Nick Luck Daily Podcast

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop for a canter through today's racing news. Among guests today are trainer Joseph O'Brien, who talks through his Festival team, Cheltenham clerk Jon Pullin on watering plans and going updates, Mick and David Easterby on their new Old Gold horse and recently released documentary, second season trainer Max Comley on an exciting runner next week, JA McGrath in Hong Kong, and Women in Racing Chair Cheryl Caves on the midlife and menopause study undertaken for the organisation. Plus, Nick and Lydia continue to assess the fallout from the Lord Allen exit.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates for a canter through today's headlines. There is no surprise at the departure of Lord Allen as BHA Chair, but Ascot and the large independents have lit the tinder box with their statement this morning demanding reform of the RCA. Ascot's CEO Felicity Barnard has more, plus a response from BHA acting CEO Brant Dunshea. Also today, Barry Connell on Marine National missing Cheltenham, Dan Barber on the juvenile hurdle pecking order, and Jango Baie's breeder Marin Belloir is our Weatherbys guest.

Nick - in London - is joined by Rishi Persad in Dubai as the conflict in the Gulf continues. They are joined to reflect on a surreal Super Saturday by treble winning trainer Ed Crisford. Also today, plenty of Cheltenham chat, with trainers Eddie Harty and Noel Kelly joining the conversation, while Jason Richardson joins Nick to reflect on an extraordinary weekend of top level performers strutting their stuff in the East, from Autumn Glow at Randwick to Romantic Warrior - again - at Sha Tin. Meanwhile, Wathnan's US Rep Case Clay analyses the winning effort of Commandment in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream as he progresses along the road to the Kentucky Derby, plus news of the operation's Dubai World Cup hopefuls Tumbarumba and Hit Show.

Nick is joined by Jane Mangan to canter through the latest news from around the racing world. Guests today include Johnny Murtagh, hopeful of a successful Dubai mission for stable star Alakazi. Also today, multiple Irish Flat champion Colin Keane on picking up a ride in the Champion bumper, the legendary Des McDonogh on bringing the curtain down on a 54 year training career, Ewan Whillans eyes up another Morebattle Hurdle with local favourite Cracking Rhapsody, and Toby Lawes on Festival plans for the unheralded but talented Klimt Madrik. Plus, the latest on Lord Allen, Kia Joorabchian, Worldpool at the Shergar Cup and the suspended John Butler.

Nick brings you today's podcast from the Betting and Gaming Council AGM in London. This special episode features an in-depth interview with BGC CEO Grainne Hurst, who answers questions on the central theme of the morning, the dangers posed by the unregulated (black) market. She also opines on the future of the relationship between racing and betting, including the bleak prospect of negotiations on the levy and media rights money. This episode also features contributions from Dealmeout's Jordan Lea and Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross.

Nick reports from Wincanton, joined throughout by Dave Yates, as they react to the breaking news that Constitution Hill will not run in the 2026 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Nick speaks exclusively to owner Michael Buckley about how the decision was reached. Also on the show, Nick catches up with Ian Delmonte, CEO of the Levy Board, to discuss prize money; Molly Armytage reflects on her first ride under Rules, which produced her first winner; Tom Ryan of SF Racing shares his insights; and JA McGrath provides the latest news from Hong Kong.

Nick is at Kempton for the annual pre-Cheltenham workouts, featuring horses from the Nicholls, Henderson and Derham stables. Nick catches up with Nicky and Paul on this morning's workers, including Old Park Star, Jango Baie and No Drama This End. Also today, reflections on the Godolpin TIEA awards with winner Kieran Kourdache, Mason Paetel on his hopes foe the 2026 apprentice title, Tom Magnier on Coolmore's purchase of Kiwi stallion sensation Super Seth, and Pauline Cheboub on the rise and rise of Haras de Beaumont.

Josh in for Nick on Monday. We hear from Dan Skelton on the exciting Kabral Du Mathan and get his thoughts on Nicky Henderson’s bold call to run Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle. From Hong Kong, Zac Purton reflects on Ka Ying Rising’s remarkable 18th consecutive victory at Sha Tin Racecourse. There’s also insight from Neil King on Lookaway, and Lucy Wadham discusses what’s next for Jax Junior. Plus, further reaction from Simone Meloni at the Godolphin Industry Thoroughbred Awards.

Nick reflects in this special episode on an extraordinary night at Southwell to witness Constitution Hill's storming and highly charged return to the track before a capacity crowd. He examines the significance of the performance itself and the night as a whole with owner Michael Buckley, trainer Nicky Henderson, ARC CEO Martin Cruddace, sponsor Adam Baylis from SBK, trainer of the runner-up Kevin Philippart de Foy, Timeform's Dan Barber, Marcus Armytage from the Daily Telegraph, BHA COO Richard Wayman as well as racegoers at the Nottinghamshire track. With thanks to Racetech and ITV for commentaries.

Nick is joined by Racing Post award-winning writer Jonathan Harding to canter through the racing headlines. In a packed show, they are joined first by Clifford Lee, the rider who suffered a life threatening injury in a bike accident last October, but who now has his sights set on a return for the beginning of the Flat turf season. Also today, trainer Martin Brassil issues a positive bulletin on Gold Cup contender Fastorslow and runs through he remainder of his interesting Festival squad, while we hear from Fergal O'Brien on his runner in tonight's "Constitution Hill" race at Southwell, plus a number of his leading Cheltenham contenders. Meanwhile, Fiona Needham tells us that she might have another stable flag bearer on her hands in tomorrow's Eider Chase, and French-based Noel George makes encouraging noises about the chances of Allure in Kempton's Adonis Hurdle. Nick also checks in with Henry Dwyer as he's about to saddle two in the Tasmanian Oaks at Launceston, and he has news of his European Squad for 2026.

Nick is joined by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead for another edition of the popular daily racing podcast. First up today, trainer Ralph Beckett on the stalemate at the heart of racing's governance. Also on today's show, owner Max McNeill gets excited about Grand National and Bobby Chase contender Three Card Brag and his Cheltenham hopeful No Drama This End. Plus, Josh Guerriero on what the spring might look like for the talented Jagwar, Rob Stephens on his stable star Caballero Cliff, David Egan visits Arizona Blaze at the Irish National Stud, and Kevin Phillipart de Foy on trying to spoil Constitution Hill's party.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates to discuss the issues of the day from around the racing world. Acknowledging Constitution Hill making the cut at Southwell, they move quickly on to the latest developments in the sport's own battle with itself in establishing a new governance model. ROA Council member Sam Hoskins joins the debate. Plus, with the pubclication of the Grand National weights, we hear from Panic Attack's owner Bryan Drew (also has news on Final Demand) and Henry de Bromhead, who has 5 in the National and also goes through key members of his Festival squad. JA McGrath has the latest from Hong Kong.

Nick is joined by ITV and Sky Sports presenter Matt Chapman to discuss the latest from around the racing world. Matt has been to Nicky Henderson's base at Seven Barrows, harvesting exclusive content surrounding the Champion Hurdle participation of Constitution Hill, discussed here at the top of the show. Also today, trainer Adam Nicol joins us to talk about his Triumph Hurdle fancy Minella Study, while Ben Pauling tidies up some unanswered Festival questions, Dan Barber from Timeform scans the list of top class jumpers who went for a spin on the Flat late in their careers, and Channel 7's Emma Freedman has the latest from Australia, including news of those horses that might have Royal Ascot on the agenda.

Nick is joined by RTE and Racing TV broadcaster Jane Mangan for Monday's edition of the popular racing podcast. They look back on the best of the weekend action, and are joined by TPD's Adam Mills to assess the merits of Forever Young's Saudi Cup win. Also on today's show, Adrien Cugnasse explains the sudden departure of France Galop chief Elie Hennau, while - looking ahead to Cheltenham - we hear from trainers Emmet Mullins and Emma Lavelle. Stuart Williams reflects on another famous triumph for stalwart Quinault in Qatar, while Nick and Jane also discuss the Constitution Hill ballot and wrap up the rest of the day's news.

Nick is joined by Oli Bell to look ahead to a wonderful weekend of racing across the globe, headlined by the Saudi Cup, the world's richest horserace. Also today, Michelle Yu pays tribute to trainer John Shirreffs, who died last night. Plus, George Boughey on his Neom Turf fancy Survie, and Ed Walker on his recent purple patch in Dubai. From Australia, Vicky Leonard updates her on her impending court date with Peter V'Landys.

Nick is in Riyadh ahead of the 2026 Saudi Cup, where he catches up with Kyoto Maekawa, the first woman to be licensed in Japan by the JRA and trainer of Cup contender Sunrise Zipangu. Plus, broadcast colleague Michelle Yu runs down the US contingent across the card. Also on today's show, Cornelius Lysgaht joins Nick to wrap up all the latest from around the racing world, with contributions today from trainers Joe Tizzard and Alan King, both of whom are well represented this weekend. Eddie Harty Jr pays tribute to his father, a towering figure of jump racing and equestrianism who died yesterday aged 88, just a week after his wife Patricia.

Nick is in Riyadh ahead of this weekend's Saudi Cup. The city also plays host this week to the Asian Racing Conference, where Nick catches up with NYRA CEO David O'Rourke, alongside Total Performance Data supremo Will Duff-Gordon. At the track, trainer Tom Clover talks about his quartet of runners across 4 Middle Eastern venues over the next fortnight, while Toshi Onikubo runs the rule over the Japanese contingent. David Yates is in Closutton, drawing out the thoughts of Willie `Mullins on his key Cheltenham contenders.

Nick brings you today's edition from Riyadh ahead of this weekend's Saudi Cup, the world's richest horserace. In Riyadh, Nick talks to Bob Baffert, who stands in the way of Forever Young's repeat bid with Nysos and Nevada Beach. He also catches up with JCSA's Chief Racing Officer David McKinnon. Meanwhile - in Ireland - Daily Mirror journalist David Yates sits down with Gordon Elliott to spin through his massive Festival squad, while Dan Barber adds the Timeform perspective. Plus, in association with Weatherbys, Jessica Rummel from Norton Grove Stud has news on a high profile recent acquisition.

Nick is joined by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead to canter through the day's racing headlines. `Reviewing all the action from Newbury, Nick and Lee are joined by Timeform's Dan Barber too ask whether Tutti Quanti can really make up into a Champion Hurdle horse. Plus, Connor King rejoins the show to reflect on Oscar's Brother's barnstorming performance at Navan, trainer Nick Gifford mulls over whether to run stable star Aworkinprogress at Haydock this weekend, while Joseph O'Brien has all points of the compass covered with runners in Ireland, Britain, Qatar and Saudi Arabis this weekend, plus news on his Cheltenham hopefuls, including Talk the Talk. Nick and Lee also discuss Friday Night Live, as well as the perennial mares hurdle debate, stoked over the weekend by leading owner Max McNeill.

Nick is joined by RTE and Racing TV analyst Jane Mangan for a canter through today's worldwide racing news. They lead with the fallout from the Philip Byrnes verdict, acquitting the jockey of deliberately jumping off his mount at Wexford last summer. They ask why the case against him was so thinly constructed and what role the contracted BHA betting integrity monitors played in the case. Also today, updates on the BHA's own governance issues and the latest in the Parkin/Foley/Sands of Mali case. Plus, with an eye to the weekend, young trainer Connor King looks forward to Oscar's Brother taking another step towards the Grand National in the Ten Up Chase at Navan, while rookie trainer Dan Horsford seeks a milestone win at Newbury, agent and owner Dan Astbury chronicles the tale of Aisling Oscar, now an eight time consecutive handicap winner, and Bren O'Brien from The Straight on unregulated and black market share in Australia and Japan.