Ep 1653 - Autumn in Spring

Nick is in Melbourne on the eve of Champions Day, the final day of the carnival. First, Neil Channing reacts to Betfred founder Fred Done carrying out his threat to pull sponsorship of all five British Classics. He warns that it won’t be the last sponsor to walk away while betting shops keep closing, and he gives his view on Bradley Walsh’s Channel 4 gambling show. Back home, the jumps season really gets going. Josh Stacey runs through the big storylines from a strong weekend at Aintree, including Mydaddypaddy’s clash with Alexei in the Molyneux Hurdle and the “six-pointer” for Paul Nicholls as No Drama This End takes on his former inmate Talk To The Man. Josh also looks ahead to Kopek Des Bordes’ return in Ireland. Alexei’s trainer Joe Tizzard explains why his stable star skips the Fighting Fifth to start at Aintree and gives an update on stable jockey Brendan Powell after his arm operation. In Melbourne, Adam Peacock previews a Champions Day of possible coronations, with Tempted in the sprint, Autumn Glow in the mile and a Cox Plate rematch in the Champions Stakes. Autumn Glow’s owner John Messara then explains why Royal Ascot is no longer in the plan for his superstar mare. Plus, a tip from Josh for Aintree on Saturday.