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When asked about “strength” in a jockey this is what Lester Piggott had to say. I wonder what he would make of all those jockeys who have adopted the style of bouncing up and down in the saddle which looks so awful.

Over the years everyone has kept telling me “if you don’t get value you’ll finish up in the poorhouse”. Value they define as a horse having longer odds than they should have. Fair enough, but the key word in that is “should” and what is that other than an opinion? By that token, “value” is just...

First big(ish) Saturday of the season at Cheltenham and guess what - the first four races were won by horses trained in Ireland. Did that cause a worried frown across the faces of the powers that be, or just another shrug of the shoulders as they turn and order another gin and tonic. How many...

Hi guys, been having a rough old time which a couple of weeks in Madeira has put right,so it’s good to be back in the fold. Missed some good racing yesterday, but there’s plenty to enjoy today and I might sprinkle a bit of ground bait around just to see what comes swimming along. I suppose you...

I’ve been off-piste for a while, but the jumpers are warming up and who could resist :) Harry Derham has had a great start and I think he will hit the high spots, although he might find it a bit more difficult this year as the handicapper gets to grips with his horses after their successes...

Wednesday 1:50 - Pocklington, in his first run after wind surgery, was drawn badly and raced in last for a lot of the way. Started moving just over a furlong out, finished like a rocket and would have been likely placed if he hadn’t been hampered in the process. Perhaps he suddenly realised...

Been under the weather, but the sun is beginning to break through, so a tentative foot back in the water.. Not been paying much attention, but I’m glad I watched Anna Swan on her debut. It was just a little Class4 novice stakes at Yarmouth on Thursday, but she strolled along to win very easily...

Some good racing today, but a lot of my notebook horses find themselves in opposition so I should really watch - expect I’ll be tempted, though. I’ll concentrate on the take outs from Royal Ascot. Aviation Time - 1:50 Ascot - can’t really understand why this one is 14/1. She was in my notebook...

Wathnan Racing You have to assume that when the Emir of Qatar splashed the cash a few months ago it was because he wants to compete and win at the very top level. I doubt he is that much interested in winning a Class5 at Catterick. You also have to assume his advisers knew what they were doing...

I’ve got a post-it note on my computer which says leave David O’Meara’s horse alone and beware if he has got one in a race where I’m involved. It’s there to remind me that he’s a trainer I find impossible to read (amongst many others :D ). Take yesterday at Doncaster, for instance. Riot wins...

BEDTIME STORY Saturday, Chesham WON Wow! As befits her dad this was a real Frankelesque performance and Aiden O’Brien must think he’s won the lottery with this one and Fairy Godmother under his roof. She looks seriously good. “We never let BEDTIME STORY go before. This was the first time she...

FAIRY GODMOTHER Friday, Albany WON Although the winners speak for themselves I have to mention this exceptional performance. She had been moved over to join the main group soon after the start and raced at the back. As the race moved into its final stages she had nothing but a wall of horses in...

Day 3: FRENCH DUKE Thursday, King George 6th You have to assume the new kids on the block had done their homework very well before they started splashing the cash (and what a splash) and they were probably expecting more from this one. I thought he actually ran a better race than his finishing...

I thought a thread for each day so one thread doesn’t become overloaded. Hope that suits and Desert is wrong about participation :). Here’s mine for day two: KASSAYA Wednesday, Queen Mary 12th She was a well supported favourite and raced fairly well up with the pace until a gate was shut in...

Whilst it’s fresh in our minds (although last Tuesday does seem far away) I thought it might be useful to record any who caught the eye for one reason or another. Mostly, the winners have already spoken, although there were some outstanding performances. Anyway first up is the opening day...

It’s been very thin gruel lately and so it is tomorrow. No tracker, so I should really just go and mow the lawn or something. Hang on, though, what about Live In The Dream - 1:50 Haydock? Ran a decent race in second to Kerdos when he wasn’t fully tuned up. Desert’s put him in the should be odds...

Bit strapped for time, today. Watchers and maybe bets: Running Lion 2:00 Epsom - only 7/4 but worth it if up to snuff. Didn’t like the “aftertiming “ Gosden comment that Emily Upjohn wasn’t really ready. Why can’t they tell you this beforehand? Will try to learn more about Running Lion before...

It’s been a turgid week of racing so far this week and we’ve had to wait until Friday to see some decent horses strut their stuff - couple of trackers out, too. Atherstone Warrior - 2:00 Epsom - ran a very nice fourth in the Brocklesbury and won next time at Thirsk only to disappoint last...

I’m really looking forward to the re-appearance of Matsuri tomorrow in the 3:05 at Leicester. He cost 700,000 guineas as a yearling and has only contested two quite strong novice 2yo events - one on heavy ground at Salisbury where came second, followed by an odds-on AW win at Kempton after...

I’ve got four trackers running today. Involvement 1:15 Haydock 13/2 atm from 11/1 last night. Handicap debut today, but he’s been shoved up two Classes which makes it difficult, he has a bit to find, I think, and is untested on the going. If that isn’t enough to put me off, I thought the...