Racin' Cheltenham Preview 2017 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Transcription

1 Racin' Issue 344 April/May 2017 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thanks to everyone who has already renewed their memberships for If you download Racin from the racing club s website, you will find renewal details there at For those without internet access you will find details of how to renew on page 18 of this issue. Once the renewals process is completed all 2017 members will be issued with a new password to use for the members only websites. Don t forget to follow us on Facebook in 2017! I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E 2 Satnaps & Alex Bird competition scores 3-4 Racing Spotlight by Brian Goodwill 5-8 Gordon Armistead s Racing Diary 9 Competition News & Results Grand National Sweepstake 2017 It s Too Late For The National by Harold Heys French Racehorse Ownership by Jane Maggs Wetherby Memories Appeal by Jonathan Doidge Cheltenham Review by Gordon Armistead Racing Syndicate News & WRC Stable Visit Membership Renewals 2017 & Committee Panel Cheltenham Preview 2017 For the first time ever we had a sell-out attendance (just over 200) for this event! The photo above shows our panel of experts with Henry Brooke (far left) deputising for Brian Hughes on the night, as Brian could not get back from riding at Lingfield Park in time. Next to him is trainer Micky Hammond. In the centre is our chairman for the night, Jonathan Doidge, with Andy Gibson & Kyle Drummond on the right. Beside all the tips, gossip and banter the audience helped to raise 524 in our raffle to support the Jack Berry house run by the IJF. Racecourse photographer Colin Turner was also on hand with some great photos of past Cheltenham winners (selling at half price on the night) and we also had a large box of racing books to give away, courtesy of member Bob Jackson, which were all snapped up by the end of the night! We hope to see many of the new faces returning for the Aintree Preview on April 5 th! Racin' 1

2 SATNAPS TIPPING CHALLENGE ALEX BIRD TIPPING CHALLENGE Although the scores are still provisional at the time of going to press we have a round 3 winner in Les Taylor (from Monmouthshire) who just held off challenges from Tony Coleman and Michael Wheater. The leading scores in the round are as below: Tot Name & Entry No. 27 Les Taylor Tony Coleman Michael Wheater Martin Baggott Jason Sandland Nigel Keeling Ken Unsworth 11 With just 5 weeks left in the seasonal challenge we also have a new leader in the table with Gary Mellor (from Stockport) currently in pole position! The leading scores in the seasonal table are also listed below: Seasonal Name & Entry No Gary Mellor Les Taylor Rob McDermott Michael Wheater Harry Sandland Andy White Jim Flanagan Harold Woodward Ian Hazel Martin Baggott Nigel Keeling John Boswell 13 9 Tony Coleman Ken Unsworth David Edge Jason Sandland Mary Claydon 05 6 Maureen Dawson 03 Once the scores are confirmed for Round 3 I shall contact the winner/runner up regarding their prizes! With the Grand national to come anything can happen and the table is still wide open! It is a very similar picture here with the Round 1 scores still being provisional and that in-form tipster Les Taylor also taking the honours in the Cheltenham round! The leaders are listed below and that man Gary Mellor is also prominent in this competition as well! CHELTENHAM ROUND RESULT LES TAYLOR 172 ALAN HILL 156 HARRY SANDLAND 150 GARY MELLOR 149 KEN UNSWORTH 147 CHRIS MACKENZIE 145 HAROLD WOODWARD B 134 DAVID BATES 133 COLIN STANTON 133 ALAN PRESTON 132 BRENDAN O'MEARA COLIN MALONE 131 MICHAEL WHEATER 130 LINDA BOSWELL 125 JIM AITKENHEAD 122 JOHN BOSWELL MARTIN WITHINSHAW 121 ALAN SPENCER 115 TIM COGAN 110 IAN HAZELL 102 BRENAN O'MEARA JOHN BOSWELL 1 98 ANDY WHITE 96 JEANETTE LAIRD 96 ROB MCDERMOTT 93 GUY WEAVER 90 HAROLD WOODWARD A 87 MAUREEN DAWSON 87 MIKE ASHWOOD 87 HELEN GOODWILL 85 MIKE CAMPBELL 2 80 The competition moves onto Aintree next and then the two flat racing rounds at Royal Ascot and York Racin' 2

3 RACING SPOTLIGHT JASON FILDES Compiled by Brian Goodwill WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN RACING My Grandfather was a very keen racing man he owned a leg in a few horses and I used to go to his box at Cheltenham as a very young boy. Apart from Point-to-points, my first proper day at the races as a lad was at Aintree for the 1977 Grand National. If I wasn t hooked after that then I never would be! WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST INVOLVEMENT AT HAYDOCK? Mrs Chris Feather used to live very close to us when we were growing up so we used to go racing whenever her horse Silver Buck ran, including many successes at Haydock in the early 1980s. I also used to come regularly when I was a student in Manchester and clearly remember Twin Oaks winning the Greenall Whitley on a great day when I virtually went through the card. HOW CAN WE ATTRACT YOUNGER PEOPLE TO THE SPORT? We are going to try and re-invent the Newton enclosure as a family orientated stand this year. it means a less expensive entry price for adults of 15 (there is a special family deal of 2 adults and unlimited children, all for 15 on Easter Saturday); also, children under 17 go free on all days here at Haydock and a Junior membership (18-24) is only 200 for 32 days racing, 6.25 per day! YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT IN RACING It wasn t funny at the time but we all look back on this day now and laugh about it I was the commentator at the Cheshire Forest Point-to-point on the Sunday after the non-grand National in 1997 when the crowd was the biggest it has ever been. Racegoers were at Tabley filling the day before going back to watch Lord Gyllene win at Aintree on the Monday. In the Men s open there were lots of runners, 4 of whom were wearing yellow colours. I thought the favourite had avoided a pile up on the far side and called him home over the last few fences as the clear winner in fact he had fallen and I had made a massive mistake in front of 10,000 people. All I remember was the announcement of steward s inquiry as the queues started forming at the bookmakers! FUTURE AMBITIONS FOR HAYDOCK As you might imagine, I am determined to get the crowd numbers up, the facilities improved and the racing as good as it can be. I was delighted with last Saturday s Betfred Grand National Trial Day as we had a large, enthusiastic, knowledgeable crowd here enjoying top class horses, including seeing the new favourite for the Grand National, Vieux Lion Rouge. All the restaurants were sold out and boxes nearly all full. More days like that and I ll be very happy. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ITV'S COVERAGE OF THE SPORT I think they have made a really good start, especially with 2 difficult days (for different reasons) at Cheltenham to deal with. Ed Chamberlain and Oli Bell are both excellent and I look forward to seeing them here on Temple Stakes Day on May 27 th. YOUR FAVOURITE NON-JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES York. I know William Derby well and am a great admirer of what he has done there, especially with the recent improvements to the bars and restaurants around the paddock. I would love to see something similar here at Haydock. The quality of racing is superb and my great friend William Haggas seems to have plenty of winners there. Racin' 3

4 YOU ARE A BURNLEY FC SEASON TICKET HOLDER. A COUPLE OF SEASONS AGO THE SQUAD HAD A DAY AT CATTERICK. ARE YOUR DOORS OPEN IF THEY ASK? I would be delighted to see Sean Dyche and the team here at Haydock whenever they would like to come. All the Burnley FC administration and retail staff came to one of our music nights which I think they all enjoyed. With Haydock s position in the middle of some quality football, rugby league and rugby union sides, it makes perfect sense to have good relations with other sporting clubs. We hope to host a Rugby at the Races event later this year. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INVOLVED AS AN OWNER? Yes I ve been involved in a few horses but none have been very successful. Myself and some golfing friends formed a syndicate which owned Prideus, trained by Alan King. He won a race and finished placed a few times. I managed to persuade members of my family to invest in a horse called Fiddleesticks, trained by William Kinsey which was great fun. We are looking at forming a new Haydock Owners Group which I would be keen to lead. Editor s Note: Since taking over the reins at Haydock Park just over 3 years ago, Jason has been a great supporter of NRC and has pro-actively supported the club s Cheltenham Preview Night concept that has flourished substantially since his involvement. Jason has also suggested that we collaborate in future years regarding the Aintree Preview night with a bumper event planned at Aintree Racecourse in Many thanks also to Jason who arranged a special discount for Aintree Thursday tickets for those who attended the Cheltenham Preview Night. Racin' 4

5 GORDON ARMISTEAD S RACING DIARY Saturday January 28th Cheltenham Setting aside the aftermath of the Cotswold Chase it was a tremendous race and Thistlecrack at last found a horse to test him and we now know that he is not the second coming. Apart from the few moderate jumps the big negative about him was that he appeared simply not to stay the trip. His hurdle wins were all a flat three miles without having to battle and his own stable mate Native River will ensure a good test of stamina in the Gold Cup. To hold the form down as well Smad Place was beaten seventeen lengths here in third but has been beaten much further than that in the last two Gold Cups. Un de Sceaux was too good for the opposition in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase despite jumping very big at some of the fences. I think he is better suited to another half mile so the Ryanair looks the obvious target. He will no doubt again meet Uxizandre who looked fit enough for his return but took time to warm up before finishing well. It was wide open betting for the Grade 2 two-and-a-half-mile novice hurdle and I was hoping one of the less exposed sorts would beat the form horse Wholestone but they weren't up to the job. He still doesn't give me the impression he is up to championship races but he is very tough. Elegant Escape and Topofthegame look like staying chasers for the future. Unowhatimeanharry who just keeps winning took the Cleeve Hurdle without looking like a Big Buck's. It will however take a good one form Ireland to beat him in the Stayers Hurdle as he has the measure of the British runners. Cole Harden stepped up markedly on his New Year s Day run but was getting plenty of weight here and shouldn't turn the tables in the spring. Down the field Pitz Zig with the blinkers back on looked totally uninterested but stable mate Old Guard is sliding down the handicap and while this three-mile trip was probably too far the Coral Cup might be up his street. From the handicaps, Royal Vacation again picked up the pieces in the two five novice handicap chase after his main rivals found trouble. He will not be so lucky in the RSA surely. Champers on Ice was totally taken off his feet while it was a long way out when Singlefarmpayment was brought down. Saturday February 4th Wetherby West Wizard was a big talking horse when he started out with Nicky Henderson but was turned over at odds on in his first three hurdles runs. The three that beat him were all very useful and two years later and after two changes of stables he came here for the two four handicap chase after winning a modest chase off 122. Again, heavily supported he never went a stride and jumped poorly and should just be left alone. Winner Oldgrangewood was in command from some way out and having gone up a stone for his last two wins will go up plenty more for this and if it is anything less than ten pounds he can win again. It was all too quick for Hainan who needs three miles at the very least. The Towton Novice Chase was probably not up to the usual standard but Baywing although 33/1 looked the winner from a long way out. He needs it deep which may limit his appearances and next season the Welsh National could be a target. Even with top weight Ami Desbois looked well handicapped in the three-mile handicap hurdle and made all. He evidently goes for the Albert Bartlett but has failed when stepped up in class before and will not be on my short list for that race. Ex French Golden Vision made all in the mare's novice hurdle on her first run in this country. She has the size to jump a fence in time and looks the sort that will improve as she strengthens up. Racin' 5

6 Saturday February 11th Warwick Not the best renewal of the Kingmaker Chase as Flying Angel came back to form after two appalling efforts in the autumn. He will not be up to winning an Arkle and this will not have done his handicap mark any good but at his best he is a tough performer. Runner up Gino Trail has settled down a lot from earlier in the season and ran his race. He could be the sort for the Red Rum Chase at Aintree. The three-mile novice chase saw an easy win for Belami Des Pictons who jumped really well and looks like he could be decent. The handicapper will take a dim view of it however but he looks to be improving fast. While Aintree My Dream won the two five novice hurdle easily there will be races to be won at a modest level with fourth home Glenforde. He looked in need of his first rules run and stayed with the first two until the turn in before fading. Saturday February 18th Haydock Frodon took the Victor Ludorum last season but this year's winner will not be chasing next season as Don Bersy is a light framed animal even for a hurdler. He is useful but a long way off the best juveniles. Most Celebrated who had won by half the straight at Wetherby just pulled too hard to get home here. Zarkandar returned to some sort of form in the Rendlesham Hurdle but was well off his peak in beating stable mate Aux Ptits Soins and Agrapart. The runner up hasn't jumped fences and was poor at his hurdles here while the third Agrapart also jumped poorly and doesn't look the sort for three miles. A better Grand National Trial than in recent years and Vieux Lion Rouge went to the head of the National betting with his win. He didn't get home at Aintree last season and we have heard it many times over the years that horses that have faded from two out are a year older and will stay better and they almost never do. He looks all about staying so we shall see. Blaklion overcame some early moderate jumps and was the only one to give him a race and has a three pounds pull at Aintree but he doesn't appeal as a National sort. Third home Vintage Clouds had looked likely to be pulled up with a circuit to go before plodding on through beaten horses. He is very one paced and looks like he will struggle to find races. There were poor efforts from Vicente who looked in super nick and from Wakanda who never went an inch and might as well have been pulled up as they passed the stands with two circuits left. The Prestige Novice Hurdle looked wide open but The Worlds End ran out a very good winner and looked very good. He goes to the Albert Bartlett where he might give Death Duty a race. No Hassle Hoff was held up a long way off the pace and while he might have been closer at the end he wouldn't have won the race. Report to Base who had looked promising at Cheltenham dropped away tamely after leading early on. Saturday February 25th Fairyhouse A good field for the Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle. Ex Patriot was thrown out as the winner for minor interference between the last two flights and I doubt the result would have been changed in Britain. He was a decent flat maiden and is a big flag bearer for first season trainer Ellmarie Holden. Hopefully he will get compensation for this. Fortunate winner Dinaria Des Obeaux is a big strong filly who will get a trip in time and goes well on this soft ground. Landofhopeandglory was the early season favourite for the Triumph Hurdle and was giving weight away here. He has had a two month break and looked like he would improve for the run and certainly for better ground. Stable mate Sword Fighter was the better on the flat but he is small and has no scope for this game. Fourth home Mengli Khan is an unusual one for Gigginstown having won on the all-weather but he is a big type and I would imagine they will keep him as a novice for next season. Presenting Percy bolted up in the two four handicap hurdle beating an in-form horse in That's a Wrap and can only expect a big rating hike. Back in fourth Sure Reef on his third run back after nearly three years off ran well and still looked like he would improve for it. I had a small fancy for Marakoush after a year off but he was totally unfancied in the market. The Alan Fleming yard has had an awful season but there have been small signs of life recently and Marakoush ran well enough to suggest he can play a part in a spring handicap somewhere. Racin' 6

7 A bigger than usual field in the Bobbyjo Chase and it was a real slog. Ruby Walsh sat off the pace on Pleasant Company and crept into the race before leading close home. Being by Presenting he should be better on good ground but after fifteen starts he hasn't run on it. He will go to Aintree with better than average chance. Runner up Thunder and Roses only runs well here so he will probably be back here to try and win another Irish National. This was his best effort since that National win but he usually finds something to beat him nowadays. Baie Des Iles could not lead here and as she is only six it might have come too quickly after her win over three and a half miles at Punchestown. The others ran poorly and there looks no way back for Lord Windermere while a horse I thought would win a big race someday Wounded Warrior seemed to totally resent the blinkers and neither jumped or travelled in what looked his ideal conditions. It took Alamein four goes to win his bumper and seven to win his maiden hurdle but he took his first chase jumping well in the two mile one beginners and while he is no star he could find a handicap off about 130. Everything was right for Aupcharlie in the two mile five Hunter Chase as he doesn't stay three miles and he would be better off going to Aintree rather than Cheltenham. The bumper was a match between the giant flat bred Empire Burleque and Fulham Road who had been missing for three years after falling in his one point. It was run at a crawl before Empire Burleque just had too much speed for his rival but what it was worth is anybody's guess. Sunday February 26th Naas The last time I was at this meeting the two-mile Grade 2 Novice Hurdle was won by Annie Power with Don Cossack back in third place and two other future Grade 1 winners in the six-horse field. Favourite this year was Any Second Now who scored at 66/1 first time out and then beat what was meant to be one of the Willie Mullins better novices in a moderate looking Grade 2. He is a big chasing type and trying to give weight away here proved too much and he looks the sort who will also need a trip. The race went to the mare Forge Meadow who had only won a maiden at Wexford and had been well beaten when upped in class before. Second home Joey Sasa is already an eight-year-old and while very consistent is well off top class. The first two in the two-mile maiden hurdle Morgan and Kolumbus are nothing special. The two to take from the race are point winner Never Off Duty who was third on his rules debut and will certainly improve for the run and fourth home Giant Spirit who qualifies for a handicap mark and looked just the sort for that route. The valuable two mile four novice handicap chase went cosily to top weight Edwulf who managed an error free round for once. If he can jump like this he is a decent sort but he needs to do again. General Principle who I saw win his maiden hurdle at Navan last year has been disappointing over fences and ran in snatches here and he also looks badly handicapped. I saw Alisier D'Irlande win a novice chase at Leopardstown last season but in five runs since he has finished last three time and unseated once. He was back to form in a substandard Group 3 two-mile chase making all to hold off Pairofbrowneyes who will never put himself out to try and win. English challenger Just Cameron tried to go with the winner but was totally legless from two out and walked home. The long odds on Monbeg Worldwide made it three bumper wins and a point win in four starts but only just as he struggled to give the penalties away. He is a massive sort but even with his perfect record I don't think he is a star in the making. The handicap hurdle was an open affair and the one to take out of it could be fourth home Sanibel Island who will be suited by better ground in the spring. Saturday March 4th Doncaster The Grimthorpe looked wide open but Definitly Red came back to form and ran away with it. He hasn't looked an out and out stayer on occasions and has been known to give an odd fence a belt but will amongst the favourites come National day. He will certainly get a positive ride from Danny Cook. The Last Samuri looked in big trouble with a circuit left but in the end, ran through beaten horses for second. The handicapper surely has him in his grip. Wakanda was much better than at Haydock which wouldn't have been difficult and turning in looked like being involved in the finish. He faded from two out and maybe the flat three miles is as far as he Racin' 7

8 wants. I was surprised to see Yala Enki so short in the betting as he looks badly handicapped now and three miles also looks his upper limit. The listed mare's three-mile novice hurdle was poor for the grade but winner Lastbutnotleast ran out a good winner and if the handicapper doesn't rate her off runner up Happy Diva she can win long distance handicaps on soft ground. Happy Diva had chased home some good ones on her last two runs and travelled best till the last when either she didn't stay or she didn't want to battle. The handicap hurdle over the same trip was really run at a crawl taking ten seconds longer to run. Whataknight made most on ground he doesn't like and stayed on well for second place. The three miler at Aintree on better ground looks the perfect target. NRC FORTHCOMING EVENTS AINTREE FESTIVAL PREVIEW - WEDNESDAY 5TH APRIL Once you have sorted out your year-end tax affairs why not come along to unwind at the NRC Aintree Grand National Preview? The venue will again be the Victoria Inn at Newton Le Willows, WA12 8EP, start time 7.45pm. We aim to finish about 10.15pm so we can get home for a good night's rest ahead of the first day of the Aintree Festival on Thursday 6th April. Ticket price includes sandwiches (served at interval). Entry will be 5 on the night - see also special offer if you bought a Cheltenham Preview ticket! 'E Vouchers' may be used for this event for those who have already renewed memberships in Panel details are confirmed as: NEALE DOUGHTY - Grand National winning jockey aboard Hallo Dandy KEITH MCHUGH - Racing Post journalist GORDON ARMISTEAD - NRC Racing Diary author. We shall also be able to offer half priced photos (just 10) of Neale Doughty winning the Grand National on Hallo Dandy. These need to be pre-ordered by 29th March and can also be posted out for an additional 2 to cover post & packaging for anyone unable to attend on the night. In order that we have sufficient seating (and sandwiches!) please contact Phil Evans asap if you wish to reserve places see committee panel for contact details. Racin' 8

9 COMPETITION NEWS & RESULTS 59 s DRAW RESULTS UPDATE The latest 59 s winners are as follows each now wins the monthly 50 prize! The winners are based on the bonus ball drawn on the first Saturday Lotto draw each month. Feb 4 th (#22) Paul Lang from Blackburn Mar 4 th (#21) Terry Dickinson from Clitheroe If anyone else wants to join we expect to have some new numbers available shortly! Please contact Phil Evans (see contacts list on last page) if you wish to join in costs 12 for 12 draws! DAILY TELEGRAPH FANTASY RACING Congratulations to Brian Goodwill from Altrincham who won the NRC mini league during Cheltenham Festival week and also managed 2 nd place as well! We shall sort out a small prize for you shortly! 1 Brian Goodwill Fog On The Clyne Brian Goodwill Acta Non Verba HAYDOCK TRAIN PHOTO COMPETITION The answer to the picture puzzle, in the last edition of Racin, was that the train is housed in the industrial museum at Penrhyn Castle (National Trust), near Bangor in North Wales. John Boswell, Dianne Bates and Mike Campbell all sent in correct entries and the winner drawn is Mike Campbell from Stockport. APRIL/MAY BOOK COMPETITION The challenge this month is to solve the two questions below using the surnames of two jumps trainers for each of the puzzles. To be honest I m not sure if this is too easy or not but please have a go! Q1. I am a classical music composer but if I owned a racehorse my colours would surely have green sleeves. Q2. I am a friend of Mystic Meg but unlike her have not caught the racing bug. I like mixing with the stars and you may often see me on Celebrity TV shows, dancing, cooking or even slimming! Postal entries can be sent to NRC at 53 Dalebrook Rd, Sale, M33 3LB or e mail entries to info@northernracingclub.com. Closing date for entries is Saturday 20 th May. Racin' 9

10 GRAND NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKE NRC will be repeating its Grand National sweepstake for It will cost 5 per entry (2017 e-vouchers accepted) with max 40 tickets sold equating to the race card numbers used on the day of the race. The prize fund is expected to total 200 and be allocated as follows: 1st place nd place rd place th place 15month entry to 59 s Draw. Any remaining funds will be donated to club funds. In the event that not all 40 tickets are sold the prize money will remain the same but the unallocated horses will be running in the name of Northern Racing Club! HOW TO ENTER There will be two ways to enter as below: 1. Postal entries can be made to NRC at 53 Dalebrook Rd, Sale, M33 3LB together with cheque payable to NRC for number of entries required. Please include name/address/ /phone details. 2. Entries will also be accepted at the Aintree Preview night on 5th April. HOW THE DRAW IS MADE 1. At the Aintree preview night on 5th April a raffle type draw will take place (drawn by a guest speaker) and the race card numbers 1-40 allocated to those who have purchased tickets 2. Those who are not present at the draw will be advised by e mail/phone as regards the race card number they have been allocated. OTHER DETAILS Prizes will be forwarded to the winners as soon as possible after the date of the race Racin' 10

11 It's too late for the National HAROLD HEYS with a timely warning NO DOUBT the animal rights gang will be out in force when the Grand National comes along in a few days time. Perhaps they might spare a bit of effort in highlighting the Aintree indifference to hapless racegoers. No, I'm not moaning again about the cost of a decent view, or the fact that many fences don't present much of a challenge, or the restriction to 40 runners, or even the fact that a furlong has disappeared off the iconic race distance. I am complaining about the race starting again at 5.15pm after it was foisted on us last year. Awful. Just awful. Regular visitors to the National will know exactly what I mean. An early evening National start is not on. Veterans know exactly what happens late in the afternoon as the watery sun dips over the city and a chill wind begins to edge its way inland from the Mersey and sweep across the vast flatness of Aintree. It gets cold. Damn cold. And any bright young things who arrived at the course around lunchtime with colourful but perhaps daringly skimpy outfits will soon be "frozzen" as we say in East Lancs. I was a teenager when I saw my first National back in And even then, I remember finding it a bit "parky" after the hurly burly, the thrills and the spills of the big race. And that would have been not long after half past three. I can barely imagine what it will feel like this time round when the surge of colour, excitement and spectacle fades some two hours later at going up to six. Actually, I can. It will be cold. Very cold. And if drooping clouds add a damp mist it will be very unpleasant. I can't remember what the weather was like last National day I gave the 5.15 kick-off the swerve but unless it was an unusually warm day it will have frightened off a lot of inexperienced young racegoers. The race had 3.15 and 3.20 starts throughout the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, and the early 90s when it was the third race on the card. The rot began in 1992 when the race was pushed back to 4.00 and became the fourth race of the day. It went to 3.50 for a couple of years and then settled at In 2005, the National start went from this settled time to 4.10 and then 4.15 and was the fifth race on the card. And that was about the time, in the late afternoon, when the dipping sun and the chilly wind began to really make a mark. It got worse. It always does for the poor old customers. As in football and most other front-line sports they aren't part of the equation any more. TV schedules and viewing figures and sponsor demands are all that matter. Last year's quarter-past-five start was the last of the Crabbies three-year sponsorship. I had hoped sanity might prevail this year. Alas, not. The reason it hasn't? Well, explained John Baker, regional director of the Jockey Club who run several courses, it was "an extremely positive step forward for the People's Race." "Everyone was excited about the possibility of showcasing the greatest chase in the world to a wider national and global audience." Having done this sort of thing over the years I can readily imagine the round-table yattering among the backroom boys before they came up with that one. I had rather hoped that the new ITV team or Dr Peter FitzGerald, boss of new sponsors Randox Health and a keen racing fan, might at least raise have raised an eyebrow or two, but apparently not. The old 3.45 start was late enough but it made sense as it was half time in the football I remember it used to be semi-finals day and by the time away punters had either won or done their money it was almost ready for the restart. Perfect. The 5.15 start will apparently allow football fans on their way home from matches to see the race, we are told. No, me neither Isn't 700 million worldwide viewers enough, Mr Baker? Of course, he won't be tucking into fish and chips or a last pint at gone six o'clock, shivering in the gusting wind while the runners go down for the last. That's one of the problems with top management virtually everywhere. They never, ever, get down and dirty with ordinary folk like us so they might learn how it all works away from the elegant champagne parties in the warmth of their ivory towers. Racin' 11

12 Anyway, not to worry. The long walk to the car and coach parks as the evening gloom settles after the last, might warm up punters a bit. I've seen well over 40 Grand Nationals. I'll be watching this one from an armchair! Racing writer Chris Pitt recalls a line from Brough Scott: "There's no such thing as cold weather only inappropriate clothing." Good luck if you decide to brighten up Aintree again this year, girls Editor s Note: These views do not necessarily represent those of NRC but do give an honest opinion as to the impacts of the change in the feature race time on longstanding Grand National spectators. Indeed, as John Baker is a long-time supporter of NRC I think it only right to defend his corner. The whole raison d etre of Aintree is to stage the Grand National each year and to do so it needs the financial clout to attract a good quality field and provide top quality viewing facilities. As such, attracting a huge TV audience at this meeting is crucial to the financial well-being of the course. For those with short memories, I and many other members of the public provided donations in 1982 to enable the course to continue and since then we have seen a steady improvement in the size of the crowds attending, the quality of the fields and also the quality of the viewing facilities. I am sure all of this is fully debated with the other stake holders, namely the Grand National sponsors and TV rights owners. In today s world of paying to watch most top quality sport on TV, if this is the only way to keep the race on free to air TV then I am willing to accept the later race time as a consequence. A few weeks later in Ireland the weather will not be much different but they will not even start racing at Punchestown s festival until about 4.30pm and finish about 7.30pm. That said when I posed this question as a poll on the NRC Facebook page, after just 48 hours on the website we had 22 votes agreeing the race was now run too late with just 3 votes who thought the race time was ok (at this stage I have abstained!). So, it looks like the clear majority of Northern racing followers would prefer an earlier start time in future years. My only real gripe about Aintree is that it is very under-used for race meetings given the excellent stands etc. having just eight days racing a year. Maybe one day they will re-introduce some flat race meetings again and we could see the career launch of another young Red Rum at the track? Racin' 12

13 The Case for A share in a French-bred racehorse in France by Jane Maggs We all know that having a share in a horse in the UK is about having a fun interest, about that bit more excitement at the races, about having a stable to follow. Having a share is not about breaking even, we all know the long-term parlous state of British prize money. Imagine having a share in an affordable horse that, with a reasonable amount of luck, did not cost you anything and provided you with some small adventures into the bargain. Imagine having a share in a horse trained in France. We all also know that French prize money is superior. What you may not realise is difference in the way prize money is distributed. In the rarefied regions of Group and Listed races, where most of us will never see a horse racing in our colours, the prize money is similar in both countries. The biggest difference however, lies in the lowest grade races, even for horses rated A horse of this rating can pick up Euros 9,500 for a win even at a non-metropolitan track. If it is French-bred there is an additional 60% bonus on top of that. So around 15 grand for winning the lowest class of race. Beats toiling around Southwell or Wolverhampton for a grand or two. The advantages do not stop there. If you are unlucky enough to win less than Euro 5,000 transport costs for the horse are reimbursed. Fantastique non? There are 250 racecourses in France so there are a lot to go at. In Paris, there are the metropolitan tracks: Chantilly, Longchamp, St Cloud, Auteuil for the jumps. In addition, there are some terrific tracks a short train ride away, Fontainebleau, Compiegne, Craon for example. Don t forget Deauville and Cagnes Sur Mer. It is surprisingly easy to get to most of these tracks without having a car. Auteuil is even on the Metro. France Galop has a dedicated racing channel, Equidia. Chantilly and Lamorlaye are jointly the Newmarket of France. This area is supposed to support the greatest concentration of Thoroughbreds in training in one place in the world, around 2,500 horses. The miles and miles of gallops and rides, on grass and romantic woodland, are carefully maintained by France Galop. Editor s note: Do any readers know of any particular trainers in France that have a good reputation for syndications for UK owners? WETHERBY MEMORIES TO SHARE? The jist of this note is that I am writing a book about racing at Wetherby since it moved to its current site in I am looking for any stories, serious or funny, relating to racing there, punting there, memories of the track, photographs, whatever they may be... plus any memorabilia that people have and are prepared to let me scan copies of... race cards being a prime example, or newspaper cuttings. ANYTHING! If anyone has anything at all that they think may be of interest they can contact me on my mobile, which is Thanks very much ~ Jonathan Doidge Editor s note: Jonathan was the chairman at our recent Cheltenham Preview night. If anyone prefers to e mail items please send to Jonathan at jonathandoidge@hotmail.com Racin' 13

14 Cheltenham Review with Gordon Armistead TUESDAY So, after all the months of talking it all kicks off with the Supreme Novice and I imagine the first winner hardly got a mention from any of the preview panels. Labaik returned from his forty day ban the day I was at Naas and if the race had been a time trial he would probably have clocked a faster time than the winner after he set off over a furlong behind than the rest of field. If Jack Kennedy hadn't persisted he would certainly have been banned again maybe permanently. He will revert to type soon enough so thoughts of the Champion Hurdle are probably futile and after a series of good Supreme Novice's this was below standard. Melon beat the rest well enough but has only had two runs in two years at Willie Mullins so is not the easiest to train. River Wylde should make a chaser but the rest will be handicapping next season. It was all very easy for Altior in the Arkle with not a semblance of a mistake. Apart from being top class he looks very straightforward. My first bet of the meeting was Ordinary World without the favourite at 18/1 and he ran a fine race with only Cloudy Dream foiling the bet. Cloudy Dream ran an excellent race and will surely be better eventually at two and a half miles. Charbel would probably have been third if he had stood up but the rest jumped very poorly. I thought Singlefarmpayment was the likeliest winner of the Ultima but at 5/1 he was no value and an excellent weight carrying performance from Un Temps Pour Tout just denied him. The winner will go up into the 160's which will make life very hard. The National horses in the field hardly advertised their claims. The Young Master as least got involved for a while but was still beaten twenty lengths. Measureofmydreams was plodding on when nearly knocked over at the second last and Junction Fourteen did his usual sulking act when he couldn't lead. I was surprised that Buveur D'Air returned to hurdling after his impressive start to chasing at Haydock and the form was not let down by Cloudy Dream in the Arkle. His turn of speed that day when he closed an eight-length gap in seconds was very impressive and it was that turn of speed that was apparent here. The New One ran his usual race to finish fifth and was beaten ten and a half lengths as opposed to eight and three quarters both Faugheen and Annie Power beat him so the winner looks a very good champion. With this year's two mile novices' looking moderate there seems no reason why he won't come back next year, unless of course he goes back chasing. My bet Petit Mouchoir ran his race and was beaten much the same by the winner as he was in last year's Supreme a race that must have been one of the best in depth novice hurdles you will ever see. Quite how Yanworth started 2/1 favourite is one of life's mysteries as his jumping and style of running is just not suited to this sort of test. He needs another mile and it is to be hoped this training for non-existent speed hasn't soured him. It was the best renewal of the mare's hurdle with three top class animals rated within a pound of each other jumping the last in line. Apple's Jade massive win at Aintree last season is still hard to quantify as although favourite Ivanovich Gorbatov has done nothing this season all but one of the other runners have won races since. She won this by staying and should get three miles maybe at Punchestown. Vroum Vroum Mag has had her limits exposed and might be better going back over fences. The English trained mares continue to be just not good enough but there are plenty - probably too many - graded races for them to spread around amongst themselves. During the late spring and autumn Tiger Roll seemed to run every week in Ireland and in between two modest wins he looked uninterested and jumped appallingly. I remember watching the Munster National-while racing somewhere-with no commentary trying to work out which of the five or six Gigginstown horses was bolting in and couldn't believe it was the same Tiger Roll especially as he supposedly hated soft ground. He reverted to type after that but apart from one mistake he took the National Hunt well. I doubt he will ever find another race off his current mark but as a two-time festival winner he doesn't need to. I took 60/1 Haymount which was far Racin' 14

15 too big and he finished fast to take third. Perhaps if there hadn't been doubts about his stamina he would have been ridden more prominently and had a better chance. Arpege D'Alene ran his race but there were poor efforts from Big Bad John and Champers on Ice turned in one of the worst displays of jumping you will ever see. Perhaps he has a physical problem or the hard race he had here over an inadequate trip last time has turned him sour. The Close Brothers Handicap is a funny race with its very narrow rating band. I was told many weeks ago by someone whose judgement is pretty good that Tully East would win this and he bolted up. He has some good form and some awful form and is going to get a big hike for this. The rest of the field already look badly handicapped. WEDNESDAY The Neptune looked a better race than the Supreme. Willoughby Court's win at Warwick had already been franked by Gayebury and as there he made all and battled on when challenged. Neon Wolf lost nothing in defeat and both should make chasers next season. Third home Messire des Obeaux travelled well but was just outpaced and should also have a future. There were plenty with winning from in behind who will win again next season as this race seemed to have plenty of depth about it. I have never really taken to Might Bite as at times his jumping and attitude have been open to question. His win in the RSA was amazing but it did not look a good renewal beforehand so how it will work out we shall see. Of those behind I am still not sure Bellshill wants the three miles as he came through with runner up Whisper but was one paced from the turn in. Whatever was ailing Douvan in the Champion Chase it was apparent from very early on that all was not well with his jumping. Hopefully it is nothing serious. Special Tiara just has the one way to run and on his ground, he wins his share without being a superstar. Fox Norton maintained the improvement he showed in the autumn and this was better than his run behind Altior at Newbury. The Bumper runners didn't look a great bunch on form beforehand and despite the amazing run of winner Fayonagh they will all have plenty to prove when they start jumping next season. THURSDAY It's always going to be exciting with Yorkhill but he jumped well in the JLT to take the race cosily. He will evidently go up in trip for the Gold Cup so we can look forward to a long will he/ wont he stay debate. Top Notch has been a better chaser than I thought he would be and is very tough. Disko did me a good turn at Leopardstown in February and I was a bit disappointed that he was held up here as his jumping is his top asset and he wasn't going to win the race with speed from the last. This is Disko's trip while Politologue again gave the impression he will be better blasting off over two miles. The sixteen-pound rise given to Presenting Percy for his Fairyhouse win looked fair enough to me and another six wouldn't have stopped him winning the Pertemps final. The other Irish horse I have been following Jury Duty ran his race but the handicapper just has him as he does most of the other runners. I have always thought Un de Sceaux would be better at two and a half miles and his Ryanair win was a tremendous performance. I don't bet short priced ones but 7/4 was a big price against the 2/9 Douvan had started. Sub Lieutenant is just below top class and this is his trip and he looks the sort for the Melling at Aintree as the winner will not go there. Unowhatimeanharry ran below his best of the season in the Stayers Hurdle as Lil Rockerfeller ran his heart out. The Mullins bandwagon had however taken off by now and the perfectly timed run of Nichols Canyon with Ruby Walsh at his best saw them off. The race was probably well up to standard and many had been waiting for this horse to go three miles for a long time. Mare's novice winner Lets Dance has breezed through the season and the only doubt here was the drop in trip. No doubt she will be the Mullins contender for the Mare's Hurdle next season. Racin' 15

16 The Gordon Elliot / Willie Mullins battle in Ireland has overshadowed an excellent season for Noel Meade and his runners have done me some very good turns over the winter notably Ice Cold Soul in the Coral.ie Hurdle. I have been watching Road to Respect all season waiting for a race he could win and the Plate looked the one at a very nice 25/1. He is going to go up into the mid 150's which will make it hard but he will get three miles to open up some options. As with most of the Cheltenham handicaps many of the other runners are now badly handicapped. FRIDAY Defi du Seuil has cantered in on the three Cheltenham wins I have been on track for without beating anything special but saw off the Irish challengers just as easily in the Triumph. He is the best winner since Our Connor and looks to have more speed than the average winner of this race. The Irish form held up very well behind so it all looks solid. Landofhopeandglory might have finished closer if ridden more aggressively. I went for a big tilt in the County Hurdle with Wakea at 50/1 and just for a few seconds down the hill I thought he had stolen it. He used the same tactics when I backed him at Down Royal in November when he never looked like being caught but that was off and Irish 125 rating. His trainer Karl Thornton is one I always watch out for and picks up plenty of wins from a small string. Wakea looks the sort who will jump fences. None of the British runners managed to down Wholestone in the Albert Bartlett although The Worlds End was travelling well when he fell and ended the chances of my fancy Constantine Bay. All three look to be staying chasers for next season. Winner Penhill was on the go all last summer before stepping up to three miles at Christmas. I can't say I remember him from seeing him on the flat at Haydock but he will be staying over hurdles. Short priced favourite Death Duty never looked happy to me and might just need very soft ground. I would love to know what price you could have got for Sizing John in the Gold Cup after he had been beaten twenty-four lengths by Arzal in the Manifesto at Aintree last April. In all probability, it was an average renewal but he won it very well and will be a leading contender next year. This trip is a minimum for Minella Rocco and he makes too many errors for my liking. If he goes to Aintree off eleven six I think I will give him a miss. Native River ran his race while not for the first time it looked like Djakadam didn't stay this trip. Saphir Du Rheu ran his best race over fences as did More of That while Smad Place finished exactly the same distance behind the winner as he did to Coneygree but less than behind Don Cossack. Cue Card now definitely looks on the downgrade while Champagne West was outclassed and Outlander ran like something was amiss. Age appeared to have finally caught up with On The Fringe in the Foxhunter as everything was in his favour but we will see at Aintree. The first two Pacha Du Polder and Wonderful Charm have never looked stayers but especially the latter appeared to need all of this trip. Editor s Note: First of all, a special thanks to Gordon for getting this report ready in time for this edition of Racin so that members can make the most of his comments/assessments ahead of the Aintree meeting. It is also worth reflecting upon the Cheltenham Preview panel s views to see how they fared this year! There was a general tip by Henry Brooke to follow Gordon Elliott s runners at the festival on the basis that he was aiming to become champion trainer in Ireland this season so would only be sending runners if they had a good chance a huge plus for this advice! Of the main big race winners found Buveur D air was tipped by Micky Hammond and both Micky and Andy Gibson were keen on Special Tiara in the QM Chase. Kyle Drummond had a strong e/w view on My Tent Or Yours in the Champion Hurdle. Henry Brooke gave Presenting Percy as his nap of the meeting whilst there were other good e/w tips including Double W s, Nietzsche and Sizing John. As you would expect many of the shorter priced winners were also tipped up so overall I think they did quite well considering they were assessing week before the meeting started! Racin' 16

17 RACING SYNDICATE NEWS FROM LANCASHIRE RACING STABLES Trainer Richard Ford & Lancashire Racing stables are offering for sale 5% shares in three horses two on the flat & one over jumps. One of the flat horses is an 11 times winner & we are giving away TWO SHARES FOR NOTHING!!Details of all three can be found at the bottom of this . Most of our Syndicates consist of twenty equal shares. However, if you want a larger involvement then give us a call as we currently have a couple of 25% shares for sale in a really nice young jumper who is ready to run (a close 2nd in an Irish Point on her latest start) and a proven flat racer who is guaranteed to win races this year or your money back!! Our number is Full details on our website at When you join one of our 20 share Syndicates you pay an initial amount to cover the purchase of a 5% share. In addition to buying the share, you will be asked to make a monthly contribution of 95 towards the training fees and racing expenses of the horse as well as the administration costs of the Syndicate. THIS IS A FIXED PRICE WITH NOTHING ELSE TO PAY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. You will, of course, receive your share of any prize money won by the horse together with any other income earned such as appearance money. The aim is to help you get the maximum fun and enjoyment out of your ownership experience with LRS & our trainer Richard Ford. Although you only own a small share you will receive the full benefits of racehorse ownership including regular visits to the yard. Details of the three horses currently available are as follows: - SULAMANI 5-year-old gelding. This unnamed five-year-old gelding is out of a mare (Riverbank Rainbow) who won a 13 runner Uttoxeter Bumper by 12 lengths. He is now back in training having been given a winter break after being broken in & educated last year. He has done everything asked of him so far & has the looks, size & scope to give us hope that one day he could be taking on the best over the larger obstacles. With the price of promising young jumpers going through the roof, you will struggle to find a better value offer anywhere! The cost of a 5% share (including all training fees up to 31st March) is only 450. CAPTAIN GERRARD 2-year-old gelding. This unnamed strong, racy looking two-year-old is the latest addition to our team. He is by dual Group winning sprinter Captain Gerrard who won or was placed in 9 of his 10 races as a juvenile. His dam Lee Miller (by Danehill Dancer) was a useful performer who was successful in a Pontefract Maiden as well as being placed 3 times from just 7 starts. So far Lee Miller has produced a multiple winner in Finisela Subit (7 wins & 20 places) from just 2 runners. A 5% share (including all training fees up to 31st March) costs just 400. INSOLENCEOFOFFICE We are offering two free 5% shares in this the perfect syndicate horse who has won 11 races so far in his career as well as finishing in the frame (2nd, 3rd or 4th) on 21 other occasions from 66 starts. Therefore, he has picked up prize money in almost half of his races. In total, he has won 33,000 for his owners. 'Insolence' has been working as enthusiastically as ever on the gallops & we would be disappointed if he didn't win more races again this year. He runs regularly & is ready to win having been successful off much higher handicap marks in the past. Two shares are being given away for nothing!! WALES RACING CLUB STABLE VISIT SATURDAY 8 TH APRIL Martin Nott at Wales RC has passed an invitation onto all NRC members to join his next stable visit to Grace Harris whose yard is about 3 miles from Chepstow Racecourse where there is racing later in the day. For full details please contact Martin directly by e mail at walesracingclub@hotmail.com or phone (evenings) on Racin' 17