Nick Luck Daily Podcast

In this week' s Saturday Edition we kick off by hearing from last year's Ayr Gold Cup winning connections, Phil Cunningham and Richard Spencer, on where they can go back-to-back and who they view as their best chance from the four they've declared. William Haggas, trainer of the favourite, shares why he believes conditions of the race will suit his charge and why maybe we haven't seen the best of him yet, whilst he also comments on where we're likely to see some of his stable stars this Spring. Finally, down at Doncaster Arapaho Gold aims to make it 5 from 5 in the Mill Reef and his trainer Michael Dodds provides an update on how he's been getting on since York.

Nick is joined by Cornelius Lysaght to look at all the stories dominating the racing headlined across the world. They begin today with Chepstow Executive Director Luke Admans, seeking to reassure connections and patrons ahead of the jumps season after the summer drought. Also today, James Willoughby charts the storied past of Belmont Park, which reopens today and features the return of Forever Young. Plus, Jane Mangan on the disqualification of Luke Comer, Charlie Fellowes on the Newmarket Open Weekend, Tegbir Brar on the acquisition of Sosie for Indian breeders, Michael Dods on Arapaho Gold, and British Racing School CEO Andrew Braithwaite on continuing Maths and English education supported by Weatherbys Bank.

Charlotte Greenway standing in for Nick today and joined by the Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead. They begin by reacting to the report from the House of Lords liaison committee and its recommendations around gambling advertising, which looks to be yet another blow for the gambling industry and in turn racing. Lee also covers Entain boss Stella David’s letter to the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, warning him of the real consequences of tax hikes on betting companies in the next budget. We take a quick look at the weights for the Melbourne Cup and Lee pinpoints one he thinks could still be going there under the radar and ahead of this weekend‘s racing at Ayr, Matt Chapman is speaking to Phil Cunningham and Richard Spencer, who won feature race last year. John Hunt shares the details of his charity fundraising walk that is set to span over nine days and something he’ll be doing alongside his daughter Amy in aid of the Hunt Family Fund. Finally Jamie Insole looks ahead to the latest chapter in his training career, as it was announced he signed a lease on a yard in Lambourn.

Nick is joined by Rishi Persad to take a look at the racing headlines from around the world. They begin today with a look ahead to the Ayr Gold Cup and more in the company of trainer William Haggas. Also today, our Japanese correspondent Naohiro Goda shares his thoughts on the comeback run of Forever Young at the reopened Belmont Park this weekend, as well as the two remaining Japanese Arc hopefuls. Plus, JA McGrath with the latest from Hong Kong, Sir Mark Prescott speaking at the Countryside event in Westminster earlier in the week, and Kyle Zorn from Legion tells the story of Take Charge Star en route to a Breeders’ Cup tilt.

Nick is joined by Jane Mangan to bring you news and views from around the racing world. They begin today with Patrick Veitch, who gives notice of some important plans for stars Venetian Sun (off to the sales) and Lake Forest (dual Keeneland bid in the offing). Also today, author and TV betting guru Rob Furber on whether Saffie Osborne can win BBC SPOTY, and Roly Owers - CEO of World Horse Welfare has his say on what racing can and should do about Tripadvisor’s decision not to recommend the sport as part of its animal welfare policy. Plus, owner-breeder Phoebe Hobby shares her delight at winning the Racehorse to Eventer class at Cornbury Horse Trials, while Billy Nash has the Timeform view on Irish Champions’ Weekend, and Paul Ferguson previews his latest “Jumpers to Follow” book, out now with Weatherbys plus a special discount for NLD listeners.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates to reflect on an absorbing and history making weekend in the sport, which saw Saffie Osborne become the first woman to ride a British Classic winner. Nick catches up with the trainer of Highwayman Joseph O'Brien, who gives his own thoughts on performance of horse and rider, plus his Champions' Weekend haul and that of his family. Also today, Nick talks to Countryside Alliance CEO Tim Bonner about today's Westminster event which seeks to underline the importance of countryside interests to parliamentarians. Meanwhile, at Doncaster on Saturday, he caught up with MP and minister Sally Jameson about the importance of racing to the town and the symbiosis between the racing and betting industries. Plus, trainer Katie Scott revels in a first victory for star filly Naana's Shadow at Group level, while Tony Lacy has the latest ahead of the opening day of Keeneland sales, and Adam Mills tells us how the Leger was won and lost on the striding data.

In this week's Saturday Edition Charlotte Greenway previews a cracking weekend of racing over the next two days from Irish Champions Weekend and Doncaster. Kicking off in Ireland with the big one, the Irish Champion Stakes, Barry Mahon of Juddmonte looks at whether Item can follow up from his success at York while Ed Walker shares whether he thinks Almaqam can reverse the placings. George Scott also discusses supplementing Wimbledon Hawkeye for the race before Karl Burke provides an update on Fallen Angel, who is looking to go back to back in the Gr.1 Matron Stakes earlier on the card. Onto Doncaster where Saffie Osborne is looking to become the first female jockey to win a British classic and she shares her delight at getting the call up for a Joseph O'Brien runner and weighs up her chances. Finally, Oliver Cole share his excitement at taking on the Irish big guns in the National Stakes with Dr Rascal.

Nick joined this morning by Rishi Persad as they continue to preview a quality two days of racing this weekend from Leopardstown, Doncaster and The Curragh. Ahead of the Matron Stakes in Ireland tomorrow, with Rishi keen on Fallen Angel’s chance at the prices, Nick catches up with Karl Burke to see what sort of form she’s in and whether she’s up to winning this again. Handicapper Dominic Gardiner Hill shares why he’s awarded Ka Ying Rising a mark of 135, and what he’s got to do to climb higher before Adrien Cugnasse brings us up to date on the news from France after France Galop yesterday produced a long list of recommendations following the task force operation they put together to reform French racing and finally Jane McGivern looks ahead to the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at Cornbury Horse Trials this weekend.

Nick brings you the podcast today from the Goffs’s Yorton Sale, ahead of the first lot going through the ring at 1pm. ITV’s Matt Chapman is alongside throughout and looks ahead to the action in Britain and Ireland this weekend. Ahead of the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger, Nick catches up with Saffie Osborne, who has secured the ride aboard Joseph O’Brien’s Highwayman and Ollie Cole share why he has opted to head to Irish Champions Weekend with Richmond winner Dr Rascal, for the Group 1 National Stakes. At the sale Nick speaks to Goffs CEO Henry Beeby about the impressive stats from this unique sale and French trainer Gabriel Leenders shares his thoughts on the catalogue as well as his plans for targeting the Cheltenham November meeting for a couple of his string.

Nick is joined today by RTE and Racing TV presenter Jane Mangan to discuss the latest from around the racing world. With news that Emmet Mullins is set to take the reins at Coolcullen - the training establishment made famous by Jim Bolger - they talk to the trainer about the scale of his ambition. Also on today's show, George Scott on his big guns and his squad for the Middle East this winter. Plus, Barry Mahon on Item and much more ahead of Irish Champions' Weekend, David Futter previews the Goffs Yorton Sale, and JA McGrath returns for the new season in Hong Kong.

Nick is joined by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead to spin through today’s racing headlines. First today, they are joined by Ed Walker, eagerly anticipating this Weeknd’s Irish Champion Stakes with Almaqam. Also today, Richard Hannon reflects on a huge payday at Kentucky Downs with the popular Haatem, while NZ correspondent Michael Guerin assesses the merits of star NZ filly Well Written, while analysis of Ka Ying Rising continues courtesy of James Willoughby. Timeform’s Dan Barber runs the rule over the Arc Trials and Almeraq, while Brant Dunshea officially launches the Godolphin TIEA awards, and Jack Mitchell shares his joy at a first Group One success. Franziska Altewille-Jacobs is this week’s Weatherbsy guest.

Nick is joined by David Yates to discuss the latest from around the racing world after a busy international weekend. Ka Ying Rising’s raising of his own insanely high bar gets plenty of play today, with trainer David Hayes, and rider Zac Purton both reflecting on his record-breaking efforts on Sunday. Timeform’s Dan Barber offers the organisation’s perspective. Also today, Francis Graffard reflects on another profitable day at Paris Lonchamp, which has yielded three Arc contenders for the stable, while Luke Morris delights in providing Sir Mark Prescott with his first North American winner.

Charlotte Greenway brings you the Saturday Edition this weekend, kicking off with an interview from this afternoon with Tom Marquand ahead of his strong book of rides at Haydock tomorrow, including favourite in the Sprint Cup Almeraq. We take a look at Haydock, Kempton, Longchamp and Baden Baden with contributions from Clive Cox, Tom Marquand, Owen Burrows, Nicky Henderson, Owen Burrows, Aidan O'Brien, George Scott and Marco Botti.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick today and joined by the mirror’s David Yates to look ahead to the action this weekend and bring you all the latest news. Trainer Clive Cox weighs up whether or not to run Coppull in Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock and clerk of the course Dan Cooper provides an update on the ground. Dave and Charlotte look ahead to a cracking card at Longchamp on Sunday before Paul McCartan of Ballyphillip Stud reflects on a record breaking success at the Somerville Yearling sale in Newmarket this week. Rachael Jones of charity JETS has news of new funding and Nick is out and about finding out more about the St Leger trophy.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by the Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead to look ahead to the action this weekend as declarations filter through for the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday. We hear from Tom Fanshawe on the chances of Kind of Blue, who’s been second in the last two runnings, whilst Tom also discusses his own ambitions as a trainer, after it was announced he’d be joining his father, James, on the license from next year. George Scott shares why they’ve opted to head to France with Bay City Roller to take on Daryz rather than a potentially easier opportunity at Kempton on Saturday. Lee runs through that Kempton field, which will give Constitution Hill plenty to think about and finally Jonathan Burke looks ahead to a new partnership this jumps season between him and Noel Fehily Racing.

Nick is joined by Mirror journalist David Yates to discuss the latest from around the racing world. They open the show by recognising the life of Galloping des Champs, cruelly cut short just days after his retirement. Also today, HKJC Head of Racing Product, Greg Carpenter, joins the show to acknowledge the career of the remarkable Romantic Warrior, who was retired this morning. Our feature interview today is a lengthy and lively encounter with Martin Cruddace - CEO of ARC - at an event in Westminster to celebrate 250 years of the St Leger. Cruddace comes out fighting on the subject of proposed tax increases that threaten betting shops. Plus, Owen Burrows on the returns of Gethin and Raaheeb in coming days, and Cherie de Vaux on another outstanding weekend at Saratoga with Englishman and gallant Travers third Golden Tempo.

Nick is joined by Rishi Persad to take a look at the headlines from around the racing world. First today, Nicky Henderson talks to Nick about Constitution Hill's entry for the Melbourne Cup, as announced this morning, and what it will require at Kempton this weekend to make that dream a reality. Also today, Marco Botti looks forward to the Grosser Preis von Baden with stable star Giavellotto, while Nick and Rishi give their key takeaways from yesterday's interview with Aidan O'Brien. Meanwhile, Ed Bethell issues a positive bulletin on Paborus ahead of the Haydock Park Sprint Cup, Dan Barber ties together all the strands through the Timeform perspective, and Hetty Spencer (Spencer Sales) is this week's Weatherbys guest ahead of the BBAG Yearling Sale.

Nick introduces today's show, with Charlotte Greenway and Jane Mangan bringing you coverage from this morning at Ballydoyle, featuring an extended and hugely informative interview with Aidan O'Brien, as he runs through key targets for his 2026 stars, and gives an appraisal of the season so far. Charlotte and Jane also recap the weekend's racing, while Nick talks to Wathnan USA's Case Clay about what's next for Travers winner Leading Change, and TPD's Adam Mills gives us the data lowdown.

Charlotte Greenway brings you the Saturday Edition, this week kicking off with an interview with Audrey Turley, owner of recently retired dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, where she discusses why this horse has meant so much to her family. Then,ahead of the action in Britain this weekend, we hear from trainers Roger Varian, William Muir, Eve Johnson Houghton & Jamie Osborne.

Nick is joined by David Yates to look through today's racing headlines. First today, he catches up with Willie Mullins, who gives a fascinating insight into what made dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner the racehorse that he was on the news of his retirement. Also set for a new career is Group One winner Estrange, whose trainer David O'Meara joins the show. Roger Varian gives us the lowdown on Solario Stakes hotpot Rock Montreal, while Jack Dace looks forward to a return to action this weekend after his horror fall at Brighton in the summer. In the US, Nick catches up with NYRA's Matthew DeSantis to looks ahead to the Travers at Saratoga, while Charlotte gets the latest on a broodmare with a serious pedigree update in the latest Fasig Tipton catalogue with George Connolly.