She’s been named the “most fascinating person in the public eye” by Tatler and a “21st century role model” by The Telegraph. This superb TV presenter and journalist is also a retired amateur jockey, has beaten thyroid cancer and is in a civil partnership with Alice Arnold, the BBC Radio 4 continuity announcer.
Tag: racing
-
Clare Balding
-
We're backing Frankie
The Steeple Times backs Frankie Dettori to win Celebrity Big Brother 2013
Though Frankie Dettori split from Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin in October and was banned from racing for six months in December 2012, he began his comeback last night by entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.
-
The brilliance of Brooks
Our thoughts on the £10.8 million payout to Rebekah Brooks
Rebekah Brooks is a lady who is variously described as looking like Lady Macbeth and Merida, the animated hero of Pixar’s Brave.
Rebekah Brooks Brooks is of working class extraction but rose to find herself in the company of the likes of Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, Matthew Freud and Jeremy Clarkson. At her peak she was the editor of one of the biggest newspapers in the country and had David Cameron on speed dial. This chameleon like lady’s rise was meteoric but her fall was just as dramatic.
This week, Brooks has been attacked over the £10.852 million payoff she received from News Corporation. We don’t see what all the fuss is about. She is not the only villain in the scandal of phone hacking. It is wrong to singlehandedly blame her and turning her into the sole scapegoat of the piece is just a malicious distraction. We’d much rather see Piers Morgan and Alan Rusbridger were brought to book.
-
Wintering with the elite
Thomas James explores the winter holiday destinations of the jetset
The season is upon us and I like to think the thing that is most cherished of all this time of year is creating memories with those we love. Moreover, “my tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best,” once stated Winston Churchill. Therefore, the culmination of these two elements will produce a magnificent holiday. Gstaad, St. Moritz, and St. Barths, and Aspen are à la mode destinations to spend with family and friends during the holiday season.
The Gstaad Palace Hotel Gstaad is an idyllic retreat. It is the crème de la crème in a sense because most people here wish to remain discreet, which denotes simplistic elegance. There is a discerning culture of understatement in Gstaad. The village is enchanting and reminiscent of a setting found in a storybook. If that were the case, the Gstaad Palace would be the majestic castle towering over the small village. The Palace’s unrivalled reputation of refined hospitality makes one’s stay all the more sublime. However, within the hotel is Greengo Club, where one will find the youth of today partying to music played by DJ Jim Leblanc. For those who ski, Gstaad is known for skiing and is home to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps with around 136 miles of pistes.
The White Turf St. Moritz is also a small village located in Switzerland where the sun shines about three hundred days annually. The energy of St. Moritz is geared more towards winter sporting events, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice. An annual event beginning in 1985 is the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow tournament, which is a highlight for many. The White Turf is another annual winter event dating back to 1907 where people gather to watch horse racing on a frozen lake listening to music, viewing art, and indulging on food. St. Moritz is very much “le scene” and there is a bit of pretense in the air. Skiing is a popular pastime, as the slopes in St. Moritz remain unsurpassed.
Fireworks in St. Barths St. Barths is a tiny island situated in the West Indies. During high season, especially on Christmas and New Year’s St. Barths is essentially one soiree after another. If St. Barth’s were a club then it would definitely be Studio 54. The place to be on New Years Eve is in Gustavia Harbour on a yacht watching the firework display. Overall, the ambiance of St. Barths is quite relaxed and carefree. Saline is left undeveloped making it one of the most pristine beaches in St. Barths. It is very “natural” alluding to the nudity permitted at Saline. Many people are attracted to St. Barths because of its beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The cuisine is superb, the service exquisite, and everyone on the island is friendly.
Aspen Aspen is a world-class destination for skiing with over 5,000 acres of terrain. Originally, Aspen was a mining town until the Paepcke family traveled to Aspen and fell in love with the natural surroundings Aspen offered. They knew Aspen was a gem and began transforming and cultivating the town into what it is today. The natural surroundings provide a relaxing retreat from everyday life. One may choose to ski on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk or Aspen Highlands, depending upon one’s level of expertise. One can purchase lift tickets online at Aspen Snowmass, which makes all four mountains quite accessible. Aspen offers a variety of options for one’s après-ski experience, from dining at Matsuhisa to dancing at Escobar. Aspen is the unparalleled destination for winter and no matter what your needs may be, Aspen holds the solution.
Remember, this season is about creating memories. For having special memories to cherish is the ultimate luxury.
-
Striking Gold at The Hennessey
The Tout gives his take on this weekend’s racing at Newbury
Winter has officially arrived and traditionally The Hennessy is the first of the major National Hunt events for the purists who love this sport. Sadly the race is a handicap and generally The Tout despises a contest such as this because those greedy bookies already have the upper hand. Without some inside information, we are playing with fire here but there are two prospects at both short and long prices.
Duke of Lucca in action The Tout recommends the longer priced horse for a small wager but if you really must have a go at a favourite, Tidal Bay is an obvious choice at 4/1 for the in form Nicholls yard but then use that argument and the obvious choice at 25/1 is Duke of Lucca. Philip Hobbs, his trainer, is in great form and his rider Richard Johnston is the greatest jockey who never was thanks to the incredible Tony McCoy. This horse’s place ratio is huge and the value is outstanding.
The Tout advises a wager of a medium size on The Duke and then sit back and enjoy some serious winter action. Happy days.
The Tout.
-
Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times asks the journalist and equestrian expert Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
Sat nav, usually.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I’m stealing my motto from someone else – “Don’t gamble with what you can’t afford to lose.” Wise words, and not just applicable to my fairly lamentable betting technique.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Animal suit onesies.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I’m in the process of moving to the Surrey countryside so I dare say I’ll miss London, easy commutes, a plethora of restaurants, twice weekly trips to the cinema and the Canary Wharf skyline.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I’d gladly swap my wealth for somebody else’s. I doubt they’d be delighted with the deal though.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I blame Kerry Katona.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“At the end of the day.” Ghastly.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I ran the London Marathon in 2008 in aid of World Horse Welfare so that’s a biggie.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
As my friends will tell you, I never look at my phone, and I certainly don’t pounce on it the second I see that little red flashing light.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Scotland’s rugby team, Andy Murray, Daniel Craig, Elbow, Ross Noble, Ryan Gosling, and a handful of my closest female friends to redress the balance.
Victoria Spicer. Photo credit: © Horse Magazine If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fillet steak, on the run.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12.01.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Can’t I have a cold glass of Pinot Grigio instead?
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
The post-show parties during Olympia Horse Show are usually pretty memorable.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Not sure I know many – or if they start off positive, I soon drag them back down to earth with a healthy dose of cynicism.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Made in Chelsea.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Snow Fairy. Class mare. Unfortunately for her, I can’t stand pain and have no desire to get a tattoo.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I’m quite like my own car – an MX5. Looks like it could be fun to drive but is actually rubbish at getting up hills and handles terribly. Plus it’s either boiling hot or freezing cold, never in between.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m related to Cilla Black… And I’m a compulsive liar.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I’m about to move house so I currently have no mantelpiece – but I’m working on it.
Victoria Spicer is a freelance journalist. She is also press officer for the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead and web editor for Horse & Country TV.
View Victoria Spicer’s website at: http://www.victoriaspicer.co.uk
-
Video of the Week: The Queen morphs
The Queen’s life in 3 minutes and 24 seconds
This week we must thank Dan Large for having alerted us to an amazing YouTube video showing Her Majesty The Queen’s life in 3 minutes and 24 seconds.
Elizabeth II Created by “an old retired guy who likes to play with computers” named “HerBunk” and using the technological wizardy of FantaMorph, the video has attracted nearly 6,000 likes and 300 dislikes. We look forward to hearing what readers of The Steeple Times make of it.
Watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8nJhG1xE5o&feature=share
-
Frankel: The Best
The Tout says a fond farewell to Frankel
It must have taken some restraint from Sir Henry Cecil, the trainer of many of the greatest horses of the last 40 years, to wait until after Frankel’s last race on Saturday to state: “Frankel is the best I have trained, the best I have seen and the best horse ever.” Frankel was simply incredible in his final race and gave the huge crowd a real reason to be glad, proud and happy to be at Ascot for his swansong performance.
Frankel and his rider Tom Queally at Ascot on 20th October 2012 
Frankel’s trainer Sir Henry Cecil In hardcore racing terms, Frankel is officially rated by The Jockey Club handicapper as the highest rated of all time but for the memory it was the sheer style of his demolition of other high class horses that will stand out. His pace in the middle of a race was so brutal that before he even switched to top gear from his cruising speed he had dismissed every rival that ever showed up. At one point it was thought that his skills would be restricted to racing over a mile but as has he subsequently showed he was equally efficient and possibly more settled over a mile and a quarter.
The key to his success as he got older was the fact that he settled so much better in his races. The 2000 Guineas was madly impressive and Frankie Dettori was still struggling to believe the way he ran away from the field when he was interviewed a week later and stated that it would normally be impossible to send a horse away from the field at the halfway stage of a classic race. In the role of honour we also have to be grateful to Frankel’s pacemaker, Bullet Train, who did so much to help him in his races by ensuring that the early pace was fast enough.
We salute Frankel and are certain that during our life we will never see his like again. There is now the intrigue of his performance at stud as it seems impossible that he will replicate himself so his first runner in 2016 will be eagerly anticipated and sure to be out of an equally blue blooded mare. Thank goodness he has retired safely from the track and we can all say that we saw Frankel when any other pretenders appear and someone tells you that a certain horse is the best they have seen. Goodbye Frankel, but only for three years. We shall look forward to seeing your progeny appear on the same turf that you bestrode so magnificently.
The Tout.
-
Another Magnificent Seven
Richard Hughes achieves a “Magnificent Seven”
On the 28th September 1996, Frankie Dettori, at odds of 20,095-1 rode seven winners on seven horses in the seven races of the day at Ascot. His achievement cost the betting industry some £40 million and became known as the “Magnificent Seven.” Dettori even named his Chelsea restaurant, Sette, after it. One punter, a plumber from Morecambe named Darren Yates won £550,000 on a stake of £67.58 and forever more this will be recalled as a moment in racing history.
Richard Hughes celebrates 7 wins from 8 at Windsor yesterday at odds of 10,168-1 
Frankie Dettori celebrates his “Magnificent Seven” in September 1996 Yesterday, another jockey, Richard Hughes, at odds of 10,168-1, rode seven winners in eight races at Windsor.
Of his success, Hughes, who has ridden 161 winners this season, commented:
“I’m over the moon. It’s great to do it… Windsor is my lucky track, and this is a great day… What a thrill. This is a great day.”
Unlike with Dettori’s “Magnificent Seven,” the bookies were relatively happy too. Kate Miller, a spokesperson for William Hill stated:
“That was probably the cheapest seven-timer ever for the bookies… The last time a high-profile jockey rode a big seven-timer it cost us £7million, so we’re very grateful that Richard timed his on a quiet Monday. We’ll pay out around £100,000 but the figure could easily have been 10 times that if he’d chosen this Saturday instead.”
Frankie Dettori and Richard Hughes at Sette in Chelsea with A. P. McCoy, Ryan Moore and friends All at The Steeple Times raise a glass to Mr Hammond on his brilliant achievement.
Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://www.sette-restaurant.com
Follow Richard Hughes on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/hughesiejockey
-
Phone pests
The Tout lays into Britain’s biggest pests: mobile phone operators
The Tout would normally only comment on matters of a sporting nature and interest but apart from Abu Hamza’s wife and family continuing to live at our expense in this country there is one other issue that we could all rise up over collectively and do something about. For the past twenty years that we’ve all been consumers we have been abused by phone pests and those nuisances are the very companies that are supposed to provide us with the service that we pay so much for.
Just how The Tout feels when his mobile cuts out There are two areas of sustained abuse and the first of those is the sketchiness of the reception for the service. In Switzerland, I can drive through their longest tunnels with two phones going, a plethora of email and sight of my BetFair interactive screen and at times the reception is even better than normal. In England, in order to make one call it can take 4 or 5 attempts with T “Bloody” Mobile and I am not talking in the middle of nowhere. Unbelievably the three main regular trouble spots that I encounter are by The Lanesborough Hotel on Hyde Park Corner, just south of Guilford on the A3 and in the middle of Reading. It would be hard to describe any of those locations as especially rural. I urge readers to let me know where their regular cold spots are.
We pay for calls in units of minutes so on this basis what should be a one minute call (if you are male and three if you are female!) could be costing four or five times more. We all seem to accept this so the drones at the mobile companies can only hold a very low opinion of us.
The second stage of the robbery and I believe they must wear stockings over their heads in their offices when they commit this crime is whenever any of us venture abroad. Then they really start to have a laugh. Recently European charges have dropped but when The Tout was forced to go to Corfu for a holiday (too hot) and was informed by text, as I waited for the my luggage not to arrive, that in Greece it would cost 25 pence per minute to make a call and in Albania it would cost £1.50 per minute.
No problem I thought as I’m in Greece it seemed quite reasonable and a visit to Albania was not on the cards quite understandably. So, when I got back to the over taxed slum that we call home the first thing I got was a bill for £600 from T “Bloody” Mobile. No problem, I thought, as I called them about my Albanian minutes as I did not go to Albania. The problem, they said, was: “You were near enough to go on the Albanian signal.” I replied: “That is b……s as we only hired a tiny motor boat that I did not dare take more than 100 yards offshore so I was well within Greek waters and the Greek fishermen.” I did confess that Albania was very close and we had been warned not to leave washing on the line overnight as they swim across from Albania and nick your smalls while you are asleep.
Finally, after much ranting, they believed me, gave in and agreed to reduce the bill by £200. That was all very well but guess who is really wearing the trousers? The answer: the mobile operators. The fact of the matter is that they just don’t care that they are providing bad service for too much money. They are utter pests and con artists.
I urge you all to drop them a line with your next bill logging all of the calls that did not work correctly and demand a refund. We can all do this and if we don’t they will have our trousers around our ankles forever.
The Tout