Nick Luck Daily Podcast

Nick returns with the first of this week's shows, with four excellent guests. First, Aga Khan Studs racing manager Nemone Routh reflects on the Poulains (French Guineas) triumph of Rayif, yet another top level success for the operation. Nemone also gives us the lowdown on some of the other stable stars. Also today, media personality, race planner and owner Kevin Blake tells Nick about James J Braddock, his Leopardstown Derby Trial winner, hot on the heels of his involvement in Friday's Chester Cup. Plus, owner George Waud with Derby dreams after Maltese Cross's win at Lingfield, and Richard Brown on Lockinge favourite Damysus, recent acquisition Gethin, and an exciting two year old about to hit the track.

Charlotte Greenway in for Nick and joined by the Racing Post’s Jonathan Harding on this Friday morning. They begin by setting the scene at Chester yesterday where racing was in the balance after horses slipped in the first race. After a an extremely lengthy steward inquiry, racing did get the green light and clerk of the course Eloise Quayle explains how the track came to be in that condition and what they’ve done ahead of racing this afternoon. Hugo Palmer, who trained the winner of the first, shares his views whilst Timeform’s David Johnson questions whether they going description of ‘good’ was at all accurate given the times we saw yesterday. Kevin Buckley reflects on a very successful week so far for the Coolmore / Ballydoyle team before finally Nick takes us to Chile as we hear from the owner/breeder of last weekend’s Dahlia Stakes winner.

Nick is joined by Oli Bell to cast an eye over today's major racing stories. Continuing coverage of impending Financial `Risk Assessments, Nick talks to BGC CEO Grainne Hurst to pin down the council's position and intuit the Gambling Commssion's next steps. Broadcaster and campaigner Josh Apiafi also joins the show to discuss whether his brainchild GamScore can provide an AI-based solution within the likely GC framework. Plus, John Gosden at Chester yesterday, and 1/ST Racing's SVP Peter Rotondo on the likely make-up of the Preakness and the Royal Palm qualifiers for Royal Ascot.

Nick is joined by Lee Mottershead to discuss the latest from around the racing world. They open up today with discussion of tomorrow's key Gambling Commission board meeting on Financial Risk Assessments (affordability checks). Bookmaker Geoff Banks has his say. Also on today's show, top jockey Mickael Barzalona on another potential Aga Khan Studs star in Daryzan, as well as half brother Daryz as he limbers up for the Prix Aga Khan IV. Plus, Nick Bradley on his big Chester team, featuring the redoubtable Al Qareem, Newmarket Director Sophie Able on the spike in 18-24 attendance at the Guineas meeting, and long-time radio and TV sports broadcaster Sonja McLaughlin on being one of the voices of the new sport and music station Track Radio.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop to bring you today's racing news and analysis. They lead with a deep dive into yesterday's Ascot/RCA announcement and ask what might be the implications for the industry. Plus, could Peter Savill be on his way back as BHA Chair? Also today, Hugo Palmer on his massive Chester squad and the Ascot decision, Karl Burke on where next for his two 1,000 Guineas fillies, Dan Barber with the Timeform perspective, and agent Mark McStay on an International treble, spearheaded by yesterday's exciting winner Velozee. Nick and Lydia also look ahead to this week's key Classic trials and look back at Hawk Mountain and Minnie Hawk yesterday.

Nick is joined by David Yates for today's canter through the racing headlines. First, Nick takes in the breaking news that Ascot Racecourse is set to leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) after its requests of last month were not sufficiently met. CEO Felicity Barnard joins Nick to explain. In Kentucky, Nick has caught up with Derby winning owner Daisy Phipps, who describes her success with Golden Tempo as the "best day of my life." Adam Mills from TPD tells us how he did it. Also today, we hear from George Boughey in the immediate aftermath of Bow Echo's Guineas romp, plus get the immediate Timeform assessment. After a bountiful weekend on the Rowley Mile, Charlie Johnston joins the show with news and plans for some of his heroes and has an update on the return of Lazy Griff.

A bumper Saturday Edition this week ahead of the Guineas at Newmarket & the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Beginning with Newmarket we hear from various connections including George Boughey (Bow Echo) William Haggas (Needle Match), Seamie Heffernan (Thesecretadversary), Jim Boyle (Into The sky), Charlie Pike (Padraig Dawn), Ed Walker (The Prettiest Star) and Stuart Williams (Azleet).

Then onto Churchill Downs for our Kentucky Derby preview with Britney Eurton before Brad Cox (Commandment & Further Ado), Riley Mott Incredibolt & Albus), Michael and Jules Iavarone and Ramiro Restrepo (The Puma) share their hopes for their contenders tomorrow.

Nick - in Kentucky - is joined by Jane Mangan, in Punchestown, to take a look at a vibrant weekend of racing around the globe. In Louisville, Nick is joined by NBC colleague Britney Eurton for the definitive guide to the Kentucky Derby, while he also catches top with social media phenomenon and political activist Carlos Eduardo Espinna about the work that he is doing for racing's backstretch community. Ahead of the Guineas weekend, Nick talks to Seamie Heffernan, confident of a big run from Thesecretadversary in the 2,000 Guineas, and Stuart Williams, hoping that Azleet can build on her Nell Gwyn success. Fitzdares trader Henry Beesley gives us a market update on the weekend Classics, while his colleague Hermione Drummond-Moray discusses the firm's renewed relationship with Goodwood. Meanwhile, Kevin Blake drops in to tell us about his big result at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up sales.

Nick is joined by David Yates to look at today's racing headlines. They begin with the stunning success of Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown yesterday, and hear from rider Paul Townend as well as the thoughts of Timeform's Dan Barber with historical perspective. William Haggas drops in to talk about a rare runner for the stable in the 2,000 Guineas while, in Kentucky, Nick catches up with three-handed Derby trainer Brad Cox plus the inimitable Michael and Jules Iavarone, who have bought into The Puma. Anna Seitz from Fasig Tipton announces new developments ahead of the Mid-Atlantic sale at Timonium, while Ben Atkins has all the latest from the Pointing world.

Nick is joined by Cornelius Lysaght for a jam-packed show spanning the horseracing world. They begin with the news of 14-time Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls's split with his biggest owners Johnny and Sam de la Hey, before a look back at yesterday's Punchestown highlights in the company of Grade One winning rider Sean Flanaga. In Kentucky, Nick talks to Derby rookie Riley Mott about his two contenders and taking on legendary father Bill. Also today, Aussie trainer Henry Dwyer on his hopes to acquire a British licence, and Alan King on Edwardstone and buying horses at this week's Guineas breeze-up sales. Plus, Britain's youngest trainer Charlie Pike on saddling a 2,000 Guineas runner, amateur rider Charlie Marshall revels in winning a second Maryland Hunt Cup, and JA McGrath with all the latest from Hong Kong.