SANDRACER.COM ~ ALL WEATHER RACING BLOG

▶ Page note: This is the racing headlines archive for January 2026.
▶ Latest news: Click here for the latest racing news.

He'll drink to that! Jeremy Clarkson's horse named after his beer gallops to its first-ever race victory

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Fri, 30 Jan 2026, 20:29

The Hawkstonian, a six-year-old grey gelding, aptly named after Clarkson's beer, galloped to victory in the 13:50 Novices' Hurdle at Ffos Las in Wales on Friday....

The 2026 Irish Gold Cup

Published by PG Tips Racing on Fri, 30 Jan 2026, 20:16

Willie Mullins is responsible for eight of the 13 runners declared for tomorrow's Irish Gold Cup (3.30 Leopardstown); the going on the chase track is is currently described as soft to heavy - the card is subject to an inspection tomorrow morning, with heavy rain forecast overnight. Favourite Galopin Des Champs...

Love on the Street

Published by The Border Post on Fri, 30 Jan 2026, 16:23

Having nailed the meaning of life, God, love, politics, the Universe and everything, it’s time to get to the point of this blog......

Musselburgh Scottish Cheltenham Trials tips and best bets as Garry Owen naps Traprain Law and Grozni on bumper weekend

Published by Daily Record Horse Racing on Fri, 30 Jan 2026, 13:17

It's a huge weekend of acton at the east coast track as Prestbury Park hopefuls step up their Festival bid...

Changing Course: How Divya Gurnay moved from Legal Practice to life at The National Stud

Published by Racing Together on Thu, 29 Jan 2026, 10:25

I’m Divya Gurnay, a Level 3 student at The National Stud. Although my professional life began in a different direction — with masters’ degrees in Law and Mass Communication leading to a successful period in legal practice. Horses have been a constant influence since childhood. My father, a former army...

Racing Foundation Hits £40million Charitable Funding Landmark

Published by Racing Together on Wed, 28 Jan 2026, 09:20

The Racing Foundation has today announced that it has surpassed £40million in charitable giving since its establishment in 2012, a milestone that reflects more than a decade of sustained support for the horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding industries. Set up with an endowment from the government’s sale of the Tote, the...

The Retraining of Racehorses Awards 2026 honour exceptional former racehorses and their retraining journeys

Published by Racing Together on Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 14:14

The Jockey Club RoR Awards 2026 took place on Saturday 24 January at Cheltenham Racecourse during Festival Trials Day, bringing together more than 230 guests from across the racing and equestrian communities, alongside supporters of RoR’s work.  The ceremony was opened by RoR Patron Zara Tindall MBE, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the remarkable journeys of former racehorses beyond...

CALUM McCLURKIN: Countdown to Cheltenham is the perfect distraction every racing fan needs... and it could even be the cure for TDS!

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Sun, 25 Jan 2026, 08:00

Thank goodness that we are on the home run and we can all obsess about the Cheltenham Festival in just under two months' time....

Cheltenham favourite Sir Gino rushed to equine hospital to see if vets can save his life after his leg went limp mid-race

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Sat, 24 Jan 2026, 22:24

DOMINIC KING: They came in their droves, fuelled with giddy expectation, hoping to see a potential superstar write the latest chapter in his rapidly-exciting career....

The 2026 Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase at Doncaster

Published by PG Tips Racing on Fri, 23 Jan 2026, 19:41

Ten have been declared for the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (2.05 Doncaster); the going on Town Moor is now described as soft, heavy in places - there were several non-runners at the track today on account of the ground. Grand Geste is priced up favourite.  Rated 108 over hurdles, Joel Parkinson and...

Best in Class: Racecourses in their Communities – Key Insights from Series 5, Episode 2

Published by Racing Together on Fri, 23 Jan 2026, 10:26

The latest Racing Together webinar explored finalists from the Community Award category at November’s RCA Showcase & Awards, hearing from those closest to the programmes about the why, the how and the impact. Hosted by Matthew Jones from the Racecourse Association, the session highlighted the breadth of community-led initiatives making...

Dear Tipster

Published by The Border Post on Fri, 23 Jan 2026, 09:29

We all make mistakes. The response to last week’s error in the blog reminded me of the days when I occasionally recorded messages for a premium rate tipping line in the mid-1990s. “Dear Tipster,” the more courteous letters would start, “You couldn’t tip tea from a teapot..."...

Jonbon takes back-to-back Clarence House Chase wins

Published by BBC Racing on Sat, 17 Jan 2026, 16:44

Jonbon makes it back-to-back victories in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot as favourite Il Etait Temps falls at the second-to-last fence....

The 2025 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock

Published by PG Tips Racing on Fri, 16 Jan 2026, 19:15

Small fields, small fields...  Just six declared for tomorrow's Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2.00 Haydock) but bet365, Sky and Paddy Power are paying three places. The going is described as good to soft, soft in places, with no significant rainfall forecast before racing. The top two in the market, Myretown and Konfusion, both...

Reasons to be Cheerful

Published by The Border Post on Fri, 16 Jan 2026, 17:07

We’re just over two weeks into 2026 and so far I’ve become a little bit older, a little bit fatter and a little bit less physically fit......

Frankie Dettori unable to pay £765,000 tax debt after being made bankrupt - despite raking in £20m as the world's most famous jockey

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Wed, 14 Jan 2026, 22:26

DOMINIC KING: The three-time champion jockey has been involved in a long-running wrangle with HMRC and in December 2024 said he had been 'working hard to unravel the mess'....

Finalists announced for 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin

Published by Racing Together on Wed, 14 Jan 2026, 10:17

The finalists have been revealed today for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employees Awards, sponsored by Godolphin. Following two highly competitive rounds of judging, the 18 finalists from across British racing and breeding will head to Ascot Racecourse for the illustrious ceremony, hosted by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin. With £128,500 in prize...

Racing to School reports record participation as 25th anniversary gets underway

Published by Racing Together on Tue, 13 Jan 2026, 09:11

The education charity Racing to School has reported another record year of engagement in 2025, with plans in place to grow participation within its 25th anniversary year. Last year, just over 17,500 young people benefited from the charity’s 471 educational events, delivered in partnership with all GB racecourses and a...

Golden chance for Harry Cobden as he follows in footsteps of AP McCoy and signs for racing's most powerful owner

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Mon, 12 Jan 2026, 19:10

Harry Cobden has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after being chosen by JP McManus to become his retained rider....

Agenda announced for Racing Together Industry Day

Published by Racing Together on Mon, 12 Jan 2026, 15:40

Racing Together is pleased to share the agenda for Racing Together Industry Day, and to confirm that the early-bird discount runs until this Friday, 16th January. Key Information: An extended early-bird rate of £75 is available until 16th January and a subsidised under-25 ticket is offered to encourage young people...

Famous Australian horse racing family issues 'devastating' stables update following Victoria bushfires

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Sun, 11 Jan 2026, 10:54

One of Australia's most famous horse racing families has tragically revealed that seven of their racehorses have died after bushfires devastated their Lindsay Park stables in Victoria....

CALUM McCLURKIN: Inothewayurthinkin? I don't think anyone knows what to think about the Gold Cup market AND its reigning champion

Published by Daily Mail Racing on Sun, 11 Jan 2026, 07:30

The winter freeze has helped most racing followers find the time to truly digest what has been a hectic Christmas and New Year period of racing....

Three horses die in separate incidents at Kempton

Published by BBC Racing on Sat, 10 Jan 2026, 21:45

Three horses, including the Grade One winning Kalif Du Berlais, die after sustaining injuries in separate incidents during Kempton Park's Lanzarote Hurdle card....

The Classic Chase at Warwick (2025 renewal)

Published by PG Tips Racing on Fri, 9 Jan 2026, 20:12

Warwick's Classic Chase card is subject to an 8.00am inspection with frost forecast overnight; the course has been completely covered. A select field of eight are set to face the starter at 2.55; the going is described as soft. L'Homme Presse, fourth behind Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup (Nassalam...

Walk like a Penguin

Published by The Border Post on Fri, 9 Jan 2026, 16:20

I’d prefer to take dry January with a little less ice please......

A Sandown situation

Published by PG Tips Racing on Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 19:59

Earlier today, on hearing of the death of Ian Balding, I dug out my copy of Brough Scott's 'Of Horses and Heroes', to read the section dedicated to Mill Reef. It begins: "Mill Reef was so small you could put your arm over his withers. He may have measured 15.2 hands,...

Legendary trainer Balding dies aged 87

Published by BBC Racing on Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:58

Ian Balding, the legendary trainer of the 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef, dies at the age of 87....

Record crowd for New Year's Day Cheltenham meeting

Published by BBC Racing on Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 17:37

Cheltenham Racecourse welcomes more than 44,000 spectators as its New Year's Day fixture sells out for the first time....

Newcastle AW Code Breaker

Two AW meetings today. The Newcastle evening meeting starts at 4:30. I will attempt to Crack The All Weather Code At Newcastle in as few words as possible.

❖ Jockeys ❖ For this evening's meeting I will be focusing on top jockey Paul Mulrennan 𝕏 who rides the Newcastle AW track very well. He has six rides.

❖ Trainer ❖ No particular trainer catches my eye

❖ Draw Bias ❖ The draw bias at Newcastle is non existent, especially on the straight course, so nothing to see there.

Southwell AW Jockey Quick Statistics

Jockey PAUL MULRENNAN

• Date | Race | Type | Distance | Trainer | Horse | ✅ Denotes Selection |
• 6 Feb 2026 5:00 Newcastle Handicap 7f Jim Goldie YAASER
• 6 Feb 2026 5:30 Newcastle Handicap 7f Jim Goldie SEA LEGEND
• 6 Feb 2026 6:00 Newcastle Handicap 5f Ben Haslam PAL JOEY
• 6 Feb 2026 7:00 Newcastle Handicap 5f Linda Perratt THE CALTONIAN
• 6 Feb 2026 8:00 Newcastle Handicap 7f Ben Haslam SUNRISEONTHEBOYNE
• 6 Feb 2026 8:30 Newcastle Handicap 6f Jim Goldie ARNHEM ✅

Newcastle Betting Analysis

8:30 Newcastle ❖ 6f C4 Hcp ❖ Arnhem (8/1) returns after a decent run 2 days ago, again with Mulrennan aboard. The run before that was a good one too. These sprinters once they hit form can keep improving almost day after day until they get stopped by the handicapper.

8:30 Newc ~ Win Bet: 8/1 Arnhem (Unp 6/1)

Wolverhampton AW Code Breaker

I will be trying to Crack The Wolverhampton AW code in as few words as possible. This afternoon's 8 race card features 5 handicaps.

❖ Jockeys ❖ The jockey I am looking to this afternoon is Edward Greatrex, who has a 20% strike rate here this season and the last, so he's consistently in the money.

❖ Draw Bias ❖ Low draw is essential at Wolverhampton, pretty much every distance, one way or another.

❖ Bet Selection Considerations ❖

• ❖ Give a close up look on form to anything Ed Greatrex is on.
• ❖ Also beware anything that has been thrown into a race with a clear and obvious advantage.

Wolverhampton AW Jockey Quick Statistics

Jockey ED GREATREX

• Date | Race | Type | Distance | Trainer | Horse | ✅ Denotes Selection |
• 6 Feb 2026 2:12 Wolverhampton 4yo+ Classified Stakes 7f Grace Harris OLDBURY LAD ✅
• 6 Feb 2026 3:52 Wolverhampton Handicap 7f Charlie Pike DENBY'S DREAM
• 6 Feb 2026 4:22 Wolverhampton Handicap 2m 1f Ian Williams ENEMY ✅
• 6 Feb 2026 4:52 Wolverhampton Handicap 1m 4f Tom Lacey SPACEPORT

Wolverhampton Betting Analysis

2:12 Wolverhampton ❖ 7f C6 Classified ❖ Oldbury Lad (16/1) is a 16 race maiden. This is the best chance I've seen him have to break his duck. He has spots of form that lead me to believe Edward Greatrex has half a chance from a decent draw in trap four of pulling off a surprise in what looks to me quite a weak race, even for a C6 classified event.

Win only, small stakes, speculative punt ~ 25/1 on the exchanges.

2:12 Wolver ~ Win Bet: 16/1 Oldbury Lad (Won 9/1 from 16's)

4:22 Wolverhampton ❖ 2m C2 Hcp ❖ Enemy (8/1) won well last time out over 1.5miles. Upped 5lb.

New mark of 97 is still well below his best of 110. If they've found his on button at the Ian Williams yard ~ he could well defy the 5lb and the extra half mile in this decent enough looking grade two handicap at a reasonable price (8/1).

4:22 Wolver ~ Win Bet: 8/1 Enemy (3rd 11/2)

Southwell AW Code Breaker

My attempt to Crack The AW Code At Southwell on this evening's nine race card that features seven handicaps, is as follows.

❖ Jockeys ❖ This evening I'll be studying all of the Paddy Bradley 𝕏 rides (3).

❖ Draw Bias ❖ The draw bias at Southwell is non existent. Back who you like wherever they're drawn. If backing any front runners, pay close attention to whether you think they have the ability to actually get home up the slightly uphill 1.5f finish.

Southwell AW Jockey Quick Statistics

Jockey PADDY BRADLEY

• Date | Race | Type | Distance | Trainer | Horse | ✅ Denotes Selection |
• 5 Feb 2026 6:00 Southwell Handicap 1m 4f Pat Morris HAVACHOC ✅
• 5 Feb 2026 7:00 Southwell Handicap 1m Pat Morris BAJAN BANDIT ✅
• 5 Feb 2026 7:30 Southwell Handicap 7f James Owen SIMPLY BLUE ✅

Southwell Betting Analysis

6:00 Southwell ❖ 1m 4f C6 Hcp ❖ Havachoc (4/1) stormed home last time.

Conclusion: The 5lb rise for Havachock's latest win in a classified event at Wolverhamton is fair, but in that form, I think he'll go in again.

6:00 South ~ Win Bet: 4/1 Havachoc (Won 5/2f from 4's)

7:00 Southwell ❖ 1m 4f C6 Hcp ❖ Bajan Bandit (15/2) is running well at present.

Conclusion: Every chance of taking this outright from a mark of 71. Bradley has ridden him before and will be looking to get a winner on this one this evening for sure.

7:00 South ~ Win Bet: 15/2 Bajan Bandit (Unp 13/2)

7:30 Southwell ❖ 1m 4f C6 Hcp ❖ Simply Blue (16/1) has drifted from 7/1 out to 16's.

Conclusion: In good form, can win this, but has drifted fairly alarmingly overnight. I presume being drawn out in the car park has scared punters off. You can win from any draw at Southwell, so I am unconcerned. At the price, I'll take my chances, win only. Small stakes is all that is needed at the price.

7:30 South ~ Win Bet: 16/1 Simply Blue (Unp 14/1)

Wolverhampton AW Code Breaker

I will be trying to Crack The Wolverhampton AW code in as few words as possible. This evening's 7 race card features 6 handicaps.

❖ Jockeys ❖ The jockeys I am looking to this evening are the Old Warhorse Luke Morris ~ he has three rides on the card and also Rossa Ryan ~ he has three rides also.

❖ Draw Bias ❖ Low draw is essential at Wolverhampton, pretty much every distance, one way or another.

❖ Bet Selection Considerations ❖

• ❖ Give a close up look on form to anything Luke Morris is on.
• ❖ Also beware anything that has been thrown into a race with a clear and obvious advantage.

Wolverhampton AW Jockey Quick Statistics

Jockey LUKE MORRIS

• Date | Race | Type | Distance | Trainer | Horse | ✅ Denotes Selection |
• 3 Feb 2026 5:30 Wolverhampton Handicap 7f James Owen SECRET ROAD ✅
• 3 Feb 2026 7:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 1m 6f Nigel & Willy Twiston Davies MAYWEDANCE ✅
• 3 Feb 2026 8:30 Wolverhampton Handicap 1m James Owen THANH NAM

Jockey ROSSA RYAN

• Date | Race | Type | Distance | Trainer | Horse | ✅ Denotes Selection |
• 3 Feb 2026 6:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 6f Tony Carroll BETSEN
• 3 Feb 2026 7:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 1m 6f Alan King ONE COOL DREAMER
• 3 Feb 2026 8:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 5f David Loughnane FAR TOO FIZZY (Non Runner)

Wolverhampton Betting Analysis

5:30 Wolverhampton ❖ 7f C5 Hcp ❖ Secret Road (4/1) is running well at the moment. With Luke Morris aboard and a more favourable draw than the two in the betting above him, who should really beat him, I'll take my chances they will find him too good having to recover from awkward racing positions.

7:00 Wolver ~ Win Bet: 4/1 Secret Road (4th 5/1)

7:00 Wolverhampton ❖ 2m C5 Hcp ❖ Maywedance 25/1 while seemingly up against it, looks way overpriced to me in comparison to his actual chance of winning ~ in my opinion.

He has some reasonable efforts over the distance on turf on good to firm, from a stone higher or so, and may well just surprise them on the wet AW Tapeta, that runs quite quick when the rain gets into it and firms up the surface. A fact most punters pay no attention to.

7:00 Wolver ~ Win Bet: 25/1 Maywedance

Wolverhampton AW Code Breaker

I will be trying to Crack The Wolverhampton AW code in as few words as possible. This evening's 7 race card features 6 handicaps.

❖ Jockeys ❖ The jockey I am looking to this evening is the old Warhorse Luke Morris ~ he has four rides on the card.

❖ Draw Bias ❖ Low draw is essential at Wolverhampton, pretty much every distance, one way or another.

❖ Bet Selection Considerations ❖

• ❖ Give a close up look on form to anything Luke Morris is on.
• ❖ Also beware anything that has been thrown into a race with a clear and obvious advantage.

Wolverhampton AW Jockey Quick Statistics

Jockey LUKE MORRIS

• Date | Race | Type | Distance | Trainer | Horse | ✅ Denotes Selection |
• 2 Feb 2026 6:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 5f Joe Ponting COLORS OF FREEDOM
• 2 Feb 2026 7:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 1m 1f Mark Loughnane STIPULATION
• 2 Feb 2026 7:30 Wolverhampton Handicap 2m 1f Rob Stephens SNEAKY BLINDER ✅
• 2 Feb 2026 8:00 Wolverhampton Handicap 7f Bill Knight ATHENIAN SPIRIT

Wolverhampton Betting Analysis

7:30 Wolverhampton ❖ 2m C5 Hcp ❖ Sneaky Blinder 16/1 has spots of reasonable enough form over the C&D. Upped in grade by a touch, he now gets to run with a stone or so less on his back than last time out, where he ran no race (finished lame). I am expecting a bolder show today, even though they are arguably slightly better horses to deal with.

At the 16/1 on offer, I'll take my chances to small stakes, win only.

7:30 Wolver ~ Win Bet: 16/1 Sneaky Blinder (2nd 18/1)