Charlie Brooks

Simon Cox’s unexpected appointment as chair of the British Horseracing Authority has prompted concerns about the selection process because Philip Newton, a fellow Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association board member, sat on the nominations committee. The BHA says the committee’s decision was unanimous, but the process has been criticized for failing to engage seriously with plans from rival candidate Peter Savill. The appointment also raises questions about whether Cox has the political connections needed to defend racing against affordability checks, declining betting revenues and the growth of black-market bookmakers. Charlie Brooks argues that Cox should consult Savill and Baroness Batters, whose cross-party political standing and experience could help the industry engage with government.

British racing faces a pivotal choice over the appointment of the next British Horseracing Authority chair amid anger about the Gambling Commission’s affordability checks on racing bets. Goodwood and York have proposed replacing the Racecourse Association’s centralized commercial role with separate structures for elite Flat racing, foundational Flat racing and jumps racing. The changes could give major Flat courses greater control over media rights and investment, but are likely to intensify disputes over revenue distribution and leave smaller courses and horsemen concerned about the health of racing’s wider pyramid.

Royal Ascot avoided the UK heatwave’s red-zone restrictions, but upcoming meetings at Goodwood and York could face severe logistical problems if travel routes through affected areas are blocked. The column argues that Haydock Park faces a more serious and potentially permanent threat after investigations into a horse’s fall suggested historic mining activity may be causing unpredictable ground collapses. It also sharply criticizes Christophe Soumillon’s explanations for drifting wide on Puerto Rico at Royal Ascot, his subsequent eight-day suspension, and his conduct during the appeal.

Royal Ascot faces scrutiny over the treatment of horses affected by starting-stall incidents, with Hong Kong’s interpretation of a fair start putting pressure on British racing authorities. A tapered running board is proposed as a simple safety fix. The column also examines opposition to Lord Derby’s plan for three large distribution warehouses near Newmarket, arguing that industrial development could create jobs but that the proposed scheme risks traffic and safety problems for racehorses. Peter Savill’s candidacy to chair the British Horseracing Authority is endorsed despite concerns about his age and ownership of Plumpton racecourse.

Charlie Brooks argues that Derby prospects can be assessed through stride frequency and stride length: horses that conserve energy with a low stride frequency and cover ground with a long stride should be best suited to Epsom. Benvenuto Cellini has the strongest statistical profile, while Maltese Cross and 16-1 outsider Ancient Egypt also emerge as appealing contenders. The analysis explains why Aidan O’Brien switched Constitution River to the shorter French Derby, where he won impressively, and flags several runners whose higher stride frequencies or shorter strides may be disadvantages.

Charlie Brooks argues that the Gambling Commission’s proposed affordability checks on bettors are not frictionless, have produced inconsistent results in trials and could drive punters toward unregulated black-market bookmakers. He calls on the British Horseracing Authority to sponsor a judicial review before implementation, warning that the measures could cost racing-related jobs and around £300 million a year in Treasury revenue. Brooks also praises Ascot’s decision to leave the Racecourse Association, while criticizing the wider racing industry for failing to follow its lead and noting ongoing discussions involving major racecourses and the Jockey Club.

Amo Racing has injected excitement and substantial spending into Flat racing, but Charlie Brooks argues that Kia Joorabchian is rushing to challenge the established dominance of Coolmore and Godolphin. The column questions Amo’s strategy of buying expensive yearling colts in pursuit of an immediate stallion, highlights its apparent leverage and costly underperformers, and criticizes the use of Frankie Dettori as a global ambassador. King of Steel gives Amo a potentially valuable foundation, but his breeding success will take years to establish. Sustainable breeding and patience, rather than sales-ring theatrics and rapid expansion, are presented as the more credible route to building a lasting racing empire.

The Craven Breeze Up Sale at Tattersalls opened amid vendor anxiety linked to volatility in the Middle East. Of 182 horses entered, only 155 appeared and a further 14 were withdrawn after gallops or veterinary checks, underscoring the risks and costs faced by sellers. The sale displayed a stark feast-or-famine market: a Starspangledbanner filly sold for 900,000 guineas, while the fastest horse fetched only 300,000, and a slower Palace Pier colt reached 450,000 because of his strong pedigree. The results highlight how buyers reward speed but also speculate on breeding and future improvement.

The Grand National has become too valuable and competitive, according to Charlie Brooks, undermining its traditional unpredictability by attracting elite Grade One horses and squeezing out traditional staying chasers. He proposes reducing and redistributing its prize money while removing entry fees. Brooks also calls for tighter protocols around jockeys’ riding equipment to prevent potential weight-cloth fraud. He criticizes the Gambling Commission’s affordability checks for driving punters toward unlicensed bookmakers, costing racing and the Treasury revenue, and urges a highly visible jockey-led protest before the race. He tips eight-year-old horses as likely winners.

Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen is criticized for portraying a £100 million, 20-year hospitality and catering deal with Levy as investment, when it may amount to leasing away part of the organization’s business. The article questions whether spending the proceeds on facilities at Epsom, Aintree and Cheltenham and on digital ticketing can replace lost income. It also examines uncertainty over Nottingham Racecourse after 2029, the potential redevelopment of Kempton Park by Redrow, and a campaign by major racecourses to gain greater voting power within the Racecourse Association, which could provoke a split between large and small tracks.

Charlie Brooks recounts conversations with leading trainers, jockeys and racing figures ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins backs Leader d’Allier and Mighty Park, while Nicky Henderson highlights Old Park Star and Lulamba; other contributors offer selections including Poniros, Sixmilebridge, Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man. The column stresses Cheltenham’s unpredictability and provides a day-by-day tipping board across the festival.

Horse racing faces mounting pressure from the growth of illegal gambling, UK overtaxation and affordability checks, which the column argues are damaging legitimate betting and depriving racing of revenue. Industry figures warn that global foal numbers are falling and most yearlings fail to cover their costs, while Jayne McGivern proposes a levy on race-sale transactions to fund horses’ post-career care. The piece condemns the Gambling Commission and Labour for failing to protect racing, contrasts Britain’s problems with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious investment in the sport, and highlights Forever Young’s second consecutive Saudi Cup victory.

Charlie Brooks argues that Labour’s proposed ban on trail hunting would damage rural communities, livelihoods, point-to-point racing and the development of young riders and horses. He says the ban is unnecessary because the British Hound Sports Association already disciplines hunts for misconduct, and criticizes the government for prioritizing a symbolic culture-war issue while rural communities face crime and economic pressures. Kemi Badenoch opposes the bill, while Nigel Farage has pledged that Reform UK would repeal it. Brooks urges the Conservatives to make an immediate, unequivocal manifesto commitment to overturn the legislation or risk losing rural voters.

Charlie Brooks argues that the government’s proposed ban on trail hunting would undermine volunteer-run point-to-point meetings, damage National Hunt racing and horse breeding, and harm rural economies. He urges racing supporters to challenge Labour MPs. He also calls on racecourses to provide alternative entertainment when meetings are abandoned for bad weather and supports the British Horseracing Authority’s efforts to reduce an overcrowded fixture list and address the growing problem of races with small fields.

Charlie Brooks pays tribute to his late mother Caroline, who edited his Telegraph racing column for more than two decades and remained devoted to hunting, horse racing, bridge, opera and good food. He recalls her wartime-era upbringing, her work at Jonathan Cape and in the Bahamas, her sharp editorial corrections, and her mixed reaction to his career in racing. Her most significant legacy was helping transform Cocklebarrow Races into a popular, inclusive point-to-point event with shelter, picnic areas, a beer tent and access for the general public. She remained engaged with racing until shortly before her death, backing The Jukebox Man in the King George.

Charlie Brooks argues that Ascot should host the Boxing Day King George Chase instead of Kempton Park, praising Ascot’s atmosphere, facilities and ability to attract a larger audience while portraying Kempton as outdated and poorly equipped. He also celebrates the partnership between Ascot and Howden, and remembers the late Sir Johnny Weatherby’s contribution to the racecourse. The column criticizes Gambling Commission affordability checks, arguing that they prevent capable bettors from placing legal wagers, push customers toward black-market bookmakers, reduce tax revenue and damage racing’s levy income.

Ethical Diamond’s unexpected Breeders’ Cup Turf victory is presented as evidence that race pace strongly influences performance and that conventional form figures can be misleading. The article argues that racing should use available technology to publish horses’ in-race heart rates and equip jockeys with wearable performance monitors. With foal crops shrinking, it also calls for a shift toward keeping sound horses in training for longer and racing them more often, allowing older horses to develop rivalries and sustain fan interest. Tennis is offered as a model in which a champion’s status is established over multiple stages of a career rather than being determined primarily by juvenile and classic-year results.

Charlie Brooks assesses how British racecourses differ in the difficulty and character of their fences, drawing on Nico de Boinville's observations. He identifies Haydock, Fakenham and Taunton as particularly challenging for inexperienced chasers, while praising Warwick's confidence-building fences, Kempton's solid and well-designed obstacles, and Uttoxeter's forgiving layout. Brooks also criticizes the proposed use of four-runner novice chases by the British Horseracing Authority, suggesting a French-style system with larger fields, and predicts that Sean Bowen will win the jockeys' title while Harry Cobden will take major Saturday victories.

Charlie Brooks argues that Kia Joorabchian’s heavy spending on yearlings and Newmarket yards is not a credible business plan for challenging Coolmore and Sheikh Mohammed’s established dominance in racing. The reported £40 million from Apollo Global Management was actually a loan secured against Joorabchian’s horses, raising doubts about the venture’s sustainability. Brooks also criticizes hostile crowd behavior at the Ryder Cup, expressing confidence that JP McManus will ensure a more sporting atmosphere when the event reaches Adare Manor in Ireland.

Donald Trump's 100% bonus depreciation for thoroughbreds has stimulated investment in US horse racing and contributed to a significant rise in the Keeneland September yearling sale. The column contrasts this growth with what it portrays as the UK Labour government's damaging policies toward racing, arguing that Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have failed to recognize the sport's economic value. It also praises horse racing's internationalism, contrasting its respect for foreign horses and participants with the nationalism and hostility sometimes seen in events such as the Ryder Cup.

Charlie Brooks argues that proposed harmonisation of betting taxes would severely damage British horse racing, threatening jobs and the sport’s financial sustainability. Reporting from an Axe the Racing Tax march in Westminster, he highlights industry concerns about racing being taxed like online slots and casino games, the effects of affordability checks, and the collapse of a promised levy deal. Brooks criticizes Treasury minister Daniel Tomlinson and urges the 85,000 people whose livelihoods depend on racing to meet their MPs directly before the Budget.

Summer jump racing, introduced in the 1980s to help National Hunt trainers maintain year-round income, should be ended because the National Hunt horse population is declining, watering tracks may become socially contentious, and racing on natural winter ground could extend horses’ careers. A three-month summer break would allow Flat racing to fill the calendar, encourage more trainers to hold dual licences, and support longer-term restructuring of National Hunt racing. The proposed reforms include restarting the season in October and replacing poorly subscribed novice chases with a French-style system based on previous prize money, creating more competitive fields and a clearer progression between racecourses.