1. Editor’s Word
11. Kempton Trends
2. Christmas Cracker
12. Oli Bell Interview
3. The Annual Pilgrim
13. Botanica Ltd.
4. Denis Coakley
14. Rebecca Menzies Interview
5. Jonny Lennon
15. Festival Punting
6. Ontoawinner
16. Toals Bookmakers
7. Heather Downey
17. Bruce Betting Bookmakers
8. Hurricane Fly 9. Tommy Barnes 10. Roger Hawkes
EDITOR’S WORDS Thank you very much for taking time of your life to read our popular magazine in which I am personally overwhelmed by it’s massive readership that continues to grow on a daily basis. We endeavour each month to have something for everyone and it honestly would not be possible if I didn't have my hardworking team behind me working towards the same goal. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our loyal readers. I hope you and your family a safe time over the festive period. Yours Thankfully
STUART WILLAMS ‘A CHRISTMAS CRACKER ’
‘A
s soon as the news filtered through early on Monday morning,
social media was set alight, reigniting the excitement for the
’
festive showpiece, the King George VI Chase
In a game where we're all quick enough to Condemn trainers and owners for campaigning horses 'cleverly' to avoid meeting on track, you have to give credit where credit is due. So hat's off to Colin Tizzard, Jean Bishop and John & Heather Snook, who have given the green light for Cue Card and Thistlecrack to go to war at Kempton on Boxing Day. People will no doubt question the decision to allow Thistlecrack to tackle Open Grade One company on just his fourth start over fences. However win, lose or draw, the brave decision made by John & Heather Snook has to be applauded. As we've sadly seen too often, you have to take your chance while your horse is fit and healthy, as you may not get a second opportunity. Much loved fan favourite Cue Card still shades favouritism for the festive showpiece, looking to land the prestigious prize for a second year in succession after running down the sadly ill fated Vautour in the The gallant 10-year-old looked as good as ever when brushing aside 2015 Gold Cup hero Coneygree at Haydock last month, and will no doubt put up a bold showing in his attempt to defend his crown. Winning this would put Cue Card and his extremely lucky owner Jean Bishop in line for another crack at the £1m Jockey Club Triple Crown bonus, something they came agonisingly close to banking last season, before a fall at the third last in the Gold Cup brought the dream to a shuddering halt. Whatever the outcome, we're guaranteed a King George Christmas cracker!
ARTICLE BY STUART WILLIAM
MICHEAL STEVENS THE ANNUAL PILGRIM TO KEMPTON PARK
‘ After the Christmas Day the real holiday season begins for horse racing fans with a religious pilgrimage to Sunbury and the amphitheatre that is Kempton Park ’ Every year there is a story which stays in the memory, from the galloping grey Dessie flying two out, Barton Bank pinging every fence bar the last with the prize at his mercy, to the now undisputed King of Kempton Kauto Star. It's a tradition for many and after some doubts about who will actually make it to the start with the ill fated Vautour no longer with us Don Cossack injured, Djakadam staying in Ireland and and Coneygree playing his Grinch card and like left over champagne, failing to sparkle in his last piece of work The Tizzards must think all of their Christmas wishes have come at once. They of course house the stars of this years Christmas show in the current ruler Cue Card and the not so unknown Thistlecrack. An age old problem for punters, proven form versus potential ! Potential I hear you say ? He is a world hurdler ! But over the larger obstacles he has had nothing more than exercise canters and probably does more at home schooling with Hennessy winner Native River. So now to the proven chaser Cue Card. Surely would have been a millionaire last season had he stood up in the Gold Cup and after a race to forget at Wetherby he had a stroll round Haydock. A statement which no doubt does a disservice to his spectacular dismissal of Coneygree but it's put him back on the path to redemption, will he be able to set it up again? Elsewhere on the card there are two other Grade One races and with the Kauto Star Novices Chase and the Christmas Hurdle. The latter being small in number and big on class. The absent Faugheen looks like he is spending Christmas at home this year and Vroum Vroum mag is a no show as well but either way racing fans are in for a treat.
‘ So many questions to answer, but it's just another thing that makes our sport great ! But hey at least we have an idea of what's running this time .. or do we? ’
DENIS COAKLEY- LEADING PUNDIT LACK OF APPRECIATION IN IRISH RACING
The lack of appreciation of Ireland's leading role in the world of Flat Racing is again evidenced in the failure of Pat Smullen to secure even a nomination for the RTE Sports Personality of the Year Award. He triumphed in probably the most famous race in the World, the Epsom Derby and followed that up with victory in The Irish Derby and retained his Irish Jockey's Championship. How that was judged not to be worthy of recognition is a travesty. Speaking of jockeys the tragic deaths at a young age of two former leading riders, Walter Swinburn and Garret Gomez reminded us of the demanding nature of the role. There is no doubt that both riders experienced what can be referred to as lifestyle difficulties as they battled to meet the various demands of the job. Jockeys are the only sportsmen who have to deliver maximum performance under sub-optimum conditions as they constantly pare their body to ensure as much employment opportunity as possible. For many of them there is a necessity to sweat out three to four pounds most days before they go to work while the ability to know the calorie count of every morsel of food they eat is a necessity for all of them. Throw in the fact that it must be the most insecure occupation in the world where their services can be dispensed of on a whim and no matter how good they are they are, their chances of success are totally dependent on the ability of the horses they get to ride - if they don't get to ride good horses they don't ride winners, so they don't get to ride good horses!. No matter where they lie in the hierarchy of jockeys there is a constant craving to do better. While for many it is to get more rides and more winners even those at the top are constantly seeking more big race wins to win more Group Races, bigger races etc. Even those at the top experience victory considerably less that defeat. They do all this without the support of a team and for considerably less money than those at a comparable level in most other sports. Even a middle of the road Premiership Footballer earns more than the top jockeys. Very few of them earn sufficient money in their career to enjoy a rewarding retirement and while some do accumulate enough capital to enter the precarious world of training many of them have to continue to work in the industry post retirement as work riders etc. For all that they are probably exposed to more criticism than any other sportsman particularly in this world of social media. I have yet to see a footballer who misses a goal-chance called a cheating criminal crook yet a jockey is often called that after some out of pocket punter realises his sure-thing wasn't so sure.
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JONNY LENNON FOND MEMOIRES OF IMPERIAL COMMANDER
I remember this horse appearing in the betting one day, and as I'm a Star Wars fan this was the greatest name a racehorse ever had, but, it was a beautiful looking horse as well, that would have been around 2007, and although an odds favourite that day, he won comfortably and as a result, the love in began:
2008 came along and so did Paddy Brennan, taking over from usually jockey Tony Evans and Nigel Twistan-Davies sent the Commander chasing – with thunderous results! Brennan’s first ride on this potential superstar came in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Cheltenham, Victory ensued as Imperial Commander stayed on strongly to win by around 3 lengths, the following year he went back to the festival and won the Ryanair Chase, beating Voy Por Ustedes by 2 length, both wins came at odds of around 6/1 as well so from a punting point of view it was brilliant but for me, a racing hero was born! Onto 2010, The Grandest stage of them all, the Cheltenham Gold Cup – and the unthinkable was about to happen! Racing against arguably two of the greatest horses seen in Denman and if course, Kauto Star ( who had beaten IC twice previously) – Imperial Commander led 2 furlongs out but stayed on magnificently, going away in fact, to pull off an upset ( to some but, not me ) and take the Gold Cup. The highlight of a glimmering career .
Injury ruined his chances of keeping his crown the following the year and he was jot seen for sometime, personally I felt he would have been retired at that stage. He came back to win the Argento in 2013, an emotional day for me and then of course he had a spin around the National track at Aintree, as top weight though it was all too much for the then 12 year old, and he was pulled up, bringing an end to a wonderful career. As I said, I was never interested in having feelings for an animal. Its just an animal, isn't it? Well, no its not just an animal. Sure enough as people love their pet cats and dogs, I love horse racing and Imperial Commander, whilst not my own pet, became my first love in horse racing. A commander by name and a commander by nature. You brought many happy days to myself as a punter and, merely as a fan and for that, I salute you!
ONTOAWINNER SYNDICATE December saw Quiet Reflection win yet another award when she picked up the Yorkshire Horse of the Year. She beat off very stiff competition to win the prize and cemented her place as the best sprinter in training in Europe, an amazing achievement for a 3 year old filly. We are finalizing her schedule for next year and it’s a very exciting year ahead to say the least. She will resume training next month after a well-deserved break
This time of year is quiet on the track as a lot of horses are on their winter break. We look forward to an exciting 2017 season on the flat with our largest 2-y-0 string to date. We’ve added four new yards, and give a warm Ontoawinner welcome to Fabrice Chappet, Michael Bell, Archie Watson and George Scott. We have ventured into France with Fabrice who trains in the heart of Chantilly. We have bought a fantastic looking Declaration of War filly who will run in France. France offers tremendous prize money for owners. This filly was bought in Arquana and qualifies for the superb French racing premiums, entitling owners to approximately 60% boost to prizemoney earned in France. If you like the good life, and your trips to the beautiful French racecourses, and have a good eye for a filly and love a good black type page, look no further, you’re nearly off to beautiful Chantilly. We have also purchased a racey Society Rock colt and fantastic looking Kodiac colt who are in training with Archie Watson. Archie has enjoyed a tremendous start to his training career and is a trainer going places. The Helmet colt that is trained by George Scott is a personal favourite and he is reported to be very forward, has a great attitude and loves his work. It’s difficult not to get excited about him. All our shares are listed on www.ontoawinner.net/available-shares if you want to get involved. We will be having open stable visits in the New Year, keep an eye on the website while we finalise details, all are welcome. Stable visits are a fantastic way to dip your toe into the water and see what owning a horse is all about.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish Darren and all his team at 3 Furlongs Out the very best of luck in 2017 as they look to expand and grow the 3 Furlongs Out brand. Darren and his team are a very dedicated bunch of people who provide an excellent product for their readers. From experience, the harder you work the luckier you become and we are sure they will continue to thrive in a market that we know so well. To all readers of 3 Furlongs Out, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
HEATHER DOWNEY - MEDIA I was working at Fairyhouse at their Winter Festival of Racing
on the 3rd
& 4th of December. A fantastic weekend was put together by the team at the Ratoath venue and the crowds that flowed through the gates especially on the Sunday was fantastic. The atmosphere was great and the roar from the crowd in the closing stages of Apples Jade's defeat over Vroum Vroum Mag was electric. Don't forget Fairyhouse have racing on their infamous New Years Day meeting, not to be missed! Next To Navan Racecourse where we had two meetings in the month of December on the run up to Christmas. 10th of December saw Ted Walsh's 'Any Second Now' Spring a 66-1 shocker in the opening Maiden Hurdle. And the bumper saw a nice winner in the Mags Mullins trained 'Dr Wallace' who looks an exciting prospect. Just another one of a long list of exciting prospects to start their career off in Navan Racecourse! The 18th December at Navan saw a four-timer for Gordon Elliot, including an impressive win from Death Duty in the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle ridden by Bryan Cooper (who recorded a double on the day) & the trainer suggested he may even be an Albert Bartlett type!! There was a Meath trained dead-heat in the Handicap Chase & a nice winner also for Sandra Hughes & Roger Loughran with Total Recall at 9-2 in the Novice Chase. Sandra who was completing a nice across the card double!! We even had Connacht Rugby legend John Muldoon in attendance enjoying a day out at Navan Racecourse! Once again on both days in Navan I was doing trophy presentation & winning connections room, as well as updating social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram). Make sure to give Navan Racecourse a follow!! Next race meeting : 21st January 2017
HURRICANE FLY TRIBUTE As I sat watching old races of Hurricane fly I realised how much I miss that amazing horse! With a career that started in a 2 runner 6f race in France, fly was second of two. Who would of thought that racing history would be made with him’ In his first start over timber in may 08 he won a 22 runner maiden hurdle and never looked back picking up an Incredible 23 wins from 29 starts over hurdles and cemented himself as the greatest hurdler of all time. 22 of which where grade 1 wins. ‘ A horse of his generation’ Hurricane fly recorded 5 Irish champion hurdles, Ryanair hurdle 3 times, Stan James champion hurdle 3 times among other big race wins. My favourite horse of all time my first memory that sticks out from watching the Cheltenham festival March 2015, Hurricane fly beat off peddlers cross and Oscar whiskey in the champion hurdle. After watching this is decided I loved jumps racing and have embarked on a journey of obsession with the sport since My favourite race I’ve ever seen him in has to be the Ryan air hurdle 2014 when he wasn’t fluent at the start of the race but grew in confidence throughout and gunned down jezki and Arctic fire, finishing so strong after winging the last. Still to this day I remember jumping around the bookies not at the fact I’d won money it was he won and won with guts and determination. From 29 runs he never seen the canvas and this is the reason I think he will be regarded as the best ever. In my eyes anyway!!
A horse I sorely miss watching. I hope your enjoying your retirement fly!!
TOMMY BARNES ‘TIZZARDS ADD THE KEY SPICE’
Christmas is often a time of over indulgence, but, worryingly, two of the most hotly anticipated races in the Christmas calendar, the King George VI Chase and the Bet32.com Red Christmas Hurdle, look rather thin with runners at the final entry stage. Thankfully, both races retain an edge of excitement, particularly thanks to the gift that all racing fans had on their Christmas list – Thistlecrack's debut run in Group 1 open company. As we stand, there are five declared for Monday's Group 1 King George: Cue Card, Josses Hill, Silviniaco Conti, Tea For Two & Thistlecrack. Minus Thistlecrack, who is treated as an unknown, Cue Card stands a whopping 13lbs greater on official ratings than his nearest challenger, Silviniaco Conti. Thank Santa for Colin Tizzard's inclusion of Thistlecrack. Some commentators have been rightly critical regarding the apparent mid-season reluctance to compete runners from the same stable against one another, with the Prestbury Park destination in March seemingly more important than the journey and prizes therein – but, hands up, I wouldn't have ran Thistlecrack here; I would have entered him in the Feltham and continued the novice route to Cheltenham. Therefore, I have to applaud the Tizzard team for their inclusion of, and ambition by, entering him into Monday's contest. I wonder, has the lack of runners persuaded Colin Tizzard to include Thistlecrack in the line up? There ought to be less 'hustle and bustle', and, I suppose, on paper, it appears a gentle step into Group 1 open company. Although, I'll still be favouring the elder statesman, Cue Card. Prior to the King George, we have the 32Red.com Christmas Hurdle, and similarly, the line up appears scant; Ch'Tibello, Gray Wolf River, My Tent Or Yours, The New One, and Yanworth are all entered. It's a small but competitive field and it's reasonable to expect The New One to set off in front as he did in Cheltenham, thus, making this a truly run race. Yanworth is here to lay down his Champion Hurdle credentials. How good, or not, the ground is will steer the hopes of Tent. Touching on Leopardstown, what a week is lined up there! On Monday there is the mouthwatering proposition of 'Min v Identify Thief', Tuesday is the Paddy Power Chase and Thursday is the Lexus, and, we have The Welsh Grand National in the card at Chepstow, and, and, and.... competitive cards at Wetherby, Down Royal & Limerick to name a few. Take a moment just now to catch your breath because next week it's all go!! It's a week which will ought to answer several questions but if you're looking to March, and aren't we all in this game (sometimes too much!), remember that races aren't won at Prestbury Park at this time of year, the key is to try find one or two for whom this race is their prize.
ROGER HAWKE - PUNTER XMAS STRATEGIES TO HELP KEEP YOU IN PROFIT
Christmas comes but once a year – so let’s all get some of the expense back from The Old Enemy using these Two systems that work particularly well over this period. BEST TOP WEIGHT
TOP JOCKEYS ON AWAY DAYS A couple of Saturdays ago I had one of my biggest wins of this year by following my hunch! I noticed when flicking through the runners for a Saturday that despite The Beecher Chase being run on a good card at Aintree and The Tingle Creek taking place at Sandown – the best jockey riding in Britain (Richard Johnson) was down for five rides at CHEPSTOW! This was very much the third choice meeting of the day. Channels 4 were covering the two high profile meetings so why had the Champion Elect chosen to go west? I started trying to pick out which particular horse the Champ may have gone specifically to ride. In the end I decided the best strategy was to cover all Dickie Johnsons mounts in doubles and trebles. I and my Twitter followers on @roge1409 were rewarded with four winners from five mounts and the odds were decent 6/1 (twice), 4/1 and Evens. So my system advice would be scour the meetings and look for similarly unusual Top Jockeys on Away Days. I will keep you posted on any I spot those of you that follow me on Twitter.
Handicap races to me offer the best chance of us who do not have a regular stream of insider information making a profit. By their deign Handicap Chase races often prove the top of this particular tree. Finding the daily selections is straightforward and can be done in minutes using any newspaper or on line publication. The selection is found by simply deducting the weight to be carried by the SECOND HIGHEST in the weights from the weight to be carried by the top weight. Do this for every handicap chase and the selection becomes the top weight with the biggest difference in pounds. Backing the top weight you are already in the opinion of the official handicapper (and who am I to argue!) backing the best horse in the race, If that best horse is running against inferior rivals he should have a distinct advantage. Remember an old buddy of mine once passed on this gem “You can try to slow good horses down a bit with more weight but you can’t speed up lesser ability horses”
Hopefully you will all enjoy a peaceful and profitable Christmas and may 2017 be a good new year for us all.
@roge1409
THE CUE CARD STORY Every once in a while a horse comes along that captures the hearts of a nation. Sprinter Sacre had held that mantle until he was retired last month. Now Cue Card holds that title as the hugely popular chaser from the stable of Colin Tizzard looks to defend his King George crown on Boxing Day. So where did it all begin for Cue Card? He won his two bumpers including the big one at the Cheltenham Festival. The following season he embarked on his Novice Hurdle campaign, where the Supreme Novices Hurdle would be the big target. After winning his first start over Hurdles & a good run behind Menorah in the International Hurdle, it was the Cheltenham Festival once again. Although Standing in his way was the imposing figure of Sprinter Sacre. Paul Nicholls trained the winner though with Al Ferof. Cue Card looked like he would improve for jumping fences and boy was Colin Tizzard right. In the last four years Cue Card has won the following chases in chronological order…
Ascot Chase – 2m 4f (G1) Ryanair Chase – 2m 4f (G1) Betfair Chase X2 – 3m (G1) Charlie Hall Chase – 3m (G2) King George VI Chase – 3m
That’s a hugely impressive CV! One big prize has eluded him so far, the biggest prize in Jumps Racing the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He was travelling extremely well alongside Don Cossack and Djakadam when he fell at the third last, in my opinion he would have beaten them both. His story is so popular because of the Tizzard Family, who before Cue Card came along had a small string of horses. And they are such lovely people the Tizzards, Joe rides out the ‘Family Pet’ in the mornings. He has earned a special place in their hearts and that of his owner Mrs Jean Bishop who will be lucky to ever own a better horse. With £1.2m earned and more to come over the next two years possibly, the fairytale Cue Card story looks set to continue. Will he gallop off into sunset if he wins the Gold Cup in March? Ask the horse himself, he has quite a few stories to tell.
ARTICLE BY Jamie Lindsey
CHARLIE & RICH - FORM STUDENTS STATS AND TRENDS FOR KEMPTON BOXING DAY
Kempton Park on is the perfect distraction, to take you away from the cost of presents and the overindulgence the festive period brings with it.In this page we have the stats for each race on the Kempton card and will hopefully give you an idea of what horse’s to look for. The race names have changed slightly because of new sponsor but the Stats remain the same and on that note please find the stats and our guide for profit below 12.55 – 32Red Casino Novice Hurdle
1.30 – 32Red.Com Chase
8/8 – Had raced in the last 7 weeks 7/8 – Aged 4 or 5 years-old 7/8 – Winning distance 3 lengths or more 7/8 – Favourites placed in the top 3 7/8 – Returned 7/2 or shorter in the betting 6/8 – Won just once over hurdles before 5/8 – Winning favourites 5/8 – Had won a NH Flat race before 3/8 – Ridden by Richard Johnson 2/8 – Trained by Nicky Henderson 2/8 – Ridden by Barry Geraghty The average winning SP in the last 8 runnings is 10/3
11/11 – Aged 7 or younger 10/11 – Had won between 0-1 times over fences in the UK 9/11 – Placed 1st or 2nd last time out 9/11 – Raced within the last 5 weeks 7/11 – Placed favourites (1 joint) 6/11 – Officially rated between 119 and 125 6/11 – Carried 11-6 or more 6/11 – Winning distance – 6 lengths or more 6/11 – Winning favourites (1 joint) 4/11 – Won by a French bred horse 4/11 – Trained by Nicky Henderson 3/11 – Won last time out 2/11 – Ridden by Richard Johnson 2/11 – Raced at Kempton last time out
2.05 – 32Red Kauto Star Novice Chase
2.40 -32Red.com Christmas Hurdle
12/12 – Placed in the top two last time out 12/12 – Raced within the last 6 weeks 10/12 – Won last time out 9/12 – Returned 5/2 or shorter in the betting 9/12 – Had won at least 2 times over fences in the UK 9/12 – French (5) or Irish (4) bred 9/12 – Winning distance – 3 lengths or more 8/12 – Aged 6 or younger 8/12 – Placed favourites 8/12 – Went onto run in that season’s RSA Chase (no runners) 7/12 – Winning favourites 6/12 – Aged 6 years-old 6/12 – Had won (chase) over at least 3m before 6/12 – Raced at Newbury last time out 2/12 – Trained by Paul Nicholls 2/12 – Trained by David Pipe 2/12 – Ridden by Ruby Walsh 2/12 – Ridden by Tom Scudamore 2/12 – Raced at Cheltenham last time out1/12 – French trained
11/13 – Raced within the last 6 weeks 11/13 – Had won at least 4 times over hurdles before 10/13 – Placed favourites 10/13 – Returned 11/4 or shorter in the betting 8/13 – Went onto run in the Champion Hurdle (Faughan (2015) only winner) 8/13 – Won last time out 7/13 – Irish trained 7/13 – Ran in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last time out 7/13 – Went onto finish in the top 5 in the Champion Hurdle that season 6/13 – Had run over hurdles at Kempton before 6/13 – Winning favourites 5/13 – French bred 4/13 – Trained by Nicky Henderson 2/13 – Trained by Jonjo O’Neill
TRENDS CONTUINED ON NEXT PAGE
CHARLIE & RICH - FORM STUDENTS 3.15 -32Red King George VI Chase
3.45 -32Red On The App Store Handicap Hurdle
13/13 – Had won a Grade One chase before 13/13 – French (10) or Irish bred (3) 12/13 – Had raced within the last 5 weeks 12/13 – Placed favourites 12/13 – Finished in the top three last time out 11/13 – Officially rated 169 or higher 11/13 – Had won over 3m or further (fences) before 10/13 – Aged 8 or younger 10/13 – Had won a race over fences at Kempton before 9/13 – Winning favourites 8/13 – Won last time out 8/13 – Aged 6 or 7 years-old 8/13 – Ran in the Betfair Chase (Haydock) last time out 7/13 – Won by a previous winner of the race 7/13 – Trained by Paul Nicholls (9 times in all) 5/13 – Ridden by Ruby Walsh 2/13 – Ridden by Barry Geraghty 2/13 – Ridden by Noel Fehily 2/13 – Won by an Irish-based yard
8/8 – Won no more than 3 times (UK Hurdles)7/8 – Aged 6 or younger 7/8 – Won between 0-2 times hurdles (UK) 6/8 – Returned 8/1 or shorter 6/8 – Placed in the top 3 last time out 5/8 – Ran 4 or less weeks ago 5/8 – Officially rated 120-128 5/8 – Aged 5 or 6 years-old 4/8 – Unplaced favourites 4/8 – Won last time out 4/8 – French bred 3/8 – Winning favourites 2/8 – Trained by Nicky Henderson The average winning SP in the last 8 runnings is 8.3/1
Guide To Profit Now that’s the stats for each race out of the way it’s now time to delve a bit deeper into race history and reveal what trainers to keep an eye on and what races to target if you want to see a return for your hard earned cash.
Firstly Kempton is a flat, tight and fast track so it’s no real upset that front runners do run well here. Previous years have seen 17 Winners from 63 runners for a win strike rate of 27% not too bad, but if you add place and win together the stats read 27 runners from 63 placed or won for a strike rate of 43% .Now onto Trainer’s and Nicky Henderson has the best record at Kempton over Christmas with a Success rate of 16 winners from 50 races for a win strike rate of 32% If we add places to the win % it increases to 23 winners from 50 races for a strike rate of 46%
Now this won’t make you a millionaire but if we dig a bit deeper we can increase the % to make it a bit more profitable. If we focus on races over 2m and horse’s returning to track from a break of 40+ days sees a strike rate of 10 winners from 15 races and a success rate of 67% we can increase this further if we add places to the % sees it increase to 12 winners from 15 races for a strike rate of 80% So there you have our guide on where the profit lies on Boxing Day at Kempton and hope you use it to help your betting needs
Written By Charlie Mcgreevy and Rich Williams
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INTERVIEW WITH OLI BELL Can you tell us your 1st memory of Horse Racing ? I remember it very well!! My Grandparents owned horses and i went to Leicester racecourse when their horse Home From The Hill ran. The horse won in a photo and i was hooping and hollering from about 5 furlongs out. My Grandparents were quite stiff upper lipped people and they were deeply embarrassed. I was hooked after that. You presented the breakfast show on school radio, how was that? & what's your taste in music like ? In truth i did that to avoid double biology on a Wednesday morning, but it did give me my first taste of broadcasting and was great fun. I'm not sure how much i really learnt from it but to have a platform to do that at school was obviously a great opportunity. At the time i think Busted were quite big so i think i used to just put a few of their CDs on! I also noticed you played Cricket & Football to a high Standard, Batsman OR Bowler? What position did you favour when playing Football ? That was a long time ago! Im a batsman and used to play up front but i don't think i ever really set the world alight in either sport. I still play a bit of cricket for the Newmarket Racing XI and there is a really good T20 match every year at Goodwood that i play in for Lord March's XI against the Lords Taverners. We've won the last twice so fingers crossed we can win it next year! How did you get into TV Presenting & who was your TV inspiration? I started by doing radio reports aged 16 at places such as Burleigh horse trials, and took every opportunity to do as much work experience as possible when i could. I then started work full time at Racing UK aged 18. Initially i worked behind the scenes for 4 years and then got an opportunity to present. They were, and have remained, very loyal to me and im indebted to them for the opportunity and support they've shown me through the years. Sir Peter O'Sullevan and Des Lynam were broadcasters that growing up i really admired. You spent time in Australia presenting for Sky Australia's Racing Channel, how does Australian TV compare to UK TV ? The channel i worked for out there Sky Racing is a slightly different beast to Racing UK or At The Races because there is a lot more racing and they also covered Greyhound racing and Harness racing so it was very busy and effectively race after race after race so its quite hard to compare. I think were very lucky in this country (a lot of the time) to give each and every race the time it deserves. The Melbourne Cup is the highlight of the Australian racing season, how does it compare to say The Breeders Cup, Royal Ascot or The Meydan Carnival ? The main difference i think is that the town and country for that matter gets really behind the event. The street parade of connections a few days before the race, the fact that its a public holiday in Victoria it means that it is in everyone's psyche. I suppose the Grand National has that level of national interest in this country and that is something i hope can continue because the buzz around Australia during the Melbourne Cup is amazing.
INTERVIEW WITH OLI BELL How has TV changed UK Racing? I think technology has allowed us as viewers to feel a lot more involved in the race and the event. There has been innovative cameras and technology used in recent years that take us into the heart of the action. Social media has also provided a platform for those involved in the sport to be seen and heard on a more regular basis which is a good thing (on the whole)! With being the Main Presenter on Racing UK, how does that compare to the work you have done before ? Well its certainly a bit different to when i worked as a pot washer/waiter in my local pub when i was younger! I've been very fortunate in that in my professional life it is all i have really known so there isn't much to compare it too. Its a job i absolutely love and in truth, it has never felt like a job. Congratulations on your new job presenting ITV Saturday Morning's Racing Programme, what can we expect on a Saturday Morning ? Thank you, an exciting time ahead. I hope people enjoy the show and it is a platform to share the many amazing stories that this sport have to offer. I also see the morning show as an opportunity to whet the appetite for when Ed and the team go on air for the live racing. There are a few new and exciting plans in place but you will have to tune into the first show on January 7th on Tolworth Hurdle day from Sandown to find out what they are!!!! How is your Auto-Cue Skills? No seriously, Is it going to be a big Challenge ? Haha, well, I've actually never used auto-cue and i wont be using it on the show so thankfully i don't have to worry about that! I think with racing you cant really write scripts because it is wonderfully unpredictable. Is this the highlight of your Career so far & teaming up with Sir AP McCoy must be a big thrill ? Its obviously a fantastic opportunity and without sounding cheesy I'm really flattered to have been asked to do it. At this stage i haven't done a show yet so its still a long way off but its obviously something I'm very excited by and i hope i can do a good job. Working with people like AP, sorry, Sir AP, is cool because as a racing fan he is a legend but that's not to say im going to tread on eggshells around him! He's put on a lot of a weight since he packed up riding and i will remind him of that regularly! :) What is your idea of the most exciting race you have seen past or present? There are a few i could mention here! Ouija Board v Alexander Goldrun in the Nassau was a thriller, Giants Causeway v Khalanisi as well but i think the excitement around Denman v Kauto Star was amazing and the build up to that was really special. That would just top it for me i think. What advice would I give? I can only speak from first hand experience really and the lessons i learnt from working behind the scenes and the work experience that i did was invaluable. It doesn't happen overnight and yes there will be a lot of boring days and cups of teas made but you're able in those situations to absorb a lot of vital lessons and information. When you are young we are all sponges really and its important in your formative years to learn as much as possible. I think as a presenter its very important to be yourself and find your own style. And 1 final question - We ask everybody for a Couple of Horse's to follow for the season, Do you have a couple for our readers ? Jessber's Dream is a very good mare that Ditcheat Thoroughbred's purchased recently and is now with Paul Nicholls, I'm sure she's got a big future, as has Behind Time that recently won the same handicap at Cheltenham that Uknowwhatimeanharry won for the same trainer Harry Fry.
INTERVIEW BY RICH WILLIAMS
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New Year’s resolutions in the gambling world At this time of year we all take stock and not just with our turkey. Also, we often look forward to the New Year with enthusiasm and make ridiculous claims about what we are going to do. 2016 has been an amazing year for the off-course gambling industry; investigation after investigation has been announced; who knows what outcomes 2017 holds, but their lobbyists are all in full swing making silly claims, instead of believable and fair arguments. Companies are merging or attempting to merge every month, if not weekly. The internet is doing to gambling companies what it always does. It promises riches, but nearly always ends in tears, except for a tiny number of companies run by ‘wonder-kids’. Traditional off -course large corporate bookmakers are rarely run by ‘wonder-kids’; dinosaurs in grey suits would be more applicable. Without their addictive casino games, slots and bingo, the industry would be dead and gone. Sports books with over-rounds of 101%, plus silly promotions, equals financial suicide, unless your guaranteed profit products blossom, e.g. the aforementioned games.
Against this background I decided to ring a few of the industry PR boys (they’re normally boys) to ask them what their New Year’s resolutions were going to be. Its interesting reading (is it)? I started in Ireland first. Company A: Get stuffed, we’re not speaking to you, as you once won £53.00 of us and withdrew it. Cracking start I thought. Company B: We recognise we’ve said some things about our customers to journalists in 2016 that were not nice, so in 2017 our resolution concerns winning customers and regarding them as just that, i.e. not as thieves, fraudsters and other types of criminals. Well, hooray for that. NB: I couldn’t get hold of Frank from Sligo who was on ATR the other week, which is a real pity, as I’m sure his resolution will be belter. So, onwards to the UK and other territories. Company C: Our resolution is to keep the terms and conditions for our new customer promotions under 3000 words. Hardly ambitious. Company D: I initially told company D about company C’s resolution and they ‘upped the anti’ by saying they would rephrase their new customer promotional terms and conditions, so that it was possible to win and withdraw money before an account was closed. A double hooray to that. Company E: Simply said, I could refer their resolution to IBAS if I didn’t like it. Company F: Were a tad aggressive to my call. They stated, “If you get the BBC to ring us again; you’re for it.” No hoorays for that one. Company G: Our resolution is to try and accommodate all horse racing punters to at least a minimum liability of £3.79, even in 43 runner maiden hurdles in Ireland. Continued on next page
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New Year’s resolutions in the gambling world Trade body A: Our resolution is to make betting in your bedroom as safe as it is in betting shops. However, we cannot guarantee that one of our staff will invite you round for Christmas dinner. Trade body B: We don’t have a resolution as we’re perfect and all our members already enhance their local communities, especially at Christmas with all their FOBT competitions and free cups of tea. Could be open to debate, but why spoil a fantasy. Reputation management company A: Our resolution is to stop talking bullshit. Now this is a resolution I doubt they’ll ever achieve, because their sole purpose in life is to talk bullshit, but I can’t criticise them for trying, even if it only lasts for 48 seconds. It will be FUN until it STOPS. Company H: I was excited about this one as I actually got to speak to their CEO. He said, “My personal resolution is to try and ensure what happened to the bank I was CEO at does not happen to my present merged gambling company,” e.g. It doesn’t go out of existence with 1000s of job losses. Fingers-crossed for that one, especially if you work for them. Company I: Our resolution is to try and make sure nobody faints and remains undiscovered in our shop toilets after being laid £50ew at 16s. To help with this we are making a budget available for CCTV to be installed in every shop toilet. I’m not sure they’ve thought this one through as there could be an outside chance its illegal? I doubt that will bother them though. Company J: We will be employing somebody in our security department who doesn’t need glasses. We hope this will save our customers having to send 53 scans of their passport and utility bills over a period of months to prove their identity before withdrawing £32.13. I’ll believe that when I see it (pun danger). So, there we have it; a day on the phone wasted, but I do hope you’ve enjoyed reading what was said and some of the other rubbish I’ve written for this magazine over the last 7-8 months. A happy and healthy new year to you all.
Jimmy Justice (no it’s not my real name, be sensible)
Website: www.justiceforpunters.org Email: info@justiceforpunters.org Twitter: @gondorffhenry
INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA MENZIES Who has influenced your training style? Having spent 8 years working for and then assisting Ferdy Murphy it had to be him. His record as a trainer speaks for itself,especially the festivals.
Do you set a target for races you want to win? I like to have a plan however think it's most important to try and get the best out of each horse I train . Personally, there are lots of big races I'd love to win! Who was your favourite horse to train? So far is have to say Balding Banker. I looked after him when Ferdy trained him and then when I started he was sent to me and he was my first runner finishing 2nd. He wasn't the most straight forward so I ended up spending a lot of time with him.
Is routine the best way to train a horse? Or all they all individual? Every horse is different and they like different things but as there's room for 48 horses here, we're pretty hands on so can adapt the general routine around each horses needs as best we can.
Who was your most expensive horse you've trained? I'm very lucky to have good owners and I have some good advisors across both seas to help out when buying a horse but their price tag doesn't affect how they're treated or trained nor should it.
How many do you have in your yard? 30 What's been the most enjoyable moment of your training career to date? Naturally it has to be my first winner, Pistol Basc in Sedgefield 12/11/13. But small things like seeing the owners thrilled with their horse or schooling days with the young horses and seeing progress can be pretty satisfying.
Do you have stable Jockey's? If so who decides what horses they ride? Tony Kelly is based full time in the yard and puts a lot of homework in to the jumps horses, he gets on with quirky ones and seems to bring the best out in even the most tricky of customers! Brian Hughes is in most Monday's for schooling and to ride work - his input and feedback is invaluable. Colm McCormack has plenty of experience and is a real horseman both on and off the track, Jamie Hamilton has ridden winners for me and Nathan Evans is an apprentice I like to use when PJ McDonald is unavailable but I like to include my owners on decisions like this.
Can you tell when a horse is more likely to win? You think you can sometimes and are usually wrong!!! If you know your horse you'll know when they look right, are working well and have their ideal conditions but it's rare to have every box ticked! Do ex-flat horses make good chasers/hurdlers? As a rule of thumb yes but there's always exceptions just like some national hunt bred horses are better over hurdles or fences and not necessarily both.
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INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA MENZIES Away from racing, how do you relax? I'd like to say I do but this job is 24/7. I relax when I have a winner (for a few minutes maybe .
If you weren't a trainer, which career would you like to have chosen to pursue? During school I wanted to be a property developer and had big ideas about building houses . It wasn't a passion and after If you could train any horse Past or Present, who would it be & Why? Kalahari King was a super horse who took his owners to the big days and delivered. He was very hardy and had loads of ability. Presently, Thistlecrack looks awesome.
Do you have any horses for our readers to follow? Stilo Blue Native
CHECK OUT REBEBCCA’S WEBSITE: http://www.rebeccamenzies.com/
INTERVIEW BY RICH WILLIAMS
FESTIVAL PUNTING BY PAUL DOCHERTY KING GEORGE VI at KEMPTON 26/12/16 3m When Coneygree got pulled out because his legs are made of glass I thought there would be no point betting on CUE CARD because he’d be no price then connections gave us all a smile when they said THISTLECRACK had the green light to run, it gives us the mouth-watering hyped up race we’ve all been waiting for and also has made CUE CARD back able again. Whatever happens this will be great for racing and this race will make the main sports news which is always good for our sport. I’ll be having a substantial bet on CUE CARD as I expect him to be around 6/4 and THISTLECRACK to come in and in and probably go off Fav. With only 7 runners it makes the each way alternatives not as attractive as they could have been but it’s very interesting that connections have supplemented JOSSES HILL, I’m not sure he looked like he would stay the 3m when casting aside former champion chase winner Dodging Bullets and TEA FOR TWO a few weeks ago over 2 1/2m at Huntington, but maybe the prize money looks too good a chance to miss if the principals take each other on and the race falls apart. Pick CUE CARD 6/4 RACING POST NOVICES CHASE at LEOPARDSTOWN 26/12/16 2m1 While all eyes across the water will be billing the clash on Boxing Day as better that the Kauto Star v Denman rivalry (calm down dear) the race im really looking forward to the most is this. MIN v IDENTITY THIEF. These two in all probability will be going up against another hyped horse ALTIOR in the Arkle at Cheltenham, but here they go head to head. Two things. Firstly MIN is a far better proposition over fences that he ever was going to be over hurdles. Look back at the Supreme from last Cheltenham. MIN banged into one fence in the back straight and injured himself so badly we didn’t see him again all season and still finished second behind ALTIOR. No disrespect to the way ALTIOR powered up the hill but I honestly don’t think he is the next DOUVAN. Not by a long way. Secondly IDENTITY THIEF is a machine and again will be a different proposition over fences. He won well in the fog apparently at Punchestown and loves it soft. He was rated higher than both ALTIOR and MIN over hurdles. I thought he would run well in the Champion Hurdle but maybe that could be down to the better ground or the course and that he’s maybe just not suited to it. Either way this race will tell us a lot. If you are looking a punt like me it will be with IDENTITY THIEF. Around 2/1 now PICK IDENTITY THIEF 2/1 PADDY POWER CHASE at LEOPARDSTOWN 27/12/16 When the field is 10/1 in general you know it’s a minefield. So let’s get stuck in. CRAFTY BUTCHER is at the top of the market but needs few to come out before hell get in, but probably should still. He’s the Mullins pick and you know he’ll have it ready for a decent run but any of his horses will attract the money. From the other principles UCELLO CONTI looks to be one of the better ones after a big run at Aintree there at the start of December. Elliot seems to be quite bullish about him and I expect him to go off favourite. UCELLO CONTI will definitely get in as he’s near top weight but off a 139 I think he could be well treated. OSCAR KNIGHT might not get in, NOBLE ENDEAVOR has flattered to deceive and I can’t personally back him. ORTAGO TRAIL is off top weight and the Venetia Williams gelding has seen a good few quid for him lately. BONNY KATE will be getting the mares allowance which will come in very handy. PEOPLES PARK needs a couple to drop out to get in but there has been shrewd money for it but the step up in trip would be my major concern but they must be quietly confident. FORMER Irish National Winner THUNDER AND ROSES ran back to form the last day at Fairyhouse and the old cliché “this trainer knows how to get them fit for the day” was written about Mouse Morris. At 20/1 he’ll carry my each way money. PICK UCELLO CONTI 10/1 WIN & THUNDER AND ROSES 20/1 EACH WAY