Grand National 2025

[Portsmouth]

Very sad ..........Celebre D'Allan died on Monday evening he deteriorated significantly and could not be saved.

[Onelife]

Very sad ..........Celebre D'Allan died on Monday evening he deteriorated significantly and could not be saved.

Just caught with this sad news…no one will be feeling the lose more than his stable lass/lad.

A sad day for racing fans on all levels.

[Onelife]

Postscript…
After undergoing a postmortem “Celebre d’ Allan” was found to have a chest infection…it couldn’t be determined if the horse had contracted the infection prior to the race. That being said, I think the ten-day ban for the Jockey was appropriate considering his experience.

The Jockey of “Nicks Rockett” (W P Mullins) was found to be in breach of the whip rule and received an eight-day ban for using it seven times, one above the permitted six.

[oldbluefox]

Personally and knowing little about horses or racing I would ban the whip. Get rid of the whip and place the emphasis on the jockey to pace the race and give the horse the best chance of winning with sufficient strength to gallop to the finishing line.

[Onelife]

Hi Foxy, there are many within and outside of racing that share that view, however my personal opinion is that they shouldn’t ban the whip for the reasons below…
Race horses are breed for a purpose which is to race…most racehorses spend less than two hours of actual racing during their lifetime…not a bad compromise for (in most cases) being extremely well cared for.

Horse’s as you know are herd animal and love to run with the herd, they will do this quite happily without the need to go faster until as in the case of racing they are encouraged to do so…some respond quite well to hands and heel rides but the majority need that little bit of extra encouragement…this is where the whip is used, not only to get them to break stride but also to keep them going straight.

The term “whip” conjures up many ghastly practises, but in reality, todays whips are like foam filled feather dusters… compared to what were once used. Others will disagree but in most cases the whip is a mere tool to create the fright n flight instinct and not as the animal rights fraternity would have you believe to cause pain.

I do recall a race commentator asking a jockey to use the whip on his hand to experience what it feels like…. on the third attempt the commentator ask the jockey to whip his hand as hard as he could…he responded “that didn’t hurt at all”

I think the British racing industry should be proud of all the safeguard introduced for the welfare of racing…the best in the world I believe.

If you want to see if whips hurt or not you could ask Stephen… you may not like it like it …but he certainly will.

[Portsmouth]

The Jockey of “Nicks Rockett” (W P Mullins) was found to be in breach of the whip rule and received an eight-day ban for using it seven times, one above the permitted six.

I believe it's 6 times for flat racing and 7 times for national hunt but I don't know why there is a difference.

I read somewhere some time ago that sometimes, if a whip is used when a horse is progressing before a fence there is more chance of it falling but I don't know if there is evidence to prove that assumption.

[Onelife]

Hi Pompy, thanks for the correction…it’s not unusual for me to be at sixes and sevens

I’ve seen plenty of Jockey’s tap their horse down its withers when approaching a fence, more of an aid to keep the horse concentrating I suspect. I can’t see how using a whip prior to a fence would have any benefits other than to impose the fright and flight response which could make a horse lose concentration I would have thought?

[Onelife]

BHA

"Whips used in racing are foam-padded and energy absorbing, meaning they are cushioned upon impact.

There is only one accredited supplier in British racing, to ensure whips conform to required standards, and whips are checked by the clerk of the scales to ensure they are in good condition before they are used in a race.

The whip in racing is used for safety, correction and encouragement.

Keeping horses straight when travelling at speed is important when it comes to the safety of all horses and riders in a race, and the whip is one of the “tools” in a jockeys kit to do that – alongside their arms, legs, balance and judgement. “Encouragement” means using the whip as an aid to activate and focus the horse. Use of the whip to coerce is not permitted.

Horses are checked by racecourse vets on returning from a race to ensure they have not been marked by the whip".

[oldbluefox]

If you want to see if whips hurt or not you could ask Stephen… you may not like it like it …but he certainly will.

Obviously I have no knowledge of such affairs so I bow to your superior experience in all of these matters.

[Onelife]

If you want to see if whips hurt or not you could ask Stephen… you may not like it like it …but he certainly will.

Obviously I have no knowledge of such affairs so I bow to your superior experience in all of these matters.

No matter what Stephen tells you I wasn’t a willing participant…I entered his room to have a hole punched in my belt…not to end up scarred for life

[oldbluefox]

"Recollections may vary "
HM Queen Elizabeth II

[Onelife]

"Recollections may vary "
HM Queen Elizabeth II

I’m not going to be drawn in on that one Foxy, you know how I hate upsetting you Royalists

[Portsmouth]

Scottish Grand National next week .

Today is the Scottish Grand National and I'm hoping that Surrey Quest, who came second last year, will win
I also quite like 11 year old Magna Sam for a place who seems to be doing well after wind surgery last October.

[Onelife]

Scottish Grand National next week .

Today is the Scottish Grand National and I'm hoping that Surrey Quest, who came second last year, will win
I also quite like 11 year old Magna Sam for a place who seems to be doing well after wind surgery last October.

Hi Pompy, I spent over an hour last night going through the form for this race and concluded that there wasn’t a lot between several of them. I have placed a fiver on “Rock my Way” with “Olympic Way” being my second choice…haven’t backed it though.

There is a horse entered up at Beverly this coming Wednesday “Trilby” might be worth a look.

[Onelife]

Considering only 8 of the 23 finished the race, with my two fancy’s finishing 5th and 7th I suppose you could consider it a result of sorts. The winner “Captain Cody” looked as if he’d only joined the race after the last… I’ve never seen a horse pick up the way he did…especially after having done the best part of four miles. It was a case of “if only” for “Surrey Quest” but he lives to jump another day.

[Portsmouth]

There is a horse entered up at Beverly this coming Wednesday “Trilby” might be worth a look.

I looked, saw nothing of interest...hope for you that Trilby will do better this time than in his last race.

However the Greenham Stakes (Group 3 ) ran today at Newbury and as someone with knowledge of horse racing you will know that horses who run in this race often run in the 2000 guineas ( in May ) The winner Jonquil looks quite interesting and is at about 20/1 for the guineas and second placed Rashabar was not quite good enough and is 25/1 for the big race.

I'll be looking with interest at hoses running in the 1000 & 2000 guineas although maybe I shouldn't be putting these thoughts under a Grand National post

[Onelife]

Hi Pompy,
My enthusiasm for flat racing isn’t what it is for jump racing, so with this in mind you are probably better informed as to the value of Jonquil’s run today…it did however look impressive.
I’ve always steered away from listed/group races with regard to betting, I find form analysis difficult, with an inconsistency that nearly out-performs my betting tips. I tend to stick with the handicaps as I enjoy trying to find something that doesn’t look interesting to others

[Onelife]

There is a horse entered up at Beverly this coming Wednesday “Trilby” might be worth a look.

I looked, saw nothing of interest...hope for you that Trilby will do better this time than in his last race.

Thankfully it did....1st 13/8...I had £20 win at 11/4

[Portsmouth]

Yes I likes the way Trilby pulled out from behind and then quickened to win when I watched the replay.

It was the Craven Stakes at Newmarket yesterday over a mile and the favourite Field of Gold, won well by over 3 lengths. I think he was about 20/1 to win the 2000 guineas before the race but because he won with such style he is now about 3/1 to win in May.
Owners must be really pleased as they also own Jonquil ...mentioned earlier.

[Onelife]

Yes I likes the way Trilby pulled out from behind and then quickened to win when I watched the replay.

It was the Craven Stakes at Newmarket yesterday over a mile and the favourite Field of Gold, won well by over 3 lengths. I think he was about 20/1 to win the 2000 guineas before the race but because he won with such style he is now about 3/1 to win in May.
Owners must be really pleased as they also own Jonquil ...mentioned earlier.

Yes’ that was an impressive win for Field of Gold…unless there’s something hiding behind the hedge I think 3/1 looks a fair price.

[Onelife]

Hi Pompy, one for the notebook…runs Wednesday 30th Ascot.

“Toimy Son”

Its last race review reads…

“12th of 22 Mid-division, pushed along 2f out, never involved”

This in my opinion isn’t a true reflection on how his race was run….it should read…

“Making significant progress when badly bulked 2f out”

Not suggesting you should back it as I hate to see grown men cry… but if you have a handkerchief on standby, it might be worth a flutter.

Another to keep an eye on is “Sean” down to run on the 3rd of May.

[Portsmouth]

OK, I've had a look....running in the last race 16:30 (never heard of the apprentice jockey) made some good prize money compared to some of the other runners...be interesting to see what the odds are on the day.
Sean seems to have a good sire ( Excelebration ) but the dam (German) seems nothing special ...will take a look as you suggest nearer the time.

[Portsmouth]

So further to my last post about Toimy Son...a couple of things I've noticed
He doesn't seem to do so well on soft....luckily the going is meant to be good- good to firm in places....so that's a plus

Now for anyone who's looking for a fun idea to work out the winner...I have a suggestion
The last four winners of this race have had a higher draw than 6.....Toimy Son is draw 8....that seems good
The two likely favorites for the race are My Cloud draw 3 & Brasil Power draw 1 so that suggests they probably won't win.

The thing that makes me think Toimy Son won't win is his weight 10-1
All the other races he's done well in have been at a much better weight...

So whilst I won't be making a bet on Wednesday....I will be taking a look to see if my idea that a higher draw will win

[Onelife]

So further to my last post about Toimy Son...a couple of things I've noticed
He doesn't seem to do so well on soft....luckily the going is meant to be good- good to firm in places....so that's a plus

Now for anyone who's looking for a fun idea to work out the winner...I have a suggestion
The last four winners of this race have had a higher draw than 6.....Toimy Son is draw 8....that seems good
The two likely favorites for the race are My Cloud draw 3 & Brasil Power draw 1 so that suggests they probably won't win.

The thing that makes me think Toimy Son won't win is his weight 10-1
All the other races he's done well in have been at a much better weight...

So whilst I won't be making a bet on Wednesday....I will be taking a look to see if my idea that a higher draw will win

Hi Pompy, you clearly like your stats…

Now that field has been dwindled down to ten runners, I don’t think the draw will be much of a factor, especially on the straight mile. Whilst it could be argued that the draw can play a part, this is more noticeable in larger fields where runners often split into three groups and as a result pace tends to be more important than the draw.

I agree that the weight is a concern but given that the jockey can claim 5lb and has plenty of experience I’m not overly concerned. As you say “My Cloud” will probably start favourite which isn’t surprising considering it cantered home to a 13-length win in its last race…that being said, the horses which it beat haven’t done a lot to get excited about since that race.

I’m having £15 win and a £5 win double with “Sean” running Saturday.

Whatever happens, they say “egg on your face” is beneficial to the skin…probably the reason why I’m so handsome.

[david63]

Forgive my lack of knowledge about such matters but wasn't the Grand National early in April???