John Burke

Good morning all,

I can’t get away without mentioning that picture. A picture everyone hoped had been photo-shopped.  Sadly, it hadn't, it was all too real.

Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse like it was chaise longue sickened and appalled me. As I’m sure it did all right-minded people who love the sport of horse racing. Indeed I have struggled to get that sick and callous picture out my head today.

You can read my thoughts on the Gordon Elliott saga inside today’s main piece. Plus, I have had look at my Cheltenham ante post portfolio and I have a selection from Gowran Park.

Read More »Racing's Biggest Nightmare & Gowran Park Selection

Good morning all,

It’s was more of a rollercoaster ride than any at Alton Towers this weekend. So, plenty of talking points from the last couple of days to get stuck into both today and tomorrow.

Inside today’s main piece, I look back at Saturday’s highlights. Plus, there’s a selection from this afternoon's meeting at Carlisle.

Read More »Super Saturday Review & Carlisle Selection

Good morning all,

The sun continues to shine in my part of Yorkshire. It’s a bit early but I’m sure I heard the faint sound of the first lawn mower in action.  

This winter has seemed to have gone on and on and on. The freezing weather hasn’t helped and nor of course has lockdown.  However, on the bright side Cheltenham is less than a month away and although it will be run behind closed doors, I think this year’s Festival will be something special.

I have already started looking ahead to the weekend’s big races. You can read my thoughts on one of them inside today’s main piece. Plus, I have had a look at today’s Sandown card.

Read More »Sandown Preview

Good morning all,

Little for punters to get stuck into racing wise. Ffos Las's Thursday card was cancelled on Wednesday and we even lost Newcastle’s tapeta fixture to snow yesterday. That means no jumps racing in the UK until Saturday at the earliest. There’s a slight chance that Thurles maybe able to race today but they inspect in the morning due to forecast snow and ice.

Even worse, the signs are not looking good for Newbury’s Saturday Betfair Hurdle meeting. The course will inspect at 8.30am on Friday to see if racing can go ahead. The course is frozen and sub-zero temperatures are expected for the rest of the week. Unless the weather suddenly changes, which seems unlikely, I can’t see it going ahead.

There is some good news though the meeting may not be completely lost. Hopes are high that the meeting will take place either next Friday or Sunday, if ITV's terrestrial coverage can be obtained. If not, it could be held midweek.

If we do see any jumps action in Britain this weekend it’s likely to be at Warwick but even there freezing temperatures are expected.

Inside today’s main piece I have had a look at Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle. Just in case a miracle happens and anyway it may be useful for when the race does eventually take place. Plus, I have a couple of fancies from Newcastle and Meydan.

Read More »Betfair Hurdle Preview & Thursday Fancies