- Friday, 05 November 2010 08:25
- Written by Chester Barnes
One of my great hero's, the legend Lester Piggott is 75 years old today and he doesn't look any older now than he did when he was riding. Indeed, with the Breeder's Cup taking place this weekend, it reminds me that it is 20 years since his memorable success in the Breeders Cup at Belmont Park aboard the Vincent O'Brien trained Royal Academy. Lester also rode winners for Martin on the flat, and the old maestro even suggested that MCP move to Newmarket to train on the flat. There is very little that Lester didn't achieve during his time in the saddle, and he even rode a Cheltenham Festival winner when he landed the Triumph Hurdle aboard Prince Charlemagne in 1954.
- Thursday, 04 November 2010 08:06
- Written by Chester Barnes
Dan Breen ran creditably to finish runner-up on his chase debut at Warwick yesterday to the more experienced Darby's Turn. Our five year old jumped well for Tom Scudamore and he looks sure to be winning over fences very soon. Watching the action yesterday, I couldn't help but be impressed by young Sam Twiston-Davies who rode a double on the card. He must be one of the most improved jockey's about at the moment, and he looked particularly good to score upon Cotswold Charmer in a driving finish. To be honest, I think he would have won on either of the first two.
- Wednesday, 03 November 2010 07:56
- Written by Chester Barnes
I thought that Madison du Berlais ran a solid enough race at Exeter yesterday afternoon on his first start over hurdles since 2004. He finished a close second to Mr Hudson, and the run will have blown away the cobwebs for another season over fences. The trip of 2m5 1/2f might just have been on the sharp side for him, so to me it was an encouraging run. I'msingingtheblues wasn't beaten at all far in the big race of the day, The Haldon Gold Cup and he too looks to be more than capable of winning races over fences this season.
- Tuesday, 02 November 2010 08:16
- Written by Chester Barnes
There was a French winner of this morning's Melbourne Cup. Americain, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre and ridden by Gerald Mosse emerged victorious ahead of the home contingents Maluckyday and hot favourite So You Think - the Tote returned $10.90. What a great performance when you consider how difficult this race is for European runners to win - indeed, you have to go back to Media Puzzle in 2002 to find the last one, and Vintage Crop in 1993 before that. Americain had been based in Australia for a while, showing a high class level of form to win the Geelong Cup previously - maybe that is the way in which future European raiders should be campaigned? Anyway, well done to all connected with the horse.
- Monday, 01 November 2010 08:11
- Written by Chester Barnes
- Sunday, 31 October 2010 00:00
- Written by Chester Barnes
Tuesday is the biggest day in Australia's racing calendar - the Melbourne Cup. It is billed as the race that stops a nation, and doubtless all eyes will be on Flemington Park. There is also a big race that takes place a little closer to home, the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, while Friday sees the start of the two day Breeders Cup meeting at Churchill Downs in America. Midday will take centre stage for the European contingent in the fillies and mares turf and would crown a wonderful season for Henry Cecil.
- Saturday, 30 October 2010 07:13
- Written by Chester Barnes
Congratulations to Tom Scudamore who rode his 500th winner at Wetherby yesterday afternoon aboard Royal Max in the handicap hurdle. It is a great achievement, and people should remember that Tom is still only 28 years old, so there should be plenty of time for him to add to that tally yet. Tom rode his first winner under rules for Martin in 1998 aboard Nordic Breeze on the flat at Warwick and he became champion amateur jockey in 2001 before turning pro. He was announced as stable jockey at Pond House in 2007, and has since enjoyed many memorable successes including a Cheltenham Festival winner aboard An Accordion and a Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury aboard Madison du Berlais. Tom has now equalled his grandfather Michael's career tally, although Michael Snr only rode 496 of his 500 successes in this country. It is a fantastic milestone and we are all thrilled for him.
