Whistlejacket

DEL MAR, USA -- Ahead of the big day on Saturday, Friday's Breeders' Cup card is all about the youngsters, and the European trainers have come mob-handed with two-year-olds.  After last year's triumphs for Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) and Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the Juvenile Turf Sprint and Juvenile Turf, expectations are again high that these trophies can be smuggled out of the country.  In the former, the form of the G2 Flying Childers Stakes could well be key, as the first three home at Doncaster...

DEAUVILLE, France -- While nothing will ever top Derby day as the day in the racing calendar not to be missed, a close second is Prix Morny day in Deauville. Or in fact any racing day in Deauville.  Those mizzly days of autumn with almost nobody there are special in their own aloof way, but Morny day - or Sumbe Prix Morny day to give it its full title - is one that offers something for everyone, whether purist or holidaymaker, in sharp suits or shorts. Probably no course in...

This past week the racing has come a distant second in the minds of many when set against the tragedy that has befallen the family of racing commentator John Hunt. Such an appalling act of cruelty is impossible to contemplate, especially when it concerns someone who is so popular and respected. In any workplace there are divisions and squabbles. What unites the racing press room in Britain is the unquestionable fact that John is not only a talented professional but a thoroughly decent man; a friend to so many.  He...