A First Horse Racing Experience

My friend Chris wanted to go racing. He had never been before and had been asking me if he could come along for a while, so we set off bright and early one morning, en route to Lingfield Park.

Lovely, Leafy, Lingfield Park

Upon arrival I made my way to the nearest Tote window and set about filling out my Placepot bet. Chris wondered what I was doing, so I spent the next few minutes explaining to him how the bet worked and how to fill the slip out. He then started choosing a list of horses with names he liked and entered the numbers onto a ticket of his own.

The afternoon passed by and at the end of the last race, I saw him checking his ticket. “I think I’ve won!” he said, with a hopeful look on his face.

“Let me check!” I replied, taking his ticket and going through his selections one by one. He was right. The dividend was declared and Chris made his way to the Tote booth to collect his £210. I stood on the spot in a state of shock, not believing what I had just witnessed and bemoaning what I considered to be a grand slice of beginners luck.

A week later, the phone rang, it was Chris wanting to come racing again. We again decided to go to Lingfield and unbelievably the same thing happened. It was only £80 this time, but he had decided that this was his way to wealth and fortune. I tried to bring him back down to earth by explaining how lucky he had been, but he was utterly convinced of it and wouldn’t take any notice of me.

Our next trip was to Plumpton and this time I watched over his shoulder as he made his selections, copying them onto my slip. I had decided that if he was going to win then so was I. The first race came and our horse got in the frame, and the 2^nd, then the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th. It was beyond belief, he was doing it again!

Jumping a fence at Plumpton

Both of us were on the favourite in the last race and after jumping the penultimate fence, he was cruising about 5 lengths ahead of the field. Up to the last and by this time I was starting to dream of £ signs and planning how to spend my winnings. He took off and in what seemed liked slow-motion, promptly ploughed straight through the middle of the fence, depositing his jockey on the turf. The dream crashed to earth just as quickly as the horse had done.

Chris was crestfallen, as was I. 

He never asked to come racing again!

 Mike Godfrey - Article originally published on Triond.com (February 2010).

Tatty's Racing Tips - Friday 6th January 2012

3 all-weather cards to plough through this morning (well 2 as I generally ignore Dundalk) and not a great geal of quality around. The afternoon Lingfield meeting is pretty dire, as is the evening fare on offer at Wolverhampton, but what do we expect slap bang in the middle of jumping season.

The extended 5 furlong handicap at Wolverhampton (5.45) is possibly the best race of the day with 13 being declared. In a wide open contest, it could be argued that at least half of the field has a realistic chance of success. 

The three that stand out for me are Keith Dalgleish's Frequency, Geoffrey Oldroyd's Forever's Girl and Reg Hollinshead's Restless Bay. 

Reg Hollinshead

 Added to the mix is the Richard Fahey trained and Paul Hanagan ridden Alben Star who has been away from the track for a year and a half. He looked quite impressive back in 2010 when winning nicely at both Ayr and Musselburgh and any market move must be respected. His wide draw (and that of both Frequency and Restless Bay) point me in the direction of Forever's Girl, who holds the inside rail position. The booking of Dale Swift with a 3lb claim will also go some way to dispelling my fears that she is currently too high in the weights.

Today's nags to watch:

Lingfield Park

• 12.40 Hereford Boy - 2nd 7/2
• 2.50   Maslak - won 9/4
• 3.55   Rodrigo De Freitas - non runner

Wolverhampton

• 4.45 Drawnfromthepast- unplaced
• 5.15 Leyte Gulf - 2nd 12/1
• 5.45 Forever's Girl  - unplaced

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Saturday 17th December 2011

A strange day yesterday, albeit profitable if backing each-way or place only (but remember, these are horses only to watch. I'm not proposing anyone investing their life savings on them). The highlight (for me anyway) was Canadian Danehill coming 3rd at odds of 28/1 in the 5 furlong handicap at Wolves. In a 10 runner race where the winner went off at 18's, it says very little for the rest of them.

Lingfield today - I've had a few problems at the leafy one of late, so let's try to find a couple that may spark the odd glimmer of something.

• 12.20  I'm Still The Man - unplaced
• 12.50  Not Bad For A Boy - won 9/1
• 1.20    Roman Flame- unplaced
• 1.50    Elna Bright - unplaced
• 2.20    Circumvent - unplaced
• 2.55    Trend Line - unplaced
• 3.30    Picansort - 2nd 3/1

The mighty Biggleswade United return home to Second Meadow today after an excellent away win last Saturday. Today's opponents are Berkhamsted, who currently lie up in 7th place in the table. It won't be easy, but we are playing decent football at present so fingers (and toes) crossed.

Come on United

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Wednesday 14th December 2011

A bit late, but here goes for Lingfield Park

• 12.30 Cloudy Start - unplaced
• 1.00   Silver Marizah - unplaced
• 1.35   Bronze Angel - non runner
• 2.10   Uphold - non runner
• 2.40   Super Frank - 2nd 12/1
• 3.15   Kames Park - won 6/1

And later on at Kempton. 

• 3.50   Finalist - unplaced
• 4.20   Hooligan Sean - 2nd 15/8
• 4.50   California English - won 11/8
• 5.20   Compton Target - unplaced
• 5.50   Quinsman - unplaced
• 6.20   Polar Auroras - 3rd 5/1
• 6.50   Whoateallthepius - unplaced

Good luck, I think we are gonna need it with this lot.

Tatty's Racing Tips - Wednesday 7th December 2011

Well what a rather splendiferous day yesterday was with 4 winners going off with prices ranging from 7/2 to 7/1. They certainly increased my betting bank balance, I hope yours as well.

Two all weather meets today – this afternoon at Lingfield (always a bit dodgy) and later under the lights at Kempton (occasionally has its moments, but generally a nightmare!).

Here are a few to consider.....

Lingfield Park

• 12.40     Cristal Gem - 2nd 2/5
• 1.10        Stevie Gee - 2nd 9/2
• 1.40        Grudge - unplaced
• 2.10        Ivory Silk unplaced
• 2.40        Beat Route - 2nd 11/2
• 3.10        Grand Theft Equine - 2nd 7/2
• 3.40        Gallantry - unplaced

Kempton Park

• 3.50        Black Baccara - won 8/1
• 4.20        Quizzed - won evs
• 4.50        Emerald Wilderness - 2nd 8/1
• 5.20        Amber Heights - 2nd 9/4
• 5.50        Next Cry - unplaced
• 6.20        El Libertador - unplaced
• 6.50        Cut The Cackle - unplaced
• 7.20        Ghost Dancer - unplaced

The mighty Biggleswade United are at home tonight in a friendly against Kent Athletic. As I have a previous engagement sadly I will be unable to attend, but I will pass on the result, hopefully in Thursday's posting.

Come on United

Tatty's Racing Tips - Monday 5th December 2011

Off to Lingfield Park today where, if I'm honest, my record of success is questionable to say the best. Some of these are a little speculative maybe, but well worth keeping an eye on.

• 12.30 Instrumentallist - won 7/2
• 1.00   Multi Blessing - unplaced
• 1.30   Tiradito - 3rd 7/1
• 2.00   Caldercruix - 3rd 10/1
• 2.30   Roman Flame - unplaced
• 3.00   Holyfield Warrior - unplaced
• 3.30   Prince Of Thebes - 2nd 14/1

Good luck with any punting you undertake today.

A super result for Biggleswade United on Saturday with a welcome 2-0 win over Harefield United. With both goals from captain Sean Murray, it brought a well needed 3 points to Second Meadow. 
Below is a quick snap I made of the action (just to prove I was there this time). 

An away day at Oxhey Jets next Saturday which will be testing, but our recent good form may help us give them a good game.

Tatty's Racing Tips - Friday 2nd December 2011

I certainly cannot complain about yesterday’s little lot – 8 choices, 3 winners and 3 placed. I won a few pennies, hope you all did too.

Today is very busy on the all-weather front with an afternoon meeting at Lingfield along with floodlight cards at both Wolverhampton and Dundalk. For time reasons I am confining my choices to the 2 English meetings (my record at Dundalk is pretty abysmal and that’s being kind).

Here we go then...

Lingfield Park

·         12.10 Kyleakin Lass - unplaced

·         12.40 Vickers Vimy - unplaced

·         1.10    Zaina - 2nd 10/1

·         1.45    Rowan Ridge - unplaced

·         2.20    Hurricane Hymnbook - unplaced

·         2.55    Sir Geoffrey - unplaced

·         3.30    Rodrigo De Freitas 2nd 13/2

Oh dear, after yesterday's good fortune, Lingfield has brought us back down to earth with a crash! Surely we must do a little better at wonderful, wonderful Wolverhampton.....

Wolverhampton

·         4.00   Carcinetto - unplaced

·         4.30   Dream Of Fortune - unplaced

·         5.00   Loyalty - won 5/2

·         5.35   Blanc De Chine - won 2/9

·         6.10   Azurinta - unplaced

·         6.40   Double Trouble - won 2/5

·         7.10   Princess Gail - unplaced

I notice that it is being reported this morning that Martin O'Neill has said yes (this time) to becoming the new Sunderland manager. That obviously will please the many Mackem fans who are crying out for success after the struggles of the last year or so under Steve Bruce. But a word of warning - O'Neills record at his last club Aston Vile was nothing to get particularly excited about and remember that the club sold Darren Bent to that same Vile outfit without the knowledge or approval of Bruce. If they try that sort of shennanigans again, O'Neill will be off faster that you can shout Howay the lads!  

You have been warned......

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Tatty's Racing Tips - Tuesday 29th November 2011

Even though I say so myself, Monday turned out to be a pretty decent day at the office. 8 choices, 3 winners at 5/1, 3/1 and 3/1, along with a 3^rd place at 14/1 giving us a nice little profit and almost making up for the disastrous, preceding Saturday.

Anyway, enough of the self patting on the back and onto the business in hand, namely Tuesday’s pony gymkhana at lovely, leafy Lingfield (actually I never did like the place much, but I digress). I cannot get very excited about many of the following choices either, except for the class 2 handicap over 6 furlongs at 2.50, which sparks a little interest.

Anyway, here goes......

12.10  Carlton Scroop- Unplaced

12.40  Henry Holmes - 2nd 5/2

1.10     Osiris Way - Unplaced

1.45     Emmuska - Won 13/8

2.15     Beat Route (E/W) - Unplaced

2.50    Capone - Won 9/2

3.20    Shelagh - Unplaced

Let's Hope it's not Goodbye Cash at Lingfield

Hello everyone

Well what a dreadful day Thursday was. All 3 choices shouldn't have bothered and the less we dwell on it all the better. Let's move on very swiftly.....

Friday brings us the re-staging of the Newbury meeting of last Saturday, when the 2 horses sadly died of what has now been confirmed as electrocution. There is also jumping at Fakenham and Sandown Park, along with AW meets at Lingfield and the evening card at Wolverhampton. 

Every Friday evening, TV channel, Attheraces hold a tipsters competition in their Get In programme. Generally based around the Wolverhampton meeting (at this time of year anyway), the top prize is a £100 bet. Watch it if you are able to receive it on Sky 432 and Virgin 534 and go to the website to enter your selections. Well worth it just for the banter between the presenters, ex jockeys Jason (Shark) Weaver and Luke (Meerkat) Harvey. Check it out at www.attheraces.com

A few I like the look of are:-

NOUS VOILA Fakenham 1.30

MINELLA STARS Newbury 2.25

GOODBYE CASH Lingfield 2.55

FLYING SQUAD Fakenham 3.45 (each way or place)

STRICTLY PINK Wolverhampton 8.05

Good luck and I hope your bookmaker ends up with van empty satchell.

Uncle Tatty

Short and Sweet

Hi y'all

A bit short of time today I'm afraid.

No reply to my email to WBA yesterday, but I'm not surprised. I'm only a fan, not in the least bit important as far as they are concerned - in fact, the lowest of the low, so what do I expect?

Both selections ended in 3rd place yesterday and not at very good prices so were not worth backing each way. I did pick a winner on Twitter ridden by Southwell's answer to Dick Turpin, namely Hayley Turner in her mask, so if you are able then have a look. Address below.....

http://twitter.com/uncletatty

OK, only 1 for Wednesday and that is at Lingfield 3.35 VEROON regularly gets into the frame and should do so again. Beaten only by a head on his last 2 starts, you do wonder if he is a bit of a nearly horse who is not keen on getting his head in front. We'll give him this 1 last chance.

VEROON Lingfield 3.35

Keep your eyes peeled on Twitter for updates.

Bye for now

Tatts

Tatty Returns to the Blogosphere - again!

Hello Boys and Girls

Great news, THE TATTENATOR IS BACK! Mrs Tatty has recovered well from her operation and it's all systems go with the blog again.

Before I go any further, I was shocked to see my Albion had sacked Head Coach, Robbie di Matteo today. OK, I know we have been on a bad run, but a week after the transfer window has closed, where's the logic in that? If you think about it, it is typical of that tight ar*ed idiot chairman, Jeremy Peace to push the panic button. I suppose the timing is so that any replacement doesn't have to be given any money straight away to strengthen the squad. I cannot believe that anyone else will do a better job than Robbie and it is yet another bloody ridiculous decision by a ridiculously out of touch board who, you do wonder if they really want to stay in the Premier League. A popular opinion is that caretaker manager, Michael Appleton will be given the full time gig. Can't see that Appy will be any better than Robbie myself - we shall see what happens.

Now on to the old nags. Jumping at Ayr tomorrow and, for a change, Lingfield along with the usual all-weather entertainment at Wolverhampton.

In the 2.15 Handicap Hurdle at Ayr, Merigo strangely reverts to the smaller obstacles. He is entered for the Grand National and a 2½ mile hurdle is a long way from the 4½ mile slog round Aintree. Eighteen Carat won well at Aintree in November, but he has probably got too much weight on his back this time. My choice is FLINTY BAY who has been running well with not getting his head in front. The extra ½ mile should not be a problem for him.

When it comes to an each way chance I am treading down the very rocky road of a Novices Handicap Chase.In the 3.20 again at Ayr, I have a sneaky suspicion that top weight SOTOVIK may not be very far away from glory. He may have risen in the weights a bit since, but in the middle of 2010 he was winning a better class of event than this and may well trot in at a decent price.

FLINTY BAY Ayr 2.15 meeting abandoned

SOTOVIK (e/w) Ayr 3.20 meeting abandoned

That's all for tonight, speak soon.

Chairman Tatty

Decisions, Decisions!

Hiya

I do like it when a plan comes together. LA ESTRELLA won the 2.00 at Southwell well. I was quietly confident that it would be so. He came to the race with a 100% record on the Southwell Fibresand and didn't disappoint. A workmanlike performance, but returning after a 2 year break, it was always a case of if fit enough, then by how far. In the end it was only a length, but a good return nonetheless.

Wednesday gives us the delights of Leicester, Newcastle, Lingfield (AW), KKempton (twilight AW) and over the pond at Down Royal. Plenty then for me to get my gnashers into, so here we go....

At Lingfield, I like ANJOMARBA in the 1.40 Back down to selling company and returning to a 6 furlong trip, everything looks positive for this 4 year old filly.

I picked a winner at Kempton a day or so ago, so it's in for a penny, in for a pound and let's have another go. At 4.50 RAMBO WILL drops to 5 furlongs which I think will be the ideal trip for him as he seems to struggle late on in 6 furlong encounters.

Lastly, it may be worth having a look at MIC'S DELIGHT in the 2.00 at Leicester. Ran well on New Years Day at Exeter and yard currently  in terrific form.

 ANJOMARBA Lingfield Park 1.40 unplaced

MIC'S DELIGHT Leicester 2.00 won @ 9/4

RAMBO WILL Kempton 4.50 2nd @ 5/1

I am in somewhat of a quandary for tonight. My 2 local non-league teams, Biggleswade Town, are at home to Biggleswade United in the Bedfordshire Senior Cup tonight, but my fave Premier team, WBA are live on Sky at home to Wigan. What to do? What to do? Watch the blog tomorrow to see which game I decided upon.

See you soon

Tatts

And Then Things Get a Lot Better!

Hello each and every,

Well, didn't we do well on Friday? In answer to yesterday's blog title - things certainly did get better. 4 choices with 2 winners at 13/8 and 16/1 no less. I must admit to being more than chuffed about that one.

I must admit to being a bit short of time for Saturday's racing, so I will list the suggestions below with no explanations. I will mark when I think an each way flutter may be best however.

KING OF CASTILLE Uttoxeter 2.05 2nd @ 9/2

NEW DEN Lingfield 2.25 unplaced

PACHA D'OUDAIRIES Uttoxeter 2.35 (each way) 2nd @ 9/2

Thank you and goodnight

Uncle Tatty

Tito's Troubles at Taunton

Good evening,

It was a reasonably average day on Thursday in truth. BUAITEOIR did an impressive impersonation of a Formula 1 car in the last furlong, charging through to win well.

DAHAAM couldn’t follow suit at Wolverhampton where Jamie Spencer left the challenge too late. Poor old TITO BUSTILLO, who could be classed as a Taunton expert, didn’t have a good day and was outpaced and outclassed by 2 rivals.

Still a 4/1 winner from 3 selections at level stakes is a profit, so quite pleasing on the whole really

Grandstand at Taunton racecourse

As for Friday, we have 4 meetings at such marvelous locations as Catterick Bridge, Chepstow, Lingfield Park (AW) and yet again a twilight twirl at wild and wooly Wolves (AW)

The best card of the 4 is the one up in Yorkshire at Catterick, where there are a couple of class 3 handicaps (one chase and 1 hurdle) on offer.

 In the chase at 2.20 Henry Daly’s WESSEX KING unseated his rider at Aintree back in October, but previously had been running very well and if staying on his feet and keeping Mr Tinkler in the saddle should do well.

At 2.55 in the hurdle, I like Altan Khan and was impressed with his win at Musselburgh in November. I can’t help think that up 8lbs for that is a little steep so I’ll go for Mickey Hammond’s AMIR PASHA. The stable is firing on all cylinders at the moment with 3 winners and 2 placed from 5 runners in the last few days, including 2 winners at Catterick. He is also rising in the weights but usually runs well here.

When it comes to all-weather, flat racing, in a race where all 6 could be given a chance, I like the look of SILVER TURN in the 6.35 at Wolverhampton. The 3 year old filly won well at Southwell 17 days ago and if transferring that form to the Polytrack, will do well.
RESULT: SILVER TURN did not want to go into the stalls initially, but complied eventually. She didn't break too well and was outpaced early on in proceedings. Made up some ground at the end, but I get the feeling she will continue to be better on the Fibresand at Southwell. 

Just one word of warning, there is an inspection in the morning at Catterick, so fingers crossed it gets the go ahead. Update: Meeting abandoned due to frost.

WESSEX KING Catterick 2.20 Meeting abandoned

AMIR PASHA Catterick 2.55 Meeting abandoned

SILVER TURN Wolverhampton 6.35 unplaced

That’s all for tonight, speak soon

Chairman Tatts

East End Change and the Star Goes for a Fiver

And it's a good morning to all my subjects, waiting for inspirational words from their beloved leader, to help ease them through another day.

All Change at West Ham

Sky Sports are reporting this morning, that irrespective of West Ham's result today at home to Arsenal, manager Avram Grant will be on his way down the job centre afterwards, ready for the impending arrival of Martin O'Neill.

I can imagine that there will be massive celebrations about to take place over in the east end, but I wouldn't be too quick on partying if I were one of you Irons. I have always thought of O'Neill as a bit of a nearly man and he will only stay as long as he gets his own way. I know he was successful at Celtic and did a reasonable job at the Vile, but with the way the Hammer's ownership like to rule the roost, it surely will only be a recipe for disaster in the long term?

King George at Kempton

Today we get the re-running of the Boxing Day highlight after the snow and ice put pay to the race 3 weeks ago. The great equine God that is Kauto Star, goes for his 5th win in the race on the bounce and the only thing stopping him, it seems is himself. Normal pilot Ruby Walsh is injured and the chosen replacement, Noel Fehily also sits on the sidelines, leaving it to the great AP McCoy to steer the Star to glory. Kauto will win so long as he keeps his concentration when jumping; he made a right old mess of last year's Gold Cup at Cheltenham, but I can't see a repeat of that - can I?

Just a quick comment on the 9 conditional jockeys who took the wrong route yesterday in the 1st race at Huntingdon - what a bunch of idiots! All of them have been given hefty suspensions and rightly so, but it does happen with the professionals from time to time as well. Maybe they should all be sent on a map reading course or, better still, how about someone giving me loads of money to develop and produce a jockeys sat-nav system? Am off down the patent office in a minute....

Have had a quick look through the racing cards today and I like NIGHT WITCH in the Lingfield 2.20 She won at Southwell, 4 weeks ago, noticeably with Jimmy Quinn on board who gets the leg-up again today. I just think that his experience had brought the best out of the filly and a raise of 3lbs should not cause too many problems to her. RESULT - Unplaced

When it comes to the jumps at Kempton, I have been keeping an eye on Nick Williams' 6 year old JAMES DE VASSY that runs at 3.35 for a while. Back to 2m5f after trying 3 miles which was too far, he may well get into the frame in this rather big field RESULT - WON at 8/1

Writing News

I have had a historical piece published this week. A short bio entitled Bernardo O'Higgins: Supreme Director of Chile. By all means have a look, if that sort of thing is your bag.

And Finally

It looks a bit damp outside of Tatty Towers this morning, but I suppose we should be used to that by now. Can you imagine how much snow we would have had if it were cold and it was the white stuff as opposed to the wet stuff? The Tatty Hound will not be amused however. Very little chance of her going outside when it rains - she takes a peek and then glances up at you with a "do you really think I'm going out in that?" look on her face.

I was hoping to go out to watch the football this afternoon. Waders v North Greenford United in the Zamaretto League, but travelling up the A1 last night which overlooks the ground, it seemed like a bog down on the pitch. I will be amazed if the fixture survives. Will just have to watch the King George on the telly instead - UPDATE Match now postponed, waterlogged pitch.

Have a good day, Tatty will return soon...

Chairman T