Passionate national hunt racing fan, and a lifelong appreciation of 70s and 80s pop music.
Wolverhampton
- Tweets 100,766
- Following 11,093
- Followers 10,579
- Likes 166,179
Sorry to say that my mum and best friend Janet died at lunchtime today. I was with her this morning. Very peaceful. Here she is and here is her card. I am profoundly grateful for the 54 wonderful years we have had together.
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Listowel. Every pub lively and full. Folk milling around on the streets chatting and smiling. Music in every bar. However...not a bouncer in sight. Reason? Not needed. That's Listowel.
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That was brilliant!! What a day at @ListowelRaces . This was like going racing in the UK in the 80s and 90s all over again. No fashion. No prosecco. No sockless oafs! Just thousands of proper racing fans flocking to the track to enjoy the greatest sport in the world. Perfect!
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It's my mum's funeral today, folks. If you have a moment to raise a glass to her around 11am, she and I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
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Look at all these people, folks. They have come to see the HORSES. They don't want to wear a well tailored suit to do so, or have their bags searched, or pay £7 a pint. Or be segregated. They just want to see the horses. See my point?
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Difficult to know the correct words in circumstances like these. God bless Michael, may he rest in peace. Paid the ultimate price for doing something he loved more than anything else. So very sad.
On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan
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Just been made aware that @itvracing is due to be on the air for ten hours this Saturday. That must be the longest ever continuous racing programme on terrestrial TV. A hugely appreciated commitment to our sport. Thank-you so much to everyone involved for this.
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Just one more task to do today, and it's the most important one. To raise this glass, and to wish a happy heavenly birthday to my mum, who would have been 87 today. Life goes on, and so do we....but this special lady won't be forgotten by me and many others. Cheers Mum!
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A gentle reminder that @FOBRacing have done more than a lot of people to promote awareness of mental health issues, and have invited so many to their yard to share the joy of being with horses. Maybe keep the nasty comments down a bit towards them tonight, bearing that in mind?
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Made it to @punchestownrace . Free admission. Free mulled wine. Free mince pie. Reason? Quote from staff member. "We do this every New Year's Eve as a thank you to our customers for coming racing all year". @MCYeeehaaa @Yeeehaaabet please note ref what us racegoers appreciate.
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I know that the Post has come in for criticism from certain folk in recent years, but all credit to them for wiping everything else off the front page this morning, demonstrating that nothing racing related really matters, in comparison.
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Full credit and appreciation to @SkyBet for allowing the Supreme to be renamed in memory of Michael O'Sullivan. An outstanding gesture from a sponsor that deserves recognition from everyone.
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What on earth is this nonsense at Reading Station? @Ascot where is the HORSE please?
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Really upsetting in the cafe this morning. Little toddler a bit upset about something. Mother told her to "shut her f*****g mouth". Breaks my heart to pieces to see kids spoken to that by their parents.
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Folks. The National Hunt season has another ten months to go. I will stick my neck out and say you will not see a better race all season. Happy retirement to one of National Hunt Racing's greatest four legged ambassadors. Thanks for wonderful memories old pal.
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Just taken a look at @CheltenhamRaces web site. Champion Hurdle Day Club Enclosure advance booking £115. Just bought a THREE DAY Irish National @Fairyhouse ticket for €82.50. A warm welcome at the gate, great facilities and three brilliant days racing. Cheltenham must rethink.
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Memo to EVERY UK racecourse manager. Made it to @punchestownrace . Front entrance. Lady approaches me. I'm really sorry but the gates aren't open until midday. But we can't have you standing out here in the cold, so come on in. (Pre paid ticket) . It is a privilege to be here.
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Bit of health news folks. Unfortunately after a recent health check, tiny traces of blood were found " downstairs". Things on hold until Saturday, i am going for a colonoscopy on Thursday. I'm told there's a 91% chance it's nothing serious. But it has to be checked. Such is life!
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A bit quieter on Twitter this weekend folks. Unfortunately Mum has taken a turn for the worse and has contacted pneumonia. Doctors say she is not responding to antibiotics, and isn't looking too good today. Spent the morning with her, and I'm afraid I'm preparing for the worst.
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I notice a lot of criticism on here for @tommoracing error in commentary in the bumper, but i see no praise on here for his excellent commentaries on the first six races. Strange that.
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Nice to see Mum and Dad again, and give them my latest news. Wish they could tell me theirs!!
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If time allows, please can you raise a glass to my old mum today, on the first anniversary of her passing. It's taken a year to sort everything, but it's done now, and all the memories of our 54 years together are happy ones. Here's us in 2006, we lost Dad in 2009.
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Thanks to @stephenfernane for this article. I've just enjoyed an unforgettable one year experience, and it's been a pleasure to share those experiences. Three to go but next, I'm going to two tracks I've only been to once before, 20 years ago. @corkracecourse and @LimerickRaces .
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Normally i don't comment on things like this, but i am absolutely disgusted with the appalling comments on here tonight concerning @wgreatrexracing . Wishing Warren and the team all the very best with Mighty Bandit, a lovely horse with a great future.
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One request. Whatever happens, please no more moaning this week. Celebrate the winners. Commiserate with those who don't. Cherish every memory. Our four greatest days. Life is great, we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy our showpiece. Enjoy every second of it.
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Folks, had a lot of lovely messages about my mum. A decision has been made today to fast track her through to a placement at a nursing home for end of life palliative care via Marie Curie. Hopefully not too far from Carmarthen so visiting will be easy. Thanks again for support.
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Just read that Sam Waley Cohen has received a nine day ban for whip use, after he announced his retirement. Comical is not the word. You couldn't make it up!
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Hi @LeonnaMayor sorry to read some of the stuff on here today. You were one of three racing presenters to send me a personal message of condolence when my mum died, which hasn't been forgotten. Wishing you all the best for a new fresh start, and to your new family member!
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At Cheltenham this week when answering calls of nature, I observed men washing their hands thoroughly. The condition of the loos by close of play were the cleanest I have ever seen them after racing. Guys, if you can do this now, why can't you do this when there is no pandemic?
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I personally think Elon Musk has done absolutely the right thing to raise awareness of these evil atrocities going on in our country. Something has got to be done now to get all perpetrators behind bars, and importantly, unconditional help being given to the victims.
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A little request to those in Ireland. If you possibly can, please go racing at @thurlesraces today. It's their first day back since the fatal last fence incident that was absolutely no fault of theirs. A wonderful friendly family run course. Please support them if you can today.
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I don't normally do selfies, but when it's with a VIP, it has to be done! Frodon is the handsome one on the left.
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Just want to share a bit of personal news. I've got a new home! Shook hands with the landlord today. Lovely 2 bedroom flat 5 mins walk from where i currently live, in Stockwell End. I'm over the moon, will house all my stuff from Wales too. And I can still walk to @WolvesRaces !!
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Because this year is a one off, decided to push the boat out last Saturday night and spend one night at @TheAdareManor . What an amazing experience. A shout out to Grace, who gave the best front of house welcome I've ever had at a hotel. Gold star service. A stunning place.
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Regarding the Oisin Murphy case, i have only one question. How is the young lady, is she recovering well? That is the only thing i would like to know. The law courts will deal with the rest.
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This may sound silly to some, but I'm feeling really good in my mental health right now. Just had three and a half straight days in my flat, the longest time there since Mum died. Finally thinking of it as home now. It's taken me nine months!! Lots of work still to do though.
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Kay, cruelty to horses is leaving them starving in fields malnourished and neglected. It isn't cruel to give them five star treatment, then take them to do something they enjoy, as pack animals bred to race. There is a lot of cruelty to horses out there sadly, but not at Aintree.
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Racegoers don't give the cameramen and women the credit they deserve for the sterling hard work they put in, in sometimes horrendous weather, to bring us the coverage of what we love into our homes. Their efforts always have and will be, enormously appreciated.
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A superb afternoon at @DoncasterRaces with @BobbyBeevers and more Twitter friends. Lots to review in due course, but for now, today has really been all about one person. RIP Michael.
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Well that was perfect folks. Absolutely perfect. Warm Irish welcome. 15 euros. One enclosure. No bag searching. No intimidating security. No dress code. Just the joy of watching the most beautiful animals in the world competing against each other. Thank you @punchestownrace .
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On Friday night at 9pm, I will post my Top 26 Irish racecourses, Top 10 Irish places to stay, and Top 10 Irish racedays. Opinions my own! Please don't batter me if you disagree, why not post your own thoughts instead?
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Just been on the @francegalop web site to buy tickets for four days racing. Despite there being a lot of stressful complicated faffing about registering and passwords, i eventually got there! Total admission costs for 4 days plus a Longchamp racecourse tour? €21.
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Memo to UK racecourses. No dress code, no bag searching (presumably), no photo ID needed to enter, focused on the racing, one enclosure, everyone welcomed. Result? 25,000 on a Wednesday. Simples!!
🏆 @ListowelRaces 20-September-2023
A huge thank you to all our loyal patrons, sponsors and horsemen for a brilliant Guinness Kerry National Day with a crowd of 25,803 👏
(c)healyracing.ie
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I've had about 300 messages about my lovely mum, so please bear with me if it takes me a while to acknowledge them. But thank you, they are a huge tonic.
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A challenging hour just completed, packaging all Mum's clothes to head for the hospice charity shop on Saturday. Also the Red Cross came today to take away the loaned hospital bed, zimmerframe, and wheelchair she had, to suit her needs. Heartbreaking to see her bedroom empty now.
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Cheltenham Festival must wake up to its Peaky Blinders and cocaine problem telegraph.co.uk/racing/2024/… Excellent from Charlie Brooks here. I was stopped by the drug dogs at @CheltenhamRaces on Gold Cup Day. Searching etc found nothing. Wouldn't touch the stuff.But others got in fine?
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The one black cloud over today. So very sorry @FOBRacing just so bitterly unfair.
How can life be so cruel. Devastated to hear the news about Highland Hunter. I can’t even imagine what @FOBRacing and everyone that loved and knew both Keagan Kirkby and the beautiful, talented Highland Hunter are going though. Thoughts are with everyone 💔💔 #HighlandHunter 🕊
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Folks, I'm amazed. Just gone over 5000 followers!! You must be mad! I'm just a silly autistic old geezer who loves horse racing and music, and posts his inner feelings on here. Heaven only knows why that's appealing to you, but it means the world to me that you're there. Cheers!
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It's been a lovely night at @WolvesRaces saying happy retirement to @tommoracing who was sent on his commentary way with a cheerful smile and enormous respect from us all. Still many a raceday presentation to come, no doubt. Best wishes Derek and thanks for all you do for racing.
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Here's the best motorway sign in the UK for us racing fans! @CarlisleRaces @HexhamRaces @NewcastleRaces
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A sombre scene at @MusselburghRace today, with a minutes silence planned before racing for Michael. A day that each and every one of us should be thankful for everything we've got, and appreciate all participants on course, as the day unfolds.
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28,000 attended Ladies Day at @ListowelRaces at €25 to get in. 22,000 attended Arc Day at @paris_longchamp at €65 to get in.
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Made it to @thurlesraces . Number 26 of 26. Been on a course tour, met Team Molony, and soaking up this superb, intimate and hugely likeable course. Very well supported by the big trainers, I note. Looking forward to two superb days.
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Made it to @curraghrace . The biggest day of the Irish Flat season. €30 to get in, early bird discount. One enclosure. No dress code and the warmest of welcomes from front of house staff for whom nothing was too much trouble. A pleasure to be here. Enjoy.
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Any of you who have been in this situation will understand this. When Mum is discharged from hospital, chances are it will be to a care home, so she may never see her home here again, as she can't walk now. So watching TV tonight, it's the empty chair opposite that stands out.
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Struggling to understand how anyone can criticise @itvracing @chamberlinsport with their commitment to racing. Three hours from @KelsoRacecourse on ITV1 main channel on Saturday. Magnificent and much appreciated commitment to racing at all levels.
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Some folk might say I say too much about my personal life on here. But as someone living alone with no family, it's so much easier to share things and absorb good advice in return. Life is so much easier if you open up about it. That applies for men and women. Please talk.
Finally catching up with Unbridled. Paddy Brennan and David Bass and @MCYeeehaaa discussing and raising awareness for men's mental health. I know @FOBRacing has been doing amazing work on this app with this. To anyone in racing and out of racing struggling, please talk to someone
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I'm only just beginning to experience and understand how to bond with a horse. Paddington was unsure about me at first, but after a while became friendly. @coolmorestud
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Now on my way to Newbury thanks to the extreme kindness of @O_J_murphy91 in helping me out with the transport situation. Worse things happen at sea, but a gutted racing fan is now a very happy racing fan. May Thomas Darby remain unbeaten all season!!
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Thanks everyone for the lovely messages, birthday wishes and kindness. I've had an amazing day, everything i could wish for, and a lovely day at @CatterickRaces . Hopefully I'll still be around for a few years, and will continue to promote racing to the best of my ability.Cheers!
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UK v Ireland. Sent an email 8pm ish to @Fairyhouse just checking if it's card only at the weekend. Hoped for an answer tomorrow. Within two hours, Orla Aaron responded saying cash is welcome, for racecards drinks and admissions. I feel welcome already and I'm not there yet!!
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Three course meal, three pints and high quality overnight accommodation including full Welsh breakfast for under £150. Now that's what I call value for money!
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Just a quick one folks. The one thing in racing i will never do, is criticise any rides i see, amateur or professional. Because i have never sat on a horse in my life, I don't feel qualified to do so. Simple as that.
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A top class Sunday dinner and cup of tea, total €19 with a superb choir singing whilst we enjoy our food. @curraghrace first class perfect racegoing experience before the on track events begin. 10 out of 10.
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Folks, just to let you know I'm also developing accounts on Instagram and Facebook. They seem far less toxic than on here, and I'm even considering completely switching over to them in the summer. I'll keep going on here for now though.
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The Curragh on a Group 1 Classic Day. Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pud. €17. @RadioEmmet it's not rocket science.
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Made it to @Laytown_Races . Interesting that there are permanent steppings to watch the racing from, so sort of like half a point to point. What a beautiful day for it too.
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A challenging day ahead emotionally. Back to Wales on a day return, to hand over the bungalow keys to the new owner, and see Mum and Dad's grave for the first time since the stone came back with Mum's name on it. Nearly closure now, after 12 months.
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For those who criticise me for being too negative about UK racing, you will never hear me critical about here. The jewel in our crown. @HexhamRaces
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