Author: Peter McNeile

Continuous rain on the previous Friday conspired to deliver heavy ground at Stratford’s penultimate fixture, where 64 runners contested the seven races under bright autumn sunshine.

It was a day when the fairer sex was able to take a leading role in honours, three races won by established and up and coming trainers, in addition to a rare hurdle race restricted to female riders. The feature event of the day however was a scalp for Stratford’s local trainer Olly Murphy, whose Westerninthepark scored on chase debut for his new yard, having been transferred from Anthony Charlton’s earlier in the month.

A bumper winner here in Spring ’23 when under the tutelage of Milton Harris, Charlton had continued a winning theme with Westerninthepark through two novice hurdles last term. He didn’t give favourite backers a nervous moment after jumping left at the first, putting distance between him and any pursuers in short order 2 out, to win by 14l.

The day had begun with a race that may be virtually unique in the British calendar nowadays in this era of gender equality: a handicap hurdle for female professional and amateur riders. We’re lucky enough to have a talented pool of female riders presently, with a mix of those brought up in racing families, and others who have blazed their own trail to recognition.

Inkberrow – based Tom Gretton had booked amateur Point-to-Point champion lady rider Gina Andrews for One Last Glance, and the booking looked a sound one after favourite Night Jet faded. Gina Andrews pushed her mount into a clear lead around the home bend, and was able to assert readily, winning over Evan Williams’ Coup de Gold by 2 1/4l.

After a brief break for Westerninthepark’s saunter, female service was resumed in race 3, the Edward Abell Memorial Mares Handicap Hurdle, when Evan Williams had to play second fiddle again to Lexie’s Moon, a Laura Horsfall – trained 6 year old winning for the first time since losing her maiden status at Huntingdon in March. In a less than direct route to the head of affairs from two out, she showed sufficient speed to fend off a one-paced challenge from It’s Easy for Kevin Brogan’s7th winner of the term, and Laura’s second.

Laura Horsfall is a recruit from the Point-to-Point sector, as indeed is Daisy Hitchins, trainer of the penultimate race winner on the card, a 2m 2f handicap hurdle. Hitchins was formerly long time assistant to Brian Barr, before the stress of running a smallish yard told on him and encouraged his withdrawal from the sport in August 2023.

Amateur Robbie David took the mount on Begin The Luck, reverting to hurdling after 18 months chasing that offered up 4 victories, including here last June. The owner-trained gelding had hit the front at the last, the two hurdles in the home straight omitted because of low sun, and still had enough in the tank to hold off a renewed challenge from Any Biscuits, who stayed on for Paul O’Brien to close the gap to 1 1/4l at the line. Hitchins has enjoyed some success this summer, this being her 6th winner, whilst this was a second winner for David, more familiarly known around the West Country Pointing circuit.

The distaff theme continued as Emma Lavelle produced Silver Thorn to win his maiden hurdle on his first time leaving the ground. Tom Bellamy always had enough in hand to beat Carrig Kate from the Greenall/Guerriero stable, the winning margin of 3 3/4l growing with every stride.

Twiston-Davies pairing Nigel and Sam teamed up to justify favouritism with Glynn Brae in the 2 mile Mid-Warwickshire Cleaning Supplies Maiden Hurdle. However, the winning rider fell foul of the beaks, when the stewards identified that he’d drifted across Lud ‘or on the run-in, precipitating that horse to stumble. An enquiry found Sam Twiston-Davies guilty of careless riding, suspending him for 7 days.

J P McManus – owned horses can be found at every level of the sport, even if the man himself is now only seen at the top tracks. Nick Gifford is one of the diverse set of trainers to enjoy the Irishman’s patronage, and rewarded him with a winner in the Class 5 handicap chase to conclude the card. Aworkinprogress hasn’t set the world alight to date, but this first graduation to chase company initiated a 100% record over fences, James Davies the winning rider.

With Stratford’s season drawing to a close, there’s further evidence of the top yards flexing their muscles as their autumn and winter horses enjoy a first outing. The unseasonably wet weather this past fortnight has produced soft ground earlier than would otherwise be the case, delivering 56 runners across the seven races for Monday’s meeting.

The most valuable race of the day produced the most exciting finish, even if not necessarily the best horses. Seven year old Balkardy, trained by Evan Williams and ridden by daughter Isabel, outstayed 4 others to win by a head over Mumford’s Magic in the C S Recycling Handicap Chase over 2m6f. But for a mistake at the last, this might have been the second leg of a double for Dan and Harry Skelton, but take nothing away from the winner. His record over fences stands scrutiny: four from eight, even if the last few runs in the Spring wouldn’t have had you rushing to back him.

It’s rare for Dan Skelton to leave Stratford empty-handed, and this meeting was not the exception to the rule. The well-backed Denzil had scared off most of the opposition for the Peute EBF Junior National Hunt Hurdle which opened the card. Faced by just two other runners, Harry Skelton opted to make all, and was fully in control of the race when nearest rival, 6l down, Wallquatari, tipped up at the last. The winner strolled home 55l clear of the second, Celestial Ruby.

Denzil is a Skelton home-bred, running in Dan’s name, but in all likelihood, not for much longer.

Alice Stephens showed a neat finishing style on the staying-on Copshill Lad in the subsequent 2m 6f Conditionals Handicap Hurdle for Harry Derham. Flashy Boy and Eurash had put 7l between them and the remainder turning in, but Copshill Lad and Emma Lavelle’s Rebel Intentions ran on well together to surpass the both of them. On another day, the Lavelle runner might have held sway. In the event, a neck was the winning margin. Derham’s runners have been filling the places since the turn of the month, so expect more over the next few weeks.

Another conditional advertising his credentials through the winner’s enclosure is Jack Hogan, who scored his 10th winner of the term on Hard As Nails for Fergal O’Brien in the CWM Survey & Inspection Novices Handicap Hurdle over 2m 2f. We’ve become used to O’Brien blazing a trail in the early months of the season, so by his standards, this 20th winner of the term is a relatively slow start. It is to be hoped this is by design, through concentrating on higher quality stock, rather than by accident.

The Re-Gen Waste Novices Handicap Chase over 2m 3f attracted a field of 11, but little to get excited about. Bridget Mary was one of X runners at the meeting for Rebecca Curtis, and paid the petrol money the hard way, with an in-and-out run and some sketchy jumping, before quickening to lead at the last and win by 2l from Libor Lad. However, in contrast to her maiden status over hurdles, she is now 2 from 2 over fences, allowing for breaking her duck in a Ballyvadock Point-to-Point in January 2023, so perhaps she’s found her metier.

One who seems quite clear about their metier is Vocito, 6l winner of the Exim Routes Novices Hurdle. This was a comfortable victory for the Sean Bowen – ridden Olly Murphy charge, and a third in as many months, since joining the Stratford handler. With continued improvement, we may see him in Pattern company.

Time was when bumper races attracted full fields of 20+, but the volume of races means these are more refined contest now, where perhaps horses learn more, that being their objective after all. I’m not so sure this has converted into greater spectator interest as there is still a rush for the exit after the sixth race, but nevertheless, the races can produce competitive results.

Four year old Gore Point made short work of his four opponents under Sam Twiston-Davies for trainer Anthony Honeyball. Twiston-Davies had ridden him into second place in his first bumper 11 months previously, but the additional time has clearly allowed him to mature, and he showed good speed to put distance between him and the second. He may well graduate straight to hurdling now.

Stratford Racecourse has hosted some of the leading trainers in Jumps racing over the summer in their bid to get off to a great start in the National Hunt Trainers’ Championship. As ever, the quality on the course has been high. Here is a look at who will likely be in contention in the latest campaign, and who the biggest stars are in their respective stable.

Willie Mullins

Irishman Willie Mullins completed an impressive double last season as he won Champion Trainer titles in the UK and Ireland. The former was an amazing feat, as he had much fewer runners than his rivals.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS DEFENDS HIS CROWN! 🏆

Back to back @Boodles Gold Cup wins 💯 pic.twitter.com/lVMiGhiVxm

— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 15, 2024

Paul Nicholls

14-time Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls is bidding to match the record for the most National Hunt Trainers’ Championships this season. Should he prove successful, he will join Martin Pipe at the top of the standings with 15 titles.

Nicholls has a strong team of horses once again for the latest campaign. Bravemansgame will tackle the Lancashire Chase and King George VI Chase in the early stages of the season. The talented 3m chaser won the latter in 2022. Victory this year will ensure he becomes the first horse since Long Run in 2012 to regain their crown in the Boxing Day feature.

One of the horses that has impressed over the summer for Nicholls is Matterhorn. He has won four races over fences, including two wins at Stratford. The Ditcheat trainer will be hoping his six-year-old carries his form into the autumn and winter campaigns.

Dan Skelton

Local trainer Dan Skelton finished second in the National Hunt Trainers’ Championship last season. It was his best campaign since he left his position as Nicholls’ assistant in 2013 to go it alone. He has reason to feel robbed, having passed old boss Paul Nicholls at Aintree, only to be leapfrogged by Mullins in winning the Grand National.

Skelton leads the early standings thanks to a successful summer. No trainer has had more winners at Stratford than the Lodge Hill-based handler, and he will have a great chance of improving his tally here at the final three meetings of the year.

Grey Dawning gets revenge on Ginny's Destiny

The @harryskelton89 & @DSkeltonRacing win a 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 battle for the Turners Novices’ Chase#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/YMdc4I7x6g

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 14, 2024

Betting, a time-honoured activity, has consistently engaged generations with its thrilling combination of anticipation and excitement. The rush of placing a bet and the suspense of waiting for the outcome has always been a major draw. Recent years have witnessed substantial improvements in the casino sector, particularly with the advent of live casinos and other innovative technical developments.

Horse racing is one of the oldest types of wagering entertainment. Its history extends over centuries, and this rich tradition, steeped in history and culture, continues to captivate enthusiasts to this day.

This article delves into the unique and fascinating psychological dimensions of these two kinds of gambling, highlighting their contrasts and similarities as beloved pastimes which remain ever-popular today. 

Casino gambling

A unique problem arises in risk evaluation when comparing casinos to horse betting. In the casino environment, players focus on assessing the odds the house sets rather than examining external factors. Diverse games like poker, roulette, and blackjack exhibit varying degrees of risk, necessitating players to meticulously evaluate prospective profits and losses in proportion to their bankrolls, and it’s easy to know how to get a casino bonus.

Casino gambling relies on a certain array of decision-making abilities. In poker, participants employ clever methods to deceive their adversaries. Simultaneously, blackjack aficionados contend with choices like standing, hitting, or doubling down, influenced by their hand and the dealer’s face-up card. Roulette aficionados must judiciously position wagers on the wheel’s bewildering assortment of numbers. These judgements require a combination of expertise, strategy, and, to some extent, a touch of fortune.

Horse racing betting

Conversely, betting on horse racing focuses on risk evaluation. Gamblers assess a complex array of factors, including the horse’s history, the jockey’s efficacy, and the caprices of meteorological conditions. This information enables individuals to make educated judgements, thus reducing the component of chance. It involves not only chance but comprehending the sport and executing smart decisions. The method of choice in horse racing betting is a distinctive amalgamation of analysis, intuition, and instinctive judgement. Committed gamblers invest significant time analysing historical performances, examining data, and occasionally visiting the racecourse for direct horse assessments. Nevertheless, the erratic character of horse racing frequently surpasses statistical analysis, permitting the influence of intuition and subjective evaluation. Fundamentally, horse racing betting encompasses numerical data and the bettor’s judgement and intuition.

Horseracing & casino gambling: a rich heritage

According to historical accounts, horse racing and casino gambling are rich in heritage, with the earliest horse races dating back over 200 years. Global courses have a historical lineage spanning decades, with renowned races and illustrious tracks that embody legacy and grandeur. The customs and practices linked to major racing days may involve attire such as morning dress and elegant gowns, but has also lower standards at the lesser meetings in the racing calendar. You can still wear wellington boots at your local point-to-point.

Likewise, the casino sector is established on the basis of tradition. While games have undergone modernisation, chips and cards remain emblematic of casinos. Numerous individuals cherish tradition, as it fosters a sense of continuity. Contemporary casinos utilise games developed over a comparable timeframe as horse racing. Individuals hosting casino game evenings at home sometimes use formal attire, such as evening dress, and incorporate both real and digital casino games. While you may disregard dress requirements or the traditions many businesses uphold, they indisputably persist in both casinos and horse racing.

Horseracing vs casino gambling: the societal dimension

Individuals may also contemplate the social aspect of these sectors. Horse racing events are social gatherings where individuals can go with companions or converse while present. Most horse racing events provide opportunities for social engagement for in-person attendees, frequently featuring bars and clubhouse-style facilities where individuals may dine and converse with others. Groups may convene for a day excursion, for instance. Certain casinos serve as social hubs, and while one may consider traditional in-person casinos, online gambling platforms also include a significant social component. In addition, casinos have effectively integrated social interaction into the digital realm through group chats and live dealers.

When horseracing meets casino gambling

In recent years, a compelling trend has arisen in casino gambling: the introduction of horse racing-themed casino games. These unique games adeptly merge the core elements of horse racing with the traditional excitement of casino gambling. Participants may engage in virtual horse races or enjoy horse racing-themed slot machines, enhancing their gaming experience with extra excitement.

The increasing popularity of horse racing-themed casino games is due to their intrinsic allure. These games provide a distinctive fusion of the exhilaration of horse racing with the timeless appeal of casino gambling. They serve aficionados of both domains, providing the excitement of the racecourse and the casino in a unified experience. It is essential to prioritise appropriate gambling habits, whether wagering on actual horse races or engaging in virtual simulations.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, although horse racing and casino gambling seem disparate, they converge in the domain of the betting mentality. Both activities need individuals to evaluate risks, make informed decisions, and accept the exhilarating nature of uncertainty. The distinguishing aspects reside in these hazards, and the techniques utilised. With the rising popularity of horse racing-themed casino games, they provide a unique hybrid experience for enthusiasts of both realms.

Spectators might have been forgiven for thinking they’d been sold short at Stratford on Saturday, when the card was restricted to the scheduled 6 races for the first time in several fixtures. As the tempo of the autumn season begins to wind up, the demand to run is evidently being satisfied by the increased number of fixtures elsewhere. Nevertheless, 53 runners competed over the day on good ground.

Tis the season of Ten to Follow competitions, when punters look to horses that will pay their way through the winter. One such is Roaring Legend, whose performances since pulling up in the Supreme Novices have enhanced his splendid name. Breaking his duck in a maiden at Chepstow at the end of April, he reappeared here is a small field for little more than a schooling run, justifying even money favouritism to clock his first fully fledged novice hurdle by 10l. Rated 119, he’ll compete for bigger prizes for trainer Olly Murphy and rider Sean Bowen.

In the feature Wynchwood Handicap Chase, Move It Like Minnie graduated to chasing successfully albeit a more demanding course might find weaknesses in his jumping. The Twiston-Davies 7 year old is a winner of 4 of his 18 starts over the smaller obstacles, and the Naunton maestro had recognized that this immediate step up to handicap company might avoid a pricey foreign import from one of the bigger yards. There’s a race to be found for second placed Sir Tivo, 5 1/2l back, having led into the straight for the Hanmer-Dunne combination.

Gary Hanmer didn’t leave Stratford empty-handed however. The opening selling hurdle, restricted to conditionals, was won by his Razzo Italiano, under 3lb claimer Jack Hogan. Always handy, he took it up approaching the last and went on to score by a length. There was no bid for the winner; in fact, post race auctions, so often a feature of Stratford and Leicester, have all but died out. Sixth – placed Nadim, and seventh Queen of Steel were both claimed however.

The Bowen dynasty has many layers. Led by Peter and eldest son Micky, the training provides ammunition for championship contender Sean, but younger brother James is no pushover. He doesn’t enjoy the volume of rides of his elder brother, but is more than capable, as illustrated by a 24th winner of the term on Charles and Adam Pogson’s Callin Baton Rouge in the Power Utilities Group Handicap Hurdle over the minimum trip. He completed a hattrick of victories at this level with a comfortable 8l victory over Martin Keighley’s don Rafael, and may yet defy a penalty to strike again.

A rather mediocre group of runners faced the starter in the Class 5 Power Utilities Group Handicap Chase over 2m6f in which only 6 of the original 11 starters completed. Honours went to Nickelforce, a Ben Case – trained 5 year old breaking his maiden chasing tag on debut under Harry Bannister.

Stratford bumpers have been worth staying on for these past few months, with some notable fledgling stars making their debut, like Ronnies Rules. Irish-bred Serious Chat looks to be on the upgrade, seeing off the challenge of Olly Murphy’s newcomer All Well And Good to come good on the promise he showed at Kilbeggan back in June. It was a welcome Stratford success for Brian Hughes whose winner ratio in Warwickshire this term has been rather subdued.

Stratford’s summer season is enjoying unseasonably large fields as the BHA’s reduction in the volume of races has led to near safety factor fields on meeting after meeting. This final evening fixture was the third consecutive fixture in which a race was divided due to oversubscription, hopefully an indication that field sizes are set to rise on a consistent basis.

Quality will out, however many horses face the starter however, and Alcester trainer and Championship runner-up in 23-24 Dan Skelton, is making a determined effort to ensure he does not fail for want of a couple of hundred thousand £ in winnings on April 26th 2025. A short-priced double last night brought his tally to date to 44 winners and £344,000 in prize money, totals rarely seen since the days of Martin Pipe, or 20 years earlier, John Jenkins.

Got Grey set the ball rolling in the first division of a divided 2m handicap hurdle with a ready 3 1/2l win over Calshot Spit and Buxted Too, Harry Skelton in the plate. Got Grey is the winner of an Irish Point-to-point, and certainly has the size and physique to go chasing. Some credit must go to Devon-based Helen Nelmes, who has nurtured the horse through several placed efforts earlier in the summer, before Got Grey transferred to Skelton’s a week ago.

Of perhaps more interest was the final winner of the evening and Skelton’s second, the well-backed Ronnies Rules, running in and winning his third consecutive bumper at Stratford. By contrast to the divided handicap hurdle, the bumper attracted a mere 5 runners, which begs the question as to whether BHA should be reassessing the volume of these races. The fast-finishing Presenting Milan is one to keep an eye on on for the future, but owner Nick Sutton has a horse to look ahead with in Ronnies Rules, as does his rider son, Ben.

The £25,000 prize for the feature Brian & Sheila Vaughan Memorial Chase over 2m 3f looked an expensive route to attracting a mere 5 runners, and begs the perennial question from racecourses as to why they should extend their finances when prize money is so eschewed. Nevertheless, it provided an entertaining race. Winner Rotten Row was held up in rear until 3 out, and turning out of the back straight, both first and second were bringing up the rear. However, Robbie Dunne’s vigorous ride on Rotten Row gave him an edge, and he ran out a ready 4l winner, La Dominiale running on into second after being outpaced. Gary Hanmer’s horses are to be respected at this level, although few improve enough to trouble the mid-season Saturday cards.

An equally weak field faced odds-on favourite Glynn in the Racing TV Club Day Novices Handicap Chase over an additional 3f earlier in the card to produce a bloodless 26l victory for the 4/6 chance, in what transpired to be 3 separate training gallops, the distance to the third another 35l. It may well have been Sam Twiston-Davies’ easiest ride of the season, and as likely Anthony Honeyball’s too as his trainer.

Eight runners in the final of the three chases, a 3m 3f handicap, sadly didn’t make for anything but a muddling pace, the race finishing nearly 30 seconds slower than standard. Adam Wedge had been scraping the paint on the inner all the way round and led into the last from Great d’Ange, but the second took the final fence better and looked to have gained an advantage. Wedge encouraged Honey I’m Good to rally and run out a 2 3/4l winner for Evan Williams, with the fast-finishing No Promises just failing to touch off great d’Ange for second by a head.

An hour earlier had seen a welcome return to the jumping scene for Ian Williams, whose attention has been more focused on the flat in recent years. Five year old mare, Mary, is owned by Eventmasters, one of the key players in the sale of hospitality at the Cheltenham Festival, led by Mark Sheasby, who looked chuffed to have finally found a winning formula at the ninth attempt in the second division of the handicap hurdle, beating the unfancied Call Blue from the Twiston-Davies team. From the dizzy heights of 46 winners 10 years ago, Jumps runners have dwindled to around 100 per season, as the focus on the flat has delivered in spades for the former Doumen assistant. Who can blame him; that focus has delivered over £900,000 in prize money for his owners this season alone.

Two races remain to be reported in front of a decent crowd this Tuesday after a bank holiday.

A quick glance at results might have led the untutored eye to a rare British ride for Closutton’s Danny Mullins when Alistair Ralph’s BravewhenIneedtobe showed good flat speed to run out a 5l winner in the 2m6f handicap hurdle. Danny normally rides in Ireland, but his stats in this early part of the season are notable: no less than a 33% strike rate on just 3 rides. Take note before the big guns come out if he comes over again.

Writing of big guns, the card opened with the return of a Paul Nicholls winner to the Stratford winner’s enclosure in Huelgoat, who is making the most of his novice status over hurdles to mop up. Despite already having campaigned over fences, accumulating 5 victories in 12 runs, the switch back to the smaller obstacles seems to be working, this being his second victory this season following a 3l success at Newton Abbot in June. This time, Freddie Gingell was in the plate for an undemanding 5l victory over yellow Car from Graeme McPherson and David Killahena’s Stow yard. Expect Huelgoat to defy a penalty.

Although the National Hunt season is on the low burner during the summer months, there’s still plenty of action to be enjoyed over the fences here at Stratford.

We hold racedays throughout July and August, with one such meeting in July providing Paul Nicholls with a rare summer treble.

And he’ll be hoping this early season form can act as a springboard for success throughout the rest of the campaign, even if former assistant, now rival, Dan Skelton, has embraced the summer campaign to give himself a £200,000 championship head start on his former boss.

The big time

Many UK bookmakers offer betting odds for races taking place weeks and months ahead – these are their ‘ante post’ markets.

So you can wager on the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Grand National and many other big races in advance via the Paddy Power horse racing odds – and Nicholls is expected to be a key player in many of the most prestigious renewals this season.

The sports betting guides for the King George VI Chase will no doubt feature Bravemansgame, the current 14/1 chance that won this Grade I race in 2022 and followed up by finishing second for Nicholls in the 2023 edition.

Bravemansgame – a 13th win in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase for @PFNicholls under @CobdenHarry

🏆 2022 G1 King George VI Chase
🏆 2021 G1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase
👑 King of @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/tM7dItvGGC

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 26, 2022

Pic D’Orhy, who has won the Ascot Chase and Melling Chase since April 2023, is another big-time player on the National Hunt’s Grade One calendar, while Ginny’s Destiny has triumphed twice at Cheltenham and was a close second to Grey Dawning in the Turners Novices’ Chase there at the Festival in March.

Others, such as Rubaud, Stage Star and Stay Away Fay, will also be geared by Nicholls towards the big races in 2024/25 – will they deliver under the spotlight and add to the trainer’s incredible history in the sport? Two of these three returned to Ditcheat last month after a dispersal sale by leading Nicholls owner Chris Giles, who is scaling back, having been bought by other owners in the yard.

Sounding the horn

Nicholls’ Manor Farm Stables yard has been in excellent form this summer; a status that has been on full display at Stratford in recent times.

His six-year-old, Matterhorn, has particularly enjoyed the track here at the racecourse. He was a really handy winner in the Davisons Law Anniversary Novices’ Handicap Chase on July 2, running out a 12-length winner and justifying his 8/11 favouritism.

A couple of weeks later, Nicholls returned with a strong squad for the next Stratford raceday, with Matterhorn again front and centre in his gang of contenders.

This time, he was favourite for the John Murtagh 60th Birthday Handicap Chase. And with ace jockey Nico de Boinville on board in place of the injured Harry Cobden, Matterhorn once again lived up to the billing, romping away by eight lengths to bank his connections a handsome £13,000 payday.

Matterhorn is too good for his rivals in the John Murtagh 60th Birthday Handicap Chase with the six-year-old extending clear under @NdeBoinville for trainer @PFNicholls 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IIcf2s42yb

— Stratford Racecourse (@stratfordraces) July 21, 2024

So Matterhorn is undoubtedly a horse to watch in the rest of 2024 and into next year, but he’s not the only Nicholls winner at Stratford this summer.

Brave Knight defied a handicap that saw him as the second top weight horse in the field in the Ladies Day Winners Novices’ Hurdle, winning by more than nine lengths in a truly impressive showing.

Soir de Gala made it a hat-trick for Nicholls at our July 21 raceday. The French horse, again with De Boinville in the saddle, travelled well throughout and, after asserting dominance at the business end of the race, was driven on to complete a four-and-a-half length victory.

What a great summer it’s been for Nicholls at Stratford; 4 of his 17 winners to date have been chez nous. What else will the 2024/25 season have in store?

Two themes punctuated the chatter at Stratford’s annual Ladies Day, thronged with the great, good and glamorous of Warwickshire. Understandably, paddock picks were on this occasion not limited to the inside of the parade ring; there is nothing like dressing up to generate conversation at least among lady racing spectators.

The other chatter of course concerned the broadcast of Champions – Full Gallop, ITV’s new six part docuseries charting the highs and lows of the past jumps season. An early star of the show is Mr Hollywood himself, Harry Cobden, whose good looks and boyish charm engage spectators and viewers alike in equal measure. That he happens to be champion too only adds to that allure. We haven’t had a poster boy champion since John Francome, with no offence to other champion riders in the interim. Even A P would acknowledge he is no Adonis!

However, even champions have their upsets. it’s an unappealing stat for any budding rider that a fall will occur every 12 rides, and Cobden’s law of probability caught up with him in the opener, when an unseat on the Nicholls – trained Kick Up A Storm left him stood down for the rest of the afternoon, and an enforced couple of weeks on the sidelines.

The race, a 2m 6f handicap hurdle, went to the Alan King – trained Royal Pretender, under Tom Cannon, winning his third hurdle from 19 starts.

As any rider will know, one man’s loss is another’s gain, and the principal beneficiary this time around was Nico de Boinville, previously booked for just one rider for the Seven barrows team, who was promptly snapped up by Nicholls for a winning ride on novice chaser Matterhorn, who scored an 8l victory in the feature 2m John Murtagh 60th Birthday Handicap Chase. The winner is likely to turn out again next month when Newton Abbot’s programme includes a £25,000 handicap chase, even though he remains a novice. He looks a fun addition to owner Johnny de la Hey’s burgeoning stable of stars.

That collection of good horses is only likely to increase, given the imminent sale of Chris Giles impressive string of bloodstock today, which includes horses like Stay Away Fay and Rubaud, which Nicholls will surely want to keep at Ditcheat.

De Boinville’s good fortune with Nicholls continued when Soir de Gala justified 5/2 favouritism in winning the Watch Champions Full Gallop on ITVX Novices Handicap Chase over 2m 3f later in the afternoon for owner J P McManus. As first rides for a new trainer, this was something of a nice pick-me-up on an afternoon in which Nicholls added a third ready winner in the 2m novices hurdle with Brave Knight, this time under Harry Skelton.

There has never been a summer when Stratford enjoyed race divisions at three consecutive fixtures, but the confluence of unseasonably wetter conditions and a reduction in races by some 300, has precipitated some extraordinary results. Divisions 1 & 2 of the Allan Atkinson Memorial Handicap Hurdle over 3m2f may never feature in their own right in some racing quiz or other, but they provided 2 winning opportunities where only one was planned.

Entirely characteristic of the summer programme, the Twiston-Davies yard was quick to take advantage, producing Fine By Me to win the first division easily. Like many of his summer runners, Fine By Me runs in the colours of Twiston-Davies Equine, building up value until a suitable owner hoves into view.

Division II was not much more competitive, the winning distances being 6l and 17l, this time by six year old Catuaba, trained by Charlie Longsdon and ridden by 7lb claimer Elizabeth Gale, her ninth winner overall.

On a day when favourites won 5 of the seven races, layers were given some brief relief when Gary Hanmer produced a 1-2 in the Ardencote Mares Hurdle, where Marina Ocarina beat stablemate Northern Rose a head to delight the few backers of her at 25/1.

Normal service was resumed in the final bumper, when Dan Skelton kept up his early season push for winners and prize money, reaching 39 and over £320,000, when Ronnies Rules kept a 100% record under Rules when following up on debut success here at the start of the month for amateur Ben Sutton.