2026 Flat Issue 26 - Back to Back titles for the Fish

Headlines

Hauk Swoops at Ascot

Ascot Talks About New York

Ombudsman Rules in Champion Stakes

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 1m 4f British Champions Fillies and mares stakes Minnie Hauk (Cod), took her chance, Raced wide and prominent, raced in second on outer after 3f, soon edged right and against rail, led over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on well, winning by 1 ½ l. She gets 62 points.

In the 1m Group 1 Queen Elizabeth 11 Stakes Talk of New York (Bob, Steve) took his chance, In touch, switched right and headway 3f out, led 2f out, ridden and kept on final furlong winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 54 points.

In the 1m 2f Group 1 Champion Stakes Ombudsman (Neil), Calandagan (Cod), took their chances. 

Ombudsman, Travelled strongly, in touch, headway when switched left 2f out, led 1f out, soon ridden and quickened, edged right but ran on well final 110yds, winning impressively by 3 ¾ l. He gets 79.5 points.

Calandagan, Dwelt start, in rear, headway on outer under 2f out, went second inside final furlong, soon no chance with winner, 2nd beaten 3 ¾ l. He gets 15 points

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           October      Total

Cod         157.7     1044.75      

Cliff          80.7    1004.09

Bob           54       976.3

Neil         167.7        904.7

Steve      167.2       904.65

Peej         35.8        602.19

Martin     00          484.73

So Neil takes the final trainer of the Month, and Congratulations to Cod who wins the Championship

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      50           11

Bob           70           23

Cliff           63           23

Neil          64           22

Peej          70          14

Cod           68       22

Steve          51   21

The Weeks Losers

Amelia Earhart, ,Binhareer, Kalpana, See The Fire, Danielle, Clandagan, Bay City Roller, Schrodinger’s Cat

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2026 Flat Issue 25 - Ascot to decide title

Headlines

Neil Scores with his Lover Girl

Brave Battles home at Newmarket

Report

We start at Southwell on Thursday where in the 5f nursery handicap Lover Girl (Neil) took her chance. Took keen hold, made all, ridden approaching final furlong, kept on inside final furlong, winning by ¾ l. She gets 36 points.

On Friday at Newmarket Never So Brave (Steve), went to post in the 7f group 2, Took keen hold, towards near side, in touch, headway 2f out, led 1f out, ridden and kept on well final 110yds, winning by a neck. He gets 50 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           October      Total

Cliff          80.7    1004.09

Cod         80.7     967.75      

Bob           00       922.3

Steve      113.2       850.65

Neil         88.2        8252

Peej         35.8        602.19

Martin     00          484.73

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      48            11

Bob           69           22

Cliff           63           23

Neil          62           21

Peej          67          14

Cod           65       21

Steve          49     20

The Weeks Losers

Copper Knight, Schrodinger’s Cat, Great Barrier Reef, Binhasreer, Faiyum

Weekend Runners

Saturday 

Ascot

1.30 Amelia Earhart, 

2.05 Binhareer

2.40 Kalpana, Danielle, Minnie Hauk, See The Fire

3.20 Gstaad, Zeus Olympios, Needle Match, Talk of New York

4.00 Calandagan, Ombudsman, Bay City Roller, 

Catterick

4.45 Schrodinger’s Cat,

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2026 Flat Issue 24 - Longchamp winners extend Cliff's lead

Headlines

Daryz Sparkles in Arc

Love Blossoms in Paris

Mezcala wins at Ascot

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 7f Heritage handicap Mezcala (Steve), went to post, Towards rear early, midfield against near rail halfway, short of room and switched right over 2f out, headway when squeezed through and ridden over 1f out, challenging final 110yds, led final strides, winning by a head. He gets 63.2 points.

At Longchamp on Sunday in the 1m 4f group 1 Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe Daryz (Cliff, Cod, Neil), Bay City Roller (Peej), took their chances. 

Daryz, Raced wide, towards rear, midfield over 3f out, good headway to lead 1f out, ridden and drifted right inside final furlong, kept on well, winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 52.2 points. Bay City Roller, In touch but alone early, prominent after 3f, led over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, headed 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd beaten 1 1/4l. He gets 35.8 points.

In the 7f Group 1 Prix de La Foret True Love ( Cliff, Cod), took her chance, in touch, not clear run over 2f out, some headway from over 1f out, ridden and ran on inside final furlong, led towards finish, winning by a head. She gets 28.5 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           October      Total

Cliff          80.7    1004.09

Cod         80.7     967.75      

Bob           00       922.3

Steve      63.2       800.65

Neil         52.2        789.52

Peej         35.8        602.19

Martin     00          484.73

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      48            11

Bob           68            22

Cliff           63           23

Neil          60           20

Peej          66          14

Cod           64   21

Steve          47   19

The Weeks Losers

Calendar Girl, Fallen Angel, Lifeplan, Space Waltz, Pierre Bonnard, Amelia Earhart, Consent, Scandinavia, French Master, Purview, Corolla Point, Bay City Roller, Diamond Necklace, Kalpana, Maltese Cross, Minnie Hauk, Precise, Aventure, Puerto Rico

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Newmarket

2.25 Never So Brave

York

1.30 Power Fizz

4.25 Schrodinger’s Cat, Copper Knight

Saturday 

Newmarket

3.00 Great Barrier Reef

York

3.17 Binhaheer

Sunday 

Naas

3.05 Faiyum

Goodwood

3.32 Dandana

4.42 Portcullis

News

Karl Burke has reflected on the "horrible day" that he lost Fallen Angel, the five-time Group 1 winner he hailed as "a special kind of horse".

The five-year-old suffered a fatal injury in the Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein at Longchamp on Saturday.

"It was a horrible day," her trainer said on Sunday morning. "It was tragic. No horse deserves to end their career like that but when they're that good and have been around the yard for a long time it's very upsetting."

Fallen Angel won the Moyglare Stud Stakes at two and the Irish 1,000 Guineas at three for Steve Parkin's Clipper Logistics before being bought by Wathnan Racing. She racked up a Group 1 hat-trick last season when winning the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown and Sun Chariot at Newmarket, in which she beat this year's dominant filly Blue Bolt by two and a quarter lengths. She had three runs this year, notably finishing third behind Blue Bolt in the Matron, before she was pulled up after fracturing a leg in the home straight under regular rider James Doyle in the Daniel Wildenstein.

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2026 Flat Issue 23 - Lead reduced to less then two points

Headlines

Newmarket Talk is About New York

Rimbaud Goes in at Newmarket

Report

We start at Newmarket on Friday where in the 1m group 2 Talk of New York (Bob, Steve), went to post, Raced near side, prominent in group, led overall over 2f out, ridden briefly approaching final furlong, clear final 110yds, readily, 1st of 3 in group winning by 4 ¾ l. He gets 21.45 points.

In the 1m 1f handicap Go Rimbaud (Bob) took his chance, Travelled strongly, raced centre, prominent, led over 2f out, soon drifted right, ridden and clear over 1f out, reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 34 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           Sept       Total

Cliff          90.17     923.39

Bob           81.82       922.3

Cod         126.87      887.05      

Steve          21.45       737.45

Neil         110.87      737.32

Peej                        566.39

Martin     56.8          484.73

Congratulations to Cod who is September trainer of the month

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      47      11

Bob           62    22

Cliff           57   21

Neil          56     19

Peej          60    14

Cod           59   19

Steve          45   18

The Weeks Losers

Addison Grey, Schrodinger’s Cat, Alther Walden, Copper Knight, Montezuma

Weekend Runners

Saturday 

Newmarket

1.35 Fallen Angel, True Love, Precise, Calendar Girl

Ascot

1.50 Corolla Point, Lifeplan

2.25 Aegean Prince

3.00 Lifeplan

3.35 Mezcala, Power Fizz, 

Longchamp

12.23 Space Waltz, Pierre Bonnard

3.215 Consent, Amelia Earhart

4.00 Scandinavia, French Master

4.35 Fallen Angel

Sunday 

Longchamp

1.50 Corolla Point

3.05 Daryz, Maltese Cross, Kalpana, Diamond Necklace Minnie Hauk, Bay City Roller

3.50 Aventure, Precise

4.25 Puerto Rico, True Love

News

William Haggas said Maltese Cross could not be in better shape for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe , as Newmarket's leading hope for Sunday's showpiece put the finishing touches to his preparations on Wednesday morning. Only last year's winner Daryz is shorter in the betting than the three-year-old for this year's Arc following a stellar campaign, in which he was runner-up in the Derby before victories in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris over the course and distance and the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York's Ebor meeting

Francis Graffard has put straight any notion that Daryz will be anything less than at his best if Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is run on quick going – and is instead relishing the prospect of a fast-ground Longchamp showpiece for the reigning champion. As the sun continues to shine in Paris, Graffard pointed to speedy efforts on a rapid spring surface in the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV as evidence that Daryz could be an even tougher nut to crack than when running down Minnie Hauk on soft ground 12 months ago on what was his first try at a mile and a half. 

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2026 Flat Issue 22 - Cod in striking distance

Headlines

Knight Slays Rivals at Chester

Report

We start at Chester on Saturday where in the 5f handicap Copper Knight (Cod) went to post, Midfield against rail, some headway over 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, switched right and ridden 1f out, ran on well to lead towards finish, winning by ¾ l. He gets 26.5 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           Sept       Total

Cliff          90.17     923.39

Cod         126.87      887.05      

Bob           26.37    866.85

Neil         110.87      737.32

Steve                       716

Peej                        566.39

Martin     56.8          484.73

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      47      11

Bob           58    20

Cliff           57   21

Neil          55     19

Peej          58     14

Cod           58   19

Steve          44   17

The Week's Losers

Binhareer, Spycatcher

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Newmarket

3.00 Talk of New York, Zeus Olympios

4.45 Go Rimbaud

Saturday 

Newmarket

3.00 Great Barrier Reef

4.50 Addison Grey

Ripon

2.49 Copper Knight

3.28 Schrodinger’s Cat

Haydock 

5.10 Alther Walden

Sunday 

Curragh

2.35 Corolla Point, Spycatcher. Charles Darwin

News

Ruby Walsh hailed the legendary Hurricane Fly as the "perfect hurdler" after the dual Champion Hurdle winner died aged 22 at the Irish National Stud.

Trained by Willie Mullins, Hurricane Fly won an astonishing 22 Grade 1s, including the Irish Champion Hurdle an extraordinary five times in a row between 2011 and 2015, as well as the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2011 and 2013.

A true fan-favourite throughout his seven years at Closutton, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time, landing 24 of his 32 starts over hurdles without ever falling.

He was unbeaten in ten starts at Leopardstown, all of which came at the top level, and won four Punchestown Champion Hurdles in a row from 2010 to 2013, as well as three Morgiana Hurdles in succession.

Walsh rode Hurricane Fly to a first Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in 2011, before the pair regained their crown two seasons later when reversing the 2012 defeat to Rock On Ruby. 

In reclaiming the race Hurricane Fly became the first horse in 38 years to regain the Champion Hurdle.

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2026 Flat Issue 21 - Ed stays ahead

Headlines

Tiger Roars home at Sandown

A Noteable Speech made in Canada

Scandinavia Lands Irish St Leger

Report

We start at Sandown on Friday where in the 1m 2f Apprentice handicap Dancing Tiger (Cod), went to post, Took keen hold, held up in rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, soon led, ran on inside final furlong, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 52.8 points.

At Woodbine on Saturday in the 1m Grade 1 Woodbine Mile Stakes Notable Speech (Martin), went to post, in touch with leaders, headway and ridden over 1f out, led final 110yds, ran on winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 56.8 points.

On Sunday at the Curragh in the 1m 6f group 1 Irish St Leger Scandinavia ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil) went to post, Raced in second, pushed along challenging 2f out, led narrowly over 1f out, soon ridden, pushed out and went clear towards finish, winning by 2l. He gets 26.37 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           Sept       Total

Cliff          90.17     923.39

Bob           26.37    866.85

Cod         100.37      860.55      

Neil         110.87      737.32

Steve                       716

Peej                        566.39

Martin     56.8          484.73

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      46      11

Bob           58    20

Cliff           57   21

Neil          54     19

Peej          58     14

Cod           57   18

Steve          44   17

The Weeks Losers

Danielle, Consent, Schrodinger’s Cat, Wise Approach, Amelia Earhart, Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard, Mezcala, Purview, James J Braddock, Fallen Angel , True Love, Precise , Item, Dandana, See The Fire, Copper Knight, American Affair, Jan Brughel, Red Letter, Enoch, Morrophore

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Ayr

3.40 Schrodinger’s Cat, Monsieur Kodi, Montezuma

Chester

4,17 Copper Knight

Saturday 

Newcastle

7.00 Copper Knight

Ayr

2.30 Monsieur Kodi, Montezuma

3.40 Monsieur Kodi, Montezuma, Spycatcher

Newbury

2.47 Nobody Knows

 

News

Constitution Hill's two most likely immediate options are the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot on October 3 and the St Simon Stakes at Newbury on October 24, but his international ambitions could now be diverted to a new race in Bahrain as Nicky Henderson considers the next steps for his star.. 

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2026 Flat Issue 20 - Editor extends lead

Headlines

Prince Crowned at Haydock

Power Fizz’s home at York

Daryz dazzles at Longchamp

Report

We start at Haydock on Saturday where in the 1m 6f handicap Aegean Prince (Neil) went to post, Took keen hold, soon prominent, led narrowly over 2f out, shaken up and went clear over 1f out, went further clear inside final furlong, eased final 110yds, easily by 7 ½ 1. He gets 26.3 points.

On Sunday at York in the 7f handicap Power Fizz (Cliff), went to post, Midfield, pushed along over 4f out, on near side of group when ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on well and led final strides, winning by a neck. He gets 42.6 points.

At Longchamp in the 1m 4f group 2 Daryz (Cliff, Cod, Neil), went to post, Raced in second, shaken up to lead over 1f out, winning easily by 1 ¾ l. He gets 21.2 points.

On Monday at Windsor in the 1m 2f group 3 Maho Bay (Neil), went to post, Took keen hold, made all, against near rail when faced challenge 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well inside final furlong. Winning by 2 ½ l. He gets 37 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         August   Sept       Total

Cliff          85.5    63.8     897.02

Bob           00                   840.48

Cod         129.44   21.2    781.38      

Steve      151.91               716

Neil         31.2       84.5   710.95

Peej           81.4             566.39

Martin      83.41             427.93

So Congratulations to Steve who is August trainer of the month

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      42       10

Bob           53      19

Cliff           53      20

Neil          50         18

Peej          54      14

Cod           50         16

Steve          41     17

The Weeks Losers

Space Waltz, Go Rimbaud, Needle Match, Finalise, Addison Grey, Gethin, Constitution Hill , Tiffany, Copper Knight, Double Rush, Spycatcher, Gstaad , Opera Ballo, Bay City Roller, Raaheeb

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Doncaster

3.00 French Master

Chester 

3.17 Copper Knight

Sandown

5.32 Dancing Tiger

Saturday  

Doncaster

2.20 Schrodinger’s Cat

2.55 Never So Brave, Wise Approach, Puerto Rico

3.35 Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard, Amelia Earhart

4.15 Mezcala

Leopardstown

3,15 Purview, James J Braddock, Amelia Earhart

3.55 Precise, Diamond Necklace, Fallen Angel, True Love, See The Fire, Faiyum, Red Letter

4,25 Faiyum, Needle Match, Puerto Rico

5.00 Item, Calandagan, Ombudsman, Purview, Diamond Necklace, Zeus Olympios, Gstaad, Minnie Hauk, Precise, Pierre Bonnard, Puerto Rico

Lingfield

4.00 Dandana

Sunday 

Doncaster

1.25 Dandana

4.15 Copper Knight

Curragh

3.25 American Affair, Charles Darwin

4.00 Great Barrier Reef

4.35 Scandinavia, Jan Brughel, James J Braddock, Carmers, Purview, Consent, Pierre Bonnard, Amelia Earhart

5.10 Faiyum, Red Letter

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2026 Flat Issue 19 - Steve Enoching on the door of the top three

Headlines

Enoch makes a point at Lingfield

Report

We start at Lingfield last Thursday where in the 1m novice stakes Enoch (Steve), went to post, Dwelt start, took keen hold, prominent, ridden and ran green inside final furlong, led towards finish, kept on, winning by a head. He gets 22.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August  Total

Bob           00             840.48

Cliff          85.5            833.22

Cod         129.44           760.18

Steve         151.91          716

Neil         31.2              626.43

Peej           81.4         566.39

Martin      83.41          427.93

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      38       10

Bob           51    19

Cliff           49      18

Neil          44          15

Peej          49        14

Cod           48          15

Steve          39        17

The Weeks Losers

Calendar Girl, Great Barrier Reef, Faiyum, Renegade

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Kempton

6.54 Go Rimbaud

Saturday  

Haydock

1.25 Needle Match

3.05 Aegean Prince, Finalise

3.40 American Affair, Double Rush

4.50 Kisskodi

Ascot

1.40 Addison Grey

4.35 Power Fizz

5.10 Dandana

Kempton

2.50 Gethin, Bay City Roller, Constitution Hill, Almeric

Thirsk

4.25 Dandana

Sunday 

York

2.05 Copper Knight

3.50 Double Rush, Spycatcher, Lifeplan

4.25 Power Fizz

Longchamp

Prix Vermille - Gilded Prize

Prix Foy - Daryz, Bay City Roller, Minnie Hauk

Prix Niel - Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard

News

Constitution Hill looks set to be handed a stiff assignment on his highly anticipated return at Kempton on Saturday as George Scott has outlined plans to send the classy Bay City Roller to tackle him in the William Hill September Stakes.  George Scott told The Punter Bay City Roller,: "I think Paris looks very dry next weekend, and I'm not going to go over to the Foy and run on good ground. We went to Kempton and his metrics were very good on that surface, so we wouldn't be afraid to go back there."

Aiden O'Brien's domination of the Classic shows no sign of abating this year with the first two in the St Leger market in Derby winner Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard, while Amelia Earhart, a 66-1 chance with Betfred, is a real wildcard contender. "What's a little bit different is Amelia Earhart might go with Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard," said O'Brien. "We were preparing her for the fillies' race at Doncaster [Park Hill] and the boss said, 'Why not let her take her chance with the colts?' It's possible and would be very interesting."

Galopin Des Champs, the brilliant dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and one of the best staying chasers of recent times, has died just five days after it was announced he had been retired. The ten-year-old's racing career came to an end last week when trainer Willie Mullins announced his retirement, after which he said Galopin Des Champs would be looked after by Ruby Walsh's daughter Isabelle for an eventing career. However, he has since suffered a fatal injury.

Owned by Greg and Audrey Turley, Galopin Des Champs won 12 Grade 1 races during an incredible career, highlighted by back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024. In a statement announcing his death, Ruby Walsh said: "Sadly, Galopin Des Champs suffered an injury in his field this morning and could not be saved.  Two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Irish ones, one Punchestown one, two Savills Chases, a John Durkan and a chasing debut that left us all drooling means he has a CV up there with the best staying chasers of the modern era. 

He won at three Cheltenham Festivals and that would have been four had he not slithered on landing after a spectacular jump at the final fence of the 2022 Turners Novices' Chase. He won a dozen Grade 1 races and ran in 19 top-level chases in a row. That is some going

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2026 Flat Issue 18 - Steve takes York Slam

Headlines

Kalpana Lands Yorkshire Oaks

A Noteable Speech made at York

Aventure Lands Prix Romanet

Report

On Thursday at York in the 1m 4f group 1 Yorkshire Oaks Kalpana (Martin, Steve), took her chance, Towards rear, headway from 3f out, ridden when hung left but led over 1f out, wandered around and reduced lead inside final furlong, faced challenge towards finish, just held on, winning by a short head. She gets 26.91 points.

On Saturday in the 7f group 1 City of York Stakes, Noteable Speech (Martin), went to post, Prominent, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on well final furlong, winning comfortably by 2 ¾ l. He gets 56.5 points

On Sunday at Deauville in the 1m 2f group 1 Prix Jean et Louis Romanet for fillies and mares Aventure (Cod) took her chance, In touch with leaders, headway and led 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well, winning comfortably by 2l. She gets 66.4 points

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August  Total

Bob           00             840.48

Cliff          85.5            833.22

Cod         129.44           760.18

Steve         129.11          693.2

Neil         31.2              626.43

Peej           81.4         566.39

Martin      83.41          427.93

York Grand Slam

Steve 102.2

Martin 56.5

Cliff   46.5

So Steve gets the 20 points

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      38       10

Bob           50    19

Cliff           48      18

Neil          44          15

Peej          49        14

Cod           47          15

Steve          37         16

The Weeks Losers

Minnie Hauk, French Master, Asfoora, American Affair, Montezuma, Damysus, Puerto Rico, Lifeplan, Adonius, Carmers, Diamond Necklace 

Weekend Runners

Saturday 

Goodwood

2.00 Power Fizz, Addison Grey, Kisskodi

3.10 Mezcala

Sandown 

2.50 Calendar Girl

4.05 Kiss Kodi

Beverley

1.45 Dandana

Curragh

3.30 Great Barrier Reef

3.40 Faiyum

Windsor

6.30 Constitution Hill

Saratoga 

23.25 Renegade

News

Constitution Hill has been entered in the Listed Weatherbys August Stakes (6.30) at Windsor on Saturday evening, but Nicky Henderson is concerned over whether there will be sufficient ease in the ground for his stable star to take his chance. There is an unsettled forecast at the Berkshire track through the week, raising the prospect of significant rainfall before raceday, but Henderson is keen to see conditions on the easy side of good. The William Hill September Stakes on the all-weather at Kempton remains a back-up plan for Constitution Hill on September 5.

Maltese Cross will be aimed at the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and will not run in the Betfred St Leger. William Haggas revealed to The Punter on Monday that the decision over an autumn target for Maltese Cross has been made following discussions with owner George Waud and his team.

Haggas said: “We've decided to bypass the St Leger and aim Maltese Cross at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Daryz appeared to thoroughly enjoy an awayday to Deauville and left his trainer Francis Graffard delighted with his growing maturity, 12 days out from his Arc warm-up in the Prix Foy at Longchamp. 

A general 7-2 favourite to become the first four-year-old colt since Alleged in 1977 and 78 to win back-to-back Arcs, Daryz was last seen when finishing third to Ombudsman and Minnie Hauk in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

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2026 Flat Issue 17 - Big points for Steve

Headlines

It’s A Grey Day At Newbury

Item Is Full York Package

Maltese nails rivals to the Cross

Report

At Newbury on Saturday in the 7f handicap Addison Grey (Neil), went to post, Prominent, waiting for room over 3f out, ridden and switched left over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on , winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 31.2 points.

On Wednesday at York in the 1m 4f group 2 Maltese Cross (Cliff), went to post, Travelled strongly, soon in touch with leaders, headway over 3f out, edged left but led 2f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong winning by 2l. He gets 46.5 points.

In the 1m 2f Group 1 Juddmonte International stakes Item (Steve) took his chance, Towards rear, short of room 3f out, headway when not clear run 2f out, soon switched right, ridden and hung left inside final furlong, ran on well final 110yds, led final stride, winning by a head. He gets 102,2 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August  Total

Bob           00             840.48

Cliff          85.5            833.22

Cod         63.04           693.78

Steve         102.2           646.29

Neil         31.2              626.43

Peej           81.4         566.39

Martin      00            344.52

York Grand Slam

Steve 102.2

Cliff   46.5

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      35        8

Bob           45         19

Cliff           46       18

Neil          44          15

Peej          46           14

Cod           45          14

Steve          36          15

The Weeks Losers

Lover Girl, Amelia Earhart, Never So Brave, Corrolla Point, Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard, Ombudsman, Schrodinger’s Cat

Weekend Runners

Friday  

York

2.25 Carmers, French Master

3.35 Asfoora, American Affair

4.10 Almeric

Hamilton

6.45 Aegean Prince

7.45 Montezuma

Saturday 

York

1.50 Damysus

3.00 Noteable Speech, True Love, Lifeplan, Puerto Rico

3.35 Aegean Prince

4.10 Corrolla Point

4.45 Adonius

Chester

2.40 Aegean Prince

Curragh

4.35 Jan Brughel, Carmers, Consent, Tiffany, Amelia Earhart

Newmarket

3.18 Wise Approach

Sunday 

Southwell

4.10 Kiss Kodi

News

Classic winner Notable Speech is one of 14 declared for Saturday's Group 1 Sky Bet City of York Stakes, the feature race on the final day of the Ebor meeting.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the five-year-old son of Dubawi already holds a victory at the highest level this season, having landed the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. However, he is bidding to return to form after being a beaten favourite when sixth in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last outing.

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2026 Flat Issue 16 - Cliff and Cod keep in touch

Headlines

Corrolla makes a Point at Hamilton

Calendar Girl is Haydock Pin Up

Sovereignty Rules in The USA

Tiffany sparkles in Germany

Report

Apologies to Peej as I missed this, at Hamilton on 1 August Corrolla Point went to post in the 5f handicap, Midfield, headway over 1f out, pressed leaders inside final furlong, led narrowly inside final 110yds, faced challenges towards finish, just did enough, winning by a short  head. . He gets 28 points.

On Saturday at Haydock in the 1m listed stakes for fillies and mares Calendar Girl (Cliff) took her chance, Raced wide, took keen hold, towards rear, headway on outer from over 2f out, ridden when led 1f out, ran on, winning by 1 ¼ l. She gets 39 points.

At Saratoga in the 1m 1f Group 1 Whitney Stakes Sovereignty ( Cod), went to post, In touch with leaders, lost ground after 3f, dropped to last halfway, headway over 2f out, ridden and led inside final furlong, went clear inside final 110yds, readily, winning by 4 ¾  l. He gets 63.04 points.

At Hoppegarten on Sunday in the 1m 4f group 1 Westminster 136th Grosser Preis von Berlin Tiffany (Peej) went to post, In touch with leaders on inner, headway and ridden 2f out, edged left and led narrowly final 110yds, held on well, winning by a neck. She gets 53..4 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August  Total

Bob           00             840.48

Cliff          39            786.72

Cod         63.04           693.78

Neil         00              595.23

Peej           81.4         566.39

Steve         00           544.09

Martin      00            344.52

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      35        8

Bob           45         19

Cliff           45        17

Neil          40          14

Peej          43           14

Cod           44          14

Steve          34            14

The Weeks Losers

Montezuma, Needle Match , Fallen Angel,, Convergent, Go Rimbaud, True Love, Wise Approach, Almeric

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Newbury

5.23 Lover Girl

Cork

7.10 Amelia Earhart

Thirsk

6.43 Copper Knight

Saturday 

Newbury

2.35 Addison Grey, Power Fizz

3.10 Never So Brave

Sunday 

Curragh

4.25 Fayium, Shaihaan

Southwell

4.10 Kiss Kodi

News

Superstar Bow Echo has been retired from racing through injury, with Billy Loughnane describing the unbeaten three-year-old as an "unbelievable racehorse who has given me days in the saddle that I could only ever have dreamed of". Bow Echo leaves the track with a perfect record from six starts, having completed a remarkable Group 1 treble in the 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

Gstaad is also out for a while,  O'Brien told The Punter ". He got galloped into at Goodwood and got a little bit of an infection in his hind leg. "The antibiotics we put him on would usually mean that you can run him within seven days, but the cut was so deep that they had to put him on extra-strong antibiotics so it will take 14 days to get out of his system, so it will be the Moulin for him now. That's probably where he will go next."

Big Buck's, a long time member of this publication and the greatest staying hurdler of all time and the winner of 18 consecutive races during an astonishing period of unbroken success, has died aged 23.

After being switched back to hurdles following his final-fence exit in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup, the enigmatic public favourite became the champion against whom all long-distance hurdlers are measured.

Big Buck's became the first horse ever to win four runnings of what is now the Stayers' Hurdle, powering up the Cheltenham hill under Ruby Walsh to the sound of rapturous acclaim from 2009 to 2012. He also carried the colours of Andy Stewart and his family to four wins in the Liverpool Hurdle and three triumphs in the Long Walk Hurdle, invariably hitting a flat spot before ruthlessly dismissing top-class opposition.

Nicky Henderson is "less and less optimistic" about Constitution Hill's appearance at Windsor later this month but will not be hitting the panic button, with a back-up plan already in place for his unbeaten Flat star. The trainer identified a Listed contest at Windsor for the nine-year-old on August 29, but the continued drying ground could force connections to wait another week for his reappearance, with the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton an increasing possibility. 

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2026 Flat Issue 15 - Bob storms clear

Headlines

Bob’s Affair with Jim Goldie rolls on

Diamonds Sparkle at Goodwood

Report

We start at Goodwood on Thursday where in the 1m 2f group 1 Nassau stakes for fillies and mares Diamond Necklace (Bob), took her chance, Took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 2f out, nudged along to lead over 1f out, ridden and went clear final 110yds, ran on, winning by 2 ¾ l. She gets 78.34 points.

On Friday where in the 5f group 2 American Affair (Bob), went to post, Raced near side, pressed leader, led group over 3f out, led overall over 2f out, pushed along over 1f out, jockey dropped whip inside final furlong, kept on well, 1st of 8 in group winning by ½ l. He gets 74.1 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 July        Total

Bob           281.05             840.48

Cliff          205.17            747.72

Cod             118.15            630.74

Neil         104.11              595.23

Steve         157.41           544.09

Peej           52.4               484.99

Martin      96.55            344.52

Congratulations to Bob who is July trainer of the Month

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      30            8

Bob           44         18

Cliff           43         15

Neil          40          13

Peej          41           12

Cod           42            12

Steve          33            14

The Weeks Losers

Talk of New York, Asfoora, Montezuma, Kings Gambit, Consent, Danielle, Amelia Earhart, Soldiers Tree, Commandment, Life Plan, Power Fizz, Precise

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Mussleburgh

3.50 Montezuma, Copper Knight

Saturday 

Haydock

2.25 Convergent

3.00 Fallen Angel, Calendar Girl

Newmarket

4.14 Go Rimbaud

Saratoga

23.37 Sovereignty

Sunday 

Curragh

2.50 Charles Darwin

4.00 Great Barrier Reef

Hoppergarten

2.40 Almeric, Tiffany

News

Ante-post favourite Estrange was a surprise withdrawal from the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks on Tuesday. She had topped the betting for the Group 1 contest following her top-level breakthrough in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in June.   But Cheveley Park Stud's mare, who is trained by David O'Meara, was taken out of the race just before the noon scratchings deadline.  

Calandagan, who was officially rated the best horse in the world last year, is also out of his hugely awaited clash of the generations at York later this month. He was withdrawn from the Juddmonte International, for which he was third favourite at a best-priced 8-1, before the noon scratchings deadline.

Calandagan will not be seen in either of the next two major all-aged middle-distance Group 1s this summer and could skip the rest of the European season completely as the Aga Khan Studs and trainer Francis Graffard look to give the five-year-old the best possible chance of defending his crown in the Japan Cup on November 29. 

Ombudsman, who currently tops the world ratings alongside Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising after his imperious victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, stood his ground at the scratchings stage for the International.

High-class filly Venetian Sun has sustained an injury which has ended her season and may mean she never races again. A decision will be made early next year as to whether the dual Group 1 winner will return to training or be retired for breeding. "Unfortunately she's picked up an injury," trainer Karl Burke revealed to the Punter. "It's a great shame. It's a lesion of her right-fore tendon. There's enough there to pull up stumps for the time being and then a decision will be made early next year as to whether she stays in training or goes to the breeding sheds.

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2026 Flat Issue 14 - Cliff still top after Goodwood winners

Headlines

King de throned at Ascot by Queen Kalpana

York host Saturday’s Special Item

Scandinavia lands Goodwood Cup

Echo’s Bow shoots down Gstaad

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 1m 4f Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes Kalpana (Martin, Steve), Calandagan (Cod) took their chances. Kalpana, In touch with leaders, headway 3f out, led under 2f out, ridden and edged right over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, winning by 1 ½ l. She gets 57.5 points.

At York in the 1m 2f group 2 Item (Steve), went to post, Raced in second, lost second and pushed along over 4f out, outpaced 3f out, rallied and led over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well final 110yds, Winning by 2 ¾ L. He gets 48 points.

At Goodwood on Tuesday in the 2m Group 1 Goodwood Cup Scandinavia (Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil), went to post, Prominent, pushed along when led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, went further clear inside final furlong, winning readily by 8 ½ l. He gets 52.2 points

Yesterday in the 1m group 1 Sussex Stakes Bow Echo ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve), Gstaad (Cod, Peej), took their chances.  Bow Echo towards rear, waiting for room over 2f out, headway when bumped over 1f out, ridden and ran on well final furlong, led final strides, winning by ½ l. He gets 51.91 points. Gstaad, sweating, midfield, headway under 2f out, ridden when led final 110yds, ran on but headed final strides, 2nd beaten ½ l He gets 13.35 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 July        Total

Cliff          205.17          747.72

Bob           128.61             688.04

Cod             118.15            630.74

Neil         104.11              595.23

Steve         157.41           544.09

Peej           52.4               484.99

Martin      96.55          344.52

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      29     8

Bob           38   16

Cliff           40  15

Neil          39    13

Peej          36   12

Cod           40   12

Steve          31    14

The Weeks Losers

Dancing Tiger, Calandagan, Minnie Hauk, Addison Grey, Damysus, Copper Knight, Dandana, Adonius, Gstaad, Puerto Rico,

Never So Brave, Opera Ballo 

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Goodwood

2.25 Talk of New York

3.35 American Affair, Asfoora

Mussleburgh

7.25 Montezuma

Saturday 

Goodwood

2,25 King’s Gambit

3.00 Consent, Danielle, Amelia Earhart

3.35 Soldier’s Tree, Addison Grey

Sunday 

Chester

3.20 Lifeplan

3.52 Power Fizz

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2026 Flat Issue 13 - No winners!

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 July        Total

Cliff          101.06          643.61

Bob           24.5               583.93

Cod             52.6            565.19

Neil         00                491.12

Peej           39.05             471.64

Steve         00             386.68

Martin      39.05            287.02

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      26       7

Bob           36   15

Cliff           38   14

Neil          37    12

Peej          35   12

Cod           35     12

Steve          27      11

The Weeks Losers

Monsieur Kodi, Soldiers Tree, Binhareer, Charles Darwin, Amelia Earhart

Weekend Runners

Friday 

York

7.50 Tiffany

Saturday 

Ascot

2.55 Mezcala

3.35 Calandagan, Minnie Hauk, Kalpana, Bay City Roller

York

1.30 Copper Knight, 

2.00 Addison Grey

2.35 Item, Damysus, Tiffany

Chester

4.23 Copper Knight

Tuesday 

Goodwood

3.00 Never So Brave

3.35 Scandinavia, Trawlerman, French Master

5.55 Dandana

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2026 Flat Issue 12 - Maltese makes the French Cross

Headlines

Rebels Bring Romance to Newmarket

Zeus Thunders home at Ascot

Maltesse make French Cros on Bastille Day

Report

We start at Newmarket last Thursday where in the 1m 4f group 2 Rebel’s Romance (Cliff) went to post, Took keen hold, prominent, ridden when led over 1f out, soon edged left, reduced lead inside final 110yds, kept on, winning by ½ l. He gets 43.46 points.

At Newmarket on Saturday in the 6f group 1 July Cup Venetian Sun ( Martin, Peej), went to post, Raced centre, towards rear, headway over 1f out, went second inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 9 in group, 2nd beaten 1l. She gets 14.55 points.

At Ascot in the 1m group 2 Zeus Olympios (Bob, Martin, Peej) went to post, Led early, headed after 3f, soon prominent on inner, pressed leaders over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on, winning ½ L. He gets 24.5 points.

On Tuesday at Longchamp in the 1m 4f group 1 Prix De Paris Maltese Cross (Cliff), went to post, Towards rear on inner, short of room from over 2f out, headway and switched right over 1f out, soon ridden, squeezed through inside final 110yds, led towards finish, did well in the circumstances, winning by a head. He gets 57.6 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 July        Total

Cliff          101.06          643.61

Bob           24.5               583.93

Cod             52.6            565.19

Neil         00                491.12

Peej           39.05             471.64

Steve         00             386.68

Martin      39.05            287.02

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      26       7

Bob           35   15

Cliff           38   14

Neil          35     12

Peej          34    12

Cod           34     12

Steve          27      11

The Weeks Losers

Precise, Ya Karim, Venetian Sun, Double Rush, American Affair, Schrodinger’s Cat, True Love, Space Waltz

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Wolverhampton

2.43 Monsieur Kodi

Newmarket

20.08 Dandana

Saturday 

Newbury

1.55 Maho  Bay

3.02 Soldier’s Tree, Binhaheer

Curragh

2.15 Faiyum, Tiffany

3.25 Charles Darwin

4.35 My Ophelia, Diamond Necklace, Amelia Earhart, Precise

Sunday 

Curragh

4.25 Carmers, Jan Brughel, Tiffany, James J Braddock

News

William Haggas has said he does not yet know the ceiling of Tuesday evening's last-gasp Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross. Maltese Cross is the 5-2 favourite for the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on August 19 and whether he turns up in that contest is likely to be decided by his next Group 1 target.

"What we do next basically boils down to the St Leger or the Arc, but probably not both and we've got lots of time to think about it," Haggas said. "If he was to go for the Arc we could think about the Great Voltigeur, in which he would carry a penalty, but if he was going to Doncaster I probably wouldn't run him again.

Constitution Hill is set to have his third Flat outing in a Listed race at Windsor on August 29, with connections now fully aware victory could make an audacious tilt at the Lexus Melbourne Cup slightly more likely. Having run out of time to qualify the former superstar hurdler for the Sky Bet Ebor, Nicky Henderson is targeting the Weatherbys Digital Solutions August Stakes for a nine-year-old who kicked off his Flat career with wins at Southwell under Oisin Murphy in February and then Kempton the following month, when ridden by Ryan Moore.

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2026 Flat Issue 11 - Cod returns to summit

Headlines

Calandagan lands French Grand Prix

Report

At Saint-Cloud om Sunday in the 1m 4f group 1 Prix De Saint-Cloud, Calandagan ( Cod), went to post, Slowly into stride, raced in last, headway and ridden over 1f out, led narrowly inside final furlong, kept on, winning by a neck. He gets 52.6 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 July        Total

Cod             52.6            565.19

Bob           00               559.43

Cliff          00               542.55

Neil         00                491.12

Peej           00              432.59

Steve         00             386.68

Martin      00             247.97

Congratulations to Bob who was June trainer of the Month

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      24        6

Bob           31   14

Cliff           33   12

Neil          34     12

Peej          30        11

Cod           33     12

Steve          25      11

The Weeks Losers

Asfoora, Gethin, Kings Gambit, Tiffany, Abashiri

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Newmarket

1.50 Maho Bay

3.35 Precise

Ascot 

3.10 Ya Karim

Saturday 

Newmarket

4.35 Venetian Sun, Double Rush

5.45 Dancing Tiger

York

3.12 American Affair

Ascot 

1.55 Schrodinger’s Cat

2.27 Zeus Olympios

News

The team behind Asfoora are considering "one last hurrah" in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood later this month before the three-time Group 1-winning mare is retired. The Australian sprinter has endured a disappointing campaign this season, finishing no better than seventh in four outings and failing to beat a rival home when sent off the 9-4 favourite for Saturday's Coral Charge at Sandown. Her connections are now weighing up whether to give her one last run before she heads back home to embark on a broodmare career.

Bow Echo began his build-up for his intended first encounter with older horses in the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 29 when breezing on Tuesday morning with a new lead horse. 

The dual Group 1 winner took to his usual venue of the Cambridge Road Polytrack, where he was ridden by Billy Loughnane in his first workout since his narrow victory over old foe Gstaad at Royal Ascot last month. 

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2026 Flat Issue 10 - Bob moves ahead

Headlines

View is Purfect at Curragh

Estrange lands Pretty Polly Stakes

Report

We start at the Curragh on Saturday where in the 1m 2f group 1 Pretty Polly stakes for fillies and mares, Estrange ( Neil), took her chance, Towards rear, headway on outer over 2f out, shaken up and led over 1f out, ridden and went clear final furlong, winning comfortably by 1 ½ l. She gets 55.26 points.

On Sunday in the 1m 2f group 3 Purview (Bob) went to post, Raced in second, led going easily over 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, reduced lead inside final 110yds, winning comfortably by ¾ l. He gets 34 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 June      Total

Bob           305.32         559.43

Cliff          251.57          542.55

Cod             216.25         512.59

Neil         294.03          491.12

Peej           247.72          432.59

Steve         174.93       386.68

Martin      54.76           247.97

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      23        6

Bob           31   14

Cliff           31    12

Neil          33     12

Peej          29        11

Cod           32    11

Steve          23      11

The Weeks Losers

Power Fizz, Schrodinger’s Cat, Never So Brave, Red Letter, Sovereignty, Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard, James J Braddock, Shaihaan , Addison Grey

Weekend Runners

Friday

Sandown

2.25 Adonius

Saturday 

Sandown

1.50 Asfoora, 

3.35 Gethin, Kings Gambit

Newmarket

2.40 Tiffany

Saratoga

21.06 Abashiri

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2026 Flat Issue 9 - Big points shake up the table

Headlines

Gold Cup goes to Scandinavia

Mezcala lands Buckinghanm Palace stakes

Sun Scorches Ascot

Precise is spot on at Ascot

Cat escapes the Box at Redcar

Double in a Rush at Ascot

Report

We start at Ascot on Thursday where in the 2m 4f group 1 Gold Cup Scandinavia ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil), Trawlerman (Cliff), went to post.

Scandinavia prominent, pushed along over 3f out, went second over 2f out, ridden and challenging from over 1f out, kept on well to lead final strides, winning by a head. He gets 52.65 points.

Trawlerman, Led, ridden over 2f out, faced challenge from over 1f out, stayed on but headed final stride, 2nd beaten a short head. He gets 27.4 points.

In the 7f handicap Mezcala (Steve), went to post, Dwelt start, raced near side, towards rear, waiting for room over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ridden and led narrowly inside final 110yds, kept on, 1st of 22 in group, winning by a neck. He gets 35.4 points.

At Ascot on Friday in the 6f group 1 Commonwealth Cup Venetian Sun (Martin, Peej), took her chance, In touch with leaders up the centre, headway over 1f out, soon ridden to lead, faced challenge inside final furlong, just did enough, 1st of 14 in group, winning by a head. She gets 54.76 points.

In the 1m group 1 fillies Coronation Stakes Precise ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Peej ) took her chance, Awkward start then slowly into stride, towards rear, headway on outer 4f out, led 2f out, soon against far rail and ridden, kept on well final 110yds, winning by 1 ½ l. She gets 53.24 points.

At Redcar on Saturday in the 5f handicap Schrodingers Cat (Peej), went to post, Travelled strongly, made all, shaken up and went clear over 1f out, ridden briefly and ran on well inside final furlong, winning unchallenged by 4 ¼ l. He gets 23.82 points.

At Ascot in the 6f Heritage handicap Double Rush ( Bob, Steve), went to post, Raced centre, in touch with leaders, headway on near side of group and led overall over 1f out, soon faced challenges, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, just prevailed, 1st of 19 in group, winning by a head. He gets 31.55 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 June      Total

Cliff          251.57          542.55

Bob           271.32         525.43

Cod             216.25         512.59

Neil         238.77        435.86

Peej           247.72          432.59

Steve         174.93       386.68

Martin      54.76           247.97

Royal Ascot Grand Slam

Neil 238.77

Bob 191.12

Cliff   186.97

Steve 174.93

Peej 121.4

Cod 94.25

Martin 54.76

So Neil gets the Ascot Grand slam 20 points.

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      22        6

Bob           30     13

Cliff           28    12

Neil          28   11

Peej          27        11

Cod           30     11

Steve          21      11

The Weeks Losers

Gilded Prize, Trawlerman, Carmers , Maho Bay, Wise Approach, Charles Darwin, True Love , Kalpana, Jan Brughel, Soldiers Tree, Binhareer, French Master

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Yarmouth

2.39 Ya Karim

Newcastle 

6.17 Ya Karim

6.52 Morrophore

Saturday 

Newcastle

3.45 Power Fizz

York

2.25 Schrodinger,s Cat

2.58 Never So Brave

Curragh

3.55 Estrange, Faiyum, Fallen Angel, , Red Letter, 

Churchill Downs

23.03 Sovereignty

Sunday 

Curragh

3,20 Faiyum, Purview, Port Ferdinand, Shaihaan

4.35 Christmas Day, Raheeb, Pierre Bonnard,  Port Ferdinand, Shaihaan, James J Braddock

5.15 Nobody Knows

News

Europe's richest race, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, will be opened to geldings for the first time in 2027, after board members at France Galop voted to remove restrictions on Monday. France will need to request a change in the entry conditions at a full meeting of the European Pattern Committee but it seems extremely unlikely that any of the other major European nations will object to a measure which brings France's most important race into line with theirs.

Owen Burrows is relishing his first shot at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby as Raaheeb prepares to put his unbeaten record on the line against what is likely to be a formidable Aidan O'Brien-dominated field in Sunday's Classic at the Curragh. Raaheeb is Britain's shortest-priced runner at 5-1 for the Group 1, behind only the O'Brien-trained duo of Benvenuto Cellini and Derby hero Christmas Day in the market. 

The Shadwell Estates-owned colt was on course to feature at Epsom after a convincing success under Rossa Ryan in Sandown's Classic Trial in April, but he had a minor setback and was forced to miss the race. He has been back in work for several weeks now and Lambourn-based Burrows is excited at the prospect of a Classic assault this weekend. Burrows said: "He's still on track for Ireland. I wanted to touch base with the track to see what the ground was like. There was meant to be plenty of rain last week, so hopefully they've had a nice drop and there's a bit more coming.

Ante-post favourite Ombudsman, rated the best in the world after a Royal Ascot tour de force, will miss the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday week. The Godolphin star was evens favourite with the sponsors for the £1 million contest in which he was beaten by Delacroix last year, but will instead aim to win back-to-back running’s of the Juddmonte International at York on August 19.

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2026 Flat issue 8 - Early Royal Ascot points

Headlines

Space Waltz’s home at Chantilly

Diamonds Sparkle at Chantilly

Rivals Bow To Echo at Ascot

Barrier Reef is Great At Ascot

Ombudsman Rules in Prince of Wales

Report

At Chantilly on Sunday in the 1m 2f group 1 fillies Prix Diane Diamond Necklace (Bob), took her chance, Midfield, steady headway on outer over 2f out, led narrowly and ridden over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong, ridden out, just held on winning by a short neck. She gets 53 points.

In the 1m 2f group 3 Space Waltz (Cliff), took his chance, In touch with leaders, headway and led narrowly 2f out, pushed along and went clear final 110yds, winning comfortably by 3 ½ l. He gets 35.4 points.

At Ascot on Tuesday in the 6f group 2 Great Barrier Reef (Steve) went to post, Raced far side of centre, prominent, pressed leaders when groups merged over 2f out, edged left when ridden over 1f out, led inside final 110yds, kept on, 1st of 6 in group, winning by ½ l. He gets 54.3 points.

In the 1m group 1 St James Palace stakes Bow Echo ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve) Gstaad ( Cod, Peej), took their chances.

Bow Echo Took keen hold early, hampered soon after start, in touch with leaders, going best and headway on outer over 2f out, soon led and edged right, ridden inside final furlong, just did enough, winning by a short head. He gets 53.68 points.

Gstaad Edged left soon after start, soon bumped and unbalanced, towards rear, headway against far rail over 2f out, soon challenging, outpaced over 1f out, rallied final 110yds, kept on well, just held, 2nd beaten a short head. He gets 13.4 points.

On Wednesday in the 1m 2f group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes Ombudsman (Neil), Minnie Hauk ( Cod), took their chances.

Ombudsman Held up in rear, headway on near side of group 2f out, pushed along to lead over 1f out, edged right and went clear inside final furlong, ran on well, winning impressively by 4l. He gets 79.2 points.

Minnie Hauk, Soon raced in third, prominent behind clear leaders 6f out, headway 2f out, switched left then outpaced over 1f out, rallied and went second inside final furlong, no match for winner, 2nd beaten 4l. She gets 28.2 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 June      Total

Cod             163.6         459.94

Cliff          118.28            409.26

Bob           133.88         397.99

Neil         132.88           362.62

Steve         107.98       319.73

Peej           115.9           300.77

Martin      00           193.21

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      19          5

Bob           25   10

Cliff           23   10

Neil          23      9

Peej          23        8

Cod           28      10

Steve          18      9

The Weeks Losers

Dandana, Schrodinger’s Cat, Tiffany, Copper Knight, Opera Ballo , Damysus, Zeus Olympios, Noteable Speech, Asfoora, American Affair, Gstaad, Puerto Rico, Talk of New York, Kings Gambit, Lover Girl, Minnie Hauk, Daryz, See The Fire

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Ascot

3.05 Venetian Sun, Wise Approach, Charles Darwin

4.20 Precise, True Love, 

6.10 Schrodingers Cat

Saturday 

Ascot

3.05, Jan Brughel, Kalpana, 

4.20 Synchronicity

5.00 Double Rush, Addison Grey, Binhareer

5.35 Nobody Knows

6.10 Jan Brughel, French Master

Redcar

3.22 Schrodigers Cat

4.00 Copper Knight

Down Royal

4.33 Cape Cod, Port Ferdinand

Sunday 

Pontefract

4.05 Kisskodi

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2026 Flat Issue 7 - Christmas comes early for the Fish

Headlines

City Keeps Points Rolling In

Christmas Day comes early at Epsom

Kisskodi wins at Chepstow

Report

We start at Epsom on Saturday where in the 1m 4f group 1 Coronation Cup Bay City Roller ( Peej), Jan Brughel (Bob) went to post, Bay City Roller,  In touch with leaders, went second halfway, alone up the centre and disputed lead over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and clear over 1f out, kept on well, winning by 10l. He gets 102.5 points. Jan Brughel sweating, in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden and chased clear leader over 1f out, no impression, 2nd beaten 10 l. He gets 27.2 points.

In the 1m 4f group 1 Derby stakes Christmas Day (Cod), Maltese Cross (Cliff), took their chances. 

Christmas Day, Raced in second, pressed leader after 5f, led over 3f out, soon pushed along, drifted right over 1f out, kept on well, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 88 points. Maltese Cross Midfield, in touch with leaders after 2f, steady headway over 3f out, went second over 2f out, no match for winner 2nd beaten 2 ¾ l. He gets 29.2 points

At Chepstow in the 7f handicap Kisskodi (Cod) took his chance, In touch with leaders, good headway on far side of group to lead over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, winning comfortably by 2 ½ l. He gets 34 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 June      Total

Cod             122           418,34

Cliff          29.2            320.18

Bob           27.2         291.31

Peej           102.5      287.37

Neil         00             229.74

Steve         00          211.75

Martin      00           193.21

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      15          5

Bob           19        8

Cliff           18      8

Neil          19      7

Peej          21        8

Cod           24        10

Steve          14        7

The Weeks Losers

Amelia Earhart, Calandagan, Jan Brughel, Convergent, Maltese Cross, James J Braddock, Renegade, Commandment, Quadrillion

Weekend Runners

Friday 

York

3.00 Dandana

4.45 Schrodinger’s Cat

Saturday 

York

3.00 Tiffany

Chester

4.00 Copper Knight

Sunday 

Cork

4.48  Finalise

Salisbury

2.44 Kisskodi

Doncaster

2.30 Quadrillion

Chantilly

Diamond Necklace

Tuesday 

Ascot

2.30 Noteable Speech, Opera Ballo, Zeus Olympios, Damysus, 

3.05 Great Barrier Reef

3.40 American Affair, Asfoora, Charles Darwin, 

4.20 Bow Echo, Gstaad, Talk of New York, Puerto Rico, Lifeplan

5.35 King’s Gambit

Wednesday

Ascot 

4.20 Daryz, Ombudsman, Calandagan, Minnie Hauk, Bay City Roller, Kalpana, See The Fire, Damysus, 

5.00 Mezcala

News

George Scott is working back from the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller, who could have the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes also on the agenda should suitable ground conditions prevail at Ascot in July.

The Lion In Winter has died after sustaining a fracture on the gallops at Ballydoyle. The four-year-old colt was last seen finishing fifth in the Lockinge Stakes last month and was being aimed at the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. Aidan O'Brien said: "He got a fracture and, unfortunately, we just weren’t able to save him. He was obviously a very good two-year-old and it’s a pity he never really got to fulfil that early potential. On his day he was very talented.’

Bow Echo's rapid rise shows no signs of stopping according to his trainer George Boughey, who sounded an ominous warning to his colt's Royal Ascot rivals when saying on Wednesday "his best days are ahead of him".Boughey is confident Bow Echo has improved physically since he left his rivals toiling on the Rowley Mile last month, his fourth win from as many starts, and he is the even-money favourite to assert his status as the best three-year-old miler in Europe.

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