Author: James Dooley

The National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell promises an exhilarating clash as established hurdlers gear up to face off in a renewal of rivalries. Among the key contenders lining up for this significant race, Nemean Lion, Salver, and Blueking D’Oroux are notably capturing attention. With £100,000 on the line, the stakes are high, and the field is ripe with anticipation. The British jump racing scene has found a fresh breath with the revival of intermediate hurdle races, exemplified by the notable Berkshire Million meeting. Previously, the options for recognized hurdlers in intermediate distances were limited, but that gap has been amply…

Joe Tizzard, with his horses pounding the turf, returns to the scene filled with memories—the Cheltenham Festival. Known for his impressive feats both on the saddle and behind the stable doors, Joe is a name that echoes across the racing landscape. As a jockey, he led four to victory, including cues that cued his success: Cue Card and Flagship Uberalles among them. Now, wielding the trainer’s crop, he looks to carve out a fresh legacy under his own name at Spurles Stables, drawing from a well of past triumphs like his father Colin’s reign with Native River and Thistlecrack.But, as…

The thunder of hooves will soon echo across the deserts of Riyadh as the world’s richest horse race, the 2025 Saudi Cup, gallops into view. Held on Saturday, February 22nd, this extraordinary event promises not only a hefty purse but also a dazzling display of equine talent from around the globe. Where and When to Catch the Action The event will take place at the legendary King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For UK aficionados, the race unfurls at 5:40 pm GMT, offering a prime time slot for an evening of racing thrills. Whether you’re parked in front of…

Start your engines, or rather, your horses for the much-anticipated Lingfield races this February 20th, 2025. With the crisp air and thundering hooves, the racing experts are weighing in with insightful predictions. Today, we’re diving deep into three standout races at Lingfield, each promising its unique spectacle of speed, strategy, and stamina. Rula Bula Gears Up for Redemption in the 14:05 Race Emerging from the Jonjo & A J O’Neill stable, Rula Bula, a six-year-old with an impressive track record, is certainly drawing attention. Last season, she cut a striking figure in bumpers and claimed victory on her hurdles debut…

Welcome to today’s in-depth look at the races in Newcastle, where our seasoned experts bring decades of experience and insight to provide you with the most informed tips for February 20th, 2025. Whether it’s the rhythmic thundering down the stretch or the dynamic positions changing throughout the race, we’ll keep you abreast of the latest happenings on the track. Sugar Baby: A Contender to Watch – 17:30 Race Sugar Baby, from the trusted stable of Peter Niven, is set to make waves in today’s 17:30 race at Newcastle. This seasoned seven-year-old has not only gallivanted through the course with confidence…

A retired trainer’s eye always catches the subtle signs, and the 2:35 pm race at Lingfield Park paints a vivid picture for those in tune with the rhythms of equine sport. In this Class 5 handicap chase spanning nearly three miles, Summer In Milan steps onto the scene, poised to capitalize on both form and favorable conditions. This six-year-old gelding’s potential shines through like a beacon, drawing us back to his last performance when he clinched a respectable third place after stretching his legs at Fontwell. That outing displayed his stamina and willingness—a horse that dances on his toes right…

It was a poignant scene in Shropshire as the legendary Grand National winner, Neptune Collonges, stood at the forefront of a heartfelt tribute to his late owner, John Hales, during his funeral service at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church. The stunning grey horse graced the proceedings, honoring the memory of the man who dedicated much of his life to the sport of kings. Neptune Collonges, who claimed victory in the closest-ever finish at the 2012 Grand National, made a striking impression as he led the funeral procession. Attendees, including racing icons and sports legends like Sir Alex Ferguson, trainers Paul Nicholls…

Lilly Pinchin, a rising star in horse racing, finds herself at home with her beloved animals in the serene Cotswolds. On a rainy February afternoon, she relaxes in her family’s farmhouse, surrounded by a menagerie of animals. Her two Jack Russells, Noodles and Rufus, are particularly close to her heart, often referred to as her “carers” by her mother. These animals provide Pinchin with a sense of peace and stability in her otherwise busy life.Pinchin boasts an impressive collection of animals that includes horses, dogs, ducks, chickens, cats, and even a rescued peacock named Percy. These animals bring her comfort…

The world of Cumbrian horse racing was momentarily jolted off its smooth track last November when veteran trainer Nicky Richards experienced a harrowing fall during a morning gallop. Prone on the damp ground, he faced a grim roster of injuries: a shoulder broken, ribs snapped, and a pelvis cracked like fine china. Yet, true to his unyielding grit, Richards has pledged to shake off the dust and, as folks would put it, “get back on the horse.”With a seasoned eye for life’s veiled fortunes, the Greystoke handler — a stalwart figure in the racing sphere — has been the recipient…

In the exhilarating world of UK horse racing, River Run Free has certainly made a name for himself with another victorious performance in Leicester, claiming his second straight win over fences. The six-year-old galloper, under the skilled guidance of Jack Tudor, has shown that larger obstacles are no hurdle for his courage and skill in the handicap field. His latest achievement highlights his rising star status, and hints at a promising future where even greater stamina tests lie ahead. Stable Stars Shine Across the Board The stable has enjoyed a series of robust performances beyond River Run Free’s spectacle. Vision…