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?