Nick Luck Daily Podcast

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.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates to reflect on an absorbing and history making weekend in the sport, which saw Saffie Osborne become the first woman to ride a British Classic winner. Nick catches up with the trainer of Highwayman Joseph O'Brien, who gives his own thoughts on performance of horse and rider, plus his Champions' Weekend haul and that of his family. Also today, Nick talks to Countryside Alliance CEO Tim Bonner about today's Westminster event which seeks to underline the importance of countryside interests to parliamentarians. Meanwhile, at Doncaster on Saturday, he caught up with MP and minister Sally Jameson about the importance of racing to the town and the symbiosis between the racing and betting industries. Plus, trainer Katie Scott revels in a first victory for star filly Naana's Shadow at Group level, while Tony Lacy has the latest ahead of the opening day of Keeneland sales, and Adam Mills tells us how the Leger was won and lost on the striding data.

In this week's Saturday Edition Charlotte Greenway previews a cracking weekend of racing over the next two days from Irish Champions Weekend and Doncaster. Kicking off in Ireland with the big one, the Irish Champion Stakes, Barry Mahon of Juddmonte looks at whether Item can follow up from his success at York while Ed Walker shares whether he thinks Almaqam can reverse the placings. George Scott also discusses supplementing Wimbledon Hawkeye for the race before Karl Burke provides an update on Fallen Angel, who is looking to go back to back in the Gr.1 Matron Stakes earlier on the card. Onto Doncaster where Saffie Osborne is looking to become the first female jockey to win a British classic and she shares her delight at getting the call up for a Joseph O'Brien runner and weighs up her chances. Finally, Oliver Cole share his excitement at taking on the Irish big guns in the National Stakes with Dr Rascal.

Nick joined this morning by Rishi Persad as they continue to preview a quality two days of racing this weekend from Leopardstown, Doncaster and The Curragh. Ahead of the Matron Stakes in Ireland tomorrow, with Rishi keen on Fallen Angel’s chance at the prices, Nick catches up with Karl Burke to see what sort of form she’s in and whether she’s up to winning this again. Handicapper Dominic Gardiner Hill shares why he’s awarded Ka Ying Rising a mark of 135, and what he’s got to do to climb higher before Adrien Cugnasse brings us up to date on the news from France after France Galop yesterday produced a long list of recommendations following the task force operation they put together to reform French racing and finally Jane McGivern looks ahead to the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at Cornbury Horse Trials this weekend.