MAKE British racing great again. Someone do something.
For so many years those in charge of the sport I love have cried: “British racing is the best in the world.”
But for those who genuinely treasure it, the people who don’t pop in and out of the game, can we truly think like this anymore?
New whip rules come into play Monday which promise to make riding horses to the best of their ability nigh on impossible. Most of us still don’t understand why, with the whip being no welfare issue.
Earlier this week, British trainers had a pathetic number of horses entered in the world’s most famous horse race, the Randox Grand National.
Judged by ante-post prices, they can also expect a good old thrashing by the Irish at Cheltenham next month.
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And in the Longines World’s Best Flat Racehorse Rankings for 2022, Baaeed was the only British-trained beast to get anywhere near the US ace Flightline, with Pyledriver and Real World the next in line from the UK and way off the pace.
Field sizes in the UK are desperate, while punters are being abused by the Gambling Commission. They either can’t get a bet on, or even if they do they are then often restricted. Getting paid out can be just as tough.
And yet, you and me, because if you are reading this you are like me (bad luck), we still love it. We love this game. It gives us something we can’t get elsewhere. That thrill. That adrenalin rush. That utter pleasure. That desire to problem solve.
The issue is that leadership of our great sport is at an all-time low. You could rip apart almost every press release from the BHA.
But in reality you can’t. Those in power seem to just plough on with their agendas. They don’t listen. They don’t allow themselves to be questioned.
Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips
Warwick
1.30 Galahad Quest
2.05 Love Envoi
2.40 Jonbon
Newbury
1.50 Sirobbie each-way
2.25 Does He Know
3.00 Greaneteen
3.35 Monviel each-way NAP
British racing is incredible for the variety it offers and for the care of the horse. Its riders are lauded on the world stage. Our trainers are second to none. Our breeding industry has years of history.
There’s a new governance structure for British racing, with the BHA Board the sport’s ultimate decision-making body. That fills me with dread but intelligent people have decided that should be the process, so all we can do is pray.
Taking a holistic view, another word BHA press releases adore, we are in dire need of a totally different outlook.
It’s that time of the season when all roads lead to Cheltenham, but, that said, despite a lack of rain field sizes have held up relatively well at Newbury today.
I’m excited to be working at the fixture for ITV, and of course for most punters the big betting race of the day is the Betfair Hurdle over an extended two miles.
MONVIEL (3.35 Newbury, nap)
Philip Hobbs' improving young hurdler stays further than two miles and looks on a good mark. He looks great each-way value.
Filey Bay is short in the market for Emmet Mullins. Bookmakers seem to live in fear of Emmet, and there is no surprise here with JP McManus being the owner.
That said, not all the Emmet horses win and I’m happy to take the so-called shrewdies on.
The one I like the look of eachway is Monviel, who is up 10lb for an impressive win in a small field last time. I still feel he’s got at least a great each-way chance for Tom O’Brien and the master Philip Hobbs.
What I like about my fancy is that he is a strong stayer, and I don’t think he has to be up with the pace as he was when scoring.
His staying on effort at Sandown last term suggests he can run through horses and he’ll do for me as a lightly raced horse who can improve.
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Elsewhere on the card we see exactly why Paul Nicholls is the champion trainer, as he places he horses where they can score.
Hitman has a great chance in the Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase, although I’m hoping for an upset here from Does He Know for Kim Bailey and David Bass.
To be honest, the horse is a bit of a loony, and getting him to the start is not easy. You might remember he ran through a wing in the Challow as a hurdler!
But if he gets under way he has a chance to make all after a fine success at Cheltenham last time.
Nicholls also sends Greaneteen for the Grade 2 Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase. The nine-year-old has been a massive over-achiever in his career, thanks to his brilliant handler.
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He should win this easily, being rated 170 under Harry Cobden. He was far from disgraced, although well beaten, behind Edwardstone in the Tingle Creek when last seen.
Newbury promises to be fabulous. But please someone make our sport constantly great again.
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