Didn't realise that Her Maj has never presented the trophy before

The Queen will present the trophy to the winner of this year's Investec Derby, Epsom has announced.

Her Majesty, who will celebrate her 90th birthday on Thursday, will perform the honour for the first time in her reign following the conclusion of the colts' Classic on June 4.

Officials also confirmed the Coronation Cup, which has had its prize-money increased to £400,000, will be run as the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Cup for this year only.

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/n...rophy-at-epsom

Mullins and Nicholls going for it on the last day of the Jumps season

race 1 - 1 runner each
race 2 - Nicholls 3, Mullins 2
race 3 - Nicholls 3, Mullins 1
race 4 - Nicholls 2, Mullins 2
race 5 - Nicholls 3, Mullins 1
race 6 - Nichols 3, Mullins 0
last race - Nicholls 4, Mullins 3

Nicholls has got most runners but Mullins appears to have the bankers

Adds to a bit interest to the lesser races on the card !

Impressive from Sprinter Sacre in the Celebration chase

It is getting really close for the Trainers championship, It could go either and i think it is going to go to the wire

Odds on fav Vautour, seeking to atone for his Cheltenham disappointment, beaten in the Irish Champion Chase at Punchestown in a close finish

Gods Own gives Paddy Brennan another big race victory

Sorry to report that Arzal had to be put down today.

Harry Whittington's Facebook page:
We regret to announce the tragic news that we had to put Arzal to sleep today. We are all devasted here at Hill Barn. He was a standout horse in a small yard who brought us all so much joy. He was also a good friend to everyone who was involved with him. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. #arzaltheaeroplane #gradeonewinner #159ratednovicechaser #legend #RIPArzal

Sad news indeed

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse...=last7DaysNews

Another high profile favourite turned over in the Punchestown Gold Cup with Cue Card finishing 4th of 6 behind Carlingford Lough

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/r...cue-card-flops

Seems to be more of the big horses than ever this year running Chelts/Aintree/Punch and they're all getting turned over. Think after a long season it's asking a lot to run 3 big races in 6 weeks.

Mullins never used to bother much with Aintree but even he brought a big hit squad this year trying to win the trainers title and it's probably cost him at this festival, he's pulled Annie Power out later in the week now probably in part due to how Vautour and Yorkhill ran.

Yeah, that's a good point

Sometimes forget they're not machines

(Well I do anyway)

Do you think it is a good idea to bet on horses who have not raced a lot this season

It does seem next to impossible for horses to be competitive in the championship races at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown in a 6 week period

Sprinter Sacre won all 3 in 2013 but he was so much better than anything else that he probably didn't have hard races

In the light of above comments does anyone fancy taking on Douvan ?

Now this is one that should win........

Douvan went off at 2/9 - a lot bigger than the predicted SP on the tissues of 1/8


He cruised home by about 10 lengths

Impressive as usual

That looked impressive and only 1/4 bargain!

I forgot to watch the Douvan race........I turned the telly off after Eggheads and completely forgot it was on......

It will be fascinating to see how Vroum Vroum Mag does this arvo against the boys. The range and versatility of this horse looks, on paper, incredible. I dont think even Mullins has any real idea of her capabilities (and this comment is made on the basis that she holds entries for both the World Hurdle and the Gold Cup next year).

Vroum Vroum Mag is odds against...tempting......

and obliges with an impressive win

(Returned at 4/6 but 6/5 was available most of the day)

The Jockeys Championship on the Flat starts today........

blimey......no wonder nobody cares !

One unusual thing today......the Hannons haven't got a runner in the 2000 Guineas. The would normally have one of the champion 2yos and be heading into the 2000Gns as the main rival to O'Brien

With Johnston dominating the 2yo scene I wonder if this signifies a decline in the stable fortunes........

Wow Galileo Gold wins the Guineas and Air Force one is not even placed

Just remembered that I backed Galilieo Gold when he won a fairly ordinary race at Haydock last year.........little did I know that he would be the Guineas winner... ....I'd never have believed it !

If you look back at his form now though in hindsight it's not that far fetched.......he won the Group 2 Vintage at Goodwood and finished pretty close up in a French Group 1

Minding was a very impressive winner of the 1000 Guinneas