WORD OF SPORT

AP McCOY HAT TRICK ON SUPER SATURDAY

2012-02-25T20:50:00.004+01:00

While i selected 10 winners at the races on Saturday, the great AP McCoy had an excellent hat trick at Chepstow.

The first win for the champion jump jockey was indeed on one of my selections. Holywell was 4-1 this morning. The horse won at a much shorter price. Next up AP won on a horse that was 4-7 in a field of five intended runners when i made the selection. Only three horses ran in the end and that meant that TeaforThree came home first at a much shorter SP price.

I opted against the third winner for McCoy today. I was tempted at the price of 6-1 for his ride on Dream Esteem, but chose instead to be on Charm School, which came a length and a half behind in second.

Last December I sat down with AP McCoy to talk about his career. Here is that half hour conversation.

TONY McCOY TALKS RACING from Vernon Grant on Vimeo.

TEN WINNERS AT THE RACES ON SATURDAY

2012-02-25T19:49:00.006+01:00

Members of my profitable punting selection service received 10 winners across four race meetings on Saturday. And there were prices to suit all tastes.

Hunt Ball has now won for members on a handful of occasions of late and showed no sign of stopping today. A horse that defied the handicapper once more and, yet again, at an odds against price. This time of 7-4. The owner of the horse was reduced to tears of joy live on Channel 4 Racing. It reminded everyone about the pleasure this great sport can bring to one and all.

And members of the subscription service via this site were also happy. Those who got on any number of the winners on Saturday.

Junoob was priced at 8-1 when members who like to back each way received that tip late on Friday night. The horse came from last to first to win in style at Lingfield.

Then there were the odds on winners that some punters prefer. Horses such as Grumeti. An easy winner at Kempton Park at a price of 1-2. Next stop for that one will be the Cheltenham Festival in March.

I will, of course, be making selections at that wonderful feast of racing in March. But then members receive tips on a minimum of five days of the week, every week. Along with weekly football selections. And video diaries. And first viewing of on camera interviews with people such as Tony McCoy - a jockey who had three winners himself today.

But is is the selections that members sign up for first and foremost.

And today, Saturday February 25th 2012; there were 10 horses that came first for us.

Here they are:-

Junoob 8-1

Holywell 4-1

Hunt Ball 7-4

Bendant 2-1

Cristal Bonus 15-8

Oasis Dancer 7-4

Virginia Ash 5-4

Grumeti 1-2

Agent Archie 1-2

TeaforThree 4-7

Enjoy your winnings!

If you want to join us, sign up using the Paypal button on this page.

CONFESSIONS OF A FOOTBALL REPORTER

2012-02-22T16:46:00.003+01:00

ALAN BIGGS - CONFESSES ALL from Vernon Grant on Vimeo.

Vernon Grant of http://www.wordofsport.blogspot.com sits down with the author of 'Confessions of a Football Reporter.'

Alan Biggs is a very experienced football journalist and broadcaster.

He works for the BBC and his match reports on football matches can be heard on 'Final Score.'

Much of his reporting takes place in Yorkshire, including in the Steel city of Sheffield.

In this conversation he discusses football in the county, past and present.

The football managers and chairman he has worked with.

Infamous incidents in football, such as the day he witnessed Paolo di Canio push a referee to the floor.

Alan Biggs offers his outspoken views on the money swishing around football today and how much he thinks a footballer should actually be paid.

It's a fascinating, funny and informative discussion about the football Alan Biggs has seen from his seat in the press box.

A detailed and revealing thirty minute interview, initially exclusively available to subscribers of our selections service.

VIDEO DIARY FOR SUBSCRIBERS

2012-02-22T16:02:00.001+01:00

Video Diary - Feb 22nd from Vernon Grant on Vimeo.

AN INTRODUCTION TO WHAT I OFFER

2012-02-17T18:54:00.001+01:00

8 WINNERS ON FRIDAY. THAT'S 19 IN 48 HOURS

2012-02-17T18:06:00.007+01:00

Photos: A day at Newbury races. Top: Long Run, one of our 8 winners. Middle: Tony McCoy signs autographs after winning the last on another of our winning tips. Bottom: Paul Nicholls trained Zarkander, a 3-1 winner for us. Here Paul is pictured with a friend!

There was a feast of racing on offer on Friday. The rearranged meeting at Newbury was splendid. Those able to attend got in free. On show were some of the finest horses racing in the UK. Many preparing for the Cheltenham Festival next month.

Members of the selection service offered via this site were given 5 of the 7 winners at Newbury along with three other winners around the country today.

The winners were:-

Midnight Appeal 5-1

Shutthefrontdoor 9-2

For Non Stop 10-3

Zarkander 3-1

Open Hearted 2-1

Il de Re 8-13

Sprinter Sacre 4-7

Long Run 8-15

There was also profit for each way backers who, in the race won by Zarkander, were on Raya Star. It was placed third at odds of 10-1.

But the most remarkable turn of events at Newbury surrounded champion jockey AP McCoy (see earlier post). He had a shocking fall in one race, and I feared he would be out of action for months. But he was back racing within hours and won on our final tip of the day at Newbury, Shutthefrontdoor, selected for subscribers on Thursday evening at odds of 9-2.

A quality day of racing and some profitable punting into the bargain.

And at £10 per month, or £100 a year, the selection service is just that. A bargain.

NOW I'M THE ONE BEING INTERVIEWED!

2012-02-17T16:54:00.002+01:00

AP McCOY - YOU CAN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN

2012-02-17T15:49:00.011+01:00

Tony McCoy had a shocking fall at Newbury on Friday. He was riding Darlan in the Betfair Hurdle and looked to be in with every chance late on when the horse did not take the fence. McCoy fell and was then hit badly by another horse.

But, AP being AP, he got up. Following treatment and the application of an ice pack, he made every effort to return to racing in the last race of the meeting on Friday.

What's more he went on to win that last race on Shuthefrontdoor. One of our 5 winners from 7 selections at this excellent rearranged Newbury meeting. The profitable punter tipped it up to members paying just £10 a month last night, when the odds were 9-2.

This race came a day after he was hit with another whip ban. This time a four day ban. Stewards said he had used the whip nine times when driving Prince of Pirates to a dead heat win at Leicester on Thursday. That is one more use than permitted. The ban for that offence itself is two days but AP's ban was doubled due to it being a second offence. He had used the whip once too often in a race last November.

So it's been both a painful and costly 24 hours for the champion jump jockey. I saw the fall today and it looked bad. As John Francome asked when seeing AP get to his feet: "What is this man made of?"

Whip bans and falls were part of his conversation with me in December. When he talked about falls, injuries, winners and much more.

Here is that half hour interview. Watch at your leisure.

WOLVES THROW McCARTHY TO THE LIONS

2012-02-13T15:46:00.009+01:00

In a volte-face that is more disappointing than surprising, those who run Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club have sacked team manager Mick McCarthy. He had been in the job for more than five years and leaves the club in a much better state than he found it back in 2006.

Chairman Steve Morgan and Chief Executive Jez Moxey have spent months speaking of how they were standing right behind McCarthy and that they had no intention of replacing him as manager.

For once I actually believed those running football clubs might be telling the truth. More fool me. Worse. Mick McCarthy believed them.

But they were standing behind him while hiding a knife up their sleeves.

The end came after a humiliating local derby defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. Wolves were well beaten 5-1. In the end the sacking of McCarthy was not a surprise.

I am afraid the unrealistic expectation disease has infected many a Wolves fan. They are not the first to suffer from this potentially fatal virus. They will not be the last.

As has happened at other clubs in years gone by, such as Sheffield Wednesday (who sacked Trevor Francis when mid table in the Premiership) and Aston Villa, who parted company with Martin O'Neill (who constantly managed them to a top six finish); Wolves have bowed to the noisy minority of fans who so abused Mick McCarthy at matches.

As I seem to find myself saying to many fans these days, including Arsenal supporters wanting rid of Arsene Wenger... be very careful what you wish for.

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the pitch - or with another manager.

So now that Wolves have sacked a manager after the transfer deadline, who do they get to manage the team and keep the once great club in the top flight of football?

I guarantee only one thing. Whichever of the usual suspects they choose, that person will not work as hard at the job as Mick McCarthy did.

Wolves may benefit from the bounce back factor that often happens at clubs when a new manager is appointed. This is usually a brief period of uplifting results brought about because players get a lift from a new boss, or simply want to impress the new man. Or, in some cases, because they were deliberately not trying for the man who has been sacked. In fairness, I do not believe the latter to be the case in this instance.

A fresh face making an immediate and positive difference is now the best hope for Wolves staying up. But i think the club has made a big mistake in getting rid of a man who may not have had the prettiest face in the midlands, but was someone who cared passionately about the future of that club.

Mick McCarthy is good at his job. He is straight, honest and can be trusted.

It seems those he worked for at Molineux didn't tick most of those boxes.

I wish Mick McCarthy well. A good man who deserves better treatment than that which he has received at the hands of Wolves. And their hungry for success fans.

REFUSE TO BEND DIES OF HEART ATTACK

2012-02-12T17:38:00.005+01:00

One of my favourite horses of recent years has died.

Refuse to Bend was a delight to watch in action. It also provided me with some seriously big returns on the betting front during his career.

The 12 year old son of Sadler's Wells died in France where he was due to stand at stud.

First trained by Dermot Weld, Refuse to Bend won the National Stakes and 2000 Guineas.

Thereafter, bought by Sheikh Mohammed, the horse was moved to Saeed Bin Suroor. It was for the team in blue that he won the Queen Anne and Eclipse Stakes (pictured above, left of camera)

Later, when retired to Kildangan stud, he sired Sarafina - winner of some big races. And far from the only subsequent winner to be sired by Refuse to Bend.

In tribute, Dermot Weld said: "He was a horse close to my heart. Lovely made and a proper gentleman. Very honest and true. I have many happy memories of Refuse to Bend."

And, selfishly, so have I. The hairs on the back of my neck still stand to attention when I recall watching him win the 200 Guineas and the Queen Anne. Highlights of watching top class flat racing at that time.

In a period of three weeks in the summer of 2004 Refuse to Bend won for the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot. If memory serves me correctly, I was on at around 12-1 that day. Then, soon after, I was on him at 8-1 in the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

In the space of less than a month I won more the same horse than had happened before or since.

I remember yelling him and jockey Frankie Dettori on to victory and, of course, i remember well the payout from the bookie on each occasion. In those days when I was being paid out in cash, in person, rather than automatically online.

Happy days. Thanks for the memories, Refuse to Bend.

LAST INSTALMENT WINS - WHEN EVENS IS VALUE

2012-02-12T16:11:00.008+01:00

Sometimes members of my rather unique subscription service ask me: "can a price of Evens on a horse truly be value?"

Oh yes! You bet it can.

Take the win by Last Instalment at Leopardstown on Sunday. Some faultless jumping saw the horse win the Grade 1 Dr. P.J. Moriaty Chase.

Leading from start to finish, under the stewardship of Davy Russell, it was a wonderful exhibiition of jumping. Last Instalment is 7-1 to win the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Going into Sunday's race the 7 year old Chestnut gelding had three consecutive wins behind him. When i saw that three or four bookies were offering odds of Evens, i alerted members on Saturday evening, and made it my Nap of the day over in Ireland.

Subscribers often ask me to reflect in my daily e-mails when I am sufficiently confident of a selection that my money is on. And i told them I was most certainly on Last Instalment at what i considered to be generous odds of Evens.

Unsurprisingly the horse won. Unsurprisingly it won at a short odds on SP price of 8-11.

That, my friends, is when Evens represents value.

FABIO CAPELLO WAS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. IN ANY LANGUAGE. EVEN CLARIDGE SPEAK!

2012-02-10T12:34:00.023+01:00

The idea of my having something in common with Steve Claridge fills me with horror.

But we were both right in opposing the appointment of Fabio Capello as England manager.

There our paths divide.

Claridge didn't want Capello because he was a foreigner. He was far from alone in holding such an opinion.

I said from day one that appointing Capello would be a mistake because I did not believe his style of management would work with the England players. And it didn't.

Please do not quote me a 67% win rate under his tenure. You or I could have managed that team to qualify from the group stages of the European Championships.

You will find on the internet previous articles written by me at the time Capello was appointed. The full reasoning for my objection to his appointment is out there.

I actually thought it would be the boring football he likes to play that would first prove his undoing. I suspected the fans would eventually become weary of watching his negative style of play over a period of years. Eventually they did.

But, for a long period of time, they put up with it. Winning matches and qualifying for tournaments was all that mattered to English fans and the press. That sentiment lasted longer than I expected.

It was actually what some players called the "headmaster style" of management that did for Capello. His attitude. His arrogance. His 'i know best, who are you' way of working. He can have that attitude with journalists if he wants.

But he couldn't get away with it when it came to the England players. Modern day footballers do not respond to that style of management any longer.

I would have thought that Capello had learned his lesson at Real Madrid. Where the superstars he managed rebelled against his autocratic style of management. They took their complaints to the highest level at Real Madrid.

They held a meeting in a Madrid restaurant. They tipped the press off first, so that the print and broadcast media could capture them arriving for a 'secret' team meeting.

The straw that had broken the back of the Madrid players was when Capello banished the then influential David Beckham from the squad. Capello had uttered publicly that "David Beckham will not play for Real Madrid again."

The gallecticos of Madrid had long since tired of his negative, defend a lead at all costs, only attack if you have to, method of playing football. Capello has rarely played two men up front. He doesn't believe in it.

When people say to me 'ah, but he won La Liga with Real Madrid'; i have to remind them that the players won the title that year. Not the manager.

Real Madrid won La Liga that season because the players, with the permission of those who truly ran the club back then, ignored Capello's tactics. It was the ultimate case of player power. They simply played the formation and style of play that they believed would win them the title. They were right. The more attacking style of play saw them win La Liga that season.

In spite of Capello. Not because of him.

Capello knew he was a spare part at Real Madrid. He stuck with it and was more than happy to take the credit. He had already planned his next move. That is the man.

I feel sure that had the England players chosen to stage a meeting at which they planned to defy Capello, it would have been held at Nandos!

By the way. Do not waste too much of your life believing the words of Wayne Rooney and others who were quick to say how sorry they were that Capello had resigned. I would imagine Rio Ferdinand threw a party for certain members of the England team.

There will have been lots of 'high 5's' going on in Cheshire and the more expensive suburbs of Manchester the other night.

And at the FA. There have been some very polite words spoken by the officials of the Football Association since Capello quit.

But make no mistake about it. There will have been smiles and group hugs in certain offices at Wembley the moment Capello walked out of the building for the last time.

The FA had wanted rid of Capello for ages. From not long after the time when the true man to blame for this mess had awarded Capello a contract extension.

Where was a certain Sir David Richards the other day when a panel of four from the FA met the press?

It was Richards who was foolish enough to give Capello more money, and a longer contract, before England performed so miserably in the World Cup.

One of the worst decisions ever made by the FA in my years of following how they go about their business. And that is saying something. I have had dealings with the FA, on and off, since the late seventies.

Chairman David Bernstein looks like he may be a good man now in charge of the FA. At least, unlike some of those who went before him, he will not be sharing with the team manager the sexual pleasures offered by female employees of the FA.

But Bernstein was palpably wrong the other day when he in reply to a question asking if the appointment of Capello had been both expensive and a mistake said:

"It was certainly expensive but nobody could argue that it was a mistake."

I can and I do.

Fabio Capello was both expensive and a mistake. A big and costly one. Not just in money. But also, and crucially, in time.

More time has been wasted. Just like the Sven Goran Eriksson years. Why did the FA become obsessed in thinking foreign coaches were automatically better than home grown ones?

Sven was another mistake.

If only Martin O'Neill or Harry Redknapp had been in charge of the players available at the time of the 2004 European Championships. Or soon after, during the qualifying period for the World Cup.

I thought England had some of the best young players available at that time than for many a year. Arguably the most promising since World Cup 1966. Some players who were in their prime. Others who were just maturing into very good players. And some young talented players who should have been included, and not left at home.

But, as ever, the FA get the appointments wrong. It always seems to me to be a case of the right team coupled with the wrong manager. Or the right manager at a time when the team is not the best.

For as long as I can remember, the Football Association appoint the wrong man. Or they appoint the right man too late.

If Harry Redknapp was to be England manager, it should have been long before now.

At least six years ago. If not him then Martin O'Neill. He was interviewed for the job but refused to answer the FA's questioning about whether or not he would include David Beckham in the squad. And, if so, would Beckham be captain. Martin told the FA to mind their own business.

Imagine what O'Neill or Redknapp could have achieved with the England players available back then.

"O'Neill? He's foreign! I hear some of you and, no doubt, Steve Claridge say. We don't want a foreigner managing England."

I've even heard the north-south divide raise its silly, parochial head this week.

Callers from the north - all of whom think anyone living south of Sunderland or Barnsley is a cockney - have been very vocal. "We don't want the cockney mafia managing England"... "Why has it always got to be a Londoner who manages England?"

Well, if truth be told, it hasn't been. Look up the birthplace of England managers in my 53 years on this earth. You will not find many born in London. And, anyway, weren't you all in the pubs of Barnsley, Bradford and Bolton cheering on the England side of Euro 1996. Managed by one Terry Venables (birthplace Dagenham, Essex). Not within the sound of Bow bells, by the way.

I don't care where the England manager is born. I don't care if he is born in England.

If the FA are to be believed, the next manager of England doesn't have to be English.

According to Bernstein: "He has to be the best man for the job."

Were that truly the case then i suggest they look no further than Guus Hiddink.

If we are talking about managing teams in European Championships and World Cups, then Hiddink is the man. He's Dutch so he won't get the job this time. Maybe next time. When, again, it is too late in the day.

Harry is the right man for the job. He is not the best man for the job. There is a difference.

I hope, for his own sake, that Harry doesn't take the job. It will damage his health and, more likely than not, see his solid career end on a sour note. I hope I am wrong. Nobody will be happier than me if Harry is seen to have had success with the national side.

By whatever means that success is measured.

But there you have the problem. Unrealistic expectations from fans will mean that Harry will be expected to win the World Cup in 2016. If he survives that long.

The press, the majority of whom profess their love for Harry, will change their tune. Not all of them, but enough of them to turn the atmosphere sour for Harry.

You see, not all the press are in Harry's camp. Like Venables before him, Harry has for years had his favourites in what used to be called Fleet Street. That has offered him protection from being on the receiving end of too much criticism in print for decades.

But it also means that those who are not included in 'Team 'Arry' feel aggrieved. Just as those members of the press who were not given free membership of 'Scribes', the club once run by Venables when he was in his pomp, felt miffed when they were not seen as one of Tel's men.

It was they who assisted their news desks in digging up dirt on Terry. It will be those same journalists who will not shed a tear should Harry fail, or should the investigative reporters on their newspaper seek to try and prize further imagined skeletons from the Redknapp closet.

If you think the press will not turn on Harry, you are wrong. They always do. They suck up to the new England manager and then, when a couple of results go wrong, they begin to turn the screw. People forget that the press turned on Bobby Robson. When i saw some of the hacks at the memorial service for Bobby, i could still recite to them some of the bile they wrote about the lovely man when his tenure with England was faltering.

A few of the longer serving members of the sports press are a bunch of sycophantic hypocrites.

I noted this week that their treatment of Bobby Robson, prior to him being billed as the Messiah when England reached the World Cup semi-final of 1990; had not been forgotten by one other man.

Harry Redknapp.

More than once this past week he has spoken of how Bobby Robson was on the receiving end of some negative and vile comments from the press and fans.

Harry may not, according to him, be able to spell. But, clearly, there's nothing wrong with his memory.

That will weigh heavily when Harry is approached by the FA. He is a family man first and foremost. How much more can his wife Sandra take?

Harry Redknapp, a proud to be English Englishman, will want to take the job. His generation still sees the job as the pinnacle for any English born football manager. That is the most likely reason why he will say 'yes.'

If the going is later made tough for him, by those very supporters and members of the press who are today begging him to take the job; Harry will just say "stuff it." He'll walk away for the sake of his own health and well being. And that of his family.

He will not seek the type of compensation being paid out to the mercenary who goes by the name of Fabio Capello.

Capello and Eriksson took the England job for the money. Capello was paid four times more than any other manager of a national team. Why wouldn't you take such a job?

Ironically, Harry will be offered nothing like the 24 million pounds that Capello received for his four years of service.

Managing England is the impossible job. I heard Barnsley manager Keith Hill say the following this week.

"Managing England is a poisoned chalice. Harry Redknapp is the best manager to take England forward. But are we (the people) and the media going to allow him to take England forward, create a team, and a team environment within the national side? I don't think we will.

"Within months you guys (the press) will be putting a turnip on his head or hanging a carrot out of his ear"

Well put.

I have grown very weary during the tenure of Capello. Let's face it. Watching an England football game on TV had ceased to be a must watch event for Englishmen.

Watching paint dry was more exciting.

But there has been one front on which I have stuck up for Capello. This national obsession with him not speaking English. If I hear Steve Claridge and others bang on one more time about how Capello refused to learn English, I shall scream.

When will Claridge next be making a characteristically monotone appearance on 'The Football League Show' - only in Spanish? Or Italian?

Or, come to that, in English?

I am sick and tired of broadcasters or pundits having a go at a man in his 60's for not being able to learn a foreign language. He didn't refuse to learn. He tried. He failed. When it comes to learning foreign languages, he is not alone in that regard.

And he tried to learn a foreign language for longer than your average St Georges flag waving Englishman does when he is preparing to go on holiday to Spain. Or to live a new life in Tuscany.

When will Lineker, Hansen and Lawrenson be presenting 'Match of the Day' in a foreign language? When will Claridge be conversing on BBC 5 Live in German or French?

I despair of the 'Johnny Englander' mentality that holds England back on so many fronts. Including when it comes to football. The little island thinking is, if only my fellow Englishmen could see it, the characteristic that is the most negative of all.

I live in Spain. I am 53. I have been here almost 7 years and every day I am learning another word, phrase or sentence in Spanish. Take it from me. The older you are, the harder it is to learn a foreign language.

There was a football fan being interviewed on radio. He said that were he paid 24 million pounds, he would learn Italian in a week.

I've news for you mate. No you would not.

But then, in among all the idiots who were vox popped this week, there was also a man who said he wanted Brian Clough as the next manager!

On many a day I understood Capello more than I ever have Steve Claridge.

An inability to grasp the English language was not the reason Capello was the wrong man for the job. Being English is not the reason Harry Redknapp should be seen as the right man for the role.

It is about the players. Being able to get players to want to play for their country. When Harry was a player he numbered among his colleagues and friends the liked of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. They would have played for England for no financial payment. As it was they got £100 for winning the World Cup.

Why doesn't the FA now turn to the players who, via Twitter, say they want Harry as manager and say the following.

OK. We'll give you the manager you want but, in return, we'll pay you £100 each time you play for England and £1000 if you win a major competition.

Then let us see how many of them are "proud to play for my country."

It is a sad reflection on the game today that, at club or international level, if the manager does not have the support of the majority of the players; he is doomed. No matter where he was born.

I feel sure that the England players will give 50% more effort in the first game for Harry Redknapp than they did in the last game for Capello. They are far from the best players in the world. So all you can do is appoint someone who can get the best from them.

Hiddink and O'Neill could have done that. Harry Redknapp likewise. He will create an environment that results in England players wanting to turn up for training. They will no longer dread joining up with 'Team England'. They will not be retiring early.

That's as much as any England fan should realistically hope for. They won't win a major tournament because they are not good enough.

After all, it wasn't the manager that won Spain the European Championships or World Cup. Luis Aragones and Vincente del Bosque are not the best managers in the world. Far from it.

But they had at their disposal the best players of a generation.

Harry Redknapp will not be so blessed.

But, if granted those rare but vital ingredients of time and patience, at least he'll make England a team worth watching again.

That is all England should expect.

I'M HAPPY FOR HARRY & MILAN

2012-02-08T13:59:00.012+01:00

What seems like a lifetime ago i found myself in a public toilet in the company of one football club official and a high profile football manager, who is still in the game today.

A supermarket carrier bag was exchanged inside which was a bung (we call it a bonus these days) for the manager. It was his 'nice little earner' for wheeling and dealing in the transfer of a popular player of the 1970's.

'Bungs' were the norm then. It was not the last time i was aware of cash changing hands in relation to the transfer of players. It went on. Football just turned a blind eye to it. In those days, so did the press.

One good thing to come out of the nonsensical prosecution of Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric is that managers getting money for selling players is now more above board. It's official. Many a manager, across the leagues, gets a % when transferring a player. No need now to do such a deal surrounded by the sweet aroma emerging from urinals. Sales of brown paper bags have suffered ever since!

Mandaric and Redknapp were angry that the taxman brought this case. I feel their anger. For between four and five years a cloud has hung over them.

We should all be angry. This has been a gross waste of public money. The taxpayer has paid a heavy price. The tax authorities have been hell bent on making an example of someone working in the game of football.

HMRC has got it in for football. They are on the scent of the money swilling around at the top end of the game.

I suggest that they should go chase some seriously big, super wealthy tax evaders. You'll find them on their floating homes in locations such as Cannes and Monaco.

Milan Mandaric and Harry Redknapp have put in to football more than they have taken out. I hope Mandaric stays at Sheffield Wednesday for a while yet. He has said this would be the last club he would run in the UK.

Frankly, if i had his money I would now stick two fingers up at the UK. Live somewhere tax free. Why put in so much time, effort and money into UK business when you are treated in this way? Chased relentlessly by HMRC. Were i Mandaric I would get out of the UK. But not until the Owls are promoted!

As for Redknapp, I am delighted for him. In my 40 years of dealing with Harry, on and off, I have nothing but fond memories and good things to say. Of him and his family.

I have always hoped that he doesn't take the England job. Not because he isn't the right man. He always was the right man for the job.

But because I like Harry. I know the stress of this case has taken its toll on his health. And i know that the stress of the England job would do likewise. There is no point saying it is a part time job. Even though certain mercenary foreign managers have treated it that way in recent years. In this day and age, managing England is a full time appointment.

The expectancy from England football fans, and the press, will be utterly unrealistic should Harry Redknapp be get the job once the divided players return from a fruitless excursion to Euro 2012, playing for a man they have never liked.

Redknapp being offered the England job now looks more likely. After events this morning, the bookies have made Harry odds on to be the next manager of the national team.

It is because i like Harry, and because I want to see him retire on a high, that i hope he doesn't go and work for the incompetent Football Association.

The press who claim to love Harry will turn on him if and when results go badly wrong for England. Not all the press, but the majority of them.

The same 'hacks' who have been around for decades. The same people who were all over Graham Taylor like a rash, until things went wrong. Then they abused him in a manner which would not be accepted today. I hope.

The same journalists who i well recall having their arms around the late Bobby Robson in the early days of his tenure in charge of England. But who then turned on him when results went wrong and his private life made tabloid headlines.

Odd that. Selective memory syndrome has erased that period from the memories of many of those who report on all things England. They lead us to believe that they backed Bobby all the way to the semi finals of the 1990 World Cup. They did not.

Many of the leading lights of the back pages constantly court a newly appointed manager of the England team. I well recall being at Bisham Abbey for an early training session under Sven-Goran Eriksson. They were preparing for a home game against Italy.

Some of the English press were so far up his backside they were nearly in Sweden!

We went for lunch. I recall the Italian sports press, who had cause to know Sven very well, saying: "Watch out. Don't fall for the Sven charm. He's all smoke and mirrors. He knows a lot less than he's letting on!"

How right they were.

Even Steve McClaren allowed himself to think the sports press were on his side. He thought simply being English would buy him time with them.

The man first labelled the "wally with the brolly" by one Mrs. Andy Townsend, soon realised that managing England is a lonely job. You have few friends. And none in the press box.

When a new manager of England is appointed, the press first go out of their way to be on his side. They pretend to be his best mate. Then, when England fail to win a couple of games that both fans and the press think they should win; those same writers turn on the latest man to take on mission impossible.

For reasons I will never understand, English football fans seem to think England is currently the birthplace of world class footballers. That such talent is readily available, and that we should be winning World Cups or European Championship competitions on a semi-regular basis.

I'm glad i was alive, and just the right age, to enjoy seeing England win the World Cup in 1996. I don't expect to see that happen again in my lifetime. I doubt the biggest 'bung' in the world could secure that outcome.

In 2000 I filmed with Harry at his beautiful home in Dorset. A place he would never leave. That's why he has never been interested in taking a job north of Watford. He loves his home and his family too much to want to spend time away from either.

On that day I sat admiring the views from his home on the peninsula of Sandbanks, Poole.

A place that had changed beyond recognition since i was last there as a teenager in the early 70's.

At the time there were rumours of Harry taking a job elsewhere in the country.

"Look around you Vernon. Why would I want to leave this? This is home and I love it here. No amount of money could make me leave here," he said with feeling.

Today I saw Harry speak with a similar level of emotion.

He said: "The jury was unanimous. There was no case to answer. It has been a nightmare. Now i can get back to my wife Sandra, and my family, and get on with life."

As someone who saw Harry play football. As someone who has enjoyed my dealings with him several times over the years. As someone who cares about the game of football...

I wish him well.

Today and, if he takes the England job, for the entire time he has the job. It would be the best thing to happen to the national team in decades.

Personally, I still hope he turns it down and tries instead to take Tottenham Hotspur on to greater things.

But i suspect the events of today have made it more likely that once the national game in England is rid of the poison called Fabio Capello (the poison i urged it not to swallow back in 2008); England can once again be managed by a more than capable English born manager. A man players with half a brain cell will want to play for.

Harry Redknapp was a colleague and friend of the great Bobby Moore. I wish Bobby were alive today. They could have fallen into a pub together and raised a glass.

With friends like that, who cares about enemies such as HMRC?

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?... JIMMY GREENHOFF

2012-02-07T15:34:00.011+01:00

Top: Jimmy Greenhoff when interviewed by me in 1996. Bottom: Jimmy, left, with brother Brian when playing for Man Utd.

In a series of on camera interviews i conducted in 1996 and 1997, I sat down with many ex footballers from several clubs including Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Sometimes I confess to forgetting all about some of those interviews. I tend to recall the ones that were amusing, fascinating, moving or - due to an ex player being a man of few words - hard work (no names mentioned).

In a series of features here I am stepping back in time 15 years or so and looking back (on VHS) at some of those interviews. Then passing on to you transcribed versions of those conversations.

I well recall interviewing the Greenhoff brothers. Separately, of course. For reasons I never did unearth, Brian and Jimmy have not spoken a word to each other in decades. Back in 1997 I tried to persuade them to get together. But to no avail.

Whatever happened between the brothers clearly cannot be fixed.

I'm not a Man Utd fan but, for many football fans of my age, it was always fascinating to watch the Greenhoff brothers in action. Playing in big league and cup games for Man Utd. Their blond locks sometimes making it hard to spot which one was which. Brian was always in central defence. Jimmy, the stockier of the two, playing in midfield or attack for United.

Jimmy scored 36 goals in all 118 appearances for Manchester United. He also played for Stoke City, Leeds United, Birmingham City, Crewe, Port Vale and Rochdale.

When I met Jimmy Greenhoff at his beloved home which, sadly, was soon lost to him, I found a man who was on the ropes. Life post football had been so unkind to him. He had been cheated out of money by a so called friend and business partner. Jimmy was left having to pay creditors of the failed insurance business when he had played no part in the fraud undertaken by his partner.

I confess that, once we had talked about the glory days of Man Utd, I did not expect the interview to develop in the manner it did. Please remember that this took place in 1996.

Here is the transcript of the section of the interview that deals with his life once the football career in England came to an end. Not long after the 1979 FA Cup Final which United lost to Arsenal, 3-2.

Jimmy Greenhoff: "I had a three and a half year contract left but i couldn't face a life in the reserves after I had tasted glory. I decided to leave Old Trafford while the fans remembered me as someone who did OK for them. So I went.

"I went to the States. I got with the worst football side in the entire league. Toronto Blizzards they were called. Strange name. We weren't blowing anybody apart, I 'll tell you!"

After finishing his football career, Jimmy went into the ill fated insurance business.

He told me "I thought I'd give it 12 months and see how it goes. I quite enjoyed the job. For nine years I was quite happy."

But then the penny dropped that all was not as it should be in his business.

Jimmy: "I got a feeling that something wasn't right. Clients were coming in for whom i couldn't find files. My partner kept making excuses and saying things like he had the files at home. To cut a long story short, the police got involved and it turned out much worse than even I thought.

"I was the man with the collateral and I've had to pay for it. I was 100% blameless. My business partner went to prison.

"He got three years and I feel like myself, my wife and family have got a life sentence. I always felt after leaving football that as long as i had a job, we were always going to be comfortable. We weren't rich as players in those days. We didn't earn megabucks.

"The unfortunate thing is that the house I worked for all my footballing career is now going.

We've lived here now for 27 years in this house. My wife loves it and I must admit I like it.

I dread the day when we walk through that door for the last time. I would rather have done the three years in prison and kept the house for my wife.

Me: "Did you ever ask the question, why me?"

Jimmy: "Yes. Why can a man do something like that. I could never do that to anyone."

Me: "But you have no cause to blame yourself?"

Jimmy: "Yes, for being too trusting. That's why i blame myself. Too trusting."

Me: Could anyone in the game have helped you?

Jimmy: "I wouldn't ask anyone to."

I went on to ask Jimmy about his strained relationship with brother, Brian. The two men who had shared such great moments in football.

Jimmy: "We had a little family argument. It's the only one we ever had. I can't understand it. That's life. It's always about nothing."

Me: But you're from Barnsley, where they say blood is thicker than water. Do you think you'll ever make it up?

Jimmy: "It's a two way thing. If it happens, it happens."

Back in 1996 it became clear to me that Jimmy was suffering. While neither he nor I had any wish to dwell on his misfortune, it was clear by the end of the interview that he was glad of being able to talk to someone outside of his immediate family.

Jimmy: "It does make me poorly. Lots of things cross your mind, of course they do. I think I've been close to it.... but I'm still here."

Me: What are we talking about, suicide?

Jimmy: "Ay I suppose so. I've been close to it, or you think you are. I go to bed and wake up every day with the same thoughts about where I went wrong. Some people can take it. I can't."

Jimmy did pay compliments to the likes of another former Manchester Utd legend, Stuart Pearson. He had tried to help Jimmy with fundraising.

Jimmy said that while some "so called friends" had ignored him once he lost everything; none of them came from the world of football.

We parted with these words.

Jimmy: "I wish i could have played 20 years for Stoke and 20 years for Manchester United. That would have been great."

Me: And what, Jimmy, would you do differently if you had the time again?

"Not go into insurance with that man."

A couple of weeks after that interview I sat down with Brian Greenhoff. A transcript of that interview follows soon.

MUNICH AIR CRASH. "I STILL THINK ABOUT IT. I FELT WE WERE ROBBED" - BILL FOULKES

2012-02-06T15:11:00.015+01:00

Top: Bill Foulkes in 1997. Middle: Bill Foulkes at scene of Munich air disaster. Bottom: The Busby Babes before the crash.

In 1997 I found myself at the home of one of the finest servants to Manchester United, David Sadler. There I met his former colleague, and lifelong friend, Bill Foulkes.

For my age group, a legendary centre half.

I was born in the same year as the Munich air crash. I had two elder brothers who supported Man Utd, so I grew up knowing everything about the great team of the 1960's.

Never could I have imagined that. years later, I would go on to interview, meet and work alongside some of that team.

Bill Foulkes was already a rock at the centre of the Man Utd defence before that fateful day in Munich. And he went on to continue his distinguished career with them when Sir Matt Busby built a new team in the 60's.

I have undertaken some emotional interviews on camera over the years. The day i sat down with Bill Foulkes still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up every time i think about it. Especially today, the 54th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

For the first time in many years, I just braved watching that interview again.

On that day in 1997 I sat down to interview Bill Foulkes about the history of Manchester United with the words of Sadler present in my mind. "He won't talk about Munich, Vernon. He never does."

As it turned out I only had to ask one question: "What do you care to recall of that day?"

Bill finished his answer many, many minutes later. Only he spoke. I did not say another word.

When Bill finally stopped recounting his memory of that tragic day, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

David Sadler and his wife sat spellbound and amazed that their friend had suddenly opened up. I'd like to think it was the manner in which i interviewed Bill that encouraged him to speak. But that had nothing to do with it.

More than likely, for Bill Foulkes, it was the right time for him to open up. And, in the home of the Sadler family, he knew he was among friends.

After the camera had been turned off, Dave Sadler pulled me to one side. He said: "I cannot believe it. In all these years, I have never heard Bill talk about the crash like that. In that detail."

Since that day I have seen Bill Foulkes interviewed on various television stations. Usually when an anniversary of the crash comes around. And each time he tells the story exactly the same.

Here is the transcript of that answer to my one question. The very emotional, very detailed account of the Munich air crash as remembered by one of the best defenders of his day.

Me: "What do you care to recall of that day?"

Bill Foulkes said: "In those days I used to love flying and never thought anything of feeling fear. I thought happily that it would not be long before we would be back in Manchester.

"We came down in Munich to refuel. It was snowing heavily. We had a cup of coffee, a biscuit or two and then they asked us to go back in the aircraft. It tried to take off the first time and didn't make it. It came back and tried again, pulled up short and went back to the terminal.

"We had a cup of coffee and I hadn't finished my cup of coffee when they said we should get back on the plane as quickly as possible.

"It was then that I felt very nervous.

"I strapped myself in my seat and put my head just below the top of the seat. I felt that we weren't going to get off.

"It just bounced. It had hit something and just bounced. It went up in the air and bounced for the second time. There was a tremendous thud.

"I lost consciouosness for a couple of seconds When i came to the plane had split in half right underneath my feat, on a diagonal. I was sitting by the window. And the plane was cut in half on an angle.

"The plane had hit a fuel dump. It was a truck with big canisters of fuel. The back end of the plane went up into the air in a big flame and the front part of the aircraft just went spinning on and on.

"I was sitting looking into space. There was nothing in front of me and nothing under my feet. I took my seatbelt off and just ran

"I could see the whole thing as i turned around. The back end of the aircraft stuck in these flames and a lot of people thrown out. So i started to run back. I saw Harry Gregg with a baby in his arms. I didn't know there was a baby on board.

"I can see Matt (Busby) sitting up on one hand. I saw a lot of the other boys. The ambulances came. We put Sir Matt on a stretcher. And Bobby was sitting in his seat. He got up and was just standing there dazed and shocked. Dennis Violet, Jackie Blanchflower the same.

"We went to the hospital. I remember asking the doctor there: 'Where are all the other missing boys. Do you have another hospital?'

The doctor replied: 'No, this is the only hospital.'

"I realised then that all the other boys had been killed. "It was terrible when i first realised.

"Why they took off, I don't know. Why they came to the decision to take off... why didn't they say: 'this is it, we'll take off tomorrow if the weather is better.'

"I felt we were robbed. Whatever it was that took the team, a bad decision or bad luck, i don't know.

"Afterwards, when i was back at the hotel, I took a deck of playing cards from my back pocket. The top of the pack of cards inside the box was sliced off, like by a razor, by a quarter of an inch. So whatever came past and did that, could have cut me in half.

"I've often thought about it. I still think about it."

£10 A MONTH or £100 A YEAR - THE CHOICE IS YOURS

2012-02-06T13:54:00.006+01:00

Go collect Elvis!

From now you can subscribe to the selection service either per month or per annum.

Anyone signing up for 12 months of my selections service, delivering annual profitable punting, will get two months free. So pay £100 and receive 12 months selections for the price of 10 months.

The bargain service for those who like to bet on horse racing or football just became even more of a bargain!

This offer is open to all. Existing subscribers and newcomers.

All are welcome.

This is a friendly club full of like minded punters who enjoy winning money on horse racing and football bets. I deliver selections on a minimum of 5 (usually 6) days of the week. E-mailed directly to members each morning.

As part of the package in 2012 members will also receive a link allowing them first viewing of conversational chats with names from the world of sport. Detailed interviews, like the half hour discussion with champion jockey Tony McCoy, which can be seen via this blog.

Also a quarterly free online magazine and regular short video diary reports from me offering suggestions and advice when it comes to the art of profitable punting.

You can pay £10 a month in which case you join and leave when you like. Or you can take advantage of this special offer and pay only £100 to receive my rather different and specialised service for all of 2012. But you cannot get a refund during that 12 month period.

As ever, I am in this for the long term. After 15 years of annual profitable punting, I will always be here. Unless I get run down by a horse (in which case i hope it's one you don't have money on!)

2011 proved to be yet another year of profitable punting. Once again I was very happy with my own returns last year. And 2012 has started off on a profitable footing. There were 126 winning selections offered to members in January and already in February we enjoyed 5 out of 6 winners in a meeting at Southwell.

Subscribe via the Paypal button on this site if signing up for the monthly service.

If you want to sign up for 12 months, please e-mail me via wordsport@live.com regarding methods of payment.

5 OUT OF 6 SELECTIONS AT SOUTHWELL WIN - THAT'S NO MEAN TRICK. IT'S PROFITABLE PUNTING

2012-02-02T18:10:00.006+01:00

4 of our 5 winners at Southwell. Top: Roedean. Next: Kickingthelilly. 3rd photo: Mediterranean Sea. Bottom: No Mean Trick wins a photo finish.

Photos courtesyy of www.twitter.com/MartWes

Subscribers to my selections service (which is about much more than a couple of tips) had a great day at the office today. Especially if they followed my selections on the all weather at Southwell Racecourse.

With turf racing being decimated by frost, it makes bashing the bookie more of a challenge.

But that was not a problem today.

And not if you follow www.twitter.com/betonsportstips

Selections were made in 6 of the 7 races on the card at Southwell today. 5 of those horses won.

They were:-

No Mean Trick 4-1

Suddenly Susan 3-1

Mediterranean Sea 9-4

Kickingthelilly 2-1

Roedean 4-9

This follows on from the month of January in which a total of 126 selections won.

On the first day of February members were on an 11-1 winner. Just £1 on that and you would have paid for an entire month of unlimited selections on horse racing and football.

Why not join the party. Sign up for a month of profitable punting using the Paypal button on the right hand side of this page. £10 for a month. And you get much more than just tips. First viewing of my exclusive sit down interviews with people from the world of sport. And coming very soon, weekly video diaries from me and an online magazine.

Join a happy and winning team.

FC BARCELONA. GREAT TEAM. GREAT BOOK.

2012-02-02T14:59:00.008+01:00

My old contact from Fleet Street days, Graham Hunter, has become an authority on the European Champions, FC Barçelona.

Ever since he moved to live in the city, Graham has been able to travel Spain and the world reporting on the greatest club football team of my lifetime.

O Lucky Man!

Graham has released a book called: 'Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World.'

You can buy that book now via this site.

It is available in various formats, including Kindle, iTunes etc.

FC Barçelona were far from great when i first saw them play in Spain. On a night of torrential rain several years ago, i saw them get thrashed 5-1 by Malaga. How times have changed.

The current Barçelona team are a delight to watch. Iniesta, Messi and - my own footballing hero - Xavi; play football the right way.

A few months ago I wrote that Barçelona would not win La Liga this season. That they would have to watch Real Madrid win the league. Fellow Barçelona fans berated me for being so negative. But it looks like I was right. Real Madrid look primed to win the Spanish title.

My reasoning was that I could see some time ago that the exertions required to win for as long, and as often, as Barçelona had been doing would, ultimately, take its toll. Players looked tired to me. They began to draw games they should have won. They even started to lose against far inferior opposition.

They will bounce back, of course. FC Barçelona is, as the saying goes, much more than a football club. Players will age. Players will change. The manager may leave. But Barçelona will go on.

In an era when some sports books seem to be nothing more than overblown, cut and paste pieces of work lifted from the internet; it is refreshing to find a book written by someone who truly knows their subject matter.

And, in the case of Graham Hunter, written by someone who is that rare beast these days. Someone capable of writing an engrossing book. A superb writer who knows how to tell a story.

Graham is promoting his new detailed, informative and entertaining book via You Tube. I shall be publishing a series of those films on this site.

He'll be back in his native Scotland later this month. Undertaking book signings, including at Waterstones in Aberdeen at 3pm on February 26th.

You can follow him on Twitter @BumperGraham or his publisher @BackPagePress for more details about the book. Don't forget, you can buy it via the Amazon links on this blog.

In this clip he is en route to a match with Barçelona fans.

An informative few minutes for those who are lucky enough to get a match ticket, or simply for those who plan to use the Barçelona metro.

JANUARY'S PROFITABLE SELECTIONS - 126 WINNERS

2012-02-01T22:35:00.007+01:00

Another month of profitable punting via 126 winning selections at a wide range of prices. Along with, as ever, plenty of each way placed profit.

Where better to go for profitable punting?

31st

Won

Renard 9-2

Sanctuaire 13-8

Ted Spread 5-2

Just Josie - Evens

Fourth Estate 10-11

Open Hearted 4-6

Dildar 1-2

Each Way placed profit

Sendinpost 8-1

30th

Won

Storm Survivor 2-1

Netminder 6-5

Roedean - Evens

Diocles 2-5

Montbazon 1-7

28th

Won

Midnight Chase 6-1

Forecful Appeal 4-1

Grumeti 13-8

Rocky Creek 5-2

Big Buck's 1-4

Each Way placed profit

Jackies Solitaire 11-1

Shakalakaboomboom 8-1

27th

Won

Theologist 7-1

Chjimes 4-1

Satwa Laird 13-8

Pingaro de la Vire 9-4

Brough Academy 15-8

Sir Du Bearn 4-5

Goring Two 4-6

26th

Won

Rightcar 3-1

Pacha du Polder 5-4

Each Way placed profit

Rolecarr 10-1

Romulus D'Artaix 6-1

25th

Won

My Miss Lucy 5-1

Aquarian Spirit 4-1

Jellicle 11-10

Mae's Choice 4-5

Tour Dargent 1-2

Each Way placed profit

Barbarella Blue 6-1

24th

Won

Maverik 13-2

Painter Man 11-4

Torres del Paine 2-1

Prussian 1-5

23rd

Won

Blown It 2-1

Chabada 5-2

Cucumber Run 6-4

21st

Won

Celestial Halo 6-5

The Real Milan - Evens

Cinders and Ashes 4-6

Balder Success

Each Way Placed Profit

Richard's Sundance 10-1

John's Spirit 6-1

20th

Won

Ranjaan 7-2

Pearl Swan 3-1

Trenchant 11-8

Poole Master 4-7

Kid Cassidy 4-9

La Estrella

19th

Won

Ranjaan 7-2

Pearl Swan 3-1

Trenchant 11-8

Poole Master 4-7

Kid Cassidy 4-9

La Estrella 1-3

Each Way placed profit

Third Intention 6-1

18th

Won

Gabrial's Bounty 7-1

Lastkingofscotland 3-1

Chapoturgeon 3-1

Cedre Bleu - Evens

Exemplary 1-3

Vulcanite 1-4

Gaul Wood 1-4

17th

Won

Mujamead 2-1

Umadachar 5-4

One Lucky Lady 4-6

16th

Won

Pretty Penny 7-1

Henry San 7-2

Karma Chameleon - Evens

Niceonefrankie - Evens

Double Handful 2-5

14th

Won

Swincombe Flame 13-2

Thehillofusineach 13-2

Marodima 3-1

Joxer 9-4

Sadler's Risk 13-8

Menorah 1-2

Mighty Milan 4-6

Ut de Sivola 2-5

Each Way placed profit

Same Difference 16-1

Act of Kalanisi 8-1

Raucous Behaviour 6-1

Showboating 6-1

13th

Won

Woolfall Sovereign 5-1

Hohlethelonely 7-2

Brigadier Miller 9-4

Charminster 11-8

Keeneland 2-1

Discoverer 2-5

12th

Won

Next to Nowhere 3-1

Upper Lambourn 9-4

Dashing Eddie 7-4

Pearl Rebel 11-8

Creekside 10-11

Each Way placed profit

Mazovian 9-1

Perfect Mission 13-2

11th

Won

Dr Machini 6-4

Nibani 5-2

Mountainous 2-1

Each Way placed profit

Harpsy Chord 14-1

Rimini 7-1

10th

Won

Kazlian 13-8

Baile Anrai 11-8

Hada Men 1-3

Each Way placed profit

Sunny Side Up 15-2

9th

Won

Carrickmines 9-2

Each Way placed profit

Dancing Mist 6-1

Idol Deputy 6-1

7th

Hold Fast 11-2

Stormy Weather 7-4

Playing the Field 9-2

Good Order 5-2

6th

Won

Appeal 11-8

Bagsy's Bridge 11-8

Absinthe 5-4

Appealing 4-6

Plus a 3-1 double and a straight forecast

5th
Won
Grams and Ounces - Evens
Ashbrittle 5-6
New Year's Eve 8-11
Alasi 1-5

4th
Won
Mr. Red Clubs 7-2
Spot the Ball 3-1
By Invitation 7-4
Grand Vision 7-4
Spartilla 11-8
Eradicate 5-4
Joseph Lister 11-10
Each Way placed profit
Thomas Crapper 14-1
Strongly Suggested 6-1

3rd
No selections Tuesday

2nd
Won
Captain Bellamy 9-2
Bene Lad 9-4
Silver Roque 7-4
Dowds Destiny 11-10
Balder Success 1-2
Picture This 1-6

1st
Won
Amir Pasha 4-1
Time Out 7-4
Oscar Whisky 4-6
Each Way Placed Profit
Kaky Aramis 8-1

CHRIS TURNER - TALKING FOOTBALL

2012-01-24T23:56:00.005+01:00

The new Chief Executive of Chesterfield Football Club is Chris Turner.

A former goalkeeper with Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland, Manchester United and other clubs, he is back working with John Sheridan. The two men were in the last team from outside of the Premiership to win the League Cup. In 1991 Sheffield Wednesday beat the club Chris had left, Manchester United. John Sheridan scored the winning goal that day.

Sheridan is team manager at Chesterfield. A job Turner has undertaken at the likes of Leyton Orient, Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County and Hartlepool. He knows all about the pressures faced by managers in the lower leagues. And Chris knows all about spotting talented players who can improve the fortunes of a lower league team. When manager at Sheffield Wednesday he brought in players such as Glen Whelan, Chris Brunt and Grant Holt. All now playing in the Premiership.

I sat down with Chris for half an hour and talked about all things football. The highlights of his playing career. The ups and downs of managing struggling football teams. What he looks for when he seeks to bring fresh blood into a playing squad. And the managers he played for. He was the first goalkeeper to be picked by the then new Man Utd manager, Alex Ferguson.

You can watch the fascinating conversation here.

AP IS BACK!

2012-01-24T23:03:00.004+01:00

On Thursday a jockey who has taken his fair share of knocks returns to the saddle. AP McCoy is booked for two rides at Warwick. Providing the champ passes a medical check from the course doctor, Tony McCoy will be riding one or two horses from the trainer Rebecca Curtis.

She said of the mounts on Corsican Boy and God of the Kop: "They should go well as long as we don't have too much more rain. They both want good ground."

Rebecca should get her wish as, while there may be a little rain on Wednesday night, dry weather is forecast for England on Wednesday and Thursday daytime.

Of Tony McCoy she said the following:- "What sets AP apart is his total dedication to the sport. He is a great judge of a horse. AP is always very honest and that is a great help to me."

McCoy has been out of action since fracturing ribs at Taunton on December 30th. He has also revealed that his lungs were damaged in the incident. AP has had a rest, and a break in Barbados. He has watched his Arsenal lose to Man Utd (while his United supporting friend & rival Ruby Walsh was happy to see that game).

Now AP will come back to racing lean, fit and raring to go. I expect him to be unsaddling in the winners' enclosure before too long.

Meanwhile, here he is talking to me a few days before that heavy fall left him on the sidelines.

He talks about injuries, about the highlights and low points of his racing career. And, of course, about his beloved Arsenal.

YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE DRESSED LIKE THAT!

2012-01-23T16:11:00.009+01:00

Those who manage Ascot racecourse dropped a major you know what last weekend. In a storm first alerted to me by racegoers on Twitter, course officials made spectators they believed to be dressed inappropriately wear orange stickers.

This followed the imposition of new dress code rules which nobody attending the January meeting could have known about prior to setting off for a nice day out at the races.

It was a right cock up by those who run Ascot and one that only served to damage to the image of racing.

Those who paid to be in the premier enclosure on Saturday will be refunded after being treated like naughty children.

Ascot Chief Executive Charles Barnett said: "It is clear that we let down many of our premier enclosure customers yesterday with a well intentioned but misguided policy. No customers should be expected to pay for such an experience and we have taken the view that all premier enclosure visitors will receive a full refund.

"We have worked very hard for many years to establish ourselves as a benchmark for customer service and are making this statement today to reinforce that we will not allow our reputation as a welcoming sports venue to be tarnished by an isolated lack of judgement on our part."

It is believed the total sum that will be refunded is around £28.000. Everyone will be refunded. Not just the 50 or more spectators who were forced to wear a sticker. One that told everyone that they did not meet the dress code.

Officials at the course refused to blame any one employee. Although i sincerely hope the person who came up with the sticker idea is seeking other employment later this week.

Incredibly, the Head of Public Relations at Ascot sought to blame regular Ascot spectators for the problem.

Without a hint of irony, Nick Smith said: "The dress code came about for one reason only, and that was customer feedback. Over several years, the persistent feedback that we had from customers in Premier admission was that they wanted to see a higher standard of dress. It came through loud and clear.

"On Saturday we made mistakes. But it is a very small part of the stand, and a premier area of the premier racecourse with a clientele which had indicated to us that it was keen to see that standard."

I despair!

As long as such attitudes exist, racing will never move on. It will struggle to attract the new and younger customers it must pull in if racing attendances are to grow.

The Racing for Change committee can come up with all the ideas they like. Paul Bittar, the new man in charge of the British Horseracing Authority, can bring to UK racing what he has learned in his native Australia.

But if racing continues to give the impression to the wider public that you have to be well heeled and well dressed to enjoy a day at the races; then it is in long term trouble.

My generation will always love racing and enjoy going to a meeting. It is those half my age that racing needs to get hooked on to the sheer pleasure of going to the races.

Not for the bar, but for the racing.

Bruce Millington, Editor of the Racing Post said today: "It reinforces the image that racing is snobby and elitist. People made to wear orange stickers were made to feel second class. Easily the best thing would have been to press a pamphlet in their hands telling them about a new dress code. Why on a freezing cold day in January should you have to wear a jacket, collar and tie. And yet, bizarley, you can wear jeans."

It seems to me that you can be as drunk as you like at many racecourse in the UK, just so long as you look smart. You can throw up over your suit and tie, but woe betide you if you take that tie off once you have finished 'speaking to God on the big white telephone.'

Ascot is a racecourse that once banned divorcees from the course. I kid ye not.

It is owned by the Queen - and she is welcome to it.

I divorced myself from this pompous racecourse, and those who run it, long ago.

It's racing, but not as I know it. Or wish to.

MASTER MINDED ON THE MEND

2012-01-06T15:30:00.008+01:00

Trainer Paul Nicholls has paid tribute to the people who saved the life of the masterful Master Minded after the horse went wrong during the memorable King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Understandably, all the attention that day was heaped on the other Nicholls horse. Kauto Star won the race for a record 5th time.

There had been doubts that stablemate Master Minded would take to the race, he had never raced over that far previously. But that was not the problem on the day.

Paul Nicholls takes up the story...

"It occurred to me that the complete story of Master Minded's day hasn't been fully told or due credit given to the appropriate people.

Master Minded clearly injured himself during the race, but two things immediately helped minimise the damage at that point; the first is that Daryl (Jacob) was quick to recognise there was a problem and promptly pulled him up and, secondly, Master Minded was wearing protective boots.

Daryl dismounted and walked him back, and we could immediately see that he was lame in front. But, with the adrenalin up, horses at that stage tend not to feel the pain and show the full discomfort - rather like humans, in that respect.

He was taken straight to the vets box at the racecourse and there we obviously saw that he had visible damage in the form of a cut. At that stage we could ascertain that it was a serious cut to the tendon area, without knowing the true extent of the damage.

But it is crucial that you administer immediate care to minimise any infection as soon as possible. Once in the box, he was in the care of Clive Hamlin, who hosed the injured area with a saline solution to flush out all the foreign bodies (mud, grass etc) in the cut.

And then he gave him antibiotics to reduce the risk of further infection and applied a massive supporting bandage, to restrict movement and avoid further injury.

At this stage, the racecourse veterinary ambulance was made available to us and the Newmarket vets were contacted to prepare for surgery. For this to be available on Boxing Day and for Ian Wright, one of the world's leading veterinary surgeons, to be on hand to perform the operation speaks volumes for the level of care that our industry gives its' horses.

As soon as Master Minded arrived in Newmarket, they operated straight away and at 9:30pm we got a call to say that the operation had been "challenging but successful." And when the top man in his field says that an operation has been "challenging", you know how serious the injury was.

But Master Minded came through it, and is now past the worst - but he's by no means out of the woods. As with any recuperation from any operation, human or equine, there can be subsequent complications. But with tendon injuries,time is the healer, as it allows it to knit and regrow.

He is now standing in a big, padded box at Newmarket for the next few weeks, and it helps that he is a very gentle horse and therefore the best of patients. Some horses are far more wired and can panic in these circumstances, and that brings on secondary complications like colic.

So there you have it. It is far too early to talk of what the future holds for Master Minded, but we know his past, and that is that he was one of the best and most consistent Grade 1 winning racehorses in recent years. Two Champion Chases among eight Grade 1 wins, tell you that.

I would like this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the immediate aftermath of the injury, from Daryl and all my staff at Kempton on the day, the racecourse itself, Clive and the veterinary staff at the track, and Ian and all those at Newmarket. Collectively, it is no exaggeration to say that they saved Master Minded's life.

In fact, it is debatable that any of our top sportsman and athletes would have got such world-class medical attention on Boxing Day - and that speaks volumes for our sport, and its' love and commitment to its horses."

NEW YEAR SPECIAL OFFER

2012-01-02T11:17:00.003+01:00

In the month of January, anyone signing up for 12 months of my selections service delivering annual profitable punting, will get two months free. So pay £100 in January and receive 12 months selections for the price of 10 months.

The bargain of 2011 buy just became even more of a bargain. This offer is open to all. Existing subscribers who are scheduled to pay £10 for the month of January, and new members.

All are welcome.

This is a friendly little club full of like minded punters who enjoy winning money on horse racing and football bets. I deliver selections on a minimum of 5 (usually 6) days of the week. E-mailed directly to members each morning.

As part of the package in 2012 members will also receive a link allowing them an advance viewing of interviews with names from the world of sport. Detailed interviews like the half hour chat with champion jockey Tony McCoy, which can be seen via this blog.

Also a quarterly free online magazine and regular short video diary reports from me offering suggestions and advice when it comes to the art of profitable punting.

You can pay £10 a month and both join and leave when you like. Or you can take advantage of this special offer for the new year and pay only £100 to receive my rather different and specialised service for all of 2012.

2011 proved to be yet another year of profitable punting. I was very happy with my own returns last year.

E-mail me via wordsport@live.com regarding methods of payment.

139 WINNERS IN DECEMBER

2011-12-28T17:16:00.011+01:00

So another year of profitable punting comes to an end with a total of 139 selections made from my analysis of the racing in December.

Some of my favourite winners included two only last Saturday, Drumshambo and Salubrious, at 9-1 and 7-1 respectively.

Carmela Maria won for us last week at odds of 10-1. The biggest price winner came on December 17th when the tipped up Call Back won at a massive 22-1.

As you know I also like to make profit from each way selections. Horses such as Dance for Livvy at 20-1 and The Hollinwell and Pigeon Island, both of which were placed at 14-1.

It brought to close my 15th year of profitable punting. A tidy five figure return despite the fact that I only bet with small stakes. It was not an all time record return for me, it fell a little short of that. But it was consistent with the sums I have personally made in the last decade or more. And consistency is important to me.

I think the 48 hours between Friday and Sunday perfectly sum up the life of a punter. Two great days, followed by one poor one. The skill is in recognising the days when bets should be kept to a minimum and, in particular, spotting the selections which - at the current odds - offer potential value to the punter.

31st

Won

Mush Mir 4-1

Rey Nacarado 10-3

Kaffie 15-8

Hurraboru 7-4

Wistow 11-8

Fingal Bay 4-9

Mikael D'Haguenet 2-5

All Aces 4-5

30th

Won

Drumsambo 9-1

Salubrious 7-1

Rock Anthem 6-1

Lucky Royale 7-2

Tamarinbleu 10-3

Lockantanks 3-1

Black Thunder 6-4

Final Delivery 4-6

Menorah 1-4

Cinders and Ashes 2-9

Each Way Placed Profit

Captain Sunshine 6-1

29th

Won

Hidden Cyclone 7-4

Prince of Pirates 11-8

Tour D'argent 4-7

Each Way Placed Profit

Cross of Honour 13-2

Sweet Lord 6-1

28th

Won

Carmela Maria 10-1

Ministeroftheinterior 15-2

Cityar 5-2

Last Instalment 2-1

Make Your Mark 4-5

Each Way Placed Profit

Bygones Sovereign 15-2

27th

Won

Lifestyle 5-1

Ballycasey 5-1

Rev it Up 11-4

Hollow Tree 5-2

Alfie Spinner 4-6

Big Zeb 8-11

Finian's Rainbow 4-11

26th

Won

Deireadh Re 13-8

Mesiter Eckhart 6-5

Grand Crus 11-8

Rangotito 10-11

Swincombe Flame 8-11

Tornado Milan 1-3

Each Way Placed Profit

Notus de la Tour 7-1

23-25th

No racing in UK

22nd

Won

Sandwith 6-1

The Weatherman 11-8

Chestnut Ben 6-4

Tempest River 5-2

Each Way Placed Profit

Magot de Grucy 15-2

Aegeab Destiny 7-1

21st

Won

Lochantanks 13-2

Quincy des Pictons 11-4

My Tent or Yours 6-5

Gevrey Chamberlin 6-5

Mountainous 2-1

Encore Un Fois - Evens

Kazlian 2-5

Each Way Placed Profit

Dance for Livvy 20-1

Netherby 10-1

Battlecry 7-1

20th

Won

Fox Appeal 10-1

Maggio 10-3

Simply Ned 9-4

Russian Bullet 7-4

19th

Won

Ashes House 11-10

Zaidpour 1-2

Don Cossack 4-5

Jackson Cage 4-6

18th - No selections

17th

Won

Call Back 22-1

King Edmund 8-1

Cannington Brook 7-1

Loyalty 7-1

The Minack 10-3

Highland Lodge 4-6

Blenheim Brook 4-11

Big Buck's 3-10

Each Way Placed Profit

Night Lily

16th

Won

The Real Milan 12-1

Thehillsofusineach 13-8

Hadrian's Approach 6-4

Sky High Dive 5-6

Each Way Placed Profit

Shuil Royale 10-1

Theologist 13-2

15th

Won

Ballyegan 13-2

Valley View 6-1

Highway Code 5-1

Mazji 9-2

Mission Complete 4-1

Rivas Rhapsody 7-2

Kaffie 11-4

Close House 13-8

Priceless Art 8-11

Each Way Placed Profit

Rebeccas Choice 12-1

Pingaro de la Vire 10-1

Forks 8-1

Standpoint 8-1

14th

Won

Back Bob Back 2-1

Magnifique Etoile 6-4

Arduli 5-6

Skint 10-11

Time for Rupert 8-13

Each Way Placed Profit

Opus Maximus 8-1

Que Pasa 10-1

Carrigmorna King 7-1

13th

Won

Global Village 3-1

Time Out 6-5

Free Speech - Evens

Hunt Ball 8-13

Each Way Placed Profit

No No Bingo 10-1

Marias Rock 6-1

12th (2 meetings)

Won

Frontier Spirit 4-1

Cotton Mill 1-2

Mr. Red Clubs 4-5

Jimbil 4-7

10th

Won

Quicuyo 8-1

Quantativeeasing 8-1

Astracad 11-2

Join Together 10-3

Oscar Whisky 4-6

Each Way Placed Profit

The Hollinwell 14-1

Medermit 12-1

9th

Won

Arctic Actress 4-1

Oscargo 11-8

Darlan 4-6

Sprinter Sacre 1-4

8th

Won

Inga Bird 11-1

Gauvain 8-1

Carrickmines 2-1

Alasi 2-5

Each Way Placed Profit

Pigeon Island 14-1

7th

Won

Edge of Town 11-4

Bury Parade 5-4

Quizzed 5-4

Bold Sir Brian - Evens

Joker Choker 1-3

6th - No selections

5th

Won

Cinderella Rose 11-2

Mister Newby 11-2

Gordonsville 5-1

Trip the Light 7-2

Invictus 2-1

4th

Won

The Milan Horse 10-1

Always Right 6-1

Keep Talking 11-2

Sam Bass 7-2

Sous Les Cieux 6-5

Bog Warrior 7-4

Each Way Placed Profit

Skippers Brig 8-1

Opening Batsman 6-1

3rd

Won

My Arch 11-2

Native Gallery 5-1

Tea for Three 7-2

Poungach 7-2

Sizing Europe 7-4

Cinders and Ashes 6-5

Al Ferof 4-6

2nd

Won

Thanks for Coming 4-1

Opus Maximus 7-2

Fingal Bay 6-4

Junoob 2-1

Swincombe Flame 4-7

Double Trouble 1-2

1st

Won

Mylord Collonges 9-1

Water Garden 6-5

Royal Opera 9-10

Drumlang 8-11

Zama Zama 2-9

Each Way Placed Profit

Crew Cut 10-1

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-23T17:08:00.006+01:00

Maybe 2012 is the year you want to make a little profit punting on horse racing and/or football. If so, sign up to my selection service by using the PayPal button to the right hand side of this page. You can stay as long as you want, and leave the service when you like.

For just 10 pounds a month you will receive unlimited racing and football selections on a minimum of five days of the week.

Plus, subscribers will get first viewing of detailed on camera interviews with people from the world of sport, such as champion jockey AP McCoy. The interview with him is the previous post to this one. In 2012 members will also receive a free quarterly online sports magazine and weekly filmed reports from me reflecting on recent results, offering advice on punting and my opinion on recent sports events, or on the highlights of our punting week.

You get an awful lot for a tenner a month. Many long term members tells me it's the best bargain they have ever signed up for. So why not come join them. It's fun, informative and delivers profitable punting on an annual basis.

This is not just a service whereby you get the names of a couple of horses sent to you. I analyse the racing on six days of the week and make selections for you based on where I believe the odds to be in favour of the punter, and not the bookie.

For the fifteenth consecutive year I have just made a five figure profit on the year while only betting with small stakes. This is no get rich quick operation. It is profitable punting over the course of a year.

I hope to welcome you aboard in 2012.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

33 MINUTES WITH AP McCOY

2011-12-16T21:34:00.005+01:00

While he was sitting out a recent ban I got together with the champion jockey Tony McCoy to talk about his career and about the state of racing today. Here is that 33 minute interview.

My thanks go to AP and to Alex Hippisley Cox of Orion, publishers of his newly released autobiography.

A book you can purchase via the Amazon links on this site.

OWLS v TERRIERS

2011-12-14T18:54:00.007+01:00

December is early for a so called '6 pointer' of a football match, but there is one this Saturday near the top of League 1.

Huddersfield Town will make the short journey to Hillsborough as they meet second placed Sheffield Wednesday.

It's a big game.

As both clubs seek to push on towards promotion to the Championship, the Owls have proved to be very difficult to beat at home and Huddersfield Town had a record breaking unbeaten run that only recently faltered.

Chris Turner was born and bred a Wednesdayite and stood on the Kop as a youngster. Meanwhile, racing commentator Jim McGrath has been converted to being a fan of the Terriers by friends and business associates. Jim is often on duty for Channel 4 racing on a Saturday and gets to more midweek matches at Huddersfield than weekend fixtures.

But both men will be keen to see their team win this match. And a great stadium like Hillsborough is sure to be rocking. Here's a brief clip in which the men reflect on their clubs.

THE TATLING RETIRES IN STYLE

2011-12-12T20:14:00.004+01:00

The Tatling and trainer Milton Bradley

Punters like horses that give their all each time they race. Punters like horses that are reliable, have big hearts and are brave. They like horses that win, of course they do.

Today, a horse that ticks all those boxes won for the very last time.

The Tatling, at odds of 16-1, rolled back the years and won at Wolverhampton. It was the 176th race of his career. Now aged 14, The Tatling goes into retirement. Albeit reluctantly.

This is a horse so special and so loved by the public that he has his own facebook page. Today's photo finish race can be seen there http://www.facebook.com/groups/122257171130749/

Trainer Milton Bradley said:- "I know it was only a small race, but what a wonderful story. The horse is still a star in our eyes. He's one of those horses that you drop on by mistake, and then spend the rest of your life looking for another.

"He wasn't the easiest to train and it took us a while to get to know him. We learnt how he liked to come through horses and use that turn of foot in the last furlong. That is how he won the King's Stand Stakes at Ascot in 2004. He has a marvellous servant and nobody is more excited at this final win today than me."

I confess to being surprised that The Tatling won today. And I've never been happier to be surprised.

VISCA BARÇA!

2011-12-11T13:25:00.005+01:00

Cesc Fabregas scored with a diving header as Barça won 'El Classico'

Normal service was resumed in Spanish football last night when the mighty Barcelona beat Real Madrid in their own backyard.

Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, had been unbeaten in 15 games and, after just 23 seconds of this El Classico clash, it looked as though Madrid would win again when they scored the fastest goal in the history of this game. Thanks largely to a mistake by the Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Real Madrid had chances to increase their lead but reverted to type and wasted the opportunities. FC Barcleona increasingly imposed themselves on the game and, in the end, won comfortably with goals from Sanchez, Xavi and Fabregas.

The great Xavi said afterwards: "We were very superior to Real Madrid. The team played a great match in every department. We leave with a good taste in our mouths and we leave with the intention of winning La Liga. We will never lose that philosophy."

One man who reported on the game was Graham Hunter. His book: 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Football Team in the World' will be published early in 2012. Here is Graham showing us his seat at Barcelona home games.

BASHING THE BOOKIE - SATURDAY'S PROFIT

2011-12-11T12:26:00.008+01:00

We bashed the bookie at Cheltenham on Saturday

It was a good day of profitable punting at the races Saturday, despite the weather resulting in the abandonment of one meeting at which I offered selections, Lingfield.

But the big meeting of the day was at Cheltenham and we selected the first two home in the big race of the day, the Spinal Research Gold Cup - sponsored by the wonderful Stewart family.

I told members to get on two horses each way. I selected Quantativeeasing at a price available of 8-1 and to also be on Medermit at 12-1. They were the first two past the post.

Profitable punting indeed.

I suggested that members consider double or treble bets on horses trained by Nicky Henderson (he had a 52-1 treble) and/or Paul Nicholls (he had a 12-1 double).

Three of the 5 winning selections made on Saturday were offered as Naps (my personal favourite bets of the day).

In full the profit at the races came from these selections, at the prices available when members paying only £10 a month were e-mailed my picks on Friday evening.

Quantativeeasing 8-1

Quicuyo 8-1

Astracad 11-2

Join Together 10-3

Oscar Whisky 4-6

*plus a selected 5-1 double on wins for Grandouet & Oscar Whisky

Each Way placed profit

The Hollinwell 14-1

Medermit 12-1

The football accumulator win eluded us again when, surprisingly, both Charlton and Barnsley failed to win against lesser opposition. But there were single bet wins tipped up. They were:-

Sheffield Wednesday 17-10

Hull City 6-4

Brentford 10-11

Arsenal 4-7

Man Utd 1-4

DENMAN RETIRES

2011-12-09T11:02:00.006+01:00

Trainer Paul Nicholls announced this morning that the great Denman is to be retired. Those who love racing, like me, will be saddened that we will not see "the tank" race again.

However, in the light of what has been revealed by Nicholls, we must simply be thankful that the problem was discovered before the horse raced again.

Here is what Paul Nicholls had to say today.

“It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman. A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat.

Denman was great on Wednesday morning as he worked towards his intended start in the Lexus later this month, but he pulled up a little bit sore yesterday morning and Clifford wasn't happy with him.

So we called Buffy (our vet) in to scan him at 4pm yesterday afternoon, and that revealed the problem with his near fore tendon.

We immediately informed his owner Paul Barber who, after consulting those close to him, took the decision to retire him. It was the only course of action to take.

We are all devastated here at Ditcheat but Denman has given us some wonderful moments on the track, winning a Gold Cup, finishing runner-up in three more, as well two Hennessys, a Lexus and a Sun Alliance Chase.

He will be given an honourable retirement. But for the immediate future and to help his great friend Kauto Star, he will be kept in his box next to Kauto for the rest of season.

Denman will always be a legend here at Ditcheat. So this truly is an end of an era.”

When I filmed at the Somerset stables two years ago Denman was, as ever, living next door to his stablemate Kauto Star. The former Gold Cup winner Denman is owned by locally based Paul Barber. His cheese producing factory is around the corner from the Nicholls yard.

During that filming I asked Paul Nicholls if Denman was a value for money purchase.

Here is that filmed report from December 2009.

137 WINNERS IN NOVEMBER

2011-12-08T12:08:00.018+01:00

Photo: Master Minded, one of 137 winning selections offered to members in November

Historically November has always been a good month for tipping winners at the races. But this last November was one of the best on record.

137 selections made during 26 days of tipping. That's an average of over 5 winners per day. And don't forget some tasty profit made on each way selections, such as that on Quantativeeasing at 22-1.

There were quite a few days when we enjoyed profit from 7 or 8 winners on one day. And winners came at prices to suit all tastes, including those at odds of 12-1.

Another reason why so many members who subscribed for the new service back in August are still following my selections 6 months on.

And don't forget the winning football selections delivered in recent weeks. Lots of good price single bet wins enjoyed by members this past month. We've just missed out on a big paying football accumulator for the sake of one goal, from one team on several weekends of late. But a big paying accumulator win is overdue and, when it pays off, we'll forget about those frustrating near misses.

If you want to come join the party for only £10 a month, look to the top right of this blog and read about the selections service. You can sign up using the Paypal button.

30th

Won
Goodwood Starlight 15-2
Arisea 6-1
Rivas Rhapsody 5-1
Jackers 9-2
Barbican 9-4
Derwen Pryde 9-4

29th
Won
I Shot the Sheriff 7-2
Emmuska 13-8
Red Jade 5-2
Lively Barron 1-3
Golden Call 1-10
Mister Dillon 1-7

28th
Won
Reblis 9-4
Hollow Tree 1-6
Each way placed profit
Buddy Bolero 6-1
Idol Deputy 11-2

26th
Won
Rock on Ruby 6-1
Battlecry 10-3
Lovcen 5-2
Sydney Paget 11-8
Valid Point 6-5
Prospect Wells 1-2
Peddlers Cross 1-4
Big Buck's 1-6

25th
Won
Sivola de Sivola 6-1
It's a Gimme 5-1
Rileyv 3-1
Beneficial Reform 2-1
Tarvini 15-8
Kie 1-4
Eradicate 1-5

24th
Won

Empire Levant 7-4
Hayjaki 5-4

Grand Crus 1-3
Each Way placed profit
Goal of the Kop 13-2

23rd
Won
Zimira 13-2
Woop Woop 5-1
Ockey de Neulliac 7-2
Best Lover 7-2
Financial Climate 5-2
Hazy Tom 6-4
Triple Charm 6-4
Hold Court 6-5

22nd
Won
Mottley Crew 9-2
Take Cover 6-4
Trustan Times - Evens
Bound for Glory 4-5
Finbar 4-9

20th
Won
Dare to Doubt 11-2
Renard 3-1
Thousand Stars 2-1
Knight Pass 5-4
Last Instalment 5-4
So Young 4-7
Harry the Viking 1-5
Each Way placed profit
Sapphire Rouge 10-1

19th
Won
Dynaste 10-1
I'msingingtheblues 8-1
Graduation Night 7-2
Master Minded 2-1
Population 11-8
Grandouet - Evens
Golden Gael 4-9
Each Way placed profit
Wyse Hill Teabags 8-1
Cool Friend 7-1

18th
Won
Prophete de Guye 8-1

Desert Cry 6-1
Appeal 13-8
Excellent Aim 6-4
Molotof 11-10
Super Duty 4-6
Simonsig 1-4
Each Way placed profit
Woolslton Ferry 6-1

17th
Won
O Crotaigh 7-2
Reyamour 7-4
Kings Lodge - Evens
Ocean Bay - Evens
Each Way placed profit
Larkrise Star 11-1

16th
Won
Miriams Song 11-2
Seek the Fair Land 5-1
Amitola 4-1
Primaeval 3-1
Philharmonic Hall - Evens

14th
Won
AccordingtoEileen 9-2
Wings of Icarus 7-2
Let Your Love Flow 11-4
First Fandango 11-10
Haamaat 5-6
Christopher Wren 4-6
Notus de la Tour 8-13
Each Way placed profit
Barn Dance 10-1

13th (Bonus Day)
Won
Fingal Bay 5-4
Al Ferof 5-6
Current Event 5-6
Each Way placed profit
Olofi 25-1
Highway Code 7-1

12th
Won
Woop Woop 9-1
Galaxy Rock 8-1

Court Red Handed 7-1
Edgardo do Sol 9-2
Weston Lodge 11-4
Hinterland 2-1
Native Gallery 2-1
Hunters Light 15-8
Each Way placed profit
Quantativeeasing 22-1
Hollow Tree 7-1
Cape Dutch 6-1

11th
Won
Swing Bill 11-1
Grand Crus 13-8
Steps to Freedom 13-8
Press Baron 6-4
Shihab 5-2
Each Way placed profit
Haventgotascoobydo 8-1

10th
Won
Monsieur Jamie 6-1
Fortrose Academy 7-2
Agent Archie 6-4
Combustible Lady 11-4
Open Hearted 11-10
Forgotten Gold 5-6
Baccalaureate 8-15
Cucumber Run 1-2

9th
Won
Milo Man 4-1
Sheik the Princess 13-8
Camborne 6-4
Rassam 6-5
Wicked Wench 4-5
Peddlers Cross 1-8
Each Way placed profit
Nicto de Beauchene 8-1
Strongly Suggested 17-2
Trafalgar 13-2
Haaf a Sixpence 13-2

8th
Won
Gavroche Gaugain 8-1
Right Stuff 13-8
Hawk Mountain 6-4

Goring One 5-4
Simply Ned 1-3
Australia Day 4-6
Each Way placed profit
Quanah Parker 6-1

7th
Won
Mush Mir 15-8
Speed Master 4-6

5th
Won
Zuider Zee 12-1
Rodoudo Ville 5-1
Panama Kid 7-2
Silviano Conti 5-4
Each Way placed profit
Deliberation 16-1
The Confessor 11-1

4th
Won
Magot de Grucy 3-1
Rafeej 11-4
Aland Islands 11-10
Ela Gondu Mou - Evens
Trader Jack 5-6
Each Way placed profit
Thornton Alice 14-1
Gorey Lane 14-1

3rd
Won
Pingaro De La Vire 9-2
Golden Future 7-2
La Estrella - Evens

2nd

Won

Knock a Hand 12-1

Lamps 5-1

Atherstone Hill 7-4

1st

Won

Tiger Webb 4-1

Green Howard 4-1

Jump City 8-11

Each Way placed profit

New Hampshire 9-1

BARCELONA - POPULAR THE WORLD OVER

2011-12-08T11:54:00.003+01:00

This weekend sees one very big game of football being played in Spain. Real Madrid are 3 points clear in La Liga and have a game in hand on their greatest rivals. FC Barcelona. On Saturday night the teams meet. If Madrid were to win this game it is unlikely that there will be a way back for Barcelona in the race to win the Spanish title.

Real Madrid are also performing more as a team now in the Champions League and former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has them playing more as a team than as a collection of gifted individuals.

But Barcelona football club has a fascination about it that travels the world. And football fans from all over the world come to see a game in the Camp Nou. It is one of the most sought after match tickets in world football.

Local resident and sports journalist Graham Hunter has written a book about the making of this great football club and that book is out early in 2012.

In the meantime he has been meeting some of the people who travel thousands of miles to experience the sensation that is FC Barcelona.

WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR

2011-11-29T10:20:00.006+01:00

Ronald Reng, author of "A Life too Short" talks to the soon to launch online, WOS TV

24 hours after the untimely death of Wales manager Gary Speed, a book about the premature death of another footballing man won the competition to find the best sports book of the year.
Ronald Reng has written an excellent book about the all too short life and career of the German goalkeeper Robert Enke, who took his own life when he lay down in front of a moving train.

As with the recent suicide of Speed, the death shocked those close to Enke and the world of football at large. But Barcelona based sports journalist Ronnie Reng knew Robert well and was aware that the much travelled goalkeeper was suffering from clinical depression. At the time of Enke taking his own life, the two men were working on a book that would have charted the career of a man who Ronnie described to me as a "typcial German goalkeeper."

While being congratulated on winning the £23.000 first prize and a £2000 free bet from sponsors William Hill, the author expressed his sadness on winning a prize for a book about his much missed friend.
He told me: "While i am proud to win this award, one part of me feels terribly guilty. I wish this book did not have to be written but Robert's family insisted i must finish a book i began with a much loved husband and father."

I shall be reporting on this book and some of the others that competed for this prestigous title. Members of my selection service will get to see the taped interview with the winning author first.
And one member will be able to win a signed copy of this book. Details of that competition soon.

ANOTHER WINNING WEDNESDAY

2011-11-23T20:16:00.003+01:00

There are days as a punter when you think you are going to win plenty. There are other days when you are more cautious about your optimisim. Today fell into the later catergory but I am glad I was proved wrong.
Another 8 winning selections in one day of racing, all of which were priced at odds against when selected this morning and/or when they went past the post. First.
Another profitable day of punting for members of this band of brothers & sisters. Good people. Keen on the great sport of racing and clever punters who know to be selective with the selections.

The 8 winners on Wednesday were:-
Zimira 13-2
Woop Woop 5-1
Ockey de Neulliac 7-2
Best Lover 7-2
Financial Climate 5-2
Hazy Tom 6-4
Triple Charm 6-4
Hold Court 6-5

I ask you. At that rate, for a measly 10 pounds a month, what have you got to lose?

8-1 WINNING FOOTBALL TREBLE

2011-11-19T18:21:00.004+01:00

Well the 80-1 magnificent 7 and the 59-1 6 of the best football accumulators went down today but for the sake of one team losing (Preston) and but for one little extra goal from Swindon. They drew. For the third consecutive week the huge payout failed to deliver for the sake on one result.

But the good news, on top of the magnificent 7 winners at the races, was that we had a footballing treble win at odds of 8-1 thanks to victories by West Ham, Charlton and Southend.

Another profitable weekend across the racing and football. Soon one of the big paying football accumulators is going to pay off. I just feel it in my bones.

ANOTHER MAGNIFICENT 7 WINNERS

2011-11-19T17:05:00.005+01:00

We've done it again! Members paying just £10 a month for unlimited racing selections can go collect after 7 wonderful winners on a memorable day of racing.

Yes, Kauto Star was the star of the day. But I'm claiming second place. And here's why.

As ever, i seek to offer something for everyone. Shorter price favourites for members who like those and bigger price win or each way selections for those who enjoy seeing them return profit.

The 7 winning selections were:-

Dynaste (Nap) 10-1

I'msingingtheblues 8-1

Graduation Night 7-2

Master Minded 2-1

Population 11-8

Grandouet - Evens

Golden Gael 4-9

Another good day of racing. Another winning day at the home of profitable punting. Come join a happy band of punters by using the PayPal button opposite. Harry who signed up yesterday for a tenner has won over a thousand pounds today. He's happy. I'm happy.

And when they get back down to their stables in Somerset, trainers Paul Nicholls and David Pipe will be very happy. Master Minded and Kauto Star won for Nicholls. Dynaste and I'msingingtheblues won for Pipe.

I only wish I could be in that great Ditcheat pub, The Manor House Inn, to raise a glass or several on Kauto Star. After today's we can all toast racing. It's day like these that make the sport special. And punting profitable.

Magnifcent!

KAUTO STAR IS BACK!

2011-11-19T16:33:00.005+01:00

How could we have doubted the great Kauto Star?

We were all quick to write him off but trainer Paul Nicholls knew better. He reassured owner Clive Smith that 11 year old Kauto Star still had a race in him. And what a race!

The crowd at Haydock Park were overcome with emotion as Kauto Star led from start to finish to win the Betfair Chase once again. Brilliant jumping and a measured ride by jockey Ruby Walsh saw the 6-1 shot come home to enormous cheers.

Along with many other punters, I couldn't be happier to be proved wrong by a horse that once chewed my coat. I forgave Kauto Star that. I hope the horse forgives all of us who love racing but doubted that Kauto could win a big race again.

Kauto Star we love you. And always shall.

KAUTO STAR. THEN AND NOW

2011-11-16T15:48:00.004+01:00

Kauto Star returns to action at Haydock this Saturday. The Betfair Chase was the race in which, two years ago, Kauto Star fought out a tight finish with Imperial Commander. Kauto Star won the race after a photo finish.

The Paul Nicholls trained horse is not expected to win this weekend and connections will decide after this race if this smashing horse will continue racing or whether retirement beckons.

The following interview with Paul Nicholls was filmed by me in November 2009. Spend a few minutes at Manor Farm Stables. The home of so many great horses in recent years.

WHAT A WEEK OF WINNERS!

2011-11-13T16:08:00.009+01:00

Top: Al Ferof (picture by www.twitter.com/Riosrider ) a winner for trainer Paul Nicholls who, like members of our selections service, had a good weekend

Phew! What a 7 days of profitable punting.

38 winners at the races between last Monday and today, Sunday. 11 of them over the weekend.

And 11 winning weekend football picks, including 4 FA Cup upset results all of which paid off.

An incredible weekend of winners, I feel sure you will agree.

I am delighted to hear so many members of our subscriptions service have won some tidy profit. Be that at the races, on the football, or even a combination of both.

Saturday's 8 winners topped off a wonderful week and I added 3 bonus winners for Sunday. My usual day of rest.

Here are the details of the weekend selections that won.

The 11 race winners at the weekend were:-

Woop Woop 9-1

Galaxy Rock 8-1

Court Red Handed 7-1

Edgardo do Sol 9-2

Weston Lodge 11-4

Hinterland 2-1

Native Gallery 2-1

Hunters Light 15-8

Al Ferof 5-6

Current Event 5-6

Fingal Bay 5-4

And that's just the winners. I also returned some nice each way profit on horses that were placed this past week at odds of up to 25-1.

The 11 football winners at the weekend were:-

Wales 21-10

Torquay 3-1

Luton 11-8

Fleetwood 13-8

Italy 7-5

Rotherham 5-4

Brentford 1-3

MK Dons 1-4

Shrewsbury Evens

Preston v Southend draw 13-5

Charlton 1-2.

It was a very good week at the office topped off by a wonderful weekend of winning.

If you want to join a band of punters who seem to be very happy right now, then simply use the PayPal button and subscribe to a service offering unlimited football and horse racing selections for just £10 a month.

THE PAIN OF SPAIN. UNLESS YOU'RE A BOOKIE

2011-11-13T15:09:00.006+01:00

Bookmakers are counting their blessings this morning. Along with some massive profit.

All thanks to Spain losing to a resolute experimental English side at Wembley.

Fabio Capello opted for the tactics he used so often when manager of Real Madrid. The tactics that so infuriated the Madrid players of the time. They were the tactics I expected the conservative, defensive minded Capello to employ much earlier in his career as England manager. The tactics that I expected to bore the pants off England supporters.

Credit to the England players. They worked those tactics to the letter and, on this occasion, it paid off. They frustrated a laid back Spain to such a degree that, at half time, the Spanish manager did what he has done on other such previous occasions. Vincente del Bosque panicked.

Once Xavi, Silva and Casillas did not return for the second half, I knew Spain were not going to win that game. When plan A does not work for Spain, the manager reverts to 4-4-2 and these days you know Spain have lost a game when Fernando Torres makes an appearance.

"Spain often under perform in friendlies." Those were my words to members of our subscription service when making the weekend football selections. I expected Spain to win, though not for a moment did I think it would be by more than two goals. I have had occasion to watch Spain often in the past seven years. Not just in the big competitions, but also in friendlies such as this one. So often they just don't switch on for these games and so often they settle for a draw.

I feel sure the bookies also expected Spain to win when, a week ago, they priced them as high as 11-10 to do so. That tempted myself and many thousands of other punters in. Some bookies say they took record sums on a team to win an international friendly. That money went on Spain.

I should have known better than to trust Spain to deliver. And i shouldn't have broken my golden rule of many years standing. Namely, never betting on an England game. Regardless of who you fancy in that game.

The irony is that the only occasions previously when I have broken that rule has been on a first or anytime goalscorer bet in the name of Frank Lampard. No, i didn't do so yesterday.

Lampard score the one goal that beat Spain and I was personally delighted for him. I know him to be a good fella and I know that captaining his side will have meant a great deal to Frank and also to his father. I'm delighted for Frank that he led England to victory and I thought his own performance showed the doubters once and for all that Lampard is by no means finished. He has much to offer still and, maybe, Frank Lampard should have been captain of his country much sooner. And, for sure, Scott Parker should have been playing for his country years ago.

As for punters, well there are many out of pocket today thanks to Spain's laissez faire attitude to friendlies. Had this been a game that mattered, Spain would have won. But credit where credit is due. While England largely fired blanks going forwards, the tactics worked and some players excelled.

I expect England fans will now be saying that England have a chance of winning the European Championships. Well, literally speaking, of course they do. But, of course, they will not. It was a friendly. It was not a meaningful match.

Unless you are a bookmaker!

AP McCOY - THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY

2011-11-09T12:12:00.005+01:00

There was a launch party in London last night. It revolved around the autobiography of the great AP McCoy. The book is out in time for Christmas and you can now purchase it via this site.

The great and the good of racing attended the bash. A further sign of just how much Tony McCoy is respected within the sport.

But this frank book does not signal the impending end of the career of the champ. Far from it.

AP says: "I have no plans to retire. I dread the prospect. Racing is what makes me tick and I wouldn't swap the job for all the money in the world."

Tony admits that it was those closest to him that suffered for his earlier perfectionist attitude to racing. Notably his wife Chanelle. But all that changed with the birth four years ago of their daughter Eve.

The champion jockey says he is now much less self critical and doesn't beat himself up over failures. He reveals that part of the book is by way of an apology to Chanelle for what he put her through in those days when he was less comfortable in his own skin than he is today.

He says: "Time was I was very hard on myself. Now, if I make a mistake, I just try not to make it again. I drove the poor girl mad. I was lucky that I didn't drive her away."

AP says: "My best day in racing, by a million miles, was winning the Grand National on Don't Push It. Even now, I don't get tired of hearing about it. When I ring the office of JP McManus, and his secretary says, "I'll put you through"; it plays the 2010 Grand National and I think, 'that was a great day, don't put me through for a couple of minutes. Let me listen to the end."

I hope to be able to interview AP about his book, on camera, before the end of the year.

THE MAKING OF MESSI - IN THE WORDS OF 'SOCKLESS' GRAHAM HUNTER

2011-11-07T16:18:00.007+01:00

You can now buy some of the very best sports books around via this blog. Over the coming months I shall be reviewing some of those here and interviewing on tape some of the authors. One of the first of interest is by the excellent sports journalist Graham Hunter.

In my days as a television sports producer I sometimes invited Graham to appear on programmes at Sky Sports. I always noticed something about Graham. The cut of his jib was different from other occupants of press boxes. He would wear shoes with no socks. In winter.

He had a desire to move to Spain and bring his children up in a more family orientated environment.

But football also played a part in his move. He bought a pad close to the home of FC Barcelona. We shared a passion for this football club. And no, we didn't jump on the Champions League bandwagon. I'll have you know that I got drenched quite some years ago watching Barça humiliated at Malaga in a 5-1 drubbing.

I envy Graham for being able to watch one of the greatest football teams of my lifetime on a regular basis. In January his book "Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World" will be published. Graham brings you a taste of the personal insight he brings to this much anticipated book via this first video clip.

Without socks, no doubt, he must have been the best dressed man on the beach!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttDXk32dy70

SIR ALEX FERGUSON 25 YEARS ON - BY HIS FIRST GOALKEEPER, CHRIS TURNER

2011-11-07T11:31:00.013+01:00

Photos: Fergie & silverware. Middle and bottom: Chris Turner, then and now

Although it is not the club I support, I did find myself watching Man Utd a few times at Old Trafford in the late 1980's when Sir Alex Ferguson was in the early throes of managing the Red Devils.

That was because a friend, goalkeeper Chris Turner, was playing in goal for them.

Chris Turner was Fergie's first, first choice 'keeper. The superb shot stopper also played in goal for the likes of Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.

On November 6th Ferguson completed 25 years as manager of Man Utd. I asked his first goalkeeper to reflect on those years.

Chris Turner had been signed by Fergie's predecessor at Manchester United, Ron Atkinson. How, i asked him, did the two managers differ?

Chris says: "In the big Ron era the players were allowed to play how they saw it on the pitch and there was no real structure. Ron wanted the team to go out and play, it was if we have the ball they cannot score, and when we do have it go and score.

"Alex and Archie Knox were more down to telling players what they wanted. Training was more structured and organised. Alex relied on Archie to do all the training whereas Big Ron would join in the training. "

Chris was at Man Utd under Alex Ferguson for the same length of time as he was for Ron Atkinson (18 months). But it became apparent Fergie was trying to sign a fellow Scot, Jim Leighton, to be the new goalkeeper.

Chris says: "He never really told us Jim would be joining until just before he arrived, but the press had Jim joining virtually from day one.

"Alex offered me an extension to my contract. It was me that decided to leave because I did not see a future playing in reserve team football."

Chris confirmed to me that Ferguson made an immediate impact on the dressing room and the club as a whole. There was a change in managerial approach.

Turner says: "His managerial skills were very evident - you did not cross him. He took a great interest in the youth system, which in reality played a big part in his success. It did take over four years for him to really turn it around. A good number of his signings did bring success for him."

Ferguson has signed some excellent players during the past quarter of a century but I wondered about those who made a difference early on. Fergie has mentioned Bryan Robson and Brian McClair, two players Chris Turner played with at Old Trafford.

He says: "Bryan Robson did not change his game because he was the best midfield player in Britain. He won tackles, made quality passes and scored goals. Brian McClair came from Celtic and scored 20 goals in a season. But there are so many players who have been influential for Ferguson. Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce, Dwight Yorke, Roy Keane. He has built around six different teams."

Chris is a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday fan and many supporters of that club say the turning point for United under Fergie was a match between the two sides at Old Trafford when Steve Bruce became the first player to score a goal in what has since become known as 'Fergie time.' Bruce scored two late goals to secure a crucial 2-1 home win over the Owls. Seven minutes of injury time were played due to a stoppage when the match referee was injured. You can watch the goals from that crucial game via this link http://tiny.cc/uld54

This win was to my mind the result that drove United on to win the first Premier League title that season. The importance of that late victory was evident from the celebrations of Fergie and his then assistant Brian Kidd.

Chris says: "Winning the FA Cup and his first league title were the defining moments. I said when I left United that once the club wins the title again it would go on to dominate English football."

Chris has gone on to manage clubs himself and experience the highs and lows of managing players today. I wondered if he can put his finger on why Fergie has enjoyed so much success.

He says: "Self desire to win which he has passed on to his players and to everyone throughout the club."

Chris Turner went on to defeat Ferguson when playing for Sheffield Wednesday in the 1991 League Cup Final at Wembley. The Owls managed, ironically, by Ron Atkinson, beat Man Utd 1-0. But Chris confirms he is glad to have played for Manchester United and for Sir Alex Ferguson.

He told me: "It is without doubt the biggest football club in the world and I am proud to have played for them."

For my part, having been part of TV production teams that have filmed with Fergie, I have no complaints about my personal dealings with him. But then I have tended to work with reporters I know Ferguson respects or numbers among his friends.

Like most non Man Utd fans, I have disagreed with comments Fergie has made on a number of issues over the years. But i do wish he'd been managing my club for 25 years.

Few of us, even those of us who lived through the achievements of Nicholson, Mercer, Shankly, Paisley and Clough; can deny the fact that the success of Sir Alex Ferguson as a football manager is second to none.

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING

2011-11-06T13:12:00.005+01:00

Team Balladoyle won the Breeders' Cup in America. St. Nicholas Abbey was ridden to victory in the big 'turf' race by young Joseph O'Brien, son of trainer Aidan O'Brien.

The proud dad, who rarely shows the level of emotion he displayed yesterday, said: "This is very special. It was a wonderful ride. Incredible. Unbelievable. One of the proudest days of my life."

The jockey's mother was also moved to comment. She said: "I am so excited, he gave it a super ride. It's fantastic. My heart was going at 100mph. I could hardly stand up I was so nervous."

For his part, jockey Joseph said: "This is a dream come true. I was happy with my position throughout the race. It picked up when it mattered. I had to be patient and wait for gaps. I have been coming to the Breeders' Cup since I was very small. To ride a winner here is out of this world."

St. Nicholas Abbey is clearly a horse back to its best. They'll be raising a glass or two of something at Ballydoyle today. Well done to team O'Brien. Slainte!

TOP FIELD FOR BETFAIR CHASE

2011-11-02T16:42:00.005+01:00

Photo: Kauto Star takes his place in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park

One of my favourite race days of the late autumn/early winter is the Betfair Chase at Haydock. I've seen some thrilling races there over the years.

This year looks set to be a cracker. The line up includes some of the very best horses.

Gold Cup winner Long Run is the ante post favourite at Evens. Time for Rupert is currently second favourite at 8-1, Wierd Al is 9-1 and Diamond Harry 10-1.

Good old Kauto Star is priced at 12-1 right now. Owner Clive Smith is hopeful that the 11 year old will give a good account of himself.

How Kauto Star performs may well dictate if we see the horse on a racecourse again.

Smith said: "The plan is that we run him in the Betfair Chase and then everything will come out regarding his future after Haydock. He could be retired instantly, he could have another run or he might be around for another go at the Gold Cup."

Two years ago Kauto Star won the race when, in a gripping climax to the race, a photo finish decided that Kauto Star had just beaten Imperial Commander.

It was a thrilling race and this year's event looks set to be every bit as competitive.

GOLDIKOVA - ONE MORE TIME

2011-11-02T14:36:00.008+01:00

Trainer Freddy Head has confirmed that Goldikova will race for the last time in the Breeders' Cup Mile this weekend. You can watch the horse preparing for the race in America below.

Head said of the horse:- "She really is an exceptional horse. I've seen horses as good as herm or maybe even better on a particular day, but I have never seen or known one who has been so consistent at the top level year after year. She's never had a day off in her life and has never given me any problems.

"I'm very happy that she's finishing on such a high profile occasion but, on the other hand, I am very sad that she will be leaving me because she has been part of my life for the past five years."

AP McCOY - A NATIONAL TREASURE

2011-11-02T13:14:00.006+01:00

The British Horseracing Authority announced today that "more should be done to ensure that jockeys taking part in the Grand National should be suitably qualified."

Previously the rules required jockeys who planned to ride in the big event to have had 15 winners over obstacles, but these could all be in the less demanding sphere of races over hurdles. Today the BHA said that 10 of those wins must have come in steeplechase races.

Not a new rule that will trouble the great AP McCoy. A man whose autobiography was released last month. The champ will take his place in jumps races big and small for years to come. The current BBC Sports Personality of the Year has no plans to quit the sport.

He says: "I have no plans to retire. I dread the prospect. Racing is what makes me tick and I wouldn't swap the job for all the money in the world."

When i read that AP was bringing out a second autobiography less than ten years after the first one, I wondered why. What new did he have to say? Well, a great deal actually. This new book is a much more frank, open and fascinating read.

McCoy said: "Time was I was very hard on myself. Now, if I make a mistake, I just try not to make it again."

The champion jockey says he is now much less self critical and doesn't beat himself up over failures. He says that part of the book is by way of an apology to Chanelle for what he put her through in those days when he was less comfortable in his own skin than he is today.

He says: "I drove the poor girl mad. I was lucky that I didn't drive her away."

I can't imagine the day when the name AP McCoy is not on a race card. I dread the thought. And the great sportsman himself says he'll ride in the Grand National just so long as he can. The race has a special place in his heart.

He says: "My best day in racing, by a million miles, was winning the Grand National on Don't Push It. Even now, I don't get tired of hearing about it. When I ring the office of JP McManus, and his secretary says, "I'll put you through"; it plays the 2010 Grand National and I think, 'that was a great day, don't put me through for a couple of minutes. Let me listen to the end."

I hope to be able to interview AP about his book, on camera, before the end of the year and members of our subscription service will get to see such interviews first.

OCTOBER PROFIT - 92 WINNERS IN 26 DAYS

2011-10-31T23:20:00.006+01:00

In the month when racing self imploded, we still had 92 winning selections chosen over an active period of 26 days. We also had many each way selections that got placed, so returning further profit. They included a Sir Henry Cecil horse to watch out for in the future. Srinagar Girl came 2nd at odds of 25-1.

The month of October began well with 8 winners on my birthday. Thank you for all the presents Mr. Bookmaker! And for the good wishes of members. That was nice of you.

The period I did not enjoy (who in racing did?) was the 10 day period from October 10th when the new whip ban rules were imposed on jockeys. I watched lots of racing during that period and, as all punters know, results changed considerably during that period.

The form book went out of the window. People like me who spend hours studying form were, frankly, wasting lots of time during that period. And some money.

Jockeys were not winning races on horses that wanted to win because the jockeys were scared of using the whip in the final furlong in case they got a ban and lost their riding fee.

As we all know, the whip ban rules have been relaxed a little but the punishments imposed on the jockeys have not. That still leaves us with a situation whereby many a jockey is not whipping a horse that is not going to win but could get placed.

Say the horse is running well in 5th or 4th place with a furlong or two to go. If the jockey has already used up the number of times he or she can use the whip (7 on the flat, 8 over jumps), or if they have simply lost count; they are not going to whip the horse once or twice more to get into 3rd or second place. They will not run the risk of being punished by the British Horseracing Authority.

That is not good news for those who, like me, often bet each way on decent priced horses in the hope that if they don't win, they will at least return us placed profit.

There was, of course, one star of racing in October. The wonder horse that is Frankel (pictured above).

Here's the list of selections which brought us profit in the month of October.

31st

Won

King of the Night 3-1

Gritstone 5-2

Judiacary 8-11

Grab the Glory 6-5

29th

Won

Sphinx 9-2

Mojave 2-1

Neutrafa 7-4

Each Way placed profit

A Media Luz 8-1

28th

Won

Artistic Jewel 11-2

Zafeens Pearl 4-1

Gulf of Naples 7-2

Wide Receiver 5-2

Gloriam 5-4

Each Way placed profit

Vallani 17-2

27th

Won

Green Wadi 8-1
Runshan 6-1
Mambo Spirit 4-1
Grizzle 7-2
Rhagori 9-4
Fascinating 11-10
Doeslessthanme 10-11

Each Way placed profit

Srinagar Girl 25-1

Fellisha 11-1

26th

Won

Rockweiler 10-1

Free Zone 7-2

Perpetually 13-8

My Brother Sylvest 11-8

Each Way placed profit

Two Turtle Doves 12-1

Requisite 10-1

Change the Subject 8-1

Bravestofthebrave 6-1

25th

Won

Rossmore Lad 8-1

Idler 1-2

Each Way placed profit

Be My Light 8-1

Deliberation 6-1

Frasers Hill 6-1

Taste the Wine 11-2

24th

Won

Valantino Oyster 8-1

Future Security 11-2

Quite a Thing 10-11

22nd

Won

Suhali 7-1

Arthurian Legend 13-2

Rumble of Thunder 6-1

Doc's Legacy 5-1

Gormanstown Cuckoo 9-2

Fascinating 5-2

Pimpernel 11-8

Harry the Viking 5-4

Hazy Tom 5-4

Each way placed profit

Willing Foe 11-1

21st

Won

Blimey O'Reily 10-1

Top Diktat 5-1

Lacily 3-1

Saute 6-4

Each way placed profit

Van der Art 12-1

Hefner 11-1

Kenyan Cat 10-1

Hepworth 9-1

Devdas 8-1

Amy Dorrit 11-2

20th

Won

Sivola de Sivola 11-10

Cape Dutch 5-2

Esporao 11-10

19th

Won

Diala 6-4

Lord of the Shadows 5-2

18th

Won

Equity Card 2-1

Soulard 1-6

17th

Won

New Code 2-5

Each Way placed profit

Broughton Paradis 12-1

Stipulate 7-1

15th

Won

Deacon Blues 11-4

Frankel 1-3

(*Double bet on above two as selected Friday, wins at odds of 4-1 with BetFred and Frankel/Excelebration forecast bet also wins)

Balthazar King 6-1 (price available when selected for members Friday night)

Each Way Placed Profit

Snow Fairy 8-1

Cockney Trucker 6-1

14th

Won

Green Howard 8-1

Smart Step 5-1

Master Bond 13-8

Paint the Clouds 11-4

Each Way Placed Profit

Taikoo 9-1

Your Busy 6-1

13th

Won

Tily Ann 5-1

Lucky Lukey 5-1

Expert Fighter 3-1

Captain Dash 10-11

Each Way placed profit

Stonecrabstomorrow 12-1

12th

Won

Glastonberry 8-1

Mr Knighley 11-8

Amtired 11-10

Avon River 4-5

Each way placed profit

Montefeltro 14-1

Absinthe 10-1

11th

Won

Thought Worthy 6-1

Thomas Chippendale 7-2

Each Way Placed Profit

Winter Alchemy 13-2

Looking On 14-1

10th

Won

Oh So Spicy 7-1

Ecliptic 15-8

Each Way placed profit

Mazagee 9-1

Spice Fair 8-1

Sweet Ophelia 15-2

Petsas Pleasure 13-2

Lady Barastar 6-1

8th

Won

Strong Suit 13-8

Bannock 7-2

Each Way placed profit

Kaldoun Kingdom 20-1

Most Improved 10-1

Questioning 9-1

7th

Won

American Art 4-1

Jimbil 8-11

Timesawastin 8-13

Each way placed profit

Jessie's Spirit 16-1

6th

Won

Justabout 5-1

Elsafeer 6-4

Mauritino 10-11

Never Perfect 4-7

Inishrush 7-4

5th

Won
Misdemeanour 3-1

Baccalaureate 9-4

American Ladie 8-11

Oscar Sunset 5-6

Figaro 6-4

Gusto 13-8

4th

Won

Jack's Revenge 11-10

Upcountry 8-15

Each way placed profit

Annie Walker 10-1

Boy the Bell 7-1

3rd

Won

Diverting 11-4

Mince 9-4

Each way placed profit

Flying Power

1st

Won

Coup de Ville 10-1

Art History 6-1

Pertemps Network 9-2

Balm 7-2

Yorksters Prince 9-4

Samitar 5-4

Pricipal Role 4-6

Encke 8-11

Each way placed profit

The Cheka 25-1

Marvada 11-2

18-1 FOOTBALL ACCUMULATOR PAYS OFF

2011-10-31T08:19:00.012+01:00

The third accumulator of the current football season paid off on Saturday.

I suggested to members that they got on an away day treble 8-1 bet which would require wins for Man Utd, Fulham and Huddersfield Town. Then i spotted that League 1 table toppers Charlton were, surprisingly, odds against to win at Hartlepool. So i told members they may wish to consider adding Charlton to that bet and boosting the accumulative odds to 18-1.

All four teams won returning me some nice profit and I'm pleased to hear some members also followed me in on one version or the other.

The single bet profit on football came via wins for:- Derby at 29-20, Fulham a 3-8, Man Utd at Evens, Cheltenham 4-6, Huddersfield 4-5 and Charlton at 11-10.

In the week when the clocks went back, some things never change.

We had a decent 6 day week overall at the races. 24 selections won and 12 more were placed at each way prices, including one from Sir Henry Cecil which just got beaten into 2nd at odds of 25-1.

The best days at the races were Wednesday, when we had 7 winners and Thursday, when we secured 6 victories. Not a great week by my standards but a moderately pleasing one. Especially when you consider that this is the trickiest time of the year for racing punters.

The official flat season is ending and the jumps season is only now getting underway. Many of the big names of national hunt racing are making their first appearances of the season. Only the trainer has an idea if their horse is fit enough to win.

As the jumps season hots up there will be more winners for trainers and for punters. You can join our selections service by using the PayPal buttons opposite. £10 a month gets you unlimited racing selections on a minimum of 5 days of the week along with midweek and weekend football selections.

SIX AND THE CITY

2011-10-23T17:13:00.005+02:00

Photo: Mancini wins the day at Old Trafford

In the shock result of the football season so far, Manchester City travelled across the city to beat Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford.

City led the game with a goal from Balotelli after 22 minutes and that was the only goal in the first half. Crucially two minutes into the second half Man United had defender Johnny Evans sent off.

Thereafter the floodgates opened. Balotelli got another goal on the hour, created by man of the match David Silva. Aguero scored a third ten minutes later before Fletcher scored a good goal for a shaken Man Utd after 81 minutes.

The game was over before Dzeko scored twice, and Silva once, in the last minutes of the game.

An extraordinary scoreline which leaves Manchester City five points clear at the top of the Premiership and the bookies favourite to win the title.

Afterwards Sir Alex Ferguson reacted thus: "There is a lot of embarrassment in that dressing room right now. I'm shattered. I can't believe it."

CAMELOT LOOKS MAJESTIC

2011-10-23T13:58:00.010+02:00

Photos by: www.twitter.com/riosrider

The Racing Post Trophy took place at Doncaster on Saturday. It was won by a horse that looks a bit special.

Camelot was magical as it won on only its second outing on a racecourse. It is now a hot favourite to win the Epsom Derby next June.

Aiden O'Brien trains Camelot and his son Joseph was on board. He gave it a patient ride and produced the horse from the rear of the five horse field. Camelot won the race easily.

Joseph said: "I thought I was on the best horse in the race and he never really came off the bridle. I think he's a very smart horse:"

His dad revealed that his team at Ballydoyle in Ireland had been monitoring Camelot at home and spotted that the horse might be something special.

Aidan said: "The data we were getting from him at home was showing up as something out of the ordinary. Although you are only reading the stuff, he still had to come here today and prove it. He's a super quick thinker with a lovely temperament and he's a joy to have anything to do with. He can do probably whatever you want."

It's early days, of course. I'm not a devotee of ante-post betting and I wouldn't bet on a race that far ahead of time. Anything can happen between now and June.

But if you don't mind waiting many months for your returns, then Camelot may reign supreme on the Epsom Downs in summer 2012.

9 WINNERS. BOOKIE BASHED. JOB DONE.

2011-10-23T12:38:00.011+02:00

Suhali (right) was 7-1 when selected for members. It won at Doncaster. Photo by the no.1 fan of winning jockey William Buick www.twitter.com/riosrider

We had nine winning selections at the races on Saturday. Actually it was ten. But I'm not claiming the tenth as, due to a typographical error on my part, I didn't spell it out to members to get on one horse each way (though some members who like each way selections took the hint and also won on Tell Dad at 7-1).

There was lots of racing on Saturday. It took some keeping up with. And I tried to keep tally of the winners and losers (yes, you glass half empty fellow punters out there on Twitter; I also pick losers. Happy now? Oh, by the way, don't you also do that? Thought so! This is not an exact science, don't you know?)

It had been a rubbish week of racing and punting. Nobody will persuade me that the whip ban imposed on October 10th didn't affect results. It did. Jockeys and trainers have admitted it and punters and bookies know it. I'm glad the jockeys who had money taken away from them by the British Horseracing Authority will have those racing fees and prize money paid back to them.

What a pity that those who run the sport didn't consider the opinion of punters in all this. They clearly were not considered to be, to use the favourite parlance of the BHA, "stakeholders" in the process. So we will not be reimbursed for our losses. No surprise there then!

Anyway, stuff you BHA! You do you worst to spoil the sport we love. Us punters will keep taking on the bookie and, on days like yesterday, coming out with some tidy profit.

In a week when I'd only managed to select between two and four winners (poor by my own self imposed high standards), that all changed on Saturday. 9 selections went on to victory - and some at very nice prices.

It made up for a poor week at the races and, for the sake of one goal by Southampton, a 23-1 football treble.

But the win of Cheltenham on Friday night brought off the 10-1 double thanks to Inter Milan having also won earlier in the week.

I'm delighted to hear via www.twitter.com/betonsportstips that so many members won money yesterday on that bet and on some of the nine winning selections at the races on Saturday.

The profit on the day came via:-

Won

Suhali 7-1

Arthurian Legend 13-2

Rumble of Thunder 6-1

Doc's Legacy 5-1

Gormanstown Cuckoo 9-2

Fascinating 5-2

Pimpernel 11-8

Harry the Viking 5-4

Hazy Tom 5-4

Each way placed profit

Willing Foe 11-1

BHA TO BLAME FOR RACING TAKING A BEATING - NOW IT'S PAYBACK TIME FOR JOCKEYS & PUNTERS

2011-10-21T10:46:00.011+02:00

Photo: Jockeys no longer have to look out for the furlong pole!

On Friday morning the British Horseracing Authority announced that, after consultation with the British Jockeys Association, the ban on overuse of the whip within the final furlong of a race would be removed.

There had been much controversy surrounding the rule that, on the flat, a jockey could not use the whip more than 5 times on the approach to the finishing line. This had led to a number of bans and fines being imposed on jockeys. They were having any prize money for winning a race taken from them for not being able to count from one to five while having other things on their mind. Like winning a race!

The compromise announced this morning leaves in place the new rule that flat jockeys may only use the whip 7 times overall in a race and jump jockeys a maximum of eight times.

The BHA have not, as the jockeys requested, relented on the issue of race bans for jockeys who flout the new regulations.

They have also announced that all bans, fines and withdrawals of prize money will be rescinded.

That will include Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon who won over fifty thousand pounds only to have it taken away from him because he was judged to have used the whip once too often in the final furlong of the Qipco Champion Stakes.

As Soumillon said of the draconian penalties and the whip ban: "I'm very embarrassed for British racing. The fans have been let down."

How right he was.

It will also mean that jockey Richard Hughes, whose threat to quit the sport over excessive bans brought this issue to a head, will now be able to take part in some big races overseas.

The BHA says that from this afternoon if a jockey hits a horse once too often he/she will not lose their prize money but will receive a 5 day ban. If they exceed the use of the whip by more than 1, they will lose a percentage of any prize money. But offending jockeys will not, as had been the case, lose their riding fees should they exceed the limit on use of the whip.

The BHA are to blame for dragging the sport through the mire these past couple of weeks.

They created this mess and have done untold damage to racing in the process. Those who sat around a table and decided to bring in the regulations, without adequately consulting jockeys and trainers, and timed the imposition of the new rules for the week before the richest event in UK racing history; they are the people who should be looking for alternative employment.

They are not fit to run a whelk stall.

Perhaps now we can get back to talking about the wonderful aspects of racing. Jockeys know where they stand. And punters can once again look forward to their horses being put in a race between the furlong pole and the winning post. Too many race results in the past week or more have clearly been affected by the ill considered measures that were harming the sport.

It has been a false controversy as the newer cushioned stick does not hurt horses.

The experienced jockeys have said clearly that if they themselves see a younger jockey using the whip too often, they tell them to stop it.

Sadly the BHA took more notice of the opinion of individuals and organisations outside of racing than they did of those who daily care about and/or work in the industry. The men in suits bent over backwards to appease the animal welfare lobby, the ignorant who never go raccing and rent-a-gobs like John McCririck who, I am ashamed to say, the media still call first when they broadcast debates about racing.

Sadly I doubt that will ever change.

*You can read the full statement from the BHA via this link http://tiny.cc/eywz2

WHIP REGULATIONS HAVE NOT WORKED - SEAN BOYCE

2011-10-20T13:28:00.009+02:00

Top: Sean Boyce has his say on the new regulations re use of the "cushioned stick."

I urge everyone who cares about the sport of racing to contact the British Horseracing Authority to register your opinion about the imposition of the stricter rules and fines for use of the whip.

I have done so but so have some far more high profile and influential figures.

Racing broadcaster Sean Boyce has sent the following open letter to the BHA. With his permission, i publish it here. I agree with every word.

Dear BHA,

I’m writing as a racing fan and as a committed supporter of the sport. I’m writing as an animal lover that admires the thoroughbred racehorse for its grace and elegance its courage and its power. I’m writing to ask that, at the eleventh hour, you pause before moving forward with plans which run the very real risk of destroying the sport of racing in this country and untramelling the closely woven relationship of man and horse that has evolved over millennia.

Some will say that it is ‘too late’ that we are ‘in blood stepped in so far that to return were as tedious as to go o’er’. This is not true. Only the tyrant is never for turning in the face of overwhelming evidence. Stay your course and history will judge you harshly. Change your course and you will need to weather a short term storm but you will also be able find safe harbour for the sport.

Nobody doubts that those involved with the review into the use of the air cushioned stick in racing were attempting to do the right thing. What is in doubt is both the outcome, and far more importantly, the motivation for the review.

Comments from Ryan Moore on RUK last night suggest that jockeys were told that change was necessary because of ‘two mailbags’ of letters demanding change. The editor of the Racing Post has said he supported change because he doesn’t find frequent stick use ‘very appealing’. Fascinating though these insights are they are no basis on which to alter the way that we ride racehorses so fundamentally as to to radically transform the sport itself.

You cannot regulate based upon what you ‘think’ certain groups of people might ‘feel’ about the sport. You cannot regulate the sport by focus group and you absolutely must not regulate the sport on the whim of activist pressure groups.

Focus on the facts. More than 99% of rides under the old rules were in compliance. Less than 1% of rides breached the rules. If that fraction is too big for your tastes then by all means consider deterrents that are proportionate and effective. Introducing rules that are much easier to break is unlikely to have the effect you seem to desire.

The fact is that the air cushioned stick is safe. It is engineered in such a way that, used correctly, it all but eliminates any possibility of harm to the animal. If the one or two rides a year that cause comment are too many to stomach then work on educating those concerned on their responsibility and their technique.

If there is an issue with ‘public perception’ work on changing it based on the firm foundation of everything the sport does well. Give the public the facts.

The new regulations have not worked. They are too easy to break, they do not give horsemen and women sufficient scope to ride well in all circumstances. The rules will be even less effective for jump racing in the winter, in fact they will be disastrous. They are not fit for purpose. There is no logical or moral imperative to keep them. So ditch them. The existing rules worked well and there is a wealth of evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness.

It is too glib to make historical references to ‘appeasement never working’ but you must beware of making concessions – based on mere impressions – on an aspect of race riding which is neither cruel nor pain inducing when so much of what we ask the racehorse to do is actually tough, and demanding and high risk.

We need to be clear that our covenant with this animal is an ancient one. For a matter of minutes during the course of each year of a horse’s life it will be asked to stretch and extend itself to the limits of its physical strength and endurance. This is how we find winners, this is how we test the thoroughbred and this is how we crown our champions. Racing is hard and it’s tough and it gives no quarter in the crucible of competition. At the heart of racing though stands the thoroughbred racehorse. Bred, born, trained, conditioned and prepared for competition. The horse is up to the challenge. We owe it to these magnificent animals to show that we are too.

So, ignore the siren voices that say ‘it’s too late to turn back’. These are the same siren voices that sighed ‘something must be done’. Listen to the horsemen and women who work with these animals and trust them. Look at the facts and trust those too and most of all have the faith in your own sport and stand up for it. You were not alone in thinking the new rules could work. Some high profile professionals lent their names to the recommendations and most of the media lent you their applause. You were wrong together and you can put that right together.

Sincerely

Sean Boyce

ALL PART OF THE SERVICE

2011-10-18T10:44:00.004+02:00

It has been a delight connecting with members since the summer. I wish I had done so years earlier. So many nice, knowledgeable and clever people out there who love their sport and like to have a little bet on football, horse racing and all manner of other events.

I have been developing more ways that you can benefit from the token monthly subscription fee of 10 a month. That figure will remain constant but you'll get even more for your payment in the coming months.

Next month I shall be filming interviews with people from the world of sport. From racing, from football and with a variety of people who have written sports books that will be big sellers this Christmas.

I have set up a new You Tube channel but the exclusive taped interviews I film next month will not appear there until a month after you, the members of this service, have had first viewing.

I am also publishing an online magazine (each quarter, initially) which members will again see first, ahead of anyone else.

Other developments will include a mobile app and you'll be able to buy sports books via links on the homepage of the blog.

These things take time when, like me, you are a one man band but I hope my band of brothers and sisters will appreciate getting even more for their monthly money.

You will continue to receive unlimited selections for horse racing and football fixtures on a minimum of 5 days of each week.

I'd like to take this opportunity for thanking members for subscribing and for the constructive, informative and often witty feedback you have sent me via e-mail or via my feeds at www.twitter.com/wordsport and www.twitter.com/betonsportstips

HAIL HAYLEY!

2011-10-17T11:55:00.012+02:00

At work and at play. Hayley Turner speaks volumes for racing. Positively.

Last week was a shocking one when it came to the image of racing.

Racing seems hell bent on shooting itself in the foot. Last week, in the run up to the richest race meeting in UK history, the sport did its very best to self implode.

And all because the men in suits who run the sport chose that week to impose the new regulations on the use of the whip by jockeys. I wonder which bright sparks were gathered around the table when they dreamt that one up. Do these people not own diaries?

I will blog about the whip ban when a) agreements have been reached and the dust has settled and b) when I have calmed down!

When the only topic of conversation in the world of racing should have been QIPCO Champions Day at Ascot, and a certain wonder horse called Frankel; instead racing was on the receiving end of negative media reports. The majority of which were fed by ignorance on the part of those conducting the interviews, aided and abetted by some frankly awful interviews given to the mass media by the jockey Richard Hughes - the day after he threatened to quit racing.

Those involved in the sport are always on the defensive when dealing with the non racing media. Always on the back foot. Constantly expecting a trick question or feeling as though they have to defend racing. They always sound suspicious of the questioning.

It was telling how much more relaxed and consequently eloquent Hughes was when being interviewed by people who knew something about racing.

When will racing learn that it is possible to use the media to achieve a positive outcome?

One jockey who spoke well to the media was the injured Hayley Turner.

I think Hayley has achieved what many before her have failed to do. Or just couldn't be bothered doing, believing that there was no need to promote a positive image.

Hayley Turner has been a great public relations executive for racing. Not just last week, but especially last week. When the sport needed someone to tell the masses about the whip problem in language they could understand, Hayley delivered.

If Hayley Turner had a fiver for each time she'd been asked the stock questions of "how difficult has it been for you as a female jockey?" or "have the male jockeys accepted you yet?"; she wouldn't require prize money. In her place I would have long ago screamed: "ask a bloody different question."

But she hasn't. She has answered the same inane questions over and over again. With good humour and patience.

Then, last week, she came into her own. Not least at the end of the week when she gave a massive boost to the BBC TV coverage of Champions Day. Whoever came up with the idea of employing her last Saturday is excused from all future criticism I make about the increasingly insufficient coverage of racing by the BBC.

Hayley confessed she had received reassurance from no less than Sir Henry Cecil, whose mind must have been on all things Frankel. But, being another great plus for the sport, the trainer took time to calm Hayley's nerves and assure her she'd be fine in the company of the ever professional Clare Balding.

Hayley was better than fine. I know she has worked on Channel 4 racing in the past, alongside other pros such as John Francome and Jim McGrath. But on those occasions she has just been asked to comment on races. She was good then. I thought she was brilliant on Saturday.

Believe me when I tell you that some of the most famous people on TV have taken years to learn simply how to hold a microphone in such a way as to make sure a) people can hear what you are saying and b) that you cannot see how much their hand is shaking with nerves.

She presented well to camera and answered questions with wit and the kind of knowledge only someone on the inside of a sport could offer.

Hayley is a class act on a horse. A jockey who won her first Group One race this year and who will only get better and better.

But that's an altogether different skill from speaking confidently on live television.

I'd long since given up caring if I ever saw the occasional BBC coverage of racing again.

While Balding is excellent and knowledgeable, and the underused Mick Fitzgerald is always informative; there is one big little problem with their coverage. And we all know who that is.

I don't know whether to admire the Beeb for persuing with Willie Carson, or question why they haven't taken on board that - great jockey though he was, lovely fella that he may well be - Willie Carson is to broadcasting what King Herod was to babysitting.

I feel sure that Hayley received help and advice from the production team and Balding herself. Neveretheless, that was some first appearance in the paddock without her colours on.

She gave thoughtful answers to questions, insight into how the jockeys feel about the whip ban. When she sensed that she may have dug herself a hole by revealing that winning Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon is "a bit flash", she was quick witted enough to speedily add he is "always happy to advise and help other jockeys."

Her comments on jockeys, horses and racing itself were considered and would have been revealing to many who only ever watch racing when the BBC are televising the sport.

Her genuine thrill at reliving her glorious season was a delight to witness and she gave a more positive image of racing in minutes than those who are charged with running the sport have done in years.

Racing needs jockeys who can provide a positive image of the sport in general. To those who already follow racing and to those mysterious people the sport seems hell bent on attracting, even if it means changing the rules of racing to such a degree that the very essence of the sport is itself eroded.

The continuing charge to win the hearts and minds of people who will never watch racing regularly is a mad one.

No matter how often a jockey uses the stick. Not even if the horses raced with pretty coloured ribbons round their necks, or if new punters were allowed to name the horse for a day!

You can move the goalposts all you like, they will not come. At least not for the racing itself.

For that they need to be attracted to the sport by having a connection with the jockeys, trainers and horses. To find them more attractive than what is on offer at the bar.

I have never seen a potential punter stood outside a racecourse screaming: "I'm not going in there unless they stop whipping the poor horses." And I never shall.

I've been around sport for decades. As a fan, as a journalist, writer and TV producer. I have never come across a sport that is such a walking public relations disaster as racing.

In recent years some trainers have learned how to improve the image of the sport and get across their message. People like Paul Nicholls opening his stables to the great unwashed has been a major plus for racing. If racing wants to attract the young and uninitiated to the sport then they must feel some connection with those who are central to racing. That includes the horses themselves.

Last week I despaired of how racing was once again its own worst enemy. I cringed when I heard a good, caring, normally erudite jockey like Richard Hughes give interviews to BBC Radio 4 and 5 that gave the impression he was a surly, monosyllabic jockey who wants to thrash the life out of a horse.

Nothing could be further from the truth. But Richard must take part of the blame for how those interviews gave the wrong impression.

His interviews with Mick Fitzgerald on the BBC, and with Racing UK, were far more informative, intelligent and representative of how frustrated Hughes and fellow jockeys had become. Not only with the daft new rules, but the imposition of scandalous punishments.

Many jockeys cannot, or wish not to, speak more than two words. That's fine. Every sport, indeed every profession, includes many such talented people. Jockeys are paid to win races. Not speak to the media or argue on air with self promoting fools such as John McCririck.

But, make no mistake about it. Racing needs people who can promote the sport. To vocalise its positive side. To radically improve the image of the sport away from the safe confines of the racecourse.

The men in suits won't achieve that. They never have. Why should now be any different?

Those whose very livelihood depends on the popularity of the sport will have to do it themselves.

Talented people. Smart people. Fun people. Those who can put across the right message with a smile on their face and with authority in their voice. Those who don't go on the defensive the moment a microphone is switched on.

People who can give a big thumbs up for racing. Just as Hayley Turner did to camera when she completed her very confident stint as a television racing correspondent.

It will not be her last.

Hail Hayley! The best support act Frankel could have wished for.

PROFITABLE PUNTING WEEKEND

2011-10-16T15:58:00.009+02:00

Top: Deacon Blues won & was the first part of a 4-1 winning double bet with Frankel (middle) who enters winners' enclosure at Ascot, pics courtesy of www.twitter.com/MartWes

Bottom: Sheffield Wednesday earn a late point in Steel City derby

Three 'special' bets came off this weekend. At Ascot on Saturday and in the Steel City football derby between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

First up on Saturday many members got on the suggested double that saw comfortable wins for Deacon Blues and Frankel on Qipco Champions Day at Ascot. The bet was available at odds of 4-1 with BetFred when members were e-mailed the alert.

With Frankel sure to win the big race of the day, the question was which horse would come second. I suggested members followed me on the straight forecast of Frankel and Excelebration when the winner was priced at 1-3 and the runner up was available at odds of 6-1. That result also came off.

Then, on Sunday, I was on a 2-2 draw between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby. I told members that I had placed a ten pound bet at odds of 14-1. I suggested members followed me in with that one as this is a fixture with which I have much personal experience. With 7 minutes left to play, and the Blades leading the Owls 2-0, I thought my bet was dead in the water.

But Wednesday fought back and equalised with moments to spare. The game finished just as I predicted, 2-2.

I always consider it a little flash, and a touch common, to talk about what punters win on any given bet. But sometimes it helps others to show what is possible if - as I am always keen to suggest - you are selective with the selections.

This past weekend I told members of four 'special' bets I was on personally. Only one, the football accumulator, failed to deliver. An outlay of only 40 pounds on those 3 'specials' returned you 309 pounds profit.

That is being choosy. That is being selective. Not betting on everything that races. Not betting on every football game that takes your fancy. Not betting on two flies crawling up a window (I know someone who actually used to do just that!)

It is profitable punting personified.

MILLE CHIEF DIES

2011-10-16T09:58:00.003+02:00

One of my favourite horses of recent times has been put down after breaking a hind leg while out on the gallops. The 5 year old won four of its nine races since coming to the UK from France.

Last season he won the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton racecourse, but came last in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last March.

Trainer Alan King described the loss as a "cruel blow." He said: "It was just a routine piece of exercise and sadly Mille Chief broke a hind leg, which has left us all numb with shock. Everyone at the yard thought the world of Mille Chief and our sympathies go out to owner Max McNeill and his family.

"We had great hopes that he might give us another Triumph Hurdle success. We still had faith that he might make it to the top as a hurdler this season. Mille Chief was always an exceptional worker at home, and he still had so much speed it was difficult to find something to go with him on the gallops."

HI HO SILVA!

2011-10-13T13:38:00.009+02:00

I recall telling a Manchester City supporting friend that his club may have made a mistake when they reportedly paid between 25 and 30 million pounds for David Silva.

Not because I personally didn't like the player. I always have. But because he hadn't exactly been setting the world alight for his country. Too often he was the nearly man. Of which much was expected, but only occasionally delivered.

Despite missing only a handful of games in two seasons for his club Valencia, David Silva would often be left out of the Spanish national squad or spend much of the time warming the bench.

He grew weary of not getting to start games. When he did, he would often be the first player substituted.

I could see that annoyance on his face again this past week when a much more confident David Silva was taken off before he could complete a hat trick of goals against Scotland.

Of course the gifted Silva has found himself as part of a national team at the very time when they are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality players. He is up against the likes of Iniesta and Xavi and securing a regular start in a team this good is not easy.

He scored in the semi final of the 2008 European Championships but was again substituted in the final. When qualifying for the World Cup in 2010 Spain won all ten games and Silva played often in that impressive qualifying campaign.

But when it came to the World Cup finals in South Africa, Silva was again used as a spare part. He played in the first game, a surprise defeat at the hands of Switzerland, but only got on to the pitch for a further four minutes. And that was more as a time wasting technique when Spain were beating Germany 1-0.

Some Spanish players struggle in the Premiership. The Fernando Torres we have seen in the past year is a facsimile of the one so many supporters of Spain were used to watching prior to Spain winning Euro 2008.

It is a very long time since Torres was rated in his own country. They loved him the night he scored the winning goal in the final against Germany, but the irony that it was Torres who got the goal was not lost even on the Spanish - who don't 'do' irony.

Torres hasn't been suited to the way Spain play. The national team play a passing game that simply did not, and still does not, suit Torres.

His best days at Liverpool came about as a result of longer passes through the middle from the likes of Steven Gerrard.

If you buy Torres then you must adjust the way your team plays to suit him. To deliver him the balls he needs to score goals. Something the new manager of Chelsea knows only too well. Though I suspect the jury is out at Stamford Bridge as to whether they will stick or twist when it comes to the future of Fernando.

As for Silva, well he has just got better and better. Spanish football friends who have seen him play for Manchester City are amazed at the transformation. Like me, they thought he would prove to be too lightweight for the more physical game in England. That he would shrink away when the rain, cold and mud came to the fore in Premiership games.

I've seen David Silva play in Spain often these past six years. The David Silva of today is the same player and yet, somehow, very different. He is full of confidence, which he seemed to lack in Spain. He seemed more cautious when playing in Spain. He seems to believe in himself much more now.

True, he didn't have much to beat the other night against Scotland. But his tail was up and he looked in great form playing in a position to which he is not accustomed. Spanish fans sung a version of "are you Messi in disguise?" I suspect they were Barcelona fans!

I have to apologise to that Man City supporting friend for my initial negativity when City signed Silva. I don't see them play every week but, when I have, he has been the most influential player. And City fans seem to think likewise. He has been a superb signing for the club.

Not every Spanish player who comes to England settles. For all manner of reasons. Some don't adapt to the game. In England the games played between or against those teams outside of the top 4 in the Premiership are far more competitive than the La Liga equivalent in Spain. Not better, or worse. Just more competitive.

I'm delighted for David Silva himself. He came with the right attitude (unlike some of his colleagues at Man City). He has grabbed the opportunity to show the world of football that he is no forgotten man of Spanish football.

When Spain try to retain their title as European Championships next summer, he will only be 26 years of age. He is sure to play a key role.

This week he proved that to those who manage the Spanish national team, and also to those who support their World Cup winning heroes. The Spanish sports papers were full of tributes to the little lad from Gran Canaria.

If you support Man City or Spain right now, all that glitters is.... Silva!

ALL SHOOK UP! PUNTERS SING WHEN THEY'RE WINNING

2011-10-09T13:33:00.016+02:00

Photo: And you thought Elvis was dead. No, he's a profitable punter!

I am delighted that so many nice people, punters all, subscribe to my monthly selections service. I think the most pleasing aspect has been to discover what smashing people are out there. How the good ones far outweigh the doubters and the whiners. None of whom, funnily enough, are members themselves.

But it is great to be in touch with actual members via www.twitter.com/betonsportstips

This week I even had an Elvis impersonator join our clan. I met him long ago at a racecourse. This weekend he placed his first bet on my football accumulator. Apparently, last night, he dedicated his rendition of "the wonder of you" - to me!

I enjoy hearing from members about their own ideas for bets. To discover how clever many of them are. And to learn, in some cases, how much they've won. Frankly, I think what people win should be their private business. I don't think how much I profit by each year is the business of anyone but myself.

There are people out there who seem to want to say: "My ***** is bigger than your ***** or show us your **** Put your **** on the table for us all to see!

Again, none of these people are members of our happy and friendly little punters club. Thankfully.

Listen up.

I don't knock anyone else on Twitter or elsewhere for how they choose to bet. What they bet on. How much they stake. Which horses or football teams they choose at whatever odds. I don't ask anyone out there to "show me your money."

There are some good people out there offering their own tips for free. One or two of whom I have followed myself for years. Good people who know their stuff and choose to tell people what they are betting on themselves. Good luck to them.

There are people out there charging seemingly large sums of money for you to receive tips by telephone or the internet. Again, I say good luck to them and all who sail with them.

There are , of course, some charlatans out there. You get that in any walk of life, especially when money is involved. It is a shame that some punters get caught out by such people or by punting scams because, in my experience, punters are among the nicest people I have ever met.

It comes down to personal choice - and experience.

I've been doing this as an income making pastime for 14 years. I don't stake fortunes so, therefore, I don't win fortunes. Each to their own. All I care about is an annual profit. Not necessarily a profit for just one week, or one month. But at the end of 12 months. And, despite being a long way from a high rolling punter; I've made an annual profit each year since 1997.

I do not claim to be a so called 'professional punter.' In so much as it is not a full time job. I have other work to do. But I do commit many, many hours each week to studying form at the races and on football. While you are in bed or in the pub each evening, I will be studying race cards in great detail. I have one night off from this. Saturday night.

The harder you work at this punting game, the 'luckier' you get. I know that many of the members have limited time to study the daily e-mails so the continuing mission is to make the service as clear and concise as possible. But I will always offer more than just the names of three horses e-mailed or texted to you, as is the case with some 'tipping' services.

The Word of Sport service is about something more. It is not about a "my strike rate is bigger than your strike rate" type competition. I'm not interested in comparing my profit with every Tom, Dick and Harry on the internet.

I concern myself only with making an annual profit myself, and offering the selections that can ensure others do just the same. What individuals then choose to bet on, and with what stakes, is a matter for them. It's your business, not mine. And the income I have made over the years is my business, not yours. And least of all the business of some cynics and doomongers out there. The kind of people who tell me that it was "awful" of me to include a couple of short priced international teams in my accumulator this past weekend.

Err, excuse me. The bet won at accumulative odds of over 18-1. How can that be so bad?

This is a selections service. Certain races each day are analysed and, from that, a selection to win and/or a selection to be placed at an each way price is offered to members. I serve some people who simply want to know the best value win bet of the day (for which I suggested Strong Suit on Saturday. It won at an SP price of 13-8).

And I try to serve people such as myself, who also like to make profit on horses at good odds that do not win but get placed. There were three of those on Saturday and four more earlier in the week at odds of up to 20-1.

On the football, midweek and/or for the weekend, I offer selections to win, or for matches that may be drawn.

I also suggest possible profitable doubles, trebles or accumulators. And, of course, there is the magnificent 7 accumulator. A bet that has already paid off twice this season.

I am chuffed that so many of the existing members won on that bet and others this weekend.

I confess that I would probably rather have not discovered from one very happy member that he has paid for the family holiday to Florida; I was quite happy with my own winnings until I got that message!

But I am very happy for that person and very flattered by the messages I receive from many members who tell me that this is the "best £10 I have ever spent." That's nice to hear and makes all the effort I put in seem worthwhile.

And what's more, monthly members will be getting even more for their money in the coming months.

Of which more details follow shortly.

MAGNIFICENT 7 RIDES AGAIN!

2011-10-09T12:49:00.010+02:00

Sheffield Wednesday fans celebrate their 6th home win of the season. The Owls were one of the winners in our magnificent 7 bet that paid out at odds of over 18-1

Members of our selections subscription service are counting their winnings this morning. For the second time this football season, a magnificent 7 football accumulator paid off. A stake of 10 pounds returned £191, including your stake, with William Hill.

The accumulator, e-mailed on Friday morning to members who pay just £10 a month for unlimited football and horse racing selections; was for International wins on Friday evening for Denmark, Portugal, Holland and Spain coupled with weekend domestic league wins for Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Crawley Town.

All 7 won.

I've heard from members who had a quid on it, a tenner, or - as is the case with one member - £250.

It doesn't matter what you stake. Profit is profit. And the money is better in our accounts than those of the bookies.

There were also some single bet wins. They included the draw that we tipped between Serbia and Italy at odds of 12-5. Spain to win in the Czech Republic at the amazingly good price of 5-6.

Back home at the weekend, we tipped up Southend to win at Crewe at odds of 6-4 and Crawley to win away at 6-5. We even suggested putting those two in an away day double. Both teams won.

We even told members to get on Leon Clarke to score any time in the game between his current team, Chesterfield, and his old team, Sheffield Wednesday. Though the Owls won 3-1, it was Clarke who got the goal for the visitors. That bet was available at odds of 13-5 with Coral.

On Saturday we also had two good priced winners at the races. I expressed my surprise that Strong Suit was odds against to win the opening race at Newmarket on Saturday. It won comfortably by four and a half lengths and its SP price was a generous 13-8. I think those were the most 'wrong' odds offered by bookies for some time.

In that race we even predicted the second placed horse, Chachamadiee, for those members who like to bet on the forecast.

Also on Saturday, at York, we tipped up Bannock at 7-2. It also won. Just as pleasing were how many each way selections were placed at decent prices. Profit is profit by whichever means it arrives and I am always happy to receive profit on horses that may not win, but finish in the frame. Yesterday, they were Kaldoun Kingdom (20-1 when selected for members), Most Improved (10-1) and Questioning (9-1).

All in all there were 20 winning selections at the races between Monday and Saturday. Not a classic week, at least by our standards. But an acceptable one nonetheless.

But it was from the football that many members are today counting their blessings - and winnings.

The magnificent 7 rides again!

SEPTEMBER WINNERS & EACH WAY PROFIT

2011-10-02T13:37:00.007+02:00

The month of September was another good one at the races. 96 winning selections, plus other profitable returns on horses placed that were selected for members at each way prices.

The best day of the month was Saturday the 24th, when we had 8 winners at the races.

That had been preceded by six winners on the Thursday and Friday and 5 winners on the Wednesday. That was a very good week at the office.

Here are the details of the profitable picks.

30th

Won

Mundana 3-1

Folk Tune 8-11

Each way placed profit

Cape Classic 6-1 (priced Thursday eve)

29th

Won

Intercept 8-1

Famous Poet 9-4

Mush Mir 1-2

Each way placed profit

Wild Dessert 15-2

Regal Approval 7-1

Maydream 6-1

28th

Won

Al Saham 12-1

Avon River 9-4

Cool in the Shade 9-4

Each way placed profit

Jue De Roseau 6-1

27th

Won

Get it On 7-2

Mistress of Rome 10-11

Manger Hanagement 10-11

Dare to Dance 8-11

Each Way placed profit

Leelu 7-1

26th

Won

Desert Icon 5-2

Botham 9-4

24th

Won

Valery Borzov 14-1

Ooojooba 11-1

Belle Royale 8-1

Pimpernel 9-2

Skilful 9-2

Sahpresa 2-1

Anatolian 11-10

Dick Doughtywylie 4-5

Each Way placed profit

White Frost 11-1

Taurus Twins 8-1

23rd

Won

Cardigan 8-1

Vita Lika 7-2

Samuel Pickwick 3-1

Lordofthehouse 11-4

Lyric of Light 2-1

Fire Fighter 2-1

Each Way placed profit

Glyn Ceiriog 11-2

22nd

Won

Crius 10-1

Art History 5-1

The Bells O Peover 7-2

Shouda 7-2

Times Up 3-1

Mrs. Dee Bee 11-4

21st

Won

Los Nadis 5-1

Genius Step 6-4

Mart Lane 6-4

Quite the Man 5-1

Sit Tight 11-4

Each Way placed profit

Tartan Gunnar 16-1

Night Trade 7-1

*2 non runners

20th

Won

Caddie Master 10-3

Cat O Nine Tails 5-6

Each way placed profit

Valentino Oyster 10-1

Violent Velocity 8-1

Templer 8-1

Wait No More 7-1

19th

Won

Yensi 9-2

Tongalooma 11-4

Royal Opera 9-4

Each way placed profit

Rustic Deacon 9-1

*2 non runners

17th

Won

Ellie in the Pink 15-2

Green Destiny 11-4

Caspar Netcher 5-2

Deacon Blues 7-4

Each way placed profit

Little Curtsey 12-1

AlKazim 12-1

Dinkum Diamond 8-1

16th

Won

Deepsand 9-2

Dubai Prince 11-10

Calendonia Lady 11-8

Each way placed profit

Shubaat 7-1

*2 non runners

15th

Won

Passionada 2-1

Misplaced Fortune 7-2

Each way placed profit

Cool in the Shade 8-1

Caranbola 8-1

Bountiful Girl 6-1

Montefeltro 6-1

Torres del Paine 8-1

14th

Won

Electrician - Evens

Mujrayaat - 5-1

Feel the Difference 3-1

Each way placed profit

Untold Melody 7-1

13th

Won

Brouhaha 5-1

Snow Hill 7-2

Silenzio 11-8

Firebeam 5-4

Each way placed profit

Field of Dream 11-2

12th - *7 non running selections today. 1 each at Kempton & Brighton and 5 at the Musselburgh meeting, which was abandoned due to high winds.

Won

Go Dutch 1-2

Each way placed profit

Bouncy Bouncy at 13-2

10th

Won

Swift Alhaarth 6-1

Born to Sea 6-1

Anjaz 7-2

Kathleen Kennet 3-1

Frech Navy 9-4

Mabaany 4-5

Each way placed profit

Weapon of Choice 11-2

Franciscan 10-1

*3 non runners

9th

Won

Lyric of Light 9-1

McVicar 7-1

Beaten Up 11-2

Cravat 10-3

Icebuster 3-1

Midsummer Sun 5-2

Each way placed profit

Arabian Star 10-1

Shanatram 7-1

8th

Won

Shesha Bear 13-2

Alanza 10-3

Club Oceanic 10-3

Two Turtle Doves 3-1

Deliberation 15-8

Map of Heaven 8-11

Each way placed profit

Dever Dream at 15-2

Presburg 11-1

Mohanad 11-1

7th

Won

Ghostwriting 11-2

Smart Violeta 5-2

Albaspina 5-4

Each way placed profit

Dinkum Diamond 7-1

6th

Won

Ihsas 10-11

Each way placed profit

Overbranch at 14-1

5th

Won

Suzy Alexander 2-1

Lily in Pink at 13-2 (late advice via e-mail)

*2 non runners

3rd

Won

Red Gulch 8-1

Dream Ahead 11-2

Zero Money 3-1

Hot Rod Mamma 11-4

Unex Michelangelo 6-4

All My Heart 4-5

Each way placed profit

Zuider Zee 8-1

2nd

Won

Ellies Image 5-1

Griffin Point 4-1

Al Mahmeyah 9-4

Each way placed profit

On Her Way 8-1

Gnas 13-2

*4 non runners

1st

Won

A Boy Named Suzi 7-1

Professor John 7-2

Nemushka 2-1

Broctune Papa Gio 5-2

Each way placed profit

Zelos Diktator 11-2

IT'S ADIOS CARLOS AFTER ANOTHER TÉVEZ TANTRUM

2011-09-28T01:04:00.005+02:00

Well we have seen it all now when it comes to the behaviour of overpaid, over here Premiership footballers.

Carlos Tévez refused to come on as substitute for Manchester City when they were losing their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.

City manager Roberto Mancini said he turned to Tévez and asked him to warm up and get ready to play. "He simply turned to me and said 'NO'", said Mancini. "He refused to play for City and he is finished for me at this club."

Well, to quote the rival manager across the city of Manchester; "that's the price you pay when you shake hands with the devil."

City shouldn't sack him. Let him rot for the remainder of his contract. Or, better still, stop his wages and tell him where he can catch the bus to Manchester airport and suggest he buys a one way ticket to Buenos Aires.

Tévez contradicted himself in the hours after the game. His management company issued an apology to Man City fans claiming that Tévez had been "misunderstood."

On behalf of the player they said: "I wish to state that I never refused to play... Going forward I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."

Funny that as Tévez spoke in Spanish to foreign TV crews and said something rather different. "I didn't feel right, I couldn't play."

Greedy, spoiled footballers like Carlos Tévez - of any nationality - are a disgrace.

They are leeches. Sucking the lifeblood out of the English game.

It is time football clubs stood up to such players and their disruptive, money grabbing agents and advisers.

If fans of a club know the truth about the actions of these petulant prima donnas, they will support the club in dispensing with the services of so called star names.

Roberto Mancini must now be allowed to do what Sir Alex Ferguson would have done in his place. Show the player the door. Get rid of him as soon as possible before the poison that is Carlos Tévez spreads throughout the club.

When Tévez left Manchester United to sign for their "noisy neighbours", City put up posters across town with the words 'Welcome to Manchester' in big type.

I suggest now that they put up one billboard outside the palatial palace in which Tévez lives.

It should read: ADIOS CARLOS.

That is the polite version of what I'd like to say to Tévez and his kind.

8 WINNERS SATURDAY TOPS OFF A PROFITABLE WEEK

2011-09-25T20:25:00.006+02:00

Members of our punting club enjoyed a profitable Saturday. 8 winning selections at the races, including big priced winners Valery Borzov at 14-1 when selected and Oojooba at 11-1.

The superb results on Saturday topped off a great week of punting that saw us have 6 winners on both Thursday and Friday and 5 winning selections on Wednesday.

In total, between Monday and Saturday, there were 30 winning selections to choose from. By no means a record, but a very good week at the office nonetheless.

But it is not all about winners. Some selections lose, obviously. Some shorter priced selections come 2nd or 3rd. And several good priced each way selections are placed, so returning profit themselves.

Horses like Tartan Gunna which was an unlucky second at 16-1. Valentino Oyster at 10-1 and Rustic Deacon at 9-1. There were a few more placed horses that won money for members.

You don't have to be on a winner to make money punting. It may not be vast profit, but it is profit. It becomes our money and not the bookies.

I answer only to members regarding the service I offer. I don't have to respond to negative messages from outsiders on Twitter. I saw one at the weekend who was telling people that two of my winners on Saturday had never been available at the prices I suggested.

Well, yes they were. I have the returns from the bookies to prove it. The one thing I promise and guarantee all members is honesty.

The prices I tell members are available on selections are indeed available with at least one bookie at the time I press 'send' on the e-mail.

Prices change constantly. Indeed Oojooba, my first winning tip on Saturday, actually drifted out in price from the 6-1 I told members about first thing in the morning. It won on its debut at a price of 11-1. Lovely jubbly!

Thankfully the members of this very different punters club are a lovely bunch of people. It has been a joy to deal with them all and communicate via e-mail or Twitter (www.twitter.com/betonsportstips)

And, after last week, those members who got on the right selections are now that bit better off.

You can join them for only £10 a month. Receive racing analysis, advice, my thoughts and unlimited selections on racing and football on a minimum of five days of the week.

Try it for a month. What have you got to lose? A tenner? No. If you are wise, you should make that back on day one of punting.

When possible, I e-mail members late alerts, updates regarding the going at courses, non runners and early bird price suggestions. Last week that included a Thursday e-mail telling people to get on a win for Spurs at odds of 21-20 and, on Friday night, an e-mail suggesting members take the price of 11-10 for Anatolian to win at Newmarket the next day. Both won.

This service is not about sending people the names of two or three horses via e-mail or text. There are plenty of such services out there.

This is about more than that. This is about learning about punting. About horse, trainers, jockeys. It's about trying to win a nice football accumulator or two. It is about knowledge. For knowledge is power - in punting, as in life.

Soon I shall be offering much more for a tenner. That will include exclusive taped interviews with names from the world of football and racing. Also with the authors of some of the best sports books being released. You will have access to this footage a month in advance of it being uploaded to YouTube. This and more will be included in the existing monthly fee. I am very excited about the future of this service and what I aim to offer all members.

Whichever way you look at it, for that token monthly payment, it is a win-win situation.

Or, as was the case last Saturday - a win, win, win, win, win, win, win, win situation!