Morning all,

What a spectacular performance from Allaho to win the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup? He galloped his rivals into submission. He didn’t get any easy lead out in front either, as Clan Des Obaux kept him honest out in front. The runner-up ran a cracker and he was the only one to keep tabs with leader and held on for a gallant second. However, this was all about the winner. As he put a high-class field to the sword. 

Allaho proved he stayed 3m here but I suspect the extra two furlongs of a Gold Cup might prove more elusive but you never know with this long striding monster of a horse. His jumping at speed brings out mistakes from his rivals like we saw yesterday.

The best chaser in training? Yes, by some way!

Read More »Punchestown Festival – Day 3

Morning all,

My Qipco 1,000 Guineas ante post portfolio was looking so good a week ago. Well, it’s now unravelling quicker than a hand knitted jumper.

Hot on the heels of Monday’s announcement that Inspiral would miss Sunday’s race. Dermot Weld issued a warning that Homeless Songs was only 50/50 to run at Newmarket and could go for the French 1,000 Guineas instead.

It’s day one of the Punchestown Festival. Inside today’s column, I have a couple of eyecatchers from last week’s flat action. Plus, I look at some of today’s races at Punchestown in the main piece.

Read More »Punchestown Festival – Day 1

Good evening everyone,

It’s that time of the year again, yes it’s my birthday on Sunday. But before that, here’s my Grand National Pinstickers Preview! Remember – I do this so I can ignore all your texts, asking me what’ll win. ^.Not really, it's a labour of love for the one race that has always captured the public imagination.

^{Featuring my exclusive “Smiths” songs star ratings –} 

^{Five stars = This Charming Man}

^{Four stars = Handsome Devil}

^{Three stars = Well, I Wonder}

^{Two stars = Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now} 

^{One star = I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish} 

Without further ado…

Read More »Grand National Pinstickers Guide!

Good morning all,

The rain seems to follow me around wherever I go at the moment, and it was much the same at Aintree yesterday. However, it's not done the ground any harm, and it probably needed it to keep it on the soft side.

Tough card today, but there's one I like the look of at a big ol' price.

Read More »Aintree Festival – Day 2