Matt Chapman talks all things Richard Woollacott, Cheltenham Trials Day and Fixed Odds Betting Terminals
THE racing world has been rocked this week by the death of Richard Woollacott.
The trainer lost his battle with mental illness and his passing is a dreadful tragedy.
Coming to terms with the trauma of it must be incredibly hard for family and friends.
Richard Woollacott will be hugely missedPA Archives
Woollacott had just hit the big time. Not that he hadn’t already succeeded in life — he was the father of three children, and a champion point to point jockey.
But as a trainer he might have become a household name.
I was at Newbury for ITV the day Beer Goggles won the Grade 1 Long Distance Hurdle.
Beer Goggles (centre) will run at Cheltenham in memory of RichardPA: Press Association
Much of the talk was about the disappointing efforts of Thistlecrack and Unowhatimeanharry, but shining through the mist was the joy on Richard’s face.
That elation was infectious, and for a small yard trying to make the game pay the £28,000 to the winner was huge. But above the money there was a real feeling of a job well done.
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This was the moment Woollacott showed he could train a top horse given the opportunity. And improve a horse that had started at a lower grade.
How Woollacott touched people’s lives was well summed up by jockey Daryl Jacob, who said on Twitter: “RIP my great friend, we started together on the pointing field, shared so many great days on and off the course. I will miss you so much, God bless you.”
Beer Goggles runs for Woollacott’s wife Kayley in the Grade 1 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham today.
Matt Chapman's TV Tips
Cheltenham 1.50 – Ballyhill: ‘Up 5lb for New Year’s Day win but youngster could still improve’ (add to your betslip)
Doncaster 2.05 – Station Master: ‘Full of stamina and loves the mud’ (add to your betslip)
Cheltenham 2.25 – Bristol De Mai: ‘The class act in the conditions’ (add to your betslip)
Doncaster 2.40 – Maria’s Benefit: ‘She looked really good last time and is improving fast’ (add to your betslip)
Cheltenham 3.00 – Pacific De Baune: ‘Nicky Henderson’s hope could be anything and trip should suit’ (add to your betslip)
Doncaster 3.15 – Coologue: ‘He was 2lb higher when second in this race two years ago’ (add to your betslip)
Cheltenham 3.35 – Agrapart: ‘Has a bit to do at the weights but goes well at this track’ (add to your betslip)
If he were to win I have no doubt there will be scenes of joy rather than sadness. Of course there will be many a tear in an eye, but if Richard’s pride and joy scores that’s a moment to celebrate.
It won’t be easy for Beer Goggles, with Wholestone and Finian’s Oscar serious rivals. The latter has a tongue-tie for the first time on his return to hurdling after an iffy novice chase campaign.
Also in the line-up is the giant The Worlds End. There is a classy contest in him, although it may be over fences.
Stewart Williams Matt Chapman is looking forward to an awesome card at Cheltenham[/caption]
Today’s card at Cheltenham is awesome and we could see a number of horses who will go on to play a big part at the Festival in March.
In the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial all eyes will be on Apple’s Shakira, who has looked top-class in three wins so far.
There’s a chance of a Gold Cup clue or two in the Cotswold Chase. Bristol de Mai will be hot favourite, but even if he wins it won’t enhance his Festival claims.
Matt Chapman on FOBTs and racing
FIXED odds betting terminals have been in the news, with rumours the government are due to lower the minimum stake from £100 to £2.
The effect would be a massive loss in profits for bookmakers — and the knock-on from that would be a serious loss of cash for British racing.Once again, sadly, we see how racing is hostage to bookmakers and their success.
The financial plan for British racing is a shambles, and those in power should hang their heads in shame that FOBTs could cause a sport to struggle.
If FOBTs are the scourge of the earth they should be banned.
The fact that horseracing, one of the richest sports in the world, is so reliant on bookmaker profits and turnover is a different issue.
But in this instance they are firmly linked and the problem is in the hands of those who are in charge of the Sport of Kings.
The mud will need to be flying on Gold Cup day for Bristol de Mai to figure.
Perhaps more interesting is Harry Fry’s American, who looked so promising last season but was hopeless in the Hennessy.
The disappointment is that former Gold Cup hero Coneygree misses the race.
Coneygree will not run at CheltenhamPA:Press Association
He showed at Punchestown he still had an engine, but after two pulled-up efforts this season Mark Bradstock’s star has much to prove.
You have to wonder whether another pulled up effort will be the end of the road for him.
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