By Emma Berry
Without a doubt, one of the great privileges of working in racing journalism is being able to get close to the equine stars and hear first hand from the people who bred, own, train, or ride them, as well as the countless people who look after retired racehorses and give them a meaningful life long after their last race is run.
At TDN, we try to bring our readers a wide range of stories, from the paddocks, breeding sheds, sales rings, training grounds and racecourses around Europe and beyond. We appreciate the access we are given, and the time devoted to helping our cause by those who have made the headlines, along with plenty others who can sometimes go unacknowledged but nevertheless play a vital role in ensuring that horse racing remains the greatest sport in the world.
Sure, I may be biased, and I recognise that both racing and breeding face challenges. But I also believe that the people involved are in it primarily for their love of horses and the matchless thrill they bring us on a daily basis. Even racing professionals should be racing fans. Certainly every member of our team is a fan, already counting down the days to the next turf season while keeping a keen eye on the growing winter all-weather programme, both at home and worldwide.
We thank you for your continued support of TDN and, just in case you might have missed one or two of these, we have compiled a selection of our favourite stories and features from TDN during 2024. Happy New Year to you all – and please keep reading!
Farewell to a Stallion Thoroughly Deserving of Acclaim
By a wide margin, this was our most-read story in TDN Europe, published in December and written not long after the death of Rathbarry Stud's influential stallion Acclamation, who was certainly deserving of a proper tribute.
'It's About The Horses': Ryan Moore, the Reluctant Superstar
It is easy to imagine that spending an hour or so chatting to a journalist is not high on Ryan Moore's list of favourite fun things to do, but the great jockey did consent to an interview with five-time sports writer of the year Paul Hayward, and if you didn't catch it first time around it is well worth a few minutes of your time now.
'What Happened To Me Would Dent Anybody's Confidence – But I've Got My Bite Back'
Mick Halford was very candid in conversation with Brian Sheerin about the troubles that have beset his career in the past and how he has bounced back with renewed enthusiasm. A refreshingly honest view of some of the struggles of life as a trainer.
'We're In Heaven With A Horse Like Spillane's Tower – The Whole Of Ireland Is Behind Him'
While we're on the subject of Irish trainers, here's another great Brian Sheerin interview, this time with the inimitable Jimmy Mangan, who talks a whole lot of sense.
Nunthorpe Hero Borderlescott and the Story of Yorkshire's Favourite Son
Adam Houghton returned to his childhood days as a racing fan on his beloved Knavesmire and recounted the tale of the dual Nunthorpe winner Borderlescott, visiting the 23-year-old sprinter in retirement.
Another well-read story from back in February when we tracked down the 13 members of Galileo's final crop. Could one of them give their late sire a final Classic hurrah in 2025, just as Auguste Rodin did for Deep Impact? Only time will tell.
From Football to Racing, Ferguson Retains the Winning Spirit
Back in February, Sir Alex Ferguson spoke exclusively to Emma Berry about his passion for breeding, and how touched he was by the Manchester United fans cheering on him and his home-bred Spirit Dancer in Bahrain.
Gay O'Callaghan: 'Dark Angel Is Like Family – He Means Everything To Us'
Brian Sheerin clearly had a crystal ball at his disposal when deciding to visit Yeomanstown Stud in July to talk to Gay O'Callaghan about his beloved home-bred stallion Dark Angel. He even managed to talk Gay into a video interview. Five months later and the great grey is now the champion sire for the first time.
Invincible Spirit Earns Honourable Retirement at 27
In October, the Irish National Stud announced the retirement of its stalwart Invincible Spirit. John Berry reflected on the significant impact of the son of Green Desert, who turns 28 this New Year's Day.
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