Sectional timing not for everyone
Last week, these scribblings questioned the timing of the Levy Board providing £900,000 funding for sectional timing and tracking data to be installed at all British racecourses. Is now the right time to devote...
Author: Mike Deasy
Is the timing right to spend £900,000?
Look away now if you are a fan of sectional timing. This week the Levy Board said it would contribute £900,000 towards the operating costs of all British racecourses having live sectional timing and...
Step in right direction for the Tote, but much still to be done
It’s coming up to the first anniversary of the end of the monopoly on pool betting in Britain. Until last year’s July Cup meeting at Newmarket, the Betfred owned Tote was the only permitted...
Post cuts back on race reporting
These scribblings recently drew attention to the disappearance in the Racing Post of selections from its regional experts, with only naps from Newmarket, irritatingly changed to On the Gallops, and the North remaining. After...
Epsom’s Derby greeting misses the mark
I first went to the Derby in 1972 and haven’t missed one since, but this year’s Epsom classic is the first I recall when there was a degree of disappointment. It started well enough...
Keep calm about the Derby, and carry on
It’s been 25 years since the Derby was last run on a Wednesday and those who believe that a midweek spot is best for the race have raised their voices this week, especially as...
Racing looking into a £17m hole
You have to ask if any other sport would unexpectedly find a £17m hole in its income unless there has been a touch of the ‘Patisserie Valeries’ going on. But that’s what happened with...
Derby picture becoming a little bit clearer
Dante throws up possible Derby prospect, and it’s not from Ballydoyle Hughie Morrison says he doesn’t know how good Dante Winner Telecaster is as he’s never had anything like him before. The Oisin Murphy...
Gigginstown pull the plug, Ballydoyle power up and Godolphin hit a maximum strike
Gigginstown shutting up shop Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud is to wind down its operation over the next four to five years and is ceasing to invest in young stock. Eddie O’Leary, brother of...
Smullen retires, the Curragh reopens and Ballydoyle deals in guineas
Pat Smullen retires After recovering from pancreatic cancer, Irish champion jockey and Derby winner Pat Smullen announced his retirement from the saddle after taking medical advice. Only the day before his retirement he spoke...
