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Aintree Grand National Festival: Day 2 Tips

13:45 – 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – Cobblers Dream

Moved to Ben Case’s yard for £85,000 and won his first start for new connections in September last year. Cobblers Dream has made six starts over hurdles this season, not once finishing outside the top three and, more recently, won the listed Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton. He then went on to be runner-up in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and these two results have shown smart speed in the closing stages in fields with lots of runners. The runner-up in the Lanzarote, Highway One O Two, also runs here and there will be a swing of 11lbs in the weights between these two. However, the speed of this horse proved too much for Highway One O Two late on and the subsequent run at Cheltenham showed this horse has good stamina. He should be able to defy the rise in weight and is still 5lbs below his rating thanks to his jockey Jack Andrews.

14:20 – Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Jonbon

This horse comes to Aintree after a distant 2^nd in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle behind the impressive Constitution Hill. This was a high class renewal and it was run at an incredible pace, with the winner looking to be something special. This horse does boast two graded successes so far this season. His trainer Nicky Henderson has said that he has the stamina to go two and a half miles, but ultimately has the speed to stay over two miles here. He also said better ground would suit, but this horse is a classy traveller and he claimed some impressive scalps in the Supreme despite not winning the race. He should be able to shine again in the absence of his talented stablemate.

14:55 – Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Bravemansgame

Paul Nicholls’ star staying novice gave Cheltenham a miss last month, after some rain saw the going description change to heavy for the Brown Advisory. Having been kept fresh for Aintree, he should be in top shape to face three classy rivals from the division. L’homme Presse ran out the emphatic winner for Venitia Williams at Cheltenham and will run again here. Bravemansgame is undefeated in four runs over fences, including a grade one victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton in December. There he beat an exciting prospect in the Lucinda Russell trained Ahoy Senor, who runs again here after finishing 2^nd to L’homme Presse at Cheltenham. Paul Nicholls’ runner is an exceptional jumper and travels powerfully and this should see him through in such high company. Nicholls has stated that his runner’s freshness is a bonus here, one that his opponents don’t have after all running at last month’s festival.

15:30 – Marsh Chase (Grade 1) – Funambule Sivola

This horse has impressed this season by winning the grade two Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, before finishing a very credible runner-up in the Champion Chase last month. Despite being more than 8 lengths behind eventual winner Energumene, the remainder of a classy field was well strung out and this horse kept on well to the line. A touch of rain won’t hurt his chances and this horse is a likeable, reliable type. Last season only finished 3^1/2 lengths behind multiple winner at graded level and Nicky Henderson’s star two miler Shishkin. With the absence of both Shishkin and Energumene, this could be an excellent chance for this horse to shine. He faces Fakir D’oudairies who is fresh of the back of a grade one success at Ascot, but he took his time to see off Two For Gold who runs in the Grand National tomorrow. Joseph O’Brien’s charge isn’t without a chance, but this to me would suggest his turn of foot isn’t unbeatable. Funambule Sivola has the Champion Chase form behind him and his fighting spirit in the finish could prove to be a big problem.

16:05 – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Killer Clown

Since the application of a tongue tie in January, this horse has notched up two victories in three starts including a handicap at Kempton 19 days ago. He finished well ahead of smart types in Pistol Whipped and a fading Diego Du Charmil. He progressed through the field during the race ticking off opponents one by one which is a useful trait to have in a field with so many runners over the Aintree fences. Despite being 7^th in the weights he will carry nearly a stone less than some of the prominent Irish runners. He also has better form than some of those lower in the weights, thanks to that Kempton success. After that race his trainer, Emma Lavelle stated that good ground is crucial to his chances and there is no rain forecast with the ground currently good-soft.

16:40 – Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Banbridge

Horses that complete the Cheltenham – Aintree double are a rarity, but this horse might be able to do it. He won the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, seeing off winner at listed level Cobblers Dream by a length and a half. He did so while carrying 1lb more than his rival and here he will be on level terms with his rivals, making it a case of who is the best horse. He ran emphatically through the finish line, a positive sign he could step up to three miles with success here. He faces the likes of grade one winner Green Book, who hasn’t reproduced that form in two more recent runs, and one of those was at Cheltenham. Sam Thomas’ Skytastic also looks an exciting prospect, but Banbridge finished ahead of more proven runners than those found in Skytastic’s form.

Aintree Grand National Festival: Day 1 Tips

13:45 – Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Gin On Lime

The Henry De Bromhead trained Irish raider was last seen in a memorable novices’ chase at Cheltenham in November. Gin On Lime was head to head with winner up to grade one over hurdles, My Drogo, when both effectively fell, clearing the fence but losing their footing on landing. This horse sprawled on landing and Rachael Blackmore sat brilliantly to stay on claiming victory. My Drogo still provided a good standard acid test and this horse was on terms before the incident. Otherwise, this horse has quite a prolific record with five wins from eight starts over fences, including a grade three. In that grade three she reversed form ahead of another winner at graded level, Fan De Blues, and beat the Mullins trained runner by 12 lengths. The absence of undulations at Aintree will lower the chances of another error like we saw at Cheltenham. Opponents include grade two winning Pic D’orhy who has two successes this term. It is arguable that My Drogo’s form over hurdles poses more quality than any horses in Pic D’orhy’s form. War Lord is also an interesting runner, but lacks grade-winning form, with his best effort 16 lengths 2^nd to eventual Arkle winner Edwardstone.

14:20 – Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) – Pied Piper

The Triumph Hurdle third and impressive juvenile Pied Piper is the heavy favourite here. he only finished 2^1/2 lengths behind the eventual winner Vauban, which is impressive in itself. However, he also won his maiden hurdle ahead of the Triumph Hurdle winner and had an impressive display at Cheltenham in January, which showed us that this horse can produce something special. The Triumph Hurdle form will surely prove better than the form Boodles Hurdle winner Brazil holds. This horse also has form ahead one of the more dangerous challengers this field has to offer in Knight Salute, who is a multiple winner at graded level this term.

Each-way mention – Knight Salute

Despite running a disappointing 9^th at Cheltenham, that was the first blemish on the record of this horse in six starts over hurdles. Given the class of the race it is nothing to be ashamed of and as mentioned before this horse has won multiple graded events this term. Available at 16/1 this is extremely generous considering what this horse has achieved. What runs well at Cheltenham doesn’t necessarily repeat at Aintree, due to only a month separating the two and the differing nature of the courses. Considering this horse didn’t perform last month in a tough race, he could put in a good bid for a place here.

14:55 – Betway Bowl Chase (Grade 1) – Royale Pagaille

This year’s Gold Cup 5^th won the grade two Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock in January, but that has been his only success this term. He has ran bravely in defeat, twice behind Gold Cup winning A Plus Tard and he couldn’t reach a vastly improved Eldorado Allen in the Denman Chase in February. Here he will get favoured soft conditions on a flat course with big jumps, perhaps recreating the conditions he often thrives in at Haydock. He will face tough competition in Dan Skelton’s runner and Gold Cup 3^rd Protektorat who could definitely come out on top here. He picked up the grade two Many Clouds Chase at Aintree in December where conditions were very soft. However, although a class field, the likes of Native River and Tiger Roll were arguably slightly past their best. Royale Pagaille only finished about a neck behind this horse in the Gold Cup, with conditions that suit Royale Pagaille could have a good chance here.

15:30 – Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – Epatante

This year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up kept on well behind Honeysuckle last month, only losing by just over 3 lengths. The 2020 Champion Hurdle winner will step up to a trip of 2^1/2 miles for the first time here and has looked to be near her best form this season. She showed class to fight for a dead-heat in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last November in tough conditions, and claimed the grade one Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Her trainer Nicky Henderson said in the build-up to Cheltenham that she was back to her best and her hurdling has been slick, which showed in the result. The likes of Zanahiyr ,who finished a length 3^rd behind this horse in the Champion Hurdle, and winner up to grade two Brewin’upastorm appear her biggest threats. However, in terms of graded results this horse is probably the most consistent performer in the field and has looked sharp so will take some beating.

16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase – Latenightpass

Latenightpass came 2^nd in this race last season to shock 66/1 winner Cousin Pascal. He has won this term on heavy ground at Haydock, but was last seen pulled up at Cheltenham. Tom Ellis decided to skip Cheltenham in order to target this race after a season of point-to-point contests which has seen this horse win two and fall when two at in the other at Alnwick. Ellis has been happy with preparation despite that fall and the horse has had a wind op, leaving the horse in prime condition for his main target of the season.

16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Frero Banbou

Venitia Williams’ charge finished 3^rd in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month, 6 lengths behind the eventual winner Global Citizen who runs here. Frero Banbou was delivered very late after initially struggling with the early pace. The winner carried 5lbs less than Frero Banbou, but here will be 1lb worse off than this horse and carry 10lbs more than he did in last month’s success. He finished a respectable 4^th in this race last season but reversed form with the winner Editeur Du Gite last month. He is likely to be delivered from off the pace again, with some rain forecast this should be a test of stamina and it is plausible these tactics will work here. Recent form and adjustments in the handicap see this horse in with a decent chance of making a big improvement here for an in form yard.

17:15 – Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) – Lady Excalibur

Rachael Blackmore takes the ride on this small and gutsy mare in her 4^th contest. She boasts two wins, with one at Aintree, and a brave effort at Uttoxeter in October that saw her finishing the quickest with the line coming too soon. She made her way around most of her rivals, having to come very wide and lost by less than a length, an unlucky finish. Her trainer Alan Jones said that the race didn’t suit her staying ability and turned into a sprint at the end but said his mare was unlucky to have lost her unbeaten tag. He is hopeful Blackmore in the saddle will benefit his mare and it would be a feel good success for a stable that only has 12 horses in training.

Cheltenham Festival 2022 – Day 4 Tips

13:30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) – Fil D’or

Fil D’or will be in the experienced hands of Davy Russell and was long time antepost favourite for this race. A breath-taking display here by Pied Piper in late January and a brave effort in defeat to Vauban at the Dublin Festival saw this horse drift slightly. Vauban did show some weaknesses in victory, with his jumping relatively clumsy before getting smarter in the closing stages. However, the hill in the straight at Cheltenham is longer in distance than the one at Leopardstown which should help Fil D’or out. Jumping fluency at Cheltenham is also important due to the regularity of the hurdles and the undulations. As mentioned before Pied Piper has strong claims and he also has form ahead of Vauban from December. Despite this Fil D’or rarely puts a foot wrong when jumping, has lots of stamina and Cheltenham could really suit him.

14:10 – McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – West Cork

With the form some of his runners have been in this season it is a bit surprising that Dan Skelton hasn’t yet trained a winner at this season’s festival. West Cork won the competitive grade three Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, after 631 days off the course ahead of the likes of Adagio. He was carrying top weight and ran in the Champion Hurdle a few days ago, a higher level race despite not making an impression there. Camprond was six lengths back in 4^th and had won a grade two earlier in the season so has quality. Further back was Marie’s Rock who won the Mares’ Hurdle earlier in this meeting and appears to be a big scalp after her recent achievement. He will carry 11st 1lb, only 2lb higher than the weight he carried to victory last time he was seen here. This means he will carry 4lb less than Alan King trained Tritonic who beat this horse at Ascot when he was last seen in December. West Cork suffered a niggle in this run which may have affected the result and has been kept fresh for the festival as a result.

14:50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Hillcrest

Well known for being one of the biggest horses in training, Henry Daly’s Hillcrest is too big for a measuring stick 18 hands long. He has great ability to go with that size however, with his huge galloping stride making him a respected runner here. He claimed the listed Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle here in January ahead of the smart I Am Maximus, but a step up to three miles was always going to suit. He looks like a horse built for chasing with Daly saying anything he does over hurdles would be a bonus but he might just have the ability. A worry would be that he only ran 28 days ago on heavy ground. His trainer has said it wasn’t a particularly tasking run but wasn’t ideal. He needed a run before Cheltenham and Aintree after he unseated jockey Richard Patrick early in a grade two at Cheltenham in January. He has grade two and listed success and Daly has decided to run him here instead of Aintree so the winner at listed and grade two level must be good to go.

15:30 – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) – A Plus Tard

Runner-up in this race last year, A Plus Tard was last seen at Leopardstown in December, where he was narrowly defeated by Galvin in the Savills Chase when tiring in the closing stages. He was produced a bit earlier than Galvin, who was in cover turning for home and this might mean he had important stamina left at the end. This horse kept pace with Minella Indo in last year’s renewal and was gaining late on. If he can reproduce something similar here he has every chance. He has a grade one under his belt this term, after winning the Betfair Chase in November at Haydock. His trainer Henry De Bromhead has stated that he ran well in defeat last time and is happy with both runs. Rachael Blackmore had the choice of the out of form Minella Indo, last year’s winner, or this horse and she has sided with the Cheveley Park runner.

16:10 – St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase – Winged Leader

Winged Leader has great form coming into this, with a hattrick of hunters’ chase victories, including an impressive win at Thurles where Billaway finished 12 lengths behind. Billaway is normally well backed in these contests and was the runner-up of this race last season. Winged Leader has shown good ability on undulating courses in previous runs and is a very efficient, slick jumper. Trainer David Christie has said that this is his best chance of getting his first Cheltenham Festival winner and is confident his charge can handle different types of ground.

16:50 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2) – Mount Ida

Mount Ida won the Kim Muir at last year’s festival and was subsequently beaten by Elimay at Fairyhouse in April. She has since avenged this form by beating Elimay at Fairyhouse in January last time we saw her. This run shows progression too, because in defeat to Elimay, Mount Ida carried 6lbs less than her. In their most recent run Mount Ida carried 3lbs more than her rival and won well after being bumped in the straight. The run deserves a lot of credit as the uphill finish at Fairyhouse is draining and she only tired as she hit the line. She will face Willie Mullins’ Concertista, who is two wins from two so far over fences. However, despite winning the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in 2020, she has been runner-up in two Cheltenham Festivals and might get beat by a tough mare whose next target is the Grand National.

17:30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Hollow Games

Hollow Games will carry 11st 9lbs here but he has been running well in defeat in grade one company. He only finished a couple of lengths behind the winners of these races, Ginto and Minella Coocooner. This horse has also reversed form with Grand Jury who finished 2^nd in the race behind Ginto, but since finished a disappointing 6^thin the latter mentioned race where Hollow Games showed much more quality. This race does represent a step down in trip compared to his previous start and he does look like a stayer, but despite the distance this race has suited novice staying types in the past. Last season’s winner, Galopin Des Champs is a clear staying type with Champagne Classic another previous winner with graded form over the stayers’ distance. This horse is a grade three winner and did so ahead of Lunar Display. Lunar Display doesn’t necessarily win many but has placed in five graded/listed events and won once at that level. This shows a level of consistency and it might see him do well in a handicap. Wears a tongue tie for the first time.

Cheltenham Festival 2022: Day 1 Picks

13:30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Constitution Hill

The assessment with this horse is mainly down to an eye test, due to a lack of grade-winning company in behind him in both starts at Sandown. In the latter start he claimed the grade one Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle. The conditions there were heavy and many tired in the straight in other races on the day. This horse appeared to show accurate jumping, and great acceleration on tough ground in an uphill finish. On both starts his travelling speed hasn’t been put to the test due to the quality of opposition he has faced so far, but he has looked to be travelling in second gear most of the time. connections haven’t said he is ground dependant as his first start was on good-soft and that was another wide margin victory with ease. His jockey Nico De Boinville has spoke very highly of the horse. Although cautious, he has said he felt special and says the horse has excellent temperament and push button acceleration. The absence of Sir Gerhard also opens the race up even more for the Nicky Henderson runners.

14:10 – Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Blue Lord

This year’s renewal of the Arkle has been a bumpy ride for ante-post backers, particularly with the absence of long-time market leader Ferny Hollow being announced in January. Blue Lord was last seen finishing ahead of Riviere D’etel in the Irish Arkle in February, after the mare surrendered a slender lead with an untidy jump in the closing stages. The mare had very respectable form just one and a half lengths behind Ferny Hollow at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, suggesting she is in the mix in terms of speed. However, at Cheltenham there will be more of an emphasis on slick jumping which could see Blue Lord edge the contest. He would have to confirm the Irish Arkle form, where he finished ahead of Riviere D’etel, Saint Sam and Haut En Couleurs. He also faces tough competition from British rival Edwardstone, who has rarely put a foot wrong this season, winning four from five contests over fences. Despite three graded victories in those runs, two came ahead of horses with questionable form in graded contests over fences. Third Time Lucki was one of the standout horses in the field who finished behind Edwardstone at Sandown. However Dan Skelton’s runner only won a grade two against two unproven horses at that level. When he met Edwardstone, the hills at Sandown sapped his stamina too easily and he faded badly late on. This field has a stronger Irish influence and should prove more testing with Blue Lord having leading form claims.

15:30 – Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) – Honeysuckle

Undefeated in 14 starts and the reigning Champion Hurdle winner from last season, Honeysuckle faces new opposition this season. Willie Mullins’ Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Appreciate it has been kept fresh this season and will make his seasonal debut at Cheltenham. Mullins has done this with great success in the past. Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott trained Teahupoo also goes here after a very successful season, claiming three graded races all ahead of reigning Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios. This season Henry De Bromhead has plotted the same route to Cheltenham for Honeysuckle, but we have seen her opposition try to test her in a different way. Both her races this season the leader set a fast pace in an attempt to stretch her stamina and avoid her rapid turn of foot in the late stages. She passed both tests with flying colours, last seen finishing six lengths ahead of winner up to grade two level Zanahiyr. She has a big challenge on her hands but is a heavy odds-on favourite with good reason.

Each Way Mention – Teahupoo

Has shown versatility this season winning on heavy and good-soft. Has winning form over reigning Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios on three occasions this season. The first could have been put down to Quilixios making his seasonal debut. The repeated wins are a sign of quality with the grade one winner looking far sharper in their 2^nd meeting. the last clash resulted in Teahupoo winning by 22 lengths to 3^rd place Quilixios, with Darasso in 2^nd who won a grade three over hurdles earlier this season. His travelling and athleticism should see him in the picture late on and at 8/1 is a decent each way option to take on the 2/5 favourite, but Honeysuckle remains the main pick.

16:10 – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – Telmesomethinggirl

Last year’s Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle winner, Telmesomethinggirl is without a win in three starts this season but has improved throughout. In her most recent run in December, a grade three mares’ hurdle at Leopardstown, she looked to be somewhere near her best again. She finished 3^rd just a length behind Peter Fahey trained Royal Kahala and reigning Coral Cup winner Heaven Help Us . Royal Kahala went on to step up in trip and win the grade two Galmoy Hurdle with the likes of grade one winning Klassical Dream in behind. The absence of Royal Kahala here is a boost and despite Heaven Help Us finishing ahead of this horse last time out, she had a tough run trying to make all against Honeysuckle in February. Her front running tactics could also make it difficult to fend off a finishing serge from this horse late on. With festival form and improvement throughout the season it is very possible this horse can win again at Cheltenham.

17:30 – Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase – Stattler

Willie Mullins’ charge is undefeated in two starts over fences, with his most recent outing a grade three win at Naas, where Vanillier finished a distant 3^rd. This reversed form from Cheltenham last season where Vanillier won the Albert Bartlett, finishing 15 lengths ahead of this horse in 4^th. The shift in form suggests this horse has taken to fences better than his rival. Naas also has a stiff uphill finish, much like the straight at Cheltenham. Run Wild Fred is joint favourite at the time of writing, but is without graded success over fences with only one victory and placing on six occasions. This makes Stattler the more prolific horse and with that victory over a Cheltenham Festival winner in Vanillier, he boasts strong form.

Racing Tips: Kempton and Fairyhouse 26 February 2022

13:50 Kempton – Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) – Knight Salute

Unbeaten in four starts over hurdles this season, Knight Salute has been a star for Wiltshire-based trainer Milton Harris. He has won two races at grade two level so far, with the application of a hood working well from the very first start at the new yard. He won the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in November ahead of some promising types, before claiming his 2^nd grade one at Doncaster. This win was ahead of subsequent listed winner Impulsive One, who runs again here. This also confirmed form of a previous victory over Impulsive One at Kempton in October, giving this horse winning course form . He also beat Porticello, who recently picked up grade one success at Haydock. If there was an argument against the form, Porticello’s success was for less prize money than any of Knight Salute’s grade two wins, perhaps making for a less competitive field. The heavy conditions also suited him better than when he faced Knight Salute on good-soft. However, this is still form ahead of grade-level winners over hurdles that the rest of the field lacks and he justifies favouritism.

14:25 Kempton – Coral Pendil Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) – Pic D’orhy

With two wins from four starts this season, Pic D’orhy picked up grade two success over fences at Ascot in December. This came after his first attempt at graded success in this discipline crumbled with a bad fall when leading at Newbury. Millers Bank also unseated his rider in that race, something he would repeat in his most recent outing at Cheltenham. Pic D’orhy was last seen finishing a disappointing 3^rd in the grade one Scilly Isles Chase behind impressive winner L’Homme Presse. He kept on getting in close to the fences and in the closing stages wasn’t far off the winner going into the straight when he faded. The constantly changing undulations may have caused the otherwise good jumper issues, and trainer Paul Nicholls suggests the flatter course at Kempton should see improvement from him. The main threat in this race is Minella Drama who is coming off the back of a grade two success at Haydock on soft ground in January. He isn’t without a chance but the going here is going to be good with no rain forecast and that might just work in Pic D’orhy’s favour.

15:37 Kempton – Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Annsam

last seen claiming the listed Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot, with Phoenix Way finishing four and a half lengths behind in 2^nd. On this occasion, the 6lb difference in weights carried by both horses will be the same as their previous meeting, working in Annsam’s favour. After defeat to this horse at Ascot, Phoenix Way went on to beat Venitia Williams trained Fanion D’estruval at Ascot. Williams’ runner was rated 159 by the handicapper, a mark that is higher than anything running in this race, even though the weights worked massively in Phoenix Way’s favour. A runner who isn’t without a chance is Our Power who runs for Welsh trainer Sam Thomas, who claimed an impressive double at Ascot last week. His horse has taken well to fences but would probably prefer softer going.

16:18 Fairyhouse – Tote Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 3) – Burrows Saint

Finished 4^th in last year’s Grand National. Burrows Saint hasn’t won since claiming an ungraded hurdle win at Punchestown in 2019. However, he has rarely been out of the places in the six runs since. He finished 2^nd in this race last year, and his latest run was a brave effort in 2^nd behind two time Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo. The grade three Savills Chase is Al Boum Photo’s regular destination for a prep run before Cheltenham and it was his 4^thvictory in the race. Burrows Saint led in the late stages and only finished four lengths behind the winner, the smallest distance any horse has lost to Al Boum Photo at Tramore. This might suggest Burrows Saint is getting near his best form again and he will carry 8lb less than two of his three opponents this time round. One of those horses is Any Second Now who finished 3^rdin the same Grand National, but was carrying 4lb less than Burrows Saint. More form of interest was in the 2019 renewal of the Irish Grand National where Any Second Now fell and Burrows Saint was the winner. Although Burrows Saint has declined slightly since this victory, it is still something to note and as mentioned his previous run showed promise.

Racing Tips: Saturday 19 February 2022

15:38 Ascot – Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1)- Saint Calvados

The King George VI Chase 3^rd caught the eye in his first run for new trainer Paul Nicholls on Boxing Day. After a wind op and the application of a tongue tie, he was in with every chance at the 2^nd last when he faded. The winner, Tornado Flyer, was the horse that was delivered the latest in stamina-sapping heavy ground, so there was no shame in fading two furlongs from home. This race represents a step down in trip by three furlongs, with Dashel Drasher likely to increase the pace quite far from home. This could recreate the conditions in which he ran so well at Kempton. He is also likely to get his favoured soft conditions.

14:20 Gowran Park – Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Grade 3) – Teahupoo

Has beaten the reigning Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios in his last two starts. The latest meeting between the two was a much closer affair, but both times Quilixios kicked for home and this horse outlasted him in the closing stages. They will also carry the same weights here as in their previous clash, where Quilixios appeared a much improved horse from their first race of the season. With confirmed form over a Cheltenham Festival winner from last season, Teahupoo has five wins from six starts, and has reversed the form of his only defeat to Jeff Kidder. Teahupoo also holds an entry in this season’s Champion Hurdle, which shows how highly he is thought of by connections. Darasso probably represents his strongest challenger and is coming off his best victory over hurdles, winning a grade three ahead of well respected runner Saint Felicien. However, with only the two starts over hurdles prior to this defeat, it might be the case that this Saint Felicien was slightly unexposed, despite still being a quality runner. Saldier, who has winning form ahead of Darasso, also runs here. He does have grade one winning form, but is coming off the back of two heavy defeats to top class opposition that were ran at great pace and this can take it out of a horse.

14:40 Haydock – William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Blaklion

with two wins from three starts this season, 13 year old Blaklion claimed both victories in chases at Haydock on heavy ground. With heavy going particularly testing at Haydock, it can take a specialist to win there in such conditions. Weight carried will play a factor and Blaklion will carry 5lbs less than his previous success here. The most notable type in the lower weights is the 2020 Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve. However, Secret Reprieve’s form at Haydock reads 2^nd of two runners and fell. There are other promising types in the lower weights, some with form on heavy going, but Blaklion has run well in three Grand Nationals giving him better jumping efficiency that could prove the difference. It would also prove a popular success for a fan favourite who appears to have regained some good form after going winless since 2017.

15:30 Gowran Park – Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) – Daly Tiger

Returns over fences for the first time since finishing a respectable 2^nd to classy two miler Energumene by just over eight lengths, with the winner easing down at the line. This horse then claimed an ungraded victory over hurdles at Limerick on Boxing Day, before finishing a disappointing 4^th of five runners last time out. The going report at Gowran park reads soft to heavy, with more rain expected before the off. This horse has winning form ahead of Chatham Street Lad on heavy ground over fences. Daly Tiger’s only victory this season also came over this distance of two and a half miles on heavy ground. Current favourite Melon is stepping down in class and has always ran well in defeat in top class company but hasn’t got his nose in front since December 2019. Recent victories are scarce in this field. Other than this horse’s win over hurdles on Boxing Day, Chatham Street Lad is the most recent winner over fences, a grade three at Limerick in March.

Welsh Racehorse Trainer Dai Burchell Reflects on his Brilliant Career

Dai Burchell (right), with jockey Paddy Brennan (left), winner of the “Happy Retirement Dai Burchell Novices”

Link: https://twitter.com/Chepstow_Racing/status/1479177119817216007

“I think there are many special moments in racing, such as winning with other trainers’ ‘cast offs’, meeting such a lovely variety of people who have worked for us, ridden in races for us and been owners for us”

At the end of the month a legend of Welsh racing will retire from the sport after 40 years in the sport and over 430 winners.

Dai Burchell had built a career on taking horses that had fallen out of favour at their previous yard and improving them.

Dai and his wife Ruth have produced winners all over the UK, from the Norfolk National, Chepstow and Cheltenham over the jumps, to Ascot, Epsom, and Windsor on the flat.

Dai’s passion for horse racing started in 1953 when he went to Monmouth Show and watched the pony racing there.

After serving two years in the RAF, he started as a steelworker.

It was during this job and before he got his full licence, Dai bought a horse called Teddy Bear for £60, a horse that won him 15 races.

Burchell gave up his job at the Steelworks to become a full-time trainer.

His first winner under Jockey Club rules was a horse called Commissary, who won five races, four with Burchell in the saddle and earned a place in many other races.

In 1982 Dai earned his full licence that allowed him to train horses for other owners.

Dai married Ruth in 1986 after she joined him in the role of assistant trainer in 1983.

“My favourite horses to train are the ones who do their best for you.” Told Burchell.

“The ones who do their best for you, even if they don’t win, you know they can’t do any more.”

When asked which horse he trained was the best, Dai stated:

“Castle Secret was a real star for us and won 12 races on the flat and over hurdles.”

Castle Secret also produced a few efforts as a runner-up at Aintree, Haydock, and Cheltenham.

“My plans after racing are to enjoy every day as it comes,

“My health has not been the best in recent years, at 85 years of age, I’m lucky to say I’ve survived colon cancer, and as a child was one of the first in Wales to be given penicillin to treat gangrenous appendicitis.”

Dai Burchell has contributed massively to Welsh horse racing in his career and was honoured at Chepstow last Thursday.

Chepstow racecourse paid a fitting tribute to the trainer from Ebbw Vale by running the “Happy Retirement Dai Burchell Novices’ Hurdle” which was won by Fergal O’Brien trained Mahon Point.

Her Game Too – Working with Football Clubs in Wales to Help Irradecate Sexism in Football

AMMANFORD AFC and Carmarthen Town were due to hold a match entirely officiated by females on 27December.

With strict new guidelines introduced by the Welsh government that took effect from Boxing Day, the game had to be postponed.

This was arranged in association with the organisation called “Her Game Too”, and would have been the first game in the Cymru leagues to be officiated by an all-female officials team.

They aim to prevent and irradicate sexism in football by raising awareness, developing strong relationships with clubs and communities.

They also aim to make their presence known at matches to make women feel safe and welcomed.

Ammanford AFC junior secretary Anika Lloyd, commented on why a team of women officiating a men’s league match would benefit women in the sport.

“By having a team of all female officials, it certainly attracts more women to the game as spectators.

“It also acts as a catalyst for us to promote the girls’ side of the game and encourage involvement through training, playing, and spectating.

“It will also attract female coaches at grassroots level.

Lloyd suggested that the game needed more female coaches overall.

“We are slightly top-heavy when it comes to male coaches, but hopefully this will change with more recognition to women within the sport.”

In 2021, research by Danny Mcloughlin, representative of Run Repeat, it was found that 72.06% of the head coaches in Europe’s top women’s leagues were male.

https://femalecoachingnetwork.com/2021/09/07/more-female-football-coaches-than-ever-before-but-men-still-dominate/

On top of that, in 2021 the only league amongst England, Germany, France and Spain to have a majority of female managers in their top leagues was England.

https://femalecoachingnetwork.com/2021/09/07/more-female-football-coaches-than-ever-before-but-men-still-dominate/

Similarly for referees, as recently as June 2019, Wales only had 30 registered referees, with only three making the FAW’s current FIFA International Referees List.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/48580197

https://www.faw.cymru/en/about-faw/referees/fifa-referees/

However, the FAW have released very encouraging figures in the last year regarding female participation in playing the game and have put programmes in place to encourage female participation.

The total of registered female players in Wales is over 10,000 and this is a number the FAW are aiming to double by the year 2026.

https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/our-wales-her/

With an increase in the amount of women playing the game, the work of organisations like Her Game Too are sure to level out other areas of football, with there clearly being a need for more female coaches.

David Giles’ Cardiff City Mid-Season Review

“If they go on a run where they lose two or three, they can get dragged into the bottom three and then it really becomes a dog fight.”

DAVID Giles gave his thoughts on Cardiff City’s season as the Championship reached the halfway mark.

After 24 games played, Cardiff City sit 20^th in the Championship and only six wins from those matches.

“They need to stop conceding silly goals which they’re doing a lot lately and they’re not scoring many.

“Kieffer Moore had more than 20 goals last season, he’s got five this season.

“He has had a few injuries and he hasn’t found the target.

“The young players have chipped in, Colwill has scored a few and Collins who they signed from Luton got a couple of goals.”

Moore remains Cardiff’s top scorer, but Aden Flint, who plays centre-back, and Ruben Colwill are joint 2^nd for the most league goals at the club with four each.

“When you’re in this position there’s only one way out, they’ve got to roll their sleeves up and fight for every loose ball and fight for everything.

“Their attitudes have to change, and they have to start winning their personal battles.”

With the lack of goals in the team, Giles believes that the main targets Cardiff should be looking for in January are a striker and a creative midfielder.

Giles worries that the board won’t give Steve Morrison the funds he needs to bring in such players as he isn’t yet on a long-term contact at the club.

“We definitely need a creative midfielder player that can score a couple of goals.

“That’s something we haven’t had for a number of years, going back to the Peter Whittingham days and Graham Kavanagh before him.”

“It would be great if one of the lads in the squad could find their scoring boots but I cant see it happening.”

With the likes of Josh Murphey on loan at Preston North End, Ryan Wintle and Max Watters all able to come back from loan clubs, Giles worries if they would be enough.

“Hopefully they can make an impact, but they were let go in the first place because they weren’t playing well enough to get into the first team”

Another gap in the squad to fill is that of left wing-back Ryan Giles, who returned to parent club Wolves earlier in the transfer window.

Cardiff City’s manager, Steve Morrison, has also said he is hopeful of making a transfer breakthrough this week after knocking Preston North End out of the FA Cup.

NEWENT TOWN F.C. AND THE CARING CHAIRMAN

Chairman Dennis Stringer tending to a very wet pitch ahead of Littleton fixture

NEWENT Town F.C. are a team in safe hands with the chairman who is looking after things from the ground up.

Dennis Stringer, 68 from Gorsley, near Newent Gloucestershire spent an hour and a half draining and levelling the pitch before their match on Sunday, where they came away with a 3-2 victory over Littleton after a late winner.

Stringer said:

“I wanted to make it presentable, so I got a Harris fence rail and tied some rope to it and dragged it up and down the pitch.”

He also used a fork to help drain any excess water from the pitch before kick-off.

The pitch has had verti-draining carried out a couple of times a year, but this cannot be maintained often by many clubs because it can cost up to £300 with the use of a tractor and machinery.

But that is just the start of the maintenance and care that has gone into the club in the six-year period. Stringer has been chairman since taking up the role in 2016.

The former Royal Marine physical training instructor runs a building company called Country Construction with his two sons, Ben who is also current first team manager, and Darren who also represents Newent Town F.C.

They recently built an extension on the club, including a bar area, changing rooms and toilets.

Clubhouse extension built by Dennis Stringer and his sons, Ben and Darren

They also built a picture-perfect brand-new stand, with a firm who has connections with the club providing necessary steel.

The work posed financial challenges as the FA originally gave the club a grant of £70,000, which only covered the cost of floodlights.

The final total came to around £100,000, with a smaller grant eventually helping cover cost that had been put into the building work by Dennis and Country Construction.

This included costs of the extension on the club building and the paths which was all completed by Dennis and his sons.

Stringer had been to school at Newent and joined the Royal Marines in the mid 70’s, where he became a physical training instructor.

He was in the Royal Marines for nine years and would play for the club when he had leave periods from his duties.

After leaving the Marines in 1984, Dennis took the Newent team for fitness training when they were a county league side.

He then joined Newent Town F.C. youth with his sons, taking them through the youth system for a 10-year period.

It was in the year 2000 he joined the senior setup, running the line, mowing, and marking the pitch and carrying out other duties for approximately 20 years.

During this period, he also managed the side for a few years until six years ago he became chairman and still looks after the club to this day.

Link to the club’s Twitter page: https://twitter.com/newenttownafc