'I have a massive issue with the Cross Country being turned into a handicap - it was a diabolical race and not worth watching before'

The best quotes from the racing world this week. . .

It's very difficult for three-year-olds to get through because they are still growing and their bones are still maturing so I wouldn't be sure about any of them getting in and being allowed to run. It's ridiculous really.
Aidan O'Brien remains critical of the veterinary measures in place for international Melbourne Cup contenders

'It's ridiculous - very few young horses will pass the criteria' - Aidan O'Brien sounds warning about Melbourne Cup team 

I have a massive issue with the Cross Country being turned into a handicap. It used to be a handicap and it was dying on its feet – it was a diabolical race. It wasn't even worth watching before they turned it into a conditions race but it's become a fantastic race since.
Gigginstown House Stud chief Eddie O'Leary does not agree with the decision to make the Cross Country Chase a handicap again

Eddie O'Leary: Tiger Roll would never have won a Grand National if the Cross Country was a handicap 

I understand why the changes are being made but ultimately I think the Cheltenham Festival should be about the best competing against the best rather than handicaps. It's disappointing, but it is what it is.
Paul Day, the managing director of Turners, expresses some frustration at their novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival being altered to a novice handicap

Turners Novices' Chase to become novice handicap in revamped Cheltenham Festival programme 

Owners shouldn't have to worry about taking a horse out because they don't want to run, because they don't want to get slated on social media. If they don't want to run there shouldn't be any pressure. With no horses you'd have no races.
Richard Hughes defends the decision to declare a horse a non-runner after it became apparent his owner would not make it to Kempton to see him run

'It's annoyed me a bit' - Richard Hughes defends 'preposterous' reason for declaring two-year-old a non-runner 

When you're riding at my level, the game retires you. A lot of people call it a day due to a battle with the scales but I've had a battle to get on them. I was still fit and hungry for it but if the opportunities aren't coming all you're doing is blocking the pathway to your next chapter.
Franny Norton discusses his decision to retire from the saddle and had his final rides at Chester on Saturday

'I'm now ready to move on' - weighing room veteran Franny Norton calls time on 36-year career  

He galloped smoothly around the bend and when he said 'go' he really opened up and kept straight, which I loved. I'm sure everyone will have an opinion and it'll be analysed over and over, so it'll be interesting to see what people say, but we were happy with it.
Aidan O'Brien was content with City Of Troy's pre-Breeders' Cup workout at Southwell

'That's the best I've seen him with Ryan riding' - Breeders' Cup-bound City Of Troy delights Aidan O'Brien in sparkling Southwell gallop 

When I bought him I thought I’d lost my tiny mind. There are no words to describe what he looked like. He was like a whippet pony. I actually nicknamed him my midlife crisis.
Jo Davis was delighted to see her faith rewarded in £3,200 purchase Romeo Foxtrot, who landed a bumper on his second start at Worcester on Monday

'When I bought him, I thought I’d lost my tiny mind' - Romeo Foxtrot rewards Jo Davis with bumper win 

Read more . . .

Lethal Levi leads home 'quite remarkable' 1-2-3 for Karl Burke in Ayr Gold Cup – and lands punter almost £80,000 in Tricast bet 

'It was only his ability that got him home' - Powerful Glory toughs it out in Mill Reef Stakes 

'He's been a great star in our family' - fairytale finish for 'amazing' Not So Sleepy as gutsy 12-year-old wins on final start 

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