Flat Racing
Nineteen horses were confirmed at the six day stage for the 2021 Epsom Derby and as usual Aidan O’Brien is well represented with six horse currently set to run. Three sires, Galileo, Frankel and Camelot dominate the leading contenders and we have summarised their prospects and likelihood of staying...
The 1981 Derby, the 202nd renewal of the classic, saw an odds on favourite in Shergar take on 17 rivals, in what was a typically big field in those days. What was notable was there was not a single Irish runner in the race, with two French raiders, although...
At the weekend the six day entries were confirmed for the Oaks at Epsom on Friday. Fifteen horses remain, including the usual strong contingent from Ballydoyle. We analyse the fillies most likely to land the big prize on the Downs. DIVINELY Did win a Group 3 at the Curragh...
We are always guaranteed to get some strong trials at York’s Dante meeting and we saw some likely Classic challengers in the two big trial races on the Knavesmire this week. Wednesday’s Musidora threw up a convincing winner in SNOWFALL. She looked pretty exposed after a juvenile career that...
Chester selections Friday 7th May Chester stages the final day of its big May meeting and the Chester Cup highlights both the Friday card and the meeting as a whole. No jockey rides the track better than Franny Norton and I think he can follow up his win in...
Chester selections Thursday 6th May Day Two at Chester and there is more of a focus on the older horses this afternoon. I have selections for the two handicaps for the seniors, with the same trainers followed yesterday entrusted with our choices for Thursday. Pivoting was placed for the...
Chester selections Wednesday 5th May After the loss of the Chester May meeting last year, it is a welcome return to the Roodee and their big three day fixture of the season. The traditional highlight the Chester Cup is a Friday feature nowadays, and I have my eye on...
The Ebor Festival at York begins on the Knavesmire today and though there is no rematch between Crystal Ocean, who goes in today’s Juddmonte International, and Enable who runs in Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks, day one has some interesting fare. 2.25 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3) Ten 2yo horses go...
The traditional late August Ebor meeting from York is on this week, which always brings to mind a trip to the Knavesmire in 1992, where Lester Piggott wowed the crowds with his Juddmonte International victory on Rodrigo De Triano. One day during the Hallowe’en half-term holidays in 1985, my...
An eyewatering €855,000 is on offer to the winner of Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the revamped Curragh racecourse. Last year provided a great story as Joseph O’Brien beat his father Aidan with Latrobe. This year 86-year-old Kevin Prendergast has a lively contender in Madhmoon, but Ballydoyle...
