'I can't press the lay button quick enough' - it's time for racing to say 'no' even if the vet says 'yes'

Deputy Ireland editor has his say on horses who misbehave before a race and what should be done about it

Loose one: it's a common occurrence and David Jennings believes so too should be withdrawing horses who have a pre-race mishap Credit: Ben Stansall (Getty Images)

If you were on Sing Us A Song in the opener on day two of Glorious Goodwood, you knew you had done your dough as soon as you saw him being reloaded into the stalls.

The 100-30 favourite had been backed out of his gate seconds earlier, having lost the plot while in there the first time. The vet had a quick look and he was deemed fine to run. Who knows, maybe he was, but he finished seventh of nine and produced his worst performance of the season.

Riffa Spirit, a strongly supported 7-2 newcomer from the Crisford yard, finished seventh of ten in a Newcastle maiden a few days before that having been kicked at the start.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on 8 August 2025inDavid Jennings

Last updated 17:24, 8 August 2025

Copy