Racing Post

An exclusive story in Sunday's Racing Post headlines this week's The Front Page.  Maddy Playle discusses how British racing is considering a radical new plan to monetize its top Flat events. The proposals involve racecourses ceding control of their most valuable assets to an international private equity or sovereign wealth fund. France correspondent Scott Burton casts his eye over the Derby and the Oaks after a week of Classic trials at Chester, Lingfield and Leopardstown. Big performances from the likes of Los Angeles, Ambiente Friendly, You Got To Me and Forest Fairy come under the microscope.  West Country correspondent James Stevens reflects on an eventful week on track and highlights the importance of Mental Health Awareness week for racing and its participants.

Sam Hart is joined by Matt Gardner, Jonny Pearson and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action at Ascot, Haydock and Lingfield this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel look at Saturday's card at Ascot. The Victoria Cup is the big handicap on the card with Mostabshir the current favourite, however Matt and Ed agree on one who could be a big challenger to the Gosden's horse.  The second part of the show switches attention to Lingfield. Oaks and Derby trial's are the big headliners there. The impressive last-time-out Wetherby victor Danielle is a short price in the Oaks trial, while Aidan O'Brien really looks to get his Classic stars going with two entries in the Derby trial. The team then give their other selections before providing their weekend NAPs.

Two gripping Classics, the last great spring jumps festival and huge developments for racing and punters in Britain and Ireland are the talking points in a bumper edition of The Front Page. Racing Post industry Bill Barber analyses the latest affordability checks news and stresses that many pitfalls lie ahead, while David Jennings paints a grim picture for Irish racing as an advertising ban becomes ever more likely. Lee Mottershead leads discussion on Guineas weekend at Newmarket, where Notable Speech and Elmalka were tremendous winners but City Of Troy, Ramatuelle and Tamfana made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The chat then turns to Punchestown, where Jack Kennedy became a worthy champion jockey and Galopin Des Champs succumbed once again to Fastorslow. For DJ, however, it is the dual Gold Cup winner who should be clear favourite to triumph back at Cheltenham next March.

Sam Hart is joined by Robbie Wilders, Tom Park and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action at Newmarket, Goodwood and Thirsk this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel look at Saturday's card at Newmarket, headlined by the 2,000 Guineas. City of Troy is one of the most exciting horses we have seen in recent seasons, but could there be an upset on the cards on his big reappearance? The second part of the show switches attention to Goodwood and Thirsk. Two competitive races on Saturday to get stuck into, which means a tough puzzle to crack at both tracks. To finish, the team look ahead to the fillie's on Sunday in the 1,000 Guineas. This looks a more open contest than the colts equivalent and the panel discuss the chances of a few at prices.  The team then give their other selections before providing their weekend NAPs.

Joining the Front Page panel this week are Chris Cook, Lee Mottershead and host Tom Kerr. A packed show begins with reflections on the sad news of Shishkin's death at Seven Barrows, before the panel discusses Willie Mullins' momentous achievement of becoming the first Irish-based British trainers' title winner for 70 years and asks: will he do it again next year? Lee Mottershead tells us about his reveal-all report into internal unrest at the Jockey Club, Britain's most important racecourse group and the operator of Cheltenham and Epsom, at which financial blows and disagreements over strategy have sparked a brewing crisis. (Members' Club Ultimate subscribers can read the full special report here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/features/the-big-read/internal-unrest-and-financial-blows-is-the-jockey-club-heading-for-a-crisis-asE3q7k7D7N5/) Finally, Chris laments the sport's efforts to promote its icons, prompted by the retirement of Olivier Peslier and the difficulty encountered unearthing old race footag

David Jennings is joined by Matt Gardner, Graeme Rodway and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action at Sandown, Leicester and Haydock this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel looks at the final day of the jumps season from Sandown which includes the Gold Cup and last years winner Kitty's Light is back to defend his crown. The second part of the show switches attention to the Flat at Leicester and Haydock. The panel looks at the races that will be live on ITV. To finish, the team provides their weekend NAPs.

Imminent changes to the Cheltenham Festival race programme, the even more imminent crowning of Willie Mullins as British champion trainer and whetting the appetite for the year's first Classics - this week's edition of The Front Page is certainly not short of material. James Stevens digs deep into his midweek Cheltenham scoop as we try to predict how the 2025 festival will look following an admission from the Jockey Club that moves will be made to strengthen the meeting. Will races be axed, could others be amended and is it time to keep novices out of the handicaps? Willie Mullins had a great time at Cheltenham, which is a major reason why he holds a clear lead in Britain's trainers' championship. Lee Mottershead puts his achievement into context as the team asks what it will mean for the sport now and in the future if Mullins does indeed claim the title. Finally we switch our attention to the Flat as Jonathan Harding assesses last week's Guineas trials before the panel busts a big myth about British Flat

David Jennings is joined by Keith Melrose, Tom Park and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action at Ayr and Newbury this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel analyses Ayr's ITV card which will go a long way in deciding who wins the National Hunt Trainers' title with Mullins, Nicholls and Skelton all sending runners to the track.  The second part of the show switches attention to the Flat at Newbury with the big race of the day being the Spring Cup. The panel looks at all the action that will be live on ITV. To finish, the team provides their weekend NAPs.

This week's edition of The Front Page is a Grand National special as Lee Mottershead, Peter Scargill and Maddy Playle combine for a comprehensive debrief of the sport's greatest race. As well as analysing I Am Maximus's runaway success, the team debates the strengths and weaknesses of this year's contest and assesses the Grand National's future in light of a renewal in which 21 horses finished and, thankfully, none fell. The programme also looks back at the rest of the Aintree festival and looks forward to the final two weeks of a gripping trainers' championship battle. On top of all that, there are even horses to follow for the new Flat season.

Sam Hart is joined by Graeme Rodway, Jonny Pearson and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action on Grand National day at Aintree. In the first part of the show the panel focus on the big one, the Grand National. The team analyse the chance of the current favourite Corach Rambler, as well as some of the others towards the top of the market. They also provide their 1-2-3s for the National and mention a few outsiders in the field.  The second part of the show looks at the rest of the excellent Aintree card. The panel have a couple of strong 8-1 fancies for the card.  To finish, the team give the rest of their tips for this weekend's racing, before giving their NAPs.

We lead with some breaking news on a packed show this week in which Racing Post editor Tom Kerr is joined by West Country correspondent James Stevens and deputy Ireland editor David Jennings. Kicking us off is a breaking story about Jockey Club prize-money cuts following a fall in Cheltenham Festival attendance that compounded the impact of affordability checks on betting turnover. We look at what it means for racing and where the sport goes from here. The panel then turns to Aintree and Saturday's Grand National, with all the big talking points assessed including the paucity of the home challenge, impact of likely heavy ground, an enthralling trainers' title race and the panel's tips for the National. Finally, we look at a couple of sad stories reminding us of the dangers jockeys face every day. Stefano Cherchi, just 23, tragically died following a fall in Canberra, while Aidan Coleman announced his retirement aged 35 following serious knee injuries. Stefano Cherchi fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f

Sam Hart is joined by Robbie Wilders, Matt Gardner and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action at Kelso and Kempton this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel analyses Kelso's ITV card which will hopefully get the go ahead with inspections sceduled for the Scottish track. Ed Nicholson is very keen on the chances of a 14-1 shot on the card. The second part of the show switches attention to the Polytrack at Kempton, where there are three competitive contests to get stuck into, including the Queen's Prize Handicap for the stayers. To finish, the team provide their other weekend racing tips, look ahead to next weeks Grand National, before giving their weekend NAPs.

Get the latest golf betting tips for the upcoming Valero Texas Open & LIV Golf Miami, as James Mason and Steve Palmer take a look at this week’s tournaments.   The team also take a look back at the Houston Open and Indian Open from last week, analysing who stood out, as well as who underperformed. Steve gives us his best predictions for this week's tournaments, including other selections who could be worth backing in the markets. 

Reflections on a huge day of top international competition, analysis of grim financial figures for British racing and discussions on three important regulatory decisions are on the table in this week's edition of The Front Page. Scott Burton is back home after working at Meydan, where there were some stunning winning performances on World Cup night but also another case of Auguste Rodin completely failing to fire. The panel looks at what that means for his reputation and what lessons can be learned from the Dubai action. The Flat season might be kicking into gear but the jumps campaign is anything but over, with thoughts now turning to the Randox Grand National. Defending champion and ante-post favourite Corach Rambler is set to be ridden as usual by Derek Fox after Lucinda Russell's jockey survived a meeting of the BHA's Whip Review Committee. We look at Fox's case and those relating to Tony Martin and Gary Sanderson. The programme ends with Bill Barber's revelation that online betting turnover on racing

Join Jack Reeve and Mark Langdon as they return for the latest episode of Bets Club, giving you the best bets and predictions for this week's Premier League fixtures and more. The international break is behind us & the run in starts now as the team kick off by previewing the big match, Manchester City vs Arsenal. Can Arsenal finally turn the tide at the Etihad? Mark then gives his best bets in all of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, including Aston Villa hosting local rivals Wolves.. Dan Childs returns with his best bets in the EFL, giving us lots of analysis on this week’s team in focus, Colchester United. Follow Mark as he takes a look at the best multiple offers this game week too, as the team create a bet builder, a treble and give their other best bets.

Sam Hart is joined by David Jennings, Graeme Rodway and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to preview the action at Musselburgh and Haydock this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel analyses Musselburgh's opening flat meeting of the season. The competitive Queen's Cup is the feature, and David Jennings is strong on the chances of one of the runners. The second part of the show switches attention back to the jumps at Haydock, where there are three competitive contests to get stuck into, including the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase Finale. To finish, the team provide their other weekend racing tips before giving their weekend NAPs.

Further reflections on the sport's top jumps meeting, first thoughts on the new Flat season and a footballer no longer wanted on Britain's racecourses are the stories up for discussion in this week's edition of The Front Page. Jonathan Harding looks at Chris Cook's special report on a Cheltenham Festival that delivered plenty of excellent racing but also considerable criticism and shrunken attendances. The panel discusses what went wrong and where improvements could be made.  Lee Mottershead examines last week's news that Championship footballer Ashley Barnes has been indefinitely disqualified by the BHA as part of investigations into the controversial Hillsin affair. Maddy Playle wraps up the programme by examining the opening week's action in the British and Irish turf Flat campaigns and reflects on impressive starts for Silvestre de Sousa and David Egan.

Sam Hart is joined by Keith Melrose, Jonny Pearson and Unibet's Brett Williams to preview the action at Doncaster and Newbury this weekend. In the first part of the show the panel assesses the first British Flat turf meeting of 2024 at Doncaster. The Lincoln is the feature and a strong field, including the winners of the last two runnings, has been assembled. The second part of the show switches attention back to the jumps action at Newbury, with three competitive races to get stuck into. To finish, the team provide their other weekend racing tips before giving their weekend NAPs.

The Cheltenham Festival takes the spotlight on this week's show with James Stevens, Paul Kealy and David Jennings reviewing all the big events of the week. The panel analyse the big performances of the week from Galopin Des Champs, Ballyburn and Lossiemouth and assess their futures. Cheltenham's crowd dropped during the week and David and Paul share their suggestions on how to improve the meeting.  The dominance of Willie Mullins was a big talking point and David charts his rise to the pinnacle of jump racing - and what it means for the wider sport. David, Paul and James also give their best ante-post bet for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.

Sam Hart is joined by Graeme Rodway, Robbie Wilders and Unibet's Ed Nicholson to provide their best bets for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival Let us know in the comments who your best bet is for the Cheltenham Festival 2024.