Simon Cowie
@simonpcowie.bsky.social
Retired manager. Business angel, Carer. Interests - Greyhound, Horse Racing; Business; Economics; Management.
The Real Whacker scratched from Grand National this morning.
Second Forfeit stage on Tuesday. Five certain non-qualifiers still being quoted in Ante Post Markets.
Exchange market prices being heavily influenced by uncertainty over participation of the favourite.
I'm inactive until JP decides😴
Second Forfeit stage on Tuesday. Five certain non-qualifiers still being quoted in Ante Post Markets.
Exchange market prices being heavily influenced by uncertainty over participation of the favourite.
I'm inactive until JP decides😴
March 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The Real Whacker scratched from Grand National this morning.
Second Forfeit stage on Tuesday. Five certain non-qualifiers still being quoted in Ante Post Markets.
Exchange market prices being heavily influenced by uncertainty over participation of the favourite.
I'm inactive until JP decides😴
Second Forfeit stage on Tuesday. Five certain non-qualifiers still being quoted in Ante Post Markets.
Exchange market prices being heavily influenced by uncertainty over participation of the favourite.
I'm inactive until JP decides😴
Reposted by Simon Cowie
I Am Maximus out of the Bobbyjo today. Haven't seen why but may be going (changed to soft, soft to heavy in places).
February 22, 2025 at 9:41 AM
I Am Maximus out of the Bobbyjo today. Haven't seen why but may be going (changed to soft, soft to heavy in places).
Delta Work scratched from the Grand National.
February 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Delta Work scratched from the Grand National.
The majority of the Aintree entries in the Haydock Grand National "Trial" are too far down the handicap to have much of a chance of making the cut to run in the GN itself. Presumably the calendar doesn't allow them to run the race before the weights deadline (last weekend).
February 15, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The majority of the Aintree entries in the Haydock Grand National "Trial" are too far down the handicap to have much of a chance of making the cut to run in the GN itself. Presumably the calendar doesn't allow them to run the race before the weights deadline (last weekend).
Bronn scratched from the Grand National
February 14, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Bronn scratched from the Grand National
Grand National weights today. Outcome much as expected except for Stumptown given an 8lb bump over HRI rating. (Doesn't seem to have put off backers though). On average, Irish horses given 1.6lb higher rating by British handicapper. Probably about right.
February 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Grand National weights today. Outcome much as expected except for Stumptown given an 8lb bump over HRI rating. (Doesn't seem to have put off backers though). On average, Irish horses given 1.6lb higher rating by British handicapper. Probably about right.
Grand National weights announced at lunchtime today.
This morning's BHA ratings have Monbeg Genius at 147, highly likely to make the cut. Bravemansgame now down to 155. Your Own Story should fail to qualify, based on current rating.
This morning's BHA ratings have Monbeg Genius at 147, highly likely to make the cut. Bravemansgame now down to 155. Your Own Story should fail to qualify, based on current rating.
February 11, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Grand National weights announced at lunchtime today.
This morning's BHA ratings have Monbeg Genius at 147, highly likely to make the cut. Bravemansgame now down to 155. Your Own Story should fail to qualify, based on current rating.
This morning's BHA ratings have Monbeg Genius at 147, highly likely to make the cut. Bravemansgame now down to 155. Your Own Story should fail to qualify, based on current rating.
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Notable changes _ Bravemansgame probable down 1 or 2 in ratings after Saturday’s run. Impressive runs by Grangeclare West, Perceval Legallois and (especially) Monbeg Genius.
14 still need to qualify (3 need 6 chases; 6 need a chase run this season; 5 need a first 4 chase placing).
14 still need to qualify (3 need 6 chases; 6 need a chase run this season; 5 need a first 4 chase placing).
February 9, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Notable changes _ Bravemansgame probable down 1 or 2 in ratings after Saturday’s run. Impressive runs by Grangeclare West, Perceval Legallois and (especially) Monbeg Genius.
14 still need to qualify (3 need 6 chases; 6 need a chase run this season; 5 need a first 4 chase placing).
14 still need to qualify (3 need 6 chases; 6 need a chase run this season; 5 need a first 4 chase placing).
Reposted by Simon Cowie
So I go on chat at 16.50 to chat to a “virtual assistant” who passes me on to Krisi, who passes me on to Nikita, who passes me on to Camilla, who passes me on to Laura, who says she will pass me on to the “safer gambling team”.
The “moment” took 47 minutes. It still isn’t resolved.
The “moment” took 47 minutes. It still isn’t resolved.
February 9, 2025 at 11:24 AM
So I go on chat at 16.50 to chat to a “virtual assistant” who passes me on to Krisi, who passes me on to Nikita, who passes me on to Camilla, who passes me on to Laura, who says she will pass me on to the “safer gambling team”.
The “moment” took 47 minutes. It still isn’t resolved.
The “moment” took 47 minutes. It still isn’t resolved.
Grand National weights published on Tuesday. Gerri Colombe’s absence means I Am Maximus should be top-weight on 11-12. One or two likely to be disqualified as below 130 OR.
Cut-off point forecast now 144 (depends on how nasty handicapper is to Irish trainers).
Cut-off point forecast now 144 (depends on how nasty handicapper is to Irish trainers).
February 9, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Grand National weights published on Tuesday. Gerri Colombe’s absence means I Am Maximus should be top-weight on 11-12. One or two likely to be disqualified as below 130 OR.
Cut-off point forecast now 144 (depends on how nasty handicapper is to Irish trainers).
Cut-off point forecast now 144 (depends on how nasty handicapper is to Irish trainers).
Started to bet on the Betfair Exchange AntePost Grand National market on Friday. Been doing this since Ballabriggs’s year (2011). It’s the only race I seriously bet on. I lay (and sometimes back) big bets every year. Since offsetting stopped, I need to lodge chunks of cash. ........
February 9, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Started to bet on the Betfair Exchange AntePost Grand National market on Friday. Been doing this since Ballabriggs’s year (2011). It’s the only race I seriously bet on. I lay (and sometimes back) big bets every year. Since offsetting stopped, I need to lodge chunks of cash. ........
Reposted by Simon Cowie
This year's Grand National:
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
January 31, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This year's Grand National:
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
This year's Grand National:
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
January 31, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This year's Grand National:
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
17 still need to qualify (4 need 6 chases; 7 need a chase run this season; 6 need a first 4 chase placing).
Early prediction for cut-off: 142.
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Grand National entries this week.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
January 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Grand National entries this week.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
Grand National entries this week.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
January 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Grand National entries this week.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
Gap between Cheltenham and Aintree 3 weeks this year. Irish GN 2 weeks after Aintree.
Currently 132 chasers rated 140 and over in Ireland versus 130 in Britain.
Apart from reserves, no major changes in conditions - a few minor tweaks to minimise late withdrawals.
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Just seen this year's Grand National conditions. It looks like they have brought back reserves(4) for the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
January 11, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Just seen this year's Grand National conditions. It looks like they have brought back reserves(4) for the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
Just seen this year's Grand National conditions. It looks like they have brought back reserves(4) for the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
January 11, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Just seen this year's Grand National conditions. It looks like they have brought back reserves(4) for the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
Entries close 27th/28th Jan.
There are some other interesting changes aiming to discourage strategic scratching just before the race.
Reposted by Simon Cowie
An Express poll needs more input. You know what to do...
Note: the link takes you directly to the poll, so you won't boost their ad impressions. Ignore the request for an email address - it's not required to submit the poll.
xd.wayin.com/display/cont...
Note: the link takes you directly to the poll, so you won't boost their ad impressions. Ignore the request for an email address - it's not required to submit the poll.
xd.wayin.com/display/cont...
January 1, 2025 at 2:26 PM
An Express poll needs more input. You know what to do...
Note: the link takes you directly to the poll, so you won't boost their ad impressions. Ignore the request for an email address - it's not required to submit the poll.
xd.wayin.com/display/cont...
Note: the link takes you directly to the poll, so you won't boost their ad impressions. Ignore the request for an email address - it's not required to submit the poll.
xd.wayin.com/display/cont...
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris called Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin part of Israel’s “diplomacy of distraction,” intended to deflect attention from “what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children of Gaza.” He said Ireland remains committed to human rights and int’l law.
December 16, 2024 at 7:57 PM
Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris called Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin part of Israel’s “diplomacy of distraction,” intended to deflect attention from “what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children of Gaza.” He said Ireland remains committed to human rights and int’l law.
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Massive away win for the little fella.
December 2, 2024 at 1:38 PM
Massive away win for the little fella.
Reposted by Simon Cowie
Tom Queally, weighing in, Glorious Goodwood, 2012 #Horseracing
Re-posts appreciated
Re-posts appreciated
Goodwood 5: Never easy to get permission to photograph within the weighing room, the reason being that it comes under the jurisdiction of the Jockey Club. As regular rider of #Frankel, this chap requires no introduction. #Horseracing #ReportagePhotography #BlueSky #BlueSkyPhotography
November 29, 2024 at 6:01 PM
Tom Queally, weighing in, Glorious Goodwood, 2012 #Horseracing
Re-posts appreciated
Re-posts appreciated
Follow-on from Musk's open contempt for the rule of law in Brazil.
First of many unintended consequences of new US administration's assumption that actions don't have consequences.
To come?:European disengagement from Pacific defence;minimum corporate taxes on Tech giants;ending one-sided treaties.
First of many unintended consequences of new US administration's assumption that actions don't have consequences.
To come?:European disengagement from Pacific defence;minimum corporate taxes on Tech giants;ending one-sided treaties.
A Chinese state-backed company plans to launch a satellite service to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink in Brazil, in the latest challenge for the US as Beijing expands its influence in Latin America.
www.ft.com/content/af68...
www.ft.com/content/af68...
Chinese satellite company to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink in Brazil
Billionaire Trump ally had clashed with Brasília this year over alleged misinformation on X
www.ft.com
November 23, 2024 at 10:03 AM
Follow-on from Musk's open contempt for the rule of law in Brazil.
First of many unintended consequences of new US administration's assumption that actions don't have consequences.
To come?:European disengagement from Pacific defence;minimum corporate taxes on Tech giants;ending one-sided treaties.
First of many unintended consequences of new US administration's assumption that actions don't have consequences.
To come?:European disengagement from Pacific defence;minimum corporate taxes on Tech giants;ending one-sided treaties.