There has been a long rumbling debate ever since the a forth day was added to the Festival in 2005 that Cheltenham should mirror Ascot by hosting a five day meeting instead.  This would bring Cheltenham in line with Punchestown in Ireland, where a … [Read more...] about Cheltenham Festival Fifth Day Considered For 2023

When news came through of Barney Curley’s passing at the age of 81, many could be forgiven for not recognising the name. The one set of people that that doesn’t apply to is bookmakers, who spent their careers trying to get the better of him but … [Read more...] about Barney Curley: The Man The Bookies Hated

It would be unfair and untrue to describe Rachael Blackmore’s arrival in the public conscience as being one of a meteoric rise, given that she rode her first winner in 2011, but it’s certainly the case that her win in the 2021 Grand National, coming … [Read more...] about Rachael Blackmore Shatters Glass Ceiling In Amazing 2021 Season

The last year has been a difficult time for horse racing to say the least.  Racing was cancelled for a period in the spring and summer of 2020, including the Grand National, and upon it's return has faced nearly a year of racing with no spectators.  … [Read more...] about Starting Price To Be Calculated From Mostly Off-Course Prices From Now On

Before the 2021 renewal of the Cheltenham Festival got underway, everyone thought the lack of supporters on-site because of the Covid-19 pandemic would be the major talking point. It was obviously a big deal and the Festival lacked something by … [Read more...] about Cheltenham Festival 2021 Review: Irish Dominate, Blackmore First Female Top Jockey, de Bromhead Treble

It’s fair to say that female jockeys have been making a name for themselves more and more in recent years, with the victory of Rachael Blackmore in the Champion Hurdle just the next step on that journey. It’s a step that had to be taken, however, and … [Read more...] about Rachael Blackmore Makes History With Champion Hurdle Win On Honeysuckle