Lee Mottershead
@leemottershead
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Racing Post senior writer. Extremely fond of food and theatre. Also extremely fond of racing.
Surrey
Joined October 2010
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A wonderful partnership, almost certainly together on a racecourse for the last time.
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I really dislike grooms being denied the chance to lead in winners. At Epsom today I was stood by John Gosden, who was shouting to groom Taufique Alam: "Lead her in, Taufique, lead her in." When it was obvious that couldn't happen he waited and walked in with Taufique. A top man.
Seen a lot of comment about the groom after the Oaks - here's what you might not have seen afterwards. Worth a look. Good touch from the Gosdens, all considered - thoughts in right place.
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Everyone in the racing press room adores John Hunt. You could not possibly meet a finer, kinder person.
He has all our love.
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In your wildest, worst dreams, could you conceive of Willie Mullins doing that?
Or Paul Nicholls?
Or Nicky Henderson?
The best way to begin restoring battered public confidence in racing and racing people surely must be for swift and meaningful action to be taken.
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In 67 years of BBC Sports Personality of the Year,
@HollieDoyle1
is only the third racing figure to finish in the top three, joining
@AP_McCoy
and
@FrankieDettori
That’s a marvellous achievement.
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They cheer her back just as though she had won, Frankie acknowledges them in gratitude and then kisses her on the neck.
Enable didn’t win but she got the reception a champion deserves
@paris_longchamp
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At exactly 8am on Japan Cup day the first race was duly run at Tokyo Racecourse.
There were very many winners.
Some of these racegoers had been queuing for over a week.
There are no racing fans like Japanese racing fans.
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The word 'unbelievable' is horribly overused. Not this time. Edwulf collapsed at Cheltenham, went into a fit, was dragged off the course on a mat, took 70 minutes to get into an ambulance and then appeared to be suffering from blindness. Now look at him.
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Sir Erec looked such a lovely, gentle soul as he stood perfectly still, his handsome head gazing all around, while the farrier attended to him before the Triumph. A desperately sad start to the day.
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Last Sunday evening we had to say goodbye to Rigby (pictured here on the left), just 17 days after losing his brother Crumble.
They were 18 years old, treated us like staff and were the great joy of our lives.
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Just before this year’s Grand National I spent an hour on the phone with Trevor Hemmings.
He was an 85-year-old man in his office, still working and loving life. During that hour he was fascinating, funny and also rather inspiring.
Sincere condolences to all his loved ones.
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John McCririck was a man who was all the better for knowing. Once you did know him it was easy to like him - and I liked him very much indeed.
This obituary seeks to do him justice.
Much love to Jenny. x
John McCririck: He knew his audience, knew what they wanted and knew how to give it to them
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When Soumillon was fined £52,000 for his whip use at Ascot in 2011 he said he was “very embarrassed for English racing”. If he’s not embarrassed after that horrible display on Thunder Snow he has little shame. It’s so dispiriting to see a top European jockey behave like that.
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I wrote this on Sunday and it rings ever more true now.
Life may not suddenly become easier for Bryony Frost - it seldom does for whistleblowers - but she is a supremely courageous credit to her sport and deserving of its gratitude.
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A really wonderful day
@paris_longchamp
People were so thrilled for Sir Mark Prescott, nobody more so than the man who came within half a length of winning.
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Absolutely thrilled for
@oismurphy
, who has so often this year expressed his love of Japan and Japanese racing.
It was a joy to experience the Japan Cup for the first time and all the more enjoyable to see Oisin win.
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I bought the first edition in 1986 and have been proud to be a team member since 1996. I adore
@RacingPost
but I adore the people I’m fortunate to work with even more.
Please stay with us on the website and app until the newspaper returns to report on the sport we all love.
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Racing could not have had a better ambassador than
@dickyjohnson77
, nor could young jockeys have had a finer role model.
Like most journalists, I've interviewed him on numerous occasions. Never once was he less than polite, friendly and helpful.
A true champion in every sense.
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To those who offered kind, supportive words yesterday, thank you.
To those who disagreed with the idea I put forward but did so in a reasoned, polite way, thanks as well. Debate is healthy.
I also think the festival's mares' chase is a good idea. (In for a penny, in for a pound.)
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Gutted for the Moores.
Everyone is gutted for the Moores.
That tells you everything you need to know about the family.
These pictures do at least show they are lucky to be taking home Goshen.
A freak accident stops a fabulous horse sealing a freak performance.
Before any more crucify the jockey, watch this clip. Horse clearly got near hind stick between his near fore and pastern as he landed. Desperately unlucky.
#Goshen
@CheltenhamRaces
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In December
@itvracing
will add to its contracted days with the Friday of the big Sandown/Ascot meetings, Peterborough Chase Sunday (inc Exeter, Punchestown and Cork) plus the final two days of the Leopardstown Christmas festival. At a tough time for the sport that's great news.
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The weather has suddenly taken a dramatic turn for the worse
@CheltenhamRaces
Almost certainly time to leave for the day.
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Our bookmakers are big but want to be bigger in Australia, where they have to adhere to minimum bet rules, cannot close honest winning accounts and must pay more to racing.
If they can do it there, they can do it here
My latest
@RacingPost
members' column
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In a pretty unspectacular Flat season one of the true stars has been a lovely, charismatic horse, rated more than 60lb below the world’s best, who wins normal races. He makes us smile, not least because he represents good people. Long may
@Roy__Rocket
reign.
Brighton specialist Roy Rocket registered his ninth course win today. Here's the legend at home
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Two hours sat with
@k_woollacott
resulted in this
@RacingPost
interview. Kayley's honesty and bravery in talking about the loss of her husband, Richard, is remarkable. Read their story and you can be surely certain silence is no cure for mental illness.
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@claimsfive
The Guardian may want to do less on racing but nobody outside The Guardian will want you doing less on racing, Chris.
You’re a brilliant journalist and The Guardian is poorer without you.
Sincere best wishes.
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Impressive running commentary today from the Constitution Hill camp. This sort of detailed, rapid updating of news for the sport’s fans and punters should be applauded.
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We must deserve and demand better than football fans who boo the German national anthem. It might be a minority but still more than enough to be heard. Embarrassing.
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Desperate news from
@NewburyRacing
, where The Conditional has been put down after suffering a fractured hind leg.
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With
@haydockraces
now saying it's inevitable the 32Red Sprint Cup will be run on heavy ground, the connections of Bristol De Mai must be gutted they didn't make a supplementary entry.
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Having watched and been overwhelmed by the magnificent It’s A Sin, it is sobering and depressing to think that in many countries to be like me is still deemed to be a sin deserving of the most appalling punishments.
#ItsASin
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Vauban leads Absurde up the
@FlemingtonVRC
home straight as Willie Mullins’ two Melbourne Cup hopefuls get their first experience of the track.
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When you think we're only a week away from the Grand National meeting and Constitution Hill runs on Thursday, Nicky Henderson really does deserve huge praise for opening Seven Barrows to so many of the sport's fans today.
Wow!! A remarkable amount of people waiting patiently to see Constitution Hill parade at
@sevenbarrows
@racingpost
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One of many questions that need asking post-Panorama: given the importance of aftercare, why does a yard with the size, scale and financial clout of Gordon Elliott's need/want to negate responsibility to a 'dealer' for any horse after racing, let alone one who is injured or lame?
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Sunday morning
@CheltenhamRaces
. It’s a bit chilly, the sky is a little grey and there are a few tiny spots of rain in the air. None of that matters. It’s wonderful to be here.
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Remarkable how quickly an event that had national recognition can disappear from the public consciousness. The Hickstead Derby, once guaranteed a home on the BBC and then Sky, took place this afternoon with live coverage available only on an online platform called clipmyhorse.
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When the Masar news broke yesterday I rang Charlie Appleby at 5.45pm to get some quotes. As well as explaining the situation he more than once apologised for the inconvenience this would cause. He really does impress as a very decent man indeed.
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One day into a fortnight in quarantine. When not working I’ll likely be cooking - and increasing in size.
Today, a first effort at Belgian buns, full of cinnamon and raisins.
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One of the many great things about a big-race win for Bryony Frost is you know there will be a Bryony Frost interview. She’s brilliant for the sport.
"He's trained to perfection. This horse is worth his weight in gold!"
Congratulations to Bryony Frost and Present Man for back-to-back Badger Ales!
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It was a heck of a long way to come to watch a horse but so very worth it. No matter what the rating or the ranking Winx is an extraordinary racehorse and one of the sport’s all-time greats. What she did today will live long in many memories.
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Delighted to see
@dickyjohnson77
recognised with an OBE in the New Year Honours. There couldn’t be a finer role model for young jockeys or a better ambassador for his sport. He also says an instant yes to an awful lot of interview requests from folk like me, which is extra nice.
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It has been an absolute joy to watch and write about Native River. His Gold Cup was one of the most absorbing, uplifting contests I’ve ever witnessed. The race is all the better for having his name on its honour roll.
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They lived next door to each other, raced against each other and were both wonderful. Kauto and Denman brought us joy and made the sport immeasurably better. Now both gone but legends forever. Condolences to
@PFNicholls
and all associated with The Tank.
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What a great outcome.
A racehorse owner who knows the area but wanted to remain anonymous donated £50k to
@ParkLaneStables
Hats off to that incredibly kind person,
@nickluck
for all his hard work and the clearly very influential team
@BBCBreakfast
“We had nothing, I can’t believe we made it”
Park Lane Stables manger Nat O’Rourke tells
#BBCBreakfast
she's 'overwhelmed' they've reached their fundraising target.
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If
@LeglockLuke
had any doubt about how much admiration and affection there is for him among his press/media colleagues and racing professionals, he got the answer with a standing ovation at the
@HorseraceMedia
awards. A top man and a top broadcaster.
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He literally waved goodbye to his riding career. An amazing evening
@punchestownrace
and how wonderful that Ruby Walsh bowed out on his own terms and in his own way, surrounded by love and admiration. I think my favourite image was Ted’s face, painted with pride and joy.
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The lack of even an attempt at an explanation from those involved, and from the stewards, is regrettable. Mostly, though, I feel for Paul Townend. We all have brain fades but his has led to public humiliation. He’ll need support over the coming days and I hope he gets it.
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So pleased Gumball has walked away after his fall. For almost all that race he was an absolute joy to watch.
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This is by a massive margin the biggest ‘racing’ audience in the last 12 months.
To put into context, 1.75m watched the 2019 Derby on ITV, 1.44m saw this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and Enable’s bid for Arc history won 940,000 viewers.
The power of the Grand National remains huge.
Yesterday's Virtual Grand National, shown live on ITV, was watched by 4.8 million at peak - 30 per cent of the overall TV audience
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I recently wrote a
@RacingPost
feature on owners leaving trainers. Luca Cumani spoke openly about losing the Aga Khan and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid horses. He said he made no redundancies. “We just rode it out. It’s not the fault of the staff. I wouldn’t want to take it out on them.”
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With broken hearts, we said goodbye to one of our two wonderful old ginger brothers on Thursday evening.
Crumble was full of character, extraordinarily lazy and brought us an abundance of joy.
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An inspired decision by
@DoncasterRaces
and
@WilliamHill
to have this beauty as a side attraction. Took me back to childhood trips to Blackpool. I took part in three races today, finishing second twice then sixth. I should now be nicely handicapped.
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Great scenes and cries of “Bravo!” here
@paris_longchamp
as Jessica Marcialis returns to the winner’s circle after becoming the first female jockey to win a Group 1 race in France.
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The Japan Racing Association spends a lot of money on marketing and the money isn’t always spent in conventional ways.
This robot horse cost more than many Group 1 winners and certainly caused a stir at Shinjuku Station.
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I don't share much politically with Theresa May but I don't doubt she tried with sincerity to do what she believed best for the country. Conversely, I doubt many of those schemers now trying to take her job have a sincere bone in their bodies. Today's Tory party is a disgrace.
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Our two lovely ginger brothers today turned 17 (84 in human years).
One of their current demands is to have a washing-up bowl filled with fresh water left on the bathroom floor.
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On the eve of Arc weekend the weather in Paris is appalling. It has rained continually for hours but now it’s absolutely tipping down.
On a more positive note, the chocolate-coated cream meringues at
@AuxMervDeFred
are marvellous.
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I’ve now worked for
@RacingPost
for just over 25 years.
In all that time this is one of the best things we’ve ever done.
Free with today’s newspaper and digitally via the Members’ Club.
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About to head home after another marvellous Spring Carnival trip to Melbourne.
Anyone considering a trip here will find it doesn’t disappoint. Melbourne is a fabulous city. To be here at this time of year is a joy.
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Those who welcome a £2 max FOBT stake and those who do not should at least be able to unite in applauding a politician who stands up for what she fought and honourably resigns on a matter of principle. Well done Tracey Crouch.
It is with great sadness I have resigned from one of the best jobs in Government. Thank you so much for all the very kind messages of support I have received throughout the day. Politicians come and go but principles stay with us forever.
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“Frankie! Frankie! Frankie!”
Just as on Saturday, Japan’s racing fans show their love for
@FrankieDettori
after his win in the opening race on Japan Cup day.
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As someone who adores radio it has been an absolute pleasure to listen to
@CorneliusRacing
on the BBC for nearly three decades.
Racing owes him a debt of thanks for all he has done to keep the sport connected to the national broadcaster.
He leaves with his audience wanting more.
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On his final day as
@RacingPost
editor, best wishes and thanks to
@brucemillington
. As a writer I could not have had a better boss, someone who nurtured my career and gave me countless opportunities. More importantly, when life became difficult, he was hugely kind and supportive.
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No hint of an apology.
Implies it’s all the fault of BHA stewards.
Ends with a “there’s no point complaining” message to paying customers.
The latest example of a racecourse getting it badly wrong at a time when attendances are plummeting.
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To say Nick Rust isn’t qualified to be BHA chief exec, or Australians are not suitable for jobs in British racing governance, is as stupid as saying someone would not be qualified to train racehorses having once been a schoolmistress, footballer or born into considerable wealth.
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I’m hugely grateful to
@LeonnaMayor
for being so open and honest in telling me her incredible life story in this
@RacingPost
members’ interview, also in tomorrow’s newspaper.
Read it and I think you’ll be full of admiration for her.
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Patrick Mullins has been talking to
@punchestownrace
hospitality guests about Al Boum Photo-gate and revealed Willie Mullins' staff were keen to help Paul Townend at the yard this morning by shouting out, "turn left" and "turn right" at appropriate intervals.
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The BHA has done absolutely the right thing to follow the government’s lead regarding a racing resumption - but how sad we have to follow the lead of a government so full of spineless, supine, hypocritical, unprincipled individuals
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I was stood to the side as this took place. Like Lydia, I wanted to hug
@philip_rothwell
. Well done to him for both the win and a beautiful interview, handled perfectly by
@LydiaHislop
🗣 "This is special. I didn't think it would take 1️⃣5️⃣ to get back here."
An emotional Philip Rothwell won the Cross Country Chase at
@CheltenhamRaces
1️⃣5️⃣ years ago & he reflects on a special win with Mc Alpine
🗣 "I'd hug you if I could."
@LydiaHislop
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Ian Bartlett spot on in describing Tiger Roll as "one of the Cheltenham Festival immortals".
A wonderful, wonderful racehorse.
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The scene
@EpsomRacecourse
this Monday morning.
The track’s first meeting of the season takes place in eight days’ time.
Imminent watering here unlikely.
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They’re literally queuing out the door as fans await the noon opening of the gates
@CheltenhamRaces
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The final day of Royal Ascot was live on NBC in America - not its sport network but the main channel - from 9am to 1pm. That’s a colossal achievement for
@Ascot
. The Queen Alexandra was shown live on major mainstream TV in the States. That is amazing bordering on the weird.
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"He's an absolute master of his craft...In about ten years time he might stop improving." Lovely stuff from Aidan on Seamie
#BC16
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Tattenham Corner
@EpsomRacecourse
late this afternoon, no doubt looking very much as it did in 1964 when Santa Claus won the Derby.
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These are horribly difficult times, and while this little tweet won’t provide any help with regards the Brexit nightmare and the embarrassing shambles that is British politics right now, here’s one of my cats deciding to have a kip in the tumble dryer.
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It's probably now two decades since the Breeders' Cup was last broadcast on British mainstream television by Channel 4 - and it was certainly never covered live in its entirety.
Tremendous news for racing fans.
We're delighted to announce we'll broadcast all FOURTEEN races from the Breeders' Cup
For More:
Watch LIVE
📺
@ITV
📱
#ITVRacing
#RoyalAscot
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Walking through Melbourne this morning and yesterday I’ve heard numerous passers-by talking about a horse and a race. I’ve never experienced anything like that in the same way before. For someone passionate about the sport, and a huge fan of Winx, that’s a tremendous thrill.
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A lesson in how to respond to bad news. The dignity and class displayed by
@DougieCostello
here is seriously impressive.
Dougie Costello: huge disappointment to lose Quiet Reflection ride>
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Thanks once again for all the kind words and good wishes.
I’m enormously fortunate to write about a sport I adore and today really meant a lot.
It’s a privilege to work alongside
@RacingPost
colleagues as brilliant as
@edward_whitaker
@patrickmccannrp
and
@JonHardingRP
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Less than 24 hours after meeting Joe Biden in the Oval Office, the prime minister is
@DoncasterRaces
with Lady Starmer for the St Leger. That's quite a coup for the racecourse and the sport.
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I’ve just watched Saturday’s racing for the first time after a night away from home.
Paisley Park was magnificent but the memory now lodged in my head is that awful last sight of poor Midnight Shadow.
Jump racing can gladden the heart like nothing else but it breaks it as well.
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I don’t think a trainer has ever given me a better
@RacingPost
preview quote than this one supplied by the extremely honest
@EWilliamsRacing
about his
@CheltenhamRaces
Greatwood Hurdle runner Silver Streak. Backers beware!
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With prize-money a hot topic, what a fantastic effort from
@KelsoRacecourse
tomorrow. A total of £163,011 (including Grade 2/Listed races worth £60k and £50k) is up for grabs, more than Doncaster and Newbury and without recourse to the safety blanket of bookmaker sponsorship.
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For those Arc regulars suffering withdrawal symptoms, this will hopefully help - the journey so many would make on arriving
@paris_longchamp
, with the first sight of the elegant paddock and that wonderful home straight, racing’s own Champs-Élysées.
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People who don't get racing probably wonder why anyone would want to stand around a winner's enclosure in pouring rain and get happily soaked. The very good reason
@punchestownrace
on this occasion was Un De Sceaux.
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There was much enthusiasm within
@TheJockeyClub
for a fifth day at the Cheltenham Festival. The consultation feedback was far from positive but the organisation still deserves real credit for having listened to what people said and not ploughing on regardless. It's excellent news
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Getting a cat flap into our new kitchen door is proving to be a difficult task.
The latest attempt would suggest someone at the window company believes we either have tigers or cats adept at trampolining.
It made us smile. Daren’t show the geriatric gingers, though.
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When we moved to Ashtead early last year we began buying fruit and veg from Margaret, a lovely lady who lived in a small room at the back of the shop she had shared with the love of her life, Brian.
This notice was placed on the shop’s window earlier this week.
RIP Margaret.
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To mark the launch of Autism in Racing, enormous credit to its founder, broadcaster
@BobbyBeevers
, for speaking so openly about his own story and why he now believes racing can, should and will make a difference to the lives of others with autism.
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I’ve got very little interest in, or knowledge of, football, but, my word, I’m bowled over by the young men and the manager who represented England these last few weeks.
What a magnificent credit to their sport and, more importantly, their country.
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It's the end of an era today as the superb John Inverdale, one of our great sport broadcasters, signs off as the host of the
@bbc5live
@CheltenhamRaces
Festival coverage after 30 years anchoring the BBC Radio coverage. He deserves the fondest of fond farewells.
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Honeysuckle enjoys a bite of grass after a gentle bit of morning exercise
@CheltenhamRaces
under Colman Comerford.
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If I were the connections of Bristol De Mai I'd swerve Kempton, Cheltenham and Aintree and aim him at the 2019 Haydock Sprint Cup-Betfair Chase double.
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I can’t think of many top chasers who consistently finished their races with the power and relish of Altior.
A winning machine.
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