Friday February 17th 2023

Cash Out won the 18.00. Dundalk won at 5/4.

2 brilliant rides today , Demuro on Tim Donworths Kit DC and Pat Dobbs on Golden Goal.

Magicinthemaking. Southwell 8.15.

Barnane stud has 2 out by j Murtha take heart 6.00 ickyel 6.30..

Ann Hamilton has another good ex-Irish pointer on her hands in the shape of Dare To Shout, comfortable winner of the novice hurdle. He's actually GB bred, by Martaline out of the King's Theatre mare Dare To Doubt who many will remember as a good race mare for Willie Mullins (winner of 7 races). I believe the Hamiltons paid more for this gelding than for any of their previous horses (including Pay The Piper, Tommy's Oscar and Nuts Well), but £50k looks very well spent on the grey. They are such good judges that you can be fairly confident he will win more races.

He was obviously a popular winner on course judging by the reception he got from the crowd. My enthusiasm was somewhat tempered by the swingeing 55p Rule 4 deduction. Meh.

Kelso as usual pulling out all the stops to put up good prizemoney to attract entries from the top stables both north and south of the border. It's a shame the prevailing quick ground has been against them in getting bigger fields. The highest rated horse on show there today is Minella Drama on 150, in stark contrast to Hereford on Wednesday where the officially best horse was rated 109.

Bobby Joe Leg 19:45 S'well EW Nap

I've just been watching Will Buick and was in theory hanging onto his every word, until it occurred to me that he could be Freddie Mercury's love child.

AND PEOPLE WONDER WHY WE RACE IN FRANCE .

At the end of 2022, France Galop's Board of Directors approved the 2023 budget, which includes a €10 million increase in prizemoney. One of the objectives that will be pursued with part of these additional funds is to stimulate the number of young horses in training in France.

As a result, no less than 19 races in the racing programme for the Parisian racecourses will see their total prizemoney raised to €50,000 (paid out to the first 7 finishers). The winner of one of these races will be awarded €25,000 in prizemoney and if the winner is eligible for the owner's premium (80% for 2-year-old horses), the total sum of earnings will be €45,000.

These 19 exceptional events will take place throughout the year and will include races over various distances. They are also the most sought-after and competitive events for unraced horses in the French programme that year after year “produce” a number of Group horses.

In the provinces, two races for unraced horses have been selected to be included in this scheme. They are the Prix du Four à Chaux and the Prix Didier Vezia, which will be run in September at the Bordeaux racecourse. Each race will offer a total prizemoney of €35,000 (the winner will earn €31,500 if he or she is eligible for the owner's premium).

Ever Given in the 17:30 at Meydan

15.35 Kelso - Thereisnodoubt

Sax Appeal 18.45 Southwell

For anyone around these parts, Gowran is free tomorrow! Buy Tickets - Gowran Park Racecourse, Kilkenny

NAP 7.15 Southwell - Roscioli

I've just seen that Tom Scudamore has retired with immediate effect. He always came across as a thoroughly decent individual and rode some fine horses too. Grand Crus was a favourite of mine. Best of luck to him.

Gaz n me must be eating at the same table again

Nap Kelso 1605 Flash Collognes

It prob didn't happen but the chat between Harry C and his agent over todays plans could have been amusing (to outsiders). Lets hope he doesn't get literally blown away on his only ride.

Cash . 18.00. Dundalk