1966: A Year of Sporting Victories

What a year. 

Like the battle of Hastings in 1066, football fans will never forget the year when England won the World Cup 1966. 

As the quote goes: ''They think its all over...'' Kenneth Wolstenholme's commentary on BBC when England beat Germany 4 - 2. 

He said: And here comes Hurst! He's got...

Some people are on the pitch! They think it's all over!

Whatever your fancy, Sun Bets has lots of great offers.   

It is now, it's four!    

I get the feeling we will have to wait until 2066 to see another FIFA World Cup for our beloved football nation. 

Here is a quick summary of other sporting winners in this famous year.

Tennis: Wimbledon 20th June - 2nd July

Manuel Santana wins the men's final. While Billie Jean King wins the women's. 

Grand National 1966 - Aintree

Anlgo wins at odds of 50-1 for trainer Fred Winter, ridden by Tim Norman. A 20-length victory beating Freddie who was runner-up the year before. 

Gold Cup 1966 - Cheltenham 

Almost as well known as England winning the World Cup, equine star Arkle made this a historic Gold Cup winning for the third time in consecutive years. Tom Dreaper trained this amazing nine-year-old for the Dutchess Of Westminster, ridden by Pat Taaffe at odds of 1/10f. 

More Horse Racing 

Flat racing:

The English Triple Crown wasn't achieved. We had to wait until 1970 for Nijinsky to win the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and St Leger. He went on to win the Irish Derby just for good measure. 

Who won these races in 1966? 

2000 Guineas - Won by Kashmir trained by Mick Bartholomew, French-trained colt who showed class as two. 

Epsom Derby - Charlottown trained by Towzer Gosden. This bay colt won seven of his ten races but retire at four when disappointing in France. 

St Leger - Readers may remember this class horse - Sodium. This son of Psidium was trained by George Todd at Manton in Wiltshire. Sodium finished fourth behind Charlottown in the Epsom Derby and went on to win the Irish Dery in the same year.  

The Boat Race 1966

A long history of the battle of supremacy for Oxford and Cambridge University. The 112 boat race took place on the 26th  March 1966. A tight competition, Oxford won by three and quarter lengths. Cambridge won the women's race. 

1966 European Athletics Championship 

A couple of English victories of note:

Jim Hogan won the Marathon 2:20:04.06

Lynn Davies won the men's Long Jump 7.98 m  

The only two medals England achieved in these championships. 

July 17th saw American runner Jim Ryun set a new world record in the mile timed 3:51.3 

FA Cup 1966

Football fans enjoyed a battle between two tough sides in this final. Everton went on to beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2. 

Boxing in 1966

29th March - Muhammed Ali defeats George Chuvalo in 15 rounds on a unanimous decision.

21st May - A fight few UK boxing fans will forget. Henry Cooper deserved to beat Muhammed Ali ( Cassius Clay) in their first fight in 1963 with a left hook in the final seconds. The fight was delayed when Ali's gloves had to be changed after a tear (which was later detailed as a deliberate act by his corner). Cooper was outfought and stopped in the 6th round by a technical knockout in 1966. 

Muhammed Ali had a busy year going on to defeat Brian London by knockout in the third round (6th August)

10th September Ali had a tough fight with Karl Mildenberger with a 12th round TKO. 

He concluded the year retaining his WBC heavyweight title knocking out Cleveland Williams in three rounds. 

What's your favourite sporting year?

Pixabay: Free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Mark Johnston wind ops 'tragedy for racing industry'

Mark Johnston has slated the BHA's decision to make known horses that have had a wind operation since their last run. 

The qualified vet/trainer described it as a tragedy. 

He said: "I think it's a tragedy for the industry and the breed that the BHA has brought in this rule," he said. "I think it's based on bad science and we've got a further unlevelling of the international field, where we're going to be giving misinformation to punters and I fear there is a welfare issue.

"As is the case over jumps, or what we believe is the case, there are large numbers of horses having surgery unnecessarily because of this belief it will improve their performance. I fear this will push over to the Flat and we've seen there are a lot of misguided people out there who seem to believe these procedures make a horse run faster.

"So long as they believe that and so long as the breeders are concerned about it being known their horses have had wind surgery, we're now going to see the situation on the Flat with horses having surgery before they run, completely unnecessarily."

"In general I can say they're not successful. Whether they work at all, the jury is still out and has been a long time. The procedures have changed dramatically since I qualified as a vet and during the time I've been training; new procedures coming in and out of fashion and that's simply because there's no consensus whether they work.

"I asked my senior vet if they work, and he said, 'No'. I asked my wife Deirdre if they work, and she said, 'Sometimes'. So we went through the horses who had had them and we found five who had significantly improved. That's a ten percent success rate, but how many of mine improved who didn't have wind surgery? Probably ten percent, so it's bad science to look at these figures."

Johnston, speaking as a guest on Luck On Sunday, also thought the idea more information being available would help the sport was wrong.

He said: "It's only going to be documented that British-trained horses have had surgery since their last run. It's not going to be documented how many had surgery before they ever ran or those coming in from abroad, so we're just muddying the waters even more."

More stories: 

Pixabay: free for commercial use and no attribution but given

Punters Shocked as Jockey Punches Racehorse?

It seems a strange situation. 

When does a jockey lose the plot and punch a horse in frustration? It doesn't make good viewing and sadly it happens more than you may think.  

We know the rules of racing permit a jockey to use the whip a given number of times to encourage or even reprimand a wayward horse. 

However, what happens when a jockey attacks a horse?

Take a look at this recent news story from South Africa. 

Jockey Explains Shocking Horse Punch

Apprentice jockey Dylan Caboche was suspended for two weeks when he was caught on camera punching his mount She's Reneldasgirl before the second race at Port Lincoln on Wednesday.  

The 22-year-old describes his action as ''brain fade''. He said: ''I'm disappointed and gutted in myself. Striking a horse is obviously not the right way to go about things. It shouldn't have happened.'' 

He was suspended for misconduct.

Furious punters and the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses said: ''You don't get to punch a horse and get away with it. If a jockey cannot control his temper they don't deserve to be on the racetrack. The penalty is grossly inadequate.'' 

Sadly, jockeys seemingly attack horses more often than you may think. Take a look at these videos and make your own opinion. 

This crazy racegoer tries to punch a horse mid-race

The Best Horse Trainers in UK

I guess, for many, it will be a high-profile trainer. Sir Michael Stoute, Willie Mullins, John Gosden et al. 

It's interesting to consider every trainer big, small or one man and his horse have their day. I always cheer for the underdog. 

We have all listened to trainers e is often very different before and after. Certain trainers are known for being over optimistic. Glass three-quarters full type of mind. Others run from interviewers in case they bring bad luck. superstitious. 

Dangle that luckless rabbit's foot before they dare muse about what may be. 

Clive Brittain [retired] was one trainer who was always optimistic. In truth, it wasn't a bad thing at all because the power of the word is strong. I believe. I don't believe. Which would you prefer? We can do this! 

The number of times he would race a horse at the highest level and it would work for him. A horse priced 100/1. Placed. Remember Terimon runner-up to Nashwan in the 1989 Epsom Derby. Oh, what were the odds? 

500/1

Get in!

How many pundits, trainers, owners would have said: ''You're wasting your time and money.''

As many of you will know, I follow two-year-old horse racing. I run a private website called Group Horse Daily which details the best horses in training. It is remarkably accurate. You name a talented juvenile winner and the chances are we detailed it before debut. It isn't my word, it comes from the trainers themselves. 

The power of the word.

Take a look at www.grouphorse.co.uk to learn more and join our free mailing list to get a limited number of very talented horses that the trainer would rather you didn't know. 

How do you measure a trainer's judgment? 

It is surprising how accurate most trainers are at knowing their horses. It is their job and livelihood. 

What do you do for a living? How good are you at your job? How would you compare to someone who was learning their trade, business or someone who just enjoyed a hobby? I suspect you would be in a different league. 

If you want to know the best unraced and lightly race two-year-old horses in training, then you need to know the font of all knowledge - the trainer's voice.  

     

Rebel Racing - Horse Racing Syndicate (Club Tropicana)

If I said the name Club Tropicana. What would come to mind?

For many, it would most likely be lyrics to a very popular song from Wham, released in 1983, from the Fantastic album of none other than George Micheal and Andrew Ridgley. 

How times have changed.

The name Club Tropicana lives on as if transcending life in the form of a race horse. A horse in the ownership of Rebel Racing, trained by Richard Spencer. These connections are probably more familiar to you with their excellent two-year-old Rajasinghe who has proven himself to be a specimen racehorse winning the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot and a creditable third, under a penalty, in the July Stakes (Group 2) at Newmarket.

It's a small world. And, you never know who you will bump into as you make a train journey from Norwich station to Great Yarmouth for a day at the races. 

This was one of our many visits to Great Yarmouth Racecourse, in Norfolk, on the coast, to enjoy not only a day's racing but the splendor of a traditional British holiday destination. Later, if the horse racing wasn't enough, we have a night in the Grosvenor Casino which is situated in the grandeur of the Shadingfield Lodge, a beautiful Victorian Listed build once frequented by Edward VII, future King of England. Son of Queen Victoria if you love your history. Take a virtual tour here. 

Well, we follow two-year-old racing and had our eye on Club Tropicana who is a daughter of Helmet out of a winning mare, trained by James Toller. By chance, we got chatting to two gentlemen who were sitting opposite us on the final part of the journey to Great Yarmouth. And they were the owners of Club Tropicana. We had a conversation about the horse and Rajasignhe before leaving, feeling that this filly will be winning before the season is concluded. 

Watching the two-year-olds walk around the parade ring, we spotted the said horse and connections. A big, tall filly who will definitely grow into a talent. She is an impressive juvenile who certainly covers some ground with a giant stride. I had a few quid each-way but didn't collect, finished a respectable sixth place in a competitive race. I would suspect, connections had hoped for a little more but I am very interested in seeing Club Tropicana on her second start. Perhaps she will return to Great Yarmouth for the Eastern Festival this September. 

That would be ideal.

You never know who might be sitting next to you on a train.
    

1:35 Lingfield Racing Tips (25th Jan) £10 FREE AT 32RED.COM MAIDEN AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 6) (3yo)

A Maiden Auction Stakes over 7f 1y on Standard going.

Eight three-year-olds, six with race experience, two debutantes. 

By race type, this is a very restricted race. These events often go to form horse in favour of debutantes.  

This contest doesn't inspire great confidence. Circulate was originally trained by William Haggas but now in the hands of Tom Clover. This bay daughter of Dutch Art was purchased by Cheveley Park Stud at the yearling sales for £68.000. A later acquisition by Tom Clover at the October sales for 10,000G. To be fair, this February foal hasn't been disgraced on all four races to date beaten less than three lengths. After her initial two starts for Haggas, she went well at odds of 20/1 when making her debut for Tom Clover, who trains at Newmarket, Suffolk. Clover is looking for his first winner. Circulate went close last time out when racing over 7f at Wolverhampton when caught in the dying strides by Oberyn. Circulate was 4/5f, leading but collard late. By all accounts that were a pretty poor race and this is probably very much the same.   

Why sport betting is more profitable for bookmakers instead of customers

Betting on sporting games is something that can be dated to several hundreds of years ago. This activity has evolved with time and civilization has turned around the way things are. Even at that, the process is pretty much the same. A bettor predicts an outcome; the bettor only wins when the outcome is favorable. It has been that way for years and it still is the same.

Simply put in another way, a sport betting is referred to as the activity which involves predicting sport results and therefore placing a particular wager in the possible outcomes. Sports gambling frequency varies from culture to culture, thus most of the gambling is either on Football, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing or Hockey. This could be at both amateur and professional levels.

However, sports gambling can also be on non athletic events which may include political elections, reality shows and contests. Sports betting can also be on non human contests which may include illegal underground Dog Fighting, Greyhound Racing and horse racing.

The wages of sports bets are usually done legally which will be through the use of bookmaker or sportsbook. And it may be done illegally by privately owned and managed enterprise which is often referred to as Bookies. The word book is used here as a reference to the books which are used by wage brokers in order to help them track debts, payouts and wagers. And if you have to bet on sports, come and join Betfair casino.

Also, both legal and illegal wage brokers make their profits through the percentage they take from all the bet money which can either be referred to as Vigorish, action, rake or juice. Mostly, the legal sportsbooks are often found online and are usually operated over the Internet using a jurisdiction which is different from that of the clients which they serve. This is just to ensure that they are able to bypass several betting laws which exist in various jurisdictions. This is because a breach of any of those laws may lead to their close down.

The major function of the bookmaker is to serve as a market maker for sports wagers which usually have a binary result such that a team can either win or lose. This bookmaker accepts both wagers and also maintains the vigorish which will make sure that there is a profit irrespective of the result of the wager. This simply means that there will always be profit irrespective of whether the wager wins the bet or loses it. This is as a result of the fixed percentage that is taken from each bet money placed by the gamblers.

Conclusively, the bookmakers usually hold a number of advantages over their customers. On large wagers it is usually between 10-11 while the advantage for the small wagers it is usually close to 6-5. Thus, most of the time he bookmakers usually survive over the long term. However, bookmakers must be able to withstand any amount of loss be it long term or short term.

1:50 Goodwood Racing Tips (30th Aug) EBF STALLIONS MAIDEN FILLIES´ STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (CLASS 5) (2yo)

EBF Stallions Maiden Fillies Stakes (Plus 10) over 1 mile on good going. 

Eight two-year-olds take part: six with race experience. Richard Hughes has been rather hit and miss with his juveniles on his first season as a licenced trainer. Nathania wasn't fancied on debut at Newmarket but showed good pace to lead for most only tiring in the closing stages behind some fair talents in Wuheida and Spatial first and second, respectively. This Irish-bred daughter of Nathantiel cost 105,000G at the yearling sales. Interesting.

For The Roses is another daughter of Nathaniel and clearly enjoys a trip. Ralph Beckett does well with his two-year-olds and racing in the familiar silks of Qatar Racing Ltd. Purchased by David Redvers at the yearling sales she cost 175,000E. The form of that debut looks fair, if nothing out of the ordinary, but should improve for that first effort and may well be sent to the front.  

Luca Cumani should have a line with For The Roses through Vanity Queen. Dubara steps up in distance after showing ability at six and seven furlongs. This daughter of Dubawi was fancied in the betting on debut when running on with purpose at Yarmouth and I had an each-way bet on her next start when stepping up a furlong at Newmarket. In truth, she had no answer to a couple of smart fillies. This bay filly may have drifted in the betting next start at Kempton but ran a sterling race behind Soldier's Girl but well clear of the third by some five lengths. Interesting to see how she fairs over this extra furlong. 

Prairie Light finished last when racing in the same race at Kempton, pulling hard and in the process ruining any hope of success. Better is needed here although it is worth noting Sylvester Kirk has been in tremendous form with his juveniles this season. If seriously backed, it would give hope.  

Paul Cole has had a relatively quiet season with his juveniles and has not achieved a great deal at a higher grade. Pacofilha is a daughter of Paco Boy and similarly stepped up in distance from six furlongs on debut to  today's trip of one mile. This bay filly should be suited by the greater test of stamina after being outpaced, but showing promise, when running on at Kempton, in what looked a pretty hot race.  

Richard Hannon has a powerful string of two-year-olds although the stable does seem to have lost a little of its sparkle with the new wave of early-season might from Mark Johnston. Desert Water is a bay daughter of Sepoy costing 80,000G at the yearling sales. I often find it difficult to assess Hannon's debutantes. 

Interesting to see Hughie Morrison field a potentially useful filly here in the shape of Curtsy. This daughter of the mighty Galileo is out of a triple-winning mare who won at Group 3. In general, this stable's juveniles need their debut but can go well if priced 10/1 & less SP. I have heard this well-bred filly has ability and worthy of note. 

Lady Valdean is best watched. 

Conclusion: A difficult race to assess with horses showing ability but struggling to get their head in front. Added to this, others are stepping up in the distance which should bring further improvement. I'd take a look at Curtsy. She will need to be pretty smart to win this at the first time of asking, which does temper enthusiasm. If backed to 10/1 & less SP should have each-way claims. If outside this betting guide I would take a watching brief. 

2:15 Thirsk Racing Tips (16th Aug) BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (Div I) (CLASS 4) (2yo)

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 6f on good going. 

Ten two-year-olds take part but the betting details this is very much a two-horse race unless there is something of a surprise. 

William Haggas fields Prazeres who finished third on debut at Newmarket just over two lengths behind Mutawakked who is held in some rHorseegard by Brian Meehan and denied Deningy in the process. Haggas often sends his better juveniles to race at Headquarters on their racecourse bow and even though a 20-1 shot that day I'm sure connections would have been hopeful of a bold show. This bay colt is a son of Sepoy owned and bred by Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar. That valuable experience will serve this juvenile well against his major opponent.

Hugo Palmer has an impressive string of two-year-olds and he knows where they sit in the pecking order. I can detail that Koropick is held in high regard by the stable being entered for both the Gimcrack Stakes Group 2 & Middle Park Stakes Group 1. This bay colt is a son of Kodiac out of an unraced Fayruz mare. Racing in the familiar silks of V I Araci this 40,000G breeze-up purchase could well prove to be a calculated acquisition. Koropick has the ability but can he beat a proven horse in his first start? 

Conclusion: Unless something unusual happens this looks a match. Proven form and experience will make Prazeres a difficult horse to beat but facing a potentially smart debutante doesn't look value at even money. It may well prove the case it is a great bet and traders will be focusing on Koropick and the slightly sign of a tardy start will have them loading on the favourite. If Palmer's charge drifted to an each-way price that would be a good bet but it looks very unlikely unless the favourite is backed to the exclusion of all. It is a fascinating race but i will be taking a watching brief. 

2:10 Yarmouth Racing Tips (21 st July) D O´KANE FINANCIAL SERVICES MAIDEN AUCTION STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (CLASS 4) (2yo)

A Maiden Auction Stakes (Plus 10) over 6f 3y on good to firm. For a limited race type this looks a competitive heat. A few of these juveniles will be primed to go well. Nine two-year-olds take part on this newly laid turf course. 

Ontoawinner syndicate don't have too many horses visit this seaside course and they look to have a talented juvenile in *Quiet Moment. This Irish-bred daughter of Dandy Man looks a smart breeze-up purchase at just 16,000E. Ben Haslam has a couple of juveniles with these successful owners. This talented trainer deserves more opportunities and it takes a forward-thinking syndicate to appreciate his worth. This brown filly started at huge odds when making her debut at Nottingham on soft ground. Looking unlikely to figure for most, she stayed on well. This April foal flew at the finish to take second from another of today's runners Pranceleya. A Lowther Stakes (Group 2) entry is a sign of confidence from connections. 

Chris Wall does well at Yarmouth. It's a course he sends winners. Ejabah is a daughter of Iffraaj and well owned. She cost 20,000G when purchased at the yearling sales. The stable don't have the best strike rate with their debutantes but they can win if talented. The betting suggests this youngster may have a glimmer of hope and if backed to 10/1 & less SP could hold claims.

James Tate is a gifted trainer and he likes to send his better prospects to this Norfolk racecourse.  Cape Falcone wasn't overly fancied when a 12/1 shot on debut at Wolverhampton over 6f. This daughter of Camacho is owned by Saeed Manana who is another loyal patron to this course. More is needed, but if priced 13/2 & less SP has sound each-way claims. If weak in the betting I'd take a watching brief.  

I'm a big fan of Karl Burke and Sir Viktor was on my radar when making a belated second start at Beverley over 7f+ on good to soft ground. This chestnut colt is a big son of Sir Prancealot. I was slightly peeved last start that he didn't manage to hit the frame. This drop back in distance on the fast ground could see him outpaced. No doubt Spigot Lodge have applied the visor to liven him up but I'd still have a slight concern this may happen all too quick. If betting, I would bet in-running if making use of the exchanges.

In addition, he held three entries this week - two at 7f. That suggests this trip will be too fast. Trainers usually know best so it will be interesting to see if Sir Viktor can do himself and connections justice.   

Joh Ryan is another handler who doesn't have a vast string of juveniles but a bloody good trainer. He too has an affinity with Yarmouth. Grey Britain is an intriguing runner. This grey son of Arcano was relatively fancied on debut at Lingfield and made the most of his position on the rail only to be outpaced by odds-on shot Sea Fox, who is no mug. Much have each-way claims.          

Oakley Pride & Secret Ballerina are best watched.

Sadieroseclifford is named in memory of a brave little girl who lost her life to cancer. Please take a moment to visit Solvingkidscancer.org.uk Best wishes to owner Eric Rayner and trainer Denis Quinn. I will be making a donation. God bless. 

Conclusion: Not the easiest race to assess. Interesting to see Ontoawinner has sent Quiet Moment to race at Yarmouth because it catches the eye. Sending this filly further afield indicates to me they mean business. I would consider a bet if drifting to an each-way price but that looks very unlikely. Pranceleya shouldn't be far away and Botti does well at this course and often his two-year-olds continue to improve and go well the third start. Wouldn't knock anyone having an each-way bet on this horse although you may have a tussle with Quiet Moment. Cape Falcone & Grey Britain should be contenders if priced 13/2 & less while I have a feeling Ejabah may go well for Chris Wall, especially if priced 10/1 & less SP. I will be taking a watching brief.    

* NR - Quiet Moment

8:00 Haydock Racing Tips (1st July) LONGINES IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND EBF MAIDEN STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (CLASS 4) (2yo)

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f on soft going. Ten two-year-olds take part: six with race experience. I have my eye on a big priced selection going here so it will be a touch hit and hope although I have done very well with this trainer over the years. Alan Swinbank is a talented trainer who doesn't get the horses he deserves. He has two juveniles coming in this race: Servo & Bahkit. The former was fancied to go well last time out at Thirsk but disappointed most probably due to being far too keen. This son of Power can't afford to show that characteristic over the trip and testing ground conditions. I have my eye on Bahkit who races in the familiar purple silks of Mrs. J Porter. This bay gelding is a son of Intikhab and 25,000E purchase at the yearling sales. He drifted quite markedly in the betting that day and to be fair showed next to no ability. Swinbank's juveniles can be transformed from first to second start and rightly or wrongly a stable I associate with horses enjoy soft going. Bakhit is priced 66/1 with bookmakers and will probably be double those odds on the exchanges. It's a bit of a punt but I would have a small bet each way. Certainly not without a chance of being placed and if that comes to fruition we can cross our fingers for the win. 

Bakhit @ 66/1 EW

   

6:50 Salisbury - Patient Speculation - Get A Free Bet Here

A maiden race for three-year-olds and older. A 6f race with ten runners. A mix of trainers with form horses and debutantes. Have my eye on one of those making their racecourse bow. The Invisible Dog is an Irish-bred son of Canford Cliffs owned by Potentsis Bloodstock Limited. This bay colt was quite well thought of a two but must have had a problem along the way and makes his debut today. This doesn't look the strongest of races with only a handful in the betting and, fingers crossed, Richard Hannon's charge can hit the frame. 

Want a free bet? It's easy. Simply write a short post about a tip you fancy and we will place a £5 on your selection. If it wins, we give you the money. Click here for more details.