The Whip Ban Saga Goes On.......

Well the UK jockey whip ban saga goes on. After the jocks threatened to go on strike yesterday (Monday), they sent a delegation made up from Frankie Dettori, Richard Hughes, Ryan Moore, AP McCoy, Professional Jockeys' Association chief executive Kevin Darley and trainer John Gosden, to meet with the British Horseracing Authority.

After a meeting lasting an hour and a half, it was later announced that a review of the controversial new rules would be instigated with an intention to have the situation ironed out by Friday.

Meanwhile apprentice jockey Kieren Fox was hit with his 2nd ban in a week by the stewards at Windsor. Stating that he rides for the love of the sport, he added that he is now seriously considering his future. 

At Pontefract, Mickey Fenton, Adrian Nicholls and Joe Fanning all received bans, all losing their riding fees and any share of the prize money as laid down in the controversial new rules. Fanning was aghast, saying that it is only the 3rd whip ban he has received in 21 years riding in the UK.

Joe Fanning

Jockey Richard Hughes Temporarily Relinquishes His Licence

Top jockey Richard Hughes has this evening received his 2nd five-day ban in a week for excessive use of the whip. For a jockey who has always had the reputation of  nursing  horses along as opposed to riding them hard, it is almost unbelievable that he has been banned and fined again - especially as he has only received 1 previous ban in the last 3 years.

He is so angry about the bans, he has relinquished his licence until such a time that the new rules, introduced just this week, are reviewed.

To read the Racing Post article, click on the following link:

Richard Hughes Quits in Protest at New Whip Rules

Tatty's Tips: Wednesday 5th October 2011

We have jump action at Towcester and Ludlow today, while the flat season continues at Nottingham and this evening at Kempton Park. There is also a flat card at Navan in Ireland, but because of its enormous sized cards, I have left it well alone.

I used to love going to Towcester with its impressive gate at the entrance (image below). It got me thinking as to how long ago it was when I last ventured over there (is not that far from my home). I remember it was the day the Queen Mother passed away as the story broke on the radio while I was driving home. Upon checking on the net, I found that it was way back in March 2002 - I really must make a point of visiting there again soon.

Entrance to Towcester Racecourse (image by Tristan Forward)

Today's racing fare is not particularly inspiring to be honest, but I have listed a few below to keep an eye on.

LUDLOW

3.10 COOTEHILL

3.40 GREAT MATES

NOTTINGHAM

4.00 AUDEMAR

4.30 MCBIRNEY

TOWCESTER

3.20 PHEONIX EYE

4.50 KELTIC LORD

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Old lad KELTIC LORD (Towc 4.50), now 15 years young, has been finding things a bit tough of late, but in his day was pretty decent and in fact reached the frame only as far back as May. You never know, there may be life in the old boy yet.

GREAT MATES (Ludlow 3.50) was previously trained by Paul Nicholls and Sophie Leech. Now having his 1st trot for David Pipe, it will be interesting to see if he maintains his old enthusiasm for the game.

Teased for Wearing Glasses

Were you ever teased for wearing glasses when at school? It seems the teasing or bullying still goes on.

Click on my latest article to read the story:

Teased for Wearing Glasses

Tatty's Tips: Monday 3rd October 2011

An interesting day of action on the level at Pontefract, Warwick and Windsor.

At Ponte, I like CROWN COUNCIL in the 3.10 Even though he is at an all-time high level in the weights, this is a far easier task than he encountered previously at HQ. I think he can at least reach the frame here.

At Warwick, looking at the form, GLEN MOSS in the 2.20 should win, but I have severe doubts about him, his attitude and the draw in 7 which is far from ideal. Unraced MOATAZ is worth watching in the market.

In the 4.50 BOW RIVER ARCH should have come along in leaps and bounds after an impressive 3rd at Goodwood in June.

In the lucky last at 5.20, top weight HYGROVE WELSHLADY has been running well recently and goes down to a mark of 60. With young Brendan Powell in the plate, taking off another 5lbs, she could go rather well here.

Lastly at Windsor - "down by the riverside" - I fancy AVON RIVER in the 4.00 (all these flowing waters and not a drop of alcohol to dilute!) The Hannon - Hughes combination can do little wrong at the moment and this is far easier than his previous wins. He won't be much of a price though, so either add him to multiple bets or just watch.

Down by the Riverside - Windsor Racecourse

PONTEFRACT

3.10 CROWN COUNCIL

WARWICK

2.20 GLEN MOSS (LAY) 

4.50 BOW RIVER ARCH

5.20 HYGROVE WELSHLADY

WINDSOR

4.00 AVON RIVER

Moving Somewhat Away from Suite 101 and Triond

In the recent past I have been acting as the Topic Editor for both Horse Racing and Boxing on www.suite101.com  As of now I have stepped down from these roles so as to return to part-time undergraduate study. 

A few years back I started studying with the Open University here in the UK, but due to the pressure of many things, dropped out. Now with being able to shuffle a few things around, I intend to continue my studies, hopefully towards a BA/BSc Open Degree.

Although my writing on the likes of Suite101.com and Triond.com will be curtailed somewhat (if not totally when the hard work starts), I still intend to continue with this blog on a regular basis and you never know, I might start boring you all with snippets about UK Law, if you are really unlucky.

uncletatty - www.ukwriter.co.uk

Tatty's Tips and Racing News 2nd October 2011

A bit late on posting today's tips (and apologies for not posting yesterday)

It is Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day at Longchamp in Paris where 16 runners are declared to fight out the Championship of Europe. My thoughts go with the former Australian and now trained at Ballydoyle SO YOU THINK. I think he is a class apart from the rest and will win impressively.

Tips for today:

HUNTINGDON

4.50 ROYAL MAX

5.20 SAFE INVESTMENT

KELSO

3.25 STAR BEAT

5.30 GUNS AND BUTTER

UTTOXETER

4.35 THE DUKE’S SPEECH

5.10 DIDLEY DEE

TIPPERARY

3.05 DANDY BOY (non-runner)

3.40 FOSTERS CROSS

LONGCHAMP (ARC TIP)

3.15 SO YOU THINK

Going down to the start at Longchamp 2009