He Who Pays The Piper

One of the talking points within racing over the last week has been the decision of journalist and columnist Paul Haigh to leave the Racing Post after 23 years.

“The agenda of Britain's only racing/sports newspaper is now being dictated entirely by its main advertisers," he said in an interview with The Guardian.

"Almost all the racing media is now under the effective editorial control of the bookmakers either because bookmaker advertising is essential to their survival, or because other racing correspondents have been made aware of, er, the side on which their bread is buttered."

The only real surprise is that some are surprised at what Haigh says.

Of course the defensive wagons have been circling at the Post’s headquarters at Canary Wharf and the Post’s editor has been quick to condemn Haigh and the senior hacks have begun a whispering campaign to discredit him. Both of which are to be expected.

After all if editor Bruce Millington were to say the truth and confirm what Haigh said is absolutely true then he would be the next one out of the door at Canary Wharf.

I worked in the IT industry for 20 years, the last twenty in the insurance and banking sector.

For the final half dozen years I worked in what was called a Relationship Management role. The role was an interface between the IT department and the users of the IT systems – i.e. the business areas and, ultimately, the banks customers.

Sounds grand but the job was effectively that of a spin doctor. The usual scenario being IT cocked up and our role was to limit the damage and of course never admit there had been a “cock-up” unless there was no other choice.

Of course the business users were not stupid and able to “read between the lines” and as long as we were honest “off the record” there was a general acceptance these things happen.

Occasionally there would be the occasional senior manager, even Director who would get fed up with the constant cover-ups and speak out. However there bravery came at a price and no matter how good they were it signaled the end of their career in the bank.

There was one exceptionally good Head of Banking, very competent, plenty of good ideas. He had the temerity to question the ability of the IT department to deliver (justifiably so) and he dared raise it at an executive board meeting. The IT director (who was also very close to the Chief Exec and Chairman) took umbrage and within a week it was announce the Head Of Banking was looking to further his career elsewhere. His crime – speaking the truth.

Of course, to the outside world, nothing was ever admitted. Even when a new IT system that had not been completed properly or fully tested was implemented because senior management has decreed it would go live on a certain day - there was never an admission as to what had happened.

So yes I understand Mr. Millington’s public pronouncements that the bookmakers have no editorial control over what happens in the Post or that the Post is “soft” on bookmakers.

However anyone working in the industry knows it is true.

I once heard one of the representatives of a leading bookmaker say, “the Post will not be a problem, we are a major advertiser and have an influence.”

My personal belief is the problem is not the influence of the advertisers per-se, it is the lack of credible competition.

If there was a decent competitor the Post would have to take news gathering much more seriously. Currently it does not need to. It can take the easy option.

It could, if it wanted to, also stand up to the bookmakers. Although the bookmakers may bluster and feel they can dictate if the Post stood up to them what would they do?

Does anybody seriously think a major bookmaker would stop advertising in the paper because the paper did not tow the line?

Of course not. Although the post needs the advertisers the advertisers need the Post just as much.

It is a symbiotic relationship. A parasite and a host, the only area of debate is which one is which?

It is a pity the Post management do not have the desire to produce more (any) investigative journalism. Indeed, if word on the street is to be believed, the Post will actually be reducing the number of journalists it employs and moving towards using input from the PA.

What is really needed is some viable competition to the Post.

Until such time and until there is a strong management at the Post it will be a case of “he who pays the piper, calls the tune” and the only ones who will benefit from that are the pipers.

Going Into Disrepute

Not for the first time I find myself writing about going reports that have a basis more in the realms of fantasy as opposed to the real world.

The latest course to seemingly make a mockery with their going reports is Haydock Park. The feature race of the afternoon had twelve overnight declarations, only five went to post.

I will imagine the race sponsors were mightily impressed.

Had there been some tropical monsoon which turned the ground into a quagmire? Nope

Was there some freaky, unpredictable, microclimate in the Newton La Willows area? Nope

Was it the original Good, Good to soft in places going report given by the course, turned out to be a complete work of fiction? Probably

There was no tropical heatwave at Haydock yet between the first and second race the official going changed from the aforementioned good, good to soft in places to good, good to firm in places. Think about it that, is a significant change.

Did the conditions really change that much in half an hour? Unlikely, as if the ground was drying that fast then surely it would have been something like titanium hard by the final race.

Could it be the course gave a more “favourable” going report to attract bigger fields? Who knows?

If that was the case are they that naive to think they would not be rumbled?

What can be gained by giving inaccurate going reports? Haydock are now coming under attack from all quarters and I have to say the criticism.

If I was an owner or trainer who had sent a runner to Haydock, only to have to withdraw it because of the unsuitable ground then I would be knocking on their door demanding reimbursement of my travelling costs.

So how do we resolve this situation?

The first thing we must do is take away provision of the going reports away from the courses themselves. They re not in a position to look at the situation objectively.

Now I am not saying all courses are liberal with their going descriptions but there are many courses where going reports are taking with a huge pinch of salt. Many Clerks Of Courses are refreshingly honest, however too many come under pressure from course management to give, how shall I put it, favourable reports.

The provision of going reports should be taken out of the hands of the individual courses and handed over to a central BHA team. All going reports should be based entirely on going stick reports and the going stick readings should be made in an approved manner, supervised by an independent observer.

I recall being told of one going stick demonstration where attendees were actually told how to use the stick in such a way as to obtain a “favourable” reading, including actually seeking out false patches of ground.

If racing carries on producing such inaccurate going reports and nothing is done about it then, once again, the credibility of our sport will be called into question.

Another Fine Festival

For most of us who love the jumping game the pinnacle of the racing year takes place over four days each March is a delightful corner of Gloucestershire, near a small village called Prestbury - the meeting more widely known after the name of the nearby town – Cheltenham.

It is a recent innovation to move the Festival to four days, some still wish it was spread over three days and that having the extra day dilutes the Festival. I don’t think it does, the extra races are competitive handicaps and they give an opportunity for decent horses to run at Cheltenham, who would not otherwise get a run.

Indeed it could be argued, over the years, some of the lowest rated horses to have run at Cheltenham have run in the Championship races. Races in which they have no chance of winning, but are entered solely for the vanity of their owners.

Anyway that is by the by, we have a four day festival and I have relished every moment of it – well almost all.

On the equine front we have seen more than out fair share of shocks with some very fancied runners being turned over – even in the Championship races in which Binocular and Kasbah Bliss were turned over in the Smurfit Kappa Champion and Ladbrokes World Hurdles respectively. Being beaten fairly and squarely by Punjabi and Big Bucks respectively.

Of course the other two championship races went to the stars, with Master Minded winning the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, albeit with a below par performance but still winning by seven lengths. The runner-up’s performance was also a particularly emotional one with ten-year-old Well Chief overcoming a near two year absence.

The Totesport Gold Cup also produced an emotional 1-2. Kauto Star put in a near faultless performance to become the first horse to regain the Cup. Equally emotional was Denman coming home in second place, finally showing he has seemingly recovered from his cardiac problems and his dire performance at Kempton was a one off.

After the race it was one of those occasions where the runner-up received as many cheers as the winner.

Of course looking ahead it raises, assuming trouble free preparations, the potential of a decider between Denman and Kauto Star – what a prospect?

Away from the Championship races there were some inspirational performances.

Tony McCoy getting Wichita Lineman home on Tuesday showed why he is the greatest jockey – no other jockey would have got the horse home.

In the preceding race Forpaddydeplasterer received one of those welcomes that only the Irish can provide and you would have to have a heart of stone not to have been pleased for connections.

Appropriately on Thursday, Ladies Day, Venetia Williams had a magnificent 277/1 double with Kayf Aramis and Something Wells and , for good measure, she also trained the runner-up of Something Wells race.

We also saw some future stars – Dunquib was a very impressive winner of the Bumper, arguably the best performance of the four days.

The Queen made a rare visit to Cheltenham on Friday mainly to see her runner Barbers Shop compete in the Gold Cup. Of course there was not a Royal winner – imagine the response had there been one!!

Despite the credit crunch the crowds were not down that much and betting turnover was pretty much as expected.

The Cheltenham crowds are legendary with a massive Irish invasion. The black stuff flows – literally most of the puddles in the village were spilled stout as opposed to water.

The good aspect is although the beer flows the atmosphere is still pretty good, somewhat noisy though.

There was a band performing in the Guinness Village – they were situated pretty close to the media centre and I have to say their set was pretty good – first time around. However when you hear the set about six times a day over four days it does lose its attraction.

The queues, of course are legendary, especially for the toilets – the golden rule don’t drink too much and have excellent bladder control!!!

One improvement this year is the traffic control seemed a great deal better than in previous years – it only took 40 minutes to get away from Cheltenham on the Friday!!!

Now, of course, life returns to normal – it doesn’t mean, of course, we can’t start discussing next years Festival.

So, who will win the 2010 Gold Cup?

Cheltenham Day 4

18:00 Now things have settled down let us look at some of the quotes after the Totesport Gold Cup.

Ruby Walsh had no doubts about Kauto Star, "He's the greatest horse I've ever ridden. Two miles, three miles, now two Gold Cups. He's magic, he's a wonder horse.

"He travelled super all the way. I planned to follow Christian on Neptune Collonges over the second last, but he pinged four out, pinged three out and two out as well. I love him.

"When Sam on Denman moved up alongside me I didn't know what was going to happen off the bend.

"But in all fairness to him he has picked up, winged the second-last and galloped all the way to the line.

"Denman has run an incredible race because two weeks ago it was 50-50 whether he was going to run or not and he has turned into the straight upsides in a Gold Cup, an incredible performance."

Trainer Paul Nicholls was bullish, "He's fit, he's fresh, he was never going to get beat today, but what a race Denman ran - two weeks ago you'd have drawn stumps. It was a huge run from him and he'll be back next year.

"Kauto Star was fresh, very fit and the ground came right. He's a very good horse.

"My Will finished fifth as well, he ran a blinder. He will go to Aintree now with a massive chance.

"Neptune Collonges ran a cracking race, the ground had just gone against him.

"But to get Kauto Star here today and Denman to run as good as that will give everyone pleasure as well. What an unbelievable horse Kauto Star is."

Harry Findlay, part-owner of Denman, is already thinking about the decider next year, "It was so hard for us going into the race because we've said many times there is only one way to beat Kauto round here and we were never in a position to do that today.

"Like Paul said, two weeks ago we were a doubtful runner. I said two years ago I thought the pace of the race in the Gold Cup was so beneficial to Kauto Star and after a few fences today I thought he was a 4-7 shot.

"So for Denman to run so well off that pace - he's murdered them everywhere because they were genuinely going at two-and-a-half-mile pace throughout.

"I thought it was an outstanding performance, Sam was so happy with him, we were all so happy with him.

"If Paul gets them both back again it could be fireworks."

17:50 Lets get some of the housekeeping out of the way.

No surprise Ruby Walsh was top rider with seven wins, his nearest rival was Barry Geraghty with three.

In the trainers title Paul Nicholls was top with five runners, Nicky Henderson and Willy Mullins had three each.

17:35 Well here we are at the 26th and final race of the 2009 Cheltenham Festival.

Before the Festival began Paul Nicholls was asked what his best prospect for the Festival was, he had no hesitation in nominating Poquelin in this final race.

The horse was duly backed into 3/1 favouritism to give Ruby Walsh his eight winner of this years Festival .

What happened?

He ran like an absolute dog, making several mistakes he was soon nearer last than first and never a player in the contest.

Lorient Express and Moon Over Miami were the pace setters with the former fading out of contention approaching two out.

As Lorient Express dropped out, Alan King’s Oh Crick ran on to challenge for the lead and soon the battle was underway for another thrilling Cheltenham finish.

The pair battled up the hill, well clear of their rivals and it was Oh Crick, under Wayne Hutchinson who took the honours by three parts of a length.

French Opera, who had been to the fore throughout took third spot, with Tramantano running on for fourth.

17:05 I haven't touched on the UK - Ireland score too much this afternoon - I am too polite, so all I will say is it is 5-1 to the home team so far this afternoon.

17:02 A new race for this years festival named, this year, in honour of former champion trainer Martin Pipe.

The 2m 4f contest attracted 23 runners, no fewer of which were saddled by Pipe’s son David.

Despite the mob handed approach the best the Pipe stable could do was finish third with the favourite Big Eared Fran.

The party pooper was Nicky Henderson with Felix DeGiles on board Andytown who was sent off a 25/1 shot and, to the delight of the layers, came home at odds of 25/1.

The layers were even happier with the runner-up, Midnight Chase, an Irish raider who came home at 100/1.

It was a race where the lead changed hands several times in the early stages, eventually Khachaturian and Little Schilling set the pace.

There was early drama when top weight Gaspara unshipped Andrew Glassonbury.

It was another of those races which developed in the final stages with Big Eared Fran running on down the hill but never challenging the leaders.

However once the winner hit the front the result was never in doubt.

16:27 Immediately after the Gold Cup we have the Christies Foxhunters, frequently referred to as the amateurs Gold Cup.

There has been a trend in recent years to send former top class chasers out hunting so they can qualify for these Hunter Chases. It was an absolute delight, therefore, for a true pointer to take the 2009 renewal.

Indeed because Cappa Bleu had never raced in a hunter chase before he almost did not get into this afternoons contest, however badgering of the handicapper meant he was allowed to take his chance and quite frankly he won the contest with consummate ease in his first outing under rules.

Settled quietly in the main bunch for most of the contest, top point-to-point rider Richard Burton bought him into third place and a challenging position as they came down the hill.

As they turned for home though it looked as though he may have to settle for second best at Turthen looked very much the winner in front and Cappa Bleu did not look that keen to pass him.

Also in the leading group was Baby Run who had led for the last two miles of the 3m 2f contest.
Turthen led jumping the last but under a driving Richard Burton ride Capp Bleu soon took the lead and was running on at the end to claim a twelve length victory.

It was very close for second as a resurgent Baby Run seemed to get a second wind and almost overhauled the runner-up.

The favourite Juveigneur, another of those former handicappers, was let down by his poor jumping.

15:46 Wow – the king is back as Kauto Star outshone the opposition to become the first horse to regain the Gold Cup after losing it.

He simply outclassed a high class field, showing his poor run last year was a one off.

The win gave jockey Ruby Walsh his seventh winner of the meeting.

There was good news for winning trainer Paul Nicholls as last years winner Denman came home second, thirteen lengths behind his stablemate and certainly showing improved form from his last outing at Kempton.

Exotic Dancer ran his usual brave race to come home third, whilst last years third Neptune Collonges was fourth.

Neptune Collonges set the early pace but was joined by Snoopy loopy as they climbed the hill for the first time.

By the time they started the second circuit the field had established a good rhythm with Neptune Collonges and Snoopy Loopy still setting the pace but with Kauto Star and Denman tracking the front pair, along with Madison Du Berlais, who defeated Denman at Kempton.

As usual Exotic Dancer was held up near the rear.

Halcon Genelardais, who never looked happy, was pulled up at that juncture.

As they came down the hill for the final time it was a Nicholls 1-2-3 with Neptune Collonges leading but both Kauto Star and Denman in pursuit.

As they turned for home Ruby Walsh bought Kauto Star to the front and as soon as he hit the front his only danger was the final two fences.

As he approached the last there was a collective breath holding but he put in a perfect jump and his lad, who was standing next to me was ecstatic with joy shouting he’s won.

Indeed he did win, easily. There was a bit of a battle for second where it looked for a while as though Exotic dancer would overhaul Denman but the big beast held on.
The crowd erupted as the king reclaimed his throne.
I can’t wait for next years renewal.

14:58 For a moment it looked as though the Albert Bartlet was going to give Ruby Walsh a seventh win of the meeting, however the green team were finally back in the winners enclosure again as Weapons Amnesty grittily held on a resurgent challenge from Ruby on the favourite Pride Of Dulcote.

Den Of Iniquity and Alpha Ridge had set out in front in this three mile marathon for up and coming hurdlers. Ruby was happy to settle the favourite in third or fourth.

There was a massive cheer when Ruby made his move coming down the hill and he soon drew clear.

However Western Charmer had not read the script and he tracked the favourite and was in the lead by the last and looked to be running away with the race. However to a cacophony of sound
Ruby Walsh did everything to get back into contention and was slowly eroding the lead of the the Irish raider but the line came in time for Western Charmer.

The Midnight Club came home a running on third.

14:25 There is a £100,000 bonus on offer for any horse who wind the Imperial Cup at Sandown the Saturday before the Festival and who then goes on to win a race at the Festival, a not impossible task as the Pipe team have taken the bonus on several occasions.

Dave’s Dream was the one aiming for the double this year and was consequently sent off the 7/2 favourite for our second contest, The County Hurdle.

Unfortunately he was not to win the hurdle, only coming in sixth in a race that looked, on paper, to be a very open contest.

In reality it turned out to be something of a one sided contest, which gave Ruby Walsh his sixth winner of the Festival. American Trilogy was the eleven length winner and the only surprise was that on the faces of punters when they saw the starting price of 20/1. How often does a Nicholls / Walsh combo go off at that long a price.

Khyber Kim was the early pace setter, leading until just after three out.

Coming to two out it looked to be an open race with several in contention. But Walsh produced his run coming for home.

The bookies must have been even more delighted with the runner-up Stradbrook who came home at 66/1 and to add to the bookies delight the third and fourth Cockney Trucker and Nortonthorp Lad were returned at 17/2 and 50/1 respectively.

13:50 We have three hurdles to start racing today, so the ground can be saved for the Gold Cup.

The Triumph Hurdle, over 2m 1f set us under way and this is always a lively contest.

Ebadiyan set the pace and it looked as though he could be involved in the shake up until, that is, he inexplicably ran out two from home.

This left the grey Zaynar in front, although he was being challenged by the favourite Walkon on his left.

The two were engaged in a good battle approaching the last and Zaynar put in the better jump and we were then treated to a typical Cheltenham finish with Robert Thornton doing his best, but just being unable, to get the favourites head in front, going down by three parts of a length.

Mourad took third spot, 2¾ lengths behind the front pair. Starluck was a good looking fourth and the promising Trenchant was doing his best work at the end to come fifth.

13:13 Tony McCoy has been presented with his special award for riding 3,000 National Hunt winners.Contained inside the bowl were the names of all 3,000 winners.

On the podium was Peter Scudamore as well as Sir Peter O’Sulleven. The award was presented by, arguably, the greatest flat jockey Lester Piggot.

This afternoon McCoy rides Exotic Dancer in the big one and he will, no doubt, be a popular winner.

12:48 I am off to fight my way through the crowd in an attempt to catch the presentation to AP McCoy - I may make it in time.

12:47 Just a quick update on the weather - it is still drizzling but as before more annoying than significant.

It is absolutely heaving out there now making it almost impossible to get around – this is going to be a fun afternoon and the chances are anyone watching the racing on TV will probably get to see a great deal more than those of us here on course.

12:29 Well an hour to go before we begin the action on the final day here at Cheltenham.

Although the crowds outside are the biggest of the week, here in the Guinness Media centre it actually seems a lot quieter - apart from the band.

Most of my Irish colleagues seem somewhat subdued, although I gather there was a big party in town last night which may explain why they are rather quiet tonight.

Cheltenham is the only racecourse in the UK with its own pharmacy – apparently paracetamol is a big seller.

There are two press rooms here at Cheltenham – the main one is reserved for the trade papers, national press and domestic broadcasters, whilst the remainder of us are in the Guinness Press Centre.

12:15 Well The Queen has arrived but don't ask me what she is wearing - I didn't get to see her.

It is heaving out there now and getting around this afternoon is going to be a challenge.

We have another non-runner Perce Rock in the finale, another who ran yesterday.

It has just been pointed out to me by Rupert Bell that Barbers Shop is the only British bred runner in the Gold Cup

11:53 As Kauto Star attempts to become the first horse to retain the Gold Gup after not successfully defending their title, attention also turned to another Gold Cup great Best Mate, who won the race three years running in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and who only missed out on attempting the quadruple after breaking a blook vessel eight days before the 2005 renewal. He was the first horse since the great Arkle to win three Gold Cups.

Sadly he collapsed and died shortly after competing in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on 1st November 2005.

He was cremated and his ashes are buried near the winning post here at Cheltenham.

A statue of Best Mate now stands near the parade ring here at Cheltenham and, this morning, a wreath in the colours of his owner Jim Lewis was laid by the statue.

11:45 Needless to say Friday is the busiest day at the Festival and even almost two hours before the first race the place is heaving.

10:50 That infernal band has started up again - I hadn't realised just how repetitive their set it - it is beginning to annoy me now!!!

The gates have been open almost half an hour now and the crowds are flocking in. A good atmosphere but not quite the same buzz as we had a year ago.

The drizzle has now eased - now very light, just hanging in the air.

10:28 Buena Vista, who ran yesterday, is a non-runner in the Martin Pipe at 4:40, the official reason being he has not eaten up.

10:16 Most of the discussion around here surrounds the Gold Cup – certainly not as heated as last year when we had the great Denman / Kauto Star debate.

Most people seem to think Kauto Star is most likely to win but the shrewdies are saying he is far too short at 2/1.

Unlike last year quite a few are being spoken about as potential winners, even the perennial bridesmaid Exotic Dancer.

At the end of the day we can debate the merits of each of the runners until the cows come home – we will not get the answer until just after 3:20 this afternoon.

10:11 It has just started raining, nothing too heavy, just a steady drizzle.

09:55 The place is absolutely swarming with police and security officers ahead of The Queen coming this afternoon. There are some very mean looking police vehicles here, looking more like armoured cars than anything else.

09:40 Two non-runners so far, Take The Breeze is a self certificate (lame) in the County Hurdle and Chapoturgeon, who won yesterday, misses the finale.

09:27 Good morning from Cheltenham for the final day of the 2009 Festival. The sky is grey and the going is now good to soft, good in places.
the wind is still head on down the straight but not as strong as yesterday.

There is fresh ground on the chase course so the going for the Gold Cup at 3:20 should be perfect.

More importantly I have survived the bacon and egg roll - they remembered me and made sure the egg was well done!!!

Cheltenham Day 3

17:27 Well that’s it from day three of the festival where the two hotpots were turned over, although I’m sure those bookie chappies will still find something to complain about.

Tomorrow is the big one with the Gold Cup. The Queen will be here tomorrow to cheer on her Barbers Shop in the big one – not without a chance and should it win I would not fancy the chances of the roof staying on the grandstand here at Cheltenham.

From a dull, but dry Cheltenham good evening and see you tomorrow.

17:22 As promised some reactions to our racing this afternoon.

Beginning with our big race, winning trainer Paul Nicholls, speaking of Big Bucks, said: "He's a very good horse. I knew he had improved because the ground he won on over Christmas isn't his ground.

"He just keeps plenty for himself and has won with his ears pricked.

"I was very confident we had him at his peak and he looked fantastic.

"We bought him to be a Gold Cup horse, and he just might be one day, but it could be in two years' time now.”

Nicky Henderson, trainer of the runner-up Punchestowns said, "He's done absolutely nothing wrong.

"We had to keep that stamina up - the horse stays and jumps.

"Because of his name, you'd rather like to think he should go to Punchestown - there is an ideal race for him there.

"You just wouldn't want the ground to be too quick, otherwise he'll be put away for chasing."

Francois Doumen, trainer of the disappointing favourite Kasbah Bliss, said: "He was fairly and squarely beaten.

"Today he came here 200% right and I can't find an excuse.

"Christophe (Pieux) said he couldn't catch them up.”

Pieux commented, "I have no excuse, except that this race came fairly soon after Haydock.

"It just wasn't the normal Kasbah Bliss - he didn't have any power in the back straight and I could feel there was something missing."

Turning to the Ryanair, Winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said, "He just gallops and jumps and he kept pulling out more.

"I was a bit worried because he hadn't run for a long time and I thought they might catch him out.

"But he was brilliant and he could definitely come back next year for the Gold Cup as he won that race by staying."

Barry Simpson, racing manager to Voy Por Ustedes' owner Sir Robert Ogden, said, "He made one bad mistake at such a crucial time, just as the field was starting to quicken.

"He was travelling well enough but made that error.

"It's amazing he was able to stay up and, if you watch the replay, it was a horrific mistake.

"He's one of the most consistent horses we've seen for a long time and next stop will be Aintree."

A delighted Venetia Williams was understandably on cloud nine after saddling the first two in the Festival Plate

"The first two and not a hairsbreadth between the pair of them.

"We had hoped to get Ping Pong in the Jewson, but she didn't make the cut.”

Speaking of her earlier winner, Kayf Aramis, she said "I can't believe it. Two runs ago I couldn't win a maiden hurdle with him. It's fantastic.

"One thing I said to Aidan was if you get stuffed it won't be through lack of stamina.

"That was the best he's ever jumped and I'm so thrilled for his owner, who also bred him - she has stuck with him through thick and thin.”

17:03 An amateurs Chase to end proceedings for day three and without wishing to sound jingoistic it was a whitewash for the home team today and the Irish were, once again, defeated, bringing the running score to UK 11 – Ireland 8. All to play for tomorrow.

Actually this race turned out to be the most competitive of the week and approaching the last any one of ten runners could have won the contest., it was that close.

The primary ones in contention were Bowleaze, who had taken up the running three out, the grey Character Building and Pretty Star. In a dour, exciting battle up the hill it was Character Building who got the better of his rivals by a length with Pretty Star in second and Judge Di Clarke having to use the photograph to separate Newbay Prop and Bowleaze.

16:36 Just one race left today and once the final race is out of the way we will look at reaction to today's events.

16:24 Well it is a good day for the Brits as we lead 5-0 today and a good day for Venetia Williams as she has a 577/1 double as Something Wells takes the Freddie Williams Festival Plate from stablemate Ping Pong Sivola, the 13/2 favourite.

Cossack Dancer was the one to take the 23 runners along in a race which saw plenty of thrills and spills.

Silverburn was another old favourite who was up with the pace before dropping out quickly as they came down the hill, by which time Ping pong Sivola had the lead and was looking very comfortable for favourite backers.

However Something Wells wanted to be a party pooper and as they turned for home the pair were well clear of their rivals.

Even at the last the wise money would have been on the jolly but Something wells was nothing if not brave and he fought to record a ¾ length victory.

Notable D’Estruval was eighteen lengths further back in third, with Three Mirrors back in fourth.

15:44 Well the good news from a British perspective is the score today is now 4-0 to the Brits as yet another hot shot gets turned over.

This time it was the French raider Kasbah Bliss who was turned over in our feature contest the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The Irish may well claim a moral victory but not in the way may expected, for it wasn’t the horse named after Ireland’s premier jump track, Punchestowns, that took the race but the Irish jockey who seems almost unstoppable this week, Ruby Walsh, riding Big Bucks.

Irish raider Whatuthink was the pace setter and they did indeed set of a fair place in this 3m contest. The leader was kept company by compatriot Shakerville, whilst Fair Along and Mighty Man tracked the front two.

Of the principles Punchestowns was settled about fifth or sixth, whilst Big Bucks and Kasbah Bliss were second last and last respectively.

Once they braced the hill Punchestowns under Barry Geraghty was making steady progress into third, also Kasbah Bliss made eye catching progress as well, along with Powerstation, with Runy Walsh biding his time.

At the second last Punchestowns and Kasbah Bliss jumped into the front with Powerstation between them.

That, however was the end of Kasbah Bliss’s challenge and when Punchestowns ran on the French raider had nothing to give. Meanwhile Ruby Walsh had begun to get to work on Big Bucks and by the time they approached the last it was a battle between Punchestowns and Big Bucks with the latter putting in the slightly better jump and took a lead into the run-in.

It was a good battle to the line and Punchestowns did not go down without a fight but Walsh always had his measure and came home a 1¾ length winner.

To show how good the front pair were their nearest rival, Powerstation, came home 17 lengths behind, with a tired looking Kasbah Bliss a very disappointing fourth.

15:02 I know I backed Voy Por Ustedes and I may be talking out of my pocket but it has to be asked if Robert Thornton was fit enough to ride this afternoon.

Had he been fully fit then would he have made up the two lengths by which he was beaten by Imperial Commander?

Our Vic set the pace , although both Imperial Commander and Mister McGoldrick made sure he did not have things his own way. Voy Por Ustedes and Monets Garden settled mid-division whilst L’Antartique was always last.

As they came downhill only Imperial Commander, of the front runners, was in contention being challenged by Voy Por Ustedes and Schindlers Hunt.

Voy Por made a right Horlicks of the third last and Choc Thornton did well to keep the partnership intact, although it could not have done the jockeys already tender body much good.

Coming round the bend Imperial Commander had the lead and Schindlers Hund looked to be the danger with Voy Por back in third.

Jumping the last the order was still the same with Imperial Commander having a couple of lengths.

To his credit Voy Por Ustedes did run on in the closing stages but never enough to challenge the winner.

14:32 Mixed news for the Carberry family today. After Nina won her award brother Paul was unseated from Jaamid in the first. Unfortunately he has broken a rib and punctured a lung and has been taken to Cheltenham General Hospital.

14:29 I am going to say this quietly, lest I tempt fate, but it is 2-0 to the Brit’s so far today.The Pertemps Final, a 3m hurdle produced a popular winner in the shape of Venetia Williams Kayf Aramis, who seems to have been transformed of late, having won his last two races. Sam Thomas kept the gelding with the leaders throughout before taking up the running two out.

As in the first the result was never in doubt as he powered up the steep run-in to a rapturous reception, even though he was only a 16/1 shot.

There was a battle for second place with Buena Vista, who came from the pack, just getting the better of Pennek, another running on in the latter stages.

The Sliotar came home fourth.

The favourite Ballydub seemed to disappear without trace.

13:53 It is absolutely heaving out there today.

A nice “easy” 20 runner handicap chase, The Jewson, to get us underway this afternoon, with a fairly open betting heat, going 15/2 the field.

As is his wont Pancake was with the pace but as he also tends to do he had little to give at the end, running flat and taking a battering from his rivals in Olney he could see it through to the end.Kia Kaha was sent off favourite and although challenging for fifth place around half way he was never in contention for the champion jockey AP McCoy.

Au Courant looked as though he wanted to be anywhere bar Cheltenham.

Keeping Pancake company up front were Astrador, whose run ended the same time as Pancakes and Slash and Burn who also burned out around the same time.

Timmy Murphy on Chapoturgeon, in the David Johnson colours but, unusually trained by Paul Nicholls, had played a patient game. Settling mid-division before being bought into the race by Timmy Murphy as they turned for home, by which point Cresent Island had the lead.

Cresent Islands proximity to the front was something of a surprise as he looked to be an absolute dog in the parade ring. However Murphy soon passed him and once in front the race never looked in doubt as he tackled the run-in with east.

Cresent Island, on the other hand, was labouring in the run-in and was passed by the running on
Isn’t That Lucky who looked eye catching but had no chance of catching the winner.

12:12 I have just had a look at tomorrow's runners and the most noticable facet is that David Pipe saddles eight of the twenty-four runners in the race named after his dad tomorrow afternoon.

11:40 They have just had a dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s visit by the Queen, specifically getting her from the Royal Box to the Parade Ring and back again – all well and good having a practice 11:30 on Thursday morning – it will not be the same at 15:00 on Friday afternoon with an 80,000 crowd!!

11:22 There is a huge gamble developing on Poker De Sivola 15/2 first knocking this morning he is now a best priced 9/2, generally 4/1 for the Kim Muir. The plunge being partly inspired by being the Pricewise selection in the Racing Post.

1
0:25 Some heavy betting this morning with Voy Por Ustedes already being backed heavily for the Ryanair and he looks likely to be sent off an odds-on shot. Robert Thornton is with the doctor following his fall yesterday - I hope he is fit enough to ride Voy Por.

In the World Hurdle the money this morning is coming for Punchestowns.

09:53 Ignore what I said about the wind being light - once in the open it is a stiff breeze, head on in the home straight.

Not able to walk the course this morning, it is being restricted to owners, trainers and jockeys and the guy on the gate won't let me through.

Turning out to be a bad day all round as the first bite of my bacon and egg sandwich sent egg yolk all over the front of my suit.

We will have contrasting commentary styles this afternoon with Richard Hoiles and Mark Johnson sharing the honours.

09:31 Good morning from Cheltenham for day three of the 2009 Festival.

The weather is overcast, the wind light and the official going is good to soft with a going stick reading of 7.0

The important thing to bear in mind is we are racing on the New Course today so fresher ground.

As was the case yesterday it will be a bacon and egg roll then out to see what the ground is like - one must sort out ones priorities!!!

- - - - -

Racing on day three will be on the New Course

The highlight of day three is the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Last year saw an emotional third victory for Inglis Drever and many hoped he would return to try for a fourth victory.

Unfortunately he was injured at Newbury earlier in the season and has gone off for a well earned retirement.

Last years runner-up Kasbah Bliss is favourite to take the prize back to France this year, however the new kid on the block, Punchestowns, is fancied by many to deny him glory once again.

Immediately before the World Hurdle is the Ryanair Chase, where Voy Por Ustedes will be attempting to win a race at the festival for the third time in four years.

Cheltenham Day 2

17:36 Well the score today was 4-3 to the Irish, giving them an 8-5 lead as we reach the halfway point in the 2009 Festival.

Today's highlights, well Master Minded, even though he was not at his best and Dunguib an very impressive winner of the bumper.

The runner-up in the Bumper Some Present is also one for the notebook.

Well that's it from day two at Cheltenham - we will be back for more tomorrow, hopefully you can join us.

In the jockeys title Ruby Walsh leads with four winners, whilsy Barry Geraghty with two is the only other rider with more than one winner,

From Chelters good evening.

17:34 Well a year ago it was Master Minded who produced the draw dropping performance of the Festival, today the draw dropping performance came in the Bumper.

As expected it was an Irish winner, however unexpectedly the winner did not hail from the stable of Willie Mullins, nor indeed any of the “fashionable” trainers, but that of former jockey Philip Fenton.

The horse to attract the superlatives is Dunguib, promising on debut at last years Punchestown Festival, then a winner there and a Navan bumper this season.

Jockey Brian O’Connell, incidentally riding his first Cheltenham winner, swept to the front as they turned for home, making the favourite Rite Of Passage look static.

The further they went the further his margin of victory and he is better value than the ten length margin of victory.

Some Present was also eye catching running on for second place, with the favourite not really disgraced back in third.

17:05 Some comment on the big race earlier on, won by Master Minded (who is 4/7 to make it a hat-trick of victories in next years contest)

Trainer Paul Nicholls said, "We just wanted him to win the race today, which he has done. He's got a little lazy now because he does everything so easily. "He jumps great and does everything really well, but what a wonderful run by Well Chief.”

Ruby Walsh Walsh was exuberant about his mount, "He's the best chaser around, as I'd say he wasn't as good today as he can be.

"He got worked up in the parade and the false starts were messy.

"What makes him so good is that good horses always win on an off-day."

Clive Smith, Master Minded's owner, said had praise for everyone,: "He seemed to take it easier. He didn't go out in front like he did last year but it's great to win.

"Ruby is the very, very best and Paul is a sensational trainer and a great chap.

"He could go to Punchestown."

Well Chief's owner, David Johnson, was thrilled with the effort of his runner. "It's been a tremendous training achievement because the horse has legs like glass.

"He's run into a superstar today and if his legs are OK, we would take the winner on again if he went to Aintree."

Trainer David Pipe commented, "He will probably be remembered as the horse never to have won the Champion Chase, but this effort shows you what a great era it was when he was competing

16:57 Another big field, this time for the Fred Winter, a 2m ½f handicap hurdle.

The Irish only had two challengers in this contest, although one of them – Alexander Severus was sent off the 5/2 favourite.

Turning for home it looked as though we were going to have yet another Irish victory as the favourite has swept into the lead under Andrew McManara, much to the delight of the crowd.

However Silk Affair, ridden by Tom O’Brien and trained by Mick Quinlan and Ski Sunday, trained by Tim Vaughan and ridden by Seamus Durack both seemed to emerge from nowhere to mount challenges and the jolly looked to be in trouble.

It was Silk Affair who ran on the better to claim a three length victory from Ski Sunday. The favourite couldn’t even manage third as he was pipped for that spot by the running on Saticon.

Silk Affair looks to be a good recruit to jumping, having been modest on the flat she had won her last three races over timber, however today was a big step up in class and she looks to have a bright future.

16:23 One of the big races in terms of field size is the Coral Cup with twenty seven going to post and, I hate to say this, another win for the Irish as Tom Taaffe’s Ninetieth Minute took the race in quite a convincing manner albeit with a 1½ length margin of victory.

Lough Derg who normally front runs was unable to dictate in this large field, leading early on David Pipes brave runner was soon headed by Kirbybroguelantern, although by the time they set off on their final circuit Copsale Lad had taken up the running. At this stage the field were pretty well bunched.

However it was in the latter stages that the complexion of the race change as Ninetieth Minute came to the fore, along with Pause And Clause looking to be the main challenger. Mirage Dore was also about to join in the action along with the running-on Star Of Angels.

15:46 Well Master Minded duly won the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, giving Ruby Walsh a treble on the day, however the manner of his win was nothing like as convincing as last years effort.

Having said that he still came home seven lengths clear of his rivals, who were led home by Well Chief.

It didn’t help there were two false starts before they eventually got underway with the rank outsider Marodima twice charging the tape in an attempt to get a flyer.

Needless to say the Marodima charged off in front when they were finally away, however the others left the gelding to it.

Briareys, under AP McCoy led the remainder with Santa’s Son and Petit Robin to the fore.Ruby Walsh settled Master Minded mid-division before making progress at the top of the hill, by which time Marodima was out of the way of his rivals having run his race.

This left Petit Robin in front but if Barry Geraghty had cared to look over his shoulder he would have seen both McCoy and Walsh on his quarters.

At the second last Master Minded jumped into the lead and the race was over although Petit Robin did try to make a race of it.

At the last the defending champion had a couple of lengths on Petit Robin. Briareus took a tired fall and Well Chief was running on well, despite a 698 day absence.

On the run-in Master Minded ploughed on to record a second successive victory, OK not as impressive as last years but a good achievement nonetheless.

14:58 I think the band who is playing next door to the press room at something like 200 decibels here should start playing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” as Ruby Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins have a quick fire double as Cooldine convincingly wins the RSA Chase by sixteen lengths.

As he usually does Carruthers set the pace and it looked as though he was going to go for a pillar to post victory until he clouted the last really hard, giving Cooldine the chance to grab the lead.

In truth Cooldine was so convincing that even without Carruthers mistake he would probably have run the contest.

Ruby Walsh settled the favourite nearer last than first for most of the first circuit before starting the final round in about fifth place. By the water he was on Carruthers quarters and looking a fresh horse who was just waiting to pounce.

More of a shock was the runner-up Horner Woods, who came home a 66/1 shot in the most amazing colours.

Massini’s Maguire came home third.

14:26 After the 4-2 drubbing by the Irish yesterday the home contingent were smiling after the home team took the opener.

However the smiles were short lived as the well backed favourite Mikael D’Haguenet, who missed yesterday’s Supreme Novices to run here today, took the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle in good style under Ruby Walsh.

The bookmakers had it as a twothree runner race with the home challenger Karabak, an impressive winner at Ascot in January, and Diamond Harry his main market rivals.

In the race itself Quweto set the pace with Richard The Third and Ruthenoise well to the fore as well.

The market leaders were settled fifth and sixth respectively.

Quweto made a mistake at the sixth, handing the lead to Ruthenoise, with Mad Max challenging and the market leaders both running on.

Karaback seemed to hit a flat spot coming down the hill, whilst at the same time Mikael D’Haguenet ran on to take up the running, jumping into the lead at the second last.

Diamond Harry looked booked for second at this stage. However the champion jockey AP McCoy was not going to go down without a fight and he managed to galvanise Karabak into life again.

The favourite however had taken too much of a lead and although McCoy was looming the line came in time for Ruby Walsh to ride his second winner of the festival.

Diamond Harry came home third.

So the score so far today is UK 1 Ireland 1, Ireland lead 5-3 on aggregate.

13:55 A marathon 4m mile contest to get us under way on day two with the 139th year of the National Hunt Cup for amateur riders.

It was always going to be a slog in these testing conditions and the race saw Can’t Buy Time, sent off the 4/1 favourite, tackling four miles for the first time, having never previously run beyond 3 miles before.

Turning for home he was in with every chance but it turned out the four miles was too fat and he quickly tired in the final quarter mile.

The same cannot be said of the winner Tricky Trickster, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by City broker Sam Waley-Cohen.

Settled tracking the leaders for most of the race he and the favourite both ran on at the top of the hill on the final circuit. Taking up the running at the final ditch he never looked to be in any serious danger.

Hennessy was another who came prominent at this stage but like the favourite seemed to find the four miles too far.

Drumconvis was very lucky to be involved in the final stages after making a bad mistake four out. Coming home 10 lengths second it is unlikely he would have run, even if jumping fluently.Nine De Sivola came with a late run under Rose Davidson to claim third and that runner along with the winner must be potential National runners.

Can’t Buy Time finished fourth.

12:33 Well an hour away from our first race and I am munching a very tasty, hot, chilli Burrito - it will be the last chance to get something to eat before racing begins.

I would not like to say if the crowd is larger than yesterday but it seems more lively – especially in the Guinness Village.

11:32 We have just had the final declarations for the Gold Cup on Friday and the only defection is War Of Attrition who suffered a training setback earlier in the week.

So we have Denman vs Kauto Star Mk2, but without all the hype this time - if the 2008/2009 form is to be believed then Denman should not even be here on Friday - let us see what happens on Friday afternoon?

11:23 Having a look through the card the following are suggestions for this afternoon's races.

1:30 2 Can't Buy Time

2:05 5 Karabak (Nap)

2:40 2 Carruthers

3:20 2 Big Zeb (betting without Master Minded market)

4:00 1 Lough Derg and 5 The Polomoche

4:40 7 Alexander Severus

5:15 20 Sicillian Secret

Whatever you may back have a great afternoon.

11:02 We have two more non-runners Altilhar in the Coral Cup (self cert - temperature) and Love and Glory in the Fred Winter (self cert - lame)

10:38 I forgot to mention the wind today is much lighter than it was yesterday.

10:21 Some facts about this afternoons big race.
The National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase was first run in 1959 and the Queen Mother’s name was added to the race title in 1980.

Irish-trained runners have won 19 of the 49 renewals

Irish trainer, Tom Dreaper has the best record of any trainer in the race, winning six times.

Flyingbolt was the shortest-priced winner when succeeding at 1/5 in 1966, while Another Dolly, who was awarded the 1980 race at odds of 33/1, was the biggest outsider

Pat Taaffe is the most successful rider with five wins, whilst Barry Geraghty and Ruby Walsh are the only current jockeys to have won more than one Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The oldest horse to have won was the 12-year-old Skymas in 1977, while the youngest winner was Master Minded last year .

The largest field for the contest was in 1999 when 13 runners ran, while only five runners lined up on no less than six occasions.


10:08 My unofficial assessment is the ground is not as soft as yesterday but is stickier, mainly because it has opened up after yesterdays racing.

We have two non-runners Wichita Lineman misses the opener after his winning efforts yesterday and Simarian in the Fred Winter, out with colic and a vets certificate.

For those interested in thoese things todays commentators are Mike Cattermole and Mark Johnson.

09:44 Good morning from day two of The Festival where, after a dry night with a slight frost, the going remains good to soft, soft in places.

I'm off to grab a bacon roll then I will walk the course and report back.

Racing on Day Two will be on the Old Course

The highlight of day two is the Seasons Holiday Queen Mother Champion Chase. Last year the race was run on the Thursday, following the abandonment of Wednesday's card due to high winds.

When it was eventually run it turned out to be one of those "I was there" moments as the five year old Master Minded destroyed a high class field by an incredible 19 lengths, hardly breaking sweat in the process. He returns again to defend his title and will probably go off the shortest priced Festival runner since the great Arkle was sent off at odds of 1/10 to win the 1966 Gold Cup.

For many it is not a question of if Master Minded will win but how far will he win by? Eleven rivals line up against him.

Cheltenham Day 1

17:02 Well that’s it from day one at the Festival and the bragging rights definitely go to the Irish – I’m claiming Wichita Lineman as a British win but it is still 4-0 to the greens.

Tomorrow is another day though and we have Master Minded to look forward to in the feature race.

From day one at the festival a very good evening.

16:59 Our final race of the afternoon the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle saw the most convincing win of the afternoon and, dare I say, yet another win for the Irish and a result for the punters as Quevega came home the fourteen length winner under Ruby Walsh.

Settled about half way early on Walsh began to make relentless progress coming down the hill and by the time he was approaching the final flight - his only danger.

He spring heeled it and recorded a facile victory.

United, who had been to the fore throughout took second place, whilst Aura About You was a running on third.

Over Sixty did not disgrace herself in fourth, whilst the front running Gaspara came home fifth.

16:25 It is a truism that in Cheltenham Cross Country contests one should back Ender Bolger’s runners - a point well made this afternoon as he trained the first three home all for owner JP McManus and just to rub salt into the British wounds the Irish filled the first six places.

The only minor surprise is the prize did not go to the favourite L’Ami under J T McNamara but to Garde Champetre, winner of last years contest and ridden by the Queen of Cheltenham Nina Carberry.

The pace was set by Heads On The Ground (Bolger trained of course) and Puntal.Both L’Ami and Garde Champetre were happy to hack along mid-division for most of the 3m 7f contest before making ground about half a mile from home.

L’Ami took up the running but Nina tracked his every move, with Drombeag going with them as well.Turning for home L’Ami had the lead with Garde Champetre about two lengths behind and Drombeag a further six back.

At the last Nina put Garde Champetre in front and the result was then never in doubt with Garde Champetre coming home 1¾ lengths clear of L’Ami.

Drombeag was 14 lengths further back in third and the fourth, A New Story was 24 lengths behind the third.

15:54 Some comments from the winning conections.

Jockey Barry Geraghty said, "A great performance.

"I thought I had Ruby well covered turning in. He ran on really well, he was all out, it was a great performance.

"I tipped a Nicky Henderson one-two. There was one in between but it's brilliant.

"It's my first winner for Nicky at Cheltenham, as well."

The winning trainer, Nicky Henderson commented, "It takes you back to those great days of See You Then were very special and it's nice to be back with horses that can do this sort of thing.

"Punjabi has always been a very talented horse and Barry gets on very well with him.

"Both of mine have run tremendous races. It's very special to see them both there with Celestial Halo in between them.

"You think you have two chances and you've still got one to beat - a great race."

15:50 Wow – what a cracking finish to the 2009 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle!!

We witnessed yet another driving finish up the Cheltenham hill and, arguably this was the most exciting one of the lot.

In the largest Champion Hurdle field for 18 years they went off at a fair lick headed by Osana, runner up in the race last year. The old boy, Hardy Eustace and Paul Nicholls Celestial Halo kept him company up front.

The favourite Binocular, with Tony McCoy on board and looking for a quick double was settled in fourth place, along with a number of other runners in what was a tightly bunched field behind the first three.

In contrast to last year however, Osana was sending out distress signals after the fifth and soon after dropped out of contention, leaving Hardy Eustace and Celestial Halo up front with Binocular, Othermix and Punjabi tracking.

As they turned for home and the final flight it was realistically down to just three contenders woth Celestial Halo just having the advantage over Punjabi and Binocular looming large for a challenge.

At the last Punjabi, under Barry Geraghty, put in the better leap to take up the running, taking a couple of lengths out of his rivals.

The hill seemed to go on forever as Punjabi plugged on but both his rivals were slowly but surely eating into his lead.

The line came just in time for Punjabi to hold on for a neck victory with Celestial Halo holding off Binocular by a head for second place.

15:02 I have a feeling the Irish are going to claim the third winner as well as the first two.
Trained in the UK by an Irishman, ridden by an Irishman and owned by an Irishman, Wichita Lineman’s win saw the champion jockey AP McCoy at his very best and there was no doubt whatsoever as to his delight as he crossed the line to win the William Hill Trophy by a neck in a superb driving finish.

In the 3m 110yd contest The Sawyer lead for most of the contest with Billyvodan, Ollie Magern and last year’s Grand National winner Comply Or Die all keeping him company up front.

Throw in Nenuphar Collonges and Wichita Lineman and you basically cover those who were in contention for most of the contest.

As they came down the hill The Sawyer still had the lead and it was Ollie Magern of the others who was keeping him company. Maljimar came from the pack to take third with Nenuphar Collonges and Wichita Lineman also still in contention.

Maljimar ran on eye-catchingly under Daryl Jacob and was in the lead jumping the last and looking in a good position to win the race.

Nenuphar Collonges and Wichita Lineman gave chase and it was the latter, getting the full Mccoy treatment, who ran on best of all to take the lead in the final strides, with Nenuphar Collonges taking third.

Dear Villez under substitute rider Ruby Walsh ran on to deny The Sawyer fourth spot.

14:31 It has just started raining.

Ruby Walsh is to ride Dear Villez in the next.

There is a 10p Rule 4 for bets struck before the withdrawal of Star De Mohasion

14:20 A significant non-runner in our next - Star De Mohaison will not run.

14:19 Well all hell is breaking loose here as the Irish have a 100% success rate at the 2009 Festival.

Forpaddydeplasterer, who was disappointing here last year, made amends by taking the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy Chase.

Once again it was a dramatic finish with the leader holding off a late challenge, this time from Khalahari King, who was running on really well up the hill and only failed to overhaul the leader by a short head.

If the finish was dramatic, there was even greater drama at the third when the 4/1 favourite Tatenen crashed out (both the horse and Ruby Walsh were OK).

Made In Taipan was the hare in this contest and he held the lead until two out, although he did make a mistake three out, as did the winner. The winner spend most of the race in second or third spot and took up the running approaching the last.

Kalahari King was settled mid-division before making progress coming down the hill.

Planet Of Sound came home third.

13:55 Well the Irish maintain their stranglehold on the Supreme Novices as Go Native held off a late challenge from Medermit.

Settled mid-division for most of the contest Paul Carberry made eye-catching progress approaching the second last and between the final two flights took the lead.

Golan Way, as is his wont, set the early pace and had a good six to seven length lead until making a mistake at the third, allowing Tony McCoy on Ainama to take up the running.

At the top of the hill the leaders were three abreast with Ainama, Golan Way and Shoreacres all in with a chance.

Come the business end however it was all change. With Go Native launching his charge he soon had a clear lead and looked as though he would win as he pleased.

An unimpressive jump at the last, however, slowed his momentum, leaving the way for
Medermit to launch a challenge. Coming up the hill he was closing the gap with every stride but the line came in time for the Irish raider, who held on by a neck.

It was a close call for third with the running-on Somersby just getting the better of Copper Blue, the latter having been handily placed after running on approaching three out.

The favourite Cousin Vinny was well placed but came home fifth with no excuses.
Speaking to the jockeys after the race Tony McCoy said it was “dead but OK”, Ruby Walsh said “a bit dead”, Jamie Moore “Good to soft but dead” and Denis O’Regan “very soft.”

12:43 50 minutes to the first Cheltenham roar of 2009 and the crowds are starting to swell.

They are already half a dozen deep round the pre-parade ring and there aren’t even any runners out yet.

It is the same story round the parade ring as well.

11:51 The crowds are still arriving with just under 1¼ hours to the first, although there is still space to move. The bigger problems come later on when you need to find a spot to watch the racing.

No such problems for Five Live’s John Hunt who will have one of the best views in the house when he calls the races for the Beebs sports station. I just bumped into him by the parade ring and he is all geared up for this afternoons action - I wonder if he wants a spotter?

11:39 We have some more non-runners, Aachen is out of the opener because of the going and Lothian Falcon is out of the William Hill Trophy with a vets certificate.
Weather wise there is some drizzle in the air and it feels decidedly cooler now.

10:46 There is something really special about the Cheltenham Festival. There are not many meetings where there are long queues outside the gates three hours before the first race.

As the gates opened at 10:30 prompt a wave of humanity spread through the enclosures. There are already more people here already than you will have at start time for a normal Tuesday afternoon meeting.

The course has transformed from an eerie still to a vibrant buzz and the black stuff has barely begun flowing.

10:30 I don’t know if it is because I am sitting underneath the Guinness grandstand but the wind does sound really loud – it is bringing back thoughts of last year!!

For those of you watching on RUK later on the commentators this afternoon will be Mike Cattermole and Richard Hoiles. The third member of the team, Mark Johnson, has a rest day today.

10:16 It is the usual fun and games here in the media centre, with some people making the mistake I made last year and assuming accreditation guarantees a seat – it doesn’t. I made sure I reserved one this year.

Of course that doesn’t prevent some people attempting to claim squatters rights and I have just seen one hack threatened with eviction for pinching someone else’s desk.

I wonder what price a punch up in here before the end of the four days?

It is looking very eerie outside now with 15 minutes before the gates open for the public. They are expecting between 45 and 50 thousand here this afternoon.

Tickets are available on the gate every day, apart from Friday which is advance booking only.

10:03 My first piece of free advice (and probably the best advice you will get from me all day)- don't walk the course with clean shoes.

Sticky is probably the best description. There is a very strong breeze side on from the right as they come down the home straight. Not sure how much it will dry the home straight but the top of the hill is well exposed and bound to dry out a bit.

09:40 Good morning from Cheltenham where there was only 2mm of rain overnight and the official going is good to soft, soft in places.

The weather is dry but with a stiff breeze, which may help dry things out

I'm off to walk the course and will update when I return.

There is a strange feel here at the moment, 50 minutes before the public are admitted. However in just under four hours we will hear the wonderful Cheltenham roar and the action will begin.

The Ying And Yang Of Racing Overseas

Last week I wrote about a days racing in Ireland, this week I had another jaunt across the Irish Sea and it could not have been a greater contrast.


Last week I wrote the immortal words:-


“Now I am a frequent flyer the novelty of hanging around airports has worn off and I can get the trip down to a fine art now, especially with online check-in. Now I aim to arrive at the airport 45 mins before departure.


Of course there is a risk with this strategy, you need a clear route on the roads but so far it has not let me down.”


I just knew I would be tempting fate when I wrote those words.


In truth I still have my 100% record but only just and almost at the expense of having a coronary in the process.


Normally I catch a flight sometime between 7:30 and 8:30 but because I was off to Fairyhouse, only a half hour drive from the airport I thought I would catch the 9:35 flight to Dublin and have an extra hour in bed.


The drive to the airport is usually about 1¼ to 1½ hours so I set off at 7:00, in plenty of time for a relaxing drive.


Of course, what I forgot was the with the later start I would hit the commuter traffic and, later on, the “Mad Mothers”.


Boy, did I hit them with a vengeance ?


The result – I turned up at the car park at 8:53, with boarding beginning at 9:05.


Goodness knows what people thought seeing this middle aged man, lugging a large computer bag, a pair of binoculars and trying to put a coat on at the same time, running across the car park and into the terminal.


By the time I reached security control at just after nine I was so out of breath I could hardly communicate with them. Luckily the queue wasn’t too long but it was still a mad rush to the gate. I just grabbed my belongings – hoping my trousers would stay up as I hadn’t had time to put my belt back on after security.


I shudder to think what my fellow passengers thought when I turned up at the gate, wheezing and starting to get dressed?


At least I did catch the flight and my priority boarding wasn’t wasted.


Unlike last week the car hire process was less fraught, the downside being I didn’t get an upgrade. When going to courses in the Dublin area I tend to book a “compact” car on the basis the drive is not very far so all I need is something cheap and cheerful to get from “A to B”.
Well the car I had yesterday was cheap, but it was far from cheerful.


May I respectfully suggest that if any car hire company ever offers you a Toyota Yaris – run a mile.


I have never driven such an uncomfortable, noisy heap of junk in over 30 years of driving.


It was so noisy the engine drowned out the radio and I was astounded, when I went to put some fuel in, to discover it was a petrol car – I was convinced from the noise it was a diesel.


The next contrast came at the course itself.


There are generally no half measures at Irish race courses.


They come in two flavours, basic and friendly or first class and friendly.


After the rustic charm of Thurles last week, Fairyhouse definitely fell into the latter category.


Now last week I had to skip the last two races in order to ensure I caught my flight home. This time I had the opposite problem. The flight was four hours after the last race with the airport only half an hour from the track.
Loads of time to kill but at least it gave me time for a curry and the chance to do some work.


The flight back was a delight, a lovely clear night and, for me , there is nothing like flying on a clear night with the lights all twinkling below.


It even arrived back in London 10 minutes early.


It was then I started having to make choices. Choices which were to have a dramatic impact on my day.


I had probably drunk about a half of a litre bottle of water on the flight so I thought it a good idea to “empty out” before driving home.


I then decided with under ¼ tank of fuel I may as well fill up before the journey home.
Both, in total, killing about 15 minutes.


I then had a final choice. Do I go home the “back way”, which is shorter in mileage terms but takes about 1½ hours? Or do I take the motorway route, longer in terms of miles but that time of the day just over an hour?


I decided it had been a long day, so it was the motorway option, also with temperatures showing -2 I thought the motorway would have been safer.


With it being late the M11 was quiet so I set my cruise control to 77 mph and was looking forward to soon being in bed.


As I came off the M11onto the M25 (and past the point of “no return”) I looked up and saw the traffic on the M25 was very, very slow. Not what one expects at a quarter to midnight.


I managed about 400 yards on the M25 before I stopped. Next there were police cars and three fire appliances making their way along the hard shoulder.


This did not look good.


By midnight I had not moved so decided to turn the engine off.


I finally drove away from the spot where I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life, just before two in the morning.


2¼ hours, in the middle of the night, sitting going nowhere. Of course sitting for so long gives you time to ponder. Had I not stopped for the loo or petrol would I have passed through here before the lorry caught fire? Why didn't I go the other route? What on earth are the couple in the car in front doing? Is she doing what I think she is doing?


It transpired a lorry had caught fire and with there being no escape route between where the M11 and the incident none of the waiting vehicles had anywhere to go.


I eventually arrived home, in an absolutely foul mood, at 2:45.


The Ying and Yang of going racing in Ireland.

A Week At The Races - Sunday

There was a time when racing used to shut down on a Sunday, making it a day of rest.


It is hard to believe it was as late as 1992 that the UK staged its ever Sunday race meeting. Held at Doncaster, a massive crowd turned up, despite there being no betting.


It was a tentative “one off” and there were many protests with the “God squad” and fellow do gooders making the most noise.


The “God squad” protests were the most perverse, especially when you look at staunchly Catholic countries like Ireland, France and Italy, where there had been Sunday racing for years – indeed in all three Sunday was the most popular day of the week in terms of attendances and, in Ireland, betting turnover.


Well the world did not end that day, there was no hellfire and brimstone.


However the Jockey Club, who at that time ran racing were a conservative lot and they still had doubts about the great unwashed being allowed to enjoy racing and betting on the Sabbath.


Slowly extra Sunday meetings were scheduled, even as many as four Sundays a year, until racing eventually became a fixture virtually every Sunday of the year.


The crowds are not staggeringly high and it must also be said there tends to be a different crowd on a Sunday, it is certainly more family oriented. That is no bad thing as it is the family days that will hopefully sow the seeds for the next generation of racegoers.


There was, therefore, some surprise when the BHA announced the 2009 fixture list, to see there were four blank Sundays in the calendar.


Today being one of them.


Well, in contrast to 1992, there were howls of protest about there being no racing on these Sundays, so the BHA arranged extra fixtures, which is why I am racing at Huntingdon today.


For the racing hack the contrast between Huntingdon today and Doncaster yesterday cannot be in starker contrast.


Doncaster has a purpose built press room. Airy and spacious, plenty of power points and they also provide hot food. The work stations are spacious and have comfortable chairs.


Huntingdon by contrast utilises a spare corporate box. The “desks” are the round tables you find in bars, at which two of you can work – as long as you are friendly. Seating is again plain chairs or, if you are late, stools. The food on offer is sandwiches and there are three power points to be shared by everyone, which is why you find a large number of hacks travel around with a power extension lead in their bag.

At least Huntingdon does have wi-fi.


I must stress that I am only using Huntingdon as an example and they are by no means the worse course in terms of facilities. Indeed compared with some courses Huntingdon is the life of luxury.


There is one course where the press “room” is little more than a lean-to attached to the stand and it no more than 4’ wide, so to progress from one end to the other you come into very close contact with your colleagues.


Anyway back to the racing. Luckily there were only four of us in the press room today so it was not too bad in terms of space, although as I was the last to arrive I lost out on the power point.


One of the problems of Sunday racing is 48 hour declarations and what has happened today illustrates one of the major flaws of the 48 hour declaration system. In the 48 hours since declaration time there had been a marked change in the weather and the course had dried out.

This resulted in 18 non-runners, all bar three as the result of the change of going.


Indeed one race ended up as a match and that is not what we need to attract the casual racegoers.


The crowd today was not particularly large for a Sunday meeting, however that may be down to the fact this was an extra fixture and was not in the racing diaries and calendars.


The crowd that did turn up was the typical Sunday crowd of families and couples.


Well that is it from a week at the races. A somewhat typical week for me, although the driving was only 600 miles for a change.


I hope the blog has given some insight into the life of a racing hack.


Of course in ten days the “big one” arrives with day one of the Cheltenham festival. In the meantime I have to write some previews for the handicaps.


Wish me luck.

A Week At The Races - Saturday

The week continues with Doncaster being the venue today, hopefully my first racing “up north” in 2009, after the abortive trip to Newcastle in January.


The downside being a longish, just over two hour, drive.


The plus side of Doncaster is the new stand, which although not all racegoers cup of tea, from a hacks perspective a great place to visit with a great, bright, airy press room – even though not all the power points work!!!


This was Doncaster’s final jumps meeting of the season and the highlight was the Grand National trial, even though that was diminished by the absence of last year’s National winner Comply Or Die, who came out because of the drying ground.


Ironic isn’t it – a few weeks ago we were losing meetings because of snow and waterlogging – now we are losing runners because the ground is too dry – what a fickle sport this is.


This meeting saw a combination of joy, tragedy and farce in equal measure.


Joy in the thrilling finish to the National trial with Out The Black just getting the better of Gidam Gidam in an exciting finish.


The bumper afterwards produced a good winner in the shape of Lidar. Lidar holds an entry in the Champion Bumper at the Festival but trainer Alan Kin has warned he may not run.


The tragedy came for trainer Oliver Sherwood, who came to the races with two runners, both of whom never made the journey home. In the first his runner Grandage fell and had to be put down.


It was, however, the second incident which was absolutely horrific to watch. In the third race Sherwood’s Arrayou was leading the field when he stumbled approaching the eighth flight.
Sherwood’s horse stumbled and fell, bringing down Leac An Scail who slid into the flight. The latter horse his jockey Tjade Collier were both very lucky to walk away unscathed.


Unfortunately Arrayou broke his leg and his jockey Dominic Elsworth was taken to hospital with an injured shoulder.


The farce came in the 3 mile beginners chase.


Since time in memorial the sun has always started to go down around this time of the day, at this time of the year, here at Town Moor.


Why therefore stage a chase race where all four fences in the home straight need to be omitted due to the low sun?


As a result the 3 mile beginners chase found itself reduced from eighteen to ten fences aith a 6 furlong run in.


To add to the stupidity of it all, exactly the same thing happened in the same race last year.
If the course executive at Doncaster try and do the same next year I hope the BHA clamp down on them.


As often happens at race meetings there was a swift exodus and within minutes of the last race finishing the stands were almost deserted. Which was a great pity.


The handful of racegoers who stayed behind after racing at Doncaster on Saturday were treated to a good display of Cheltenham and Aintree contenders. The star attraction was Tidal Bay, recovering from injury, who had a half speed spin over 1½ miles on the flat then popped a couple of fences in the dwindling light. Trainer Howard Johnson said he was pleased with the workout but was still to decide whether to go for the Ryanair or Queen Mother. Also on display was Kalahari King who schooled over ten fences, alongside Ivore De Beaulieu and half a dozen other Murphy runners. Again at half speed most of the way, the pair jumped fluently and had a good blow on the run-in.


That was day six of the week done and just a gentle 125 mile drive home.


Luckily tomorrow’s racing at Huntingdon is a “local” trip for me – so much less driving.