16th August 2017

Hi ,

Have you noticed that every so often whether it’s down the pub or on the television we all debate the merits expertise and brilliance of one sportsman against another. You know the type of thing is Renaldo better than Messi? Was Maradona better than Pele? Was McCoy better than Francome or Piggott better than Richards?

As we know in sport there are stars and then there is genius. Well back in the 19th century the top jockey was the legendary Fred Archer who was known as the tin man not because he was tough but because tin was slang for money and Archer loved money. However not many people realise Archer had a rival called George Fordham who was much shorter in stature than Archer but many believe was his superior in the saddle.

Fordham rode his first winner at the age of 14 at my local track Brighton in 1851 carrying a weight of 4st 11lbs. Just 4 years later he became champion jockey and during his colourful career he amassed 14 classic victories and 16 jockeys titles. There were many skirmishes over the years between the tin man Archer and the demon Fordham until the tyranny of the scales caught up with Archer when in a moment of desperation he put a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger at the age of 29. Fordhams death was less dramatic when he died age 50 from alcohol abuse.

It’s funny when we discuss the greats of horse racing the same names always come up Lester Piggott, Tony McCoy and Fred Archer but many forget the name of the pint sized genius George Fordham .

Well my Fold4Gold members all had a good day last Saturday when my mate Micky Quin trained a Shergar Cup winner in Great Hall. The gelding romped home with us all on at a 16/1 advised price. I told you all a few weeks ago I was at a function with Micky and over a glass of wine this plan was hatched. Sorry I couldn’t divulge this to the masses but sometimes not all info is free.

Howie Hotties have been on the cold list for a few weeks so lets see if we can find a hot tip today. The one I’m going for runs in the lucky last 9.10 Kempton in the shape of Karam Albaari who will be partnered by Jamie Spencer. The horse is now a 9 year old but he has had his moments over his racing career. There have been excuses over his recent races due to distance and ground and back over his best trip in low grade he should have decent each way chances.

EYE-CATCHERS

FLAT

Gold Struck trainer T.Martin - Ran on well from a wide draw at Tipperary and could benefit from a longer trip.

Gawdanpalin trainer S.Kirk - 2nd at Ascot from a wide draw and the run can be upgraded.

Tropics trainer D.Ivory - Down the field at Ascot but he still retains ability and can improve on this effort.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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