Nick Luck Daily Podcast

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by the Racing Post's Lee Mottershead as they kick off by hearing from Ascot's Nick Smith on their 2025 financials, which paint a very encouraging picture, as do their latest attendance figures. Lee shares his thoughts before looking ahead to the King George there this weekend as we get the latest confirmations through and Josh Stacey gets the latest on last year's winner Calandagan with the Aga Khan Stud's racing manager, Nemone Routh. Lee and Charlotte discuss the victory of Johanna Walsh in Saturday's Irish Oaks before Eva O'Neill has an update on last year's Group 1 winning two- year-old Zavateri who's nearing a return before finally, a day early this week, we head around the bloodstock world with Weatherbys and this week end up in Turkey at Emirsoy Stud Farm.

Eva O'Neill is back for the Saturday edition of the NLD Podcast. Today we hear a round up of the week from Joseph O'Brien, Cathy O'Meara and Jim Bolger along with two up and coming lady riders who both got off the mark with their first winners on the track in Ireland this week - Aine Connolly and Kaitlyn Ryan.

Nick is joined by RTE and Racing TV broadcaster Jane Mangan to look at today's racing news from around the globe. Legendary trainer Jim Bolger takes top billing today ahead of Sparan Nua's bid to win him another Irish Oaks. He talks at length about her development and also about his own plans for the future, which involve relocating away from his storied base of many years at Coolcullen. Also on today's show, trainer Richard Spencer on his strong hand in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury, and US handler Whit Beckman on Ocelli, the richest maiden in training who bids to break his duck in this weekend's Haskell at Monmouth Park. Plus, Kenny McPeek on his successes in the see ring at Fasig Tipton, whose President Boyd Browning joins the show to reflect on this week's July Sale.

Nick is joined by Matt Chapman for Thursday's edition of the popular racing podcast. First today, they hear from the BHA's Head of Raceday Officials, Cathy O'Meara, as the Authority tries to get to grips with the unsatisfactory starts at the Cheltenham Festival. Also today, jockey Jim Crowley tells Nick that he has had further surgery as he aims for a return to the saddle after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Declan McDonagh looks to Sparan Nua to give him a first Classic success this weekend, while - in New Jersey - Nick catches up with Chad Summers, whose Preakness winner Napoleon Solo is the headline act in this weekend's Haskell at Monmouth Park.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by the Racing Post's Lee Mottershead. To kick off today's show, Charlotte catches up with Gavin Chengalanee, racing manager to George Waud, after Maltese Cross's victory in Paris last night as he shares what that meant and what might be next for the talented colt. Joseph O'Brien looks ahead to his runner this weekend including his three in the Irish Oaks, Thundering On being one. Joe Fanning is along to share why now he feels it's the right time to retire from the saddle after nearly 40 years but promises he'll still very much be involved in the industry. Then news from the bloodstock world, Tim Kent shares what we can expect from this year‘s Goffs Premier yearling sale as the catalogue has just been released and further afield Adrian Todd of South Africa's Equine Health and Protocols shares his delight at Great Britain's decision to permit the direct import of live horses from South Africa to Great Britain. Then to finish off today's show, we get our final update from Hong Kong of the 2025/26 season with J McGrath.

Tom Stanley in for Nick and joined initially by Peter Savill whose application to become BHA chair has been unsuccessful. Peter talks through his dissatisfaction with the process and what he thinks the BHA may be looking for in the next chair. Jane Mangan gives her views before we move on to this week's racing highlights including this evening's Cygames Grand Prix de Paris and the weekend's Juddmonte Irish Oaks. Timeform's David Johnson looks ahead top tonight's feature as well as casting an eye over the weekend. The co-chair of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Committee joins us to reflect on Ombudsman and Ka Ying Rising sharing top spot and Patrick Veitch is along reflect on the run of Venetian Sun in Saturday's July Cup. Jack Tudor talks of a new venture and we go around the bloodstock world with Weatherbys and to Kildaragh Stud's Peter Kavanagh.

Nick is joined by David Yates for Monday's edition of the popular racing podcast. Today they reflect on the Group One action from the weekend, incorporating the July Cup and the Prix Jean Prat. Trainer Fozzy Stack joins to celebrate his first European Group One and outlines plans for Thesecretadversary. Also today, Clive Cox looks back on a successful weekend, and eagerly anticipates this weekend's return of his star two year old Orthodox in the Prox Robert Papin at Chantilly. Meanwhile, jockey Kaiya Fraser was the man in the news at Ascot, with three winners as well as an extraordinary incident in which a loose horse dragged him by the teeth from his mount at the start - he picks up the story. Plus, Wathnan's Richard Brown on Irish Oaks contender Earth Shot and news of injured Lost Boys.

Eva O'Neill brings you the Saturday Edition this week from Newmarket featuring Richard Spencer and his Rebel Racing runners today. Paul Curran representative of connections of Double Rush is on with Nick. Jim Mullen spoke to Nick as well on Friday and so did Richard Thomas about the reopening of Towcester Racecourse. Plus, Colin and Melba Bryce of Laundry Cottage Stud winners of the Andrew Devonshire Award at the Thoroughbred Breeders Association awards are on the pod too.

Coming to you today from the July Course in Newmarket as Nick his joined on track by Lydia Hislop to bring you the latest news stories from around the racing world. First up, Jockey Club CEO Jim Mullen talks all things Kempton, governance of the sport and his views on the financial risk assessments that the Gambling Commission gave the green light to this week. Lydia, listening in to this, shares her views and tries to infer what the Jockey Club's stance is on Kempton and what's likely to happen there. Trainer in form, Ed Bethell joins the show ahead of Danger Bay in the John Smiths Cup at York tomorrow and runs through his other weekend runners whilst Richard Ryan looks forward to Superlative Stakes hopeful, Green Sovereign, who was luckless at Royal Ascot. Lydia previews what looks to be a competitive and classy renewal of the July Cup tomorrow before proving an update on the classification of pattern races in Australia. Finally, Eva is at the sales speaking to Tattersalls's Jason Singh.

Nick is joined by Jane Mangan to discuss the latest from around the racing world. Nick is at Newmarket for the Debenhams July Festival, but leading the news today is the reopening of Towcester racecourse, now slated for October 2027. Overseeing the project, Richard Thomas tells Nick about how it is likely to come together, while Betway's Lewis Knowles explains the betting company's role as naming partner. Also today, Nick and Jane discuss the Financial Times report of a brand new team racing venture launched by F1 and TripAdvisor magnate Greg Maffei, which has buy in from some of US Racing's biggest names. Plus, Mark McStay on Falmouth hopeful Balantina, and top French trainer Christophe Ferland on his UK runners this weekend. Meanwhile -at the TBA awards- Eva catches up with award winners Colin and Melba Bryce of Laundry Cottage Stud.

Tom in for Nick and joined initially by David Yates who was busy in Westminster yesterday at the Kempton Park parliamentary debate secured by MP Lincoln Jopp. We hear from Lincoln and trainer Nicky Henderson who had made his way to Westminster in the fight to save the track and it appears there is, at least, a shaft of light on that front. Dave also spork to Conservative MP Louie French on Financial Risk Assessments after yesterday's Gambling Commission announcement and we hear from the CEO of the Betting & Gaming Council Grainne Hurst who outlines her concerns. George Boughey talks Libertango who lines up at this week's July meeting after her Ascot win and also updates us on Bow Echo's wellbeing. And Juddmonte's Barry Mahon talks Field Of Gold retirement and looks ahead to this weekend's key runners including Blue Bolt in the Tattersall's Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes.

Following the Gambling Commission's announcement this morning that they will be proceeding with their proposed financial risk assessments, Nick kicks off the show in the company of our political expert Neil Channing to look at how the government are now likely to proceed and when these changes will come into force. Brant Dunshea provides a response from the BHA whilst Nick also has a statement from the Betting and Gaming Council's CEO Grainne Hurst. ITV‘s Matt Chapman is alongside Nick today and shares his views before Timeform give their take on Saturday's Coral Eclipse. We then move on to the racing this week and hear from Paul Curran on the chances of Double Rush in Saturday's Group 1 July Cup and Ian Williams, who has the hot favourite for the Bunbury Cup, Aalto. Henry Dwyer is along to reflect on a disappointing run from his star sprinter Asfoora and touches on whether or not we will see her again on a racecourse, before Eva O'Neill has an update form the Tattersalls July Sale and finally William Jarvis shares who those in the Newmarket area can see on the cricket pitch this weekend.

Nick is joined on his return to TW11 from South Africa by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead to discuss the latest from around the racing world after a hectic weekend. They lead today with the publication of a governance blueprint from Goodwood and York racecourses, with Nick talking to bothe CEOs William Derby and Adam Waterworth. Nick and Lee ask just how good is Constitution River, with Donnacha O'Brien joining the show to talk about his Eclipse runner up A Boy Named Susie and his Belmont Oaks heroine Kensington Lane. We run the rule over Calandagan's GP de Saint Cloud comeback, while TPD's Adam Mills puts the Belmont Derby and the Deutsches Derby under the microscope. Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten, who bought and raced the second, third and fourth in the Hamburg feature, tells us how he did it. Nick Smith - Racing Director at Ascot - also drops in to talk about how Hong Kong is beefing up the Shergar Cup, to clear up the Ka Ying Rising/Ascot debate, and to give Ascot's view of the York/Goodwood proposals. Plus, Nick and Lee discuss that controversial photo at Newmarket on Saturday, the retirement of Field of Gold and the upcoming events in Westminster surrounding the future of Kempton.

Eva O'Neill on the Saturday Edition this morning. She debriefs the week with the Christophe Soumillon case along with Ray Dawson and his ride in the Eclipse. Arqana Summer Sales leading vendor on Day 1 spoke to Eva on Wednesday and we hear the Durban Diaries Day 2 highlight.

Nick is joined by David Yates for today's canter through the racing headlines. First, Spelthorne MP Lincoln Jopp issues a stern warning to the Jockey Club and developers Redrow over the renewed intention to build 2,000 homes on a flattened Kempton Park racecourse. Also on today's episode, Nick and Dave pay tribute to Graham Bradley, who died yesterday at 65. Plus, new arrangements for Christmas racing and an update on Frankie Dettori. In Durban, Nick brings you the final part of his Durban Diaries, which today take in a trip to the magnificent training, pre-training and rehabilitation centre at Ashburton, with contributions from Devin Heffer, trainer Vengi Masawi, pre-trainer Hayley Dixon and rehab boss Nicole Willle. This week's Weatherbys Guest is International Bloodstock Agent Justin Casse.

In association with In The Box Seat, and featuring Deez Dyanand, Alistair Cohen, Vicky Minott and Warren Lenferna.

Nick is in Durban and brings you Day Two of his diaries, featuring connections and personalities associated with the Hollywoodbets Durban July, including Candice Bass, Erico Verdonese, Lucinda Woodruff, Michael Roberts, Barend Vorster, Glen Kotzen and more. With added commentary from Vicky Minott, Brandon Bailey and MJ Byleveld. At the beginning of today's show, Lydia Hislop gives her commentary on the Soumillon appeal verdict, which was released shortly after lunch BST.

Nick is in Durban, South Africa, for Saturday's Hollywoodbets Durban July, and takes you on a whistlestop tour this morning, encompassing the Summerveld training centre - the gallops and trainers' barns - as well as Greyville Racecourse. With Ali Cohen as his guide, he talks to trainers Peter Muscutt (and assistant Vanessa Beets), and Justin Snaith, as well as ex-jockey MJ Byleveld, and trainer and former legendary rider Garth Puller. At Greyville, Mike de Kock makes a cameo, much to the delight of today's home guest Matt Chapman, who also provides commentary on the Coral Eclipse, the threat to racing in Wales, and the SMF's new Machine Gaming Tax proposals. Plus, Eva O'Neill is in Deauville, where she catches up with trainer Noel George.

Nick is joined by Neil Channing and Jane Mangan to discuss the latest from the racing world. First today, Nick and Neil discuss the latest plans proposed by the Social Market Foundation to double Machine Gaming Duty and how that could impact racing. They also discuss the departure of Tim Miller from the Gambling Commisson. Also today, Ray Dawson on his big race ride in the Coral Eclipse, Dan Barber with the Timeform perspective, Bahrain Turf Club Racing Director Ed Veale on exciting new developments and the elevated status of the International Trophy to Group One. Plus, Devin Heffer of Hollywoodbets continues our look ahead to the Durban July.

Nick is joined by David Yates of the Daily Mirror to discuss the latest from around the racing world. Aidan O'Brien, rocking remorselessly from one record to the next, joins first to discuss another sweep in the Irish Derby and how might the Eclipse pan out this weekend. Owen Burrows considers options for Irish Derby 4th Raaheeb, and also give the latest on his own Eclipse fancy, Gethin. Cheveley Park's Richard Thompson reflects on a first Group One win for Estrange in the Pretty Polly, while Mike de Kock continues our build up to the Hollywoodbets Durban July with his thoughts on his contender Aladdin's Lamp, and James Willoughby has a comprehensive look at DWC winner Magnitude's victory over Baeza and Sovereignty in the Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs.

Eva O'Neill on the Saturday Edition this morning, Lydia Hislop gives her takeaways from the Christophe Soumillon appeal which took place yesterday. Angus Gold spoke to Nick about Raheem's bid in the Irish Derby this weekend along with William Haggas and Saber Strike's run in the Criterium Stakes at York this afternoon. Simon Kerins spoke to reflect on the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale aswell.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop for today's canter over the global racing news. They lead with the potential significance of today's Christophe Soumillon team tactics appeal, and the effect it may have for the remainder of the season. They also look ahead to the Irish Derby, revisit geldings in the Arc (Lydia sits on the European Pattern Committee), and tidy up some Ascot loose ends. Guests today include Richard Hughes, who trains the major gamble for the Northumberland Plate, and South African trainer James Crawford, responsible for the Durban July favourite. Plus, Jack Ready on another huge WorldPool weekend, RMG marketing director Clive Cottrell embarking on the Jurassic walk for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and Eva catches up with John Bleahen, consignor of the top lot at the Tattersalls Derby Sale.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by the Racing Post's Jonathan Harding, who begins by looking at which horses might actually lineup in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown next weekend, after Ombudsman was confirmed to be missing the race. Donnacha O'Brien, whose A Boy Named Susie has entries in both the Irish Derby and the Coral Eclipse, shares where he will be heading and Rob Spears explains why Libertango, last week's Albany winner, stood out to him at Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up sale, whilst also updating us on her next target. Charlotte and Jon take a look at the Pretty Polly and Irish Derby this weekend before Eva O'Neill brings us the latest from the Tattersalls Ireland Derby sale as she catches up with Simon Kerins and Ben Pauling.

Nick is joined by Rishi Persad for a packed edition of the Daily Racing Podcast. They are joined today by William Haggas, who is throwing a major curve ball at the Criterion Stakes this weekend in the shape of Jersey also-ran Saber Strike. He also gives the lowdown on running plans for the remainder of his Ascot squad. Ralph Beckett muses over whether to run Bay of Brilliance in the Irish or German Derbies, while Richard Hannon reflects positively on his Ascot and looks forward to a tilt at The Curragh with Bunyola Bay. Adrien Cugnasse gives his take on why France Galop relented on geldings in the Arc, while JA McGrath has the latest from Hong Kong, and Eva discusses the Derby `Sale catalogue and equine flu protocols with Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins. Nick and Rishi also talk about measures to work within a heatwave, and what this week's events may suggest for the future.

Kicking off with the breaking news this morning that France Galop have voted to introduce gelding into the Arc in 2027 and France's leading trainer Francis Graffard discusses the decision and also reflects on his Royal Ascot runners. David Yates of the Daily Mirror is along to share his views throughout while Nick speaks to Jo Fanning who confirms he his nearing a comeback after his cancer diagnosis. Justin Snaith looks ahead to his five runners in South Africa's Durban July and Jessica Bedi shares her excitement ahead of a key runner in this weekend's Northumberland Vase. Dan Barber of Timeform looks back on Royal Ascot, specifically sires, the draw and Bacio's barnstorming performance and finally Littleton Stud's David Bowe is this week's Weatherbys bloodstock guest.

In the aftermath of Royal Ascot Nick, joined by Jane Mangan, begins by talking to Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold who reflects on their Royal Ascot, including winning the Jubilee Stake with Almeraq. Angus also looks forward to unbeaten colt Raheeb taking in the Irish Derby on his next start. David Menuisier looks at what might come next for impressive Golden Gates winner Lost Boys before Seamie Heffernan tells Nick why winning at Ascot this year, meant more to him than at previous Royal meetings. Finally, David O'Meara discusses whether he believes Estrange can take it to Oaks winner Thundering On, as they're both bound for the Pretty Polly this weekend.

The Wath Pod: Royal Ascot Wrap-Up by Nick Luck

Day 5 is here! Nick and Charlotte on the pod today and they caught up with Australian trainer Chris Waller who runs Joliestar in Saturday's feature. Nick caught Ed Bethell walking the track early this morning and chatted to him about Regional - his runner in the Group 1 Jubilee Stakes. Lisa Tan brings us the style updates and Adam Mills looks back on the 2yo performances through the lense of Total Performance Data.

Nick kicks off by reflecting on a third win this week for Wathnan this afternoon thanks to Opportunity in the Duke of Edinburgh, in the company of racing manager Richard Brown, before all the trainers of Wathnan runners on the fifth and final day join the show to discuss their chances.

Day 4 of Royal Ascot is here and Dave Yates joins Nick on the pod this morning ahead of the Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes. William Haggas is on FaceTime reflecting on his two winners this week and his runners left to come. Joseph O'Brien also goes through his stellar week and remaining chances, before we get the Timeform view and Total Performance Data insight from the Ascot Gold Cup.

On the back of success in the Ribblesdale, Richard Brown joins Nick to reflect on a fantastic win for Earth Shot as well as spinning through his thoughts on the other Thursday runners. Then looking ahead to Friday, we hear from Karl Burke, Richard and Peter Fahey, William Haggas, George Boughey, Hamad Al Jahani and George Weaver.

Day 3 of Royal Ascot is here and Matt Chapman joins Nick on the pod this morning ahead of the Ascot Gold Cup. William Buick is on FaceTime reflecting on Ombudsman and his superb performance in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Will Aitkenhead from Ascot Racecourse chats to Nick on the past few days and the rest of the week ahead and we get the Total Performance Data insight from the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

We're back ahead of day 3 and kick off with Nick in conversation with Richard Brown to reflect on the runners from day 2. Then looking ahead to Thursday we hear from all the trainers of Wathnan runners from Archie Watson, Hamad Al Jehani, Thady Gosden, Ralph Beckett, William Haggas & Francis Graffard.

On Day 2 of Royal Ascot Nick is joined by St James's Palace Stakes winning trainer and jockey George Boughey and Billy Loughnane. Charlie Budget purchaser of Ten Bob Tony is on to speak about his shrewdly bought Group 1 winner. Rossa Ryan reflects on Daquari Bay's win yesterday and looks forward to his other chances during the week. We also get the data lowdown from Bow Echo's performance from Total Performance Data.

The second episode of the Wath Pod is back and Wathnan are on the board on the first day thanks to Map of Stars in the Wolferton. Richard Brown is along to reflect on his success as well as s word on all the other runners on day one. Then moving onto the second day, we hear from all the trainers of Wathnan runners including Karl Burke, Carlos and Yann Lerner, Hamad Al Jehani, Andrew Balding and Richard Fahey.

Day 1 of Royal Ascot has arrived and Nick is here bright and early joined by Lee Mottershead on track. George Boughey caught up with Nick before Bow Echo runs in the St James Palace Stakes. Kelly Thomas checks in as breeder of Gstaad who takes on Bow Echo in the Group 1 today. Chris Stickles clerk of the course discusses the ground and plans for conditions for the rest of the Royal meeting. Richard Kingscote is back from Hong Kong and we hear from Wesley Ward who brings seven horses over from the US. Dan Barber also on keeps us updated on the St Jame's Palace stakes through the Timeform prism.

A special series for Royal Ascot every day this week with today Nick Luck bringing you the insight into all eleven of the Wathnan Racing runners on Day 1 of Royal Ascot. We hear from Richard Hannon, Francis Graffard, William Haggas, Karl Burke, Hamad Al Jehani and Ralph Beckett.

Nick visits the prestigious GOFFS London Sale on the eve of Royal Ascot, bringing listeners straight to the heart of the racing world's most glamorous curtain-raiser. Kia Joorabchian and Amo Racing strike once again, going to £380,000 for 2yo filly Kentucky Rain. Hear directly from Joorabchian on the thinking behind the splash and Amo's Royal Ascot ambitions. Packed with exclusive interviews and the unmistakable atmosphere of one of the sport's most glamorous sales events.

Nick is joined on the eve of Royal Ascot by The Mirror's David Yates, and Nick at length speaks to the King and Queen's racing manager John Warren about the chances of a Royal winner this week. Michael Mulvany looks forward to his two 2-year-olds in the Coventry tomorrow before Adam Mills previews the St James's Palace, Prince of Wales's and Gold Cup at Ascot whilst Harry Eustace shares whether he believes Docklands can go back-to-back in the Queen Anne. Finally, Henri Bozo discusses Diamond Necklace's victory in the Prix de Diane yesterday, a race that was missing from Monceaux's CV.

Eva O'Neill on the Saturday Edition this week, she speaks to Anthony Bromley about the Double Green horses entered for the Goffs London Sale on Monday along with Michael Bell and his Royal Ascot runners. William Haggas is on with Tom Stanley about Lilt and her Prix de Diane run at Chantilly this Sunday. Will Aitkenhead speaks to connections of Australian runners at the racecourse familiarity morning in Ascot ahead of the Royal Meeting.

Coming to you from Newsells Park Stud, in association with Fitzdares, Nick is joined by a power packed panel consisting of John Gosden, George Boughey, Roger Varian, Richard Brown & Charlie Fellowes. The panel run through all their key runners over the fives days and offer plenty of tips and each-way bets along the way. Who knew you could get ski goggles for horses... turns out Trawlerman will be showing his off in the Gold Cup prelims, this is a Royal Ascot preview not to be missed!

Tom in for Nick and joined at first by trainer William Haggas who sends Lilt to the Prix de Diane this weekend. William talks of her chance and also looks ahead to his big guns next week at Royal Ascot. Rishi Persad is the main guest today and he likes Lilt's chances this weekend. He tells us why before picking out his Ascot highlights. We hear from Billy Loughnane who rides favourite Bow Echo in the St James's Palace Stakes and Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels is along to tell us likely conditions come Tuesday afternoon. Bill Dwan of Castlebridge Consignment reflects on the Derby having sold Christmas Day at Tattersalls October Book 1 before we head back to Alistair Cohen in South Africa who tells us of record breaking rider S'manga Khumalo receiving a hefty ban for race-fixing. Plus Eva O'Neill checks back in from Goffs Arkle Sale.

Kicking off today's show, Nick speaks to Haycock's Clerk of the Course Dan Cooper who announces they have been forced to farm out their next four fixtures, as a result of the the findings from their investigation into the recent hole found on the outer track. We've got our Royal Ascot bulletin with Will Aitkenhead which includes some of the latest running plans for the Ballydoyle battalion. Harry Charlton runs us through his team for Royal Ascot and also touches on his link up with jockey Lewis Edmunds. Shark Hanlon is along to discuss potentially getting licensed in UK. Alistair Cohen has an update from South Africa before counting with the the international theme and getting the latest from Hong Kong with JA McGrath. Finally, Eva O'Neill, in situ at the Goffs Arkle Sale, catches up with Dave Futter who confirms the Goffs Yorton Sale will take place again in 2026.

Nick is joined this morning by the Racing Post's Lee Mottershead to look again at the decision by the stewards at Epsom to declare Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner whilst Jason Tan, based in New Zealand explains why he believes we're behind the times in the UK with this rule having not been in place sooner. Ahead of the Prix de Diane this weekend, Nick catches up with David Menuisier, who's hoping Inis Mor can go close and Lee and Nick spin through the likely key contenders. Will Aitkenhead has the latest Royal Ascot update before Richard Langley, head groundsman at Brighton joins the show to discuss his attempt to break a world record, which would be a remarkable feat. Dan Barber is back again to look back on a handicapping performance from Epsom that could put this horse right up there in the big leagues and his trainer Roger Varian shares where we might see him next. Finally Greg Carpenter of the HKJC shares his delight at Ka Ying Rising receiving a rating of 130, putting him to the top of the tree and Oli Bell is at the GOFFS Arkle Sale catching up with Willie Mullins.

Nick joined this morning by Racing TV's Lydia Hislop to reflect on the Betfred Derby Festival. They start with the controversial decision by the stewards to declare Benvenuto Cellini, the Derby favourite, a non-runner after getting his foot caught up in the stalls and crossing the line in 10th place. Simon Nott, who was reporting for Star Sports from the betting ring on the day, explained how this all went down and how punters were affected. Lydia and Nick also discuss the merits of Derby winner Christmas Day and how highly we can rank that performance given the attritional conditions with Dan Barber giving Timeform's view, whilst William Haggas shares his delight at Maltese Cross finishing second and looks at what might be next for him. Francis Graffard drops in briefly to give an update on Calandagan, who was never going in the Coronation Cup, and then we review the action stateside with Adam Mills of Total Performance Data looking at the Belmont Stakes. Finally, Eva O'Neill is at the Goffs Land Rover sale speaking to Peter Molony about the two-year-old section.

Eva O'Neill brings you the Saturday edition this week with all attention to Saturday afternoon's Betfred Derby. Kevin Blake and Anna-Lisa Balding speak to both Charlotte and Eva on Wednesday at the Derby draw. Kia Joorabchian and Alex Elliott speak to Nick about Amo Racing's runners in the Derby along with Alex's thoughts about Bay of Brilliance. Following the Oaks Eva spoke to Joseph O'Brien after his success with Thundering On and Andrew Cooper updates about the ground conditions at Epsom.

Nick bringing you the show today from Epsom racecourse ahead of the Bedford Derby festival, kicking off later today. He's joined by Racing TV is Lydia Hislop and first off Nick catches up with Jockey Club CEO Jim Mullen on track before CEO of the Horserace Betting Levy Board Alan Delmonte joins the show. CEO of the Tote, Alex Frost, looks at another big weekend for WorldPool before Ian Fortune is along to preview the greyhound Derby. David Johnson of Timeform looks at the Epsom Classics through the Timeform lens and Paddy Chesters shares his hopes for another big double at Epsom this year for Chester Racecourse. And just to add to the show, the wine tipster Neil Phillips has a new bottle for us to try.

The buildup to Saturday's Epsom Derby continues as Nick, joined by RTÉ's Jane Mangan, catches up first with Dylan Browne-McMonagle who will be aboard James J Braddock. Dylan also discusses his ride Thundering On in Friday's Oaks, before Kia Joorabchian shares whether he thinks one of his two runners might be able to spring a bit of a surprise. Alex Elliot, also involved in the buying of those horses, looks at their chance along with Bay of Brilliance, who could be a lively outsider. Our Weatherby segment comes to you a little bit later this week as Nick checks in with Craig Bennett on the evolution of his Merry Fox Stud. The Royal Ascot buildup continues with Will Aitkenhead and Harriet Rochester has news of a new initiative from the ROA in partnership with Godolphin.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick today at the Betfred Derby Draw in the Peninsula Hotel, alongside her is Rishi Persad who discusses this weekends declarations in the Epsom Oaks and Derby and this mornings Derby draw and who has the favourable spots. Anna-Lisa Balding speaks about Kingsclere's two Derby entries along with Kevin Buckleys insight into the Coolmore squad for both Epsom classics. Eva O'Neill speaks to Kevin Blake and Alex Eliot as well as Sir Mark Prescott and his passion for the story of Sir Stanley Wootten. Frank Warren chats to Charlotte about re-invigorating the Derby while Nick is with Karl Burke at Spigot Lodge. Jim McGrath gives us the weekly Hong Kong bulletin and the Ascot updates are in too.

Charlotte Greenway bringing you the podcast this morning from Epsom racecourse and joined by the Racing Post's Lee Mottershead. First off they speak to general manager Jim Allen about the changes in place for this year's Derby festival as Jim sets out how they are looking to appeal to all audiences. Basher Watts looks ahead to Shes Perfect running in the Group 3 at Epsom on Saturday where she's going for her first black type win whilst James Ferguson joins a show to discuss why he's giving up his trainers license after seven years and NYRA‘s Robert MacLennan shares what we can expect from the Belmont Stakes meeting at Saratoga this weekend. Finally Kieran Clark shares how Timeform rated Constitution River's Prix du Jockey Club on.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates for an absorbing edition of the popular daily racing podcast. With Aidan O'Brien's extraordinary 1-2-3 in the Prix du Jockey Club under the belt, Nick and Dave ask not only what next for Constitution River but also how O'Brien ia making the record breaking look utterly routine. They enlist the help of owner Peter Brant, whose Benvenuto Celllini is favourite for the Derby this week. And with that in mind, pedigree expert Janet Hickman runs the rule over who may and may not be suited by the distance demands of the Epsom Classics. With the Belmont Stakes set to share the bill on Saturday, Nick catches up with Kentucky Derby winning trainer Cherie deVaux, as Golden Tempo limbers up for Saratoga at the weekend. Meanwhile Aussie handler Bjorn Baker shares his excitement at bringing crack sprinter Overpass to Royal Ascot, and jockey Jack Mitchell enjoys German Guineas glory on TimeforShowcasing.