Wayne Bailey

19 hours ago | independent.ie | Wayne Bailey

Wayne Bailey: Ruling Court can clinch rare Guineas-Derby double for Appleby at EpsomTrainer Charlie Appleby. Photo: GettyAlthough I’ve had mixed fortunes betting on it, I would consider the Derby (3.30 Epsom) to be the greatest Flat race in the world. As such, it should follow that the cream rises to the top, and, generally speaking, that’s been the case in recent years, with the last three winners topping the official ratings.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Wayne Bailey

Wayne Bailey: Allonsy looks capable of toppling York Bronte Cup favourite Term of Endearment at a nice priceTrainer Ralph Beckett will be hoping Allonsy and Hector Crouch can upset the odds. Photo: GettyI might get in trouble for saying this, but it’s official: females are less reliable than males. At least, that’s true when it comes to certain horse races. I’m instinctively cautious when betting in races restricted to fillies and mares, having been burned before by short-priced favourites.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Wayne Bailey

Wayne Bailey: Power Fizz looks ready to light the fuse under Skibbereen native Adam Farragher at GoodwoodAdam Farragher riding Power Fizz to win at Ascot earlier this month. Photo: Getty Images“Fast women, slow horses and wine, have made me an old man ahead of my time. My hair once black, now with silver does shine, on account of fast women, slow horses and wine.”​A few years back, the missus bought me a record player, and I recently dug out some of my late father’s old LPs and singles.

3 weeks ago | independent.ie | Wayne Bailey

Before getting stuck into this week’s betting, a word on Rachael Blackmore, who announced her retirement on Monday. Few in sport are genuine groundbreakers – especially in racing, one of the rare arenas where men and women compete on equal terms. The Cheltenham wins, the Grand National… Blackmore silenced any notion that female jockeys can’t be as good as the men. She didn’t need to debate the point – she simply got the job done, with decency, humility and class.

4 weeks ago | independent.ie | Wayne Bailey

Wayne Bailey: Rahiebb looks like the value bet in Lingfield Derby TrialAidan O’Brien’s saddles Puppet Master in the Listed William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial. Photo: SportsfileI was looking through some jockey records and noticed that Brazilian Silvestre de Sousa has ridden 250 horses for trainer Roger Varian since 2013. Their partnership has been fruitful over the years, with 57 of those winning (23pc).