Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Time (79.40s) and sectionals (22.04s) of the Lagardere suggests ground is borderline Good and Good/Firm at ParisLongchamp on Sunday. Still nowhere near as quick as 3 years ago when Rosallion won in 78.24s and it could b described as "Firm". 010
Reposted by Simon RowlandsMerlyn Edwards @allmanbros2.bsky.social · 04/10/2026It looks like the 8mm watering on Friday allowed them to kick the top off. Turftrax had it faster 8.2 yesterday at 7.20am but slower today 7.3 at 6.55am, although there's been no rain or water gone on. Surely it can be only be good or on the slightly faster side of good today. 031
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Summary of yesterday's ParisLongchamp ground as judged on times. Primarily "good" in British terms, with 100 Going Allowance, but slightly easier (111) at shorter distances (no race at less than 1600m on Saturday). No sign of anything firmer than good but now drying. 120
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Prix Chaudenay coming up at ParisLongchamp Last 2 editions were well-run (~108% FS) and in around 3m 17.0s, on objectively G/S ground Expecting a quicker time here Double Major won on G/F in 2023 in 3m 16.45s but with a sprint finish (117.2% FS) 110
Reposted by Simon RowlandsRob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Huge blunder by UK bookmakers that have railed against the dangers of the black market, as it emerges that a company part-owned by Ladbrokes, Entain and Betfred boss Fred Done has a deal with Santeda, singled out as perhaps the biggest black market operator targeting UK customers.theguardian.comUK bookmakers that warned over illicit market had deal with offshore casinosContent provider part-owned by Ladbrokes, William Hill and Betfred owner signed deal with Santeda network, Casino Secrets leak reveals 2188
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Latest ATR Expert Analysis Blog Blue Sky even gets a mention www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comClient Challenge 163
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Latest ATR Expert Analysis Blog. A load to look back on! www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comClient Challenge 021
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 09/09/2026A look at the Doncaster St Leger Meeting 2yos www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comClient Challenge 030
Reposted by Simon Rowlandsigiveyouthegist.bsky.social @igiveyouthegist.bsky.social · 09/09/2026www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/... Poatan probably one to follow this autumn. Doesn’t have many miles on the clock and may not be weighted out of handicaps yet (up from 97 to 104).sportinglife.comWatch And Learn: Graeme North timefigure analysis including Almeraq and Extremely ZainOur timefigure expert Graeme North analyses the key action from last week at Haydock, Kempton, York and ParisLongchamp. 031
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 07/09/2026(False start earlier) This is a piece about the St Leger for ATR, including striding www.attheraces.com/festivals/le...attheraces.comClient Challenge 162
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Must admit, I was expecting Reform to slide more than this. 120
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Looking forward to beginning to get my country back. If you know what I mean. 070
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Latest ATR Expert Analysis Blog for your delectation www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comClient Challenge 011
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 01/09/2026This week's ATR blog - up shortly - includes 5 winning but unexposed British-trained 2yos to watch out for in the remainder of the season. What do YOU think they should be? 301
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Here again this week's ATR Expert Analysis Blog: www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comExpert Analysis | At The RacesSimon Rowlands provides a deep dive into York's Ebor Festival before commenting on recent Group-winning performances in Ireland, France and the US. 141
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 18/08/2026www.attheraces.com/ebor-festiva...attheraces.comExpert Analysis | At The RacesSimon Rowlands puts the facts and figures behind last Sunday's instalment of the Barrière Deauville Meeting before shifting focus to the first couple of days at York. 151
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 11/08/2026Latest ATR blog: www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comExpert Analysis | At The RacesSimon Rowlands reveals some rider stats in British handicaps this season, updates his juvenile ratings, and interprets top-level Deauville and Stateside successes. 111
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Part 2 of the Goodwood Expert Analysis Blog www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comExpert Analysis: Goodwood Festival Review Part Two | At The RacesSimon Rowlands uses key indicators to review the best of the Thursday, Friday, and closing day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. 241
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Look back on first two days at Goodwood, plus briefly at Ascot, in Part One of this week's ATR Expert Analysis www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comExpert Analysis: Goodwood Festival Review Part One | At The RacesSimon Rowlands puts some facts and figures behind a thrilling opening two days of the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival. 050
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 21/07/2026Error in the previous version: my bad. Latest Expert Analysis Blog for ATR m.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...m.attheraces.comExpert Analysis | At The RacesSimon Rowlands puts the figures behind Johanna Walsh's Irish Oaks win into context, looks forward to a hot King George renewal and builds his juvenile picture. 021
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 14/07/2026Latest ATR Expert Analysis Blog www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comExpert Analysis | At The RacesSimon Rowlands reviews the July Cup, some of last week's other feature races from Headquarters, the Prix Jean-Prat and previews high-quality Tuesday evening action in Paris. 131
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Latest Expert Analysis for At The Races www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comClient Challenge 021
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 21/06/2026Part Two of my ATR Royal Ascot Review, covering Wednesday to Saturday www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comExpert Analysis: Royal Ascot Review Part Two | At The RacesSimon Rowlands examines some noteworthy performances on the Royal Ascot turf from Thursday through Saturday of the meeting. 221
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 18/06/2026A look back on the first two days at Royal Ascot 2026 www.attheraces.com/blogs/expert...attheraces.comClient Challenge 131
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 10/06/2026Latest Class of 2026 blog on ATR focuses on Royal Ascot www.attheraces.com/festivals/as...attheraces.comClient Challenge 131
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Latest ATR 2yo Blog www.attheraces.com/blogs/juveni...attheraces.comClient Challenge 231
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Derby and Oaks striding blog from earlier this week www.attheraces.com/derby-and-oa...attheraces.comClient Challenge 161
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Latest ATR 2YO Blog from earlier: www.attheraces.com/blogs/juveni...attheraces.comClass of 2026 | At The RacesAidan O’Brien-trained juveniles top Simon’s latest ratings in both divisions after some important two-year-old contests run in Ireland last week. 051
Reposted by Simon RowlandsDave @thebromleya.bsky.social · 25/05/2026She won’t win the Oaks. Abashiri (min stride 2.17 at the Curran, 2.16 at Newmarket) will - if they actually run her. 111
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Last 3 Oaks winners' max/min strides per second at Epsom: Minnie Hauk 2.31/2.13 Ezeliya 2.37/2.13 Soul Sister 2.24/2.07 Precise's last 3 races: Curragh 2.43/2.29 Newmarket 2.44/2.29 Newmarket (at 2 yrs) 2.44/2.29 230
Reposted by Simon Rowlandsigiveyouthegist.bsky.social @igiveyouthegist.bsky.social · 24/05/2026www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/... He’s not wrong, is he?sportinglife.comCharlie Johnston hits out over issues with racing surfaces after Haydock forced to abandon racesCharlie Johnston has hit at the ongoing issues with racing surfaces this season. 121
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 21/05/2026Latest edition of the ATR 2YO Blog www.attheraces.com/blogs/juveni...attheraces.comClass of 2026 | At The RacesIn the third part of his juvenile watch column heading into Royal Ascot 2026, Simon Rowlands covers the most noteworthy performances in Britain and Ireland. 020
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 14/05/2026Part 2 of the 2yo blog series on ATR www.attheraces.com/blogs/juveni...attheraces.comClass of 2026 | At The RacesIn the second part of his juvenile watch column on the build up to Royal Ascot, Simon Rowlands covers noteworthy performances in America, Britain and Ireland. 041
Reposted by Simon RowlandsNick Cohen @nickcohen.bsky.social · 13/05/2026You will miss Keir Starmer when he’s gone. Piece from me on how he was the perfect scapegoat for a dishonest nation spectator.com/article/youl...spectator.comYou’ll miss Keir Starmer when he’s goneYou will miss Sir Keir Starmer when he has gone. I hear you say that you will do no such thing. You think that Starmer has been a disaster. He was ‘Two-tier Keir,’ ‘Sir Kid Harmer,’ ‘Free-Gear Keir’ a... 4216964
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 08/05/2026I last lived permanently in Wales when I was 21. With Plaid in charge there, and Reform on the rise in my English backyard, it may well be time to return. 290
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 26/04/2026Death…taxes…Ka Ying Rising wipes the floor with good rivals. 050
Reposted by Simon RowlandsSimon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 15/04/2026I followed this guy’s victory in the Dragon’s Back (as well as another runner from my family). Absolute legend. So sorry to hear of this. 031
Reposted by Simon RowlandsProf Christina Pagel @chrischirp.bsky.social · 27/03/2026I wrote about the findings from the inquiry about the impact of the pandemic on the NHS, and the mistakes of the first year. I hope it makes you angry - it should make us all angry. open.substack.com/pub/christin...open.substack.comThe UK Covid Inquiry has laid bare the avoidable horror of the second Covid waveIt is becoming ever clearer both how devastating the second wave of winter 2020/21 was, and how much of that devastation could have been avoided. 53929540
Reposted by Simon Rowlandsigiveyouthegist.bsky.social @igiveyouthegist.bsky.social · 26/03/2026That’s a tremendous article. 011
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 26/03/2026cuttingcomment.com/the-harm-fac...cuttingcomment.comThe Harm Factory: How British Gambling Policy Became an Industry Built on Its Own Failure | Cutting CommentAndrew Rhodes has gone. The crusade continues. The science still disagrees with its central propositions. The science is still being ignored 231
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Recommended reading. www.irishracing.com/blogs/glamou...irishracing.comGlamourising excessive gambling is bad for horse racingIn my late teens growing up in the suburb of Rathfarnham in Dublin I was part of a circle of friends that numbered around a dozen at its core. 071
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 18/03/2026Hey Jude, Come On Eileen, Champagne Supernova 220
Reposted by Simon RowlandsJonn Elledge @jonnelledge.bsky.social · 12/03/2026My dad and granddad both liked the horses. I grew up in a house full of betting slips and tiny pens, but it brought them joy and never got out of control. But, y'know, I like the odd cig, and used to like dance drugs. I still don't think these thjngs should be advertised on TV 031
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Handicap performances after Day Three at Cheltenham 2026. GBR overperformance if judged by wins alone, but not on Place Impact Values or %RB. The 3 winning favourites in such races have all been GBR-trained. 220
Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 11/03/2026Time-based assessment of going on Day One of Cheltenham Festival. Timeform has also gone "Good to Soft", as the official. Likely to be a bit quicker today after just 1.5mm of rain (and no reported watering) overnight. 050