Grand National A-Z Guide and Final Summary | Grand National 2014

Across The Bay
Donald McCain’s ten-year-old was prominent for a long way last year before weakening to finish 14th. His win at Haydock in December provides some hope but he unseated his rider at the same course in February.
Rating ** Odds 40-1

Alvarado
Looked set for a good season when beating a good field at Cheltenham in November but pulled up at the same course on New Year’s Day. Has won on all types of going and has an outside chance on his best form.
Rating *** Odds 40-1

Balthazar King
This horse is perfectly at home over Cross-Country fences and was up with the pace in the National last year. He weakened rapidly in the closing stages and reserves his best form for Cheltenham, winning at the festival for the second time this year.
Rating **** Odds 20-1

Battle Group
Won twice in the space of three days at Aintree last season, taking a Grade 3 hurdle and a listed chase. Has lost the plot completely this season including when refusing to race at Newbury in November.
Rating * Odds 33-1

Big Shu
Won the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham festival in 2013 and followed up in the La Touche Cup at Punchestown. Looked a little unlucky to finish third at the festival this year and a definite contender if lining up on April 5th.
Rating ***** Odds 25-1

Continue…

 

NYK www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Final forty declared for £1million Grand National | Grand National 2014

There were just eight horses withdrawn at the five-day declaration stage for Saturday’s Aintree Grand National. All of the major contenders have stood their ground with Tidal Bay topping the weights for Paul Nicholls.

The eight to be removed were Roi Du Mee, Katenko, Bog Warrior, Mossey Joe, Godsmejudge, Same Difference, Goulanes and Sunnyhillboy. The most significant of those was Sunnyhillboy who was just touched off by Neptune Collonges in the final stride in 2012. Scottish National winner Godsmejudge had been a doubt since pulling up last time out and Alan King will rely on the grey Walkon.

The veteran Tidal Bay carries 11-10 and will be attempting to become the first successful top weight since Red Rum carried 12 stone to victory in 1974. The last 13-year-old to win the race was Sergeant Murphy back in 1923.
Nicky Henderson’s quest for a Grand National winner dates back to Zongalero’s second place in … read more here

 

NYK, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Tourist horses "forgotten victims" of Egypt's political unrest…

 

Political unrest has left many of Cairo’s horse drawn carriage drivers without an income and unable to feed their horses…

 

Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/03/14/tourist-horses-victims-egypts-political-unrest/#ixzz2wGTl60Ev

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Want to help? Go to www.spana.org/egypt or call 020 7831 3999.

Three Dead Racehorses Are Being Moved to Make Way for L.A. Development

Three Dead Racehorses Are Being Moved to Make Way for L.A. Development

 

I had no idea, until now, that Walt Disney and Bing Crosbie had ever had anything to do with building race courses, so that’s basically why I am sharing this rather interesting little snippet about archaeology and three famous racehorses.

 

Hollywood Park was built as a lavish horse-racing facility in 1938 with investors such as Bing Crosby and Walt Disney. The structure is being demolished for a mixed-use development, so the three racehorses buried and memorialized on its property—named Native Diver, Landaluce, and Great Communicator—must all be exhumed and relocated.   Read the article here.

The Mystery of the White Horse of Uffington | Ancient Origins

 

Always fascinating to read about the prehistoric White Horse of Uffington.

 

Read all about The Mystery of the White Horse of Uffington | Ancient Origins

The Big Question: Can a long shot win the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The Big Question: Can a long shot win the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

Norton’s Coin stunned punters with a 100-1 victory in 1990 but short-priced winners have dominated in recent years

In recent years, the favourites have a good record in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The last long priced winner was See More Business at 16-1 in 1999.

His victory followed the success of Mr Mulligan (20-1) in 1997 and Cool Dawn (25-1) in 1998. Before that, Garrison Savannah won at 16-1 in 1991 and Norton’s Coin pulled off the biggest shock of all at 100-1 in 1990.

The Giant Bolster nearly pulled off a 50-1 shock in 2012 and was fourth again last year. David Bridgwater’s nine-year-old does not come into the long shot category this year after winning well in first time blinkers last time. Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

Our Cheltenham ante-post bets have done us proud this week with a 64 points level stake profit on Wednesday’s wagers. It looked for a long way as if Cause Of Causes (tipped at 12-1) was going to give us another winner on Thursday but he pecked at the last and couldn’t make up the lost ground.

A shame to see Big Buck’s go out with a bit of a whimper after such a tremendous career. The Nicholls stable really aren’t enjoying the best of luck this week but perhaps Calipto and Silviniaco Conti will change that on Friday.

Our Triumph Hurdle hopes were dashed earlier in the week when Le Rocher was pulled out. Activial was also taken out, although we backed him on NR – no bet terms so get our stakes refunded. The same applies to Rocky Creek in the Gold Cup. Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Big Shu looks Aintree material after festival run | Grand National 2014

Big Shu looks Aintree material after festival run | Grand National 2014

The honours in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham festival went to Balthazar King but it was the third horse that caught the eye. Big Shu had been narrowly preferred in the betting to Balthazar King but came through late to take third under Paul Carberry.

The Irish jockey is well known for his exaggerated waiting tactics but he may have been guilty of over-doing it here. Although Big Shu made ground to join the leaders with three to jump, the effort of making up the ground had taken its toll and he could not get to Balthazar King or Any Currency. He was only beaten a short head and three lengths at the end of the marathon trip on ground probably a shade faster than he likes.

Balthazar King won the race in 2012 and defied top weight to notch an incredible seventh course victory. Any Currency has been called a few names in the past but he could not be faulted here, responding to every call from Ian Popham and being unlucky not to snatch the verdict on the line.
Balthazar King does hold an entry for the Grand National but he faded completely after running prominently last year and trainer Philip Hobbs would go no further than calling it “an option”. Balthazar King must have good ground and would not be risked on soft while the reverse applies to Big Shu. Read more here

 

 

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Brian Connell takes over on Last Instalment in Gold Cup

Brian Connell takes over on Last Instalment in Gold Cup

Connell also partners Rule The World in the big race today after Bryan Cooper suffered a broken leg in a crashing fall from Clarcam

Bryan Cooper will miss the ride on Last Instalment in the Cheltenham Gold Cup after suffering a double fracture to his right leg in a fall on Wednesday. Gigginstown House Stud’s retained rider suffered a fracture to the same leg at Down Royal last May and was side-lined for three months.

Brian O’Connell, who was on board Last Instalment at Leopardstown in the Hennessy, will ride the Gold Cup third favourite on Friday. Philip Fenton’s nine-year-old has been well backed since returning to his best with an impressive eight and a half-length victory over Tidal Bay.

David Casey has been booked to ride Gigginstown’s First Lieutenant in the same race with the horse having been switched from the Ryanair Chase. Connell has also taken over on Rule The World today in the World Hurdle.

Rathlin will now be ridden by Casey in the Ryanair with Davy Russell on Mozoltov in the JLT Novices’ Chase. Cooper fractured his right tibia and fibula after Gordon Elliott’s Clarcam crashed out of the Fred Winter Hurdle. Read more here

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Package Delivers Eye-catching Cheltenham Run | Grand National 2014

The Package delivers eye-catching Cheltenham run | Grand National 2014

The Festival Chase on the opening day of the big Cheltenham meeting often produces some late clues to the Grand National and several Aintree hopefuls were involved this year. The best-backed was Jonjo O’Neill’s Alfie Sherrin but victory went to his stable companion Holywell.

Tony McCoy held up Alfie Sherrin, a former winner of this race, but he could never get competitive. He eventually finished in eighth place but this was only his second start of the season. O’Neill has several other entries for the National including 2012 runner-up Sunnyhillboy.

Nicky Henderson’s Shakalakaboomboom started at 50-1 and was always struggling to go the pace. He was right up with the leaders in the National in 2012 but has been absent through injury before making a return to action at the end of January. The ten-year-old was pulled up at Doncaster last month and finished a tailed off 17th here. Henderson is still seeking his first Grand National winner but still has Hennessy winner Triolo D’Alene and 2011 Gold Cup winner Long Run in contention.

By far the best National trial was put up by David Pipe’s The Package. He moved up threateningly with three to jump but couldn’t quite sustain his effort, eventually finishing third. That was his first run since being pulled up in the same race a year ago. Read more here 


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Betcirca bashes bookies at Cheltenham! - Free Bets And Sports News.

Betcirca bashes bookies at Cheltenham! - Free Bets And Sports News.

Followers of this column were in betting heaven on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival with the first four winners! Ante-post tips Faugheen (10-1), O’Faolains Boy (16-1), Whisper (18-1) and Sire De Grugy (25-1) left the bookies reeling. Punters who linked the four together would have been celebrating an accumulator paying over 92,000-1!

The ante-post selections were placed over a period of time stretching back to December when Sire De Grugy was considered no more than an outsider for the Champion Chase. On Tuesday he confirmed his status as the leading two-mile chaser in Britain and Ireland with a comfortable victory.

Faugheen was red-hot favourite for the opening Neptune Hurdle and duly obliged having been picked out at 10-1. O’Faolains Boy then battled to victory in the RSA Chase for Barry Geraghty before Whisper got the verdict in a photo-finish for the Coral Cup.

Thursday’s card can only be an anti-climax after a day like that! Our only ante-post advice going into day 3 is Cause Of Causes at 12-1 in the Kim Muir at 4.40. Nina Carberry has the ride and must have a decent chance. The horse had no less than seven entries at the meeting but connections have elected to go for the three-mile race with the going firming up.

The big race is the World Hurdle which has been billed as a clash between four-time winner Big Buck’s and the unbeaten Irish mare Annie Power. As much as I respect both horses, I feel that the value bet has to be each-way on Zarkandar at 14-1. He’s as tough as old boots and has been crying out for this trip all season. Read more here

 

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Big Question: Can Big Buck’s Win a Fifth World Hurdle?

The Big Question: Can Big Buck’s win a fifth World Hurdle?

The former World Hurdle winner was beaten in the Cleeve Hurdle but he showed enough to suggest a fifth victory is within his grasp.

Trainer Paul Nicholls suffered a setback on the opening day with the disappointing run of Irving in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He still has several big guns to fire this week including Silviniaco Conti in the Gold Cup and Calipto in the Triumph Hurdle.

His big hope for Thursday is Big Buck’s who leads a four-pronged attack by the stable on the World Hurdle. Last year’s runner-up Celestial Halo and the consistent Zarkandar and Salubrious make up the Ditcheat quartet.

Big Buck’s winning sequence of 18 consecutive races finally came to an end in the Cleeve Hurdle when he was just run out of in the closing stages by Knockara Beau and At Fishers Cross. The race sparked controversy with many pundits feeling that Sam Twiston-Davies hit the front too soon on a horse that had been off the course for a lengthy period.

Nicholls was quick to defend his jockey and is convinced that it was a combination of the heavy ground and race fitness. He believes that the ground from the last flight was barely fit for racing and felt that Big Buck’s may well have held on but for that. Read more here

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

4 Winners Today! Now for Cheltenham Day Two Preview

Our ante-post picks won the first four races today at 10-1, 16-1, 18-1 and 25-1

Cheltenham Day Two Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

Day One of the Cheltenham festival did not exactly go to plan! Irving carried our hopes in the first but never looked like getting involved at any stage. It looked as though Glens Melody was going to save the day for us when striking for home in the Mares’ Hurdle but Quevega would not be denied a sixth consecutive victory in the race.

The low point of the was the tragic death of Our Conor following a heavy fall in the Champion Hurdle. I hope there is no repetition of this during the week as the ground dries out. For ground officially given as good to soft, it seems odd that a new course record was set by Vautour in the first. There was always a risk that the form book would be turned upside down after the horses have been running on soft ground for months.

We are already heavily involved in day two and Sire De Grugy’s performance in the Champion Chase could determine whether we are in profit this week. We snapped up 25-1 months ago about him and he is likely to off at around 5-2. I really don’t fancy anything else in the race so let’s hope he can keep his form. Read more here

 

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Zarkandar ready to upstage the big two in World Hurdle

Zarkandar ready to upstage the big two in World Hurdle

The highlight of the third day at the festival is the clash between four-time winner Big Buck’s and the unbeaten Annie Power in the World Hurdle

The system for finding the first winner so far this week is simply to back Mullins and Walsh. They bid to follow Vautour and Faugheen with Felix Yonger in the JLT Novices’ Case at 1.30.

He was well beaten by Trifolium last time but that horse ran a fair race in the Arkle Chase. Stablemate Djakadam could be the dark horse of the race while Taquin Du Seuil and Oscar Whisky have the best form of the home team.

The Pertemps final at 2.05 looks likely to go the way of trainer Philip Hobbs who has five runners. Fingal Bay tops the weights and is closely handicapped with If In Doubt on their recent Exeter form.

The Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at 2.40 looks wide open with question marks against many of the leading contenders. Dynaste needs to bounce back from a poor run in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Davy Russell booked for Benefficient in Ryanair Chase

Davy Russell booked for Benefficient in Ryanair Chase

Russell lost his job with Gigginstown House Stud at the end of last year but has ridden at least one festival winner every year since 2006.
Davy Russell has been one of the unsung heroes of the weighing room in recent years. Since scoring on Native Jack in the Cross Country in 2006, the Irishman has been a regular winner at the festival.

His association with the powerful Gigginstown House Stud ended last year. His big winners for them include Weapon’s Amnesty (2009), First Lieutenant (2011), Carlito Brigante (2011) and Sir Des Champs (2012).He kept his winning sequence going with Lord Windermere for Jim Culloty in the RSA Chase 12 months ago. He is due to be re-united with that horse in Friday’s Gold Cup.

Russell’s Cheltenham was cut painfully short last year when he suffered a 40 per cent puncture to his lung. That forced him to miss the ride on Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs. Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

On the cards: Tomorrow at Cheltenham

On the cards: Tomorrow at Cheltenham

Day Two of the Cheltenham festival features the Champion Chase at 3.20 with Sire De Grugy bidding to claim Sprinter Sacre’s title.

Wednesday’s action gets under way at 1.30 with the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh teamed up with Vautour to win yesterday’s opener and have the favourite with Faugheen.

He is unbeaten in five races, the latest coming in a Grade 3 race at Limerick. Red Sherlock is highly regarded by the David Pipe stable and held off a persistent challenge from Rathvinden here in January.

The RSA Chase at 2.05 has attracted a field of 15 with Mullins again to the fore with Ballycasey. Much has been made of his fall on the home gallops but he jumped safely when beating Don Cossack at Leopardstown last month. Read more here 


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Big Question: Can Arvika Ligeonniere win Champion Chase?

The Big Question: Can Arvika Ligeonniere win Champion Chase?

The nine-year-old has been beaten at the festival on two previous visits but can he take advantage of Sprinter Sacre’s absence?

Arvika Ligeonniere represents the formidable Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh combination in the Champion Chase on Wednesday. He was a 28-1 shot when fourth in the Albert Bartlett in 2010 but was pulled up behind Simonsig in the 2013 Arkle. 

Punters have not been able to forgive him for that disappointing performance and he has been largely overlooked in the build-up to the Champion Chase. He won his last outing at Punchestown by 14 lengths without coming off the bridle and is clearly in fine form.  

Mullins has hinted at the possibility of new tactics for the son of Arvico who has won nine of his sixteen races. With no Sprinter Sacre in the race this year, the opportunity is there to put a new name on the roll of honour. Read more here



NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

On His Own supplemented for Gold Cup - Cheltenham Festival 2014

On His Own supplemented for Gold Cup - Cheltenham Festival 2014

The ten-year-old had been regarded as more likely to go for the Grand National prior to his recent success in the Bobbyjo Chase but connections have elected to tackle Friday’s Grade 1 prize. Mullins finished second last year with Sir Des Champs but that horse was ruled out through injury and On His Own has shown improved form this season. 

The ten-year-old has failed to complete in the past two Grand Nationals but was going particularly well when falling at Bechers on the second circuit in 2012. That convinced Mullins to train him for the race again last season but he was well beaten when parting company with Ruby Walsh at the 25^th fence. Read more here  


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk  

Cheltenham Day Two Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

Cheltenham Day Two Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

Day One of the Cheltenham festival did not exactly go to plan! Irving carried our hopes in the first but never looked like getting involved at any stage. It looked as though Glens Melody was going to save the day for us when striking for home in the Mares’ Hurdle but Quevega would not be denied a sixth consecutive victory in the race.  

The low point of the was the tragic death of Our Conor following a heavy fall in the Champion Hurdle. I hope there is no repetition of this during the week as the ground dries out. For ground officially given as good to soft, it seems odd that a new course record was set by Vautour in the first.

There was always a risk that the form book would be turned upside down after the horses have been running on soft ground for months.   We are already heavily involved in day two and Sire De Grugy’s performance in the Champion Chase could determine whether we are in profit this week. We snapped up 25-1 months ago about him and he is likely to off at around 5-2. I really don’t fancy anything else in the race so let’s hope he can keep his form.  Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk  

Triolo leads Grand National hopefuls at Cheltenham | Grand National 2014

The Cheltenham Gold Cup could go a long way to clearing up the Grand National picture this year. Current favourite Teaforthree and leading contenders Triolo D’Alene and On His Own are all set to line up in steeplechasing’s blue riband event. 

Nicky Henderson’s Hennessy Gold Cup winner Triolo D’Alene has been cut to 12-1 for the Gold Cup following the news that Tony McCoy will ride. The champion jockey had originally been booked to ride Teaforthree for Rebecca Curtis but has been given permission to ride Nicky Henderson’s chestnut instead. 

Triolo D’Alene has not run since winning at Newbury at the end of November. Henderson has been frustrated in his efforts to run the seven-year-old since with the prevailing ground conditions being against the French import. 

The Lambourn trainer had originally said that he had entered him in the Gold Cup because everyone had been telling him that a Hennessy winner deserves to be in. That rather downbeat appraisal of the horse’s chances has been replaced with some very positive comments in recent days and punters have taken notice.  Read more here.  


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

First Lieutenant back in Cheltenham Gold Cup picture

First Lieutenant back in Cheltenham Gold Cup picture

Gigginstown House Stud have kept their options open for the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday. There has been much speculation about the participation of Last Instalment who needs some cut in the ground.

 First Lieutenant had been among the favourites for Thursday’s Ryanair Chase but was withdrawn at the final declaration stage. Connections faced a similar dilemma last season, eventually running him in the Ryanair and Sir Des Champs in the Gold Cup. 

Both horses finished runner-up with Cue Card proving far too good, stretching clear to win by nine lengths. In the absence of Colin Tizzard’s chaser, First Lieutenant was trading at around 5-1 for the Ryanair.  Read more here   


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Mountainous aiming to scale new heights at Aintree | Grand National 2014

Welsh National winner Mountainous will be trying to emulate Corbiere who was the last horse to win both the Welsh and Aintree Grand Nationals in the same season in 1982-83. Trainer Richard Lee has gradually warmed to the idea after initially declaring that Chepstow was mission accomplished.

 The Welsh National has a fine record as a National trial with Earth Summit, Bindaree and Silver Birch going on to win at Aintree in subsequent years. The race also has a surprisingly good record for producing Gold Cup winners with Burrough Hill Lad, Cool Ground, Master Oats and Synchronised later achieving the status of top steeplechaser in Britain and Ireland.

Mountainous will never join the last group with his handicap rating now on 144, more than two stone below Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth. However, he is entitled to respect at Aintree where he will carry 10st 7lb. He was a 20-1 shot when he won at Chepstow, just holding off the persistent challenge of Hawkes Point and the top weight Tidal Bay.  Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Cheltenham 2014 Day One Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

 The Cheltenham festival meeting has finally arrived! It seems like trainers have been talking about nothing else since the flat season finished in November and the action gets under way at 1.30 with one of our best bets of the meeting in Irving.

We tipped him back in December at 16-1 and he is now a top-priced 11-4 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He has done nothing wrong all season, other than perhaps one or two sticky jumps. That is a concern in a big field as he cannot afford to guess at one like he did at Kempton last time out. Nick Scholfield can hopefully keep him out of trouble but he’ll have to keep an eye on Ruby Walsh on Vautour.

The one I want to be on each-way is Gilgamboa at 12-1 who was only committed to this race yesterday. He won the competitive Boylesports Hurdle last time out and that was a great run for a novice. I’ve always felt that the gap between a top handicapper and a Grade 1 winner is a lot closer than it seems and he looks cracking each-way value. Better still, Paddy Power will refund your win bet if he is 2nd, 3rd or 4th as a special offer!  Read more here

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Irving can get punters off to a flyer on Cheltenham’s opening day

Irving can get punters off to a flyer on Cheltenham’s opening day

Hurricane Fly and Quevega take centre stage on a thrilling start to the 2014 Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.

 

The famous Cheltenham Roar will send the runners on their way for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.30 on Tuesday. The meeting begins with a clash between the unbeaten Irving and impressive Leopardstown winner Vautour.

 

The drying ground may just swing it in favour of the heavily-backed Irving who put up a brilliant display to win at Kempton last month. Nicky Henderson also has excellent prospects with Josses Hill and Vaniteux in a top quality renewal.

 

Champagne Fever heads the market in the Arkle Chase at 2.05 but faces formidable rivals in Dodging Bullets, Rock On Ruby and Trifolium. Preference is just for Rock On Ruby who thrives at this time of year and appears to have transferred his form from hurdles successfully.  Read more here

 

 

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Late call on Gilgamboa’s festival target

Gilgamboa

Leading owner JP McManus has a strong team lined up for the Cheltenham festival including the smart novice hurdler Gilgamboa. The six-year-old still has three entries at the big meeting but no decision will be made until the weekend.

The Enda Bolger-trained gelding shot to prominence in the ante-post betting for the County Hurdle when he won the Boylesports Hurdle in January. That was a remarkable performance for a horse having just the fourth start of his career, beating a field of 23 experienced handicappers.  

The son of Westerner missed the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury as it came too soon after his Leopardstown victory but is reported in great shape for his next challenge. He won on his debut at Galway in October before suffering his only defeat at Punchestown in December. He looked a shade unlucky as he raced wide into the straight before rallying strongly in the closing stages.  Read more here

  NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Big Shu aiming for big Cheltenham double | Grand National 2014

The Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival may not be the obvious place to find a Grand National winner. Silver Birch finished runner-up in the race before winning at Aintree in 2007 but it is generally regarded as a race for horses reaching the autumn of their careers.

At the age of nine, Big Shu is probably in his prime. He is trained near Naas by Peter Maher and will be bidding for back-to-back victories in the Cheltenham race before a possible tilt at the National. The handicapper has been fairly lenient by rating him only 9lbs higher than at Cheltenham. Maher’s reaction to the 10st 8lb given to Big Shu was very positive but the Cheltenham race remains his first priority.  

He followed his festival victory by winning the La Touche Cup last April at Punchestown under the welter burden of 12st 3lb. Maher than roughed him off for the season and he has had just one prep race for this year’s festival. That came in the Cross Country Chase at Punchestown on 2nd February where he was beaten by Love Rory. He was given a patient ride by Paul Carberry after his long lay-off and ran on steadily in the closing stages. Read more here   


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk 

The Big Question: More Cheltenham glory for Rock On Ruby?

The 2012 Champion Hurdler has only raced twice over fences but will his class see him through in the Arkle Chase on Tuesday?

 

Only nine runners have been declared for the Arkle Chase on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. This will be good news for Harry Fry, who saddles Rock On Ruby with just two victories in minor novice events under his belt.

 

Although Rock On Ruby was officially in the care of Paul Nicholls when winning the Champion Hurdle, much of the credit for his victory went to Fry. He trained the horse under his own licence the following season and he made a bold bid to retain his title, finishing second to Hurricane Fly.

 

Fry took the bold decision to put blinkers on that day and the move nearly paid off. Rock On Ruby will not be wearing the headgear on Tuesday as he lines up for his first serious test over fences.   Read more here

 

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Home Farm and Godsmejudge National appearances in doubt | Grand National 2014

Home Farm and Godsmejudge National appearances in doubt | Grand National 2014

Last weekend’s Grand National Trials in Britain and Ireland did little to clarify the situation as regards running plans for the big race. Home Farm was a disappointing favourite in the Carrickmines Handicap Chase at Leopardstown while Scottish National winner Godsmejudge was pulled up at Doncaster.

Arthur Moore, who saddled the big race winner in Pass The Hat, admitted that he had expected more from Home Farm who trailed home in seventh place. The County Kildare trainer felt that a combination of the tacky ground and a lack of fitness may have contributed to Home Farm’s poor showing but is undecided about Aintree.

The seven-year-old was having his first start since December and had been in contention until fading at the second last. The son of Presenting emerged as a potential Grand National horse when finishing third in the Irish National to Leading Counsel in April. There was a fine effort for a young horse having only his fifth start over fences.

After a gentle introduction at Naas in November, Home Farm was noted running on strongly from the rear to finish sixth to Rockyaboya in the valuable Paddy Power Chase. Connections will now consider whether to send him to Aintree for which he has 10st 6lb or wait for another tilt at the Irish equivalent.  Read more here



  NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Confidence in Calipto Triumph Hurdle Bid

Confidence in Calipto Triumph Hurdle bid

There does not appear to be a horse of the calibre of last year’s winner Our Conor in the field for the Triumph Hurdle but confidence is growing behind the Paul Nicholls-trained Calipto.

The French import arrived at the Ditcheat stables with a big reputation after finishing second in a listed hurdle at Auteuil. He is a National Hunt bred horse by Califet and was made joint-favourite for a competitive novice event at Newbury in November.  

He was confidently ridden by Daryl Jacob and moved easily into contention with two to jump. He was a bit untidy at the last but just needed a shake of the reins to pull three and a quarter lengths clear of Activial. The runner-up boosted the form when running away with the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton. He may take Calipto on again at Cheltenham although trainer Harry Fry is tempted to keep him for Aintree.  Read more here

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Handicapper watch: Drying ground points to big run from Attaglance

Handicapper watch: Drying ground points to big run from Attaglance

Malcolm Jefferson trained Attaglance to win at Cheltenham in 2012 and he is back again this year in the Rewards4Racing Handicap Chase.

Malcolm Jefferson had not trained a Cheltenham festival winner for 17 years prior to 2012. You had to go back to the classy Dato Star winning the Champion Bumper in 1995. He ended the drought in spectacular fashion by striking through Cape Tribulation (Pertemps Final) and Attaglance (Martin Pipe Hurdle). Both horses then followed up at Aintree the following month. While Cape Tribulation has gone on to win a Rowland Meyrick and an Argento Chase, Attaglance is yet to return to winning ways. However, there are reasons for believing his turn is not too far away…  Read more here  

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Big Question: Can Henderson be top trainer at Cheltenham?

The Big Question: Can Henderson be top trainer at Cheltenham?

With Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig both out, how will Henderson fare against the massed ranks of the Mullins and Nicholls stables next week?

Nicky Henderson is Cheltenham’s leading trainer of all-time with 50 winners but is priced at 4-1 to top the list this year. The main reason is the incredible strength of the team being sent over by Irish trainer Willie Mullins but the absence of Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig is definitely a blow to the Lambourn trainer.  Henderson could still have up to 35 runners over the four-day meeting including the Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth and leading Champion Hurdle hope My Tent Or Yours. The latter is back on course for the festival after suffering a minor setback last week and looks to be Henderson’s best chance on the opening day… Read more here    NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Ante-Post Update – Baltimore Rock slashed for County Hurdle

Ante-Post Update – Baltimore Rock slashed for County Hurdle

Imperial Cup winner Baltimore Rock is among a host of market movers as punters gear up for the Cheltenham festival next week.

The Imperial Cup offered the prospect of a £100,000 bonus for connections of any horse following up in the County Hurdle next week. David Pipe’s Baltimore Rock earned the privilege but still requires 26 horses to drop out if he is to get a run. Despite this, he has been slashed to 5-1 favourite (NR – no bet) for Friday’s race. Regal Encore has been pushed out to 14-1 along with beaten favourite Vibrato Valtat and both must be considered doubtful.  The festival target of Gilgamboa is yet to be decided and he could still end up as favourite for the County Hurdle. He is currently 8-1 for the County Hurdle and 10-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle…  Read more here   

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Al Ferof drops back in trip for Ryanair Chase

Al Ferof drops back in trip for Ryanair Chase

Paul Nicholls has decided to run Al Ferof in the Ryanair Chase rather than the Champion Chase or the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The grey effectively ruled himself out of the Gold Cup when appearing not to stay the three-mile trip in the Denman Chase at Newbury in February.

Sent off the 5-4 favourite, he finished 25 lengths adrift of Harry Topper in second place. Jockey Daryl Jacob suggested that the two and a half-mile Ryanair Chase would be the right race for him. Nicholls considered the Champion Chase but the going does not look like being sufficiently testing to slow down the specialist two-milers. Nicholls had won five of the last seven runnings of the Denman Chase but Al Ferof emptied quickly in the home straight. The trainer retains plenty of faith in the horse who won at the Cheltenham festival in 2011. The grey son of Dom Alco picked up an injury after winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 2012 and did not reappear until November last year.  Read more here   NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Handicapper watch: Waaheb weighted for Coral Cup coup?

Handicapper watch: Waaheb weighted for Coral Cup coup?

Waaheb was ante-post favourite for the Supreme Hurdle in 2012 but has yet to fulfil his true potential.

JP McManus is no stranger to success in the Coral Cup having won it with Time For A Run (1994) and Khayrawani (1999). Could he be plotting another success with the formerly top-rated hurdler Waaheb?  The seven-year-old began his career with three bumper victories before losing the Champion Bumper at Punchestown by a short head to Lovethehigherlaw. Although disappointed to be beaten, connections still had high hopes of Waaheb for his first season over hurdles… read more here    NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Big Question: Can Fingal Bay defy top weight in the Pertemps?

The Big Question: Can Fingal Bay defy top weight in the Pertemps?

Fingal Bay was a top novice hurdler but has he got the class to carry 11st 12lb to victory in one of the toughest handicaps of the week?

Philip Hobbs has a number of likely candidates for the Pertemps Hurdle Final but Fingal Bay looks as if he could go off favourite despite top weight. He is just 1lb worse off with stable companion If In Doubt for the half-length that he beat him at Exeter last time out.

The eight-year-old by King’s Theatre was a leading contender for the Neptune Hurdle in 2012 but missed the race through injury. He returned to action at Aintree and was beaten into second place by Lovcen.  Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Rocky Creek aimed at Aintree after Argento defeat | Grand National 2014

Rocky Creek aimed at Aintree after Argento defeat | Grand National 2014

Trainer Paul Nicholls finally ended his much-publicised quest for a Grand National winner when Neptune Collonges won the race in 2012. Remarkably, the grey was his 53rd runner in the race.

Last year his hopes of a second National were dashed when injury prevented Tidal Bay from taking part but the veteran is on course for this year’s renewal. After Rocky Creek finished a leg-weary second in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham recently, he too has been pencilled in for the Grand National on April 5th.

The eight-year-old is very highly regarded by Nicholls and he deliberately avoided the Cheltenham festival with him last season. He had won three good novice events including the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot but Nicholls did not want to subject him to a hard race like the RSA Chase. By the time he ran at Aintree he was past his best for the season and could finish only a remote third behind Dynaste.  Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Does Ireland have a genuine Gold Cup contender this year?

Does Ireland have a genuine Gold Cup contender this year?

The Irish have not won the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 2006 and First Lieutenant is put to the test on Sunday.

War Of Attrition was the last Irish-trained winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2006 and the Emerald Isle is struggling to find a credible contender. With Sir Des Champs out injured, the powerful Gigginstown House Stud are hoping that First Lieutenant can be their flag bearer this year. The nine-year-old was considered a fair each-way bet a year ago but connections eventually decided to run him in the shorter Ryanair Chase where he was soundly beaten by Cue Card. He gained compensation with victory over an extended three miles in the Betfred Bowl at Aintree and has been trained for the Gold Cup this season… Read more here   NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

It’s A Dundeel revved up for Chipping Norton Stakes

It’s A Dundeel revved up for Chipping Norton Stakes

Trainer Murray Baker is optimistic It’s A Dundeel is fit enough to do himself justice in the 2014 Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

It’s A Dundeel

It will be his first outing since finishing eighth in the 2013 Cox Plate. He won a maiden at Ellerslie on his debut and started his 2012 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a win in a handicap at Wyong. However, he has been defeated in his past two first-up starts.  He could manage only fourth behind Pierro in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) last March and filled the same spot behind Atlantic Jewel in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) in August.  The son of High Chaparral resumes over a mile this weekend and Baker is confident that he has the speed to claim a victory. It’s A Dundeel came on for his Hobartville Stakes run to win the Group 1 Royal Randwick Guineas (1600m), Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m). He was also runner-up to Reliable Man in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m)… See more here    NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Fiorente can lift Australia Cup

Fiorente can lift Australia Cup

The Melbourne Cup hero Fiorente is in action on Flemington’s Super Saturday card in the Group 1 Darley Australian Cup over a mile and a quarter on turf.

Fiorente

Gai Waterhouse fulfilled a lifetime ambition by winning the Melbourne Cup with Fiorente in November. The former Sir Michael Stoute-trained six-year-old defeated Red Cadeaux by three-quarters of a length, frustrating another strong British challenge. He reappeared last month at Caulfield to beat Mourayan by a short head over nine furlongs. He faces a re-match with shock 20-1 Cox Plate winner Shamus Award. He has half a length to make up on the four-year-old who also comes here on the back of a recent win. Royal Ascot is hoping to … Read more here   

NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Brother Brian has claims at Sandown

Brother Brian has claims at Sandown

The supporting card for Saturday’s Imperial Cup at Sandown includes a Grade 3 novices’ handicap hurdle over two and a half miles.

Horizontal Speed

Philip Hobbs saddles Horizontal Speed who won by an incredible 41 lengths at Taunton last time out. The runner-up was a previous winner in Kayfleur so the winning margin is enough to make Horizontal Speed worthy of consideration… Read more here    NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Origins of Horse Racing and its Galloway Connections

History of Horseracing in Galloway

HISTORY OF HORSE RACING

The Sport of Kings may trace its roots back to the Galloway Hills of southwest Scotland.

Dates of interest: Alexander I (c. 1078 – 1124), called "The Fierce", King of Scotland, was reported to have imported a pure bred Arabian horse and gifted it to the church at St Andrews in 1103. 1662 - regular sailing service between Ireland and Port Patrick (Galloway) Scotland.
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 Horseracing has been in existence for many centuries. Indeed, in the Homer attributed versions of The Iliad and The Odyssey we read of their great chariot races, so competitiveness in speed and stamina of horses has been around for much longer than time is able to adequately record. As well as this, we read of the 'immortal' horses, Xanthus and Balius, and in many cave drawings we see hunters on horses, albeit small horses.

The Bible records King Solomon as an avid horse breeder, with grand stables and hundreds of mares, many brought to him from Egypt. These animals have been revered since mankind evolved. But how often do we hear mention of Scotland's rich horseracing past in such conversations?  

When we refer to horse racing in modern times, we automatically think of Thoroughbreds, Arabs or Standardbreds (trotters or pacers) depending on where our allegiance lies, racing over distances of anything from 5 furlongs (sprint) to 4.5 miles, in the case of the Grand National.  

Across the Atlantic, we hear of the American Quarter Horses, so-named for their incredible speed over the quarter mile, a mere 2 furlongs by today's track measures. But these distances pale into insignificance when compared to the traditional match races run on our racecourses of old. Twenty miles was not unheard off at that time.

On further investigation, we discover a plethora of local and regional racetracks, many nothing more than the flat sands of the coasts staked out at low tide.  

Probably the first racecourse, as we recognise them today, was right here in Scotland, in the market town of Lanark… Read more here  

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Katie Walsh hoping for another National thrill | Grand National 2014

Katie Walsh hoping for another National thrill | Grand National 2014

Katie Walsh created Grand National history when riding Seabass into third place in the 2012 Grand National. The Irish jockey was unable to repeat her heroics last year when finishing 13th but is hoping to be reunited with Seabass for a third time next month.  The eleven-year-old went into the 2012 race in the form of his life having won seven consecutive races but is now the victim of his own success. His official rating rose from 104 in 2010 to 149 for the Grand National, putting handicaps well out of reach.  Read more here   NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Briar Hill all the rage after good word from Mullins

Briar Hill all the rage after good word from Mullins

When Briar Hill ran away with the Champion Bumper 12 months ago he was the name on everyone’s lips for novice hurdles this season. Although he has won all three starts, he has failed to capture the imagination of the betting public.

That has all changed in the wake of some very positive comments from trainer Willie Mullins when discussing his Cheltenham prospects last weekend. Mullins has been down this path before with Florida Pearl and Champagne Fever, both successful in the Champion bumper and in festival novice hurdles the following season.  Read more here  
NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Handicapper watch: Ohio Gold has prospects in Tuesday’s finale

Handicapper watch: Ohio Gold has prospects in Tuesday’s finale

Colin Tizzard can gain compensation for the absence of stable star Cue Card by landing the Rewards4Racing Chase

The Rewards4Racing Handicap Chase brings the curtain down on the opening day of the Cheltenham festival on Tuesday. The two and a half mile event is fiercely competitive but the answer could lie in last year’s running.

Colin Tizzard’s Ohio Gold was a 16-1 shot a year ago, carrying 11st 6lb. He raced prominently throughout and took up the running with two to jump.  Read more here



NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Fashion Line to turn on the style in Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton

Fashion Line to turn on the style in Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton

Trainer Michael Bell believes that his filly could be good enough to step up to Listed level if all goes well on Saturday

The Lincoln Handicap may not be upper-most in the minds of punters with Cheltenham starting on Tuesday, but Wolverhampton stages the Trial at 2.55 on Saturday. The favourite is Michael Bell’s hat-trick seeking filly Fashion Line.  The daughter of Cape Cross finished runner-up in two maidens in the summer before opening her account on the all-weather in January. Read more here    NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

The Big Question: Can Irving end poor run of favourites in Supreme?

The Big Question: Can Irving end poor run of favourites in Supreme?

The last nine favourites have been beaten in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham but can Irving can buck the trend on Tuesday?

Brave Inca in 2004 was the last winning favourite in the traditional curtain raiser to the Cheltenham festival. Irish runners have also dominated, winning eight of the last twelve, so should punters tread carefully before backing Irving?  Read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Cheltenham Ante-Post Roundup

Cheltenham Ante-Post Roundup - Free Bets And Sports News.

It’s time for a final run-down of our ante-post portfolio for next week’s Cheltenham festival. We will be previewing each day in our regular blog with the best bets of the day but here is the state of play. The tone of the meeting could be set by Irving in the opener. I’ve been an enthusiastic follower since he won at Ascot earlier in the season and he’s now as short as 5-2 in places… read more here   NYK Media / www.horsesgalore.co.uk

Coral Cup Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

Coral Cup Preview - Free Bets And Sports News.

The picture for the Coral Cup is as clear as mud at the moment with 88 entries. As only 28 can take part, it seems sensible to concentrate on the top half and that leaves several fancied runners out of the reckoning.  The two horses that I have had an eye on for this have problems… read more here


NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk