2022/23 Jumps Issue 16 - Shishkin back on song!

Headlines

Shish Skins Rivals at Ascot 

Bo Zenith lands Haydock Hurdle

Like It moves to Quickly for rivals at Wincanton

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 2m 5f grade 1 Ascot Chase, Shishkin ( Cliff, Neil, Steve), went to post, travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, went second after 9th, joined leader after 3 out, pushed along and led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on strongly and went well clear from last, winning by 16l. Cliff gets 81 Neil Steve 53

At Haydock in the 2m juvenile hurdle Bo Zenith ( Bob), went to post, Prominent, nudged along 3 out, ridden and disputed lead last, led run-in, went clear final 110yds, winning by 3 ½ l. He gets 26.5 points.

At Wincanton in the 2m grade 2 hurdle I Like To Move It (Peej), took his chance, Prominent, led before 2 out, shaken up and went clear approaching last, kept on strongly, winning  comfortably by 17l. He gets 48.68 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      205.28            873.66

Steve      135.5                 740.39

Neil        129.7              688.05

Martin     74.56               516.79      

Bob          85.1               493.25

Cod       51.2            307.3

Cliff        81               292.16

News

Eldorado Allen remains on course for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup despite finishing a modest fifth to Zanza when bidding for back-to-back Denman Chase successes at Newbury. Trainer Joe Tizzard is keen to return to Prestbury Park next month for the blue riband event, although admitted Eldorado Allen, who is a general 66/1 chance, would be vying for minor honours. “There was a bit of disappointment, but as it turned out they went too quick,” said Tizzard of his latest effort under Brendan Powell. In hindsight, we should have just settled in behind the front two, but those were not the tactics going out there, so I think you can just put a line through that run.

Prominent owner Mark Adams hopes it will be ‘downhill’ all the way for Scriptwriter in Saturday’s Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton. The Milton Harris-trained four-year-old is among Britain’s top hopes for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, despite having his colours narrowly lowered by Comfort Zone in the trial at Cheltenham last month. “He’s well and we are looking forward to the Adonis and seeing how we got from there,” said Adams. “I have a lot of faith in the horse, so we have high hopes.”Adams told The Punter.

Time has been called on the glittering career of hugely-popular chaser Bristol De Mai following his run at Haydock on Saturday.Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained grey was victorious six times at his beloved Merseyside venue, including a hat-trick of victories in the Betfair Chase between 2017 and 2020. Bristol De Mai also won the 2016 Altcar Novices’ Chase, the 2017 Peter Marsh Chase and last year’s Grand National Trial at Haydock, but finished well beaten when bidding for back-to-back wins in the latter contest at the weekend.

Connections now feel the time has come to give him an honourable retirement. His stellar career in Britain was handled by Nigel Twiston-Davies and Bristol De Mai made an instant impact by winning the 2014 edition of the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on his first start. The following season he added the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown. In all he won five Grade 1s, ran in three Gold Cups – finishing third behind Al Boum Photo and Anibale Fly in 2019 – and ran in the Grand National won by Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times.

 

Weekend Entries

Friday

Exeter

2.10 Ilovethenightlife

Warwick

3.00 Iron Bridge

Saturday 

Kempton

1.50 Scriptwriter

2.25 Datsallrightgino

3.00 Kitty’s Light

4.45 Fable

Fairyhouse

2.45 American Mike

Sunday 

Fontwell

1.30 Fable

2.30 Hacker Des Places, Knappers Hill

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 15 - Cheltenham countdown ticks louder

Headlines

Crambo Scores at Bangor

Fable is a True winner at Bangor

Jonbon lands King Maker Chase

The Carpenter chops up rivals at Exeter

Khal Blazes home at Navan

Report

We start at Warwick on Saturday where in the 2m grade 2 novice chase, Jonbon (Martin, Steve) went to post, Jumped slightly right on occasions, led, not fluent and headed 6th, shaken up after 3 out, led before 2 out, kept on well and went clear run-in, winning by 5 ½ l. He gets 21.1 points

On Friday at Bangor in the 2m 4f mares limited handicap chase Fable ( Martin), took her chance, Raced in second, disputing second from 9th, lost ground before 3 out, rallied before 2 out, kept on to lead last, ridden out run-in, winning by  ¾ l. She gets 30 points.

In the 2m novice hurdle Crambo (Martin), went to post, Prominent, hit 4th, ridden after 3 out, led after 2 out, soon edged left, went clear from last, winning readily by 4 ¼ l. He gets 23.46 points.

On Sunday at Exeter in the 2m 2f novice hurdle, The Carpenter (Neil), went to post, Prominent, clear with one other before 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, 3 lengths down 2 out, ridden approaching last, 2 lengths down last, kept on strongly run-in, led inside final 110yds, won going away by ¾ l. He gets 25.5 points.

At Navan in the 2m 5f grade 2 hurdle Blazing Khal ( Bob, Peej), took his chance, Travelled strongly, held up in rear, headway 3 out, joined leader going best before last, led when ridden and stayed on after last, won going away by 3l. He gets 26.6 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      156.6            824.98

Steve      82.5                 687.39

Neil        76.7                635.05

Martin     74.56               516.79      

Bob          58.6               466.75

Cod       51.2            307.3

Cliff        00               211.16

News

One of the biggest names in jump racing will not be appearing at next month's Cheltenham Festival after it was revealed dual Ryanair Chase hero Allaho would miss this year's race and the rest of the season due to an abdominal bleed.

Trainer Willie Mullins said: "He worked very well on Saturday. He came back, dried off, we put him into his box and had his lunch. Then after lunch we found him to be a little bit distressed and we thought he was getting a colic, but it didn't look like a colic. It was something else."

"We brought him straight down to Fethard Equine Hospital and they found that he had got a bleed in his abdomen, which is hugely unusual. I don't think I've ever seen that in a horse before. He was comfortable over the weekend, but still critical. This morning he moved off the critical list. His bloods and everything have come down to normal levels. I got good word from the hospital this morning but, unfortunately, he won't make Cheltenham. That's him for the season.

Weekend Entries

Friday

Kelso 

3.00 Sporting John

3.30 Langer Dan,  Jungle Jack Barrichelo, 

Saturday 

Ascot

3.35 Shishkin, Fakir D’Odairies, First Flow

Wincanton

1.57 Skytastic

3.12 Knappers Hill, First Street, I Like To Move It

Haydock

1.30 Bo Zenith

2.40 Bristol De Mai, Dusart, Iron Bridge

4.25 Saint Palais

Sunday 

Newbury

1.30 Skytastic

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 14 - Cheltenham on horizon for Leopardstown winners

Headlines

Des Champs Gallops in to Win Gold Cup

Third Time Lucki lands Sandown Chase

Gentleman De Mee lands Dublin Chase

Man States his Cheltenham Case

Report

We Start at Leopardstown on Saturday where in the 3m Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs ( Cod, Neil, Peej), went to post, in touch with leaders on inner, headway on outer when left in third 2 out, shaken up and went second approaching last, made challenge when carried left last, soon led, ridden clear final 110yds, kept on well winning by 8l. He gets 51.2 points.

At Sandown in the 2m handicap chase Third Time Lucki (Bob), took his chance, Held up in rear, headway after 4 out, went second approaching last, ridden and led run-in, kept on, winning by 1l. He gets 32 points.

On Sunday at Leopardstown in the 2m 1f grade 1 Dublin Chase Gentleman De Mee (Steve), went to post, Disputed lead early, raced in second 1st, disputed lead 2nd, led and made rest after 5th, going okay after 2 out, pushed along when raced wide but going best before last, ridden and kept on strongly after last, pushed out towards finish, winning by 7l He gets 61.4 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle, State Man (Peej), took his chance, Made all, pushed along and 3 lengths ahead last, ridden out run-in, winning comfortably by 4 ¾ l. He gets 78.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      130                 798.38

Steve      61.4                 666.29

Neil        51.2                609.55

Martin     00                442.23      

Bob          32               440.15

Cod       51.2            307.3

Cliff        00               211.16

News

Peter Molony has described the Mares' Hurdle as a "more realistic" target for Honeysuckle after revealing that the brilliant nine-year-old has been granted the prospect of a glorious Cheltenham Festival swansong before retiring to the breeding shed.

On Sunday, after Kenny Alexander's dual Champion Hurdle winner was beaten for a second time under Rachael Blackmore when bidding for a fourth Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, Alexander and trainer Henry de Bromhead ruled out the possibility of a tilt at a third successive triumph in the two-mile championship decider.

With her Leopardstown conqueror State Man and the intimidating prospect of red-hot Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill lying in wait, those closest to her weren't keen on forcing the issue with a mare who has already achieved so much.

Talking to The Punter about A Plus Tard The County Waterford handler said: “It was frustrating with A Plus Tard at Christmas, getting a little knock,  but that’s what happened and we just have to deal with that. I would love to have had another run under his belt but we didn’t and he’ll go straight to Cheltenham. Touch wood, he seems great now.

"He wasn’t right when he came back from Haydock – it was too bad to be true – then he got a knock on the day of the Savills which was really frustrating. We are able to get him ready though and I saw him this morning and he was in great form, so we will just try and get him there as good as we can.

Allaho is on course to reprise his role as Cheveley Park Stud's flagbearer at the Cheltenham Festival next month, with connections encouraged by his progress towards challenging for a third Ryanair Chase.

Willie Mullins has confirmed that Facile Vega was "quite sore" following his Dublin Racing Festival defeat at Leopardstown. "He was getting better this morning so I think he'll be alright.

Weekend Entries

Friday

Bangor 

1.50 Fable 

3.25 Crambo

Kempton

2.30 The Carpenter

Saturday 

Uttoxeter

3.20 Peejaybee

Newbury

2.25 Eldorado Allen, Hitman

3.00 Greaneteen, Jonbon

3.35 First Street, Hacker Des Places, 

4.10 McFabulous

4.43 Fire Flyer

Warwick

1.30 Stolen Silver

2.40 Jonbon

Sunday 

Exeter

2.30 Crambo, The Carpenter

3.30 Ittack Blue

Navan

2.10 American Mike

2.40 Blazing Khal

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 13 - Eyes on Dublin this weekend

Headlines

Star Scores on Cheltenham Stage

Des Places Hacks up at Cheltenham

Epatante blooms in  Yorkshire Rose Hurdle

Maimie’s works Her Magic again at Newcastle

Report

We start at Cheltenham on Saturday where in the 2m 4f novice handicap chase Stage Star (Peej), took his chance Jumped well, led narrowly or disputed lead, led clearly 4 out, faced challenge 2 out, went clear again run-in, pushed out winning by 3 ¾ l. He gets 27.5 points.

In  the 2m grade 1 Clarence House chase Edwardstone ( Martin, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Held up in rear, headway 2 out, disputing second last, led run-in, soon ridden, headed final strides, 2nd beaten a head. He gets 13.5 points.

In the 2m 1f handicap hurdle Hacker Des Places (Neil), went to post, Prominent, made challenge after 2 out, led before last, soon pushed along and 2 lengths ahead, hung left and ridden run-in, kept on well, winning by a neck. He gets 30 points.

At Doncaster in the 2m grade 2 hurdle Epatante (Steve), took her chance, Took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway to challenge going easily 2 out, soon led and quickened clear, went further clear run-in, winning easily by 6 ½ l. She gets 42.46 points.

On Tuesday at Newcastle in the 2m 1f mares handicap hurdle, Maimie’s Magic (Neil), took her chance, Took keen hold, held up in rear, switched right before 3 out, pushed along when headway and drifted right after 2 out, led run-in, ridden clear final 110yds, winning by 3l. She gets 40.2 points.

 

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          January        Total

Peej      108.24            668.38

Steve      84.66                 604.89

Neil        70.2               558.35

Martin     13.5                442.23      

Bob          50.9               408.15

Cod       22.2                 256.1

Cliff        00               211.16

Congratulations to Peej who is January trainer of the month

News

Shishkin came through a workout on Tuesday which enabled Nicky Henderson to continue aiming towards the Betfair Ascot Chase on February 18.

Weekend Entries

Saturday 

Leopardstown

1.20 American Mike, 

2.30 Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard

3.05 Galopin Des Champs

Sandown

1.45 Third Time Lucki

2.55 Gelino Bello

Wetherby

3.23 Sherriff Garrett

Sunday 

Leopardstown

1.40 Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard

2.10 Energumene, Gentlemen De Mee

3.10 State Man, Honeysuckle, Vauban, Pied Piper, Sir Gerhard

3.40 Facile Vega, High Definition, American Mike

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 12 - A couple of winners and Frankie's last stand

Headlines

Lucky Fakir lands Thurles Chase

Sir Gerhard A class apart atThurles

Report

At Thurles on Sunday in the 2m 4f grade 2 chase Fakir D’Odairies ( Peej), went to post, Pressed leaders on outer, nudged along before 3 out, ridden and lost third when outpaced after 2 out, keeping on towards near side before last, 2 lengths down when left in lead last, ran on, winning by 6l. He gets 45 points.

Today at Thurles in the 2m beginners chase, Sir Gerhard (Cod), went to post, Raced in second, bad mistake 3rd, jumped slightly right 4th, joined leader on inner home turn, led going best from 3 out, nudged along and went clear after 2 out, winning  easily by 38l, he gets 22.2 points.

Frankie's last stand

One of flat racings greatest characters, and successful jockeys, Frankie Dettori has announced he will retire at the end of this season at the age of 52. 

Dettori has asked racing fans to make his farewell tour a huge celebration as the world's most famous jockey declared his intention to retire at the end of next year.

Frankie told The Punter"I've been facing the facts," said Dettori. "As I started to get closer to turning 52, it kind of hit me. I started asking myself, how far do you want to go?" Making the announcement is the first step – and I think it's only fair that the public knows what I'm planning because I want what comes next to be a celebration. I really want to give it one last go.

"It will be emotional, and I know there are going to be lots of tears, but it's also going to be great because I want it to be great. What did Michael Jordan say? 'Let's enjoy the last dance.' This is now my last dance." 

Dettori expects to ride in Britain for the last time at Ascot on Qipco British Champions Day.

He first truly became a household name when completing his now legendary Magnificent Seven  at Ascot in 1996. Four years later he made headlines for altogether different reasons when surviving a fatal plane crash. He has also suffered tough times, On 5 December 2012, he was suspended from riding for six months after being found guilty of taking a prohibited substance, believed to be cocaine. 

Career Record

Frankie Dettori

Full name Lanfranco Dettori

Born December 15, 1970

Father Gianfranco Dettori (13-time champion jockey in Italy)

• First winner Rif, Turin, November 16, 1986
• First winner in Britain Lizzy Hare, Goodwood, June 9, 1987
• Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners (6 wins – record) Lammtarra (1995), Sakhee (2001), Marienbard (2002), Golden Horn (2015), Enable (2017, 2018)
• King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winners (7 wins – joint-record) Lammtarra (1995), Swain (1998), Daylami (1999), Doyen (2004), Enable (2017, 2019, 2020)
• Derby winners Authorized (2007), Golden Horn (2015)
• Dubai World Cup winners Dubai Millennium (2000), Moon Ballad (2003), Electrocutionist (2006), Country Grammer (2022)
• Japan Cup winners Singspiel (1996), Falbrav (2002), Alkaased (2005)
• Breeders' Cup 14 wins, including Classic on Raven's Pass (2008), Turf on Daylami (1999), Fantastic Light (2001), Red Rocks (2006), Dangerous Midge (2010), Enable (2018)
• Champion Stakes winner Cracksman (2017, 2018)
• Highest-rated mounts (RPRs) 139 Dubai Millennium, 138 Daylami, 136 Mark Of Esteem, 135 Sakhee
• Most prolific Pattern winner Stradivarius (15 wins 2018-22, including 3 Ascot Gold Cups)
• Group/Grade 1 wins 282, including 21 British Classics
• Seven winners on one card Ascot, September 28, 1996
• Total wins in Britain 3,336 (best season 233 in 1994)
• Champion jockey 1994, 1995, 2004

In terms of the Punter Strings, our Statto provides the following...

We don’t have records for the first two Flat Comps so the first Frankie winner I can find is Bachir in the French 2,000 Guineas on 14 May 2000, scoring for John and me.

More importantly though we skip to May 2013 and the beginning of full records. Since then Frankie has ridden 82 winners for the Punters:

Cliff and Steve might feel his loss more than most looking at the wins for each Punter table

39 - Cliff

38 - Steve

33 - Neil

30 - Tony

29 - Martin

27 - Bob

12 - Lee

10 - Peej

5 - Cod

• His best season was 2019 when he won 17 times
• 64 of his wins have been on favourites
• Biggest price winner in this time is 12/1 on Highgarden for Martin in the Nayef Stakes at newmarket in September 2018
• Biggest points scorer is Persuasive who bagged 117.2 points for Steve in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in October 2017

Frankie is known for his partnerships with successful horses. He’s ridden these to win four times or more in Punter competitions:

Stradivarius - 14 wins - 449.6 points

Enable - 11 wins - 451.8 points

Cracksman - 5 wins - 198.1 points

Palace Pier - 5 wins - 347.5 points

Golden Horn - 4 wins - 211.9 points

Statto

 The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          January        Total

Peej      67.24            627.38

Steve      28.7                 548.93

Neil        00                 488.15

Martin     00               428.73      

Bob          50.9               408.15

Cod       22.2                 256.1

Cliff        00               211.16

News

Paul Nicholls is eyeing a return to timber for Grade 1 winner Gelino Bello in Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham Trials Day.

Weekend Entries

Saturday

Cheltenham 

11.40 Bo Zenith,  Scriptwriter

12.10 Datsalrightgino, Stage Star

1.20 Energumene, Edwardstone

1.50 Stolen Silver, Coole Cody

2.25 Noble Yeats, Dusart, Happygolucky, Coole Cody, Protektorat

3.00 Gelino Bello, 

4.10 Barrichello, Hacker Des Places, I Like To Move It, Jungle Jack, 

Uttoxeter

2.32 Barrichello, Jungle Jack, Nickle Back

Doncaster

12.55 Sheriff Garrett, 

2.05 Epatante

3.15 Dusart

Sunday

Naas

2.20 Bob Olinger

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 11 - A winnerless week

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          January        Total

Peej      22.24            582.38

Steve      28.7                 548.93

Neil        00                 488.15

Martin     00               428.73      

Bob          50.9               408.15

Cod       00                 233.9

Cliff        00               211.16

News

Venetia Williams has confirmed that leading Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup contender L'Homme Presse will miss this year's festival showpiece. L'Homme Presse was a general 6-1 shot for the Gold Cup before an announcement made by connections on Friday. A statement issued on behalf of connections to the PA read: "We have given L'Homme Presse some time to get over his exertions in the King George before carrying out some veterinary investigations, which have concluded today.

"Unfortunately, these have revealed that he has a couple of issues that, although temporary, mean that he will not be able to run in this year's Gold Cup. He will be given time and patience to recover fully and we will monitor his rehabilitation over the next few weeks before making a decision on any future races in the spring."

Grand National winner Noble Yeats could line up in next week's Paddy Power Cotswold Chase after being forced to miss his intended start at Lingfield on Sunday.Owner Robert Waley-Cohen on Wednesday nominated the Cheltenham race as the likeliest target for Gold Cup second favourite Noble Yeats, who was entered in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield this weekend before it emerged on Tuesday evening that he was not qualified to run due to an issue with his vaccination status. Trainer Emmet Mullins, meanwhile, said that options were open for the eight-year-old with Newbury's Denman Chase also on the table. 

Weekend Entries

Saturday

Ascot 

12.40 Bo Zenith

1.15 Danny Kirwan

3.00 Dusart, Danny Kirwan

3.35 Energumene, Edwardstone

Haydock

12.20 Stage Star, Iron Bridge

2.05 Epatante, I like To Move It, First Street, 

2.40 Dusart, Bristol De Mai

Sunday

Lingfield 

2.00 Bristol De Mai, Coole Cody, Dusart, Stolen Silver , Two For Gold

2.30 Jungle Jack, Hacker Des Places

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 10 - Three winners this week

Headlines

Rivals Flounder on Maries Rock

Kiely looks Champion at Naas

Appreciate It Lands Novice Chase

Report

Apologies to Steve as we go back to Cheltenham on New Years Day where in the 2m grade 2 hurdle Maries Rock (Steve ) took her chance, Prominent, went second home turn, shaken up to lead after last, ran on well, winning  readily by 6l. She gets 73 points.

On Sunday at Naas in the 2m novice chase, Appreciate It ( Bob), went to post, Made all, travelled strongly, jumped slightly left early, left clear 4th, not fluent 4 out, going easily 2 out, unchallenged, winning by 21 l. He gets 22.2 points.

In the 2m 4f grade 1 Lawlors of Naas hurdle Champ Kiely ( Bob, Steve), took his chance, Made all, jumped slightly right 1st, faced strong challenge but going okay home turn, ridden omitted last, kept on well towards finish, winning readily by 2 ¼ l. He gets 28.7 points.

The Missing Links

In a quiet week, I thought I would look at the strings and the horses yet to appear

Allaho  Cliff Neil, Peej, Steve

An Tobar     Neil

Blazing Khal   Bob, Peej

Buzz                  Neil

Capodanno        Cod

Danny Kirwan       Cod

Ferney Hollow     Peej, Steve

Fire Flyer             Cliff

Golden Son           Cliff

Hewick                  Cod

Leave of Absence    Cliff

Saint Palais              Bob

Sir Gerhard            Cod

Skytastic       Bob

Star Gate       Martin

Theocrat       Cod

The Carpenter  Neil

The Oggle Goggle Man   Cod

The Wicket Chicken    Cod

Two For Gold      Steve

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          January        Total

Peej      22.24            582.38

Steve      28.7                 548.93

Neil        00                 488.15

Martin     00               428.73      

Bob          50.9               408.15

Cod       00                 233.9

Cliff        00               211.16

News

Nicky Henderson has said Shishkin will face a short spell on the sidelines after making a noise in a piece of work this week. The four-time Grade 1 winner, who made his return when third in the Tingle Creek Chase last month, had been due to step up in trip to contest the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton next weekend.However, the nine-year-old was discovered to have "flipped his palate" after making a noise during work and will now have ten days off, according to the trainer.

"After working earlier this week Nico [de Boinville] reported that Shishkin made a noise," Henderson said. "We’ve never heard any noises from him before, not even a murmur, but Nico said there was a noise and we’ve investigated it and scoped him and he’d basically flipped his palate.

"It was clear and obvious. Essentially his palate is displacing which is surprising as we’ve never heard it in a race but it’s highly like that it was indeed happening in a race. It’s a very easy fix but it’s ten days off. We’ve got to do it, we’ll get on with it and get it done. It’s a common old problem and a very easy thing to fix but, as I say, it’s got to be done."

While short-term plans are up in the air for Shishkin, he was entered this week in both the Ryanair Chase and the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He is available at 8-1 for the Ryanair and 40-1 for the Gold Cup.

Emmet Mullins is committed to attempting an audacious spring double in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup and Randox Grand National with last year's Aintree hero Noble Yeats. The trainer drew comparisons between the eight-year-old and Hedgehunter, the 2005 Grand National winner for the trainer's uncle Willie Mullins who went on to finish second in the 2006 Gold Cup, and hopes Noble Yeats can go one place better in the Cheltenham Festival's headline contest.

Lingfield's Fleur De Lys Chase on January 22 will be the next step towards the spring festivals for Noble Yeats and Mullins revealed the Gold Cup has always been in his sights from the start of the season. He said: "The Gold Cup was on the agenda this season from the get-go. We had spoken with the Waley-Cohens and he was going to go for the Gold Cup and try to go back for the Grand National afterwards.

"The Gold Cup is a stayers' race. We definitely wouldn't rule him out being a Gold Cup contender. I would compare him to something like Hedgehunter who won the Grand National in 2005 and was second a year later in the Gold Cup. He'll be there or thereabouts and hopefully he will take his chance.”

Weekend Entries

Friday

Sedgefield 

3.20 Maimies Magic

Saturday 

Wetherby

12.47 Saint Palais

Kempton

12.55 Saint Palais

1.30 Danny Kirwan , Kittys Light

2.05 Coole Cody

3.15 Danny Kirwan

Warwick

12.40 Letterston Lady

1.15 Third Time Lucki

1.50 Stage Star

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff