DoubleHandful
Racing Desk

2 November 2026

How to Find a Winner

How to use the racecard to pick a winner — and understand race comments

Weigh the race conditions, recent form, draw and market, then learn what the written comments reveal about a horse’s previous run.

29 October 2026

A Racing Life Remembered

Williams Way remembered: a gentleman on and off the racecourse

Ian Wood remembers his 200th winner, his Head Lad Chris Martin’s six winning rides, and Kerry’s devotion to Williams Way throughout his life after racing.

26 October 2026

Football & Racing · Opinion

What does a football manager have in common with a racehorse trainer? The case for Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United

Ian Wood compares the judgment and pressure in two sports, and argues that United should consider its captain when choosing its next manager.

14 October 2026

Championships · Opinion

British Champions Day: racing’s champions deserve a wider audience

Billy Loughnane’s first championship and Andrew Balding’s trainers’ title challenge deserve a wider sporting audience, writes Ian Wood.

4 October 2026

Broadcasting · Opinion

The Arc deserved better than ITV’s remote presentation

Ian Wood questions ITV’s remote presentation of the 2026 Arc and calls for an explanation and assurances of improved coverage next year.

29 September 2026

Racing Industry · Opinion

Diesel costs: owners need help getting horses to the races

Rising diesel costs are increasing transport and training expenses for racehorse owners. What could racing do to help?

23 September 2026

A Racing Life Remembered

John Lowe — A ‘Cock O’ The North’ Champion Remembered

Remembering a jockey who rode more than 2,000 winners worldwide and became Cock O’ The North in 1984.

17 September 2026

Shared Ownership Explained

Syndicate Ownership — What Protection Does BHA Licensing Provide?

What BHA licensing and the Syndicate Code of Conduct protect—and what prospective syndicate members should still check for themselves.

15 September 2026

The Valley of the Racehorse

What Is Happening in the Valley of the Racehorse — and Should Racing Be Concerned?

Several historic Lambourn yards have changed hands. What do the sales mean for the long-term future of the Valley of the Racehorse?

14 September 2026

History Made!

Saffie Osborne Makes History in the St Leger

Saffie Osborne became the first woman to ride the winner of a British Classic when steering Highwayman to victory at Doncaster.