Bailey's Blog

Plus 13 and dry when driving in..

We awoke yesterday morning to our world going mad.

A monumental headache for everybody, but probably not as big as the headache that TNDGB had after his horse Get It won at Royal Ascot on Saturday...

In true TNDGB and TUMCB style..Champagne before lunch, interviews before tea, and apparently, TNDGB was still on the phone to someone famous well into the small hours while still celebtrating in the owners and trainers car park..

They say Royal Ascot is the place where racing meets royalty, fashion meets farce, and trainers meet hangovers they didn’t order. George, to his credit, didn’t lose his tie, his voice, or his composure — though I’m not sure we can say the same for Get It, who looked like he might take off again during the presentation.

Still, fair play. A winner at the Royal meeting is no small feat, no matter how big your sunglasses or how sharp your suit. George may need a Berocca and a quiet room, but he also deserves a pat on the back — once the ringing in his ears dies down.

Racing showed itself in good light all last week. Royal Ascot was magnificent..

A Small Moan for a Big Oversight

I thought ITV Racing coverage at Royal Ascot was excellent — slick, informative, and full of insight. But there’s one glaring omission that continues to puzzle me.

As the horses parade in the paddock, up pop graphics showing the horse’s name, its sire and dam, and the breeder’s name — all very useful. But where is the owner’s name?

Surely, of all the people who deserve a bit of on-screen recognition, the owner is right up there. They’re the ones bankrolling the whole show — the ones paying for the training, the transport, the entries, the jockeys, and occasionally the champagne too.

I’m not saying we need the trainer’s name (though no complaints if it’s there). The jockey is important, of course. But to skip the owner entirely seems both rude and shortsighted. If we want to encourage new people into racehorse ownership — something racing constantly says it’s trying to do — a bit of prime-time credit wouldn’t go amiss.

ITV, you do a cracking job. But let’s give the owners their moment in the sun too, please.

Cricket and before I go on about the weekends play at Headingley I must mention the sad news that David 'Syd' Lawrence has died aged 61.. 'Syd' was such an inspiration and a remarkable man.. All who are involved with Gloucester Cricket are in deep shock..

Headlingley again is building up to an huge finish. England fought back and then they had luck on their side with a few good calls from umpires and ball tracking and they got to with in 6 runs of the Indian total. It is rightly set up for another great day.

Tennis.. World number two Carlos Alcaraz held off a battling Jiri Lehecka to seal his second Queen's title with victory in an absorbing final yesterday.

Party time yesterday with the Jones's.. Martin, Jackie and Sammy and Lee celebrated.. Excellent lunch.. and just good fun and great company.

Monday morning.. Mat and Ciaran Gethings went over to see John Perriss's horses and lunch...

I am heading to the Thanksgiving Service for Philip Arkwright..  Today at 12 noon.. St Michael's and All Saints Church in Poulton GL7 5HX.

Most of Britain said this over the last few days.

''How did you sleep?''

''I was too hot''

Plus 18 and dry when driving in.

Tom Bellamy in to ride out.

Derek Eaton here to see his KBRS horse Campaign Trail.

Jo Golding was here to see his KBRS horse Parc d'Amour.

Goodbye to one of the all time great Irish trainers. Kevin Prendergast..aged 92, Kevin was the doyen of the Irish training ranks

After day one..India showed that England have a mountain to climb in this five series test, especially after opting to bowl 

Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper were good in their matches at Queens.

Not a great start for the Lions..

Mat went along with Chris Coley to support Gloucestershire last night in their T20 blast.. Glos beat Hampshire on the last ball.. what a great match..

Today might be the longest day of the year, but you’d never know it from the amount we’ve packed in. Sunshine, Royal Ascot, the odd Pimm’s (or five), and more hats than you’d find in the entire cast of My Fair Lady — it’s been a midsummer party to remember.

Yes, technically, the summer solstice means we’ve peaked — from here on, it’s downhill to winter. But let’s not be gloomy. The weather’s glorious (for once), the racing is top-class, and spirits are high — or maybe that’s just the champagne talking.

The real question is: should we treat this as a celebration of daylight or a commiseration that it’s already ebbing away? Either way, we embraced the occasion like true professionals: hats on, sunglasses out, suncream applied very selectively, and bets placed with confidence (or wild optimism, depending on the horse).

As the sun sets — at the end of the longest day — we’ll raise a glass to the horses, the hats, the hospitality, and the fact that we made it through the watching of the flat-pack cabinet assembly yesterdaay

Happy solstice, everyone — and may your next racehorse be faster than the sunset

Yes..Mat and Daniel spent nearly three hours yesterday morning assembling a new metal cabinet for the feed room. It was meant to be a simple job… but of course, it wasn’t.

True to form, the instructions were baffling, the screws didn’t match the holes, and – naturally – half the parts were missing. It’s the sort of flat-pack nightmare that makes you wonder why we didn’t just buy a nice wooden one from the local carpenter. Or a wheelbarrow with a lid.

Three hours, two cups of tea, and one slightly frayed friendship later, the cabinet is up. Sort of. It leans slightly to the left and rattles when you walk past it – but it’s there. Job (mostly) done.

Have a great weekend and good luck to Sammy Jones (breaks in our youngster with father Martin) who walks down the aisle today to become Mrs Lee Freeman Jones.... Party time for the others tomorrow..

Before I go..

Mats selections..Moments Of Joy, Al Asay, Insherin, California Dreamer,  More Thunder, Seraph Gabriel and Sober..

My slections..Treanmor, Al Aasy, Flora Of Bermuda, Reemooz, Completely Random, El Burhan and Dallas Star.

To finish.. Happy birthday to team member Libby Taylor

Plus 16 and dry when driving in.

Blimey that was hot at Royal Ascot yesterday.Today is going to be even hotter?

Thankfully, we were guest of Kevin Clancy and family in their box on the 5th floor of the grandstand and never have I been so pleased to feel some wind/breeze wafting through the box. It is our annual trip to Kevin’s box and honoured that we are family... Always great fun.

I had a lesson on Ai from Matthew Cannon while drinking a pimms (one of many to keep cool!)..I tried to write todays blog as an example, but somehow the ChatGPT transcribed my thoughts into Welsh.. so gave up.. for the moment..much to learn.

Good racing as always although sadly Michael and Mary Dulverton’s runner did not worry the judge it was good to see them in the box next door.

Carlos Alcaraz won the longest ever match at Queens yesterday.. 3 hours 26 minutes..

Jacob Fearnley produced a hugely impressive display to see off mercurial French qualifier Corentin Moutet

Today is the start of the all important Test match against India at Headingly..

Mat back from his holiday in Cornwall..here are his suggestions of winners at Royal Ascot today..

Signora, Shandow Of Light, French Duke, Falakayeh, Sweet Charoit, Puppet Master and Realign.

Mine are..Venetian Sun, Jonquil, War Rooms, Duty First, Silver Ghost, Amiloc and Red Orange.

The owner of a golf course in Texas was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his blonde secretary for some mathematical help.

He called her into his office and said, "You graduated from the University of Texas, and I need some help. If I was to give you $20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off?"

The secretary thought a moment, and then replied, "Everything except my earrings."

Plus 14 and dry when driving in.

That was hot and sweaty at Worcester (30 degrees according to my car) as it was probably at Royal Ascot..As we will find out today!

Both horses ran well.. Jeudidee was second which was annoying, but it was still an improved run on what he showed when he won at Huntingdon.... Jeudidee is going the right way.. Lady Gwen likewise and just beaten in a close finish for 4th. Happier back over hurdles.

Jack Draper going well at Queens. Katie Boulter has talked about the abuse she receives and so like Jockeys, trainers and all sporting areas that have betting.. those who lose can be fairly vitriolic to say the least.

I at least managed to find one winner yesteray at RA.. Cerrtainly not easy!

Royal Ascot potential winners or placed horses today..Charles Darwin, Gunship, Catalina Delcarpio, Trawlerman, The Fingal Raven, Detain and Inside Matters.

Walter took his wife Ethel to the air show every year, and every time he would say to her, "Ethel, you know that I'd love to go for a ride in that helicopter." But Ethel would always reply, "I know that Walter, but that helicopter ride is 50 pounds and 50 pounds is 50 pounds

Finally, they went to the airshow, and Walter said to Ethel, "Ethel, you know I'm 87 years old now. If I don't ride that helicopter this year, I may never get another chance." Once again Ethel replied, "Walter, you know that helicopter is 50 pounds and 50 pounds is 50 pounds"

This time the helicopter pilot overheard the couple's conversation and said, "Listen folks, I'll make a deal with you. I'll take both of you for a ride; if you can both stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word I won't charge you! But if you say just one word, it's 50 pounds.

Walter and Ethel agreed and up they went in the helicopter. The pilot performed all kinds of fancy moves and tricks, but not a word was said by either Walter or Ethel. The pilot did his death-defying tricks over and over again, but still there wasn't so much as one word said. When they finally landed, the pilot turned to Walter and said, "Wow! I've got to hand it to you. I did everything I could to get you to scream or shout out, but you didn't say one word I'm really impressed!"

Walter replied, "Well to be honest I almost said something when Ethel fell out but, you know, 50 pounds is 50 pounds.

Plus 14 and dry when driving in.

Supper with John and Penny Perriss last night.. we were joined by Cornelius Lysaght.... we walked around their fields admiring their horses enjoying their summer off.

Excellent racing from Royal Ascot yesterday..Field Of Gold surged to a spectacular victory in the St James's Palace Stakes at Ascot.

Charles Atkinson (KBRS) wrote this..I thought it was excellent and asked him if I could copy and use..

In a week when National Hunt racing (alas!) is compelled to play second fiddle to the glamour of the Flat, I thought it was worth reflecting on some of the easily overlooked but crucial elements of Royal Ascot. Most media attention, understandably, is focused upon the visual splendour of the meeting - the Royal Procession, the fashion parade, the array of celebrities, the athletic prance of some of the world's finest thoroughbreds in the paddock.

But spare a thought for the unobtrusive stable staff who (almost unnoticed) lead up these horses. It looks easy - like so many skilled jobs, it isn't. A horse is far more powerful than a human being, and can only be controlled by a mixture of authority and sympathy. Believe me, if a horse panics and decides to drag you from A to B, it will do so! So many of the horses at the Royal meeting are encountering huge, intimidating crowds for the first time in their lives, and the fact that they move, in general, so well around the parade ring is a resounding tribute to the handlers. I always remember, when I first became involved in racing, at Pendley Farm, with Peter Harris (in many ways the prime inspiration for racing syndication, and with whom Peter Kerr began his distinguished career) that the two year olds in the yard were in the charge of Robert Eddery, himself now a very fine trainer, and if any misbehaved Robert would be with them in a few moments, reassuring them, and their anxieties would melt into compliance. It was remarkable to watch.

Then, when the jockeys have mounted, they have the unenviable task of caressing their mounts to the start in a manner best devised to conserve the explosive energy of the thoroughbred, and this, unlike the jockeys' race-riding (inevitably the focus of close scrutiny) is largely overlooked. Races can be lost on the way to the start. If you get a chance, watch the horses canter down, observe the balance that the jockeys have, and remember that these horses would NOT be cantering - they would be bolting, galloping -  eyes flashing, necks twisting - if they were NOT being ridden by people who knew exactly what they were doing. Being run away with by a thoroughbred is quite scary, comparable to driving a car that won't decelerate.

Once the horses have arrived at the start, let's hear it for the stall handlers, who have to persuade fidgety, highly trained two and three year olds into a small, compressed metal box, in which horses can and do panic. And what happens then? In a flash, the stall handlers are up on the side of the stall, soothing the horses, assisting the jockeys. This is highly skilled work, and potentially dangerous for the staff involved. But, alas, most of the TV audience are probably thinking: 'Oh, just get them in! I've got my bet on, I want to see the race.' Well, try to be patient, your winnings (or losses) can wait -you're not dealing with the plunging neck of a thoroughbred. And it should be remembered that jockeys themselves are exposed to considerable risks at this time; if National Hunt is more dangerous in running, the Flat is more dangerous at the start.

Enjoy a great week, and take note of the half-unseen!

Todays thoughts on a Royal Ascot winner. Society Kiss, Carmers, Cinderella's Dream, Map Of Stars, Tokenomics, Rainbows Edge and Tough Critic..

We have two runners at Royal Worcester this afternoon. Jeudidee and Lady Gwen and for our thoughts please click here.

Plus 12 and dry when driving in.

Tuesday morning and no movers or shakers in the BHA handicap charts and no vet visit today.

Work moving on with our new gallop..  the old surface is now off.. 

The ultimate pop up sale!

Peter and Mick Easterby.. as written by Alastair Down..I hope this is not behind the Racing Post firewall as it is a cracking read..

Queens tennis..Great Britain's Dan Evans through Cameron Norrie not.. Jacob Fearnley also advanced to the next round

An historic T20 saw the Netherlands beat Nepal after an incredible three super overs in Glasgow.

Day one of the Royal Meeting and in many ways the best days racing of the week.

Like the first day of a holiday, it is often the day when you play too hard and probably regret it or take a day or two to recover.. The after races parties in the owners and trainers car park often go on past midnight!

Thinking Royal Ascot..Richard Farqahar sent this meassage over..

I thought that I should drop you a quick line just to highlight the main features of the Tote's offering for Royal Ascot.

1.    All 5 days are World Pool meetings, so liquidity in the pools will be very substantial all week. In 2024, average daily total pool size was £21 million.

2.    The Tote are offering Money Back as a free bet if your selection finishes second in ANY race during the week (opt in required via website or App).

3.    Every day will see a MINIMUM GUARANTEED placepot of £400,000.

4.    A Scoop 6 pool will be offered every day.

5.    As always, the Tote SP Guarantee applies to every race, meaning that if the underlying win dividend is lower than SP, winning bets will be settled at SP.

6.    The tracking link that you have is still valid, meaning that members who open an account will receive £30 in free bets once they have staked a win bet of £10.

With Mat on holiday here are my thoughts on todays possible winners at Royal Ascot.... Dancing Gemini., American Gulf, Believing, Henri Matisse, Iari, Liberty Lane and Charlus

For the above..

A jockey is talking to the trainer ahead of the race. “You got to ride him to win,” the trainer says, “because I’ve got a monkey on this horse, and so has my wife.”

“Will there be any room for me?,” the jockey asks.

To finish.. Hapy birthday to Nick Cook who will be hoping that Liari finishing in the first 4..

Plus 14 and dry when driving in.

A family weekend.. An excellent one too..

As I was leaving home early this morning I was met by a very sweaty Harry Bailey returning from his very early morning run..Not something I did when I was that age?

This week it is all about Royal Ascot.. Flat racings premier meeting and I am sure we will not be seeing pictures of empty car parks!

The weather is set fair, and the ground will be fast. Excellent racing to be viewed right through to Saturday.. It all kicks off tomorrow.

We do this so well.. unlike that parade in the USA on Friday..

Saturdays ICC World Test Championship final day was all so emotional.. if you were a South African..It really was one of the best Test matches I have ever watched.. so much drama and South Africa so deserved to win, it was just a brilliant result for cricket… I was so engrossed that I am afraid I delayed heading off to lunch to celebrate my sister’s birthday.. not popular!

Tatjana Maria completed an incredible run from qualifying to the title as she beat Amanda Anisimova to become the first women's champion at Queen's for 52 years.

The 37-year-old German confounded the American world number 15 in a 6-3 6-4 victory.

Queens mens competition starts today.

Bath held off resilient Leicester Tigers to win their first Premiership title in 29 years with a narrow 23-21 victory at Allianz Stadium Twickenham that also completed a 2024-25 treble.

US Open. ....America's JJ Spaun overcame a flooded golf course, a 90-minute rain delay and the brilliance of Scotland's Robert MacIntyre to win the US Open on a chaotic final day at Oakmont Country Club..

The 34-year-old, who needed a par on the last to win his first major, holed an incredible 64-foot birdie putt to win by two on one under.

George Russell says he feels like he's "driving better than ever" after winning his first race of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix

Lando Norris on the other hand "made a fool" of himself in colliding with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri..

Former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica took victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours with a privately entered Ferrari.

A young boy is listening to the radio in the car with his father. “Dad, what music did you like growing up?”

“I was a huge fan of Led Zeppelin,” the father replies.

“Who?” the son asks.

“Yeah,” the dad responds, “I liked them too.”

Benny Hill.. Not suitable for todays world!

Plus 16 and drizzling when driving in.. thunderstorms about?

No jockeys in today. One in Ireland the other at Hexham

Mat has packed his shorts, several pairs of Ray-Bans and sun cream and left for Cornwall early this morning..

How could I be so wrong.. Love my cricket as I do, I really could not have foreseen what happened at Lords yesterday. How could a pitch change so much after 2 days? It looked all over a bowler’s wicket for the first two days with 28 wickets and then yesterday it changed (4 wickets) and became a batsman’s wicket with the bowlers were having no help from the pitch.. South Africa now look like winning!

Not winning was Emma Raducanu at Queens

US Open golf.. Sam Burns leads but what an unforgiving game golf is? Our hero Rory really struggled 

The man smiled and said. "Hello, little friend. I be doing just fine."

The leprechaun smiled back and said. "And how's yer money situation, if ye don't mind my asking?"

"It's funny you should ask." Replied the man.

"An uncle of mine passed away and left me a fortune!"

"Hah! Is that so? And how's ya golf game now?"

"It's an amazing thing." Said the man. "For the past few weeks I can't do worse than two under par!"

"Sure and that's wonderful!" With a sly look, the leprechaun asked. "And how's yer sex life?"

The man, obviously embarrassed, looked away and coughed. "Well, it's fine. Two or three times a month."

The leprechaun was aghast. "Two or three times a month? That's horrible!"

The man looked up and said. "Actually, it's not bad for a priest in a small parish."

Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday, already for Royal Ascot.

Plus 16 and dry when driving in. One or two heavy showers about yesterday... 7mm.

Shocking news from India yesterday.. 

Goffs Sales finished ..and yesterdays last day was up 42% from last year..over the 3 days 29 horse were sold for over a 100K compared to 16 last year!!

Work has started on our all weather gallop.. Andrews Bowen are laying down a new one.. we have sold the old one..

I am a bit late on this bit of news..The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has become the latest major organisation to be targeted by a cyber attack.

Top class cricket from Lords..What an amazing game.. Australia just favourites?

Queens.. Katie Boulter beaten... Emma Raducanu through to the quater finals

We have Harry and India Bailey staying for the weekend.. a delight, especially when Sunday is Father’s Day!!  I will forgive him for not giving me a present (I am not in that way of modern thinking) ..Harry could of course have given me a share in Jukebox King! or of course? ..

John Sancaster called in to see the horses mid morning.

Ian Reid..

A 6 year old and a 4 year old are raking the yard.

The 6 year old asks, "You know what? I think it's about time we started learning to cuss."The 4 year old nods his head in approval.

The 6 year old continues,"When we go in for breakfast, I'm gonna say something with hell and you say something with ass."

The 4 year old agrees with enthusiasm.

When the mother walks into the kitchen and asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast, he replies, "Aw, hell, Mom, I guess I'll have some Cheerios.

WHACK!

He flies out of his chair, tumbles across the kitchen floor, gets up,and runs upstairs crying his eyes out, with his mother in hot pursuit,slapping his rear with every step.

His mom locks him in his room and shouts, "You can stay there until I let you out!"

She then comes back downstairs, looks at the 4 year old and asks with a stern voice, "And what do YOU want for breakfast, young man?""I don't know," he blubbers, "but you can bet your fat ass it won't be Cheerios!"

To finish.. Happy birthday to my sister.. rude to say more.. but have a very happy day Moo.. see you tomorrow..

Plus 15 and dry when driving in. Thunderstorms about today and a weather warning!

Mat back from Ireland with just the one new horse… Prices for the 2nd day of the Arkle Sales certainly held up!... Day 3  or Part 2 today although this is not an official Arkle sale..

The one thing we have learnt after 2 days.. there is no shortage of money in the store market for the right horse, although predictably most of the top lots will remain in Ireland.

Samantaha Dudley who has rehomed Blazon was here mid-morning along with Pearce Hughes.

Have you been watching the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lords?..

After a winter of watching moderate cricket in comparison, it was such good viewing watching South Africa and Australia.. Great bowling from both sides.. gripping cricket. The Ashes series comes up this winter.. watch and admire before we have to take them on!!

Queens.... Todays order of play.

This letter appeared in The Times last week.. Call to Arms!

Sir, I belong to an online group of regimental alumni who served in the 1980s and 1990s. We want to do our bit in the event we are called upon.

The question is, what can we do?

While the heart is willing, the body is weak: we know our knees won't let us climb into the turret of a tank any more, and our declining stamina in the garden means digging trenches is out, but we think we still have a useful contribution to make in cybersabotage.

We are all highly skilled in the art of killing any device by downloading updates, rendering the telly inoperable when fiddling with the remote or getting the sat-nav to take us to Leicester instead of Leominster.

Personally, I am most proud of my achievement in knocking out my phone while trying to pair it with my hearing aids.

Our message to John Healey is that we are ready, willing and able to do our bit, and he shouldn't hesitate to send us our call-up papers — he just needs to send them in large type.