John Burke

Hi all,

What a fantastic long Christmas weekend of racing we’ve had, particularly at Kempton and Leopardstown. There was plenty of drama, thrilling finishes and a few bubbles burst along the way.

Over the next two days I’ll reflect on my highlights from the four days. Today the focus is on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday and Monday to follow tomorrow.

Read More »Christmas Racing Review: Epic King George and Welsh Grand National Record

Hi all,

The long weekend of top-class Christmas racing comes to an end with two further Grade 1s: the December Hurdle (2:32) at Leopardstown and the Challow Hurdle (3:00) at Newbury.

ITV Racing will cover four races from Newbury, two from Doncaster, one from Kelso, plus the December Hurdle from Leopardstown.

Here’s my look at the best of the action on Challow Hurdle Day.

Read More »Challow Hurdle Headlines Monday’s Racing

Hi all,

There’s no ITV Racing on Sunday, but the Leopardstown and Limerick Christmas Festival’s continue with yet more high-class action.

Leopardstown’s highlights are the Grade 1 Savills Chase and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle, while Limerick stages the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase.

Read More »Savills Chase Showdown Headlines Christmas Sunday

Hi all,

Chepstow hosts arguably the strongest of Saturday’s action this side of the Irish Sea. The Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50) is the clear highlight, but there should also be Triumph Hurdle clues in the Grade 2 Finale Juvenile Hurdle (1.40).

There’s a second day of racing at Kempton. It’s not as strong as Friday’s card, but the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (2.30) still offers £56,950 to the winner. The other Grade 2 on the six-race card is the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (1.55).

Grade 1 action switches to Leopardstown with the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase (1.12) and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle (1.47). However, the most valuable race on the card is the Paddy Power Chase, a competitive 3m½f handicap with €110,000 going to the winner.

ITV Racing are covering nine races live, five from Kempton and four from Chepstow.

Inside today’s main piece, I’m heading across the Irish Sea to focus on three races at Leopardstown.

Read More »Leopardstown Saturday Preview: Paddy Power Chase and Grade 1s