Official policy might be to plan and budget for increased attendances at Ireland’s racecourses but the on-the-ground trend appears to be remorselessly pointing towards a future where most fixtures will be viewed as little more than television fodder. (more…)

Frankel was a handicapper’s wet dream. Sea The Stars was something of a nightmare. The result is Frankel is now rated a benchmark of equine excellence. And in figures terms, he is just that. But in hunch terms, if the pair were to have that metaphorical race in the sky over ten furlongs, I reckon Frankel would give STS a good lead – to the furlong pole. (more…)

Punters usually need little excuse to feel hard-done-by. Often they have reason. And sometimes they don’t. Champion jockey Davy Russell catches his fair share of punter flak and his odds-on defeat on Midnight Game in a three-horse race at Navan at the weekend generated more on the basis he was too quiet on the horse. Which just shows how appearances can be deceptive. (more…)

Banging on about the same thing when knowing it is futile in terms of change might be insanity but sometimes it remains necessary to simply keep shouting when racing can’t be bothered to wear even the flimsiest fig-leaf of concern for punters. (more…)