The sword of Damocles is hanging over Cheltenham
What better way to limber up for the Cheltenham festival than lunch with Richard Phillips? Thirty years ago, Richard was…
The future of racing is in the Middle East
You can always judge a country by the reception you get at passport control. America is aggressive. Don’t even think…
How to cope with losing: a trainers’ guide
When the celebrations are kicking off in the winners’ enclosure, I dare say being a racehorse trainer looks glamorous. But…
Cocklebarrow gives Cheltenham a run for its money
The second-best day of the year is finally here. Obviously, nothing beats the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival –…
What makes a good trainer?
We’re spoilt for choice in the Cotswolds. There’s a brilliant National Hunt trainer in every valley and the villages are…
Can Ben Wallace defend racing from Labour?
I met Ben Wallace for the first time the other day. He was pretty well the only minister who came…
My House of Lords dinner disaster
It was just a straightforward dinner in the bosom of the House of Lords, talking to members of the Jockey…
Only the Tote can save British racing
For the past 30 years Robin Oakley has taken you through the front door of the horse-racing world and kept…
