It seems that no matter what the organisers do to make the race even safer, the Grand National still attracts much criticism, which was not helped by the death of two horses in the race last Saturday. One of the biggest problems of course is that the race is such high profile, watched by millions all over the world.

On a brighter note though, it was a great day for followers of our tipping expert Paul Stansfield, who advised the winner, Neptune Collonges at 40/1 to his followers.

It may seem strange to say that there is a link between medical research and horse racing but indeed there is and it is one that is both sinister and frightening. I have written before about those brainless buffoons from Animal Aid but recent events from these animal rights activists have taken a more serious turn as British air and sea transport has confirmed that it will no longer allow the transportation of mice, rabbits and rats into the country for medical research. Why? Because of the implied threats made to staff working for ferry operators and airlines. Don’t for a minute think it will stop there and believe me when I tell you that horse racing is very much at risk from these thugs.

March 31^st is a great day for all of us. It is the day that Richard Hills finally hangs up his whip and we will no longer have to put up with arguably the worst jockey riding today. Not that other sections of the media would agree with that as in typical ‘old boys network’ fashion they clubbed together to praise the retiring jockey. Why can’t someone tell it as it is for once? In the words of Mario Balotelli, “Why always me?” But if it has to be me so be it and let me tell you a few home truths about Mr Hills.

In October 2009 Money-Market.com had the following to say about Centaur Global and the managing director, Keith Sobey:

“In today’s depressed investing climate, anything that makes money gets attention. But something that appears to offer consistent annual returns of 50 per cent or more to investors may raise suspicions – especially if it is connected with betting. That was the case with Centaur Global’s investment. However, having met Centaur Global’s chairman and managing director Keith Sobey I can state that Bernie Madoff he ain’t.”

Seven years earlier in The Karl Dennis Raceletter readers were warned to avoid Sobey and his racing schemes, including Fantastic Forecasts and Centaur Racing.

Sobey threatened the writer, Karl Dennis, with legal action. He put a telephone message out to his clients calling the magazine editor a scumbag. Strangely, despite all his threats, that legal action never materialised.

Ten years later the warning from Karl Dennis has hit home as Centaur Holdings go into administration owing a reputed £1.6m.

He`s been here for just over a week now and what Australian Paul Bittar must make of British racing is anybodies guess. The new chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority has taken over at a time when the sport is suffering from the recession, when there is much debate and strong feeling about the use of the whip and yet when the winter jumping season has never been in better health. Still, he can’t be worse than Paul Roy was!

It was just an ordinary race at Kempton Park held on a cool Wednesday evening yet once again it showed why a lot of punters are getting absolutely fed up with flat racing.

Dark Ranger was made the favourite and on the evidence of the form book, justifiably so. At 3/1 he represented a bit of a value bet for many as he should probably been about 6/4. And he may well have been but for one reason – the Jamie Spencer factor.