Tanya's Blog - September 2016

Posted 2 months ago

Thank you for having me, a near 20 years for Channel 4 Racing, 15 of them in vision, it’s been fantastic.  As one of many kind messages sent to me stated, it’s been a great innings!  Now time to walk away from the crease and back to the pavilion with many treasured memories and a life enriched by all the characters met along the way.  But it is the horses that come first, what a privilege to say I was there on many historic occasions for racing. 

The early 70s was my first experience with the sport and I started working in it from the mid-80s so have seen some of the greats achieve legendary status from Red Rum, Sea Pigeon, Monksfield, Night Nurse, Desert Orchid, Best Mate, Kauto Star and Denman in the National Hunt code, to Shergar, Sadler’s Wells, Dancing Brave, Galileo, Sea The Stars and Frankel on the Flat.  Some of them cost me a few shillings when stood on the pitch, yet get further respect in the process. 

I’ve met some of my heroes including interviewing four members of the New Zealand cricket team, plus on Derby Day 2015 I was able to chat to James Anderson and Eoin Morgan.  Another highlight was American Football star Wes Welker’s attendance at the July Cup and being able to chat to him.  If asked for one overall non racing highlight, it has to be speaking in the House of Commons after an All Party Parliamentary Racing & Bloodstock Group dinner, nerve wracking, yet fulfilling.

There is no disappointment in my tone as long before I joined Channel 4, I had crafted a career out of bookmaking and worked for SIS, relaying odds from the courses to the betting shops.  I’m resourceful and positive and before making rash statements re the future, whatever path I choose to follow has to be right for me and not what others perceive is right for me. I hope and urge those who have got the nod learn to relish, enjoy, appreciate and love every minute as I much as I did, and showcase the sport to those looking on and want to be part of it. 

More immediately there a plenty more fantastic meetings to cover before close of play and in what is my favourite the month of the year, September.  First to take centre stage is the 32Red Sprint Cup, which promises to be a belter.  The sprinting division has really lit up the season, with Limato, Quiet Reflection, Meccas Angel and now Dancing Star. 

Dancing Star portfolio just keeps getting better, she is a little starlet.  Just unlucky to be reeled in by Mr Lupton in York’s Charity Sprint in May, but the pair pulled well clear and since she has shown her class with an authoritative display in the Steward’s Cup.  The York race provided the first and third for last year’s Sprint Cup.  Andrew Balding has given her an ideal rest and there could be no end to her talents. 

After Haydock, its destination Doncaster for the Ladbrokes St Leger and all the races that compliment.  Always a great atmosphere across the four days, Leger Legends day opens the meeting with funds to be raised for the Injured Jockeys Fund.  This is the ideal time to mention that if you are in the vicinity and are so inclined the Horserace Bettors Forum are going to be on site at Town Moor during racing on Wednesday 7 September, including myself, ready to field your questions and take down any observations.  For more information check out the website.

As for the St Leger it’s hard to oppose Idaho as Aidan O’Brien’s dominance this season looks set to continue especially as prior to the final entry stage on Monday 5 September he has such a strong hand in the final Classic of the season.  This may be hard to believe, but I still don’t believe Aidan O’Brien or the Coolmore operation receives the recognition they deserve. 

From Doncaster on to Ayr, the west of Scotland it so beautiful and I’ll pop over to nearby Troon the home of this year’s Open.  Back in April I was lucky enough to walk the fairways of the championship golf course with Rishi Persad and Mick Fitzgerald and Rishi made a par at the Postage Stamp!

At this stage Projection and Orions Bow would be the picks for the Ayr Gold Cup and if Dancing Star wins or goes close at Haydock, then it boosts the prospects of Orions Bow on their last meeting.  The Cambridgeshire is a race that has been kind to my pocket although I won’t be at Newmarket I will be on duty for TurfTV in their studio.  Long range thoughts hone in on last year’s winner Third Time Lucky after he ran so well behind Firmament at York, Maleficent Queen and the ever dependable Master The World who has a potent strong finish.  All will need to be drawn well and have a fast pace to run off.   

I look forward to seeing you all in September and beyond and once again thank you for your support.