one million euros and run over one mile two furlongs for 3yo's+. I did not think either horse was at their best in the Juddmonte run at Newmarket. Phoenix Tower made the "Duke" pull out all the stops and New Approach was far too fresh in the early stages of the race. Both horses ran on well once they hit the rising ground at Newmarket though and the best horse on the day won. With the weight of money for New Approach on Wednesday evening it looks as though he is expected to win this years Irish Champion Stakes. Earlier in the afternoon the Matron Stakes, a Group 1 for 3yo+ fillies and mares, will be run over one mile. Lush Lashes will be a warm order for this but Nahoodh (pictured) with Mick Kinane aboard this time will like the ground and if she can produce the form she showed when winning the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket she could go close. For all the runners and riders with jockeys colours click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Thankfully Sakhee's Secret does not run in this years Haydock Betfred Sprint Cup, a Group 1 run over six furlongs for 3 year olds plus. His last two runs have been very disappointing to say the least ! There looks to be something radically wrong with the horse. I would be surprised if we saw him on the racecourse again. In my blog of September 2007 I did discuss and list past winners of the Haydock Sprint since 1966. This years race will be run on heavy ground which will suit Utmost Respect and he is deservedly favourite with the bookmakers. Corryborough (pictured) has been brought along steadily by Henry Candy but this could be a big ask for him. African Rose comes over from France and must command respect but the blogger will be hoping to see Utmost Respect prove the bookmakers right. For all the runners and riders with the jockeys colours click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The loss of the 4 Day York Festival is a great shame but at least the majority of the Group races have been saved with now Newmarket, Newbury and Goodwood benefiting from York's loss. Newmarket stages a mammorth card on Friday where Sakhee's Secret (pictured) will get the going he needs in the Nunthorpe Stakes. Lush Lashes now goes in the Yorkshire Oaks earlier in the afternoon on going that should also suit her. Newbury stages the replacement for the Ebor on Friday. Ajaan and Wing Collar will be carrying the bloggers money in this race. Newmarket will be staging the Juddmonte International Stakes on Saturday. New Approach still looks the one to be on. This will be the race of the day. Goodwood stages its own Group 2 Celebration Mile worth £100,000.00 on Saturday. Ravens Pass has run some terrific races behind Henrythenavigator this season and should win this. Lets hope the best horses win. Once again be lucky. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

It has been a quietish couple of weeks for horse racing since the Glorious Goodwood Festival. Of course with the Olympics in Beijing and the start of the new football season here there has been plenty of other sport to enjoy. Two visits have already been made to Portman Road Ipswich to see our beloved football team. However tomorrow sees the start of the York Ebor Festival. The going is forecast to be heavy which will put a big premium on stamina in the distance races. The feature race tomorrow is the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes worth £550,000.00 to be run over ten furlongs for three year olds plus. New Approach (pictured) is the likely winner of this. If Duke of Marmalade takes his chance we could have a race to savour. He has shown his best form on good ground though and has to give 8lbs to the year younger New Approach who has not run since winning the Derby. On Wednesday the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup worth £140,000.00 run over two miles looks tailor made for Septimus. Also on Wednesday we have the big betting race of the week, The Ebor, a handicap worth £210,000.00 run over one mile six furlongs for three year olds plus. In my blog a year ago I listed past winners of the Ebor that I could remember, highlighting the three year olds that have won this race. It takes a really good three year old to win and Honolulu very nearly did it last year. This years race looks to be between the older horses, especially those that will need to stay at least two miles because of the testing conditions. Ajaan from the Henry Cecil stable might be the one. On Thursday the feature race will be the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks worth £90,000.00 run over one and a half miles for three year old plus fillies and mares. Lush Lashes will be looking to atone her unlucky run at Goodwood. On Friday the feature race will be the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes worth £240,000.00, a sprint run over five furlongs for two year olds plus. Captain Gerrard has been very well supported for this, Kingsgate Native will be defending his crown and Sakhee's Secret might put in an appearance. The Festival has been extended to four days for the first time. Lets hope the weather is kind and all the top horses turn up. For all the runners and riders and jockeys' colours click on the sporting life. Be lucky. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Racing got underway at Glorious Goodwood yesterday (Tuesday 29th) and will run through to Saturday when the big betting race of the week, which is the Stewards Cup, will be run. There are two Group 1 races at the meeting the first being today the Sussex Stakes a race for 3yo+ over 1 mile. Henrythenavigator (pictured beating New Approach in our 2000 Guineas) is a hot favourite for this. Everything points to him winning but Ravens Pass takes him on again and will make him pull out all the stops. The other Group 1 is the Nassau Stakes run on Saturday over one mile one furlong for 3yo+ fillies and mares. Lush Lashes is fancied for this. My favourite race of the meeting is the Goodwood Cup run over two miles for 3yo's+ on Thursday. Yeats will be a warm order for this but he has to give 5lbs to his stable companion Honolulu. He and Distinction might represent better value for the eachway punter. For all the runners and riders together with the jockeys' colours click on the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes was first run in 1951. It was a race designed for the finest horses from different generations and different countries to compete over one and a half miles. The winner would be reconized as a true champion. My blog in July 2007 itemised past winners of the race and like last year, the race this year has lost some of its appeal as there are no visitors from overseas and no three year olds running. This years race looks as though it is between Duke of Marmalade (pictured) and Youmzain. If the field remains at eight runners then there might be some each way value come tomorrow. Lucarno won well at Newmarket having received a brillant ride from Jimmy Fortune. Papul Bull should have finished closer to him but is now 5lb worse off at the weights. In last years St Leger Stakes which Lucarno won, Macarthur finished sixth but was only just over a lengh behind and would have gone close to winning had he not have been short of room for much of the final 2 furlongs. He very nearly caused an upset in the Coronation Cup over one and a half miles at Epsom at the beginning of June when taking up the running five furlongs out. He was eventually caught by his stable companion Soldier of Fortune and then Youmzain. He won the Hardwicke Stakes over course and distance at Royal Ascot later that month and could be the each way value provided there is a full field. Although he has not run over the distance before Duke of Marmalade is expected to win again. For all the runners and riders with jockey's colours click on sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Newmarket July Meeting gets underway tomorrow 9th July and my blog is much the same as a year ago. The weather forecast is for rain for the three days so I am sure there will be quite a few non runners. There are two Group 1's this year. The Falmouth Stakes for 3yo+ fillies and mares will be run over 1 mile tomorrow. Darjina, if she runs, is the favourite and has every chance after her excellent run at Ascot. I will have an interest in Majestic Roi trained by Mick Channon who also ran an excellent race at Ascot. She should represent some each way value. The other Group 1 is of course the race of the week, the July Cup, run over 6 furlongs on Friday for 3yo+. I guess by Friday we will be searching for those horses that act on soft ground. Marchand d'Or and Utmost Respect might be the ones to topple the favourite Kingsgate Native. For all the runners and riders click on the sporting life. Be lucky. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

What a fabulous months Flat Racing June provided. It all started at Epsom for the Derby meeting when Johnny Murtagh gave Soldier of Fortune an excellent ride to win the Coronation Cup. On the same day Look Here was a very good winner of the Oaks for Ralph Beckett and Seb Sanders. In the Derby New Approach's chance looked to have gone after about three furlongs by the way he was pulling for his head but he fairly flew up the Epsom straight under a powerful ride from Kevin Manning. A tremendous performance and lets hope we see him on the racecourse again. Royal Ascot belonged to Aidan O'Brien and Johnny Murtagh with six winners which included Haradasun, Henrythenavigator, Duke of Marmalade and Yeats. Yeats looked stronger than ever in winning his third Ascot Gold Cup. His natural replacement looks to be Septimus who reappeared at the Curragh last Saturday in the Attheraces Curragh Cup. However Honolulu showed that he could also go for the top staying honours when putting up a great staying performance in the Queen Alexandra Stakes. He clearly demonstrated that the step up in trip was exactly what he has been crying out for. Lush Lashes was an easy winner of the Coronation Stakes over one mile. She seems another classy inmate of the Jim Bolger yard. Her next race could be in the Irish Oaks over one and a half miles. Majestic Roi ran a nice race in finishing fourth carrying a Group 1 penalty in the Windsor Forest Stakes. She could now be going for the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket next week. Sakhee's Secret ran a stinker in the Golden Jubilee Stakes and was clearly not suited by the over watered ground. This was reminiscent of his performance at Haydock last autumn on similar ground. Difficult to understand why connections bothered to run him. Kingsgate Native was a good winner of this race and will now go for the July Cup at Newmarket where he will have every chance. Ravens Pass would be an interesting runner in this race if allowed to take his chance. As good as Aidan O'Brien's feat of training six winners at Royal Ascot was, it still does not beat Vincent O'Briens seven winners (from eight runners) at Royal Ascot in 1975. Another brilliant trainer from Ireland is Tony Martin. His Arc Bleu won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. In a rough race he was well ridden by Adrian Nicholls. Arc Bleu was initially only a reserve for this race and did not get his chance until Friday. He was promptly made antepost favourite for the race. I bet those who took a short price were a bit sick of the starting return of 14/1 ! On Sunday in France Youmzain beat a high class field in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The strong early pace set for Soldier of Fortune suited him better. He was intelligently ridden by Richard Hughes who got first run on the field, thereby reversing Coronation Cup places with Soldier of Fortune. The Irish Derby also run on Sunday was a muddling affair. Alessandro Volta caused all manner of problems by swerving away from the whip in the straight. The winner, Frozen Fire, who was affected along with Curtain Call, Casual Conquest and Tartan Bearer clearly had the best turn of foot to get him home. At Epsom Frozen Fire and Curtain Call were both looked after by their jockeys Mick Kinane and Jamie Spencer when their chances had gone through not acting on the course. This obviously helped their chances on Sunday. Tartan Bearer looked as though he had not completely recovered from his hard race at Epsom. After all he had only just beaten Frozen Fire in the Dante at York. On Sunday evening Spain deservedly won the European Championship. They played the game as it should be played. It was thoroughly entertaining and the score line of 1-0 could so easily have been 5-0. It was a bit like watching Ipswich at Portman Road last season ! The month ended on Monday evening with a superb performance by Andy Murray at Wimbledon. He looked as though he was going out in three straight sets but fought back for a memorable victory which sees him into the quarter finals on Wednesday against Nadal. For all your runners and riders and jockey's colours click on sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

It does not seem a year ago I was reminiscing on my Royal Ascot 2007 blog of past visits to the Ascot course. This year I will be an armchair viewer with five races each day on the BBC. My interest will revolve around entries I have made on the Totetentofollow competetion. I am already loosing ground on the leaders, but hopeful of picking up some points this week. On Tuesday Henrythenavigator and Ravens Pass are due to run in St James's Palace Stakes. Ravens Pass did not appear to stay the mile in the 2000 Guineas, but obviously connections think it is worth another try at that distance. He could be the eachway value although Henrythenavigator (pictured beating New Approach) should win. On Wednesday Duke of Marmalade is fancied to win the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Thursday is Ascot Gold Cup Day and my hope here is Septimus if he runs. He is also engaged in the Hardwicke Stakes over one and a half miles on Saturday. Also on Thursday we have the Ribblesdale Stakes where we are still waiting to see if Lush Lashes runs. The runners and riders towards the end of the week are a bit sketchy. A lot depends on the state of the ground for some of them. On Friday Nahoodh, who has changed ownership and stables, will reappear in the Coronation Stakes with Frankie Dettori on board. Saturday's big race will be the Golden Jubilee Stakes and here I hope Sakhee's Secret will sprint home. Have a good week and be lucky. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Epsom Derby and Oaks Meeting gets underway this Friday the 6th June. All the talk at the moment is of New Approach, now that it has been decided by his trainer to run him in the Derby. He finished last season unbeaten and was quoted at 4/1 antepost favourite for the Derby at that time. Ladbrokes now quote him at 6/1 with a run, which seems better value! He is battle hardened with two very good runs this season against Henrythenavigator in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas. After the Dewhurst last season his trainer stated that he had been training the horse with next years Derbys in mind. New Approach acts well on good to soft ground and if he turns up on Saturday he should go very close to winning this years Derby which is worth £1,250,000.00 in prize money. He will have to overcome Casual Conquest who is now favourite and Curtain Call whose owner backed him at 66/1 last season after he split New Approach and Henrythenavigator in the Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. Rio De La Plata might find the distance of one and a half miles too far in order to produce his sharp turn of foot. I have a lasting impression of watching him power up the Newmarket hill last July while standing by the running rail. The Coronation Cup, a Group 1 worth £200,000.00, will be run on Friday before the Juddmonte Oaks which is worth £350,000.00. The Coronation Cup seems to rest between Getaway from the Andre Fabre yard in France and Soldier of Fortune from the all conquering Aidan O'Brien yard in Ireland. Both horses finished upsides in last years Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. New Approach's trainer, Jim Bolger, has the Juddmonte Oaks favourite in Lush Lashes who has put in two very good runs this season, especially the one in the Musidora at York. She looks a worthy favourite and could kick off a memorable couple of days for Jim Bolger. The blogger is hoping Soldier of Fortune, Lush Lashes and New Approach will earn some points for the Totetentofollow competetion. For all the runners and riders and jockey's colours go to the Sporting Life. Be lucky. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The best racing this weekend would appear to be at the Curragh in Ireland for their Guineas Meeting which starts on Saturday the 24th. The Irish 2000 Guineas would seem to be a rematch between New Approach and Henrythenavigator. On Sunday Nahoodh (pictured) is among thirteen runners in the Irish 1000 Guineas. Lets hope she shows the same form as at Newmarket and has more luck in running. Both the Guineas races are worth 400,000 Euros. Also on Sunday's card is the Tattersalls Gold Cup worth 300,000 Euros. Duke of Marmalade will be a hot favourite to win this. Saturday also sees the start of the Totetentofollow competetion. The blogger is hoping for three Group 1 winners over the weekend. No harm in dreaming! Enjoy the holiday. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

After watching two days of the York May Festival Meeting the classic picture still seems a bit blurry. Lush Lashes was a very impressive winner of the Musidora Stakes and franked the 1000 Guineas form where she was running on well at the end of that race to finish sixth. However she is far from certain to line up at Epsom and more likely to go for the Irish Oaks. The Dante Stakes this afternoon was very disappointing for the connections of Twice Over the hot favourite. This years Derby looks a wide open affair at the moment. Tomorrow sees my favourite race of the Meeting, the Yorkshire Cup. The race appears to lie between Honolulu and Royal and Regal. Honolulu, pictured just being beaten by Purple Moon in last years Ebor, should win if he reproduces a similar performance. He looked a high class stayer in the making that day but subsequently disappointed when beaten into third in the St. Leger. Royal and Regal won the Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket on Champions Day last year and opened his account this season conceding weight all round in the John Porter Stakes at Newbury. After that victory his owner, Peter Savill, was bullish about winning the Yorkshire Cup. It should be an interesting race. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

We travelled the 15 miles to Great Leighs Racecourse last Thursday (8th of May) to blacken our noses and have a look at the setup. The racing surface and facilities are great for the horses but there is still much work to do to accomodate the spectators in comfortable surroundings. No doubt when they open to the paying public and start to generate some "cashflow" they will be able to press on and complete the job. The racing was good and well supported by trainers from all quarters especially Newmarket. Newmarket's plans for an all weather track were abandoned once Great Leighs was announced, so I am sure there will be plenty of runners coming from that direction. Luca Cumani was there to supervise his runner Swop in the fourth race. He was runner-up when the book told us he was expected to win. Perhaps Boz will do the business at the meeting tonight when he will be ridden by Jamie Spencer. The photograph shows Art Man getting up to beat Indicible in the third race. I doubt if we will ever get any clues for Derby horses but this course is going to prove very popular for a good night out for us Essex boys, young and old alike. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

I had to record the 1000 Guineas as I was at Portman Road to see my beloved Ipswich play their last game of the season. Entertainment has been great there this season, if only they could have produced the same form away from home, then they would have gained promotion to the Premiership. Natagora was a gutsy, if lucky, winner of the 1000 Guineas. Nahoodh, whom the blogger had backed at 33/1, could find no way through when full of running. I would expect her to beat Natagora next time, but I doubt she will be 33/1 again ! Eight fillies were involved with the finish and I would expect there will be some intriguing races this season between Natagora, Spacious, Saise Abu, Infallible, Nahoodh, Lush Lashes, Royal Confidence and Muthabara. The Flat season is well and truly underway now. Off to have a look at Great Leighs tonight and will report back at the end of the week. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

We disembarked Constellation at Harwich on Saturday 3rd after another very enjoyable cruise with Celebrity Cruise Lines. We called at Edinburgh, Invergorden, Belfast, Dublin and St. Peter Port. We were able to watch the 2000 Guineas on Channel 4 before going off to help Jon celebrate his birthday with the outlaws, sorry inlaws, who were over from Brazil. It was a great race between HenrytheNavigator and New Appoach. HenrytheNavigator got his nose in front right on the line but New Approach was in front again a couple of strides after the line. I hope they take each other on again. Ravens Pass who did not have the best of draws clearly does not stay the mile but could become a July Cup horse where the 6 furlongs should suit him ideally. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

I recorded Channel 4's Saturday afternoon racing program on my Sky+ box and sat down to watch it once I was home from watching my beloved football team Ipswich beat Wolves 3 - 0. Ibn Khaldun was a three length winner of the Racing Post Trophy for Godolphin and looks a nice prospect for next year. He is already being quoted at 10/1 for next years 2000 Guineas. Later in the evening I switched over to ATR to watch the remaining four races in the Breeders Cup Races. I could not believe the state of the ground on the dirt track, nor could I understand the connections of George Washington running him under such conditions. I was looking forward to seeing him run at Newmarket in the Champion Stakes and was naturally disappointed when he was re-routed to go to America. It is such a shame that we will not see him anymore. As for Dylan Thomas, he has never performed on yielding ground and I could not understand how they came to make him such a hot favourite. A very disappointing end to his racing season and to his racing career. He followed in the footsteps of a lot of winners of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in failing miserably in the Breeders Cup Turf. On Sunday it was over to the BBC2 to watch Steeple Chasing from Aintree. How good to see the classy Chasers and Hurdlers out again for another season. Kauto Star nearly gave 14lb to Monet's Garden but tasted defeat for the first time since falling in 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase. Katchit won the handicap hurdle race for four year olds and looks in line for a another good season. For me the first big race of the new National Hunt season is the Charlie Hall Steeple Chase to be run at Wetherby on Saturday 3rd November. A lot will depend on the going as to who is going to run. Rain is needed in Yorkshire for quite a few of the runners. However we could see State of Play, Aces Four, Ollie Magern, Our Vic, Kingscliff and Monkerhostin. The race is worth £90,000 and is for 5yo's+ run over 3 miles 1 furlong. The excellent Channel 4 racing team will be covering the race. I will be writing another blog regarding the race once I have researched and collated the past winners of the race, and once we have a better idea of who is going to run. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Racing Post Trophy will be run at Doncaster on Saturday 27th October. This race was the brainchild of the late Phil Bull and his righthand man, Reg Griffin, and was originally known as the Timeform Gold Cup when it was first run in 1961. The purpose of the race was and still is to provide a worthwhile opportunity for high class two year olds bred to stay to race for a valuable stake over a distance commensurate with their stamina. The race is run over a round mile in preference to a straight mile. The race was not designed with the aim of providing a good guide to the following year's classics. Indeed since its inception in 1961 not many winners have gone on to win a classic or a Group 1 in the following season as will be seen from my collation of previous winners. The Timeform organisation sponsored the race for four years and then in 1965 the race became known as the Observer Gold Cup. In 1976 it became known as the William Hill Futurity Stakes and then in 1989 the Racing Post took over sponsorship and have maintained it ever since. This years race looks as though it could go to Curtain Call from Ireland. He looks a worthy favourite on what has been seen so far. For your racecard with the runners and riders go to the sporting life. Now here are those previous winners :- 1961 Miralgo 1962 Noblesse ( won the Oaks in 1963 ) 1963 Pushful ( on the disqualification of Scissors ) 1964 Hardicanute 1965 Pretendre 1966 Ribocco ( won Irish Derby and St Leger in 1967 ) 1967 Vaguely Noble ( won Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1968 ) 1968 The Elk 1969 Approval 1970 Linden Tree 1971 High Top ( won 2000 Guineas in 1972 ) 1972 Noble Decree 1973 Apalachee 1974 Green Dancer 1975 Take Your Place 1976 Sporting Yankee 1977 Dactylographer 1978 Sandy Creek 1979 Hello Gorgeous 1980 Beldale Flutter ( won Benson and Hedges Gold Cup,York in 1981 ) 1981 Count Pahlen 1982 Dunbeath 1983 Alphabatim 1984 Lanfranco 1985 Bakharoff 1986 Reference Point ( won Derby, King George VI Queen Elizabeth and St Leger in 1987 ) 1987 Emmson 1988 Al Hareb 1989 Be My Chief (race run at Newcastle) 1990 Peter Davies 1991 Seattle Rhyme 1992 Armiger 1993 Kings Theatre ( won King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1994 ) 1994 Celtic Swing ( won Prix Du Jockey Club Chantilly in 1995 ) 1995 Beauchamp King 1996 Medaaly 1997 Sartoga Springs 1998 Commander Collins 1999 Aristotle 2000 Dilshaan 2001 High Chaparral ( won Derby, Irish Derby and Breeders Cup Turf in 2002 ) 2002 Brian Bora ( won St Leger in 2003 ) 2003 American Post 2004 Motivator ( won Derby in 2005 ) 2005 Palace Episode ( Dylan Thomas finished 6th ! Look what he has done ) 2006 Authorized ( won Derby in 2007 ) It will be interesting to see if this year's winner is able to progress next season. As you will observe not many winners of this race have gone on to a Group 1 success in the following season, although the trend has started to alter since 2001. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

What a fantastic days racing at Newmarket on Saturday the 20th October. I met up with my old school chums Colin and Peter for the weekend. The weather matched the racing so all in all it was a great weekend break. In the Dewhurst Stakes New Approach showed that he is the best two year old colt around at the moment with a gutsy win. He was given a hard ride by Kevin Manning but responded in true championship fashion. Fast Company ran him very close and like Raven's Pass lost his unbeaten record. In the Champion Stakes Eagle Mountain very nearly proved an able deputy for George Washington but failed by a short head to Literato, from France, who was always holding him cosily. The favourite, Notnowcato, looked as though his hard races this season had caught up with him. The first four home in the Cesarewitch were horses trained by predominantly National Hunt trainers. There were quite a few well backed horses in the race and I am sure if the winner Leg Spinner had not run so poorly at Listowel in Ireland he would have been much shorter than the finishing odds of 14/1. His trainer Tony Martin is a shrewd cookie. Johnny Murtagh gave him a great ride. Johnny Murtagh had a quick fire double by booting home Kitty Matcham in the fillies Rockfel Stakes. She looks a nice prospect for next season together with the second and third, Missit and Royal Confidence. The Jockey Club Cup was won comfortably by Royal and Regal, another from France, trained by that man Andre Fabre for Peter Savill. This race has always been a favourite of mine. I can recall taking my dear friend Dieter to see this race back in 1987. It was his first experience of a race meeting. To him I was the guy who sat in a big office cooking the books, while for me he was a great chef who cooked the food in the kitchens of the leisure group that we were both working for. I went to Newmarket with a strong fancy for Buckley whom I had seen win the Doncaster Cup in the September. Buckley was best on good ground as it was that day. Dieter and I both backed him at 9/1. I could see Ray Cochrane ready to make his move on Buckley as the horses ran into the final furlong. I let out an almighty roar of "come on Buckley" which very nearly knocked Dieter off his feet. Buckley responded impressively and won by two lengths. Dieter was convinced he had heard me and dared not lose. Happy memories. I could have done with a Buckley on Saturday ! However it did not stop us looking up a favourite old watering hole, The White Hart at Great Yeldham, for a very enjoyable dinner after drinks in front of the log fire. Absolute bliss. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

On Saturday the 20th October Newmarket hosts its Champions Day. This is probably the highest class raceday in the British Flat racing calendar. There are two Group 1's, two Group 2's, two Group 3's and the Cesarewitch Handicap making it a seven race card. The £350,000 Group 1 Champion Stakes is for 3 yo's+ run over 10 furlongs. At this early stage George Washington is an intended runner. The other Group 1 is the £250,000 Dewhurst Stakes for 2 yo colts run over 7 furlongs. This is usually a good guide to next years colts classic races. The Group 2 Rockfel Stakes is for 2 yo fillies run over 7 furlongs. This race was won by Finsceal Beo last year, so is a good guide to the fillies classic races next year. The £90,000 Group 2 VC Bet Challenge Stakes is for 3 yo's+ run over 7 furlongs. The two Group 3's are the Jockey Club Stakes for 3 yo's + run over 2 miles and the Igloos Bentwick Stakes for 3 yo's+ run over 6 furlongs. The card is completed with the £160,000 Cesarewitch Handicap for 3 yo's+ run over 2 miles 2 furlongs. At the time of writing this blog Samurai Way is well fancied after humping 10 stone to victory at Ascot at the end of September. Others that I will be looking out for are Enjoy The Moment, Full House and Som Tala. For the runners and riders go to racecards at the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Pipedreamer was an easy winner of the Cambridgeshire on Saturday at Newmarket. He was always travelling well and landed a major public gamble on him. A bit different at Longchamp on Sunday where Authorized was a big disappointment in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He never seemed completely relaxed travelling in last place and when required to move closer there seemed no petrol left in the tank. Dylan Thomas was just the best horse on the day and was given a superb ride by Keiron Fallon. Dylan Thomas has never lost when ridden by Keiron Fallon. Johnny Murtagh rode him to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July. That day Youmzain was four lengths behind him on ground that suited Dylan Thomas much better. The softer ground at Longchamp brought them closer together and very nearly caused an upset. The race was won when Dylan Thomas changed gear and accelerated away from the field, albeit not in a particularly straight line. He has been very consistent all season. The only time he has been beaten this season was over 10 furlongs at Ascot in the Prince of Wales's Stakes where Manduro made him look one paced and then again over 10 furlongs at York in the Juddmonte International where Authorized beat him decisively. Perhaps Authorized had a harder race here than he could stand. After all he did not contest the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes after a hard race in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. It looks as though both horses are now off to stud. As for Youmzain, he has been runner-up in the two most prestigious one and half mile races for 3yo's + in the season and will apparantly be kept in training for next season. He is a credit to the Mick Channon team. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated on 3rd October 1920 and for me it is the greatest flat horse race for horses of all ages run over one and half miles. It is run at Longchamp on the first Sunday in October every year. There have been some truly great winners of this race over the years none more so than Sea Bird II who won in 1965 and Dancing Brave who won in 1986. This year Authorized is, rightly so, a warm favourite to win. On all known form he has the beating of the rest of the field. Only if the going became very heavy things might swing Soldier of Fortune's way. For the race card with the runners and riders go to the sporting life. I have collated the winners since 1959 at the end of the blog for those who want to go down memory lane. It brought back happy memories for me none more so than the 1972 winner San San. Not that I backed her, it was just a great day out organised by the Racegoers' Club. I went with my dear friends Steve and Pete. We saw Allez France (whose Dad was Sea Bird II ) make her racecourse debut over 1 mile. She won easily ridden by Yves Saint-Martin. Also that afternoon Sallust ridden by Joe Mercer won the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp over 1 mile and gave those of us who had travelled over from England something to shout about. Now here are those previous winners since 1959. 1959 Saint Crespin III, 1960 Puissant Chef, 1961 Molvedo, 1962 Soltikoff, 1963 Exbury, 1964 Prince Royal II, 1965 Sea Bird II, 1966 Bon Mot, 1967 Topyo, 1968 Vaguely Noble, 1969 Levmoss, 1970 Sassafras (who beat Nijinsky), 1971 Mill Reef, 1972 San San, 1973 Rheingold (who beat Allez France), 1974 Allez France, 1975 Star Appeal (at 119/1), 1976 Ivanjica, 1977 Alleged, 1978 Alleged, 1979 Three Troikas, 1980 Detroit, 1981 Gold River, 1982 (became sponsored by Trusthouse Forte) Akiyda, 1983 All Along, 1984 Sagace, 1985 Rainbow Quest, 1986 Dancing Brave, 1987 Trempolino, 1988 (became sponsored by Ciga) Tony Bin, 1989 Carroll House, 1990 Saumarez, 1991 Sauve Dancer, 1992 Subotica, 1993 Urban Sea, 1994 (became sponsored by Forte) Carnegie, 1995 Lammtarra, 1996 (now known as the Forte Meridien Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe) Helissio, 1997 Peintre Celebre, 1998 Sagamix, 1999 (now known as it is today as Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucian Barriere) Montjeu, 2000 Sinndar, 2001 Sakhee, 2002 Marienbard, 2003 Dalakhani, 2004 Bago, 2005 Hurricane Run, 2006 Rail Link. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Newmarket Cambridgeshire Meeting gets underway on Thursday 4th October for three days. The showpiece of the meeting is the £160,000 Cambridgeshire Handicap for 3yo's+ run over 9 furlongs on the Saturday. It is the first leg of the Autumn double and is one of the big betting races of the season. After his impressive win at Goodwood, Pipedreamer is all the rage and is the current antepost favourite at 5/1. The in form Luca Cumani stable runs Monte Alto, who was impressive when winning over 10 furlongs at Newbury and River Tiber who was a fast finishing second over 8 furlongs at Ascot last Sunday. Al Khaleej from the Ed Dunlop stable looks an interesting runner and at 20/1 could be worth an eachway bet provided he gets a run. Saturday racing starts with a couple of Group 3 races. First we have the £40,000 Oh So Sharp Stakes for 2yo fillies over 7 furlongs and then the Countrywide Steel and Tubes Joel Stakes for 3yo's+ over 1 mile. These will be followed by the £160,000 Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes for 3yo+ fillies over 1 mile. If the going is right for her (good to firm) we could see Nannina storming up the hill in front. Finsceal Beo would be an interesting runner if sent over from Ireland. Friday at Newmarket sees two Group 1 races with the £170,000 Middle Park Stakes for 2yo colts and the £170,000 Cheveley Park Stakes for 2yo fillies. The winners of these races are always worth looking out for next season when they start their three year old campains. These two races are backed up by the £250,000 Tattesalls October Auction Stakes for 2yo's over 6 furlongs. These are just three races from a nine race card which commences at 13.05 and finishes with the last race at 17.30. A good stamina test for everyone. For your racecards with all the runners and riders go to the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Ascot Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Meeting gets under way on Friday 28th September with the centre piece being the £200,000 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes for 3 yo's + over the one mile round course on Saturday 29th. The Saturday card has two supporting Group races with the £200,000 Group 1 Fillies Mile for 2 yo fillies and the £125,000 Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes for 2 yo's over one mile. As usual Aidan O'Brien has a strong hand in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes with George Washington going for back to back wins. Perhaps he can get his first win of the season. He was a super winner of the race last year. The race is always won by a top class miler as can be seen from previous winners from past years. The race was first run in 1955 and I have collated all the winners since 1959 at the end of the blog for those who want to go down memory lane. Of course it was Saturday's card in 1996 that Frankie Dettori rode all seven winners. The accumulator odds on the seven winners came to 25095/1 and broke quite a few bookmakers. Andre Fabre sends over the 1000 Guineas favourite Proviso for the Fillies Mile. It will be interesting to see how good she is. There are two Group races on the Sunday with the £90,000 Group 2 Diadem Stakes, a sprint for 3 yo's+ over 6 furlongs and the £50,000 Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes for 3 yo's+ over one and half miles. Young Mick who won the Cumberland Lodge last year makes his seasonal reappearance in this race. Balthazaar's Gift from the in form Luca Cumani stable will be an interesting runner in the Diadem Stakes. For the racecards with the runners and riders go to the sporting life. Now here are those previous winners of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes since 1959. 1959 Rosalba, 1960 Sovereign Path (run at Newbury), 1961 Le Levanstell, 1962 Romulus, 1963 The Creditor (run at Newbury again), 1964 Linacre, 1965 Derring-Do, 1966 Hill Rise, 1967 Reform, 1968 World Cup, 1969 Jimmy Reppin, 1970 Welsh Pageant, 1971 Brigadier Gerard, 1972 Brigadier Gerard, 1973 Jan Ekels, 1974 No Meeting (as heavy rain waterlogged course), 1975 Rose Bowl, 1976 Rose Bowl, 1977 Trusted, 1978 Homing, 1979 Kris, 1980 Known Fact, 1981 To-Agori-Mou, 1982 Buzzards Bay, 1983 Sackford, 1984 Teleprompter, 1985 Shadeed, 1986 Sure Blade, 1987 Milligram, 1988 Warning, 1989 Zilzal, 1990 Mark of Distinction, 1991 Selkirk, 1992 Lahib, 1993 Bigstone, 1994 Maroof, 1995 Bahri, 1996 Mark of Esteem, 1997 Air Express, 1998 Desert Prince, 1999 Dubai Millennium, 2000 Observatory, 2001 Summoner, 2002 Where or When, 2003 Falbrav, 2004 Rakti, 2005 Starcraft, 2006 George Washington. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

ATR gave the armchair viewer a real treat by covering all the races from Doncaster over the four days. Channel 4's coverage of four races on Friday and Saturday was as usual excellent. Highlight on Friday was Septimus showing what a good stayer he is by winning the Doncaster Cup. He looks a ready made replacement for Yeats when he has finished racing. As expected Yeats won the Irish St Leger for Aidan O'Brien but only after a struggle with his stable companion Scorpion. The Aidan O'Brien quartet had to watch Lucarno win the Doncaster St Leger. He was clearly the best horse on the day but I cannot help thinking if the race was run again we would have a different result. Macarthur was hemmed in against the rails when looking full of running and even clipped Mahler's heels which did not help his run to the line. Johnny Murtagh considered the pace was not quick enough for Honolulu when interviewed after the race. It was certainly Lucarno's finishing speed that won him the race. John Gosden stated that Lucarno would be kept to the mile and half races next year. Also at Doncaster, where the crowds were huge on Saturday, Fullanby won the Portland Sprint and could follow up under a penalty in the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday 22nd September. At the Curragh on Sunday New Approach showed he was something special when winning the National Stakes. He is now ante-post favourite for next years 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Over in France on Sunday Passage of Time showed that she does stay one and half miles when running third in the Prix Vermeille. The excuse for her Oaks flop was that she did not stay. As usual the Arc trials were not very conclusive. Manduro beat Mandesha in the Prix Foy. Unfortunately Manduro's racing career has been curtailed through an injury sustained in the race. Andre Fabre has stated that he was the best horse he has trained. Some compliment considering the good horses he has trained over the years. Soldier of Fortune won the Prix Niel. It will be interesting to see who Aidan O'Brien runs in the Arc. He has Soldier of Fortune who would be helped by softish ground, Dylan Thomas, Peeping Fawn and possibly Yeats. It is building up into an interesting race in Paris on Sunday 7th October where Authorized remains the ante-post favourite. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Racing returns to Doncaster racecourse on Wednesday 12th September after a huge redevelopment sees a new grandstand which will be opened by the Princess Royal before racing. The feature race on Wednesday will be the £300,000 St Leger 2 yo Stakes over 6 furlongs. Thursday has the £100,000 Park Hill Stakes as its main race. This is also known as the fillies St Leger as it is for 3 yo's+ over the St Leger distance. There are a couple of good supporting races with the £75,000 May Hill Stakes, a race for 2 yo's over 1 mile, and the Septre Stakes, a race for 3 yo's+ over 7 furlongs. Friday has the Group 2 £100,00 Doncaster Cup as its main race. This race is for 3 yo's+ over two and quarter miles. Another Group 2, the £75,000 Flying Childers Stakes, a race for 2 yo's over 5 furlongs will also be run on Friday. Saturday looks as though it will be a fabulous afternoons racing. The £180,000 Group 1 St Leger Stakes will be supported by the Group 2 £100,000 Champagne Stakes, a race for 2 yo's over 7 furlongs, the Group 2 £100,000 GNER Park Stakes, a race for 3 yo's+ over 7 furlongs and the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap, a sprint for 3 yo's+ over 5 furlongs with prize money of £75,000. After his terrific run on only his fourth race course appearance in the Ebor at York, Honolulu is a worthy favourite for the Group 1 St Leger Stakes. Provided he has recovered from those excertions he should win the St Leger Stakes on Saturday. For those who want to travel down memory lane I have collated all the winners of the race since 1959 when I had my first experience of the St Leger. For all the runners and riders go to racecards at the sporting life. I left King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford in 1958 and was made to get a proper job not long after that. I had to join the local firm of Marconi Wireless and Telegraph and train as an Accountant. In those days when you joined a firm it was a job for life. Not much chance of that with me. When I started work I was given a desk next to a quiet unassuming guy who seemed to have an awful lot of visitors. They all passed him brown envelopes and some would be back to collect further brown envelopes. Yes, they had given me a desk next to the companies' bookies runner. What chance had I got ? It was obviously easy to get a bet on. I could complete my weeks work on a Monday, had a day off for college on a Wednesday and spend the other three days trying to look busy. Plenty of time to study form. I have mentioned in an earlier blog how I was taken to Ascot in 1959 to see the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. That day I backed Cantelo who finished fourth to Alcide who had won the St Leger Stakes the previous season. She was a three year old filly owned by bookmaker William Hill. Her next run was in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster where she appeared to be given an easy race and was beaten when she should have won easily. Two days later she lined up against the colts in the St Leger Stakes and won the race by a length and a half from Fidalgo who had finished second to Parthia in the Derby that season. The victory sparked a certain amount of vocal disapproval when she entered the winners enclosure. The owner being a bookmaker did not help matters. There were rumblings of sharp practice, but it was more of jockey error in riding tactics in the Park Hill Stakes on the Thursday. All of this did not bother me as I had remained faithful to her and placed a bet with the bookies runner at 100/7. I became very bored with working at Marconi's and left them in 1960. The experience was not all bad as it was here that I met my wife Brenda. I certainly backed a winner there. The St Leger Stakes was first run in 1776, the first winner being Allabaculla. Here are the winners since 1959. 1959 Cantelo, 1960 St Paddy, 1961 Aurelius, 1962 Hethersett, 1963 Ragusa, 1964 Indiana, 1965 Provoke, 1966 Sodium, 1967 Ribocco, 1968 Ribero, 1969 Intermezzo, 1970 Nijinsky, 1971 Athens Wood, 1972 Boucher, 1973 Peleid, 1974 Bustino, 1975 Bruni, 1976 Crow, 1977 Dunfermline, 1978 Julio Mariner, 1979 Son of Love, 1980 Light Cavalry, 1981 Cut Above, 1982 Touching Wood, 1983 Sun Princess, 1984 Commanche Run (race now sponsored by Holsten Pils), 1985 Oh So Sharp, 1986 Moon Madness, 1987 Reference Point, 1988 Minster Son, 1989 Michelozzo (run at Ayr as Doncaster ground unsafe), 1990 Snurge, 1991 Toulon (sponsor now Coalite), 1992 User Friendly, 1993 Bobs Return, 1994 Moonax (sponsor now Teleconnection), 1995 Classic Cliche (sponsor now Pertemps), 1996 Shantou, 1997 Silver Patriarch, 1998 Nedawi, 1999 Mutafaweq (sponsor now Rothmans Royals), 2000 Millenary, 2001 Milan, 2002 Bollin Eric, 2003 Brian Boru (sponsor now Seabiscuit), 2004 Rule of Law (sponsor now Betfair), 2005 Scorpion (sponsor now Ladbrokes), 2006 Sixties Icon. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

If Sakee's Secret turns up in the same form as at Newmarket for the July Cup then he should win the Haydock Sprint Cup. This race was inaugurally run in 1966 as the Vernons November Sprint Cup, a race over 6 furlongs for competitors of all ages. The race was the brain child of John Hughes to be run on the lines of Longchamp's Prix de L'Abbaye. In 1966 the race was won by Sir Peter O'Sullivans two year old Be Friendly. He went on to win the race again in 1967. The race was fogged off in 1968 when he was well fancied to complete a hat trick of wins. In 1970 the race was moved to be run at the end of October and then in 1979 moved again to be run in September before Longchamp's Prix de L'Abbaye. For all the runners and riders for this years race go to racecards at the sporting life. For those who want to go down memory lane I have collated all the winners since its conception in 1966. 1966 Be Friendly, 1967 Be Friendly, 1968 No race, 1969 Tudor Music, 1970 Golden Orange, 1971 Green God, 1972 Abergwaun, 1973 The Blues, 1974 Princely Son, 1975 Lianga, 1976 Record Token, 1977 Boldboy, 1978 Absalom ( I was on at 20/1 ), 1979 Double Form, 1980 Moorstyle, 1981 Runnett, 1982 Indian King, 1983 Habibti, 1984 Petong, 1985 Orojoya, 1986 Green Desert, 1987 Ajdal, 1988 Dowsing, 1989 Danehill ( the race became known as the Ladbroke Sprint Cup), 1990 Dayjur, 1991 Polar Falcon, 1992 Sheikh Albadou (no sponsor of the race), 1993 Wolfhound ( race now known as Hazlewood Foods Sprint Cup), 1994 Lavinia Fontana (no race sponsor), 1995 Cherokee Rose, 1996 Iktamal, 1997 Royal Applause, 1998 Tamarisk (race now sponsored by Stanley Leisure) 1999 Diktat, 2000 Pipalong, 2001 Nuclear Debate, 2002 Invincible Spirit, 2003 Somnus, 2004 Tante Rose, 2005 Goodricke (race sponsored by William Hill), 2006 Reverence (race now called Betfred Sprint Cup as it is this year). For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Once again Channel 4's coverage of four races each day was excellent. The highlight for me was the lovely Emma Spencer interviewing her husband Jamie after he had won the Ebor Handicap on the handicap good thing Purple Moon. I wonder what they talk about at night ? Seriously though, congratulations must go the Luca Cumani team for improving the horse after an unsuccessful spell over hurdles. The Ebor is the richest handicap in the world and the Cumani stable was winning it for the third time since 1999. On only his fourth appearance on a racecourse Honolulu ran a tremendous race for a three year old. On 9 stone 2 pounds he only carried two pounds less than Purple Moon and was only beaten 3/4 of a length. Those two were 2 and 1/2 lengths in front of everything else. I wonder if Aidan O'Brien will run him in the St. Leger ? Peeping Fawn was running her tenth race of the season in the Yorkshire Oaks and is another horse that has improved with every run. She is tough, consistent and acts on any going. Will she run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe ? I would rather be taking the 7/1 about her winning than the 2/1 about Authorized. He reversed Eclipse placings with Notnowcato and beat Dylan Thomas the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner. At Royal Ascot over 10 furlongs Manduro beat Dylan Thomas and Notnowcato. It is building up for an intriguing race in France at the beginning of October. Lucarno was a good winner of the Great Voltigeur and is probably going for the St Leger but as already mentioned I would rather be on Honolulu. The lightly raced Septimus returned to winning ways in the Lonsdale Cup. He looks a ready made staying replacement for the Coolmore team when Yeats has finished his racing. For the first time in fifteen years the Nunthorpe Stakes was won by a two year old in Kingsgate Native who happened to still be a maiden. The generous weight for age allowance was highlighted by Jim McGrath of Timeform when discussing the race with John Francome. The next big race to look forward to will be the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup over six furlongs on Saturday 8th September. Sakhee's Secret is a antepost favourite for this and it is difficult to see him getting beat if he turns up in the same form as at Newmarket. For all your racecards with the runners and riders go to the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The superb York Ebor Festival gets underway next Tuesday 21st August with the Group 1 Juddmonte International for 3yo's+ over one mile two furlongs being the feature race with prize money of £525,000 making it the richest race of the three days. This could be a re-run of the Eclipse with Authorized, Notnowcato and George Washington all due to run. There are two supporting Group races with the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes for 3yo colts and geldings run over one and a half miles with prize money of £135,000 and the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup for 3yo's+ with prize money of £125,000 run over two miles in which the blogger hopes Distinction runs well. Wednesday is Ebor day, the richest handicap run in Europe. The race is for 3yo's+ run over one mile six furlongs with prize money of £200,000. It is always very competitive and is still one of my favourite races to watch and try and find the winner. I will go into more detail about the race in another blog. One of the supporting races will be the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks run over one and a half miles for 3yo's+ fillies and mares. This race has prize money of £290,000. The other Group race is the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes for 2yo colts over six furlongs with prize money of £130,000. Thursday has the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes for 2yo's+ run over 5 furlongs as the feature race. This race carries prize money of £220,000. Also on the card will be the St Leger Yearling Stakes run over six furlongs which will carry prize money of £300,000 and the Group 2 Lowther Stakes for 2yo fillies run over six furlongs with prize money of £85,000. For your racecards with all the runners and riders go to the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

Well the sun certainly shone for most of the five days at Goodwood. Channel 4's coverage of four races each day was excellent. Their next big meeting to cover will be the Ebor meeting at York. On Tuesday at Goodwood Tariq was a good winner of the Betfair Cup over 7 furlongs. His trainer, Peter Chapple-Hyam, is comparing him favourably with Dutch Art who is also in his care. Wednesday belonged mainly to Godolphin. Their Rio de la Plata was an exciting winner of the Vintage Stakes and followed up his easy victory at the Newmarket July meeting. Ramonti proved what a tough horse he is with his win in the Sussex Stakes. Thursday belonged to Ryan Moore who rode four winners including Allegretto who won the Goodwood Cup for the Michael Stoute stable. Their other runner, Distinction, ran a nice race after a long time off the track and will now go for the Lonsdale Cup at York's Ebor meeting. Friday saw Third Set follow up his Ascot success and run away with the Totesport Mile. Saturday belonged to Peeping Fawn who was mighty impressive in the Nassau Stakes. She showed that a good horse can go on any ground. There was a super finish to the Stewards Cup with Zidane just getting the nod over Borderlescott who very nearly won the race for the second year. He and Balthazaar's Gift who ran a cracking race under top weight paid a huge complement to Sakhee's Secret who had them behind him at Newmarket. Likewise over in France on Sunday Marchand D'Or reversed Newmarket placings with Dutch Art. They were second and fourth to Sakhee's Secret in the July Cup. Difficult to see Sakhee's Secret getting beat this season. For all the latest runners and riders go to racecards at the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".

The Glorious Goodwood Meeting gets under way tomorrow Tuesday 31st July 2007 with the Group 2 Betfair Cup over 7 furlongs for three year olds + as the feature race. Also on the card is the Group 3 Gordon Stakes for three year olds over one and a half miles and the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes for two year olds over 5 furlongs. Wednesday sees the Group 1 Sussex Stakes for 3 year olds + over 1 mile as the feature race, backed up by the Group 2 Vintage Stakes for two year olds over 7 furlongs. Aidan O'Brien appears to hold the keys to the Sussex Stakes. The Group 2 Goodwood Cup for 3 year olds + over two miles is my favourite race and is the feature race on Thursday. Geordieland ran second to Yeats in this race last year and second to Yeats in this year's Ascot Gold Cup. With Yeats not running this time perhaps Geordieland can go one better. Distinction has been off the course for a long time but has apparantly been pleasing connections at home. Third Set was impressive at Ascot on Saturday and could win the Totesport Mile which is the feature race on Friday. Expect a lot of runners for this race. The Group 2 Richmond Stakes for two year olds over six furlongs is one of the supporting races along with the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes for fillies over 7 furlongs. On Saturday we may well see Mandesha make her first trip to Britain and contest the Group 3 Nassau Stakes for 3 year old + fillies and mares over ten furlongs. She has won three Group 1 races in France. The big betting race of the day will be the Stewards Cup, a six furlong sprint handicap for 3 year olds+. The location of Goodwood racecourse is magnificent, especially on a sunny day. I have only made a few visits there myself over the years. The first time I went was in 1963. I remember No Fiddling with Jimmy Lindley aboard winning the first race which set me up for the rest of the day. Tiger trained by Sir Gordon Richards won the Gordon Stakes that afternoon. As I have said on other blogs it seems easy to remember winners over the years but you quickly forget the losers ! For the racecards with the runners and riders visit the sporting life. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".