Good morning all,
It was a weekend where fine margins told the story — and where “what might have been” featured more than once.
One Stripe was the clear highlight, producing a huge run despite suffering misfortune in transit. Forced very wide before the turn, he still made up significant ground in a short straight and went down as an unlucky loser. It was a performance full of promise, and the Hollywood team will be looking ahead to his next outing with plenty of optimism.
Across the water, it was another heartbreaking day for Nicky Henderson, as Sir Gino was pulled up after sustaining pelvic damage. A cruel blow for one of the sport’s leading yards. All eyes now turn to Constitution Hill, who is expected to run on the flat, with hopes that a change of discipline might also bring a change of fortune. Meanwhile, Lossiemouthhas regained favouritism for the Champion Hurdle.
In the Champion Chase picture, luck again played its part. Il Était Temps fell when still very much in contention and has subsequently drifted in the betting. Hopefully Paul Townend remains loyal to the Hollywood horse — there is still time for him to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
At Cheltenham, all signs point to Willie Mullins asserting his dominance once again. He looks well on course to be leading trainer, and now also boasts the bumper favourite after Love Sign D’aunou powered home by an emphatic 24 lengths — a performance that turned heads.
And then there’s Hong Kong racing, which continues to redefine what elite success looks like.
Stars such as Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior are operating in a different financial stratosphere. Ka Ying Rising’s Everest victory in Australia was spectacular, and one can only wish to see him test himself overseas again. Ascot may beckon romantically, but the reality is that Hong Kong prize money dwarfs almost everything else. Perhaps Dubai could be the middle ground.
The numbers alone are staggering.
Ka Ying Rising — 17 wins from last 17 starts, earning approximately £12 million (R264 million).
Romantic Warrior — after his 21st career win, the first leg of the Hong Kong Triple Crown, now sits on career earnings of around £23 million (R506 million).
Those are not unlucky horses — quite the opposite.
Closer to home, Hearts were unfortunate not to take all three points in a hard-fought 2–2 draw with Celtic, but they remain well placed to challenge the Old Firm dominance — something Scottish football has waited four decades to see seriously threatened.
All in all, a weekend of brilliance, heartbreak, and reminders that racing — like football — is often decided by inches.
Good punting 👍
Weekend soundtrack: WET WET WET
🎵
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