An 11/1 cracker for Jake on Thursday plus 3 other successful naps - well done all. If I've left anyone out, I apologise; please leave a message on this thread and I'll update.
At last , someone saying it as it is. There's big trouble coming from within the game. Enough is enough.
Livid PAUL NICHOLLS hits out at his frustration at the BHA over its handling of the new whip rules that caused controversy after being implemented just weeks before the Cheltenham Festival.
The 13-time champion trainer was one of the first to feel the effects of the new regulations when stable jockey Lorcan Williams was ruled out of the festival due to an 18-day ban following a winning ride at Haydock last month.
The ban was one of 20 handed out during the opening week of the new regulations, with a further nine jockeys handed suspensions this week.
"I've been livid all along with the timing of it," Nicholls said exclusively on Betfair's Cheltenham preview, which is available across Betfair channels from 7pm on Friday evening.
"I'm actually disappointed with the way BHA have handled it – talk about shooting the industry in the foot.
"There are people in the BHA who need to take a real look at themselves. Are they doing the right thing for the industry? Because I think they are letting us down and I think this whole thing is wrong.
"There are a lot of us trainers who have kept quiet and are very, very annoyed with the way it's been handled and it's not just trainers, a lot of owners upset about the whole thing and it will drive people away if they are not careful."
Nicholls was critical of the reasoning behind the changes, which BHA chief executive Julie Harrington outlined were part of an effort to improve perceptions of welfare in order to attract new fans when speaking to the Racing Post in Melbourne last month.
Nicholls said: "We don't want to appease people who don't understand the game. We've got to stand up for ourselves and say look this is where we are, it's not a welfare issue.
"The BHA need a bit of backbone to stand up for us, but nothing seem to be simple with the BHA these days. It's sad, because they've got a tough job to do, but I think honestly they need to take a look at themselves and see what they are doing towards the industry and they need to be a little more proactive at getting things right."
Leo had Pockley yesterday - good one- and if all is well he could turn out today as his trainer goes for a monthly award. It a hot race and yesterday, superbly ridden, everything just fell right. On the other hand
Nap 1915 Newc After John
another hold up late burst type wasn't quite so lucky last time and didn't quite get there. Another stride or 2 was needed.
I've so far been good with myself and held to my vow not have any ante post bets for Cheltenham. On the other hand I've 2 small ones for the Lincoln for runs I've liked recently. Notre Belle Bete and The Gateway who will need to go up a few lbs.
I fully agree about Johnny Peate's ride on Pockley. I imagine that the horse will be hit hard by the handicapper and while he won well, most of the field have shown much better form over 6,7 and even 8 furlongs.
Mongol emperor won 6/5.
NAP No Trouble 6.30 Dundalk
Embour 15:00 Ling EW Nap
Molineaux EW in the 1510 @ Donny.
Mongol emperor 4.20D.
At last , someone saying it as it is. There's big trouble coming from within the game. Enough is enough.
Livid PAUL NICHOLLS hits out at his frustration at the BHA over its handling of the new whip rules that caused controversy after being implemented just weeks before the Cheltenham Festival.
The 13-time champion trainer was one of the first to feel the effects of the new regulations when stable jockey Lorcan Williams was ruled out of the festival due to an 18-day ban following a winning ride at Haydock last month.
The ban was one of 20 handed out during the opening week of the new regulations, with a further nine jockeys handed suspensions this week.
"I've been livid all along with the timing of it," Nicholls said exclusively on Betfair's Cheltenham preview, which is available across Betfair channels from 7pm on Friday evening.
"I'm actually disappointed with the way BHA have handled it – talk about shooting the industry in the foot.
"There are people in the BHA who need to take a real look at themselves. Are they doing the right thing for the industry? Because I think they are letting us down and I think this whole thing is wrong.
"There are a lot of us trainers who have kept quiet and are very, very annoyed with the way it's been handled and it's not just trainers, a lot of owners upset about the whole thing and it will drive people away if they are not careful."
Nicholls was critical of the reasoning behind the changes, which BHA chief executive Julie Harrington outlined were part of an effort to improve perceptions of welfare in order to attract new fans when speaking to the Racing Post in Melbourne last month.
Nicholls said: "We don't want to appease people who don't understand the game. We've got to stand up for ourselves and say look this is where we are, it's not a welfare issue.
"The BHA need a bit of backbone to stand up for us, but nothing seem to be simple with the BHA these days. It's sad, because they've got a tough job to do, but I think honestly they need to take a look at themselves and see what they are doing towards the industry and they need to be a little more proactive at getting things right."
Another drifter in the 15:00 at Lingfield
Crimson Sand each way.
Hitman Fred -Donny 15.10 EW. Currently 15/2
NAP 3.00 Lingfield Tyger Bay (each way)
Having to go EW as this one is drifting: 10/3 last night out to 10/1 this morning.
Tai Sing Yeh. 16.55. Dundalk
Leo had Pockley yesterday - good one- and if all is well he could turn out today as his trainer goes for a monthly award. It a hot race and yesterday, superbly ridden, everything just fell right. On the other hand
Nap 1915 Newc After John
another hold up late burst type wasn't quite so lucky last time and didn't quite get there. Another stride or 2 was needed.
I've so far been good with myself and held to my vow not have any ante post bets for Cheltenham. On the other hand I've 2 small ones for the Lincoln for runs I've liked recently. Notre Belle Bete and The Gateway who will need to go up a few lbs.
Gilbertina. Doncaster 2.35.
Well done, yesterdays winners !
Domaine De L'lsle 3.10 Doncaster is todays nap,well done yesterdays winners.
Halifax - 16.00 Newbury
Lingfield 1500 Aberama Gold ew