Podcasts about racing news

Racing Through Tears & Brake Fluid | The End of Pitt RaceIn this Bristol episode 406; Chris gets asked not to bring the hot tub, Chrissy thinks a chihuahua is exhausting, Tim is 40% cold & 80% party, Mental drills holes in a tree stump to burn it with oil, & even Jeff goes to a drag queen sex toy bingo.  Really, we talk all about our memories of Pitt Race. It's the end of an era—and, as usual, the beginning of a lot of questionable mechanical decisions. In Everyone Racers Episode 406, the crew gathers to laugh, cry, & possibly curse their way through their various schools & race weekends at Pitt Race, the legendary western Pennsylvania track that's closing its doors for good next year.This episode dives deep into what made Pitt Race more than just another circuit—it was a proving ground for amateur racers, a playground for endurance masochists, & a second home for people who think “budget” & “racing” belong in the same sentence. From all-night wrenching to mid-race miracles, we celebrate the chaos, community, & questionable car choices that defined this place.

There is an autumn theme to the latest edition of The Front Page, with Jonathan Harding joined by Lambourn correspondent Liam Headd and France correspondent Scott Burton to discuss the plans for Nicky Henderson's stable stars, including Constitution Hill, as well as all the key news lines ahead of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.  The panel also reflects on a story with Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Besges, who has warned that a proposed tax rise could see British racing come to 'significant harm'.

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This week on a packed edition of the The Front Page:  Irish Champions Festival: Delacroix takes the Irish Champion Stakes in style, but what did he really prove - and have we seen him for the last time? St Leger: Scandinavia's Classic win, Lambourn flops again and O'Brien closes in on a record haul. Plus, why is the Leger now the best-attended Classic? Flat championships: Trainers' and jockeys' titles heat up as we near the finish line Integrity watch: Explosive details in the Hillsin case and a new race-fixing arrest The racing strike: An unprecedented day of action, but did it make an impact? 

Join Maddy Playle, Chris Cook and Liam Headd to discuss a lively week in racing, including Arc trials' day at Longchamp on Sunday.  Last year's runner-up Aventure shot to favouritism for the French showpiece after winning the Prix Vermeille, with Whirl's defeat the second notable disappointment for the race after Kalpana's loss to Giavellotto in the September Stakes at Kempton. The team also review comments by John Gosden and Aidan O'Brien regarding Ombudsman and Delacroix in the Irish Champion Stakes, with the Ballydoyle maestro suggesting the British trainer was a sore loser after ruling out Godolphin's colt from the Group 1 clash. Finally, the panel ponder how effective Wednesday's strike action will be as racing figures prepare to gather in Westminster.

Nigel Mansell tells Paul Jurd about his amazing career in a surprisingly candid interview, and Jim Roller looks at some multi-million dollar sales at the auctions in Monterey Car Week. James Newbold looks back to the years where F3000 was the acknowledged stepping stone to F1. Josh Parsons, Manager of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, looks forward to Revival with Paul Tarsey and regular stars Mike Jordan and Mike Whittaker give their thoughts on the upcoming event.

There was only one story in town last weekend and that was the shock news that top jockey Ryan Moore was expected to miss the remainder of the season in a major blow to Aidan O'Brien and Ballydoyle.  The latest edition of The Front Page, featuring Jonathan Harding, Lewis Porteous and Liam Headd, looks at what his absence might mean for one of the sport's powerhouses heading into a busy autumn period and considers who might be in line to partner some of the yard's biggest names.  The panel also reflects on the enforced retirement of Grade 1-winning jockey Niall Houlihan before discussing the beginning of Lord Allen's tenure as BHA chair, three months later than originally planned, and the most pressing items in his in-tray.

This week's edition of The Front Page goes on the road and heads to Epsom as part of our coverage of National Racehorse Week. At the historic Downs House Stables, trainer George Baker tells Lee Mottershead about why the initiative, now in its fifth year and continuing throughout this week, is so important.  Lee is also joined by James Stevens and Liam Headd for a detailed analysis of last week's Ebor festival, where a drama-packed and controversial Juddmonte International was among the races that made big headlines.

Join Maddy Playle, Matt Rennie and David Jennings to discuss a bombshell moment in British racing history with the news that racing will strike on September 10.  The panel discuss the sport's response to the governments 'racing tax' proposals and question whether rescheduling the day's four meetings and gathering in parliament will prove effective.  They also look ahead to a blockbuster Ebor meeting at York, which begins on Wednesday with the Juddmonte International Stakes. A late drift on Delacroix is unpicked, while selections are given for all of the meeting's major races. Finally, tributes are paid to trainer Bill Turner and former Irish champion jockey Tommy Murphy, who were sadly lost last week.

The Shergar Cup is supposed to be a bit of fun on a summer Saturday but the annual jockeys' challenge this year delivered unexpected controversy. The latest edition of The Front Page, featuring Lee Mottershead, Chris Cook and Liam Headd, looks at Maureen Haggas's criticism of the standard of jockeyship at Ascot and asks whether she was right to argue some of those who took part should not have been included in the competition. The panel also reflects on weekend Group 1 glory for Billy Loughnane, Oisin Murphy and Kia Joorabchian before examining the changes announced in British racing's 2026 fixture list and an intervention by former prime minister Gordon Brown on the gambling tax debate.

Paul Jurd talks to Mario Andretti about his fantastic career all over the world. Mario talks frankly about his days with Lotus, his Indycar experiences and NASCAR. Don Wales tells us about his grandfather, Sir Malcolm Campbell on the centenary of Campbell's breaking of the 150mph Land Speed Record in his Blue Bird leviathan. At the other end of the scale, we chat about the upcoming Shere Hill Climb.

Two huge shocks - one on the racecourse, the other about a racecourse - are at the centre of this week's edition of The Front Page. Lee Mottershead, Lewis Porteous and Matthew Rennie start the show by reflecting on last week's events at Glorious Goodwood and try to explain how 150-1 pacemaker Qirat was able to win the Sussex Stakes. The team also looks at whether it was right to start the Group 1 Nassau Stakes by tape and reflect on a Goodwood Cup that was marred by the death of popular stayer Trueshan. After discussing the disqualification of Helvic Dream as winner of the Galway Hurdle, the attention stays on Ireland following the seismic news that Thurles racecourse has been closed with immediate effect. Lee, Lewis and Matt consider why that has happened and ask whether other racecourses in Ireland and Britain will be vulnerable to the same fate.

It is Glorious Goodwood and the Galway Festival this week and The Front Page dives into all the latest stories across racing. Join Racing Post journalists James Stevens, Chris Cook and Liam Headd for this week's discussion. Calandagan's brilliant King George win is the first topic but he is unable to run in the Arc and the panel look over whether the race rules should change. The trio also look ahead to Field Of Gold, Illinois and others at Glorious Goodwood, providing their best bet for the week. Racing is facing a potential £330 million blow and the panel look at the week's industry news, which also include an update on the BHA's leadership and how the racing calendar will change in 2026.

Michael Guerin joins the show for a Harness Racing update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's edition of The Front Page includes Derek 'Tommo' Thompson in fabulous form as the legendary broadcaster joins the programme as a very special guest on the eve of his final British racecourse commentary. Tommo talks to Lee Mottershead about his extraordinary career in a section that includes stories about Frankel, Dubai Millennium, Channel 4 Racing and film star Bo Derek. As well as Tommo, this week's show features Lewis Porteous and Maddy Playle, who talk about Aidan O'Brien's latest Classic success and key developments in the battle to axe the racing tax. The programme concludes with Lewis highlighting the recent phenomenon of wild volatility in betting markets and what it means for punters.

This week on The Front Page from the Racing Post: ITV expected to secure racing rights until 2030 - but racing's rejects innovation again Oisin Murphy can continue riding, with licence conditions labelled “extremely strict”  The head of Ireland's gambling regulator compares betting to smoking – is racing doing enough to stand up for the thing that funds it? Buick hits 2,000 winners amid a blistering July meeting, where Richard Hughes nabs his first Group 1 as a trainer Send an email to your MP about the racing tax by visiting https://emailyourmpnow.co.uk/

Kenny Wallace discusses some big F1 news, NASCAR returning to Bowman Gray Stadium & his Mom Judy being a bad ass!#kennywallace #nascar #racing Brought to you by JEGS! Click here: http://jegs.ork2.net/rQ9Oy5Use Promo Code DEALS To Save Up To 50% OFF Sitewide! Photography Shop Doorbusters, Stackable Savings & 1,000's of Deals at JEGS!JEGS has been in business since 1960.Racers selling to racers.Focusing on American Muscle – but also big product line of automotive tools, garage gear & other performance parts.JEGS is well established with racers of all kinds, including the NHRA, bracket racing, circle track & more!Free shipping on orders over $199.Unrivaled expertise from techs.

The thrilling Coral-Eclipse, a champion jockey in court and British racing's latest showdown with government all come under the microscope in this week's edition of The Front Page. Lee Mottershead, Peter Scargill and James Stevens analyse how Delacroix stole Sandown's premier Flat race from hot favourite Ombudsman before considering what the future might hold for Aidan O'Brien's latest Eclipse hero. The panel also reflects on the future of Oisin Murphy after one of the sport's most talented but controversial figures pleaded guilty to drink driving in a court appearance that ended with him being fined £70,000 and banned from driving. Murphy's offence has caused problems for British racing's governing body but the BHA faces an even starker dilemma in its efforts to persuade government against a tax-raising measure that could cost the sport upwards of £66 million. In a packed programme, Lee, Peter and James debate that and other stories, including Kia Joorabchian's latest personnel change at Amo Racing.

Derek Warwick talks to Paul Tarsey about his five participations at Le Mans, BP Motorsport supremo Les Thacker about getting arrested in the paddock and Graham Tyler re-lives some Le Mans thoughts. Paul Jurd is your host.

Join Maddy Playle, David Jennings and Jonathan Harding as they discuss an important week of racing news.  The panel unpick Lambourn's battling Irish Derby success while discussing whether the Curragh is performing up to scratch as one of Ireland's leading racecourses.  They also tackle the news that four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy is set to appear in court this week after being charged with drink driving and refusing to provide a roadside sample after a car crash in April. Finally, tributes are paid to training giant Barry Hills, who passed away aged 88 on Friday.

Royal Ascot is here and The Front Page has you covered with all the key angles covered across five fantastic days of Flat racing. Host James Stevens asks panellists David Jennings and Liam Headd whether the St James's Palace Stakes, featuring three Guineas winners, is the race of 2025? The panel also look at the Gold Cup, the biggest race across the meeting, and share some of their best fancies across the week. British racing was also at a 'tipping point' according to MPs who called on the government to help save the sport. The panel also discuss the tricky financial climate for the sport.

Aidan O'Brien's 11th Derby triumph is the main focus of this week's edition of The Front Page, which also examines why so few people went to Epsom. Lee Mottershead, Chris Cook and Liam Headd reflect on Classic victories for Ballydoyle and Coolmore with Lambourn and Minnie Hauk, digging deep into the quality of this year's Derby and Oaks. The team also debates why the Derby day attendance has dropped so dramatically and asks what the crowd crisis means for the racecourse and Jockey Club. Away from Epsom, this week's show covers other major stories, including how British racing's stakeholders responded to Racing Post questions about incoming BHA chair Charles Allen's concerns over the sport's governance structure and Jim Mullen's first comments as Jockey Club group chief executive.

Derek Bell tells Paul Tarsey about the time he drove the glorious Harrods-liveried McLaren at Le Mans with his son Justin and Jaguar winner Andy Wallace. Continuing our Le Mans theme, Robin Donovan chats to Paul Jurd about his days in a variety of C2 machines before hitting the big time racing a Kremer Porsche 962/K8 to fourth place with Derek Bell and Jurgen Lassig. Mark Raffauf is in conversation with Jim Roller about the turbulent but hugely exciting, years of sportscar racing in the USA in the 1990s under his IMSA organisation. Our studio guest is Neil Smith who digs deep into the history of TWR and those wonderful Silk Cut Jaguars.

Derby week is here - and the market keeps shifting. In this week's Front Page, we dive into the latest betting, international intrigue and superpower rivalries as we head into Epsom's biggest weekend. We also tackle British racing's leadership crisis, as Lord Charles Allen delays taking up his BHA chair role. Who's responsible, and where does racing go from here? Plus, we round off with four stories in four minutes: a shocking update on British jumps, controversy at Wexford, Kyprios bows out and another track fails the facilities test.

Field Of Gold and Lake Victoria produced devastating performances to become Irish Guineas champions over the weekend. Not surprisingly, they are the first main talking points in this week's edition of The Front Page. Lee Mottershead, Maddy Playle and Liam Headd look back at all the top weekend action and debate whether either of the two Classic winners is worth backing now to follow up at Royal Ascot. The panel also asks why the Curragh looked so quiet for the Guineas festival and assess how Los Angeles, Anmaat, Kalpana, White Birch and Sosie fared in Group 1 prizes that whet the appetite for the months ahead. Following the launch of British racing's new national marketing campaign, Maddy, Liam and Lee give their views on what they have seen so far and then wrap up last week's other major news stories, including the BHA's threat to block racecourses from staging fixtures.

It was the end of an era as Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing jump jockey who made history when becoming the first female rider to win the Grand National and Gold Cup, announced her retirement last week. Join host James Stevens, Peter Scargill and David Jennings on this week's The Front Page to reflect on her remarkable rise to the top and her impact on the sport. In a busy show, the panel also looks at the Derby picture following the Dante at York and have mixed feelings on The Lion In Winter after his defeat. There is also crucial industry news on how tax changes could impact the sport's funding.

To lose a Classic in the stewards' room is tough. For it to have happened to Kieran Shoemark in Paris on Sunday felt impossibly cruel. The disqualification of Shes Perfect following the French 1,000 Guineas - which prompted cries of "cheat" and "disgrace" in the Longchamp paddock - and her jockey's demotion by the Gosdens is the first story up for discussion in this week's edition of The Front Page. Lee Mottershead, Chris Cook and Liam Headd reflect on Shoemark's miserable week in a programme that highlights the very different sort of week enjoyed by Aidan O'Brien and Hollie Doyle. In a show packed with subjects, the team also ask early questions about British racing's new £3.6 million marketing campaign, Ascot's decision to get rid of the ladies' team at the Shergar Cup and worrying news about declining foal crops in Britain and Ireland.

Send us a textSouthern Illinois Raceway's own Caleb Hilliard joins the show with MAJOR updates about the 2025 Terry Sprague Memorial Race – now paying a whopping $13,000 to WIN, with $100 added to the top 10 start pay! Huge thanks to Trager Beverages for stepping up and supporting grassroots racing in a BIG way!

If it's May it must be the Indianapolis 500 and we take an in depth look at the race from the earliest event in 1911 right up to the present day. We also talk to Guy Loveridge about 1950s Grand Prix driver Peter Collins who, with his American wife Louise, were the glamour couple of the race circuits of the world. When he won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1958 in a works Ferrari he had the world at his feet but three weeks later, he was killed in an accident at the Nurburgring Nordschleife during the German Grand Prix. We hear all about Peter and Louise and their life together.

Big stories and big races are up for discussion as Lee Mottershead and Jonathan Harding talk about some of the sport's hottest issues in this week's edition of The Front Page. Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and William Buick have signed up to a new $15 million global jockeys' league that is expected to launch across some of the world's most prestigious racing venues early next year. We assess its chances of bringing a new audience to the sport. Buick's place among the world racing elite was confirmed over the weekend at Newmarket, where he teamed up with Charlie Appleby to win both the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, while in America Godolphin also landed the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. We look back on the Classic action and reflect on a Punchestown festival that was fantastic for fans of Galopin Des Champs but terrible for the increasingly long-suffering supporters of Constitution Hill. This week's show ends with more bad news of crashing betting turnover and worrying suggestions that the government is considering tax changes that seem set to heap yet more woe on British racing.

This week on the Front Page from the Racing Post:  Willie Mullins storms to a second consecutive British trainers' title after an incredible spring campaign. We discuss how he did it - and how Dan Skelton can topple him. Sean Bowen finally secures the champion jockey crown - hear why legends of the saddle think he could dominate for years to come. Plus, a huge week ahead with Constitution Hill's comeback at Punchestown, the Guineas at Newmarket, Netflix's new racing docuseries and a big bookmaker controversy that rocked social media.

The absorbing trainers' championship duel between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton comes under the microscope in an edition of The Front Page that covers even more ground than usual. As well as debating who will lift the trophy at Sandown on Saturday, Lee Mottershead, Peter Scargill and James Stevens look back on a Craven meeting that was particularly important to Kieran Shoemark. Part one of the programme then examines another extraordinary week of sales action that peaked with Amo Racing paying 1,750,000gns for an unraced horse who was sold in December 2023 for 55,000gns. In the second half of the show the panel look at the controversy surrounding an experienced clerk of the course revealing he amends official ground data. That angered trainers, as did the prize-money offered at Southwell on Sunday. The team reflects on the protest action that produced and then look forward to a brand new horseracing docuseries set to launch on Netflix this week.

How can it be that in 2025 female jockeys still have to enter male changing rooms to properly do their job?  That is one of the big questions asked in this week's edition of The Front Page, which looks at some of the powerful revelations that emerged in the Racing Post's special report on the appalling standard of some British weighing rooms. Lee Mottershead, Chris Cook and Liam Headd ask why the majority of tracks have not moved faster to improve facilities for riders and why the BHA has seemingly regulated racecourses so meekly. The show kicks off by reflecting on a weekend of quality jumps action at Ayr, where Captain Cody's victory in the Scottish Grand National left Willie Mullins ever closer to denying Dan Skelton a first trainers' championship. We also look back on a day of spring trials at Newbury and ask if any future Classic winners were in action. The programme ends by looking at the 2024-25 Racing Post Jumps Horse of the Year poll. Lee, Chris and Liam reveal where their vote would go but this is a public vote and it's Racing Post readers who will have the final say. 

An incredible Grand National festival, a new high for Willie Mullins and the trainers' title race explodes back into life. On this week's Front Page, we digest Willie and Patrick Mullins' emotional triumph, ask whether Dan Skelton can hang onto his title lead and debate what Mullins' dominance means for the future of the National. Plus: Constitution Hill's latest fall, Paul Nicholls' Grade 1 double, Frankie Dettori's Dubai World Cup comeback and we pay tribute to Hayley Turner as she hangs up her saddle.

Eddie Jordan has been labelled as a ‘maverick' and a ‘showman' but behind all the brouhaha was a very astute businessman who loved his racing. We take a look at the ‘man behind the mask' in our tribute to Eddie who died last month. We also look at EJ the racing driver and also what happened to the team after he sold it on. Goodwood Members Meeting takes place later in April and we highlight some of the things to look out for.

34 runners will head to Aintree in Saturday's Grand National, but who will win? That is the big question asked in this week's edition of The Front Page, in which Liam Headd and James Stevens look ahead to the weekend's action. The pair discuss the chances of the leading contenders, whether the winner will come from Britain or Ireland and share their best tip for the race. Last weekend also saw the first big race of the 2025 Flat season and racing at Doncaster and a key Classic trial at Leopardstown is reviewed. The panel discuss the credentials of Delacroix in the Derby after his impressive victory. Also on the show is a look ahead to ITV Racing's coverage of the Grand National after Sam Quek was confirmed to be joining the broadcaster across the three-day coverage.

The Grand National has changed enormously in recent years. Does it now need to change again? That is the big question asked in this week's edition of The Front Page, in which Chris Cook and Jonathan Harding join Lee Mottershead to discuss complaints from a number of British trainers that the sport's most famous race has lost its essence. Should there be a cap on the number of runners a single trainer can have? Would the Grand National be better with win-and-you're-in races? And do people really care who trains the runners or in what country they are trained? After looking forward to Aintree, the team looks back at the Cheltenham Festival, this focusing on last week's announcement that some ticket prices are to be cut, alongside a rebranding of the meeting's second day. To wrap up the programme, we reflect on the Racing Post's Racing and the Economy series, debate the mini revolt that occurred when some of Britain's trainers met in London and, after all that, we even tell you who the panel fancies for next Saturday's Grand National.

It's all things Cheltenham on this week's edition of The Front Page as Paul Kealy and Maddy Playle join Lee Mottershead to look back on the biggest meeting of the year. The top chasers, hurdlers and stories are all examined in depth, with the panel looking back on Inothewayurthinkin's Gold Cup defeat of Galopin Des Champs, an extraordinary Champion Hurdle, the decision to run Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle and so much more. There were fewer racegoers and more false starts than last year but the festival was still fantastic and threw up an abundance of talking points - this is the place where we do the talking.

Jim Roller has taken in some Florida sunshine as he visits Brian Redman's Targa 66. He talks to Bill Auberlen, Scott George and Brad Kettler about this unique event and the cars they run there. Paul Tarsey and Paul Jurd discuss the success of Race Retro and Simon Owen from Scalextric talks to Joe Bradley about the new season's cars from the world's leading slot car manufacturer.

With just SEVEN DAYS until the Cheltenham Festival, the Front Page looks at the five big talking points for next week's big event.  Get the Ultimate Guide here: https://shop1.racingpost.com/products/the-cheltenham-ultimate-guide-2025?_pos=1&_sid=8cd0084d3&_ss=r

The planned abolition of greyhound racing in Wales is among the topics discussed in the latest edition of The Front Page. Lee Mottershead, Jonathan Harding and Matthew Rennie debate the Welsh government's announcement and ask whether British horse racing should be offering more vocal support to the increasingly endangered greyhound racing industry. This week's edition also looks back on a weekend of major races in Britain, Ireland and Saudi Arabia before the team debates more of last week's big stories and asks if Dan Skelton is right when he says the Grand National needs to be moved.

This week the Front Page team are talking about revolutionising betting, training turnarounds and changing habits among Cheltenham racegoers. The show opens with a tribute to Michael O'Sullivan, the 24-year-old jockey who tragically died following a fall at Thurles earlier in the month. Join Racing Post editor Tom Kerr, Peter Scargill and Jon Harding for all that and more.

We are now just four weeks away from the start of the Cheltenham Festival - and this week's edition of The Front Page is a must for festival fans. Lee Mottershead, Jonathan Harding and Liam Headd kick things off by reviewing Super Saturday at Newbury, where the William Hill Hurdle was dominated by Joyeuese. A change to the rules looks set to keep her away from Cheltenham. Does that rule need changing? Willie Mullins is set for another fantastic festival, as was obvious when he paraded some of his likely runners last week. How many winners will he have and which ones will they be? We end the show by paying tribute to the Aga Khan and reporting on a Westminster debate that further exposed the ignorance of some MPs when it comes to gambling.

Join Maddy Playle, Chris Cook and Jonathan Harding to discuss a game-changing week in the racing world.  The panel discuss an array of electric performances at the Dublin Racing Festival and their likely impact on the Cheltenham Festival. Jonathan covers the excellent chasing performances of Galopin Des Champs, Majborough, Ballyburn and Solness, while Maddy picks the bones out of State Man's win and red-hot novice efforts from Final Demand and Kopek Des Bordes. Chris calls for your input on the Big Punting Survey as he underlines why it is so important to collate meaningful data on the major issues facing punters at the moment.

On this week's show: what did we learn from Constitution Hill's Cheltenham return? Are trainers right to threaten a boycott of TV interviews? And is British racing unfairly maligned?  Join Racing Post editor Tom Kerr, Lambourn correspondent Liam Headd and reporter Matt Rennie for this week's big stories and lots more. 

This week's edition of The Front Page kicks off with debate about Jonbon following his latest dominant victory at Ascot. Britain's highest-rated chaser is unbeaten away from Cheltenham, where all three of his defeats have occurred. Should that worry punters thinking about backing him at short odds for the Queen Mother Champion Chase? Lee Mottershead, Maddy Playle and Jonathan Harding consider that big festival question before discussing yet more examples of punters encountering crazy interference from bookmakers due to affordability checks. Should they really be asking us how well we are sleeping? Like most good news bulletins, the programme ends with the weather, as the panel asks whether last week's controversial Ludlow abandonment strengthens the argument for changing the way in which inspection decisions are made.

The Front Page this week tackles some of the most fundamental issues facing the sport - including one that has impacted the man at the head of British racing's governing body. BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith spoke to the Racing Post about his personal experience of being caught up in betting checks and account restrictions, issues that bedevil so many other punters. Lee Mottershead, Chris Cook and Scott Burton reflect on Saumarez Smith's comments and his hope that they might make the government and Gambling Commission think hard about their actions and policies. Another big issue facing British racing is Ireland's jumps domination. That was evident once again in the first set of entries for the Cheltenham Festival and, in particular, the presence of only five British-trained horses in the Gold Cup. The panel discusses that and then looks at the positives and negatives coming out of the Racing Post's five-part Project Spotlight series that set out to discover what a range of people think about the sport.

The best chasers, the best hurdlers and some of the worst weather are the discussion points in the new year's opening edition of The Front Page. Lee Mottershead, David Jennings and James Stevens spend the bulk of the programme reviewing some fantastic festive racing.  Is Galopin Des Champs now a good thing for a Gold Cup? Does Constitution Hill deserve to be odds-on for the Champion Hurdle? And which race will Brighterdaysahead run in at the festival? All those topics and many more are tackled as the boys pinpoint where they think some of Cheltenham's top prizes will be heading. They also debate the spate of late abandonments that left owners and trainers frustrated - and ITV with no racing to broadcast on Saturday afternoon.

This week's edition of The Front Page asks if the raceday experience needs to be improved - and also looks ahead to some of the year's very best racedays. Lee Mottershead, Chris Cook and Maddy Playle discuss David Jennings' latest Racing Post column, which argued a day at the races is nowhere near as interesting as it should be. The panel debates what racecourses can do to keep customers entertained. There will be no shortage of thrilling racing entertainment over Christmas, when the sport's fans could be treated to a thrilling Kempton showdown between Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth. We look forward to that clash, the King George and all the top-notch fare set to be served up in Britain and Ireland. The programme also examines the speech made at last week's Gimcrack Dinner by Racecourse Media Group chair Conor Grant, who pulled no punches in his assessment of British racing's current state.

On today's show, our expert panel of Tom Kerr, Peter Scargill and Jon Harding discusses racing's £3bn betting black hole that emerged last week, what caused it, what it means for the sport and what can be done about it. Also on the agenda is Jonbon v Energumene, Hong Kong International Races, the BHA's new acting CEO and a row over female facilities in weighing rooms.