Nick Luck Daily Podcast

The Saturday Edition - 182 by Nick Luck

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop for the Friday edition of the popular daily racing podcast. As they prepare to usher in the weekend's highlights, they are joined by owner Bryan Drew - whose Final Demand and Panic Attack promise plenty across GB and Ireland. Henry de Bromhead also joins the show with news on his many runners over the weekend, while other guests include TBA CEO Naomi Mellor, who has news of Breeders' Day at Warwick next week, and Tattersalls MD Matt Prior with the latest from the sales house.

Nick is back with the popular daily racing podcast alongside racing post lead writer Lee Mottershead. With the news the State Man is out for the season still fresh, Nick gets the latest on two horses whose careers have intertwined with his: Gordon Elliott tells us Brighterdaysahead will to run at Navan this weekend, while Jeremy Scott says that Golden Ace may yet make the Fighting Fifth after her disappointing comeback. Plus, Ben Pauling reflects on an excellent day yesterday with Diva Luna, while updating us on several stable stars. In Bahrain, Nick catches up with Godolphin boss Hugh Anderson, and handicapper Phil Smith as the kingdom seeks Group One status for its biggest race. Plus TPD's Adam Mills tries to find a tactical angle into the Bahrain Trophy. With Magic Millions the next major Australian staging post, MD Barry Bowditch explains how this event has become such a phenomenon in recent years.

Nick is joined by ITV's Oli Bell to canter through this morning's racing headlines. With a whole host of stars set to take to the stage this weekend in Ireland and the UK, Nick talks to Charlie McCarthy - owner of Kopek des Bordes - about the return of last season's star novice hurdler, set for his chasing debut at Navan this weekend. Also on the show, James Owen spins through a host of smart horses bound for Cheltenham, including Ambiente Friendly, Trad Jazz, Hallelujah U, Burdett Road and more. In Bahrain, Nick catches up with Thady Gosden, Ralph Beckett and Dan and Clare Kubler, while JA McGrath has the latest from Hong Kong, including a tribute to jockey Brian Rouse, who has died aged 85.

Nick is joined by RTE and Racing TV broadcaster Jane Mangan to look over today's racing headlines. They are joined first by National Trainers' Federation CEO Paul Johnson, who warns of the potential impact of business rate rises on training establishments in Britain. Also on today's show, in-form trainer Sam Thomas on what promises to be another fruitful weekend at Cheltenham, plus Timeform's Dan Barber with encouraging words on a few novice chasers. In Bahrain, Nick reflects on a season of plenty with trainer Karl Burke, and gets the lowdown on Bahrain International contender Royal Champion, as well as an update on injured stable rider Clifford Lee. George Scott reflects on another Group One win at the weekend, while Overbury's Simon Sweeting considers how studs such as his own should and can respond to the foal crop crisis. Kentucky-based stalwart consignor James Keogh is this week's Weatherbys Bloodstock Guest.

Nick is joined by Mirror Newsboy David Yates to discuss the latest from around the racing world. Dan Skelton joins the show to reflect on his excellent weekend, too look ahead to his fancies for the Paddy Power fixture, and for comment on the news of the moment surrounding pitiful fields for novice chases. Also today, Nick and Dave round up the action from the last few days, Ann Duffield tells us why she's handing over the reins and also details the impact of John Dance on her business. Plus, with Nick now in Bahrain, Racing Director Ed Veale joins the show to preview this Friday's big race, while Charlotte catches up with owner Phil Cunningham on his squad for Dubai.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by Racing TV’s Lydia Hislop to look ahead to the racing on British soil this weekend, on which we hear from Josh Guerriero, who runs two in the Grand Sefton at Aintree, favourite White Rhino and last year’s third Gaboriot. Charlotte and Lydia look back at the key performances from yesterday and give their assessment, they discuss the walk-over at Newbury yesterday and small fields at Wincanton tomorrow and also the upcoming sale of stallion Sands of Mali and the complications behind the ownership of this horse. Kelly Thomas, breeder of Gstaad shares the story of how she bought the dam for £800, who has now provided them with two individual Group 1 winners. Lydia looks at a recent article in the Irish Times regarding accusations against suspended trainer Luke Comer and looks at the report published by the Treasury Committee on the taxation of gambling.

Nick, in Melbourne, is joined by David Yates to reflect on the events of the day from around the racing world. Nick catches up with owner Stewart Andrew, who talks about his hopes for National hero Nick Rockett as well as his burgeoning love affair with racing in Australia. Also today, jockey Sean Levey speaks candidly about his recent lengthy whip ban and how his motivation may have been misconstrued in the BHA enquiry. Plus, Mary Ellet - for many years the 'go-to' for ponying internationals ahead of America's biggest races discusses her role and why she got such a kick out of Forever Young's Classic win. Meanwhile, Graham Budd has news of his latest memorabilia auction at the Museum in Newmarket next week.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by Jane Mangan first off to continue to look back on the international action that we’ve enjoyed over the last few days starting at the Breeders’ Cup and the European achievements before moving onto Melbourne on where we hear from Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jamie Melham who Nick called up with the day after her big success. Next attentions turn to the jumps as Rebecca Curtis weighs up the pros and cons of the Betfair Chase at Haydock over the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury for Cheltenham Festival and Irish National winner Haiti Couleur. Olly Murphy, who has Resplendent Grey in both races, shares his likely plans for the recent Carlisle winner as well as discussing some of his other brightest stars, including Jonbon and Douvan’s half brother. Jane takes a look at the Clonmel Oil Chase tomorrow featuring three high class horses including Il Etait Temps who could be set for a big season and also an intriguing mares contest on the same card. We also hear from one of the latest jockeys to join the training ranks Nick Schofield, who sends out his first runner tomorrow, before wrapping up the show with our regular Wednesday update from Hong Kong with JA McGrath.

Nick is on the scene at Flemington in the aftermath of the Melbourne Cup 2025, won by Half Yours. We hear from winning rider Jamie Melham, before Nick sits down with co-trainer Tony McEvoy to talk through the deep significance of the success. Wayne Lordan, rider of runner up Goodietwoshoes, also joins the show, while we hear from expat Dom Sutton, who fields a key contender in Thursday's Oaks, as well as Oliver and Tanya Sherwood, mid-sabbatical down under. Plus, BHA CEO Brant Dubshea reacts to newspaper reports that racing will get its carve out on the budget, while Dan Barber is here for a jumps review from last weekend. Australian sports host Adam Peacock is alongside for comment and insight.

Nick has landed in Melbourne from California, where he is joined by Lee Mottershead on the day between the Cups. Reflecting on the remarkable victory of Ethical Diamond in Del Mar, Willie Mullins joins Nick in the Qantas departure lounge, while your host tracks down the winning owners - Andrew and Michael Heffernan - after they have touched down. At the Call of the Card event, Nick talks to Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison, defending Cup champion Robbie Dolan, Racing.com host Michael Felgate and man of the moment in Australia Stephen Power aka The Racing Blogger.

Nick is joined by Rishi Persad at Del Mar ahead of Breeders' Cup 2025 with all the latest racing news. Guests today include Ron Anderson, latterly agent to Frankie Dettori, plus Dettori's new employer Kia Joorabchian on how his future is likely to look. Plus, Mike Repole, as forthright as ever on the Breeders' Cup Classic, Sam Sangster, Richard Brown and Tim Gredley. Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien looks ahead to the Melbourne Cup, and Charlotte chats to reigning champion Simone Meloni as the deadline approaches for the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Awards.

Ahead of the 2025 Breeders Cup from Del Mar Charlotte Greenway recaps on the interviews from the last couple of weeks with connections of runners over the next couple of days. We kick off with the feature race the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which unfortunately does not feature Sovereignty after he was ruled out with the temperature. We do however hear from Michael McCarthy, trainer of Journalism who’ll be hoping to win it for the three-year-olds, whilst Yoshito Yahagi shares his hopes of winning the race with Forever Young and becoming the first Japanese horse to do so. Finally on this, Mike Smith, the winning most Jockey at the BC discusses his mount and along with his four others. Then moving on, we hear from Christophe Soumillon on all of his rides for Aidan O’Brien as he continues to step in for Ryan Moore whilst Patrick Cooper shares why he believes Amiloc will be suited by the BC Turf. Billy Koch also talks about Gold Phoenix‘s chance in the Turf and finally James Owen previews Wimbledon Hawkeye’s chances before Hugo Palmer looks at his runner in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, Ardisia. Jockey Umberto Rispoli is along to pick out his best ride of the weekend along with trainer Cherie DeVeaux, who send a select team to Del Mar. Finally, we hear about the chances of two European challenges in the turf sprint, Khaadem and Shes Quality.

Nick brings you Thursday's edition once again from Del Mar, home to this year's Breeders' Cup. He reacts to the news that Frankie Dettori has announced his retirement from USA racing, before he sits down at length with Bill Mott, who today was forced to withdraw favourite Sovereignty from the Breeders' Cup Classic. Also on today's show, Umberto Rispoli looks beyond losing the Journalism ride and anticipates a bold showing from Johannes and some of his other remaining mounts. Finally, we hear from Dr Des Leadon on why the proposed EU welfare of animals in transit bill could wreak havoc on the racing industry.

Nick is at Del Mar, and reacts to the news that broke on Tuesday morning that Breeders' Cup headliner Sovereignty may miss the race, according to trainer Bill Mott. US broadcaster Michelle Yu was on hand when the announcement was made and gives her perspective. Also today, Nick has a glorious chat with two of the sport's great achievers and survivors, Patrick Biancone and Mike Smith. Smith has five rides this Weekend, including Nevada Beach in the Classic, while Biancone relies on juvenile turf sprint fancy Lennilu. He also explains how All Along was defeated in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Turf. Plus, Cormac Breathnach from Keeneland is along to talk about the pre-BC sale on Wednesday night, and Tattersalls' Jason Singh talks to Charlotte about the mares' sale. Meanwhile, Nick reflects on Dylan Browne McMonagle's first jockeys' championship with the Irish Field's Mark Boylan, catches up with Forever Young's trainer Yoshito Yahagi, and gets the lowdown on Tuesday's treasury select committee questions on gambling with Neil Channing.

Nick is at Del Mar, soaking up the atmosphere and reflecting on the Post Position Draw for Breeders' Cup 2025. He does so in the company of Rishi Persad and Matt Chapman, while guests include trainer Cherie DeVaux, syndicate supremo and broadcaster Billy Koch, and Breeders' Cup CEO Drew Fleming, Dan Barber joins in to give us the Timefom perspective on what's hot and what's not at Del Mart.

Nick - now in California ahead of the Breeders' Cup - is joined by Mirror man David Yates to discuss the latest from around the racing world. Christophe Soumillon, fresh from another Group One double yesterday gives his verdict on the Ballydoyle two year olds, while looking ahead to the Breeders' Cup, where he will strive to get down to his lowest riding weight to ride Minnie Hauk in the Turf at 8st 7lbs. Also today, Karl Burke with the latest on Clifford Lee, Sam Hoskins on election to the ROA board, and Jason Richardson with a report on an historic Cox Plate. Plus, we discuss the latest industry efforts on the Racing Tax.

Nick is joined by Jane Mangan to discuss the latest from around the racing world. They ask whether Aidan O'Bri can help surpass his own record of Group One wins in a season with a healthy contribution this weekend. Our Breeders' Cup coverage continues with She's Quality's trainer Jack Davison and with Adam Mills on why the draw is crucial in the Breeders' Cup Turf. James McDonald drops in to tell us why he thinks Via Sistina will be back on point in this weekend's Cox Plate, while Jamie Osborne looks forward to more Dubai Carnival success with a solid string of dirt horses, and Jason Singh previews the horses in training catalogue. Meanwhile, Plumpton Director Thomas Savill tells us about his remarkable charity bike ride in aid of the rare form of cancer that claimed the life his sister Charlotte.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop for today's edition of the popular racing podcast. They begin with Zac Purton, responding to Maureen Haggas's candid comments on his ride on Lake Forest. Also on today's show, Craig Kieswetter on Il Etait Temps, his own trip to the Breeders' Cup and his international bloodstock empire. Plus Hugo Palmer on a US-Aus 24 hour special with Ardisia and Seagulls Eleven, and James Owen on his two Breeders' Cup runners. Nick and Lydia look ahead to the weekend and discuss the £10m Unibet fine.

Nick is joined by Matt Chapman for a canter through the racing headlines, and with a strong focus on next weekend's epic Breeders' Cup Classic. We hear from Sovereignty's rider Junior Alvarado plus get the lowdown on old rival Journalism from trainer Michael McCarthy, who explains why regular rider Umberto Rispoli has lost the ride to Jose Ortiz. Also on today's show, Charlie Hills speaks movingly about what's next for him, Cicero's Gift and Del Mar-bound Khaadem. Penny Taylor from Godolphin drops in to remind all to get voting ahead of the TIEA Awards, while Jamie Insole is hoping for more luck at the Tattersalls Horses in Training after the success of Witness Stand, plus Jim is back with the latest from Hong Kong.