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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Tottenham “checked and cleared” Hotspur #COYS

Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

I really enjoyed this. A spy novel centred around the island of Vidos off Corfu that serves as a retirement home or dumping ground for British spies who MI6 prefer out of the way. A cast of fictional spies anchored by real life Philby a minor character but his presence casts a long shadow #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Book 2 in the series just released and Emily Grey is now using her linguistic and embryonic spying skills in Lausanne infiltrating a suspicious married couple whose line of work is “import / export”. As enjoyable as the first book #Booksky #FirstWorldWar #Espionage

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

One week on. Metallica in Cardiff last Sunday. Nothing Else Matters #Metallica #Cardiff

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

This is narrative non-fiction at its best. The Markovic Affair is a well known scandal in France involving gangsters, immigrants, the star of French cinema Alain Delon and even the wife of the French Prime Minister. Superbly written it’s a gripping story #Booksky #AlainDelon #Paris

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

A quirky short story built around what The Smiths meant to one man’s life. Surreal #Booksky #TheSmiths

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Updated rerelease for this seminal work 29 years on. I first read it about 20 years ago and I enjoyed the revised version all the same #Booksky #AcidHouse #Ecstasy

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Reposted by Ben House

Sathnam Sanghera @sathnam.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Thankyou Ben. Many people miss him, but I'm also glad he didn't have to see the shit we are living through.

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

I loved this. @sathnam.bsky.social wears his fandom with pride but that doesn’t prevent him from thoroughly examining the character of George Michael in its totality. I’ve thought the world is a worse place without him in it and this book reinforces how much he’s missed #Booksky #GeorgeMichael

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

He’s full of class and beaten them silly. The conditions in his favour today: 10f, firm in the going description and Ascot a course he thrives at. The wow performance of the week from Ombudsman #RoyalAscot

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes the premier race of the whole star studded week at Royal Ascot. This year’s a cracker: Arc winner in Daryz, Minnie Hauk, Almaqam and the reigning champ Ombudsman. Go on Ombudsman #RoyalAscot

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A forensic study of how the gambling companies have totally dominated the football landscape in this country. Sometimes covertly but more often than not brazenly. It’s a depressing situation but a very interesting book #Booksky #Football #Gambling

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

This man’s performance in Mexico ‘86 forty years ago will never be beaten. To win a World Cup virtually single handed was phenomenal. Genius. RIP Diego #Argentina #FIFAWorldCup #Maradona

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Hours away from Argentina starting their defence #FIFAWorldCup. This by David Arrowsmith, detailing the immense pressures the world’s best footballer had to endure on and off the pitch, is thoroughly good read #Booksky #Maradona

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

That everyone out of the ITV7 after race 1? Ten Bob Tony the 50/1 outsider of the whole Group 1 field #QueenAnneStakes #RoyalAscot #ITVRacing

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

I didn’t think I’d be as invested in the World Cup this time around for various obvious factors but I’ve really enjoyed the start. But now throw in Royal Ascot for the next 5 days and it’s a dream sporting week #RoyalAscot #FIFAWorldCup

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Incredibly brave undercover journalism, Harry Shukman spending a year amongst characters equally dangerous or just plain insane. A really good read but I was on edge throughout #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Every year theres always a hunt for the stories within the Grand National field but this from yesterday’s Derby is a terrific tale of coincidence. A great story on a par with anything Aintree’s showpiece throws up #TheDerby #Epsom #Horseracing www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

theguardian.com

Construction worker backs Epsom Derby winner thanks to ‘spooky’ time capsule tip

A construction manager backed Derby winner Christmas Day after a note found in a 1960s time capsule urged bets on a horse ‘associated with Santa Claus’

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Just over an hour to go to the Derby and going by the rides given to the winners of the preceding Princess Elizabeth Stakes and the Coronation Cup, the jockey and the decision of where to be on the track having rounded Tattenham corner is going to be crucial #Epsom #TheDerby #BetfredDerby

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Annual posting of my favourite Derby winner of all time, Commander In Chief in 1993. Today I’m siding with what would be an unseasonable winner, Christmas Day. Santa Claus has already won (1964) and now I’m putting my faith in the day that made his name #ChristmasDay #TheDerby #BetfredDerby #Epsom

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Only watching on tv but everything about the Oaks afternoon appears to show Epsom and the Jockey Club’s endeavours are paying off. So long as the weather stays kind it all augers well for Derby Day tomorrow #TheDerby #BetfredDerby #Epsom #TheOaks

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Books I’ve read recently. I found the Graham Greene elements to The Writer and The Traitor interesting. 1996 was 300+ pages of tabloideze. Mike Pickering’s book is fantastic and Oliver Bullough’s study of global money laundering fascinating #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Now let’s never speak of this 2025/26 season again #THFC #COYS

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

“What did you do Monday night?” “Saw four old German blokes standing stock still behind four desks performing some of the greatest, most important and influential music of the last 50 years.” Kraftwerk - Tour de France Belfast Waterfront Hall 18/5/2026 #Kraftwerk #MultimediaTour #Belfast

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Soundtrack mishap in episode 1 apart, I loved #Legends. Neil Forsyth’s follow up to The Gold and it very much shares that series DNA. However Legends story of the undercover customs officers is nowhere near as well known as the Brink’s-Mat robbery. Couldn’t fault the rest of the music choices either

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Just starting #Legends on #Netflix. Scene set: Liverpool, 1990. Lad goes to a house party and N-Trance - Set You Free is playing. Not recorded until 1992 and first released in 1993. Of all the tracks you could choose (89/90) why make such a basic error? Pedantic, I know. Now back to the drama

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

That said, the winner Bow Echo, has spread eagled the field with the exception of Gstaad in 2nd, who he’s still beaten emphatically, has to be a very good horse. He’s going to be exciting in all the Group 1 mile contests this summer #BowEcho #2000Guineas #Newmarket #Horseracing #Flat

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

There won’t be another Frankel or Zafonic in today’s race (my two favourite Guineas winners). Confident of that #2000Guineas #Newmarket #Horseeacing #Flat

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

This season’s ‘Classic Generation’ get underway now in the 2000 Guineas. Recently you can’t go far wrong with Godolphin & Charlie Appleby in the race (won 3 of the last 4). So I’m siding with his Distant Storm. Also a little on Oxagon as I thought he did it well in the Craven #2000Guineas #Newmarket

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

A chilling “what if?” that isn’t alternative history but a realistic view on the present and the near future. A deeply researched account of the balance of the world order should Russia win their war of aggression #Booksky #NATO #Russia #Ukraine #China #USA #Europe

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

The 2nd of the pre-orders and this is such an absorbing story written by a master of narrative non-fiction @praddenkeefe.bsky.social. Deceptions that triangulate around a 19 yr old “oligarch’s son”, a bankrupt businessman and a gangster. A tragic tale with shady London at its core. Superb! #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Paul Townend too. So many years the number 2 jockey to Ruby Walsh at Closutton but since his elevation to the top job his career is, and has been, phenomenal. The best jockey in the NH game bar none #GrandNational #Aintree #IAmMaximus

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Willie Mullins. The best to ever do it. Some warrior I Am Maximus. First top weight and horse to regain his title since the greatest National horse, Red Rum. Some race #GrandNational #Aintree #Liverpool #IAmMaximus

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

A concise examination of the evidence in America’s history that has culminated in Trump in the White House #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

The first of the books I’ve had on preorder this year and have been looking forward to for months. Anyone’s who’s read the author’s last book “Killing Thatcher” will understand the anticipation. It didn’t disappoint. The story of Roger Casement, Reginald Hall, WWI & the Easter Uprising #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

With the casting news in recent weeks for the film adaptation, I had the urge to reread this. Heat is my favourite film from the 90’s and this prequel / sequel compliments the original perfectly. As for the film that’s coming, I can’t work out how they’ll do the post ‘95 story #Booksky #Heat #Heat2

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

I read Little Englanders by @alwynturner.bsky.social about Edwardian Britain last year. His follow up about the interwar years in this country is just as great. The anecdotes of social history are such an entertaining read from an era that’s overshadowed by the wars that bookended it #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Despite Macca being an executive producer this wasn’t a hagiography. A good watch #Wings #PaulMcCartney

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Second Toughest In The Infants was released 30 years ago today. You will not hear a greater suite of music openning an album than the 16 minutes of Juanita: Kiteless: To Dream Of Love #Underworld open.spotify.com/track/3FaOFE...

open.spotify.com

Juanita: Kiteless: To Dream Of Love - Remastered

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Definitely need to go from the front today at Cheltenham. Even on the Cross Country course it’s paid to make all or be bang there #Cheltenham #CheltenhamFestival

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

You won’t see a better ride than that all week that Harry Cobden’s just given Kitzbuhel in the Brown Advisory. Judged from the front to perfection #Cheltenham #CheltenhamFestival #Horseracing

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

A novel set in suburban England examining the lives of the residents of a of new build cul-de-sac. The titular bbq takes place on Saturday July 13th, 1985 - Live Aid. Really enjoyable with a well drawn cast of characters #Booksky #Fiction

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

I’m a fan of the @restisclassified.bsky.social podcast but this is the first of David McCloskey’s novels I’ve read. Intricately plotted across Istanbul, Tehran & Tel Aviv the action soon plunges us into the continuous warring between Israel and Iran through a captured Persian Jewish dentist #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Set in 1970’s Newcastle/Northumberland and 2000’s Andalusia, this is a novel with a tight narrative around a crime family coming to terms with the impact on them of a botched job. #Booksky #CrimeFiction

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

This new biography of Gordon Brown is a comprehensive and fascinating look at the great all-rounder of New Labour. Tremendously driven with conviction and purpose, Brown is someone I’ve always admired and since leaving office has arguably grown into an even more important voice #Booksky

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Catherwood turns a seminal and critical decision of the Second World War into a slog in only 187 pages. Has the tendency to reference his own book throughout “our book” which is also frustrating. It’s not our book, mate, it’s yours. Own it! #Booksky #Churchill #Tito

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

I recently finished this. The last four years of the 1980’s in New York City, the final term of the city’s mayor, Ed Koch. Racial divides, AIDS activism, high profile criminal cases and colossal characters. Superb #Booksky #NewYork

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Ben House @bbh74.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Frank sacked! To Dare Is To Do but hopefully not too late. The trigger needed pulling weeks ago #COYS

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