Following a successful career as a National Hunt jockey, Colin Tizzard first took out his training license in 1998 with just ten horses under his care. Since then he has trained winners of most of the prestigious National Hunt races in the UK. We spent a rather wet but pleasant morning at Venn Farm near
In this article, we look at how thoroughbred yearling preparation for sale has changed in the last forty years or so. We discuss how independent studs, basically owner breeder establishments have been superseded by professional yearling consignors at the sales. How the dynamics of breeding race horses for sale and therefore profits have changed, and
It was a great privilege to be asked to cover the 2019 stallion parade at the Darley Dalham Hall Stud. It was in 1981 that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai purchased the Dalham Hall Stud, just outside the UK’s racing capital, Newmarket in Suffolk. When he purchased the stud from
Hand in hand with the Darley operation is of course the better known Godolphin Racing with the famous all royal blue racing colours. All the stallions selected to stand at any of the Darley studs have first had successful racing careers. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai set up the Godolphin
There are many more eloquent than I to pass comment or write an obituary following the news of John McCririck’s death on Friday, and many have. However, I could not let the news go by without a few words. John McCririck was rather like marmite, you either loved or hated him. He was seen by
The final day of Royal Ascot was to see the final Group 1 race of the week The Diamond Jubilee Stakes and the longest flat race in the racing calendar in the UK, The Queen Alexandra Stakes. The Diamond Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs, is now one of the most prestigious races of the meeting
As with all the other days of the meeting, there are six races. Obviously, The Gold Cup is the main course for the day, and as said, many would argue for the week. Eleven horses were entered, headed by the charismatic Stradivarius trained by John Gosden. Going for his second £.million bonus in consecutive years,
The annual racing jamboree at Royal Ascot is here once again. As has been the tradition since 1711, when Queen Anne came to the races down the straight mile in a procession, Her Majesty The Queen did likewise again in 2019 signalling the start of this great five day sporting and fashion event. Day One
The quiet way Aiden O’Brien saddles his horses before a race – even the really big races which matter, is a marvel to watch. He calmly saddled up his seven runners for this year’s Derby, one by one outside in the paddock, and it is thought that he saddles each horse from his least hopeful
Our last article related the fortunes of the younger generation of racehorses at the May York meeting. Now we look at two races for the older generation, the Group Two Yorkshire Cup and the Group One Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. The Yorkshire Cup, a race over 1 mile 6 furlongs, and the first UK qualifier
The May meeting at York is always a meeting when owners, trainers and punters alike are more able to see how realistic their chances are in the big two at Epsom in early June. (Derby and Oaks) This year, particularly is no exception. The Dante Stakes looks to be the best race of the year
