Horse racing
The turf
Even when the authorities were refusing Milton Harris the right to renew his training licence after he got his finances…
The turf
Certain sections of the media love to run a knocking story and when champion trainer Paul Nicholls’s horses failed to…
The turf
There is nothing like visiting a stud early in the foaling season. As amiable mums-to-be saunter up to the paddock…
The turf
A joyful Saturday at Ascot recently reminded me that when the old Hurst Park Racecourse (near Hampton Court Palace) closed…
The turf
In the first such case for 20 years, former rider Freddy Tylicki, paralysed and wheelchair-bound since his mount Nellie Dean…
The turf
Ascot’s image is all champagne and fascinators, high society and high rollers. Said Art Buchwald: ‘Ascot is so exclusive that…
The turf
I know what Keats was on about with his mists and mellow fruitfulness, but autumn is less of a joy…
The turf
My best fun, through ten years reporting European politics for CNN, was bumping around the Continent with sparky young producers…
The turf
The emphasis may all be on speed horses these days, with breeders interested only in horses that struggle to get…
The turf
A Sandown Saturday proved the perfect send-off for 12 raceless days on the otherwise wonderful Isle of Mull. A Frankie…
The turf
At last proper racing is back. Through the long days of lockdown horses and jockeys have still given their all…
The turf
When only four horses were declared to contest this year’s Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park, there were the usual…
The turf
There are many facets to Royal Ascot’s appeal. For some it is glamour, style and opulence. For some it is…
The turf
We all know it takes courage to win races over jumps, along with athleticism, stamina and speed. But you need…
The turf
Humans are herd animals too. Jockeys, trainers, owners and those enjoying the few prized media attendance slots for racing behind…
Barometer
D of E awards A few of the late Duke of Edinburgh’s lesser-known titles and honours: — Royal Chief of the Order…
A strange and beautiful language
So wickets are out and outs are in for the new Hundred competition. But why? The language of sport is…
The turf
Thanks to Covid, there could be no spine-tingling roar at the Cheltenham Festival this year as the first race runners…
Cut the poor ref some slack
Rugby has enough problems — from baffling rule changes to concussion — without the referees muddying the pitch even more.…
The turf
With the Cheltenham Festival close, the quest for serious punting money intensifies. I had one potential contributor identified at Kempton…
The turf
Since coup conspirators nearly won £10 million from the bookies, the sport has divided into two camps. Some grinned and…
The turf
Dry January it wasn’t and I am not referring to the trainers who normally undergo an annual abstinence but who…
The turf
Doing good doesn’t always work out as expected. A regular entering his local pub takes pity on an old lady…
The turf
Greville Starkey’s great victories as a jockey included the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Star Appeal at 119-1. In…
The turf
Who owns Altior? I ask because of the brouhaha over Nicky Henderson’s late withdrawal of his stable star, winner of…
