Author Archives: Lord Ilsley

America – it’s brilliant. Everything about it is terrific - You’ll not find a single soul in these parts that has a bad word for the place or it’s great sporting people. Go Yankees!

It’s been a while I know, but a cruise around the Aegean is not to be scoffed at, especially when one has the chance to live the highlife courtesy of a beast by the same name. Highlife Dancer’s five timer … Continue reading →

It’s been a while, but I’ve been locked away in rehab for the past fortnight. When you reach three figures you see, the sheer scale of the finger food on offer means that The Royal Meeting is a tough course … Continue reading →

Things that were not witnessed on Day 1:

They’ve all been here this week. Whilst walking the grounds on Monday the Irish lilt of former crash test dummy Mick Fitzgerald was clearly visible behind the shoulderless frame of Luke Harvey ahead of the Oaks contest. It was the … Continue reading →

A heartening moment on Sunday that shows the true spirit of racing really can make a difference and bring a smile to the faces of the public. Zain Al Boldan’s win in the Lingfield Oaks Trial has not only opened … Continue reading →

I’m not one to blow my own trumpet. Let’s face it, it’s far easier to have others do it for you, but on this occasion I’m more than willing to claim responsibility for hitting the right note. Time and again … Continue reading →

It’s not often that there is disharmony in the ranks at West Ilsley, but today started out with lighthearted banter, descended into minor bickering, before progressing on to vile threats and mindless violence. That’s what cricket can do to men … Continue reading →

A strange morning as I popped in for my weekly update. The Trainer was in uncontrollably fine mood, laughing out of the office window at Andy Larkin and Michael Junior attempting to change a flat tyre on the gallop wagon. … Continue reading →

Ecstacy at Hodcott, with The Trainer for once in a stress free mood on a work day. Like Henry Cecil, there is a Channon coat of arms raised on the lawn of The Trainer’s garden, but it’s not there hailing … Continue reading →