Author: James Dooley

Il Est Francais, the talented seven-year-old who gave a solid showing as the runner-up in the King George VI Chase, has been withdrawn from the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup during the latest forfeit stage on Tuesday, February 4. The decision by connections Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm leaves this promising steed in two other notable races: the Ryanair Chase and the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, allowing the horse other competitive options at the Cheltenham Festival. The plot thickens as the field for the Gold Cup slightly narrows. Hopes were already sky high with Galopin Des Champs labeled as…

Ben Pauling, a seasoned trainer with an eye for promising talent, is making strategic choices for his Grade 1-winning novice chaser, Handstands. This decision sees him skipping the renowned Cheltenham Festival, opting instead to aim for Aintree in April. With muscle and grit, Handstands carved a name at the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase by outpacing Jango Baie. Pauling is honing in on the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree next, eyeing races like Kempton’s King George VI Chase as future milestones. Pauling relishes in Handstands’ resilience post-victory, noting the horse’s robust recovery. ‘He’s bounced out of Saturday – you…

Willie Mullins, the seasoned trainer whose reputation precedes him in the world of horse racing, has opted to withdraw four of his prized horses from the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. This unexpected move has stirred the racing community, especially as it includes a Gold Cup contender who has been praised for his natural affinity over fences. The renowned trainer, with an eye for reading the subtleties of each horse’s readiness, made these decisions at the latest scratching stage, a critical juncture before the festival’s action unfolds next month. Embassy Gardens Scratched Despite Promising Performance Among the horses Mullins pulled, Embassy Gardens…

The seasoned trainer Gavin Cromwell is gearing up for an unforgettable spectacle at Cheltenham this year, assembling his largest team yet to take on the challenging course.David Ord was on the ground in Ireland, capturing the sights and sounds of Cromwell’s bustling yard, where preparations are in full swing for the prestigious event. Known for their impressive performance, Cromwell’s team is set to make waves with an astounding 34 entries planned over the festival’s four days.Horses to Watch: Sixandahalf and StumptownThe Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle will see the talented Sixandahalf, a shining star in Cromwell’s lineup. Described by the trainer…

On a crisp Wednesday morning, the buzz of anticipation surrounds the much-anticipated races at Ludlow and Sedgefield. As the trainers lead their steeds through morning workouts, one can almost hear the thundering of hooves echoing across the tracks. Longtime racing enthusiast Tom Lunn has sifted through the form guides, scrutinizing the going and jockey partnerships to deliver his select picks of the day. Sedgefield Spotlight: Tom Creen at 2.35 Tipping his hat to the stamina and spirit of Tom Creen, Lunn illuminates the ten-year-old gelding’s remarkable season. Despite being a veteran, this son of Yeats remains in sterling condition. Tom…

Renowned horse trainer Mick Halford has announced his decision to retire, bringing a close to a remarkable career spanning over four decades. With a storied history in the horse racing industry, Halford is best known for his achievements at Group 1 races and the prestigious Royal Ascot, having trained his first winners at an astonishingly young age, and cementing his status among the sport’s elite.The announcement marks the end of his fruitful collaboration with Tracey Collins, as Halford plans to hang up his boots before the start of the 2025 turf season. Since 2023, the two have worked under a…

As the dusk settles over the Wolverhampton racecourse, the anticipation of races to come electrifies the air. With a series of intriguing events lined up, there’s plenty to captivate horse racing enthusiasts this evening. Following a careful analysis of each contender’s past performances and current form, seasoned insights lead us to highlight the most promising prospects in today’s races. Wolverhampton Selections The evening kicks off at 16:27 with the Alpine Trail. Unfazed by a previous setback, this potential star from Staffordshire possesses the talent to improve significantly, especially under the experienced care of renowned trainer Charlie Appleby. Watchers are hopeful…

In the bustling world of horse racing, a seasoned trainer knows that a strategic wager can make all the difference on race day. One such bet that’s long charmed racing enthusiasts is the Lucky 15. True to its name, the Lucky 15 comprises 15 distinct bets across four carefully chosen horses in different races. This combination includes four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and a single fourfold accumulator. For punters, this bet structure means that even if only one of the chosen horses wins, a return is secured—a remarkable buffer that keeps the spirit of hope alive at the track.…

Sir Gino, the magnificent equine athlete under the care of esteemed trainer Nicky Henderson, is set to make waves this weekend with two enticing racing options on the table. With his eyes set on glory, Sir Gino is eyeing either the William Hill Game Spirit Chase at Newbury or the Kingmaker at Warwick. This talented horse has caught the racing world’s attention, particularly after his dazzling victory over Ballyburn at Kempton during the festive season.A swiftly rising star, Sir Gino has already become a hot favorite for the Arkle at Cheltenham—a testament to his burgeoning prowess on the track. According…

State Man once again made his mark at the Irish Champion Hurdle during the Dublin Racing Festival, making it three in a row. As the horses thundered down the stretch, it was clear that the contest promised a thrilling showdown. With only a handful of runners, the race was set to be a strategic battle between State Man and his stablemate, Lossiemouth, the favorite from the same stable.In a spectacle resembling a chess match on horseback, Lossiemouth took the lead under the skilled guidance of Danny Mullins. State Man, staying alert in close attendance, seemed to dance on his toes…