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Tanya's Blog - 14th October 2011

Did it really have to come to this? Richard Hughes quits from a sport he loves, standing up for something he believes in and for that there is nothing but admiration for him in this quarter. I’m left aghast at the turmoil our beloved sport is left in. And tomorrow we are meant to be celebrating our sport’s greatest day of Flat racing!

Racing’s authorities need to be as one and hold a voice that is respected, not just now but always. Sadly on this matter the damage has been done, hitting the front page of the industry paper, on the sporting pages of the mainstream tabloids and broadsheets and Radio 5 has interviewed Richard Hughes - and it’s also been on BBC Breakfast.

However, when the new whip regulations were announced and introduced with the support from some big names within the sport, my email inbox filled up with the vast majority stating the authorities hadn’t gone far enough. As I type now my inbox is filling up with various views on the whip and the latest headlines. What happens next? Lots of interviews with various jockeys, trainers, owners and industry heads I suppose.

But what about the horses and the racing? Just like yesterday and possibly every day the exchanges are talking loudly and this time in a positive nature regarding PALAZZO BIANCO, he is only 2-1 at the time of writing while many of the betting synopsis have him at 4-1 or bigger. He is a course winner and has been running over distances leading up to two miles. I’m sure he’ll relish the challenge.

SIZING SYMPHONY looks the pick of Cheltenham’s 2.10; Henry de Bromhead generally makes his raids at the course count and this youngster looks worth following.

Willie Twiston-Davies makes a welcome return to riding after injury in Cheltenham’s 5.40 and in a bid of sentiment I go for a big each-way run for BACCALAUREATE.

POINTERS

Sir Henry Cecil and Tom Queally have teamed up for five winners and two seconds from their last nine runners

David Allan has a tremendous record in Redcar’s 4.20 with three wins from six rides, while his boss Tim Easterby boasts four wins from eight runners

Evan Williams has had seven winners from his last 13 runners, he has two at Cheltenham today

Paul Moloney has had seven winners from his last eight rides, he has just one ride today, Jolly Roger at 2.45

Tim Vaughan has had seven winners from his last 17 runners

Ruby Walsh has had six winners and four thirds from his last 14 rides

Philip Hobbs has won Cheltenham’s 4.30 four times from his last seven raids

Nigel Twiston-Davies has won Cheltenham’s 5.40 three times from his last six runners