Racing today comes from Beverley, Cheltenham, Newmarket, Sedgefield, Southwell and Dundalk. It's not too often that I post something on here that I really like. And I rarely like AW horses stepping onto the turf, but I have to say that I like the looks of the Wolverhampton winner Euro Charline. She's a big strong filly who I think will make the transition here. The way she strolled away from them last time out showed that she has a motor. The 16:05 at Newmarket is going to be a real step up for her, but I wouldn't be surprised to see her run a nice race. Newmarket 16:05 Euro Charline EW.
Has something happened in Europe Cyc and I've not heard about it? At last a day with some really decent racing and no-one's posting. Did think the two 3yo maidens looked very interesting today with horses that probably didn't see the light of day last year because of the firm ground. On the whole I think Roger Varian and Andrea Atzeni are the chaps to follow, but Towser's son may get another one on the board as his horses seem 7lb better than anyone else's at the moment. Oh what it is to be in form.
Unfortunately I can't get to Cheltenham this week, a real shame as the weather is absolutely perfect for some time out at Britain's best racecourse. A question to the wise sages of this board - What are your top three racecourses to visit?
Never been to the racecourse surprisingly but the town is quite pleasant. I'd say York, Newmarket and Ascot (all flat and that's all I considered); if it's jumps it's Cheltenham, Sandown and ..... 30 years ago I'd have said Newbury but it's been buggered up as a course to go to. Does anyone read the Ralph Becket news on his website? Always enjoy it as he doesn't hold back.
Seriously though Nass, if I ever made the trip to the UK, I'd like to visit Ayr. Don't know what it is about the place, but it's a course I always take a look at when they have a meet.
3:30 Newmarket-Miracle Of Medinah, as you may remember put this up last time it was out and won at 25's! Mate was speaking to one of the owners again on Sunday and was told that they expect another big run, at 9's this morning worth a wee dabble!
Love the July course at Newmarket. Less keen on the Rowley Mile but will go there anyway on 3rd May to watch Kingman smash the Guineas (if he turns up). Can't beat Windsor for a balmy summers evening beneath the trees by the river. Even if the racing's not so great.
Goodwood- (unless its foggy then you can hardly see anything)you are so close to the track everything is great Ascot- How you cannot like it, is beyond me Cheltenham- Holds the greatest festival on turf
Many moons ago, we had a sand track in Brisbane At a suburb called Albion, about 4k from the CBD. It was about 2 inches of finelt sifted sand placed on top of a sandstone base. Horses with leg problems loved the place. And believe it or not, the track was just over 6 furlongs in circumference. The track grew what was known as "creekers" because it was placed alongside the Brisbane River. The creekers were a class of their own. Some were trully awful on grass, but won through to open company in sand. The champion creekers were amazing. One of the best was a horse called Red Seas. In open company, he'd be well beaten with about seven stone seven on the grass, but beat the very best with 11 stone seven on the sand. He couldn't win anywhere but Albion Park where he was undefeated in 15 starts. My favourite track of all time.
Of all the Festivals (barring Cheltenham of course!!) Goodwood takes a lot of beating. Some courses are good because of the racing, some are good because of the places they are. Few get both right (except Cheltenham of course). I like Ripon, but the racing isn't brilliant.
Sounds just like Southwell. Bar the location. I think my top three courses are - Cheltenham - obviously Longchamps - ok its not in the UK but its absolutely brilliant Towcester - awful racing but a lovely course and honorable mentions go to Goodwood (let down by the people who go), Taunton (lovely little track), Wincanton (likewise) and Sandown (proper big course). Still to visit many of the tracks in the North, so no York, Chester or the like. Only tracks I dislike are Ascot (people and attitude), Newbury (likewise) and Bath (#hole).
My top 3 would be. In order Godâs own racecourse, Newton Abbot, Newbury and Ascot (but only at the âRoyalâ meeting. Not a fan of its other meets). Have only ever been to the races and disliked the experience on 3 occasions. 2 of these were on CGC day and I wouldnât want to go back even with free tickets. As Iâve said many times on both occasions half the racecourse was legless by 1 oâclock, its was Overcrowded with a massive capital âOâ, it did not have a pleasant atmosphere in the slightest and the course was choc full of people who had no interest in horse racing (people bemoan Royal Ascot for the same thing but for me CGC day is far worse). The other, again as I've said before, was âCelebration Mileâ day at Goodwood a few years back. Again full of drunks and people with no real interest in racing whilst I didnât think Goodwood as a course or venue was really âall thatâ (certainly not as fantastic as some claim anyway). Plus, for 45 minutes prior to racing we had the bizarre spectacle of the âRed Arrowsâ continually dive bombing the Grandstand. Why, Iâve no idea, but once youâve seen it once or twice it became incredible tedious and they did it non-stop for 45 minutes! No bet for me today but Newmarket is certainly a meet to watch closely. Together with your notebook.
Actually chaps, for location, Thirsk in North Yorkshire is brilliant. Worth a trip just to stay at the Crab and Lobster for a night. Absolutely wonderful place. http://www.crabandlobster.co.uk
Cartmel - The most picturesque of racecourses. Chester - My Grandad used to take me in the 60's & 70's, saw the mighty Sea Pigeon win The Chester Cup twice 77 & 78! Galway - Now my local track, for the beautiful Colleen, Craic & Guinness!
