Mr Jim McGrath
@McGracing
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Jim McGrath- Racing pundit. Stupid enough/lucky enough to be an owner/breeder too!
Huddersfield-West Yorkshire
Joined February 2011
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Forty years ago today, appeared on ITV Racing for the first time. Worked with John Oaksey paddock side at York. Condessa (Jim Bolger) floored Fairy Footsteps in the Musidora, Walter Osborne (Mick Easterby) won the David Dixon Sprint. Tempus fugit, what a lucky boy I’ve been.
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Needless to say, “don’t try this one at home”- its the sporting skill equivalent of Phil Mickelson’s flop shot. Guess the rider?
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46 years ago today, took 3 buses from Mansfield to Halifax for an interview (to put glue on pieces of reinforced paper). Undertook a racing exam (70%👎🏾).Thanks to another wannabe saying NO to £80 a month, gotta chance- what a lucky boy. Count your blessings. Thanks Timeform👏
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Just been for my Covid jab at the John Smith’s Stadium. Have to say it’s the happiest I’ve felt in the place for circa 3 years! Splendidly organised, from arriving to exiting-well done NHS. I was even asked if I really was over 65. Know you don’t believe me....but it’s true!
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Back up north. Unwinding slowly.To many bods for tweeting kind words, thanks but I'm not sad- I've been absolutely blessed- I mean it!
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Yesterday’s decision re Jason Watson should be worrying for anyone working in our industry as a “horseman”. An experienced rider is seemingly not allowed to use common sense when an incident at the start has clearly compromised all reasonable chance. He MUST fulfil a criteria?
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Wrong of me to pretend I knew Rebecca Bastiman well but I can’t forget the morning spent with her+ family prior to Borderlescott winning a second Nunthorpe. She was a lovely young woman, understated yet immersed in all aspects of racing. Really sorry to learn of her passing. RIP
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The very best of luck to
@dickyjohnson77
in everything he does from hereon in. A fantastic jockey, who has enjoyed a phenomenal career, an absolute gentleman and, day in day out, a credit to our sport.
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The stewards have “noted” the explanation from Langer Dan’s connections re today’s improved form, compared to its last run on Jan 1. LD was “suited by a return to Cheltenham”, having previously finished second last at…..Cheltenham. 😳🤔🤷🏻♂️
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40 years ago Luca Cumani won the November Handicap at Doncaster with Eastern Spring (Michael Wigham). Today, he saddles his final turf runner in Britain, Pacharana. Very best wishes for the future to him and his lovely wife Sara.
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Six years ago today we lost one of the best- Sharron Murgatroyd, a talented, feisty, determined woman who defied the odds for years. We still miss her- thoughts with her family. As she herself would say “keep kicking, jump jockeys don’t cry”.
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Of the umpteen “what’s apps” received lately this one stands out to me. A bit of fun, hope you agree. I live 8 miles from the “venue” which is in turn a jog from the M62, the motorway highest above sea level in UK. Even on a stonking day, it’s a tad breezy. Bravo this lady!
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Of the 15 horses who finished this year’s GN 13 were trained in Ireland!
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Boxing Day nostalgia. 40 years ago today, winners included, Desert Orchid, Wayward Lad, Dawn Run, The Tsarevich (all Kemp) and Badsworth Boy (Wetho). 24 hrs later Burrough Hill Lad won the Welsh Nat. Happy days.
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So far, the racing has been great. Like Hollie Doyle on the Flat, Rachael Blackmore is a huge credit to the sport itself. Charming, yet down to earth and modest and, wow, can she ride. Lovely result.
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JP McEnroe reminds me hugely of J Francome. Both have an amazing ability to communicate sports at which they both excelled to the masses with a captivating, edgy insight.
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RIP WRS. Can't believe he's passed away. Dear colleague, previously a sublime jockey. Thoughts with his lovely family.
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King George day- thus 40 years since I was first allowed loose in front of camera (having done co commentary with John Oaksey at York). Tucked away for ITV World of Sport at Beverley, whilst most racing fans were (doubtless) following Shergar at Ascot on BBC. Little acorns eh!
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Today, many racing bods were Aintree bound. Day 1 my favourite of the three. Lucky enough to have attended for the last 45 seasons. It used to be Topham day- 40 yrs since Uncle Bing (Francs), 30 since Won’t Be Gone Long (1 of 5 for NJH) and 25 since Dublin Flyer (BP). Happy mems!
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Desert Orchid, everyone’s favourite racehorse, took his first “bigee”36 years ago this weekend, the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown. Two months later, he started favourite for the Champion Hurdle won by Dawn Run. An immense horse- his ups and downs made a huge impact on our sport.
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Just caught up with “Finding Jack Charlton” Watch/think. How life evolves...whoever. Engaging, funny, joyous, poignant. IMO a brave (on the part of his family) and touching appreciation of a man who maximised his time and was loved by many.
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Congratulations Mark Johnston. 4000 uk winners. 30 action-packed years- innovation, dedication, determination, rejuvenated Middleham.
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Just reminiscing with JF about our Chester C4 commentary days together. If the weather was fine, he'd be like a little boy on Xmas morn, face beaming, ice cream in hand and, from our position on the roof, taking in all the sights/scenes from the champagne bar below. Happy times!
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Jim Bolger, top-class trainer: extraordinary man. Congratulations and here’s to many more👏👍
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Huge congratulations to Paul Hanagan on reaching 2000 winners. A fine rider, a consummate professional and a gent to boot. Very lucky that a small handful of his milestone were gained wearing my colours. Keep kicking Paul.
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What a tough, genuine filly Magical is. Today she became the first of her sex since those great mares Triptych and Indian Skimmer to win both the English and Irish Champion Stakes in the same season.
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Precisely fifty years ago this Friday, Liam Ward rode four winners for Vincent O’Brien at the Curragh. The first of those....none other than Nijinsky, making his racecourse debut, who landed the Erne Maiden over 6f. The rest, as they say...
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Been going to Malton for years. Never realised until recently that it’s also one of the best places to go for a decent, bracing walk (circa 6 miles). A view from the Yorkshire Wolds above Settrington- gorgeous.
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Very sorry to learn that Mary Reveley has passed away. Lovely lady, fine trainer. RIP Canny Granny.
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Halfway to Prestbury Park. Some 6 hours to the roar that signals the Festival is up and running. As ever, anticipation is high- so a steady hand needed on the punting tiller (whatever that means😳). Trackside/sofa bound, enjoy and here’s to a safe week for all horses and riders.
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Sad to learn that Dickie Davies has passed away. Worked with him many times on World of Sport in the early ‘eighties. A fine broadcaster and a gent too. RIP
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@bpowell13
How insulting is this? Maybe next year those responsible for this one will leave out the horse! If those running and partaking in the sport are so ashamed advertising is reduced to this they shouldn’t be in it.
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Weds marks 50th renewal of Juddmonte International, which began as the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup, when Roberto slammed Brigadier Gerard in ‘72. Since then its continued as a vital clash between the generations. Sea The Stars + Frankel stand out on an illustrious roll of honour.
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Viva Cyrname- after that appalling fall at Ascot last Feb I thought we might have seen the best of him. Hats off to
@PFNicholls
and his team for priming him- he looked superb in the paddock, jumped brilliantly and left the impression he really enjoyed his job. Great to see.
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On this weekend 29 years ago, Twin Oaks, trained by Gordon Richards, won the Peter Marsh Chase, one of 8 chase successes he recorded around Haydock. He was a fine jumper and a strong stayer.
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Fantastic effort by Jim Crowley, champion jockey elect. Talented, hard-working, composed, articulate, a gent. A credit to a great sport.
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@BHAPressOffice
@nickluck
@RCAShowcase
@PJAOfficial
@RacingTV
@PAracing
@RacingPost
@AtTheRaces
@NARSnewsinfo
@TheTBA_GB
@RacehorseOwners
Our sport has earned this responsibility to continue. So many bods involved in keeping our show on the road over the last 9+ months, with many varied protocols largely splendidly adhered to/respected by all involved. Keep kicking.
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To try to understand why many are disillusioned with BHA re horses/racing watch ITV’s Jump Girls. Love/commitment/understanding. NOT a marketing/pr course- a 24/7, 365 dedication, superbly and sensitively portrayed, despite inevitable tragedy- complete opposite of BHA approach.
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Yesterday’s walk, Kynance Cove, on The Lizard Peninsula. A glorious day and the most invigorating three- hour stroll. Recharging the batteries for a really competitive weekend of racing.
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20 yrs ago today, the late Giant’s Causeway won the Sussex Stakes at GG, beating Dansili. First or second in all 13 starts, winning 6 Group 1’s, also notably tough and genuine, he developed into a fine sire too.
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How the years fly by. Hard to believe that it’s 20 yrs ago today Papillon gave the Walsh family the racing day of their lives in the Grand National at Aintree.
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AR is such a dosser. RM whizzed him around the inner and from the moment he hit the front all the horse did was prick his ears. No question, he has tip top ability. It’s almost certain we haven’t seen absolutely all he can do.
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Two sleeps= Derby day at unique, idiosyncratic Epsom. The most demanding examination of our classic colts. No year is ever the same, not every winner is “great” nonetheless its the ultimate “sifter”. Epsom= stamina/speed, balance/temperament. The rare ones have ‘em all. 🐎
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Ilkley Moor yesterday lunchtime. If Lockdown has given me anything, its the amazing variety of walking opportunities available in God’s own county. From Hudds eastwards, we’re so lucky
#freshairandfun
!
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The Sussex Stakes, just what we expected, closely matched top- class horses in a pace tear-up. Almost inevitably in such situations at GG, not every horse enjoyed the perfect passage. Cue paralysis by analysis😳. IMO, best horse on the day won.
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You’ve gotta larf. No racing, let’s get ready for the panto season!
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So lucky to work at Chepstow with
@skysportsAlexH
this afternoon. Good card with some interesting performances. Well done to
@libbyclerk
and team for presenting the course so well after the rigours endured in the build up. Congratulations to all connected to Secret Reprieve 👍✈️
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Hats off for Coth Cap, impressive winner of bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso for Trevor Hemmings
@JonjoONeill
and
@tommyscu
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What an excellent duo messirs O'Brien and Blake on attheraces are. Sound knowledge and real engagement with Irish Racing.
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Tomorrow it’s 50 years to the day since Nijinsky completed his triple crown, in the process winning the first Saturday St Leger. Previously, the meeting ran Tues thru Fri with the Leger on Weds.
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Congratulations to
@JonjoONeill
and team Jackdaws. Sky Pirate, a British-based winner......er trained by an Irishman! Well done all- it’s been some St Patrick’s day ☘️
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Seems weird not to be near Epsom, first Derby I’m missing since 1980. Despite its later date, inevitably today’s contenders face the usual questions, track, ground, stamina, draw, etc. Oh for punting “gimmes” like Shergar, Slip Anchor and Authorized. Here’s to a great race.
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What a smasher A Plus Tard is. Close coupled and no more than medium sized, he’s unlikely to ever stand out in a race-day paddock. However, he races and jumps as though he loves life and, in a contest that sort of fell apart around him, absolutely bolted up. Well done team HB.
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How fitting that the Queen has agreed to unveil a life-size bronze by ace sculptor Willie Newton of Lester Piggott at Epsom today, 62 years on since he won the Oaks for her on Carrozza, giving him the first of 6 Oaks victories.
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This weekend marks 40 years since Wetherby ran the first Charlie Hall Chase (formerly Emblem Chase) in memory of the former Tadcaster training legend, who saddled nearly 600 winners, the first of those....at Wetherby of course! Really looking forward to seeing Thistlecrack again.
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Would love to know what BHA admin error denying
@oismurphy
is. I mean, think about it. He’s ridden here for years, so presumably they have all relevant info. They suspended him, so have known dates for months. What can’t be completed inside 48 hours so he can ride on Sat? Weird!
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Largely, racing seems to have swung back into action in an acceptable, responsible manner. As a non exec at Newbury, had the chance to read through the significant detail that those at the sharp end on track have had to observe. Credit to all involved- thanks and keep kicking👍.
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1961,1971,1981,1991,2001,2011-three-year-old colt wins King George. So, tomorrow, it has to be....?
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Evidently it’s now “official” that some sports players take pay cuts in these unprecedented times. Hopefully MPs, recently awarded an above inflation pay rise, will publicly follow suit. Looking forward to Mr Hancock (et al) leading by example.
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Respect and hats off to Willie Mullins. Great day for him/his team. The same guy win or lose. Bounced back in some style today.
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What a humdinger of a race. Un de Sceaux got a peach from Ruby but Altior just had too much for him. Two fine horses, both with fantastic records.
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Wow, Roaring Lion is some tool now- how did he not win the Gns earlier on? He deserves full credit for pulling that race out of the fire. Great race.
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High above Marsden, looking across Butterley Reservoir. A splendid circular walk around this Yorkshire village. Rain, wind, sunshine: up hill, down dale, mud, shale, tarmac and puddles galore:something for everyone🤔! A smashing lung opener on NY’s day. All the very best.
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Three more winners for Joe Fanning. Tactically superb, splendidly consistent. Phlegmatic, jocked on, jocked off- he just keeps on trucking.
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A beautiful morning for a walk around Scammonden Reservoir before lunch and that inevitable slump in the sofa.
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I just signed the petition demanding Liz Truss is denied a resignation honours list. Will you sign too? via
@38degrees
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Some tremendous holiday racing over the last three days, with more still to enjoy. IMO, so far, Shishkin and Galopin des Champs have created the biggest impressions. Hard to remember when a horse fenced as flawlessly on debut as did the latter.
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Have to feel for Welsh Racing fans who usually support Chepstow on this day. 6 home- trained chasers in the big one. Looks a cracking renewal.
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Frustrating day on the punting front at Chelts. Winning start then gave it back. Coneygree’s brave front running effort in the long distance chase was a great example of why we love jumps racing. He got a warm round of applause afterwards too. The old boy ain’t done with yet!
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The slings and arrows of winter racing. 89 miles darn sarf and Chepstow’s pulled the plug (or not!). Hey ho, no lives lost. Back to base and get stuck into Leopardstown and Kempton....after a coffee! HGD
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Fantastic interview
@AP_McCoy
with Peter Thomas in today’s
@RacingPost
How lucky was racing to have a champion like him- a mindset largely unparalleled in any walk of life.
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Pinatubo now rated 134p by Timeform after yesterday’s display at the Curragh. A Timeform timefigure of 131 underlines that he’s an exceptional talent. Everything crossed he stays in one piece.
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Been enjoyable at Haydock this afternoon. Huge congratulations to Kirkland Tellwright and his team for the prodigious efforts made to ensure the card went ahead. In particular, this part of the world has endured severe weather this week. 👏
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39 years ago tomorrow Bregawn (J Francome) won the Great Yorks Chase, result not confirmed until after the last race, it being alleged he went the wrong side of a marker pole on the far side. With umpteen hoof prints close to the pole, Bregawn’s couldn’t be identified- phew!
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IMO the UK’s 2023/4 Jumps season sprang into life yesterday. Yes, we’ve already has some fine action, but IMO nothing that took the breath away in the way that Il Est Francais and Constitution Hill did. A giddy hour, worth the wait, and just why jumping can be so captivating.
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All the very best to Ted Durcan in whatever he chooses to do next. As a jockey, he was a gent to deal with, had fantastic hands and his feedback was as good any owner could wish for.
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Highfield Princess is such a poppet. Talk about genuine and consistent, turns up, struts her stuff and then it’s off to the next gig. Long may she stay this way. She has forelegs like some you’d find on antique tables but my word they can operate!
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@AP_McCoy
Unbelievable achievement, professionalism, skill, humility and integrity. What a champ you've been. Respect and every happiness.
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Pleasure to be at York to see Love win. Irrespective of the opposition, she’s a gorgeous filly with the most fantastic temperament.
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@roar1968
@JonjoONeill
THE standout day in my Racing life- and I backed the second! Was also at Chelts for Dessie, Danoli, Istabraq, etc, all standouts, but NOTHING touches the goose bumps Dawn Run’s Gold Cup induced. As for Jonjo- just the nicest, grounded legend anyone could wish to meet.
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Rome wasn't built in a day....but Roma were dismantled in a night!
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Throughout Frankie Dettori has been a racing soap opera of his own. Never mind the showbiz, what has made/makes him special- sublime talent!
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Very best wishes to Sammy Jo Bell. Fine rider and smashing young lady who eats, sleeps and breathes racing. Here's to a speedy recovery.
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Looking forward to seeing former colleague/great friend Johnny Francome at Newbury this Saturday. Will he be presenting a trophy again to Colin Tizzard- Kilbricken Storm bids to give the stable a fourth successive win in the John Francome Novices Chase.
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Most racecourse admission prices are based on the level of Racing on offer. As such, it’s time the authorities insisted that those who’ve paid to see horses IN the paddock actually GET the chance. At Epsom/RA several leading contenders barely did a circuit (AP’OB excepted 👏).
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Really enjoyable afternoon at Beverley, some 48 years after my first visit there😳! Nice 2-y-o double for
@RichardFahey
and similar swag for
@oismurphy
courtesy of two fine rides in the supporting races. Sunny, busy and a good atmosphere- it’s well-run by folk who love racing.
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Super read by Peter Thomas in today’s
@RacingPost
Fergal and Paddy. Smiled reading PB’s views on young jocks who don’t listen. In 2015 lucky enough to interview J Bolger. Touched on young riders who spent time with him. He had a list of those who didn’t listen- PB was joint top!
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35 years ago today, Slip Anchor ran away with the Lingfield Derby Trial, in the process recording a timefigure which screamed “Back me for t’Derby”. Oh for one like that again.....before too long🤞🏇🏻
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Great to see Pat Smullen chatting to Gary O'Brien on ATR earlier today. Hopefully he'll be back riding sooner rather than later. Exceptional professional.
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What a charming horse Pinatubo is. Possessed of a most equable temperaments, as per usual, he sauntered around the paddock before getting his job done soundly. Though no superlatives needed today, he nonetheless demonstrated that he can cope with soft ground.
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Been away for a couple of days + just caught up with
@LuckOnSunday
. Tremendous line up, even better chat. High time Miss Knight was fast-tracked onto BHA. Measured, thoughtful, experienced, successful. Surely a shoo in (even if she has to be dragged kicking and screaming)!
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As the reality of C19 strikes at umpteen business in the country our gorgeous (?🤔)BBC, reports that Racing has postponed its whip consultation! Shame on it. Studs/tracks under threat, trainers/jocks/journos poss going bust- NO. What a shower of you know what! Get real.
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Apart from being a fatter git, what has last 10 weeks given me? I like baking not cooking (cakes, mmm...casseroles🤔), how much I miss Yorkshire fish ‘n chips (I mean it), that I’m addicted to much of John Martyn’s music and that not going racing (after 40 yrs on t’road) bugs me!
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