Nick Luck Daily Podcast

Nick is in Bahrain, with Jane Mangan alongside him. The programme begins with the very sad news that apprentice rider Izzy Neale has died aged just 22, following a fall at Warren in New South Wales on Sunday. Harry Derham explains why he reported a senior member of his staff to the BHA for passing on inside information, a case that has ended in a two-year disqualification. He also discusses Cristal D’Estruval’s sparkling chase debut at Carlisle and his plans for Grade 1 winner Le Frimeur. Nick heads down to the track at the Bahrain Turf Club ahead of Friday’s $1.5 million Bahrain International Trophy, the kingdom’s first international Group 1. He hears from Sheikh Isa on the race’s journey from its first running in 2019, and from Karl Burke on defending champion Royal Champion. Jane and Nick also discuss Englishman’s retirement to stud and the stellar novice chase entry at Cheltenham this weekend. For the Timeform Pulse, Dan Barber looks back at Gavin Sheehan reaching 1,000 winners. On the Weatherbys world tour, Pascal Noue of Haras de la Hetraie warns that France’s National Hunt foal crop could fall by up to 15% next year.

Nick is in Bahrain ahead of Friday’s Bahrain International Trophy, the kingdom’s first international Group 1. The Daily Mirror’s David Yates joins him to look back on a big weekend of jumps racing. At Naas, Kopek Des Bordes was beaten at 1-4 by Irish Panther, Love Me Tender and Anzadam won for Willie Mullins, and Champion Bumper hero The Mourne Rambler had to work hard to win his maiden hurdle. Ted Walsh pays tribute to Derek O’Connor, who has retired as the most successful point-to-point rider of all time, calling him “the Tiger Woods of amateur riders”. Ben Pauling reflects on Taurus Bay beating No Drama This End and Talk To The Man in the Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Aintree, and looks ahead to Meetmebythesea in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup. He also talks about swapping the gallops for the dance floor for Racing Welfare. Hugo Palmer previews his two Bahrain International Trophy runners, Seagulls Eleven and Glacius. Jason Hart, crowned Cock O’ The North for the second time, calls for more recognition of northern racing after Great British Racing scaled back its support for the title.

Charlotte Greenway brings you this week’s Saturday Edition, starting at Aintree ahead of tomorrow’s action. Joe Tizzard updates us on Champion Hurdle fourth Alexei ahead of the William Hill Molyneux Hurdle, and Paul Nicholls looks forward to No Drama This End’s chasing debut in the Boodles Rising Stars Novices’ Chase. Then it’s down under for the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. John Messara previews Autumn Glow’s run in the Champions Mile and explains why Royal Ascot is no longer in the plan. Barry O’Brien is confident Sir Delius can bounce back in the Champions Stakes, where he also has Birdman.

Nick is in Melbourne on the eve of Champions Day, the final day of the carnival. First, Neil Channing reacts to Betfred founder Fred Done carrying out his threat to pull sponsorship of all five British Classics. He warns that it won’t be the last sponsor to walk away while betting shops keep closing, and he gives his view on Bradley Walsh’s Channel 4 gambling show. Back home, the jumps season really gets going. Josh Stacey runs through the big storylines from a strong weekend at Aintree, including Mydaddypaddy’s clash with Alexei in the Molyneux Hurdle and the “six-pointer” for Paul Nicholls as No Drama This End takes on his former inmate Talk To The Man. Josh also looks ahead to Kopek Des Bordes’ return in Ireland. Alexei’s trainer Joe Tizzard explains why his stable star skips the Fighting Fifth to start at Aintree and gives an update on stable jockey Brendan Powell after his arm operation. In Melbourne, Adam Peacock previews a Champions Day of possible coronations, with Tempted in the sprint, Autumn Glow in the mile and a Cox Plate rematch in the Champions Stakes. Autumn Glow’s owner John Messara then explains why Royal Ascot is no longer in the plan for his superstar mare. Plus, a tip from Josh for Aintree on Saturday.

Nick is at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day, joined by the Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead. Lee reflects on a Melbourne Cup week that has the carnival “very much on the up again”, Proxima Dea’s dominant Oaks win and Dom Sutton’s success with Sulek in the Country Final for Grand National-winning owner Stuart Andrew. Legendary Las Vegas oddsmaker Roxy Roxborough tells the remarkable story of a life spent gambling, from going broke at Del Mar to creating the first computer programs for sports betting odds. Lee also gives his take on Billy Loughnane joining William Buick as a Godolphin retained rider, and whether the lack of a hierarchy could make life complicated for Charlie Appleby. Owner Barry O’Brien, second in the Cup with Zahrann, explains how he became an “overnight success after 35 years” with 10 Group 1 wins in 18 months and shares his hopes for Sir Delius and Birdman in Saturday’s Champions Stakes. Chas Armitage of Country Racing Victoria explains the importance of the country racing circuit, and former Great British Racing man James Oldring, now chief executive of Perth Racing, tells Nick why Ascot WA pays out more prize money than Ascot UK. Plus, Lee’s Champions Day tip.