- Saturday, 21 March 2020 08:20
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
The latest government measures have seen the closure of all betting shops for the foreseeable future as part of them stopping social and leisure activities to slow and hopefully stop the spread of the coronavirus. Betting shops have been includes alongside cafes, pubs, restaurants, leisure centres, cinemas and museums. The worry is this closure could last for up to two months but we have to do what is in the best interests of our nation and health and safety must come first. The government seem to be handling things well and have all sorts of measures to help individuals and businesses. Paddy Power were actually the first firm to close all 350 of their betting shops in Britain before the government made the announcement.
- Friday, 20 March 2020 08:27
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
Obviously there are no meetings taking place on these shores today but that does not mean there aren't plenty fixtures taking place globally. Indeed, there is an all-weather flat meeting from Dundalk in Ireland today, whilst there are three fixtures from the USA, as well as cards from the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. It's not quite the same but at least the Dundalk coverage is broadcast on Racing TV. I can't remember the last time I felt thankful for all-weather racing, nevermind all-weather racing from a foreign country...peculiar times indeed!
- Thursday, 19 March 2020 08:15
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
There was a shock decision yesterday from Ireland when the authorities over there decided that racing would continue behind closed doors for the time being. It flies in the face of every other country in this neck of the world, but let's hope that they are able to demonstrate that the sport can be run safely and that we can get back to business sooner rather than later. Racing is still taking place in countries further afield such as the United States, South Africa and Japan. Indeed, there are three meetings from America today at Gulfstream, Golden Gate Fields and Charles Town, whilst South Africa have action from Turffontein - they are very much the shop window for the sporting world right now with very little sport of any description taking place.
- Wednesday, 18 March 2020 08:06
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
There was a shock announcement yesterday from the BHA that racing is to shut down for the next six weeks from today meaning that there will be no fixtures until the end of April at the very earliest. That means that the season, which traditionally ends on the last Saturday in April is now effectively over with Nicky Henderson crowned champion trainer and Brian Hughes champion jockey for the first time. Well done to them both.
- Tuesday, 17 March 2020 08:18
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
There are two meetings taking place behind closed doors today with the action coming over the jumps from Wetherby and our local track, Taunton. David has one runner this afternoon as Flou Artsistique contests the 2m3f handicap hurdle at 4.00pm at Taunton. He showed promise in a French bumper but has been well beaten on these shores. This is more his sort of grade but he comes up against a couple of in-form rivals. Playa Blanca is a short-priced favourite, whilst Tactical Manoeuvre beat Main Fact at Exeter earlier in the season, has won twice since and still only has a mark of 100!
- Monday, 16 March 2020 08:27
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
There was another fantastic weekend for the stable when Main Fact (pictured above) completed a fabulous five-timer in Uttoxeter's valuable 2m4f handicap hurdle on Saturday. Travellling kindly for young amateur jockey Fergus Gillard, he moved into contention going well and quickly had matters in hand, scoring by an emphatic 15 length margin. He is sure to take a fair hike in the weights for this success so life will be tougher from here on in, but he continues to surprise and amaze us with his rate of progress.
- Sunday, 15 March 2020 08:09
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
There is time to draw breath with no runners today and reflect on a great week for racing at Cheltenham. The mares dominated on day 1 with Put the Kettle On, Epatante and Honeysuckle steeling the show. There were some great close finishes, all the top guns turned up and ran their races and there were no excuses. The Queen Mother Champion Chase was perhaps the race I was most looking forward to in the build up to the Festival but sadly this race kind of fell apart. Firstly, there was the lameness off Altior which finally ruled him out of the contest the day before and then Chacun Pour Soi was taken out on the day because of an abscess. This, you then thought left things clear for Defi Du Seuil but he failed to fire for the first time this season and Politilogue was crowned champion 2 miler.
