Nick Luck Daily Podcast

In this week' s Saturday Edition we kick off by hearing from last year's Ayr Gold Cup winning connections, Phil Cunningham and Richard Spencer, on where they can go back-to-back and who they view as their best chance from the four they've declared. William Haggas, trainer of the favourite, shares why he believes conditions of the race will suit his charge and why maybe we haven't seen the best of him yet, whilst he also comments on where we're likely to see some of his stable stars this Spring. Finally, down at Doncaster Arapaho Gold aims to make it 5 from 5 in the Mill Reef and his trainer Michael Dodds provides an update on how he's been getting on since York.

Nick is joined by Cornelius Lysaght to look at all the stories dominating the racing headlined across the world. They begin today with Chepstow Executive Director Luke Admans, seeking to reassure connections and patrons ahead of the jumps season after the summer drought. Also today, James Willoughby charts the storied past of Belmont Park, which reopens today and features the return of Forever Young. Plus, Jane Mangan on the disqualification of Luke Comer, Charlie Fellowes on the Newmarket Open Weekend, Tegbir Brar on the acquisition of Sosie for Indian breeders, Michael Dods on Arapaho Gold, and British Racing School CEO Andrew Braithwaite on continuing Maths and English education supported by Weatherbys Bank.

Charlotte Greenway standing in for Nick today and joined by the Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead. They begin by reacting to the report from the House of Lords liaison committee and its recommendations around gambling advertising, which looks to be yet another blow for the gambling industry and in turn racing. Lee also covers Entain boss Stella David’s letter to the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, warning him of the real consequences of tax hikes on betting companies in the next budget. We take a quick look at the weights for the Melbourne Cup and Lee pinpoints one he thinks could still be going there under the radar and ahead of this weekend‘s racing at Ayr, Matt Chapman is speaking to Phil Cunningham and Richard Spencer, who won feature race last year. John Hunt shares the details of his charity fundraising walk that is set to span over nine days and something he’ll be doing alongside his daughter Amy in aid of the Hunt Family Fund. Finally Jamie Insole looks ahead to the latest chapter in his training career, as it was announced he signed a lease on a yard in Lambourn.

Nick is joined by Rishi Persad to take a look at the racing headlines from around the world. They begin today with a look ahead to the Ayr Gold Cup and more in the company of trainer William Haggas. Also today, our Japanese correspondent Naohiro Goda shares his thoughts on the comeback run of Forever Young at the reopened Belmont Park this weekend, as well as the two remaining Japanese Arc hopefuls. Plus, JA McGrath with the latest from Hong Kong, Sir Mark Prescott speaking at the Countryside event in Westminster earlier in the week, and Kyle Zorn from Legion tells the story of Take Charge Star en route to a Breeders’ Cup tilt.

Nick is joined by Jane Mangan to bring you news and views from around the racing world. They begin today with Patrick Veitch, who gives notice of some important plans for stars Venetian Sun (off to the sales) and Lake Forest (dual Keeneland bid in the offing). Also today, author and TV betting guru Rob Furber on whether Saffie Osborne can win BBC SPOTY, and Roly Owers - CEO of World Horse Welfare has his say on what racing can and should do about Tripadvisor’s decision not to recommend the sport as part of its animal welfare policy. Plus, owner-breeder Phoebe Hobby shares her delight at winning the Racehorse to Eventer class at Cornbury Horse Trials, while Billy Nash has the Timeform view on Irish Champions’ Weekend, and Paul Ferguson previews his latest “Jumpers to Follow” book, out now with Weatherbys plus a special discount for NLD listeners.