CHANNEL 4 GAINS A WINNER BY SELECTING CLARE BALDING AS NEW HOST FOR HORSE RACING

After the BBC recently lost the rights to broadcast horse racing on their channels, I felt saddened of the fact that we might not see Clare Balding present the sport again on our television screens.

But news of the sports presenter's move to Channel 4 has been met with praise and smiles as I believe Balding is currently the best person for the job. 

During the Olympics I asked various friends and colleagues who they thought were the best hosts for the event. The majority of which answered 'Clare Balding' as she proved to be an outstanding key figure throughout the programming.

However, despite her move to Channel 4, Clare stressed that she will continue with the BBC, which has made me admire her more. 

Channel 4 has confirmed that Clare will will be the lead presenter of its coverage. Their horse racing events will include Aintree's Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival, Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot. 

As an aspiring sports presenter, Balding is the perfect role model in the industry. Her warmth on camera as well as her in-depth knowledge of every sport she presents is extremely encouraging. 

Even if she is not an expert in a particular sport, (e.g. boxing) she will do her homework and research into any given topic. 

Personally, Balding has always been an inspiration for me: watching a woman become such a dominate figure in sport has encouraged me to work in the industry and has given me faith that if you put hard work and dedication into your career, you can achieve anything. 

It was an absolute pleasure watching her host Olympic sports and I think Channel 4 have won a winner with regards to their horse racing coverage. 

HUGHES AND MOORE JOCKEY FOR TITLE

Jockey Richard Hughes recently powered past William Buick into second place for the championship later this year, but agent Tony Hind claims there will be no favouritism between him and current leader, Ryan Moore.

Should Moore or Hughes win the title, it will be a first for Hind having two of his riders competing head-to-head despite being in the industry for 20 years.  

It must be a bittersweet moment when you discover that two of your riders are racing for a major title, but then again I can imagine it being the same in any sport. 

I admire the fact that Hind insists he hasn’t got a favourite. The ideal result for any would agent would be to have two or three riders battling it out for a championship win.

Moore has won the title three times and currently stands as the favourite at 4-5.  Hughes, however, would be a popular winner: he has finished runner-up three times in the last four seasons yet missed the whole of April through his Indian suspension.   He now stands at 5-4 to win.

But the question remains: who would you like to win the championship title this autumn?

Article also features on @valuehorsetips blog: Thursday Thoughts from Abby Rugg

JOHN GOSDEN BUZZING AFTER NATHANIEL'S POTENTIAL BACK-TO-BACK VICTORY AT ASCOT

Focus has turned to John Gosden this week following his announcement of Nathaniel's go-ahead for back-to-back victories in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. 


After Nathaniel's successful first appearance of the season in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, the team behind the horse have had the urge to compete him in both top races.


Gosden's colt won the King George last year, beating Farhh by half-a-length. However, he had to dig-deep for the win.


A lot of talk has surrounded Farhh recently as he is to race against Frankel in the Eclipse Stakes: he is seen as a classy horse that may have the most ability to beat the superstar. (But will that ever happen?!)


Connections of Nathaniel have admitted that the horse faces a tough task to emulate Dahlia and Swain as the only third dual winner of the King George. 


Despite the challenge ahead, all signs are reportedly to be good ahead of the mile-and-a-half Group One race. 


A sign of a winner is to see the levels of enthusiasm from the team. Gosden seems hyped at the chance of winning a back-to-back with Nathaniel and you cannot leave that unnoticed. No other person knows the well-being of a horse than their trainer. If he is excited about the colt, then I will take note.


Farhh is also to be supplemented for the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. He won the Thirsk Hunt Cup earlier in the season and his form looks ideal for him to be favourite in other Group One races.


However, seeing as Godolphin has decided to race him against Frankel, the horse's ability cannot be questioned. 


Quick Quiz:


In what years did Dahlia and Swain become dual winners of the King George? 






Also published at: @valuehorsetips - Follow me every Thursday on their blog for 'Thursday Thoughts from Abby Rugg'.

"HOW FARHH WILL FRANKEL WIN?"

The world's top-rated horse - err who is that again - oh yes, Frankel, is expected to compete against another classy horse in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on August 1. 

News has circulated around the media about the latest horse to have a go at beating the superstar: Farhh, the runner-up in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, will line up aside Frankel in a few weeks. 

Frankie Dettori will be saddling Farhh and I am sure quite a crowd will gather to see whether Frankel can pull out a mind-blowing 12th successful victory. 

Farhh ran last year's King George winner, Nathaniel, to half a length at Sandown but was unfortunate in finishing third in the Prince Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

It seems that the horse's form will be ideal to place him as favourite in other Group One races, yet Godolphin has decided to set him against wonder-horse Frankel.


Why do you think that was decided? Maybe the team thinks that Farhh will produce some magic on the day. Nevertheless I am sure an exciting race will happen at Glorious Goodwood. 

Frankel won the Sussex Stakes last year and is hoping to maintain his 'world-number one' status by making it 12-out-of-12 wins. 

However, Farhh has only raced five times to date and has previously lined up with Sir Henry Cecil's colt at Doncaster. He was sadly withdrawn at the stalls at the beginning of the race. (Frankel, at no surprise, did win the race by 13 lengths).

I tweeted: "Frankel or Farhh on August 1st at Goodwood?" And I did receive a few replies. 100% of answers being "Frankel". Or "Abby that's a dumb question". 


But my favourite one of all came from the Racing Post's sub-editor, Ross Clarke (@Rossclarke123): "How Farhh will Frankel win? About six lengths I reckon".

HOW THE £40 MILLION DEAL BETWEEN BETFAIR AND BRITISH RACING IS A GOOD AGREEMENT

Last week Betfair, an online betting exchange, signed a deal with British horse racing organisers which will allow a minimum of £40 million worth of funding to be used over the next five years. 

I think that this deal has come at a good time: it will inject a secure and healthy sum of money to keep horse racing alive in this country. 

The sport still attracts a huge audience within the UK, but I feel that numbers may have slipped due to the bad press the Grand National had, both this year and in 2011. 

To me, the Grand National receives the most media attention in this country: it is arguably the only horse racing event that will attract an 'office sweepstake' and therefore appeal to a wider audience. 

Recent posts on my blog describe my thoughts towards the Aintree event and I am saddened by how many people I have come across still base their views of horse racing on the Grand National.

However, in return of this deal, the sport has pledged a minimum number of fixtures every year and offers to maximise betting opportunities. 

In my opinion, this move will give a boost for the horse racing industry as it will bring a large number of benefits to the sport: a guaranteed price will support it over the next few years as well as a certainty towards its future. 

The agreement will give 10.75 per cent of all revenues on horse racing taken from its UK customers and will come into effect from the 51st Levy Scheme. 

Paul Bittar, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said that the agreement "represents a landmark for both racing and betting industries". 

And you know what, I think he could be right on this one. 

WHERE ARE FEMALE COMMENTATORS IN RACING?

As many of you know already from reading my blog I am all for women’s equal rights – so my next question is this: Why do male commentators and broadcasters for horse racing out-number women in the industry?

I was reading a list of professionals in the media for the sport and only three women were listed out of 49 names.

Female jockeys and trainers compete alongside men everyday. Even in the bigger races such as The Grand National and Royal Ascot, jockeys such as Katie Walsh, Nina Carberry and Hayley Turner have no trouble battling against the opposite gender.

But why is it a different story on the commentary side?

I for one would love to see more female commentators but many fans feel that a woman’s voice is too high-pitched to deal with the excitement of a race. It’s crazy to think that a man’s voice is the only tone for commentary. It took a competition, Racing For Change, last year to find Britain’s first female commentator.

I find it awful how it takes a competition for women to feel they can put their names forward for such a job. On one hand I can see why it happened and I respect that it opened a window of opportunity, but on the other I feel that females shouldn’t be intimidated into applying for something that is extremely male-dominated.

I’ve heard people say that allowing a woman to commentate will be ‘patronising’. So I ask: How exactly? This is what I mean by women having a lack of confidence to proceed into the industry. It’s unfair to suggest that women do not have what it takes because of their tone of voice. Why is it assumed that the majority females are constantly giggly and shrill?

It is time to accept that more women want to proceed into the industry and I encourage racing fans to give confidence towards aspiring female commentators.

This is 2012, not the early 1900s.

Also published at: @valuehorsetips - Follow me every Thursday on their blog for 'Thursday Thoughts from Abby Rugg'.

WORLD CLASS WINS IN FLAT CREATES POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE IN RACING AFTER TRAUMA OF GRAND NATIONAL

A fresh breeze of encouraging news has swept through racing this week with Camelot winning the Irish double.


The unbeaten colt claimed victory in Saturday's Irish Derby resulting in good of publicity for the sport alongside Frankel and Australia's Black Caviar. 


Having these three champion horses grab headlines is ideal for racing after the bad media coverage the Grand National clocked up. 


The deaths of Synchronised and According To Pete caused controversial debates, one in particular asking whether the event should be banned. 


But despite all that, it seems that this season of flat racing is giving the sport a boost: more people are reading about the wonders of Frankel and Black Caviar, and not only that, more people are actually gaining an interest due to these racing legends.


Camelot joined in as a short-priced favourite on Saturday (1-5) with previous odds being 1-10 for Frankel and 1-6 for Black Caviar.


Unlike Black Caviar, Camelot didn't have to scramble to victory. He had to work for the win as rival Born To Sea finished two-lengths behind. 


But Aidan O'Brien's colt is now priced at 1-2 to win the Triple Crown at Doncaster in September and I believe he has shown us that he can claim it. 


Ever the optimist, I want Camelot to win the rare treble like so many others I know - Imagine more positive media coverage if he did. 


For now, the terrible incidents of the Grand National have been swept under the rug and it just proves how negative headlines can cause a stir amongst non-racing fans. Rather than a mouthful of bad publicity, watching incredible wins from world class flat racing horses is exactly what the sport needs right now.

WOMEN ARE WORTHY ENOUGH TO GET EQUAL PAY AT WIMBLEDON

French player Gillies Simon caused controversy in the world of tennis by claiming that women do not deserve to be paid as much as men because the men's game is deemed "more attractive". 


He added that it's about the entertainment as well as stating that men's tennis is actually more "interesting" than women's.


I believe that Simon's claims demonstrate how sexism is still an issue in sport. A man cannot be paid more because he is seen as a greater interest. If that is a reason behind any pay, then it is wrong. 


Wimbledon has awarded equal prize money since 2007: Singles winners win £1.15 million; Doubles winners get £260,000 for the pair; and mixed doubles earn £92,000 for the pair.


Giving the same amount of prize money is the correct thing to do in my opinion: female tennis players train and work equally as hard as male players do. The quality of play in women's tennis is just as good as men's. 


However, I can understand why some people are arguing men should receive greater pay because of their task to compete to the best of five sets, whereas a women has to play best to three. 


But surely we're all about equality here? We are in the 21st century, not the 20th. Being a women should not be a reason as to why pay should be less. That is unfair and sexist. 


Yes, I understand why many depict men's tennis as more interesting: the 'Top Four' create headlines worldwide because of their rivalry and always seem to cause the biggest shocks and upsets within the sport. 


But women's tennis is as interesting. I agree, there is not a rivalry between female players similar  with the likes of Nadal and Murray. But why should Simon use that as the reason as to why women shouldn't receive equal pay. 


Female players have fought long and hard to get equal prize money, so why are many people claiming the opposite to what they campaigned for?


Men have the physical ability of a 5 set match whereas a female may not have equal ability. Equal pay should be awarded because it is not a woman's fault if they do not have the physical strength to compete in 5 sets. I can understand people's argument against this, but I think Simon is wrong by claiming men's tennis is 'more attractive' and 'entertaining'. 


My message to the critics is this: Stop making gender the issue. Tennis players, both male and female, work hard and put equal time and effort into their training. It is not about the entertainment as Gilles Simon believes. It is about the players' ability to perform as athletes and achieve sporting goals for themselves and their countries. 

LUKE NOLEN'S LUCKY ESCAPE ON BLACK CAVIAR AT ROYAL ASCOT

Despite the story already being re-told for the past few days, Black Caviar’s nail-biting win at Royal Ascot is a race that I keep watching on repeat for two reasons.

One: The wonder from Down-Under was spectacular to watch as she wowed the crowd with her ability to run like the wind. Comparisons have been made between the mare and Frankel but both are completely different: Black Caviar is a sprinter whereas Frankel enjoys the distance.

And two: Jockey Luke Nolen’s rookie error. He stupidly eased Black Caviar for a few frightful seconds as she approached the winning post, allowing Moonlight Cloud and Restiadargent to gain advantage.

77,000 Aussies gathered together on the day to watch Peter Moody’s mare compete in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes expecting to see their heroine make it 22 out of 22 wins.

But cheers from the opposite side of the globe joined the gasps from spectators here in the UK. Imagine what would have happened if a British jockey had caused their Australian horse to lose. After so much hype and media coverage, it would have been awful if Moonlight Cloud, who finished in second, had snatched the victory.

Going into the race, the mare’s domestic rating was 132, 15 pounds below her official rating in Australia. Respect, however, has to be given to the horse. Considering she had pulled muscles in her back she produced a feisty performance to maintain her unbeaten record.

The relief on Nolen’s face when Black Caviar was announced as the overall winner is a picture that will not be forgotten quickly. Black Caviar’s close encounter is a race that will be repeated over many years.

If Nolen hadn’t eased her up then Black Caviar would have won by more than a nose, something that handicappers would have considered in giving her performance rating two pounds higher than given to French rival Moonlight Cloud.

Black Caviar flew the flag for her country with triumph and her win works as a fitting end to the BBC’s coverage of Royal Ascot. Similar to the Grand National, the narrow victory demonstrates the excitement and passion that the BBC had towards the iconic race meeting.

With the opinions and analysis of the race still being published, I reckon I won’t be the only racing fan to replay Black Caviar’s royal win at Ascot.

Also published at: @valuehorsetips - Follow me every Thursday on their blog for 'Thursday Thoughts from Abby Rugg'.

CAMPBELL GILLIES DIES AGED 21

The sad news of Campbell Gillies' death in Corfu has circled round the globe this afternoon and seeing the number of messages on Twitter proves what a top jockey he was.

Campbell was on holiday with a group of jockey friends when he reportedly died as a result of a swimming accident. 

Campbell Gillies celebrates his win -Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Photo taken by Meteorshoweryn (taken from Flickr)

Arguably, Gillies' most memorable ride was on Lucinda Russell's Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle in March at Cheltenham. 

Sadly, the gelding died in May after he collided with a fuel tanker. The horse was Russell's first success at the jumps racing's premier meeting and is still greatly missed by all.

Even at the age of 21 the Scotsman proved to be a top winning jockey. He was to celebrate his 22nd birthday tomorrow (Wednesday) which makes the news even more poignant. 

Campbell rode over 50 winners for Russell and this message was put on her website (http://www.lucindarussell.com/): 

"He was a much loved, popular and respected member at Arlary House, and it is so hard to lose part of our 'family'. Our hearts go out to his mother Lesley, brother and sister Finlay and Rita.

"We are immensley proud of the achievements of Campbell. It was through his innate ability and talent that he reached great heights as a jockey at such an early age. 

"More than that he had a wonderful charm that I believe came across to everyone who met him, and through his media interviews."

My thoughts go out to Campbell's family, friends and work colleagues today. I am only aged 19 and to see such a talented young man who was only two years older than me go too soon is shocking.

Racing will not be the same without Gillies but he will be forever remembered. RIP. 

ROYAL ASCOT SELECTIONS - DAY THREE (THURSDAY JUNE 21)

15:05

• Momentary
• Been trained specifically for this race and looks to progress further. 
• Princess Highway
• A lot of talk surrounding this filly and keeps on improving.

15:45

• Fame And Glory
• Difficult to look past this one. Last year's winner and has the ability to perform well again.
• Saddler's Rock
• Beat Opinion Poll by four lengths last year and has what it takes here.

16:25

• Prince Alzain
• A potential player in this race. Good form. Looks ideal.

17:00

• Grandeur
• With Dettori on board the horse can pull out an impressive win here. Progressive horse. Shouldn't be dismissed.

17:35

• Rocktherunway
• Always prominent. With good form and a race previously won at this distance the horse has ability to out shine the others.

FRANKEL AND BLACK CAVIAR - BATTLE OF THE SEXES?

If you failed to watch Frankel's stunning sprint at Royal Ascot on Tuesday afternoon then you missed a piece of spectacular history being created. 


His 11th straight victory has been making headlines worldwide so you don't need me repeating the stories. 


But what I will say is that watching the colt win by an eye-bulging 11 lengths gave me goosebumps. I watched jockey Tom Queally remain with the pack and then suddenly lurch into action.


It was as if Frankel and Queally had a close connection on the day. Both jockey and horse must have thought: "Oh god, what will happen if we don't win? There's a lot of people here today... Err right, here we go. RUNNN!!" 


Or something similar to that effect...


Sir Henry Cecil's horse is something special and watching him observe Frankel after his win on Tuesday showed how much time, effort and patience he puts in to produce fantastic moment's like that one.


Now the attention is growing more on Black Caviar. I heard someone say the other day that the 2012 Royal Ascot meeting is turning into the battle of the sexes. Can the colt out-do the mare within the racing event?


What ever happens on Saturday, Black Caviar has done her team proud. The Diamond Jubilee Stakes is her first race off Australian soil and I think she will make her 22nd start one to remember. 

ROYAL ASCOT SELECTIONS - DAY TWO (WEDNESDAY JUNE 20)

14:30

• Sovereign Debt
• Has won here before when 11/4 favourite despite being held up in rear. Has the ability to pull through again.
• Producer
• Won previously at this distance before and could do well here to place.

15:05

• Chachamaidee
• Sir Henry Cecil's filly has been aiming for a win in this race. She looks set to do better than last year. 
• Nahrain 
• Seems to be the biggest threat. Shouldn't be dismissed.

15:45

• Carlton House
• Even though still lightly raced has the style to proceed well. Favourite has disappointed punters before so Sir Michael Stoute's horse looks to be the main threat.

16:25

• Boom and Bust
• Progressive horse. Has the ability to do well with Hayley Turner riding.
• Arabian Star
• Perhaps an ideal place. Has won distance before.

17:00

• Jadanna
• Looks set to win with Dettori on board. The filly performs well and has bookmakers vote.

17:35

• Esentepe
• This trip will suit her. Progressive filly and can find extra acceleration 

ROYAL ASCOT SELECTIONS - DAY ONE (TUESDAY JUNE 19)

14:30

• Frankel
• This spectacular horse looks set to continue making history and looking at his odds the bookmakers seem to think so as well. 
• Is Frankel's price too short for your liking? Try these for second and third:
• Excelebration
• Premio Loco

15:05

• Ortensia
• Seeing as this week is about Black Caviar, I'm hoping to see if other Australian horses can pull out a win. Ortensia placed first out of 15 in previous race and with 23 in this one can come out on top.

15:45

• Power
• Leading favourite and looks likely to win here. 
• Lucayan
• Could possibly make an interesting second.

16:25

• Dawn Approach
• A lot of talk around this colt. Has the ability to win here and heavily backed.

17:00

• Al Khawaneej
• Shortlisted. Liking the look of this horse and could set up a win.
• Dark Ranger
• Consistent horse. Ideal for a place bet.

17:35

• Hototo
• Has won on distance before and with previous win could possibly place first if can hold on again.
• Cosmic Chatter
• Like the look of the horse. Has also won distance before and can get a victory with Gibbons riding. 

ROYAL ASCOT ENCOURAGES APPRECIATION FOR FLAT RACING

Royal Ascot begins tomorrow, arguably the most exciting flat racing event around, and great horses have already been making headlines across the globe.

Even I am incredibly interested in this year's race meeting, something that hasn't really happened in the past.

I've always been a huge fan of National Hunt racing and it's only since I've had the burning ambition to become a journalist for the sport that I have gained a greater interest in the flat.

Black Caviar is the horse that has made the flat more attractive for me: she hasn't lost a race in 21 starts and her journey from Australia to the UK had me searching her name.

 

She is a very influential mare I must admit. Of course I have always followed horses on the flat but not as regularly as National Hunt.


Big Bucks, Midnight Chase, Denman, Kauto Star, Swincombe Flame, Katchit are all huge names in NH racing that I have grown up with and consequently admired. They're the horses that have encouraged me to go to race meetings and watch them run in the flesh.


But now I want to learn more about the flat, the jockeys and trainers and discover the difference between NH and flat horses; what makes them tick, their training schemes and the obstacles they must overcome to win a race.


I want to encourage all NH lovers to do the same: watch Royal Ascot this week and find a new appreciation for the flat. Don't dismiss the idea, it can arguably be as exciting. You've just got to find a new technique to put your finger on the winner.




Photo take by Jake Owens - Royal Ascot, Gold Cup Race, June 16th 2011. Taken from Flickr