Show mightn’t beat substance but anyone who doubts the importance of how things appear – and especially in racing – got a sharp reminder with the Aga Khan’s axing of Johnny Murtagh. In fact the more you examine the story, the less surprising the move becomes. (more…)

First things first: Camelot going for the St Leger would be a welcome diversion from the norm’ and a much-needed shot in the arm for a race dying on its feet. Still, call me a sceptic, but is all this Triple Crown stuff also handy for keeping out of Frankel’s way? (more…)

Sometimes you wonder if it is worth the trouble. The Easter Sunday feature at Cork was the Grade 3 Imperial Call Chase, a three mile chase worth E27,500. Four runners turned up on perfect jumping ground. The top-rated amongst the quartet was Give Us A Hand on a mark of 107: Which is pretty pathetic. (more…)