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Christopher Webber

@pinza-uk.bsky.social

108 followers 48 following 226 posts

Christopher Webber - actor, musicologist, music journalist and author of 'Bluff Your Way At the Races'. Member of music, theatre and sports panels for Oxford University Press's Dictionary of National Biography. (posted as @Pinza-UK on twitter.com)

Posts Replies Media

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

... but do not prescribe the amount of coverage which must be devoted to a specific sport. So BBC claim their Charter obligations can be breached at any time, by low-level editorial choice: in this case, to airbrush the UK's 2nd-most most popular sport out of the national picture. Next up, Ofcom!

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

(1) Instructive response from BBC Executive Unit to my complaint regarding Charter breaches in BBC Sport website's total lack of coverage of Newmarket July, Glorious Goodwood and York Ebor meetings. The reply argues that "high-level obligations" apply across the Corporation’s output as a whole ...

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Anyone spouting the nonsense that Calandagan would be romping home in the Arc if only it were open to him, forgets the fact that Aga Khan Studs are clever enough to work out that it would be a crazy idea to run a gelding against their stallion prospect Daryz, and potentially lowering his stud value.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

This is a good read: www.racingpost.com/news/feature...

'It feels as though that happened to a different person' - meet the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who found happiness down a very different path

Mark Pitman tells Lee Mottershead about tough times as a jockey and trainer and why he loves life as a stalls handler

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I enjoyed this tribute to Goodwood racingpost.com/news/opinion... but isn't the unique appeal of British racing defined by these mixed-ability cards? They create much deeper drama than those bloated Graded gorge-fests which undersell many top races (and the Lillie Langtry made a great centrepiece).

Glorious Goodwood showed British racing at its best - these are my standout performances across the five days

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

@shwardle.bsky.social, can you comment on this article? www.racingpost.com/news/opinion... The suggestion is that, as an anti-gambling crusader who desires to stigmatise the activity, you should not be leading a quasi-academic project paid for by £10M public money. Is Mr Waugh wrong? If so, how?

Get ready for a tidal wave of junk science: the misinformation war on gambling is about to get much worse

All who care about sound regulation of betting and the future of racing must stand up to those who seek to mislead policy-makers

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

As BBC Sport's massive website has failed to give so much as a mention to either (1) the Eclipse Stakes, or (2) the July Cup, both races of massive international importance and interest, I have offered my free services to them as a racing reporter to fill the void and spare their embarrassment.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

BHA's whip figures for Royal Ascot: 89 days handed out in jockey bans - that's 89 nails in the coffin, as far as anti-racing activists are concerned. Yet how many of these penalised rides looked bad? BHA seems intent on bringing racing into disrepute, while censuring jockeys subject to bad rules.

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Revisited the 1925 silent version of "Ben Hur" again tonight, with Carl Davis's wonderful orchestral score. Two and a quarter hours well spent, especially for Ramon Navarro and that thrilling chariot race ... though the level of whip abuse would give poor dear Brant Dunshea the screaming habdabs.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Ryan Moore is famous wherever he rides, whether in Asia, Australia, Europe or America. His achievement has been marked by the award of an MBE this morning. Yet he has been airbrushed out of BBC's long and exhaustive Honours List article. Another example of BBC's bigotry and prejudice against Racing.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

It may seem shocking for Aidan O'Brien to send his best colt (Constitution River) to Chantilly rather than Epsom, but before the cries of "woe, woe and thrice woe" resound, we should remember that he did just the same in 2021, when St Mark's Basilica went to France, and Bolshoi Ballet to England.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Can't say that I was impressed by Talk of New York at Newmarket this afternoon, lengthening rather than quickening to win the small-field conditions race which has (inexplicably) replaced the beloved Free Handicap. As he's second-favourite for the Guineas now, it's not looking a vintage year, is it?

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Have a feeling that the best horse we've seen in UK or Ireland today might have been in the conditions race at Kempton all-weather - impressive from King's Trail, with Guineas and Derby in mind for Godolphin.

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

It seems that the Southwell stewards - not Billy Loughnane - have fouled up here. There's horse welfare, and there's veterinary arrogance. Hard to believe this idiocy won't be reversed on appeal. www.racingpost.com/news/britain...

Billy Loughnane suspended for three weeks after stewards deemed he acted against instructions of vet at Southwell

Trainer describes withdrawal of horse as 'absolutely mind-boggling'

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Irish & French turf seasons kicked off last weekend, but UK doesn't get going until March 28. Grand National later than ever (April 11), pushing the Newmarket Guineas trials (April 15/16) perilously close to the classics themselves. Which BHA "planners" are responsible for this self-harm strategy?

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

I have huge admiration for Ruby Walsh, but his notion of a "rolling tape" for starting races on UK and Irish courses is eccentric fantasy. Whatever its theoretical merits, his suggestion has absolutely no practicability. NH starts have always been messy, and always will be. Accept it, and move on.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I'm scratching my head to imagine the missing letters in "p**k", which Nico de Boinville allegedly shouted to Declan Queally before the Grade 1 hurdle. "Punk"? Surely not. "Pikey" doesn't fit. Any ideas? The ban stewards handed to Mr Q for misdemeanours down at the start merely adds to the intrigue.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/britain... Please tell me this is a wind-up. If BHA is looking for leadership, energy, imagination - or even simple competence - the organisation must look elsewhere. Unless of course the board is terminally lazy, with a fatalistic deadwish for British racing.

BHA acting CEO Brant Dunshea says he wants job permanently as he reflects on first year at the helm

Brant Dunshea has given the clearest indication yet he would like to be appointed in the role of BHA chief executive on a permanent basis by the new... Read More

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/britain... As most bookie sponsorship goes into racecourse coffers rather than to connections, reclaiming unique race names with no ads might be a great marketing and promotional move. "Lancashire Chase" is less of a dampener than "Betfair Chase", to take an obvious example.

Furious bookmakers warn of reducing promotional spend and pulling sponsorships in wake of tax increases

Flutter Entertainment, the leading gambling operator, is set to reduce its promotional and marketing spend in reaction to a “very disappointing”... Read More

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Saturday's Fighting Fifth at Newcastle shows that the best (i.e. most compelling) contests do not take place these days at the overhyped, micromanaged Cheltenham Festival. With Constitution Hill up against The New Lion and Anzadam, this is going to be the best hurdle race of the season, bar none.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/britain... If ever there was a case of a horse ruined by owner mismanagement, here it is. After his heroic Derby 2nd, Ambiente Friendly should have been dropped back to 10f, to harness his speed and temperament. But quixotic, desperate campaigning has led to a gelded hurdler

From Derby runner-up to a Huntingdon maiden hurdle - Ambiente Friendly switches to jumps after 'schooling really well'

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

For a second there I thought we might be seeing a new Celtic Song in the Mill Reef today: but in the end Into the Sky's inexperience told, and he got himself beaten. What a prospect for next year, though, if they can harness that talent.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

This is a delightful read: nice touch of JC-H to lay a wreath at Kincsem's statue at the course. Quite an occasion. www.racingpost.com/news/britain...

‘Stags, hens, marathons and thoroughbreds’ - Jane Chapple-Hyam praises Budapest after Claymore’s Kincsem Dij win

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

With a five-time-raced maiden as favourite, is this perhaps the worst Gimcrack ever? Despite its Group 2 status, and munificent prize purse, the race seems to be in decline. Does the threat of the Gimcrack Dinner Speech put today's top owners off?

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Does BHA have to choose between trashing the Shergar Cup, or continuing to support its disastrous "whip rules"? Standards are low enough as it is, without further disincentives for overseas riders. More self-inflicted harm to UK racing. www.racingpost.com/news/britain...

Four Shergar Cup jockeys banned for a combined 32 days after breaching whip rules

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/ireland... I suppose we're getting so inured to this kind of report that it scarcely merits comment anymore. But if BHA think that their senseless whip rules do racing's reputation any good, or widen its appeal, they are living in communal cloud-cuckoo land. Lord help us.

Gary Carroll to miss Cercene ride in Irish Oaks after receiving 14-day whip ban for Coronation Stakes-winning ride

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

The BBC's evident distaste for horseracing has reached a new nadir this week. Yesterday their website's Ascot header was "Harry's Girl dies at Royal Ascot", today it was "Dozens fall ill in heat at Royal Ascot". Balance? Impartial journalism? Forget it. BBC Sport is all about bigotry and prejudice.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/britain... Shock, horror. BHA unable to function? Business as usual, then.

BHA believed to be latest organisation to be hit by a cyber attack

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/ireland... With bans for using your whip, and bans for *not* using it ... who'd be a jockey, in this Alice-through-the-looking-glass sport?

Ted Walsh fined €3,000 and jockey Shane O'Callaghan and horse suspended after running and riding inquiry

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

@racingtv.com, I think you'll find that GISELLE, having been named by the classy Susan Magnier, is named after the world-famous ballet heroine, and not a contemporary model.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Chester Races! Starting with the Lily Agnes, one of those races which somehow means much more than its mere conditions. It's named after a grand mare (1871-1899) who not only won the Northumberland Plate and the Ebor, but became the dam of the great Ormonde - thus her memorial race at Chester.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Just opining to @racingtv.com about the length of time it's taking them to get their replays up (currently two hours and counting for the Curragh), as well as the Betfair bawling to which subscribers are subjected - 5 secs with no click-through - before every single replay. Not subscriber friendly!

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Alas, for Ambiente Friendly. Six jockeys in ten starts, a switch of trainers, and one owner who doesn't listen to advice and takes a cavalier approach to distance and tactics. This is the result, and it's sad to see.

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/interna... This one is clearly set to run and run. The trainers have a good point: you don't expect to enter your horse in one race, only to see it declared in another. I'm shocked that France Galop appear to be shocked by the trainers' decisive action.

France Galop blasts 'shocking' mass defections from combined race at Lyon as trainers stage Saturday boycott

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

www.racingpost.com/news/interna... "There are no longer any horsemen, any racing people, at the heart of France Galop, only administrators". Sad stuff, true for France, true for UK. With the suits and marketing execs. at the helm, sport (like the arts) goes onto the back burner and vanishes away.

'There are no racing people left at France Galop' - former president hits out as French Classic prep races are combined

Fillies and colts will face each other in key trials due to small field sizes

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Field of Gold - what a gorgeous winner of the Craven. Hope he can follow up in the Guineas itself.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

I find it bizarre and disconcerting, that amidst its plethora of Aintree news today, Racing Post finds no room at all for this controversial BHA decision on Mr Incredible: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-...

Grand National 2025: Mr Incredible barred from running in Aintree race by BHA

Mr Incredible has been barred from running in Saturday's Grand National by the British Horseracing Authority.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

An interesting claim from James Owen, pinpointing an increasingly serious issue: they're galloping for five or more seconds before the start (nearly half a furlong) in too many jumps races. Race distances are now often misleading. www.racingpost.com/news/britain...

'If they'd started where they were supposed to he'd have won' - James Owen still smarting from East India Dock Triumph defeat

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Walkovers. Have BHA got it wrong again? Not requiring the horse to even turn up at the racecourse could be a potential cheats' charter. A walkover is still an official race, after all, and showing up should be a condition of taking the prize.

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

If anyone has 15 minutes for some quality downtime, this Coolmore feature is the definition of a good read. The stories, the stories... www.racingpost.com/bloodstock/n...

'John Magnier doesn't miss a thing' – a rare interview with the staff who make Coolmore run like clockwork

Martin Stevens speaks to Paul and Joe Gleeson, Paraic Dolan, Martin Fogarty and Eva Haller in Good Morning Bloodstock

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Thoughtful perspectives from HD on the gap between us and Japan, where racing thrives superbly: www.racingpost.com/news/opinion...

Big in Japan, bigger at home - globetrotting Hollie Doyle on her hopes for 2025 and the horse she's looking forward to the most

Jockey is back from a stint in Japan and looking to break the 100 winner barrier again this year

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

I wonder if anyone else finds this the most dispiriting race day of the year? Moving to a diet of steamed lentils after the goose-with-all-the-trimmings and Christmas puddings of the last week is doubtless healthy and bracing, but ... oh so dull.

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

Chris Cook on the festive fogs: www.racingpost.com/news/the-fro... When Ed Chambelin said "there's nothing we could do" at Chepstow, I thought, "but you could have kept the back-straight tracking car camera here which you've cut". But no, saving a few pence was more important to ITV than the race.

Things we lost in the fog: Chris Cook rues the clues we might have missed in the Boxing Day mist

It's hard to reflect on big races like the Welsh Grand National when we can't see them

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

In response to my complaint to the Gambling Commission about double-speak re. 'affordability' in CEO Andrew Rhodes's letter to the Racing Post, they've pointed me to ... Andrew Rhodes's RP letter, 'in hope it addresses your concerns'. L. Carroll could hardly improve on such exquisite circularity.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

'... racing has a unique position with its relationship with the betting industry. It's a special relationship, a bit like the one between the UK and America' (Shaun Hinds, Newbury CEO) Yes, and - dare one suggest - one from which the weaker party in each case needs to find an exit strategy.

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Just tried giving feedback to the Gambling Commission. Their online form refused it: "We can't accept this, as we are unable to verify that you are human". Considering this utterly bizarre organisation tells us that "affordability checks don't exist", I'm hardly surprised they think I don't, either.

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

Good to see jumps racing back at Windsor, with another unique configuration to add to British racing's matchless variety - this is left-handed, except for a right-hand dog leg into the home straight, making for interesting tactics (Cobden outfoxing De Boinville in the opener, methinks).

Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

www.racingpost.com/news/interna... It's interesting that despite the much greater prizes in Japan, their top 2yo races are hardly worth more than ours. This=£396,313, Dewhurst=£299,854. Not the quantum difference we find in 3yo+ events, and a different philosophy, less geared to the juvenile year.

Admire Zoom and Yuga Kawada dominate Japan's top juvenile race as Ryan Moore finishes ninth

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

www.racingpost.com/news/opinion... Yet another "my mate brought his teenage son to the races, and the kid was bored, so we need to jazz racing up" scripts. By all means infantilise racing, if that floats your boat. Better question: how can BHA make racing appeal to an older, wealthier core audience?

A day at the races can be so boring - don't you think it's about time we jazzed things up a notch?

Not enough is being done to cater for our racegoers, the ones who make the effort to get up off their couches

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Christopher Webber @pinza-uk.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

I felt Caldwell Potter travelled like the best horse in the race yesterday, with a lovely stride on him and pin-point precise jumping, until he got outsprinted. But ... does the horse need to go back to 2m (as the trainer said) or up to 3m. Any thoughts?

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