Disappointments, reality shows, perfect ending

Mubtadi showed all the planning in the world can go out of the window if the said horse decides not to play ball.

The concerns grew when, having been mounted in the paddock at Wolves on Saturday by Shane Kelly, he refused to walk forward, then unwillingly going on to the track.

The plan to lead went out the window when he once again missed the break. The frustrating thing is the problem is mental rather than physical. It has drove me mad since

The only consolation is that the handicapper has dropped him another 5lbs to 57. It means he can run in a 0-60 at Lingfield on Thursday week.

Him missing the break is being worked on and the idea is to let him think he is king of the castle at home. Tom Brown will ride him (Shane goes to Wolves to ride Autumnus) and will take off a valuable 7lbs.

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Betting is now out for Dancing On Ice and those who have read this blog before will know that I would have been delighted to see that Beth Tweddle is available at 3-1 with most firms

Yes I know people are yet to see her skate but I have it on good authority that she is superb. Competition starts on Jan 6 but it's a price isn't likely to get any bigger.

Popularity plays an important part in these reality shows (exemplified by the lack of support for Denise Van Outen in Strictly) and you only have to check Tweddle 's page to see how popular she is.

Also Dancing On Ice is one of the few reality shows where the best contestant often gains success.

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Mubtadi at Wolverhampton

Mubtadi – Wolverhampton Dec 14

There really shouldn’t be any excuses from him there  He is off his lowest mark, over his best trip and the gelding operation has certainly made a difference.  They were the size of coconuts. He has loads of abilty and, even though he missed the break at Southwell, he ran well until not staying.

He looks well and he is fit despite having 50 days off since his last race. He has also been working well. 

The key will be the tactics. The hood (fitted first trme) will hopefully not just relax him during the race but also cure his habit of missing the break – something he has done the last twice.

There isn’t a lot of pace in the contest so the plan is for Shane to sit handy, but there isn’t an obvious pacemaker so I wouldn’t mind if he made the running. I’m convinced the hood will prevent him from being too keen.

We have the best handicapped horse in the race – he ran well off 80 in July – off a  rating of 62. He certainly didn't try very hard at Southwell but if the gelding has done the trick, the 14-1 offered by BET 365 is way overpriced.

Mubtadi, a potential secret weapon, Beth Tweddle

It's a quiet time for the stable as the wait for new arrivals gathers momentum. They will be appearing in the middle of next month

Mubtadi carries the flag on Friday at Wolverhampton where, granted a decent draw, he will be the one to beat.

His recent form doesn't look great but he has loads of ability and the gelding operation has helped. He worked well in a hood on Saturday under Shane Kelly , who will ride him on Friday.

Our secret weapon may be a horse that worked in the gallop with Mubtadi - he has had problems but they are being attended too!

We are still awaiting the nod from Ismail but he could be an early New Year present if allowed to run just after Christmas.

I thought Christmas had come early whenPaddy Power quoted me 5-1 for Beth Tweddle to win Dancing On Ice - that turned to frustration when I was allowed only £20!!

I love this event from a betting medium and, even though Im likely to compromise my own chance of a decent price,I fancy Tweddle strongly.

Mubtadi works well.......Beth Tweddle,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, X Factor............

Mubtadi worked well this morning in the hood. He went 6f with Autumnus and pulled clear close home. It was pleasing and puts him spot on for a 0-65 7f handicap at Wolverhampton on Friday.

Shane Kelly, who rode him today, will ride him on Friday. He runs off a mark of just 62. He also  runs for the first time as a gelding. Entries are out today.
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I know i'm in danger of having egg on my face, but I would suggest taking any prices available on Beth Tweddle to win this year's Dancing On Ice. On paper it looks a poor line-up, the likes of Pamela Anderson, Joe Pasquale, Gareth Thomas and Anthea Turner hardly excite.

Tweddle is a Olympic gymnast, is small but, more importantly, is a natural. Two soap stars have won the last two years but I have long believed a girl has a major advantage. Laura Hamilton and Georgie Porter have been runners-up for the past two years, yet Tweddle is an athlete who has been excellent in training.

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It's the final of the X Factor tonight and my advice if you want a bet is to follow the market on Betfair. I'm convinced there is insider trading going on in these reality shows, personified by the last ten minutes of last week's I'm A Celebrity.

Ashley was trading at 1.48 when the final programme began, was still 1.73 with 20 minutes to go. Suddenly a rush of money, saw Ashley drift to 2.5 and the eventual winner, Charlie Brookes, shorten to 1.34 from 2.3.

It's not the first time the market has proved to be the best guide and it could well prove the best form guide tonight.

Mubtadi works with new headgear

Mubtadi works in the morning with a hood in preparation for his race at Wolverhampton next Friday

The gelding operation seems to have worked - he is much happier and manageable - and even dropped head lad, Pete Harrison, on the gallops

He runs off a mark of just 62 and I will be shocked if he can not win of that rating. Shane Kelly is coming in to sit on him.

News about Light Burst, Eddie Ahern, Sports personality and Beth Tweddle,,....

Light Burst was a big disappointment at Kempton and the consensus was that the race came too soon after his third at Wolverhampton. That is a possibility but I’m not convinced.

There were a few issues before his race at Wolverhampton so there may have been another reason. Ismail now wants to give him a break so he will now be off until mid-January.

Mubtadi has recovered well from his gelding operation and is still on course for Wolverhampton on December 14. He is officially rated 62. I will be devastated if he can’t win of that mark. He is very well handicapped.

The juveniles continue to improve and the wait for the rest to arrive will go on to January. Educate comes back into work after Christmas. He is still on course for a crack at the Lincoln. He looks really well.

Another worth making a note of is Magic Lando. He is an unraced horse by Lando. He is gorgeous and a race at Nottingham in April has been pencilled in for his debut at three. He is still trotting after his injury in July but looks the part.

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I’m not going to comment on whether the impeding corruption charge about to be bestowed on Eddie Ahern is warranted or not but surely now the news has broken is it fair on him or the public that he continues to ride?

From Ahern’s point of view he will, no doubt, state that he has done nothing wrong and he should be allowed to ply his trade: innocent until proven guilty. Yet he is in a no win situation. Having booked his rides for six years, I’m aware of the names that he has been labelled with.

Now, as soon as he gets beat on a horse with a favoured chance, the obvious accusations will be slung. This can’t be right. The same happened with Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn. It must have been especially galling for Kirsty as, having served part of her ban, she was subsequently exonerated, but the damage was already done.

Trainers and, more importantly, owners lose faith. In this case it was the Bangalore Turf Club that revealed Ahern was about to be charged. The problem for Ahern now is that the BHA Sword of Damocles hangs over him. For how long, who knows?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The final 12 for the Sports Personality of the Year have just been revealed and you have to say that it is probably the strongest ever assembled. Yet it has not stop one-eyed cycling fans suggesting that Bradley Wiggins is a ‘certainty’

Really?  No doubt Wiggins’ achievement in winning the Tour De France was immense, but so was what Mo Farrah, Jessica Ennis and Andy Murray produced. I wouldn’t want to be taking an average of 4-7 on Wiggins (1.42 on Betfair) for a contest which is decided by the public and not ‘experts’

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Beth Tweddle, Beth Tweddle, Beth Tweddle. Dancing on Ice. ITV soon. You have been told.

 

Light Burst runs at Kempton tomorrow. Here are my thoughts ........................................................

Light Burst – Nov 22 (Kempton)

He will be much straighter for his run at Wolves, he is in good form (he bit me on Tuesday morning) and he is over a trip which will enable him to get into a smooth rhythm.

The draw is ok but there are two slight concerns. There is very little pace in the race and there are a number of horses in the event which, through stepping up in trip, may not stick to their normal run styles through being keen.

The other unknown is the unexposed Selkie’s Friend. He won on his debut back in July in a poor maiden at Newmarket. He was earmarked for Hong Kong but his rating of 78 isn’t high enough and Henry Candy is forced to run him here.

However, with the exception of half brother Magic Cross, most of the siblings are better on turf and not one of them has won further than 7f. Indeed, most are better over 6 furlongs.

Tactics will be changed slightly. The need for cover is just as important but for a horse that travels well he lengthens rather than quickens, so it won’t be allowed to develop into a sprint. Shane Kelly has to ride Prime Exhibit, so Andrea Atzeni has been booked. He should suit the horse.

He proved on Monday that a mark of 80 is within his range and he is a tough and genuine horse.  Hopefully, the dark horse won't improve beyond him.

review of Light Burst today at Wolverhampton ...........................

Light Burst - Nov 19

He ran really well to finish third. The draw was always going to pose a problem and he was having his first run in 2 months - it was also a major step up in class considering he had won his last two starts in a 0-65 company.

In truth, Shane was unable to get the cover he wanted and he did run a little free. He still travelled well and, momentarily, looked set to finish second to the downgraded Kingscroft. It was a pleasing return.

He will run again at Kempton on Thursday and, with Shane committed to Prime Exhibt, Andrea Atzeni will step in for the ride. He will improve for the run, the race at Kempton doesn't look any harder, and he has won over the trip (a mile).

Hopefully, he will be luckier with the draw. At least the run at Wolverhampton shows that he can win off his mark of 80.

Light Burst runs for Ismail tomorrow. here are my thoughts ..............................................................

Light Burst - 4.30 Wolverhampton

Light Burst is venturing into the unknown regarding the grade of the race (0-85), mainly because there isn’t any 0-80 handicaps this side of Christmas. The draw is also unkind (11 of 12)

However he is a horse that was improving rapidly before being forced onto the sidelines via soft ground and the inability to get him into races because of the plethora of entries. He has been enjoying a well-earned break

Fortunately, Light Burst is in the easier of the two divisions and quite a few of his opponents are out of form. There is also plenty of pace in the contest which should enable Shane to get cover and ride a race that suits him.

Regardless of the result Light Burst will run again at Kempton on Thursday, after which I will know whether we have a horse capable of progressing to listed class or a badly handicapped horse who needs claiming from. He is a horse that I like a lot.

News from Ismail's and a bet for the 2012 Dancing On Ice

 

Alhaarth Beauty finished second at Wolverhampton in her maiden last week having, once more, looked set to win easily as she had in her previous start.

There is nothing more frustrating when you believe you have everything covered. However, on Monday it came to light that she has a floating piece of bone in her knee. It might explain why she has twice found little after changing leads in the home straight.

              The two options open to Ismail is to operate and remove the chip or leave it and hope with rest it settles with time. Either way Alhaarth Beauty will now be off until the start of the grass season. She has bags of speed and will like fast ground.

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             There has been a change of personal at Revida Place with the imminent arrival of Pete Harrison as Head Lad. Known affectionately as Geordie, even though he is a Mackem, he will bring a wealth of experience and a no-nonsense approach.

              With Ismail back in Dubai overseeing his runners, it was vital somebody was brought in to steer the ship. Having worked for Luca Cumani, Ralph Beckett and, until joining Revida Place, Chris Wall, and Harrison will do just that. Welcome aboard.

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              It’s has been immensely frustrating not to be able to have got another run into Light Burst since he won at Brighton on September 17. He looked a massively improved horse but a combination of soft ground and not being able to get in AW races has stopped him.

Fortunately, he will get a run at Wolverhampton on Monday and will reappear in a 0-85 handicap over 7f. It’s a much better race than he has been winning but Shane Kelly, who rides on Monday, was happy with him in a gallop on Wednesday.

If all goes to plan he will back for a race at Kempton on Thursday. He is a horse I like a lot but these two races will tell whether we have a prospect for a listed race or a badly handicapped horse!

I’m going to give to give an early shout for a bet in an area I have had great success in the past – to suggest the winner of the 2012 Dancing on Ice!!!. It’s the only reality show I would contemplate having a bet on because invariably the best contestant wins.

Sam Attwater and Matthew Wolfeden have won me a tidy sum in the past two years. Yet I’ve always believed a girl would be better suited given the moves involved. In which case, if the Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle is confirmed in the final line-up snap up any price you can.

She has been involved in early tests and was, I’m told, sensational. There has been a hitch, though, in negotiations so there is a possibility she may not be in the final 12. I hope she is.  

Thoughts on Alhaarth Beauty tomorrow at Wolverhampton......

Alhaarth Beauty - Wolves Nov 9

We have found the right race for her. She is top rated on BHA figures1lb clear on Raceform. She had a sighter run over 6f which showed  that she wants 5f and the conditions of the race here suit her as well.

The tactics will change. Dawn Catcher is a natural front runner so the plan is for Liam Jones to hopefully sit second and, if everything goes to plan, he will take over in the home straight.

 It’s not a strong contest and the only danger, for me, is the unexposed Spirit Artist, who is dropping back to 5f after looking like he needed all of the 6f last time. I was a decent race, though. I feel we have the beating of the rest.

News from Ismail Mohammed's and running plans.................................,

It’s not going to be a busy week in terms of runners but Alhaarth Beauty will definitely run over 5f at Wolverhampton on Friday. The filly was having her first run for Ismail when finishing third over 6f last week.

It was a race that we learnt plenty. Firstly, she has loads of speed and also, both Liam Jones and myself both thought, that a drop back to 5f would suit. Time may tell trying to give 3lb to the winner and 5lb to the runner up was a hard task.

She runs in a median auction and also gets weight of the colts. She also runs off level weights with the fillies which wasn’t the case last week.She is no superstar but is genuine and will be running over her best trip.

Light Burst has been pencilled in for a race on November 19. He has been absent since winning at Brighton on Sep 12 because he doesn’t like soft ground and we couldn’t get him into a race on the AW . He has improved but will need to improve again off a mark of 80.

Mubtadi has been gelded and will now have a month off. He was disappointing at Southwell but Liam said he was more interested in looking at the people in the stands. He is now rated just 62 and it will be disappointing if that mark couldn’t be exploited.

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Educate is to be aimed at an ambitious treble next season. The plan, as long as he stays injury free, is the Lincoln at Doncaster, the Spring Cup at Newbury a fortnight later before a tilt at the Royal Hunt Cup.

It may seem a tough ask but his last win at York on ground that he didn’t like showed that he is a horse that is improving rapidly. Being gelded has helped calm him down but he is still a big baby and hopefully there is still plenty of petrol in the tank .

My hunch is that he will always be better over a 1m on fast ground but the fact he stays 10f is a bonus. He has a potent turn of foot off a decent pace. He will have a break until the New Year and will likely go for the Lincoln without a prep run as he runs well fresh.

He is currently rated 88 which would have just got him in last year. He is a very exciting horse to look forward to

An unraced horse from Richard Hannon arrived on Friday and he is rather striking fellow. Diane, Ismail’s right hand women, has already said he is the best-looking male in the yard!.

Magic Lando is the colt’s name and he has been sidelined with a fractured tibia since July. It could prove a blessing in disguise as he is by Lando (not known for too many juvenile winners) and will need at least a mile next season.

He is just trotting at the moment and will be doing light work until January. He is one that could just be quite nice. He will start running around March.

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Royston Ffrench has ridden a lot for Ismail this year and will be involved next season but there will also be chances for Liam Jones and Tom Brown. I’m a big advocate of Jones who just needs a decent horse to push him into the limelight. He is likely to ride Educate next year.

He rides well, follows instructions and gives good feedback. Brown, a 7lb claimer with Andrew Balding, rode an exemplary race when winning on Admiralty at Wolverhampton. Ismail is a big fan and he will get plenty of opportunities over the winter.

 

Reflection on Mubtabi at Southwell..................................................

Mubtadi -Southwell


As soon as he missed the break Plan A went out of the window. In the circumstances he ran ok, travelling well before getting tired in the final furlong.

Liam Jones said that he needs gelding - if you saw the size of his balls you would agree - and though Ismail is adverse to doing this, he has agreed that it's the best way to go. It worked with Educate and hopefully it will with this fella. It will happen early next week

The track was ok - getting that much kickback it's hard to tell truly - but the idea will be to give him a few weeks to recover, drop him back to 7f and maybe go onto the Poltrack even though Southwell would also be a  possibility.

Today was disappointing but there is a chance he will now drop another couple of pounds and the gelding operation will certainly help. He isn't one to lose faith in just yet.

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There is still plenty to come in the next few weeks. Alhaarth Beauty has a perfect draw in her maiden at Wolverhampton on Saturday. She is top-rated and, apart from a once-raced Tom Dascombe's colt, it doesn't look a strong event.She will also appreciate the 6f trip

Autumnus, an expensive purchase, will make his handicap debut sometime next week, either Wolverhampton or Southwell and will drop back in trip. Light Burst when we can get him in a race while Admiralty will be back in early December.

Thoughts on Mubtadi at Southwell

Mubtadi  2.00 Southwell

It appears looking at the form that he has been disappointing but there has been mitigating circumstances. He doesn’t like soft ground ( I wasn’t doing the planning then) and when he ran at Redcar a downpour in the morning resulted in the ground changing to good.

But the main reason for the run at Redcar was that he was ill the next day. The upside is that the handicapper dropped him another 4lbs. Thus meaning not only does he run off his lowest mark ever of 65 but also is able to run in a 0-65 for the first time.

The surface will hold no terrors – his sire Dr Fong has impressive strike rate at Southwell – and there will be a change of tactics. The horse has been ridden differently at home (from the front) and that will be the plan unless El Dececy or Elusive Warrior go off too fast.

Ismail  doesn’t presently have that many older horses in the yard to run – we have just 7 to run over the winter with more arriving in January – so the criteria is that each race has to be carefully planned. A 33% strike rate in September has been beaten by 50% per cent rate in October is testimony.

It’s not a strong race and the horse has been working much better with the likes of Light Burst (rated 80) in recent weeks. The drop in grade will help a horse that has had problems but still has a touch of class for this company.

 

 

News from Ismail Mohammed's yard

Now Ismail has started to increase his string and now that I do the race planning, race tactics and jockey bookings, I'm in a strong position to discuss the reasoning and chances of horses from the yard.

Mubtadi runs at Southwell on Thursday (preview of the race in the morning) and Alhaarth Beauty, a 72-rated filly from Richard Hannnon, runs a poor maiden at Wolverhampton on Saturday. 

There will also be regular updates of horses' running plans, news of the new juveniles that continue to arrive at Revida Place and those that have left.

 

QPR documentary, an option for writing a book, rumours of Gold Cup fav, preview nights.

One of the most compelling pieces of television was shown on the BBC on Sunday QPR: The Four Year Plan. It was an amazing documentary of basically rich men buying a football club and trying to take it into the Promised Land.

It also showed that having money doesn’t necessarily mean you have manners as Chairman Flavio Briatore and sporting director Gianni Paladini (probably the vilest man seen on TV since Dirty Den) so ably demonstrated.

Iain Dowie, manager when the super-rich consortium took over in the 2008-2009 season, was ditched after 15 games – Briatore didn’t like him - caretaker Gareth Ainsworth ( “the prick in the dugout “) after losing a game, Paulo De Sousa (a F****** idiot) and Jim Magilton (useless prick) “for revealing club secrets” before eventually Neil Warnock took them into the “promised land”

By the time the Premiership was reached last season – and it was only confirmed on the final day after the threat of a point’s deduction – Briatore has taken a back seat (given updates by gofer Paladini) and left the day-to-day running of the club to Vice-chairman Amit Bhatia, probably the only likeable character.

I would strongly suggest, if you haven’t seen it, to catch it on the BBC I-Player. It is superb television and shows the pressures of running and even managing a football club.

There are two gems amongst a cluster of diamonds in the programme. Watch out for Briatore’s encounter with a fan outside the ground after he has been booed, it wouldn’t do justice to a seven-year-old, and Paladini’s reaction to a loss in the Directors’ Box. Priceless.
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It has been a difficult week but there have been a few amusing incidents along the way. I had a marriage proposal on Monday (which I presumed was serious), an offer to work as a form analyst and to set up my own website, but the most intriguing one was the offer from a publisher to write a book about my life as an jockeys’ agent.

Would people really want to hear the story about Jason Weaver and an incident in a Wolverhampton nightclub, Kevin Darley and the eventful time in Melbourne or the real reason that Darryl Holland got the sack from Luca Cumani? Or Paul Carberry's antics with a broken leg?

Would that make a good read? ____________________________________________________________________________

I did find it amusing the panic that set in after Long Run began to drift in the market for the Gold Cup. Akin to news that there was going to be a bread shortage, people were trying desperately to glean information whether ‘rumours’ were true and even Ladbrokes stopped betting overnight.

Surely the only reason for the drift was the market re-adjusting itself with the news that Kauto Star, as seems likely given the upbeat bulletins coming from Ditcheat, is increasingly likely to take his place in the Gold Cup line-up. No?
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Cheltenham preview nights? Do people actually learn anything from them? I’m quite sure that they are a good craic but even as I’m writing this piece many trainers haven’t finalised plans for next week, many of their runners have numerous options.

I’m sure it’s a lucrative project for those on the circuit but most of the news tends to come out the day after a preview night, as was with Simonsig and Peddlers Cross. The Betfair market is more of a guide, as seems the case with Grands Crus.

David Pipe’s grey shortened to as low 6.8 for the Gold Cup but yesterday afternoon was back out to 11. Pipe has still to mention at any preview night what is the intended target is but the market is suggesting it will be the RSA, likely to be confirmed after Kauto Star works at Wincanton on Friday.`

For anybody that is remotely interested in why Kieren and I split..............................................................................................................

My association with Kieren came to an abrupt end on Saturday morning while sitting having a coffee at McDonalds and I would like to apologise once more to the woman who was treated to a volley of liquid.

I received the news via a text message at 9am. Stating that he was going to another agent because she was an old friend who was restarting as an agent –she gave up last year because she couldn’t hack it anymore. He thanked me for my efforts. That was it. No explanation.

Initially, I have to admit, I thought it was a joke, somebody had taken his phone and sent the message as a prank. It was only confirmation from Kirsty that I realised it was true.

Did I see it coming? No way. There had been no arguments, we had been planning for the new season. Kieren had finished third in the title, without backing from a major yard in terms of numbers, with 154 winners. He had 900 rides, 130 for different yards, and accrued around £2million in prize money.

I lost Shane Kelly and then Eddie Ahern, who admittedly needed a change after seven years, because of my commitment they felt I was giving to Kieren. They may have been right as winning the championship was the main priority and it nearly killed me.

Even my fiecest critics will agree that my record stands the closest scrutiny. I have produced a champion jockey, and a 2nd and a 3rd. In total, they have won over £10million in prize money. At least I can sympathise with Lee Clark and Gary Megson

Will I carry on being a jockeys agent? I’m not sure. You have no contract and, as I found out, you can be dropped without a seconds notice. What will I do next, if I don’t? I have no idea!!.

Kerton v Milczarek. How a cheat escapes a ban while the other cops a 24-month suspension..........................

Inconsistency. The very word suggests some sort of injustice. Injustice is exactly how, I would imagine, Kirsty Milczarek must be presently feeling as she digests the news about Charlotte Kerton.

Ms Kerton was found guilty last week of stopping two horses, Trip Switch and Timeteam. Four others involved were handed bans of at least three years, while trainer George Prodromou was warned off for eight. Yet, Kerton, apart from not being able to apply for a licence for six years, has got off seemingly scot free.

This is the same Kerton - whose ability was moderate at best - who originally denied the charge, blaming period pains. She changed her story at the inquiry. However, she can still set foot on any racecourse, ride work for any stable and, if so deemed, could still ride abroad.

Contrast that with Milczarek, banned for 24 months in December for her ride on Obo Gold at Lingfield in 2009. She was found guilty of passing on information even though the Disciplinary Panel found her not guilty of failing to obtain the best possible placing.

Milczarek is not allowed within 100 yards of any racecourse, can't work in a racing yard and thus denied doing a job she loves and has done all her life

Cynics have suggested she is being punished for being the girlfriend of Kieren Fallon, who has had numerous brushes with the authorities. Yet, apart from his 18-month drug ban, Fallon has never been convicted for corruption, despite what Chinese Whispers would have you believe.

Kerton's decision is almost more amazing than the one involving Fergal Lynch, who brokered a deal with the BHA in 2009, paid £50,000 in order not to be banned from riding anywhere apart from Britain. This from a jockey that admitted stopping a horse for money.

Lynch went to America, earned a tidy sum through being leading rider at Philadelphia, had a brief sojourn being arriving back in Ireland where he continues to ply his trade.

Lynch has since applied for a licence to ride again in Britain which is apparently under review.

It seems that Milczarek, who has always denied the charge, would have been better saying she was guilty - after the 'punishments' dished out to Lynch and Kerton, there is every chance she would still have a licence.

Inconsistency in football could cost a team a point or two, in cricket a wicket. In the case of Milczarek it's potentially her career as there is no guarantee the BHA will grant her a licence when her suspension ends.

Lionel Messi - the best player ever?............................................................

I'm rapidly approaching my half century and I have seen a lot of top footballers in my time. I marvelled at the skills of Johan Cruyff and Pele in the 70s, watched open-jawed at the dribbling ability of Maradona in the 1986 World Cup.

Michael Platini bedazzled me with his sublime passing and movement while Paul Gascoigne, for a while, along with George Best, could also be classed as a world class from these shores. Yet, if you moulded all those players into one, they still wouldn't trump Lionel Messi.

Superlatives have dried up to describe the 24-year-old. His goal that sealed the game for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid on Sunday (please find it on You Tube) should have already clinched Goal of the Season in La Liga. It takes a lot, and thankfully I was on my own, for me to stand up and applaud.

Incredibly, some sections of the media have suggested that the Argentinian can't be described as the best ever until his National side win a major event. Utter nonsense. Messi has unbelievable close control, dribbling ability and can finish with the coolness of an asssasin.

In the big games Messi has also delivered. That's more than can be said about his current rival for best footballer on the planet, Ronaldo. The Real Madrid striker has scored more goals in La Liga but has gone missing in the important games.

Real Madrid will win the title this season as their squad has more depth than Barcelona and are likely to dominant the Spanish Premier Division for the next few years as Barcelona bed in their youngsters to take over eventually from the old guard of Alves, Xavi, Puyol and co.

Messi, voted FIFA’s Ballon d'Or for the past three years, will be around for the new era and has the time to rewrite the record books to a level never to be surpassed. The greatest ever? I'll let you decide

A centrailsed panel for whip decisions?. Kieren's cheeky request in quest for title....................................

I must confess to liking Paul Bittar. The new chief executive of the BHA has achieved more in a few months than the Albert and Costello pairing of Jamie Stier and Tim Morris did in their entire tenure.

More importantly, the jockeys seem to trust him. Plenty has been said about the new whip ammendments which, for anybody that has been vacationing on the Moon, primarily means that going over the permitted number of strokes of seven on the flat and eight over jumps, won't automatically result in a ban.

A centralised panel to decipher whether a ban is warrented is currently being muted rather than it being the responsiblity of the stewards on duty at the track on the day. In principle I believe it's an excellent idea but it does beg two questions.

Will the decisions be made the same day and, if they are, how would they cope with a busy Bank Holiday Monday when there could be upwards of eight meetings?
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Anybody doubting whether Kieren is serious about his ambition to win his seventh title this year will no doubt wonder whether his request to me on Friday was real or tongue-in-cheek.

Kieren is staying in Dubai until the middle of March but sent me a text to ask Richard Fahey whether he wanted him as his new stable jockey for this season? Was he serious? To be honest I'm not sure!!
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Apparently, I upset ATR's Matt Chapman by stating an opinion (which I'm allowed since the last time I checked I wasn't living in Russia) that I don't think he is very good as a racecourse commentator. My statement was, according to Matt nasty. I would, therefore, like to say to Matt unreservedly that I don't give a .............

Hanagan given a chance to shine as retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum, Kieren going to chase championship

The last few days has seen a changing of the guard with regards two of the best jobs in racing. Firstly, Silvestre De Sousa was named as the jockey to join Frankie Detorri as retained rider for Goldolphin. Interestingly, the wording didn't say he was to be number two to the Italien.

Thursday morning saw the announcement, which surprised many, with the news that Paul Hanagan was to be first jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum. The surprise was not that Hanagan got the job, he has been champion for the past two seasons, but that he accepted the post.

His young family is happy in the North (he will have to move South) and he seemed to have an unmoveable bond with Richard Fahey. Yet, when broken down, in true after timing fashion, he looks an ideal choice.

He is the right age (mid 30's), he is reliable and is universally liked. It will also afford Hanagan the chance to pit his wits against the best around. The downside, though, for me, is that it will severly dent his hopes of being champion three times in a row.

Hamdan has his horses spread far and wide and Hanagan will have to ride work on most and, despite Fahey saying he will use Hanagan when available, the Hamdan management tend to make up their minds late, which can entail a late switch of venue. Not ideal for booking a full book of rides at one meeting.

De Sousa's challenge is less cloudy. Tom Peacock, from the PA, informed me that Mark Johnston WILL use the Brazilian when he can - thus giving him plenty of potential firepower, but Johnston likes his horses jocked up at the 4-day stage. That will be tricky with Goldolphin

Therefore, it's no surprise to see that William Hill make Richard Hughes their 5-2 favourite from 9-2. Hughes is guaranteed nearly 100 winners from Hannon and his in prime. He would be my choice

I can reveal, though, that with the news that De Sousa and Hanagan may ride less winners this season, Kieren is going to give the title challenge one more go. The difference is that will we will start the assault from April rather than wait until May.

I'm not sure whether will will have enough firepower but the decision is to give it 100 per cent for one more season. Could be an interesting season, especially if Kieren wants to prove a point

Has the decision by De Sousa to join Goldolphin compromised his title chance?........................................

The news that Silvestre De Sousa has taken up a full time post with Goldolphim when many, including myself, thought he would be appointed stable jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum, leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

The obvious one is who, if anybody, will now get the Hamdan job? In the past Hamdan has always gone with a policy of having a first and second jockey. Presently, Tadgh O'Shea is second behind the soon-to-retire Richard Hills.

Plenty of names have been bounded about, including Kieren's who I can assure everybody has not been approached and is probably too old for the organisation. Personally, I have no idea whom to now make the market leader and could Hamdan, as some have suggested, just use the best available?

If the camp decide to follow that route where does that leave O'Shea? And could he be promoted to the head of the table? Who knows? But no doubt things will become clearer in the next few days.

Another topic which has raised its head for discussion has been whether the appointment to Goldolphin will compromise De Sousa's assault on the jockeys' championship?

Personally, I don't think so. Goldolphin will have 400 horses split between their two trainers and I'm sure Mark Johnston (a major player in the his promotion) will support De Sousa when not needed by the boys in blue. He is a major player.

Kieren is as short as 6-1 with Ladbrokes which is way too short and Kieren and I will now have to follow a different path this year. It was no secret that I was hoping to obtain more rides this year for Goldolphin and, though I've no doubt he will pick up spares, you can't be effectively a third or fourth choice.

Finally a word of praise to Paddy Power. After news broke on Sunday of Richard Hills' retirement they prioed up a market for Hamdan's new jockey, took money (not sure how much, mind) at 7-2 on De Sousa, more at 6-4 before closing the market.

For having the balls to risk being stung, the Irish firm copped the lot. It was nice to see a bookmaker actually being a bookmaker, however little the sum was.

BHA's whip ammendments should appease the majority .........

The BHA announced on Tuesday changes to the whip rule that should go some way to appeasing jockeys. Importantly, the governing body revealed that a jockey going over the allotted number of strokes allowed, 7 on flat and 8 over jumps, will not automatically result in a suspension.

Instead, each case will be judged on it's own merits. Also there will no multiplication of bans, which resulted in Robert Winston (22 days), Nicky MacKay (10) and Fergus Sweeney (14) becoming victims because it was their second offence within six months.

It means, for instance, MacKay's ban will automatically be reduced to four days from 10 and, with each case now judged on it's own merits, it's possible he could have it quashed completely if the panel deem, as they should, it was done in the cause of safety.

You now have to have five offences at the lower level and four at the higher level before a jockey is referred to the Disciplinary Panel. This is a major advancement.

Jockeys won't lose their riding fee and loss of prize money is expected to be on a sliding scale - another major step forward. People may have been sceptical when Paul Bittar became Chief Executive of the BHA but he has acknowledged something had to be done.

It isn't implausible to suggest that if, say, Ruby Walsh incurred a whip ban at the Cheltenham Festival for hitting a horse nine times, which would have triggered an automatic ban, it could have seen a jockey walkout. There was a strong possibility.

Confidence vital for a jockey, a new pundit on the scene, Jo McCain's backside for hire........................................''

I don’t hold with the theory that there are a whole load of races that are ‘crooked’ or that a ‘load of jockeys are at it’. You would, however, be naive to think that every horse is trying in every race. That is obviously not true.

I also don’t believe that a lot of the criticism that gets thrown at jockeys is justified. Most of the rides that are attacked are, in the main, based on pocket talk. A fair number of times it is quite simply a genuine pilot error.

James Reveley is a young man who has gained plenty of plaudits this season. As well as riding for his dad Keith, he is also riding a number for Nick Williams. Yet, presently, he is going through a frustrating spell.

His defeat on short-price favourite Crowning Jewel – taken wide and given too much to do in heavy conditions - on Monday at Carlisle extended his winless run to three weeks and 25 rides, and mirrored a similar ride on Benny Be Good at Huntingdon a couple of weeks back.

Plenty did suggest that it was something more sinister. For me, a jockey out of form is nearly as important to consider as a trainer and Reveley’s apparent lack of confidence seems to be severely affecting his judge of pace.
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Pundits in racing generally draw mixed reactions from the viewing and listening public. In other sports, invariably, you can almost guarantee it will be an ex-pro from said sport that will be cast as the expert guest for the night.

And you nod sagely when you hear former top golf pro Ken Brown describe what club Lee Westwood is likely to use to reach the green or John Virgo when he suggests what angle Ronnie O’Sullivan needs to pot a difficult red.

Football hasn’t been so well served. Thankfully, Andy Townsend and David Pleat seemed to have been dropped and the less that Sky use the annoying Jamie Redknapp the better. It's also open to question if Alan Hansen is worth £1.4million to the BBC.

Suddenly, though, from a sea of crap, have emerged two former players who are threatening to take punditry to a new level. Step forward Gary Neville and Roy Keane.

Neville, one of the most annoying oiks to grace a football pitch, is superb. His analysis is precise, honest and, surprisingly, free from pro Manchester United. He has quickly established himself the top Sky pundit

Keane attacks the task like a whale striking for it's next meal. After berating Arsenal for lack of passion and letting down Arsene Wenger after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Sunderland, he then turned his disgust at the antics of Drogba on the touchline before the second half against Birmingham. Describing it as ‘nonsense and for show to the cameras’.

His scowl and voice reminds me so much of Kieren Fallon, as does that frightful stare. ITV still have plenty of dross, not least the most boring presenter on the planet in Adrian Childes, who Keane also has no time for.

Keane, who says exactly what he and others are thinking, is likely to join a long list of former top ex players who can’t make the grade as a manager, but he has the makings as one of the best pundits on the box.
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I’m pleased to announce that for the charity race at Cheltenham in aid of Cancer Research I have sponsored the chest of Joanne McCain on behalf of Kieren!!.

Jo, who lost her father Ginger to the horrible disease, is the sister of Donald and is still looking for a sponsor for her backside!!

I’m told, by Jo herself, that her backside will cost considerable more to sponsor than her chest even though it is a lot smaller!!. If interested contact Jo on Twitter @jomccain1

Firm favourite for Hamdan job? Good news for Fehily, plenty of good Luck

The news of the imminent retirement of Richard Hills has already, not surprisngly, produced plenty of names potentially in line to replace the 49-year-old.

It has been reported that Hills, who replaced Willie Carson as stable jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum in 1997, will hang up his boots after the conclusion of this year’s Dubai Carnival. Who is likely to assume the main role?

Tadgh O’Shea has been number two to Hills for the past two seasons but, even though Hamdan has in the past promoted from within, the speculation is that the Sheikh will go for a higher profile name.

Mikel Barzalona, Maxine Guyon (both based in France), William Buick, Paul Hanagan and even Kieren have been mentioned for one of the best jobs in racing. The general consensus, though, is that Silvestre De Sousa would head any lists now the news has become public.

De Sousa finished runner-up to Hanagan in last season's Jockey’s Championship. He rode all of Mark Johnston’s string in the latter part of the campaign (including Hamdan's) and rode winners for Goldolphin. There could, however, be three other reasons why he could be the front runner.

Firstly, the 31-year-old is the right age(Richard Hills took over in his early 30’s), he was invited to ride in Dubai by Sheikh Mohammed and so far is the leading rider at the Carnival; thus proving himself against the best jockeys in the world.

It seems that De Sousa is in the right place at the right time especially after a former champion ruled himself out on Sunday. I don't believe, like some, that Hamdan will use the best available, otherwise it makes O'Shea's job redundant.

Luck plays a big part in most sports. That’s something that can’t be levelled at top jump jockey Noel Fehily, who must have a huge collection of black cats.

Fehily looked set to cement his position as second jockey to Paul Nicholls after a string of important wins for the handler in 2010 before a serious wrist injury ruled out him of the King George and the ride on Kauto Star.

Daryl Jacobs stepped into the breach and Fehily was left on the sidelines.
The news that he has now teamed up with the ever-growing yard of Emma Lavelle's as stable jockey is like Prince Charming finding Cinderella. Fehily is a top-class horseman and the nearest in style to the incomparable Ruby Walsh.

Lavelle is rapidly-improving the quality of her string and the partnership with Fehily has unlimited potential. Fehily has hopefully used up all his share of bad luck.

Talking of Luck, the much-hyped show on Sky Atlantic, aired on British screens on Saturday, and I have to admit that I was impressed. The racing scenes were realistic, the acting fine although, whereas former jock Gary Stevens had a decent speaking role, current rider Chantel Sutherland was mainly in the background.

It’s set in the world of horse racing but it’s not just for the aficionado’s of the sport, although some racing terms would seem alien to non-racing people.

There are stories aplenty bubbling under the surface and the presence of Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte (with a strange gravelly voice) gives it added kudos. Well worth a glance.

Reflections on Newbury, commentating woes at Lingfield....................................................................

I suspect that my reading of Sprinter Sacre and Long Run's displays at Newbury is going to be the reverse of most people. Starting with Sprinter Sacre. His demolition of French Opera was indeed impressive following on from hammering a below-par Peddlers Cross at Kempton.

His jumping was spectacular, his cruising speed impressive, but it's his raw speed that ultimately could cause him problems. Nicky Henderson's son of Network was outstayed by Al Ferof(another Arkle contender)in the Supreme Novices' last year after arriving on the bridle.

I suspect it's only those holding tasty vouchers for the novice's chasing championship who are convinced that Cheltenham won't again prove his master. There is no way, in my opinion, he can run as free as he did here at Newbury (he will come off the bridle in the Arkle) and land a Grade 1 event up that unrelenting hill.

Long Run, however, impressed me greatly in narrowly defeating useful stablemate Burton Port. Ultimately, the winning distance was a diminishing half a length but that doesn't tell the whole story.

Sam Waley-Cohen got the 2011 Gold Cup winner into a superb rhythm (he jummped as well as he has ever done) and he travelled superbly. I accept he didn't win as easily as first looked likely, but he was conceding the runner-up 10lbs, who will also go for the Blue Riband event.

The Cheltenham gradient, unlike for Sprinter Sacre, is made for Long Run and his performance at Newbury on free Friday, strenghten my belief that he will win back-to-back Gold Cup's.

I was less impressed by Zarkandar. Yes, in a rough race, he showed plenty of courage and it was his first start for 316 days. But a performance to have connections of Hurricane Fly quaking?. Not for me. He would need a crazy pace in the Champion to bring his stamina into play.

Matt Chapman made his commentating debut at Lingfield today. He proved his ability to shout, show hidden skills of being a mind reader and a psychologist all in the space of a 1m 5f contest.

Sadly, after arriving at his encore quicker than a schoolboy watching Hollyoaks, he forgot the basic skill of a commentator - of saying what you see. Simon Holt can rest easily.

Kieren's rides at Meydan, case of mistaken identity, the follies of loyalty............................................................

Kieren has some decent rides in the next two days at Meydan, including the former Luca Cumani inmate Star Right who has been relatively disappointing since joining Goldolphin. The step up in trip should help, though.

Kieren has five rides booked for Thursday and a further three on Friday, including Rhythm of Light in the Balanchine. Tom Dascombe's filly scoped badly after a poor effort in the Cape Verdi so a much better effort is expected.

A flying visit back to Britain brought winners for Kieren at Wolverhampton (keep an eye on Berlusca) for Mark Brisbourne and Southwell for David O'Meara. They are little fish but vital ones for when the grass starts in earnest.

Dubai is Kieren's likely destination for the next two weeks which will eradicate the possibility of a reapeat of the weird conversation I had with whom I thought was Kieren's agent in the Emirates. I tend to not get involved with KF's rides in Dubai, he deals with an old friend of his based in the country.

On Monday, after Tom Dascombe wanted Kieren to ride Rhythm Of Light, I sent a message to Kieren's agent via Twitter. The next day, after receiving no confirmation of the booking. I then had exchange of messages which got increasingly more bizzare.

Eventually, it came to light I was having a conversation with a guy in Carlisle with the same name, who hadn't a clue what I was on about, and he only went along with it because he thought I was a nutter!

Loyalty is a word that gets bandied about in most sports. It's often used as a form of blackmail when the orator is trying to get their own way. I'm a great believer in loyalty, but mine was severely tested when Kieren was jocked off by William Knight last weekend.

I'm sure that Lee Clark, former manager at Huddersfield, feels the same after being sacked by the club on Wednesday despite the team sitting FOURTH in League One.

Clark has had ample offers in the past to leave for another club based upon his fantastic results for the Yorkshire club, but wanted to stay 'loyal' to Huddersfield. Wonder if he feels the same way now?

1.40 Southwell

Takajan

Mark Brisbourne chose the jockeys for his two mounts. Nowt to do with me. It's a poor race and Kieren had a winner yesterday for Mark. The only three wins by Takajan were over course and distance and he is 15lbs lower, his last win was here a year ago. Anything could happen!


2.10 Southwell

Dark Prospector

Kieren will hopefully be riding a lot for James Tate this season but I know very little about this gelding. He will handle the surface (by Oasis Dream) but whether he will good enough to handle Three Bards is another question.

The favourite, trained by Mark Johnston, has the best public form and is by Dubawi (28% on surface), who has one of the highest win rates of any sire here.

2.45

Trans Sonic

Could have gone for the handicap at 3.15 but, after discussing it with David O'Meara, it was decided that this was the better option. The 9-y-o needed his first spin back over 6f (first run in 7 months) and he loves the track.

A worry is the presence of Zomerlust (could stop Trans Sonic getting a soft lead) and that the recent bad weather has held up some work mornings in the North. This isn't a strong contest.

4.20

JJ Leary

This fellow is a typical Kieren ride, lazy! He ran well when third to Samasana (now 7lb better off for just under three lengths) over course and distance. The visor is back on and there should be plenty of pace to run at. Hopeful.

4.55

Brunello

On paper, at least, looks to be Kieren's best ride. He has run three solid races at the track and put up the best peformance of any of these based on his third to Sistine in an Amateur race.

Drop back to 1m4f not a problem and his handler is one of the best up-and-coming trainers in racing. Very hopeful

Racing in Britain has become a joke.....................................................................................................................................

Racing has become a laughing stock in Britain. It is now offical. That can be the only explanation for the most horrific decision to ban Nicky McKay at Wolverhampton on Monday.

McKay, on 1-2 favourite Stars In Yor Eyes, was given a nightmare of a ride by the daughter Galileo. She wouldn't take any bend, losing an enormous amount of ground each time. She then repeated the feat hanging over to the stands rails on the run in.

John Gosden's filly held on to win by a nose. Mckay, quietly resurrecting his career, was rightly lauded for the ride. Then came the news that he was hit with a 10-day ban. He hit the filly 10 times (three over) and because it was his second offence at the higher level he got the 10 days.

Since the last spate of suspensions, the BHA had met with the PJA and it was agreed to introduce a policy of 'using discretion' concerning strikes. Amazingly, Simon Cowley, the stipendary steward on show at Wolverhampton, didn't even know the rules.

Cowley quoted that Nicky has gone two over (in fact it was three) after he after hitting Stars In Your Eyes 10 times and that the stewards had shown 'discretion' in letting McKay of one of the hits. Otherwise, amazingly, the ban would have been 14 days.

To add insult to injury, McKay also forfeited his prize money and his riding fee. Fortunately, the PJA has a strong man at the helm in Paul Struthers. I'm sure he is the right man for the job to sort out this mess

2 40 Wolverhampton

Cri Na Mara

Back over right trip. Didn't stay 6f at Dundalk. Should get a decent tow into race with well-handicapped Silver Linnet (who could bounce) and Good Timin, who could easily turn around the form, likely to go hard early.

The plan will be to sit midfield. Handicap mark is fine and loves the track. Does travel well


5.10 Wolverhampton (9F)

Berlusca

Moved to mark Brisbourne. Feeling the handicapper may have hold - twice beaten off todays 66. The step up in trip could help (needs to) and he was finishing strongly over 7f at Kempton.

Samedi could be thrown in off 70 but he won a poor maiden from an exposed maiden. Don't think that Luctor Emergo is good enough and is 4lb out of handicap.

A frustrating day for Kieren, notification of wind operations raised again, Suarez and Evra..............................................................................

It was certainly a frustrating day for both Kieren and myself. After checking twice on Friday night to see if Lingfield was still likely to be on, Kieren boarded a flight from Dubai at 3.30am.

When leaving the Emirates it was 24 degrees, arriving at Heathrow at 6.45 it was dipping below -7. Even then there was more drama when for a while there was a doubt the plane would be able to land. It set the tone for the rest of the day.

Intihal, found two too good in the maiden, but still ran well for James Tate, Roman Straits was narrolwy in second as was the tricky Picansort, where Kieren was lucky to excape a ban twice.

Yet the day was more annoying for the winner missed. Kieren had been booked for Palace Moon for two days. Jim Crowley, who had declined the ride, then made himself available and Kieren was replaced by William Knight. It's the downside of the job and the most annoying.

Talking of Palace Moon brings me nicely on to the subject of wind operations. Two horses today, Palace Moon and West Brit, both have had the operation. Charlie Longdon announced West Brit's procedure prior to his victory on RUK, Knight, though, mentioned it after Palace Moon had won.

As I stressed before, nothing annoys more when you find out after the race. Fair play to Longdon but I never watched RUK to hear the news. There should be a noticeboard on the BHA site that EVERYBODY can tap into about any said operation. It should be mandatory.

Finally, I have to finish about the Evra/Suarez incident. It's been discussed to death but I have two points. If Suarez had shaken Evra's hand pre-game the trouble in the tunnel and the antics of the Manchester United full back at the end wouldn't have happen.

Secondly, and more worryingly, was Kenny Dalgleish's denial that he saw neither the handshake incident or the fracas in the tunnel. That ensure the feud will be carried over to the next meeting.

Are syndicates the way to go for people to get involved in horserace ownership?..................................................................................

Attracting new people into horse racing has baffled even the greatest minds. Free entry, discounted prices, two-for-one offers have all been tried. The major draw, though, is backing, or the ultimate fantasy, of owning a winner.

Owning a racehorse is beyond the reach of most working people but the next best option is to be part of a syndicate. When I decided to write this blog I didn’t realise how many there were. I’m now an expert on percentages, monthly costs, buy ins, no buy ins, lease only.

It’s mind boggling. I have decided to concentrate on three because I believe each can offer a different service. The first one, and the most expensive of the trio, is SN Racing, run by Steve Nunn.

The well-set out website - www.sn-racing.com- currently shows two horses for sale. Eight shares available in Fight (an unraced three-year-old with Jeremy Gask) and ten in an un-named two-year-old with John Best. The former is priced at £2,580 + £3,420 (£285 a month) for a year’s training, the latter is £3,000 + £2,880.

The usual benefits, badges, yard visits, newsletter, is included and the prices appear reasonable for a syndication with a proven record.

Nunn says that he is happy to have a maximum of 10 shares rather than micro-ownership but that is the route that Sean Quinn, son of trainer John Quinn, has taken with his new syndicate Highfieldracing - www.highfieldracing.com.

The father and son venture has one horse available for sale, a two-year-old filly by Moss Vale, called Tharawal Lady. Described as ‘an early type’ by Quinn jnr, she is available for a one –off price of £1,150 (ex vat).

The upside is that it works out at around £90 a month for a year’s ownership, the downside is that it will be for a 1/30th share. It means your percentage from any sale wouldn’t be excessive. If that doesn’t bother you then plenty of fun could be had with an excellent handler.

The last one, run by the enthusiastic Andy Bonarius, is Wildcard Racing – www.wildcardracing.co.uk - will appeal to those without a massive budget to play with.

For an outlay of just £1,600, you can have a year’s training and a 5% purchase of promising maiden Henry Bee ( rated 71). The Richard Fahey three-year-old is now handicapped and ready to win.

Bonarius advertises that your involvement includes updates by text, twitter, and regular raceday outings even if you horse isn’t running, His aim is to attract the younger owner.

Kieren's rides at Meydan, a trainer's battle against addiction, an amazing gesture....

Meydan stages it's best days racing of the carnival so far on Thursday. Kieren has rides in all six races and he will particularly be pleased to be back on board Alkimos.

He was bought by Goldolphin after finishing second to Pisco Sour (also now owned by Goldolphin) at Royal Ascot. Frankie had the choice of the Goldolphin runners but Kieren is a big fan of Alkimos, who ran well on his comeback run.

He also rides Fiery Lad for Luca, has his first ride in a while for Brian Meehan on Mehdi and continues his partnership with Navajo Chief for Alan Jarvis.

Kieren will then hot foot it back to Lingfield for Saturday. He looks likely to have at least three strong rides, including a really nice filly for James Tate in the maiden.

An addiction to anything can have worrying effects on those closest to you. Gambling can give you a natural thrill before costing you most of what you own and value.

Drinking provides a different kind of euphoria, normally followed by fighting and then your liver packing up. Then there is smoking. Smoking?

A habit that seems to me to give the least amount of pleasure of the three mentioned. The side-effects are obvious, poison in your lungs, and, from what I've seen, most people that smoke are rarely happy.

A case-in-point is Lambourn-based trainer Jamie Osborne. He is on day three of giving up and already he is like a woman going through the menopause. He is more grumpy than usual and the 48-year-old (sic) has been seen standing in the company of 100-a-day John Hills in the hope of picking up secondary smoke.

It's a commendable effort by Osborne who, if you see scurrying around on the floor looking for something, is more likely to be on the search for a discarded butt-end from one of the work riders than either lost money or keys. Be strong Jamie, be strong.

When it comes to gestures most of us, I suspect, would be prepared to help family or friends, but how many would help a stranger?

Therefore, the news, and I know it was mentioned in the press a few weeks back, that ATR presenter Richard Pitman is donating a kidney to a complete stranger is beyond words.

Pitman, who will always be remembered for defeat on Crisp in the first of Red Rum's National wins, is one of the nicest people you could meet. He is also a very talented writer.

Could I do what Pitman, who is 69, is intending? Not sure, but the way he shrugs it off with the prose of "I have another one", sums up this amazingly generous man.

Kieren back for Saturday, case of mistaken identity ......................................................................................................

Kieren will back in the UK on Saturday to ride at Lingfield. He already has rides booked for James Tate in the maiden, Roman Straits in the 6f handicap and is set to get back on board Palace Moon in the feature.

He has enjoyed his time in Dubai but it's nice to get him back in Britain. It's important not to lose too many contacts by not being available. Dubai slows down now so he should be riding over here till at least next Tuesday.

I'm keen to kick on now, formatting riding out plans, liasing with trainers for potential rides and, as always, trying to find new avenues. The main players for this year will gradually trickle back in just over a month.

This will be my 17th year as an agent and, apart from be disenchanted early last year, I'm looking forward to the challenge. Kieren and I will again have to fight for every ride but, like a side signing new players, Im pleased with the new acquisitions. There are a couple more on the horizon

Hoof It, now that Green Destiny has been sold, will be Kieren's main horse this year along with Brown Panther. Mick Easterby, his trainer, is a character to say the least.

Dealing with trainers is the most difficult part of the job. Some, I'm sure, don't like me and the feeling is mutual but you have to find a way to get on. With Mick it's slightly different.

I rang up for a ride for Edie Ahern about two years ago. Mick went into a tirade of abnuse saying that I had got off one of his a week before. He questioned my parentage, got my bits confused with a women and called me a bald bastard.

It was only after he called me Tony that I realised he had got me confused with Tony Hind, another agent. When told I was Terry Norman. He said "You probably deserved it you f*****." Then put the phone down!!

The joys and punting opportunities on the Fibresand at Southwell........................................................................................................................

Punters are forever looking for the Holy Grail when it comes to betting. It doesn’t exist but plenty are now cottoning on to the delights of Southwell racecourse.

As a venue for a day out it isn’t that appealing. It’s been below zero the three times I’ve been – once in the Spring - the quality of the racing rarely rises above adequate and the surface is often berated by jockeys as brutal.

Yet, in terms of punting, it’s unique. It’s a surface where you can get an edge. A surface you can wheedle out a considerable number before serious study. And, most importantly, the form holds up.

Course winners frequently return to form after disappointing on turf or even the Polytrack. Fibresand is a specialised ingredient. If you ‘go’ on it once you tend to always go on it.

Breeding is an emotive subject but it is the MOST important component in deciding whether a horse making its track debut will act. Many ignore this fact and nothing aggravates more when you read or hear a pundit say they have no idea whether said horse will go on the surface.

Check! The win percentages of sires at Southwell are readily available if you look hard enough or pay a specialised service (Flatstats.co.uk is particularly useful for a fee). It will make you money or, more likely, stop you losing plenty.

There are a couple of myths that need to be put to bed. Firstly, just because a horse has won on soft ground doesn’t automatically mean it will act on Fibresand. The other is that Captain Rio’s progeny have got ‘an impressive record’ at Southwell. They don’t. It’s just 11%.

If you are not prepared to put in the hard work and find out the sire stats (absolutely vital for a horse making its debut), then a general rule of thumb but not guaranteed, is if the pedigree of said horse is all-American bred through its sire, dam and dam’s sire, it should act.

Southwell is the closest you will get to a dirt track in USA. Using this rule will serve better than assuming a horse will perform just because it has won on soft - another lazy theory.

I love Southwell and if I had the discipline to bet solely at the track I know I would make money. Sadly, the lure of backing on football and reality shows draws me in like Elizabeth Shue wearing nothing but a smile.

Don’t be afraid of punting at Southwell, embrace it. It could turn out to be the best decision of your betting life.

Kieren's plans, jockey awards at Lesters, do sportsman needs benefits?.......................................................................

It could be an exciting year for Kieren in 2012. In only his second year back from an 18-month suspension, he finished third in the Jockeys’ Championship, rode his highest total in six years and won a Classic.

As stated previously, the idea is not to go for the Championship but if the winners kick in you never know. My criterion is to explore new avenues and there are two new potential exciting match-ups for KF this season.

James Tate is a fledgling trainer in Newmarket and definitly one to note. He is already building a strong yard. Kieren rode Tate’s only winner of the season so far and the young handler has also sent out a couple of seconds.

The other that I hope will result in some decent rides is for Tom Dascombe. Kieren finished second on Brown Panther in the St Leger for Dascombe. He keeps the ride this season.

Richard Kingscote is stable jockey but hopefully Kieren, who rides Kenny Powers for Dascombe at Meydan om Friday, will come in for some useful spares.

I’ve always believed that the Sports Personality Of The Year (named since 1999) is an oxymoron. The likes of winners Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Steve Redgrave prove that. Now is the time, surely, it's returned to Sports Achievement Of The Year as it was originally was on its inception in 1954.

The same could be applied to the Flat Jockey of the Year award at the Stobart-sponsored Lesters on April 5. The title should surely read the ’four most popular jockeys’ award.

For Kieren, Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes not to be nominated it can be the only explanation. It’s no wonder Kieren doesn’t attend the ceremony anymore. While in rant mode, how has Johnny Murtagh’s ride on Dancing Rain been overlooked?

There wasn’t a better ride all year, anywhere. Yet, ironically, Murtagh has been listed for his ride on Sweet Lightning in the Lincoln for International Jockey ride of the year. Utterly amazing.

Most professional sportsman these days are well paid but it never ceases to amaze me how they feel the need to hold testimonials or a benefit year.It’s even more baffling that they ‘encourage’ the public to become involved – most of the time a lot of them can’t wait to escape their adoring audience.

I don’t know Matt Prior, the current England wicket-keeper, he may be a wondrous fellow, kind to butterflies and take OAP's on regular seaside outings. But does it entitle the rich and pampered England cricketer to tout for business like a £7 an hour hooker?

Kieren to stay in Dubai for fortnight, tongue-tie issue again, deadline day madness.................................................................................................

Kieren has decided to based himself in Dubai for the next couple of weeks. It's the best decision as I'm convinced jetting back and forward to England each weekend is not ideal. For one, it's hard to sleep on a plane.

Then you have the problem of retaining liquid. Kieren had the situation of riding at 8-7 at Meydan then struggling to do 8-10 at Wolverhampton the next day. He has four decent rides on Friday, including Krypton Factor in a Group 3 and Kenny Powers (off since finishing fifth to Fredrick Engels in the July Stakes) for Tom Dascombe.

The subject of the first time tongue-tie not being advertised in the press raised its head again at Taunton with the victory of Ted Spread. An ease in class obviously helped Paul Nicholls' runner, but so did the tongue tie for the well-backed winner.

Yet there was no mention in the press, on the racecard and it wasn't brought to the attention of the punter by the on-course correspondent from ATR.

It should be compulsory for it to be shown, like cheekpieces should. It's a bugbear because it's vital information to the public. While i'm in rant mode, why is it that a horse can run without a tongue-tie when it's declared with one?. It's not the case with any other form of headgear.

With it being deadline day for football transfers, there are two mysteries which I can't fathom. The first one is how can Bournemouth, a club forced to sell it's best players a couple of seasons back, pay the reputed £800,000 for Crawley striker Matt Tubbs.

Secondly, and this one would prove a head scratcher for Sherlock Holmes, why would Tottenham offer, supposedly, a 18-month contract to Louis Saha? The 33-year-old in injury prone, has scored just 2 goals this season and none since October.

Mixed day for Walsh, pointers for Festival, drink awaited.!!!................................

Ruby Walsh didn't have the best of days at Cheltenham on Saturday. His afternoon started with a win on Pearl Swan, followed by a swift disqualification and a three-day ban for careless riding.

He was beaten on Aerial in the Grade 3 handicap, had disappointing rides on Polisky and Hinterland and took a crashing fall on That'lldoboy. He also, though, rode the extraordinary Big Bucks to victory and in turn produced the quote of the day.

Big Bucks won his 15th race in a row when landing the 3 mile Grade 2 contest after, momentarily, looking in danger at the top of the hill. If Big Bucks could jump fences cleanly he would win the Gold Cup but he can't. Barring injury, however, you can't see him beaing beaten over hurdles.

I don't know Walsh but I can tell he doesn't suffer fools glady - a trait that I also possess. He put Derek Thompson in his place a couple of years back and it amused me greatly when quizzed whether he thought Big Bucks was in trouble at the top of the hill.

"I didn't realise there was a winning post there," replied a sardonic Walsh. Classic from a brilliant and natural horseman.

A few Festival bubbles were burst. Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert can't, judged on today, win the Gold Cup and my ante-post voucher on Menorah is now at the bottom of the budgie cage after he once more failed his mocks at Doncaster.

Conversely, there was a massive eye-catcher for the Pertempts final in the shape of Sivola De Sivola. If Liam Heard hadn't got his reins "in a tangle", the Tom George runner (the trainer had the winner in Module) would have gone close to scoring.

A day after Benny Be Good caught the eye with a fourth at Huntingdon under a tender ride, it was trumped by a horse running a massive race over a trip nearly a mile shy of his best. Find a big notebook.

Finally, if anybody reading this knows Emma Lavelle can you remind her it was me that suggested she ran Kangaroo Court in the maiden at Lingfield!! Having spent 10 minutes telling her how weak it was, she told me her partners' brother would ride.

Then, to compound matters, I watched the decent hurdler come sailing down the outside with Mickey Fenton to score at 14-1 without a penny on. Thanks Emms. A crate of Becks would be nice compensation

Kieren off mark in Dubai, BHA on the ball, an invitation to the Breeders' Cup..................................................

Kieren finally got off the mark for the Carnival when riding Krypton Factor to victory at Meydan. It has been difficult to ride winners in Dubai - most of the top jockeys have struggled - without a major yard. It was a double celebration with Fawzi Naas, a promiment owner in Britain, gaining his maiden success as a trainer.

Kieren, who lost his best ride at the Carnival with the sale of Green Destiny, is in for a busy time. He rides at Wolverhampton on Friday and Lingfield on Saturday before flying back to Dubai on Tuesday.

I have given the BHA plenty of stick over the whip rules but it's pleasing to see that they are investigating the ride of 7lb claimer Steven Gagan on Kickahead at Musselburgh a fortnight ago.

Punters are too quick to condemn rides - the accusation aimed at Peter Hatton for his unseat on Esteem at Leicester on Tuesday was plainly ridiculous (he was making stealthy headway), but Gagan's fall-off - I can't bring myself to say unseat - was suspicious at the very least.

It was also interesting to read that trainer and previous owner Ian Williams, who had sold the horse to an unnamed new owner before the race, had also reported the ride. Kickahead had drifted from 11-4 to 9-2 on course.

Racing has to be seen to keeping its house in order and the BHA have to be commended in investigating this incident so swiftly. Full marks to them.

From a personal point of view I was delighted to be asked by Gary Stevens to be part of the NBC team to help cover the 2012 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita. NBC have taken over the contract from ESPN and Stevens, a Hall Of Fame rider, has been part of the commentary team since his retirement.

I booked rides for Stevens during his successful four-month spell as stable jockey to Sir Michael Stoute in 1999. So maybe networking (which I abhor, by the way) has worked for me this time.

The importance of all information being made available to the general public regarding mentions of cheekpieces, tongue-ties and breathing ops. Blog now available

I’ve long believed the more information you can supply to the public the more likely they are to have a bet. There can never be too much.

Whilst appreciating a lack of space means you can’t cram everything in American style, there is still room for improvement. For instance, on the cards of trade paper Racing Post there are notices next to the horses’ name for when it wears blinkers or a visor for the first time.

Oddly, though, there is no mention when a horse dons debut cheekpieces. Instead, you have to go trailing through the form whenever you see the paint rollers on. It’s time consuming, unnecessary and easily missed.

Somersby’s concentration was much improved when landing the Grade One Victor Chandler Chase on Saturday in first- time cheekpieces. It was further highlighted by the success today of Cucumber Run (ironically a half-brother to Somersby)at Wetherby.

Though he was not always fluent, Nicky Henderson’s horse jumped much better than when turned over at 1-4 at Plumpton. The addition of first-time cheekpieces proved a major help as they did for Somersby.

The Racing Post is not to blame as the information comes from the racing department at Weatherbys. Other bits of information missing include when a horse has been gelded – it’s not always mentioned in the write-ups – and if a horse is wearing a tongue-tie for the first time. Why?

Also, how often after a horse has won has the trainer mentioned that said animal has had a breathing operation? Rarely, if at all, do you glean this vital news before the race.

It should be made mandatory for all the above issues to be made known and then displayed by Weatherbys, thus enabling the press to relay the information to the public. It can only help.

Whip rules still need sorting, Lynch on applying for licence in Britain, Henderson's bad PR............Blog now available........

Racing on Saturday provided plenty of great racing but, yet again, the whip reared it's head when two winning jockeys were banned after exceeeding the guidelines. Andrew Thorton received a 5-day ban for hitting Tatenen ten times Ascot.

Earlier at Haydock, Darryl Jacob's got two days for going one over when scoring on Celestial Halo. The big difference is that Jacob's still received his prize money percentage, Thornton did not. This can't be right.

I agree rules have to be adhered to and if jockeys adopt a win-at-all costs attitude then ban them, as in the case of Jacobs, but if the jockey is to forfeit his prize money then so should everybody else, owner, trainer and the punter. After all, they all benefited from the jockey breaking the rules.

For me the BHA have two options. Disqualify any horse where the jockey has transgresed the allowed number - not the way forward - or let everybody benefit and hand out longer bans.

I hope the BHA quickly reject the application of Fergal Lynch to ride in Britain again. Lynch, banned in 2007 when admitting he stopped a horse, has been riding on a Spanish licence in Ireland.

It would be a travesty if Lynch, fine rider that he is, was allowed back to ride in Britain. Paul Doe and Greg Fairly were banned in December for 12 years for the same offence. Lynch needs the same punishment.

Nicky Henderson certainly scored an own goal when initially refusing an interview about the 'massive drift' on Betfair about his Champion Hurdle hope Spirit Son.

The champion trainer then blamed the exchanges for forcing him to reveal the news that Spirit Son would indeed miss the race! Two things come to mind. If it wasn't for the exchanges people could still now be blindly backing Spirit Son for the Champion Hurdle.

And, more pertinently, the reason for the drift is that somebody from the Henderson yard either used that information or passed it on to somebody else. Bookmakers and trainers may not like the exchanges but it's the best guideline to the welfare of a horse.

No joy at Dubail, delight for Richard Hughes, avoiding unlucky horses, Barton continues to rant . Blog now available......

No doubt you are awaiting news about the disappointing run from Rhythm Of Light in the Cape Verdi. I haven't spoken to Kieren or Tom Dascombe but my observations are that a number of things didn't pan out.

Firstly, they went no gallop and the daughter of Beat Hollow was keen in the early stages and then, approaching the turn, it seemed she was on the wrong lead (ie she was leading with her right foreleg rather than her left)

Kieren didn't punish her when she couldn't win and Rhythm Of Light is obviously much better than that. Dubai hasn't been great for Kieren so far - although a lot of top jockeys have yet to ride a winner at the Carnival.

Continually backing a horse that has been unlucky is a quick way to the poor house and the latest exponent of that has to be Start Right, bought out of Luca Cumani's yard after an 'unlucky' run at Sandown,.

Start Right has been a major disappointment in two runs at Meydan. The son of Footstepsinthesand was being spoken of as a potential group horse after his 'unlucky' runs, now he might just struggle to win a race of 102.

Talks are still on-going about ammendements to the whip issue, but Richard Hughes received good news regarding his one month ban in India. Hughes' defence that his ban for dangerous riding was in fact self-defence was accepted by the local authorities. The ban was reduced to a fine.

Hughes is at the peak of his career and, in truth, should have been Champion jockey for either or both of the past two seasons. Bans put pay to both his challenges but 2012 could be his year. He will be supplied with a 100 winners plus by Richard Hannon.

You can't be champion without a massive yard supporting and with question marks over all of his rivals, this could be his year. Hughes is a top-priced 5-1 with Hills.

Finally, having told you that Joey Barton, the captain of QPR, was twitter gold for having a go at the cast of The Only Way is Essex and Paris Hilton, he has now started on on former manager Neil Warnock. He is priceless. Follow him on @Joey7Barton.

Winston fails in his appeal, the folly of taking rides of other agents, the joys of charity work ... Blog is now available.......

Robert Winston failed in his appeal to overturn his 22-day ban on Thursday and the only surprise to me was that some thought it was a unjust. Why? Regardless of whether Winston felt three were for corrective measures, it was his still second offence in two months.

No other jockey has been banned twice for hitting a horse so many times over the limit, to do it within 60 days shows is stupidity of the highest order. The rules do need to be looked at (Will Kennendy's ban being the case-in-point) and they are to be discussed at the BHA on Friday.

But when jockeys, aware of the penalities, blatently ignore them and then cry foul you can't just blame the BHA and accept no responsibility yourself.

Three things that worry me most are using a toilet when the previous occupant comes out without a newspaper, when somebody phones and says "You don't rememeber me, do you?" And when another agent calls and states I have a winner for you.

In the 14 years I have been an agent I can honestly say I have never been 'placed' on a winner. I remember one got overtaken by the ambulance, another turned the lights out and one has still to finish.

It's strange then that there has never been a call saying there is a spare ride going on a wife or girlfriend. Not that Kieren would.........Ok, please don't make up your own answers.

A request from Sarah Oliver, president of the Amateur Jockeys' Association, for Kieren to donate some signed breeches for a charity event, reminded me of an incident a few years ago

Frankie Dettori and Jason Weaver came to run in a charity race at Walthamstow Greyhound stadium for a meeting in aid of the Injured Jockeys' Fund. Lorna Vincent, myself and a local journalist were also taking part.

Lorna, one of the first lady riders to break through, was quite a curvy lady. Her pre-race routine was to drink a pint of cider and eat a plate of fish and chips.

Lorna had a 100 yard start over me and the journo with another 50 back to the two jockeys. The idea was that Lorna, decked out in a borrowed yellow tracksuit that made her look like an inflatable banana, was to slow down on the run in and to make it a virtual dead- heat.

In reality, she went sprinting off, to which Weaver said "Fuck me, she's keen," but on the run-in her tracksuit started to slip down, ended up round her ankles and she fell flat on her face yards after the line.

It transpired afterwards that the fox, who lived in the water features in the middle of the track, had obvious spied what he thought was dinner and started to chase her. Lorna had feared she was going to get bitten.

Btw following on from the piece on Darren Owen yesterday about being placed on the commentators' probation list, the Welsh wizard pointed out another reason could be that he is also fat. Happy to put the record straight Darren.

Raw deal for commentator, Celebrity who is twitter gold, arrested for armed robbery!!..... Blog is now available..................................................................

Apparently when puplils now go to the schools' career officier the job most 16-year-olds want to do is not become an Astronaut, a football player or even a layabout but a horse race commentator.

Such is the demand for this well paid gig, the number of people applying from within the industry is growing enormously each year. As a consequence some of the 'old guard' have to be moved on - similar to moving your grandad into a nursing home to make way for a new three piece suite.

The news that Derek Thompson (no comment needed) and Jim McGrath (good voice, eyes have gone) have been put on probation (similar to a lamb being told don't worry about losing your coat)is no surprise but the inclusion of Darren Owen is.

All I can imagine is that the panel have decided the reason is that Owen is either too short or the fact he is Welsh. It certainly can't be because of his commentaries, though lacking the sexiness of a John Hunt, are accurate and delivered in a perfect pitch.

Instead, viewers of ATR (Racing UK won't have him) will have to put up with the inane ramblings of Matt Chapman. Seriously? It's like comparing a Ferrari with a Skoda.

Twitter has become the best vehicle for transporting news. I never really embraced Facebook, but Twitter is perfect for relaying messages about Kieren without having to ring ten different outlets.

Racing is dependent on Celebrites getting involved and promoting the sport and when you get one that also causes a stir even better. Joey Barton has a number of horses in training, mainly with Peter Chapple-Hyam.

But it's his spats on Twitter that has made the QPR captain a legend in the social networking world. He had a very public set-to with the cast of The Only Way is Essex.

His quote to one female member who castigated him of "Are you the Hippo, the prostitute or the corpse?" made the front page of the tabloids. Legendary. Yesterday, Barton, who has over a million followers, was at it again.

He moaned vigoriously because PARIS HILTON had decided to follow him. I won't repeat what he said here but give him a follow on@Joey7Barton. You won't be disapppointed.

I have to finish this blog by saying yesterday I was arrested as a suspected armed robber. Two police cars surrounded my car in Harlow and four armed police pointed machine guns at me. All very scary.

Having been asked if I had any offensive weapons in my car which, apart from my mouth, was only a copy of The Sun. I was taken to the police station and held for two hours.

On release I was told the real suspect had been caught. A 5ft 4" Chinaman with long black hair. I kid you not.

Praise for Clerk of Course, a presenter for the future, a 'dark horse' for the Oaks... Blog now available.............................

Clerk of the courses attract plenty of criticism (a job on par with being a traffic warden and a tax inspector in terms of pleasing people) but Neil McKenzie Ross deserves hearty congratulations for his patience.

McKenzie Ross, clerk at Folkestone, called four inspections before deeming, just an hour before the time of the first race, the Kent track was fit to start. A brave call considering the amount of derision he would have been bombarded with if the ground was unfit.

There were only seven non-runners and not one complaint from trainers, who can throw tantrums which would humiliate young children. McKenzie Ross is undoubtedly one of the best in the sport.

Invariably, the first question I’m asked when it’s known that I work with Kieren is ‘what is he like’? I have to say, which will surprise many, he is delightful. Kieren’s problems have been well documented, he can be unpredictable and he still attracts Chinese Whispers.

His work ethic, though, is incredible but obviously with his 47th birthday looming, he can’t be riding 900 plus horses every year as was the case last season. The Championship just eluded him but the quality and desire is still there.

I have worked with the likes of Jason Weaver, Gary Stevens, Kevin Darley, Eddie Ahern and even the mercurial Paul Carberry, and I have to say Kieren has been the easiest to deal with. He never interferes and any mistakes are purely down to me.

My only regret is that I never got him five years ago. In my opinion he is, along with Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and Steve Cauthen, one of the best four flat jockeys the sport has seen.

There are plenty of avenues to listen and watch horse racing in this technological age. ATR and Racing UK for pictures and numerous radio stations for audio.

Without a doubt, for me, the best one is Timeform Radio. Now before I’m accused of being biased (I work for the station) anybody that knows me will recognise that is not my style. I say it as I see it.

Like plenty out there I have my opinions on those that I rate and those who shouldn’t be let anywhere near a microphone. What I do know is that my colleague Alan Dudman should be on either of the satellite channels.

There isn’t a presenter that puts in as much preparation, he’s confident and knows how to conduct an interview. His major failing, unlike a lot of his contemporaries, is that he lacks one essential quality – pushiness. He’s on Timeform Radio on Wednesday (www.radio.betfair.com).

I had my first ante-post bet on the flat this year when backing The Fugue at 33-1 with Hills for the Oaks. John Gosden’s daughter of Dansili created a huge impression when landing her maiden at the backend of the season at Newmarket.

The victory was a pleasant surprise for the Newmarket handler and The Fugue certainly looked like the race was needed. Natural improvement should see her develop into a Group performer and she bred to stay 1m 4f.