Pic by @mjyharris Graphics by @lu_dixon_1
Contents Disney lands historic win at Sandown – By Kathryn Trudgeon Remembering a Cheltenham legend – By Joe Smith A weighty debate part 1 – By Rachel Wilson Martin Smith 2It's all about attitude” - By Hacked Up Racing A weighty debate part 2 – By Racheal Kneller Four for the Festival – By Harry Allwood Cheltenham stats – By Dean Kilbryde Willie Mullins Cheltenham 2017 – By Danny Archer Why Cheltenhamneeds Barry Geraghty – By Danny Archer Famous Festival Fancies – By Gordon Millard The bookies on their knees – By Hacked Up Racing Is it Aintree yet – By Matt Clarkson Midland's Grand National – By Dean Kilbryde More Midland's National – By toonmick70 Helping Others – By Polly Rodgers
Disney Lands Historic Win at Sandown By Kathryn Trudgeon @writeforracing For the shortest month of the year, February can certainly drag its heels. A feeling caused in no small part by our eagerness to turn the page of the calendar and count the days until the Cheltenham Festival begins. The month’s sluggish pace this year wasn’t helped by its burden of dismal news headlines, at home and abroad. We had Trump scowling over fake news, betting scandals involving pie-munching goalies, and this was before Storm Doris had even begun to have her say. What we needed was a news story which offered a ray of inspiration in the midst of all that gloom, and it would be a racing story which delivered it, propelled from the sports pages to mainstream news thanks to Guy Disney’s historic win in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup. But forget the sprinkle of fairy-dust the name suggests, for this story was born from a grenade blast amid the harsh grit of Afghan sand. While serving in Helmand in 2009, Guy Disney lost his right leg below the knee when his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Having survived the blast and three rounds of surgery, he returned to his family home in the Cotswolds to convalesce and come to terms with his life changing injury, resolutely determined to focus on what could still be achieved. The former point-to-point winning rider harboured thoughts of returning to the saddle, and quickly did so, but the prospect of riding competitively in a three-mile chase at Sandown would have been pushing the boundaries of optimism, even for him. However, a letter he received from Fergie Sutherland during this time sowed the seed of possibility as the Gold Cup winning trainer had lost a leg to a landmine in Korea and gone on to ride in point-to-points. Guy Disney wasted little time in applying to the BHA for an amateur rider’s licence but it was met with a resounding no. The safety concerns cited were numerous and entirely justified but, for the tenacious applicant, they were not insurmountable. It was just a case of providing the evidence needed. By the time he’d submitted his second application, Disney had taken part in expeditions to both the North and South Poles, and completed another tour of Afghanistan with his regiment. That’s quite a portfolio. It was during his North Pole expedition that he met former racehorse owner Dr David Carey,
whose experience of functional testing with injured pilots would play a fundamental role in securing a successful application. The BHA’s concerns were that Disney’s prosthetic leg could become stuck in the iron and he’d be dragged, and his ability to get his foot back in the iron if it slipped out. A stirrup adapted with a toe-stopper to accommodate his artificial foot offered the solution, and videos of him in action regaining a lost iron provided the assurance the BHA needed. His licence was duly granted. The only remaining risk he could do nothing to counter was the inherent and inescapable danger of race riding. Two years ago he became the first jockey to ride under rules with a prosthetic leg when finishing third in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup and in the same race this year, aboard the David Pipe trained Rathlin Rose, he became the first to win at a professional racecourse in Britain. Never has the phrase ‘a hero’s reception’ been so aptly and sincerely used than when Guy Disney returned to the winner’s enclosure at Sandown, scenes which rightly extended the story’s resonance beyond the racing world. His comments after crossing the line, and in the numerous interviews which followed, offered gratitude and modesty in equal measure. Above all he considers himself lucky - lucky to have survived a conflict when many did not, and lucky to be part of a sport he absolutely loves. You just can’t beat a news story like this. The only thing fake about it is the right foot in the stirrup.
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Remembering a Cheltenham legend By Joe Smith @Smithyjoe16
On 29th June 2015 the racing world was in shock. Two time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star had died. At 15 years old and in retirement he was taken from us way to early. Enough has been said about his death and we would like to remember him for the champion he is. He is the horse that put jumps racing back into the public eye, he captured the hearts of a nation.
Born in France in the year 2000, not many would of expected L’Extraterrestre, as he was known in France ( translates to extraterrestrial) to have such a magnificent career. Brought by Clive Smith for 400,000 euros in 2004, he was sent to Paul Nicholls to what would prove a hughly succesfull partnership. It was arguably in the 2006-2007 season where he was at his most poetic best. He won the Old Roan Chase by 21 lengths before trying the 3 mile trip for the first time in the Betfair Chase. 3 miles was no problem as he won by 17 lengths. Such was the ease of the win, he ran again two weeks later back over 2 miles in the Tingle Creek to again win easily. There was not a thing Kauto Star could not do that season. A busy year ended with victory in the King George Chase on Boxing day. A race that Kauto would eventually make his own in coming years. Onto the March showpiece, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Kauto powered up the hill before hitting the final fence. Being the brave horse that he was, he stuck his head down and was not to be denied. Kauto had reached the pinnacle! That was to be short lived. Fast forward to 2008 Gold Cup and Kauto had a very worthy rival in stable mate Denman. The match was on.
The public got Cheltenham fever with scarves,badges and flags. The match everyone expected didn’t really materialse as the tank Denman destroyed Kauto by 7 lengths. The following season, connections of Kauto Star were not going to back away from a fight. At christmas he won a 3rd consecutive King George Chase before trying the unthinkable. No horse had ever regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Kauto was no ordinary horse though as he pulled clear of rival Denman to win by 13 lengths. By this time, Kauto Star was the face of national hunt racing and his colours were seen at race courses up and down the country. On Boxing day 2009 Kauto won a 4th King George chase by a massive 33 lengths. Breaking Arkles 44 year old record of a 30 length victory. Back at cheltenham for the 4th consecutive year, he fell at fourth last fence when looking very laboured. Within the next year, Kauto lost at his beloved Kempton in his attempt to win a 5th King George before finishing 3rd at another Cheltenham Gold Cup. The word retirement began to do the rounds as by this point he was ten years old and had achieved evrything there was achieve. When news broke that Kauto would be back in training and would line up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, many people raised their eyebrows. Everyone wanted him to return to form but the chances were slim. What followed that day at Haydock will long live in the memory. He brought the house down. A confident Ruby Walsh sent Kauto off in front and never saw a rival the whole race. The tactics were spot on as he saw off everyone including the reigning Gold Cup champion Long Run. The sheer joy on the face of Ruby, Clive and Paul was an absolute delight to see. Kauto had proved his doubters wrong and once again gave racing a memory to never forget.
Thoughts soon shifted to Kempton, Boxing Day and the King George Chase. Long Run was sent off favorite as bookmakers put a line through his loss to Kauto at Haydock two months before. There have been many great moments in racing but in our eyes, this race trumps them all. The old boy would not be beaten as he jumped like an absolute stag and bravely battling all the way to the line. He became the first horse to win the King George 5 times and in doing so, leaving an emotonal Kempton crowd in tears of joy. Rubys reaction after the race, hugging Kauto Star is a picture perfect moment and sums up the chemistry between them. Commentators words as he crossed the line “ And Kauto Star is still the King”, are words that should be associated with Kauto Star forever. The temptation to win a 3rd Gold Cup proved too much. It wasn’t to be as he was pulled up after the first circuit. Never has racing witnessed such an atmosphere. The whole Cheltenham faithful applauded him mid race as he slowly made his way back to his stable while his rivals fought out a finish. Retirement came later that year. Kauto had achieved everything. Brave as a lion, ultra talented and a poser in front of the cameras. Everyone has their own Kauto Star memory. There is many to choose from , as his career went on for 12 years, winning 16 grade ones. He was at the very top level for 10 years. We will never see a horse like Kauto Star again. He was simply magnificent. Simply the best ever. Simply, a horse of a lifetime.
A weighty debate Part 1 By Rachel Wilson @RachelEMwilson I recently wrote in support of the French experiment to give female riders a 4lb allowance as a means to increase the number of horses ridden by women over both codes. In the UK the number of female ridden horses at the end of 2015 (when Hayley Turner was still riding) was only 6.5% Think about that. When on the Apprentice course at the British Racing School there is parity between male and female rides (50% of each) by the time these riders are actually in jobs and on the track only this tiny percentage actually get rides. So, regardless of the success of the highly talented few, it is unarguable that there is serious sexism at work in our sport.
Since I wrote this piece I have discussed the matter with a great variety of people both inside and outside racing and have had some further thoughts. Firstly trainers and owners in this country should target France with female riders on their horses. Not only is there amazingly generous prize money on offer but being given the gift of a 4lb bounce there are many races to be won. As well as sending our professionals over the channel, we should also send our amateurs. We have a great depth of talent and experience in the amateur ranks. Our long time Champion Serena Brotherton (already a winner in France) Joanna Mason the joint Champion in 2015, Cath Walton, Alison Deniel, Becky Smith, former Champion Carol Bartley and many others. Indeed the amateur ranks have a surfeit of female riders and unlike here, in France they can ride against professionals thus opening up the range of races trainers can target for the 4lb allowance. I was asked the other day how many times my husband and I have employed a female rider to ride any of our horses both over jumps and on the flat and the answer is none. Why? Well we do mostly have jumpers and so the
opportunities to hire a female rider are less. Lizzie Kelly worked for Neil King for a while with whom we have a horse, but he also has a stable jockey who has a relationship with the horse. On the flat we haven’t had that many runners, but I do feel a hypocrite for never having hired a woman. And I thought hard about why this was and came to the following conclusions which I think can probably be generalised. Like any owner, we want the best rider for our horse. When looking at the pool of possible jockeys our outlook is governed by the fact that there are a group of highly talented and experienced jump jockeys who ride every day and so gain the experience and exposure that make them attractive. Just this week our regular rider - Trevor Whelan - was taken ill at the track and so we had to chose an alternative who was there. Had Lucy Alexander or Lizzie Kelly been at Lingfield I like to think I would have made an argument for them, but of course they were not. There were no female jockeys there so we had to make do with the brilliant Jamie Moore (who did a fantastic job.) On the flat where there are more female riders there may be more chance of one picking up a spare ride, but believe me, I can testify to the fact that every time I have ridden at a track there have only been one or two women professionals. Were I to run a horse in an amateur race (and were I not to be riding) there is no doubt whatsoever that I would hire the best (Brotherton) from a very strong pool. Indeed there would be no question of hiring a male jockey in those circumstances. The point is, its not that individual trainers and owners are prejudiced against women riders, its the fact that there is a vicious circle of lack of opportunity, leading to lack of exposure, leading to lack of trust in female abilities, that needs to be broken. I also think that Racecourses have a role to play. The Shergar Cup is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talents of female riders and introduce the public to new names. The hugely popular women only fixture at Carlisle that takes place in August every year is well supported by trainers and attracts a big crowd. More fixtures like this would be welcome. Improving facilities for female riders would also help. The lady jockeys changing room at many
(most?) courses I have ridden at has been about the size of a cupboard. I was once at a racecourse in the north where there was a ladies race (14 riders) plus 5 female professionals in a space in which there was room for only 6 to sit. Into this heaving cupboard the course saw fit to place the physiotherapist’s table so that the male jockeys would be treated in amongst the lady riders trying to change, organise their tack and everything else. Meanwhile next door a room ten times the size was practically empty. The message this sends is pretty clear. Racing does like to advertise itself as being one of the few sports in which men and women compete against each other, but to properly make good on that message it needs to radically alter the make up of races to bring about greater fairness. for the 50% of graduates from the Apprentice course who are female the odds are massively stacked against them ever getting rides, let alone making a living. I look forward to seeing how the 4lb allowance works in France and to seeing many UK female riders making use of it to win races for British horses. I’m delighted that Sir. AP McCoy has endorsed the move and that the debate is widely encouraged in the pages of the Racing Post. Things have definitely moved on in the last couple of years, we no longer have those tired arguments about relative strengths and instead are talking about actual decisive action to turn the vicious circle into a virtuous one.
“It’s all about attitude” By @HackedUpRacing What can I tell you about Martin that you don’t already know? We all know about his career thus far and the horses he’s ridden and trained, but what makes Martin tick? I visited him to try and find out more. In Newmarket we have 70 odd yards and some would argue some of the best trainers and facilities in the country, if not the world, but sometimes some of the smaller yards have to work twice as hard, for twice as long just to keep the yard gates open.
I wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes at Martin Smith Racing and see how he goes about his business and what sets him apart.
Martin has been fortunate enough to have trained horses and worked at yards across the UK, Florida, Dubai, Bahrain and Belgium. He’s worked with some of horse racing’s big names and ridden some truly great horses, non-more so than KingsGate Native. Having worked with Nicky Henderson, John Best, Josh Gifford and Richard Hannon. Martin grew up in Belgium and began his career at 15, notching up some winners. As he got older he moved back to the UK to continue his riding career over the jumps. Martin told me he found it quite difficult to get rides at the time as everyone seemed to want Irish Jockey’s, regardless of their ability to ride. After Martins riding career he took about training horses and following in his father’s footsteps. Training horses across the globe with his wife Michelle, moving from Florida, Dubai and Bahrain they eventually found their way back to the UK. Martin talked about how hard it was for them to get a licence over here and even now cannot understand why the BHA make it so difficult for people to take up the reins. “It’s always been easy for someone with plenty of cash to and no idea of how to train horses to get a licence, but not so easy for those who don’t have stacks of cash.” While Martin was back in the UK and trying to get approved he worked for John Best and ran the yard of around 40 horses. I can only imagine the organisation required to do this but Martin simply took it all in his stride.
Not only is Martin an accomplished Jockey, trainer, Yard Manager and former ‘Clark of the Course’ he is also an entrepreneur (And he makes a half decent cup of tea).
Horse safety is at the top of EVERY trainers list, but few have gone as far as this man to ensure a horse safety. Clearly a man who enjoys being kept busy, he’s even responsible for Equi-ping.
Equi-ping is a device that’s used to securely tie a horse when in its box. Unlike simply tying it with role or tack, this revolutionary product is designed to release when put under excessive pressure. You could loosely tie the horse but this isn’t ideal. Equi-ping gives enough resistance so the horse can’t simply walk away, but not so much that should the horse become distressed or upset that it won’t cause the horse any injuries or worse.
Martin told me that he spends many a night sat in front on the TV with his wife Michelle packing the product in the bags ready to be shipped worldwide.
This truly is a testament to his dedication and if nothing else provides them with an income that means the yard can continue to function without the worry of paying the bills. Martin explained that he sees so many trainers who are simply working ‘bill-to-bill’ and it’s not conducive to running a successful business.
I asked Martin for a few of his favourite horses he’s worked with. 1. The first he smiled and simply pointed to his notice board above his computer and you could really see the joy on his face. A horse that clearly means a lot to Martin and he made reference to Kingsgate Native several times in the short time I spent with him.
“I wouldn’t be where I am told had it not been for Kingsgate.”
2. Topsham Bay. Martin worked with Topsham Bay when with Josh Gifford and even though they didn’t record a winner a close 2nd in the Bagshot Chase at Ascot Martin remembers this with fond memories. 3. Go Ballistic. Another horse that Martin holds in the highest regard and tells me “I was lucky enough to have worked with some of the best jumps horses the sports ever seen”.
I asked Martin about Hillbilly Boy and no sooner had the words left my lips, Martin Smiled and simply said “Superstar”. A horse he loved and worked with and was sad to see him go, but understood that sometimes things aren’t meant to be. I asked about the next ‘Superstar’ and Martin believe he may well have one in ‘In the red’, one defiantly worth keep an eye out for.
Martins focus and knowledge of the sport is never in question and he went on to talk about buying horses. This is a very tricky part of the business and one that most of us have no experience of. “Anyone can go out and spend £100k on a 2 year old and chances are it’ll be a decent horse, it’s finding those horses at lower prices that’ll work well that I’m interested in.” Spending £100k on a horse doesn’t mean you’ll have a good one and I could list 100’s of horses that cost ‘next to nothing’ that have won some great races.
Martin also believes that some older horses who’ve been around the block a few times can benefit from a different Jockey or different routine. The will to win is the only difference between some horses. Those who are really impressive at home, can at times be no good when at the track. We often forget that it’s a sport that deals with living breathing animals. If they wake up on the morning of the race and can’t be arsed, there’s very little anyone can do about it.
We went on to talk about his plans for 2017 and it became clear that ‘My Mate Mark’ features very highly in his plans for the next few months. His run at Newbury showed plenty of promise and given he finished 2nd having been caught only a few strikes from the line, the future looks bright.
He now looks forward to day out at the Cheltenham festival and all being well hopes to get him entered in the bumper, at a huge 66/1 (currently with PaddyPower). He looked well and I for one will be cheering him up the hill, carrying the burden of my hard earned cash.
The yard has a few other horses with entries in a few other races and it’s certainly worth keeping an eye out for his runners this year. Currently having 16 in the yard with room for one or two more Martin is happy with the current crop and staff. “Having a small team means everyone knows every horse and their able to concentrate their efforts.� More quality over quantity you might say.
I think it’s fair to say that Martin Smith Racing is one of the up and coming yards in Newmarket and his dedication to the horse’s welfare is second to none. Promoting responsible rehoming when a horse retires, to Equi-ping, to focusing on the horse’s mental wellbeing. Martin and his team prove there’s more to training winners than just buying the most expensive horses, feeding them right and working them hard. IT’S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE…
Article by @HackedUpRacin
Martin Smith Racing Twitter: @MartinPBSmith
A weighty debate Part 2 By Racheal Kneller @jockeyrach
So this month marked the beginning of the 2kg weight allowance for female jockeys in France and it began with female rider Delphine Santiago bagging a winner at Deauville in day 1 of the new rule. In all, 13 of the 96 runners at Deauville that day were partnered by female jockeys, which is a considerable increase on the stats prior to the allowance. One French female rider, Alison Massin rode in seven of the eight races at the meeting which is hard to see as a negative. So you could say it was a positive start to the new ruling which was brought in to hopefully help broaden the opportunities for the female jockeys in France. So far you can't deny that it appears to have proven successful, but what is the overall view on it all? I have read many comments both for and against the new allowance and I can find both positives & negatives in all opinions.
Julie Krone, hall of fame jockey from the US laughed off the idea and said it was too embarrassing to comment on. She said jockeys in the US are called jockeys. Not male jockey and female jockey, but jockey. She said sex doesn't even come into the decision when trainers choose their jockey's and the whole idea is a joke. Julie has clearly not needed a helping hand to gain opportunity as she is the only female jockey ever to win the Triple Crown and she baggged a whopping 3704 victories in her days as a jockey. So with stats like that you can understand why she would dismiss the idea so strongly. I guess it's easy to write off an idea to help you at work when you have done it the hard way and succeeded. Understandably. However jump jockey Lizzie Kelly didn't entirely disagree with it. She was neither for nor against it but made a good point where she explained that if the allowance happens, then it should be present in all races and not taken away from us in Listed and Group races (which it is). She said that if we are not good enough to compete in regular races on equal terms then why are we suddenly good enough in top races and therefore denied our claims for those? She's right! It's a little bit 'picky & choosey' by the racing authority's and it does seem an unusual contradiction to the rule. It was a good point well made by Lizzie. One jockey who is backing the plans of a female weight allowance is apprentice Shelley Birkett who said that if it helps girls to get more rides, then it is a great idea. She too is right. This is what we want after all and if the trainers can be coaxed to use a girl because they are taking weight off their horses then it's great for us. My opinion on the allowance is still very up & down. Personally I was very sceptical about it all and admittedly I laughed when I first heard about it. I didn't think it would make any difference in the amount of rides we get because claim or no claim, a trainer will only use you if you are a competent enough rider. If you gave Ryan Moore an allowance, he would change a result. If you gave James Jones with little experience an allowance then it wouldn't really change the result. You can't make a rider suddenly better because of having a weight allowance unless they are experienced or carry natural talent. I also found the idea sexist and chauvinistic.
What I don't want from it all is this...for example: Luke & Jason on Get In (or anybody in the racing studios analysing a race result) to say that "Amy Smith won that race on Joe Bloggs and the 2kg allowance definitely helped the horse win." I want to hear that "Amy gave Joe Bloggs a cracking ride there and the trainer got the horse in peak form ahead of the contest and that it was a superbly gutsy performance by a horse who wanted to win." But I feel that this won't be the analysis once the allowance comes in and there will be too much focus on the allowance and not enough focus on the overall performance of horse & jockey. It would take the shine off the result for me if I won a race with a females allowance. I would feel as though I have won by an advantage and not because I am a good enough jockey, which isn't what any of us really want. Like Josie said, she won the apprentice title fair and square....But, you could flip the coin and argue that if it does have a positive effect and help the struggling girls in the industry to showcase the talent they already have-yet struggle to prove, then it can only be a good thing.
It is difficult to see how it would benefit the girls here in the U.K. as only three jockeys in total (Josie Gordon, Cathy Gannon & Lucy Alexander) would get a claim as the rest of us still haven't ridden out our apprentice claims yet anyway. It would certainly be interesting to see if those three girls notice a difference in the amount of rides they get and/or the quality of horses they get on. I am intrigued to see how the French girls get on once the early excitement simmers down and to see if the fresh idea and support continues or not. I will be watching closely but I hope it helps. It's great to know that their is a willingness to help us in the sport however I'm not yet convinced that a weight allowance is the way to do it.
Four for the Festival By Harry Allwood @H_Allwood1 Tuesday 14th March - Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50) One horse who caught the eye on Trials Day at Cheltenham in January was Singlefarmpayment who was travelling ominously well before being brought down at the twelfth fence. There was still a fair way to go thereafter but judging by the way he was travelling and jumping that day it would have been a surprise if he wasn’t involved in the finish. The form of his win over fences the time before at Cheltenham is strong with the runner-up going close in a competitive handicap next time out and the third has won two races over fences since, the most recent off a mark of 141. The selection was two from two at the course before that run so clearly likes the track; the trip will be ideal for him and is versatile ground wise. He does hold a couple of other entries but this race looks tailor made for him in my opinion and is sure to go off shorter than 14-1. Selection: Singlefarmpayment (Best price - 14-1)
Wednesday 15th March - Coral Cup (2.50) Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls won this race in 2015 with Aux Ptit Soins and looks to have a great chance of winning the race again this year with Modus who clearly improved for the step up in trip last time out when winning the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. Those in behind that day have franked the form since with the third and fifth both winning strong handicaps next time out. That was his first run over 2m5f having previously posted a couple of decent efforts in competitive handicaps over 2 miles earlier in the season. A horse with plenty of class and solid form in similar handicaps, there should be more improvement left in him at this trip. He also holds an entry in the County Hurdle but the Coral Cup trip looks ideal for him. Selection: Modus (Best price - 12-1)
Thursday 16th March - Pertemps Network Final (2.10) Last year’s winning connections of this race look to have a great chance of landing back to back wins with Presenting Percy. A winner at Fairyhouse on his latest start, he seemed to benefit from a Tongue-tie being applied for the first time, travelling well throughout the race and winning with plenty to spare. That was over 2m4f but should have no problem stepping back up to 2m7f. Although he must prove he handles Cheltenham, this race is likely to have been the target for some time and he’s relatively lightly raced for a sixyear-old so there should be plenty more to come. The likelihood of a strong pace in the race will also suit his hold-up tactics. Selection: Presenting Percy (Best Price - 7-1)
Friday 17th March - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s Handicap Hurdle (4.50) Gordon Elliot has been vocal about the chances of The Storyteller over the past few weeks and he looks a horse who has been laid out for this race. He’s improved in each of his runs over hurdles thus far and has been given a mark of 138 which looks fair based on his form as a novice. His latest win at Thurles in January was a career best where he stayed on strongly to comfortably beat some useful rivals, most notably Battleford who has since finished second in a Grade 3. Although he holds entries in various other races, Elliot has nominated this race as his intended target and looks sure to go close with the likelihood of more to come from a horse on the upgrade. Selection: The Storyteller (Best Price - 8-1)
Cheltenham Stats.... By Dean Kilbryde @SimplyHorseTips To try and make things a little easier for anyone who likes to follow previous race stats when breaking down races, I have brought together the key stats for two races on each day of the Cheltenham Festival.... Hopefully they will help us all find a winner or two!! Supreme Novices Hurdle •Irish trained runners have won 14 of the last 25 renewals •4 of the last 14 winners finished in the first 5 in previous Champion Bumper's (Moon Racer & Ballyandy) •14 of the last 15 winners had raced within 45 days before winning this race •17 of the last 19 winners were also winners last time out •Willie Mullins has won 4 of the last 10 renewals •10 of the last 13 favourites that went off at 2/1 or less have been beaten • Champion Hurdle •25 of the last 31 winners were also winners last time out •18 of the last 25 winners had previously won a race at Cheltenham •19 of the last 20 winners had raced in the same calendar year •Willie Mullins has won 4 of the last 10 renewals •Only 2 of the last 24 Christmas Hurdle winners have gone on to win the Champion Hurdle •Aged 8+ is a big negative Neptune •29 of the last 31 winners came from the first five in the betting •10 of the last 26 winners were favourites •26 of the last 27 winners had all raced 3 or more times over hurdles •Horses that stared their careers in PTP's have good records in this race •Willie Mullins has won 4 of the last 10 renewals •Challow Hurdle winners (Messire Des Obeaux) are 0 from 14 when attempting to win the Neptune in the same season, although 7 of the 14 have finished 2nd or 3rd •Aged 7+ is a big negative
Champion Bumper •22 of the last 23 winners were also winners last time out •5 of the last 8 winners were unbeaten coming in to this race •5 of the last 14 winners were BHA top rated •17 of the last 23 winners were Irish trained •No run in this calendar year is a big positive •Willie Mullins has won 8 of the last 20 renewals • JLT •Irish raiders have won 5 of the last 6 renewals •4 of the last 6 winners won last time out (the others finished a neck 2nd and fell when leading) •The last 4 winners of this race had previously won a pattern race over hurdles •Willie Mullins has won 3 of the last 6 renewals • Ryanair •6 of the last 7 winners had previously won a Grade 1 race •10 of the last 11 winners had previously won a race at Cheltenham •7 of the last 8 winners raced in the King George earlier in the season •Nicky Henderson & Jonjo O'Neill have both won this race twice (from 11 renewals) •Horses going off at odds of 6/1 or higher have a poor record in this race • Triumph Hurdle •10 of the last 12 winners came from the first 4 in the betting •5 of the last 7 winners were French imports •19 of the last 23 winners also won last time out •20 of the last 20 winners had their prep run in the February •5 of the last 17 Adonis Hurdle winners went on to win this race (Master Blueeyes) •Nicky Henderson has won 3 of the last 8 renewals •A BHA rating of under 140 is a big negative •If previously a flat horse, it must have raced over at least 12furlongs •
Albert Bartlett •4 of the last 6 winners that went off at odds of 2/1 or less were winners •4 of the last 10 Classic Novice Hurdles winners went on to win this race (Wholestone) •8 of the last 10 winners had previously raced over 3miles or further •11 of the last 11 winners had all raced at least 3 times over hurdles prior to running in this race •6 of the last 12 winners were second season novices •Willie Mullins has sent 25 runners but is yet to win this race
Willie Mullins Cheltenham 2017: What does this year's Festival have in store for Ireland's Champion Trainer By Danny Archer @dannyarcher96
2016 was a vintage year for Willie Mullins. The County Carlow native's success was encapsulated with the Clossuton handler claiming seven victories at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival courtesy of superstars such as Annie Power, Douvan, Limini, Vroum Vroum Mag and Yorkhill. Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh were crowned leading trainer and jockey at the Festival with Mullins seemingly an unrelenting force who looked destined to perpetually dominate British and Irish racing alike for many years to come. However, things have changed dramatically this season. Arguably Ireland's champion Jumps trainer's tale of woe started when he missed out on winning the British trainer's championship on the final day of the season at Sandown in April. In a titanic tussle with Paul Nicholls, Mullins brought over a number of superstars for bet365 Gold Cup day but failed in his task to take the title back with him over the Irish sea.
Since then, things have gone awry in no uncertain terms for Mullins and his team. The decision by Gigginstown House Stud to remove their team of around 60 horses from Mullins' Closutton stable in August following a dispute over training fees came as a shock to the racing world with the Irish handler losing star names including Don Poli, Outlander, Apple's Jade and Valseur Lido. This was followed by the news that one of Mullins' biggest names Vautour had died following a paddock accident in which he sustained a broken foreleg. To add to Mullins' misery on the same day (6th November), promising chaser Avant Tout was pulled-up on his reappearance at Naas and was subsequently put-down. When you're lucks out as the old adage goes, it's definitely out.
The sucker-punch for Mullins however has been delivered this year as firstly it was announced that 2016 Champion Hurdle victor Annie Power would be unable to defend her title at Prestbury Park after suffering a leg injury which potentially may curtail her career for good. This news was followed a couple of weeks later by another devastating blow that Faugheen the machine, the magnificent 2015 Champion Hurdle winner who has suffered a litany of injuries since that victory would miss the 2017 renewal, whilst Arkle hope Min would also be forced to sit out Cheltenham, robbing racing fans of a potentially fascinating clash with his Supreme Novices' Hurdle conqueror Altior, in the Grade One event. With precocious stars Killultagh Vic and Champion Bumper favourite Getabird also on the sidelines, Mullins' season thus far has been one dominated by a long-injury list. For American owner Rich Ricci whose star names Faugheen and Annie Power have headed the injury list, this will come as a bitter disappointment to an owner who has invested but also won so much in his short time with Mullins. Sadly he will understand that after a sustained period of big-race success, you sometimes have to take the rough with the smooth.
Douvan Pic courtesy of @mjyharris So where does that leave us now? Well Betfair have priced Mullins at 11/8 to eclipse his seven winners at last year's Cheltenham Festival and 1/6 to gain under seven. As we have highlighted, Mullins' strangle-hold on some of the major championship races at the Festival will be under serious threat, chiefly the Champion Hurdle. Thus, the injury problems troubling Mullins means the Irish trainer will now have to delve into his expansive wealth of resources if he is to plunder further riches at this year's Festival. Along with flag-bearer Douvan, a warm order for the Champion Chase, mercurial super-sub Vroum Vroum Mag looks more and more likely to attempt to regain her crown in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle, however Limini's scintillating comeback success at Punchestown last month has given Mullins a headache as to whether she tackle the Mares' or the Champion Hurdle, whilst Djakadam will head for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, having finished second in the last two renewal's of National Hunt's Blue Riband event.
These established stars will also be joined by myriad young pretenders including Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Melon, Bunk Off Early, RSA hope Bellshill, Champion Bumper favourite Carter McKay, Augusta Kate and Dawn Run Mares Novice Hurdle fancies Airlie Beach and Let's Dance, which are among an array of other horses which will be making the trip over the Irish Sea with Mullins again well represented in the novice hurdle department. Obviously, the most intriguing horse is Yorkhill who despite Mullins quelling speculation surrounding his participation in the Champion Hurdle in favour of the JLT Novices' Chase, which has gained added traction following Limini's comeback, there is a chance he may still end up in the twomile championship hurdle race. Thus, whilst racing fans and Mullins himself will be disappointed that his battalion will lack some of his most established Cheltenham champions of yester-year, this also paves the way for new stars to emerge and join Mullins' pantheon of Cheltenham greats. Similarly, Mullins is not the only handler who has suffered misfortunes with injuries this year, judged by the extensive list of star-names not appearing at the Festival including: Thistlecrack, Don Cossack, Coneygree, Sprinter Sacre, Superb Story, Valseur Lido, Barters Hill and more. Moreover, Mullins is in a fortunate position where he can rely on a reserve team. Compare his situation to that of the smallest trainers in Britain and Ireland such as Welsh handler Debra Hamer who is readying her first Cheltenham runner since she started training in the early 2000s, in the shape of Tobefair who has risen up the handicap this year notching up seven consecutive victories for Hamer and her team of around 10 horses. This is the dichotomy that exists between Mullins and others which should make us realise that despite Mullins lacking some of his biggest names at Prestbury Park, the reserves at his disposal must put this disappointment into perspective as the Irish handler still has an outstanding chance of procuring a number of big-race wins in Gloucestershire.
He might be down but Willie Mullins is certainly not out and he's sure to have another excellent Cheltenham Festival. P.S. Death Duty (5/2) will win the Albert Bartlett. Gordon Elliott's charge is my NAP of the Festival. The six-year-old son of Shantou was a very decent bumper horse but he is a horse full of scope who is destined eventually for fences but who has looked seriously good over hurdles. A facile winner of his first three starts over the smaller obstacles, the Irish-bred gelding was head-to-head with Willie Mullins' Augusta Kate in the Grade One Lawlor's Hotel Novice Hurdle at Naas in January but the latter's fall at the final-flight robbed us of a cracking finish. However, Death Duty's jockey Jack Kennedy was confident the gelding would have won that day and he will benefit hugely from the step-up in trip to three miles for the Albert Bartlett at the Festival. Death Duty jumps well and a vast course like Cheltenham will suit him down to the ground and hopefully highlight his stamina-laden qualities. Elliott has spoken with great admiration about the Gigginstown House-owned gelding and with six-year-olds also having a good record in the race (five of the last nine winners were six), he should go very close on Gold Cup day in the Albert Bartlett. Ironically, given the focus of this article, I have also heard good things about Mullins' Bunk Off Early (7/1) who runs in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. A facile winner of a maiden hurdle, he ran a cracker in the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle last time after pulling far too hard for his own good in the early stages still managed to finish an excellent narrow second to stable companion Barcardys. If he learns to settle, he should run very well.
Why the Cheltenham Festival will be poorer without Barry Geraghty By Danny Archer @dannyarcher96 It's the time of year that jockeys fear and dread in equal isolation. With less than two weeks until the Cheltenham Festival, anticipation mounts yet dread creeps into the mind with jockeys safe in the knowledge they are one bad fall away from missing the Greatest Show on Turf. This year, Barry Geraghty has sadly suffered that fate as after suffering a collapsed lung and six broken ribs following a fall from Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Triumph Hurdle hope Charli Parcs at Kempton Park on Saturday, the Irish jockey has been ruled of this year's meeting at Prestbury Park, leaving him unable to add to his tally of 34 Cheltenham Festival winners. Geraghty, certainly part of the pantheon of Festival greats is the ultimate bigrace jockey who has ridden myriad winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including enigmatic chaser Moscow Flyer, Big Zeb, Sprinter Sacre and Cheltenham Gold Cup victors Kicking King and Bobs Worth. However, he now misses out on partnering a number of high-profile runners in the famous green and gold silks for owner JP McManus, which includes Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle favourite Unowhatimeanharry, Triumph Hurdle hope Defi Du Seuil and either Yanworth or Buveur D'Air in the Champion Hurdle. Other horses including Modus, Movewiththetimes, Uxizandre and Coney Island et al were also at Geraghty's disposal , epitomising the wealth of resources which were available to Geraghty. The Irishman's demise therefore opens the door for an array of other jockeys to enhance their claims at Prestbury Park. They include Mark Walsh, McManus' second rider in effect to Geraghty in Ireland who now arguably has one of the biggest chances of his career to highlight his credentials as a bigrace jockey, whilst Noel Fehily who has rode Buveur D'Air and Unowhatimeanharry in the past as well as Richard Johnson's experience aboard Defi Du Seuil provides both riders with the opportunity to renew their
acquaintance with old friends. Despite these hypotheses however, it is obviously a disappointing blow for Geraghty but also the Festival. In a year where a host of top-class horses will not be running at the Festival, Geraghty's injury compounds further disappointment that one of racing's biggest names in the saddle will also not be taking part. Geraghty is a consummate professional, a superb horseman but also excellent with the media, he has filled the role left by Sir AP McCoy superbly and racing is worse off without him riding at this year's Festival.
Famous Festival Fancies By Gordon Millard @WeighedInRacing Hi all for this months issue we thought that we would send out a few quick fire questions to the celebrities of the racing world to try and get an angle on who they fancy and what they are looking forward to at this years festival.
ITV Racing's Oli Bell @olibellracing 1. What is your greatest memory of the festival. Has to be Sprinter Sacre winning the Champion Chase last year. A wonderful day, A great training performance and most importantly - the most phenomenal horse 2. What would be your banker horse for festival Well maybe this is the next Sprinter Sacre - my banker would be Altior in the Arkle. This horse is a special talent
Altior pic by @mjyharris
3. What race are you most looking forward too at this years festival Despite the dissapointment regarding Thistlecrack's injury, I still think the Gold Cup is the race of the festival. Tizzard still holds the aces with Native River and Cue Card. It will be a fascinating race to watch 4. Which outsider would you give a live chance to this year at Cheltenham Its not really a massive price but I'm very sweet on Brain Power in the champion hurdle
Broadcaster Nick Luck @nickluck 1. What is your greatest memory of the festival. The 10 race Friday of 2008. I thought nothing could top Master Minded the previous day, Then up stepped Denman with a raw, merciless aggression. 2. What would be your banker horse for festival Neon Wolf in the Neptune 3. What race are you most looking forward too at this years festival The Champion Hurdle – it's not obviously a brilliant edition, but not having a clue how it will unravel makes it intriguing. 4. Which outsider would you give a live chance to this year at Cheltenham He's not a massive outsider but I think Sizing John will run a huge race in the Gold Cup
Trainer Brendan Powell @bpowell13 1. What is your greatest memory of the festival. Definitely winning the bumber on Monsignor. Great horse and lots of ability.
2. What would be your banker horse for festival Banker would be Native River. Jumps, stays , genuine. 3. What race are you most looking forward too at this years festival Looking forward to seeing Altior. He has everything. 4. Which outsider would you give a live chance to this year at Cheltenham More Of That is a great EW bet.
Racing UK's Graham Cunningham @gcunning12 1. What is your greatest memory of the festival. Dickinson Famous Five 2. What would be your banker horse for festival Charli Parcs 3. What race are you most looking forward too at this years festival Douvan's Champion Chase 4. Which outsider would you give a live chance to this year at Cheltenham Charbel
Gold Cup winning Trainer Kim Bailey @kimbaileyracing 1. What is your greatest memory of the festival. Alderbrook winning the Champion Hurdle 2. What would be your banker horse for festival Altior 3. What race are you most looking forward too at this years festival The Arkle Trophy
4. Which outsider would you give a live chance to this year at Cheltenham Un Ace in the 2m 5f handicap chase
Champion Jockey Richard Johnson @dickyjohnson77 1. What is your greatest memory of the festival. Riding my first winner on Anzum. 2. What would be your banker horse for festival Douvan in the Champion Chase 3. What race are you most looking forward too at this years festival The Gold Cup because I have my best ride in it since Looks Like Trouble on Native River 4. Which outsider would you give a live chance to this year at Cheltenham My outsider would be Sam's Adventure in the bumper.
Can I just finish by saying a big thanks to all who replied including Ruby Walsh who had to decline due to contractual reasons but has promised to come aboard in the Autumn, so keep them peeled for that one. Have a great Festival Gordon Millard.
The days the punters had the bookies on their knees… By @HackedUpRacing It’s not often that I’ve used the above phrase. In fact I don’t think I ever have before, but there was a day last year that I think most of you will remember. I also think that it’s worth remembering at this time as we’re fast approaching the biggest racing week of the year, that things don’t always go to plan.. For many of you and myself included, this will bring back memories that won’t necessarily sit well and I’d not blame you if you decided not to read on, but I’ll continue to type though the pain. I’ll set the scene (for those who aren’t already having cold sweat flashbacks). As with every Cheltenham festival the excitement had been building for another blockbuster four days of National Hunt racing. The anticipation had been building for the first days racing since about… October and the world and his wife had an opinion on who was winning in what race. Twitter was close to meltdown and 1 in 10 people had their life savings on Mullins to get a winner that week. The curtain raiser.. The Supreme Hurdle. One of my favourite races and like all racing enthusiasts, getting a winner in race one always sets the week up nicely. The wonderful Douvan didn’t disappoint. Ruby was at his best and steered him home in exquisite style. The world rejoiced and the punters collected. Already you could hear whispers about a 4 timer… He couldn’t could he.. Many punters, myself included had laid hard earned cash down on this dream, this unimaginable gamble, the likes the festival had never seen before. Even now as type I recall these races like it was yesterday.
Up next was the ever dependable Un De Sceaux who commanded the course, odds on and deservedly so. A wonderful specimen of a horse. Lead from flag to finish, barely put a hoof wrong and at this point, you could sense the first day could be a blood bath for the bookies. Punters collecting cash in wheel barrows and bookmakers beginning to duck for cover. Was today the day? God knows there were some punters on twitter who believed. Some resembled Morpheus, rallying the troops, as we did battle with the bookies on the turf and over the fences. “I stand hear before you now truly unafraid! Why?! Because I believe something you do not? No! I stand here without fear because I remember. I remember that I am hear not because of the path that lay before me.. But because of the path that lies behind me! I remember that for one hundred years we have fought these Bookies! I remember that for onehundred years they have sent their armies to destroy us and after a century of war I remember that which matters most! We are still here!” Or something like that… Can’t beat Twitter for some high perbly.
I for one woke up that day a not believing that this day would ever come, but I was beginning to gather faith. It was almost as if it was meant to be as the next race was a chance for all those praying for Ruby, to catch a breath or a beer. The next race didn’t include the ‘chosen one’ and gave me a chance to enjoy Barry charge up the hill on The Druids Nephew.
A great race, but many only saw this a chance to Tweet a screenshot of their bet slip or gloat about being part of the gamble that ended the war. I however refrained as I know only too well that until the last leg wins you are still just a punter. Up next was The Champion Hurdle. A race I’ve waited for with baited breath. The Machine.. A chance to show the world what it is to dominate a sport. Surely if the gods where shining on us then this was in the bag. Faugheen, a horse who many believe to be one of the greatest ever seen. A ‘monster’ of the race track. Indeed our money was safe, as Faugheen proved to the world was a remarkable horse he truly is.
At this point it felt like twitter and indeed the media could go into complete meltdown.
The 4 timer was on. I lost count of the tweets I saw with big stakes and even bigger returns. It felt like nothing could go wrong. The Bookies were on the ropes, punch drunk and at this point it looked like today would be THAT day. I don’t mind admitting, I had a decent punt on this 4 fold and like many at this point, felt about as smug as you can imagine. If I close my eyes I can recall the race as if it was playing in my head. The commentary, the race, the crowd, I recall it all.
Alas, it wasn’t to be.. Just for that brief moment, those fleeting seconds I believed. As Annie charged at the final fence, it’s as if the world stood still.
Pic from that famous race by @mjyharris No one could believe their eyes, not even Simon Holt. Punters left bereft, bookies left dazed and wondering how on earth they’ve managed to dodge this bullet. Speechless, dumbfounded and confused, twitter turned from a world full of believers in to one of hostility and anger. What was a place of joy and excitement turned ugly, fast. I’ve never seen tweets like it. Some believing Ruby took a dive to save the bookies. Some claiming it was fixed. Abuse and fights broke out left right and centre.
In the days to come we saw figures banded around of 50m 70m 100m pounds was at stake with the bookies had Annie managed just one more Hurdle. I’m not sure we will ever know the true figures but surfice to say it was enough. But, it wasn’t to be. That, as they say, is racing. Whilst it’s easy for me to say now, believe me it wasn’t in the hours after it happened, but it is. Racing isn’t about the money (although it wouldn’t exist without it) it’s about entertainment and we got that by the bucket full.
If I learned anything from that day and I’m sure I did, it’s this. 1. Never expect to win. 2. Cheltenham is amazing, for a hundred reasons. 3. Just because a horse should win, doesn’t mean it will. 4. I should have taken the Blue pill. So just remember. Cheltenham is, and always will be the best four days of National Hunt racing, regardless of the results. Win or lose, try to enjoy the festival for what it is. A showcase of the worlds very best horses, doing what they do best. All for our Enjoyment.
Is It Aintree Yet By Matt Clarkson @MattClarkson3 As many others out there, I live for the Cheltenham Festival. I'm counting down from the moment the winner of the Grand Annual from the previous year crosses the line. The rumours, the prospects, the hype horses etc. Does the Supreme winner go Arkle or Champion. Can the Ryanair winner challenge the Gold Cup winner. These are the questions we spend months debating with friends and randoms as we all share the same love. After all it's practically the greatest show on turf. However I can't help but feel we've lost these questions and the shine from it because of one simple reason…. We've lost our champions.
We've been so blessed over the past 15 years that I've known national hunt with being able to witness multiple champion after champion every year in Kauto Star, Sprinter Sacre, Faugheen, Big Bucks, Istabraq and the list goes on. But what champions do we have for 2017? We have Douvan. That's it. Possibly Altior and Yorkhill, who coincidentally are both novice chasers and not seasoned professionals. Even the novice hurdlers haven't set the world alight despite certain lofty reputations. From the four winners of the four championship races last year (Annie Power, Sprinter Sacre, Thistlecrack and Don Cossack) all will miss out this year. Along with other blockbuster names such as Faugheen, Min, Vautour (RIP), Valseur Lido, Coneygree and Many Clouds (RIP). Now I understand to get every horse at 100% for a four day festival is nyon impossible, but to lose the amount and calibre of horses we've lost this season has been horrific. Plus there's still another few weeks to go. It seems every day there's another big name star missing and we've even lost one of our best jockeys in Barry Geraghty. Now don't get me wrong I'm still massively excited for this year's festival. Of course I am. But that usual spark and anticipation from the turn of year has gone for me based on the notable absentees. From spending the Tuesday looking forward to seeing the likes of Melon, Min, Altior, Annie and Faugheen I'm left with just two. And there's been recent speculation over the participation of Melon. The Gold Cup is missing the top 4 in the market from when it opened. It does knock that edge away. It's not just the spectacle that's been affected by the loss of these horses it's the prices of the remaining field too. For example and with no disrespect to the horse or connections, Buveur D’Air. If I had said after last year's Supreme he would be 3/1f for this year's Champion Hurdle I'd have been laughed out of Cheltenham. Don't get me wrong he's a brilliant horse who will be tough to beat. But this is the best 2m hurdle race of the year. He is literally only that price because everything else is missing. For me on what he's achieved he's
unbackable at that price. But if the main protagonists remained he'd be 10/1 roughly which is a very backable price especially for the each way punter. So we lose out again. I love Cheltenham. Along with millions of other fanatics and I can't wait for March 14th. But with everyone we've lost for this year I wish we could go back and start it again. Either that or look forward to Aintree. Matt Clarkson @MattClarkson3
Midlands Grand National – Uttoxeter, Saturday 18 th March By Dean Kilbryde @SimplyHorseTips Taking place the day after the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, the Midlands Grand National is the second-longest race on national hunt calendar, run over a mammoth four miles and one and a half furlongs, with the winner taking home almost £75,000. Prior to 2005 the race was run over a slightly further trip so the below key stats and trends have been taken from the last 12 renewals. Key stats & trends •The last 7 winners were all Irish bred (9 of the last 12) •D Pipe won 4 in a row between 2011 and 2014 •50% of the last 12 winners were rated 131-138 •9 of the last 12 winners carried between 10st & 10st 12lbs •5 of the last 12 winners aged 5 •4 of the last 12 winners aged 8 •6 of the last 12 winners returned double digit odds (5/1 the shortest price winner, 25/1 the biggest price winner from the last 12 renewals) With 55 horses still entered and still two weeks to go before the race its difficult to assess the field against the stats above, however I will be keeping a close eye on the below two if they make it to the race itself.
Mysteree – I have followed this horse since seeing it beat a heavily fancied rival on chase debut at Wetherby in December 2015. At nine years old he doesn't fit in to the main age category for this race based on the stats but with a 50% winning strike rate over fences and a commanding victory over four miles on soft ground in the Eider last last month he looks one to keep on side. Gonalston Cloud – Irish bred ten year old who is in excellent form, posting a win and two second placed efforts from his last three runs. In fact, since rejoining trainer Nick Kent he has posted four wins and three seconds from nine runs, a 77% strike rate for making the frame. He's won on good, good-tosoft and soft ground and won't be fazed by the trip so at this stage looks a decent each way option.
More Midlands National By @toonmick70 Hi Guys, Cheltenham is almost upon us, the piece i have written for March is not at Cheltenham, however, if you go to https://www.olbg.com/blogs/post.php?id=412363, you can find links to trend blogs for 27 of the 28 races at the Festival, if you are reading this at the start of the month, then not all links will be available, however, all links will be up and working at least a week before the festival starts. March's Trends look at the Midland National which is being run at Uttoxeter on Saturday 18th March, just 1 day after the festival itself. I have looked at the last 10 runnings of the race and looked at the following trends, Age, Weight, Official Rating, Recent Runs, Last Run, Season Runs (Since October 1st) & Distance. There are no early entries for me to look at, but i may have time at the 5 day stage to go through the runners and do an update for the Weighed In Racing daily email.
Anyway, back to the race itself, looking at the trends, we can see the following. Age = 9 of the last 10 winners were aged between 7 & 9. Weight = All of the last 10 winners carried 11-05 or less. Official Rating = 9 of the last 10 winners were rated 138 or lower. Recent Runs = 8 of the last 10 winners finished in the first 3 in 1 of their last 2 starts. Last Run = 8 of the last 10 winners had run that year. Season Runs (Since October 1st) = 8 of the last 10 winners had between 3 & 5 runs. Distance = 8 of the last 10 winners had previously won over further than 3 miles. I will leave you with a little Jockey stat for Cheltenham, Jamie Codd has ridden 4 of the last 8 winners of the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase from just 7 rides, thats over 50%, which is pretty strong. April see's the start of the flat season and the Grand National, as well as the final races of the winter National Hunt season, i am not 100% sure which race i will be looking at for April. If you have any questions, then please feel free to tweet me @Toonmick70, have a great March and i hope you all enjoy the Festival
Helping Others By Polly Rodgers @PollyRodgers My name is Polly Rodgers and my mum is Heather Rodgers and we are taking part in the Resolution Run at Temple Newsam Park in Leeds at 11-00am on Sunday March 5th 2017 for the Stroke Association. A stroke can happen to someone of any age and my sister had one in 2015 aged 35 and that is the reason we are doing this run. Eloise was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 11 months old and she had surgery and radiotherapy when she was 18 months old. This left her with severe epilepsy and learning difficulties but she attended main stream school, putting up with terrible bullying because her hair didn't grow back completely and the drugs she was taking made her weight increase but after leaving she then managed to do her dream job of working with children until her epilepsy got too bad for her to work. As well as the weight gain, once she lost her sight completely for 7 days and has been in hospital so many times we have lost count, but instead of sitting at home feeling sorry for herself she started walking and eating healthily and she lost 5 stone. Her passion is watching horse racing and it was when she was in a local bookies in June 2015 she collapsed, we thought at first it was a seizure but it was far, far worse... She had suffered a carotid artery dissection which had caused her to have several brain hemorrhages ( strokes ).... After 7 months in hospital and intense therapy she was transferred to a care home, unable to return to her flat and care for herself and she now receives 24/7 care. The stroke affected her speech, her right side and her mental ability but she still smiles and carries on....and that is why we are doing this for the Stroke Association. I have run a mile sprint previously and walked 10 miles for the Brain Tumour Association but mum hasn't done anything like that so we are proud to do this together, so please if you can make a donation no matter how small , it will help ...... Thank you.... x https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ResolutionRun2017
I would also just like to add the fact our target was £500 and we’ve absolutely smashed this, raising over £580 and cannot thank you all enough for your kind donations and really getting behind this worthy cause. There is still time to go ABOVE and BEYOND to help out others that have been in a similar situation! #RacingFamily #StayStrong PR-x @PollyRodgers @Heather2288
Poll has always been a great supporter of everything I have done with the Weighing Room and helped me out no end of times behind the scenes so if you in the position to do so please show her your support. Thank You Polly and Good Luck
Furthermore if you have a fundraising event you would like to tell us about then please do not hesitate to get in touch as that is what we are all about here at Weighed In Racing
Finally we finish with a little plug for our good friend Lu Dixon who helps us out a lot here with the magazine and is a phenomenaly talented artist. Please go have a browse at some of her fantastic work by clicking on the image below and also go give her a follow @lu_dixon_1