Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you’ll find my thoughts on day one of Ascot’s Howden Christmas Racing Weekend.
A Call for Change: Time to Ban the Whip
Captain Bellamy’s victory in Wednesday’s novices’ hurdle at Newbury (2m 4 ½f) is set to be overshadowed, not by the performance of the horse, but by the actions of jockey Lorcan Williams. Using his whip 11 times—well above the allowable limit—has ensured he will be disqualified. While punters who backed the runner-up won’t get any solace, the wider ramifications for the sport demand urgent reflection.
What happened between the last hurdle and the finish line was, simply put, unacceptable. Williams repeatedly struck a clearly tired horse, showing neither restraint nor the consideration of allowing the horse time to respond. This wasn’t just a breach of rules; it was an awful ride, one of the worst examples of whip misuse by a professional jockey in years.
Racing’s Reckoning
The message couldn’t be clearer: horse racing needs to evolve. The sport cannot afford to stay entrenched in practices that have long drawn criticism. The whip is becoming indefensible in an age when public attitudes towards animal welfare are increasingly scrutinising racing.
If the industry doesn’t act and implement a ban, the decision will likely be made for them within a decade. The sport risks being left behind, clinging to outdated practices while the rest of the world moves forward.
Off the Fence
Finally, I have come off the fence. It’s time for the whip to go. Striking animals for entertainment is an anachronism, a relic of a bygone era that has no place in modern sport. Jockeys need to adapt, using their legs and arms to encourage a horse forward rather than relying on a whip as a crutch.
The idea of banning the whip entirely has long been debated but has yet to be meaningfully trialled with professional jockeys. The excuses no longer hold water. Competent jockeys don’t need a whip to showcase their skill or coax a performance out of their mount.
For horse racing to thrive, it must embrace change. The whip’s days should be numbered, not just to protect the animals that make the sport possible, but to ensure racing remains a sport worth defending.
Patience Is Key
Securing value odds has become much harder. Twenty-five years ago, punters had more opportunities to find an edge. Now, with bookies employing advanced algorithms and tightening markets, profits are increasingly difficult to achieve.
But there’s still one major advantage punters can use: patience. It’s the key to long-term success. Avoid rushing into bets or feeling compelled to bet daily—bookmakers thrive on you betting every day. Focus instead on quality over quantity.
Let’s approach the weekend with strategy and discipline.
Ascot Friday Preview
Over the past couple of days, I’ve covered a couple of Saturday’s big Ascot races. Today, I’m focusing on the standout action from Friday’s card.
The Ascot highlight is the Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices' Chase (3:05), though the small field of just four runners is a little disappointing. The Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (1:55) also features just four runners. However, field sizes for the other races have held up well.
I had written the following preview when the going was being described as good. It now looks like its eased to good to soft. If it’s anything like yesterday’s going at Exeter which was holding, with horses finishing very tired it could be a tricky punting card.
1:55 – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m 1f)
Iberico Lord was a classy handicap hurdler and managed to win on chase debut at Kempton despite some scruffy jumping. If he’s sharpened up his technique, he’ll be tough to beat.
Ryan’s Rocket also made a winning start to his chase career last month and remains open to further improvement. On good ground, the 16lb he receives from Iberico Lord could be enough for him to see him beat the favourite.
Western Zephyr is more experienced than the other two but ran well when second to L'Eau du Sud in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time. He’s the only front-runner in the race, and if he can find get into a good jumping rhythm, he might prove difficult to pass on good ground.
3:05 – Noel Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 2m 3f)
Johnnywho sets the standard on form after winning at Carlisle and finishing third in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury. That last performance came in a steadily run race, which didn’t suit him. While he’s the likeliest winner at evens, his price doesn’t appeal, and I’m happy to let him win.
Rare Edition, a winner on good ground and Personal Ambition are likely to press the pace but lack the scope for improvement Johnnywho has. Mark Of Gold, a useful handicap hurdler, makes his chase debut. While it’s a stiff task, his yard won this race in 2017, so he’s one to watch.
3:40 – Ascot Open NH Flat Race (Listed, 2m)
This fascinating Ascot finale features 15 runners, and it’s one to watch with the future in mind.
Windbeneathmywings: A high standard setter with two wins from three starts in Ireland, including an impressive victory at Listowel. Now with David Pipe, who has a strong record in this race (3 wins in the last 10 years). Can he make his experience count?
Moneygarrow: An Irish point winner who made a winning start for Dan Skelton at Chepstow. This race has been the target since, and Skelton trained last year’s winner.
Blues Singer: Won a Kempton bumper in March and returned with a close second over C&D last month under a penalty.
Step Ahead: Runner-up in a Haydock bumper in May and appeals on good ground.
Fresh Perspective: Won on debut on good ground at Uttoxeter in October, despite showing signs of greenness. Highly regarded by Jamie Snowden and should improve further.
No Drama This End: One of three runners for Paul Nicholls, who has won this race twice in the last four years. Bought for £160,000 after a point win, he’s the choice of Harry Cobden.
Trainer Insight
Paul Nicholls said in his Racing Post Stable Tour:
Ascot Summary
1:55: Iberico Lord holds the edge on paper, but Ryan’s Rocket’s gets weight from him and Western Zephyr’s potential for an uncontested lead make them both viable alternatives.
3:05: Johnnywho has the strongest claims but isn’t a betting proposition at current odds. Mark Of Gold is interesting on chase debut.
3:40: An open contest, but Moneygarrow and Windbeneathmywings are big players while Fresh Perspective could improve.
Good luck with your Friday bets!
John