The Racing Alternative

Paul and SD kick off this week's show by reviewing last week's Lockinge Stakes at Newbury - is Notable Speech a good thing for the Queen Anne? Why does Roger Teal keep running Dancing Gemini back at a mile? With a fantastic racing calendar coming into view, they then both give us some horses to watch over the next few weeks, including a few that really caught Stephen's eye at Hamilton. The sun is...

In a bumper episode, Paul and SD are joined firstly by Star Sports founder Ben Keith to discuss his start in the Game, his love of Greyhound Racing and the Greyhound Derby, before 2000 Guineas-winning trainer George Boughey joins to discuss what's next for Bow Echo and some of his other horses. The duo also discuss what a new Prime Minister could mean for racing as the contenders jostle for positi...

After Thursday's farcical scenes at Chester, Paul and SD discuss the situation and disagree over Tom Marquand's decision not to ride, only to then opt back in for the last two races. With rumours circulating that the Government's proposed affordability checks are set to go ahead, they ponder whether this could be the beginning of the end for racing and how punters will respond to the added frictio...

After a weeks holiday, Paul and Stephen are back with plenty to discuss in the world of racing, including this week’s Punchestown Festival, where Gaelic Warrior once again impressed. We’re also delighted to welcome our new sponsor Star Sports Bet - thanks to them for supporting the show. Away from Punchestown, the duo discuss Paul Nicholls losing another important owner, is he nearing the end of h...

Following an epic Grand National at Aintree last weekend, Paul and Stephen discuss the feat of I Am Maximus and whether he could go on to match Red Rum's record of three wins in the famous race. They also discuss the runs from some of the other contenders. With the Scottish Grand National taking place at Ayr on Saturday, they're also joined by jockey Jamie Hamilton, Trainer Mark Walford and founde...

The Grand National is almost upon us and in the latest episode of The Racing Alternative, the dynamic duo Stephen Darbyshire and Paul Jacobs run through EVERY horse in this year's renewal. The pair also touch upon the other races on the card, with a fancy which Stephen thinks will "piss up", the argument surrounding barrier trials and the woeful racing on Easter Monday. Finally, the pair end by gi...

With the future of Chelmsford looking bleak (the racecourse), the future of racing at Towcester is looking brighter - SD and Paul discuss the future of both at the beginning of the show after SD reveals he'd turn down a Knighthood to go to Redcar. They then discuss Monday's Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, Billy Loughnane's suspension reduction and Stephen's recent visit to Doncaster Dogs. As e...

With Constitution Hill stealing the headlines once again, Paul and Stephen open this week’s show discussing whether he could win a Group 1 or The Ebor this season. Meanwhile SD has announced he will be part of a new show on Sky Sports Racing that will launch on Grand National weekend and shares how that came to pass thanks to a drunken night out in London. Speaking of the Grand National, the duo d...

Following last week's Cheltenham Festival, Paul & SD run through the horses they'll be keeping an eye-on for the rest of the season and beyond, before discussing Stephen's effort to rearrange Hexham's 4m chase following last week's postponement. Elsewhere they discuss Wales' ban on greyhound racing and whether horse racing could be the next target for legislators, as well as last week's incide...

It's Cheltenham Gold Cup day! The Racing Alternative duo are here to give you their selections for the big race, as well as their other picks from across the card from the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.  They begin the show by discussing the big stories from day three, including Fact To File's withdrawal (correctly called by Stephen in our day three preview), the consistently bad starts dur...

After more success on day two, Stephen and Paul are back to preview Thursday's action from the Cheltenham Festival, including their selections for the Ryanair, the Stayers' Hurdle and the Pertemps.  They start the show by looking back at Wednesday's headlines, including Majborough's performance in the Champion Chase - does Mark Walsh have to take responsibility for his ride on the favourite?  SD's...

With the Day One action in the rearview mirror, Paul and SD discuss Lossiemouth's 4th Festival win and other moments from Tuesday, before quickly switching focus to Wednesday's action. SD thinks Paul has thrown his money away in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, but who has he backed? Once again though the duo are in agreement on two to back in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, whilst also offering a...

The Cheltenham Festival is here and Paul and Stephen will bringing you daily episodes ahead of each day's racing. No messing around, just the horses that they will be backing for that day's racing!  Starting with Tuesday's action and with the Ultima, where Stephen has got his eye on a couple (he likes to double dip!), while they're both in agreement on one at a double figure price in the Festival...

Our Cheltenham Festival Preview is here - previewing all the action from the biggest week on the Jump Racing Calendar. Paul and SD run through the card and give their selections for the week. Is it Old Park Star or Mighty Park in the Supreme? Can anything beat Kopek Des Bordes in the Arkle? Why do the lads think it's the "worst Champion Hurdle we've seen in ages"? Is it time to Talk the Talk in th...

In another week dominated by Constitution Hill following his dominant win at Southwell on Friday night, Paul and SD react to the race and news that he will not run in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Speaking of Cheltenham, the duo also discuss the weights reveal and which horses could be the biggest winners and losers as a result. Away from Cheltenham, record UK prize money was con...

It's the racing return everyone has been waiting for! Yes Paul Jacobs is back in the hotseat. Oh, and Constitution Hill makes his much anticipated flat debut at Southwell on Friday. Elsewhere the Grand National weights are out, so our duo take the opportunity to pick a few outsiders from the pack. They also cast an eye to the upcoming Cheltenham Festival - could The Ryanair become wide open? Some...

With Paul on holiday this week, RTE's Johnny Ward joins Stephen as guest host this week, where they start by discussing Patrick Mullins taking to all-weather strip at Limerick this week. Was it genius or cheating? With an Irish and a Brit in the chair, they also take the opportunity to discuss Cheltenham Festival's not-so-hotly contested Prestbury Cup. Do the Brits really have a chance this year?...

After a wet Dublin Racing Festival was completed a day later than scheduled, the lads review the best of the action and ponder the future of Galopin Des Champs following the Irish Gold Cup. They also discuss their early picks for the Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets, with many bookies not offering Non-Runner, No bet. Looking ahead to the weekend, they discuss the weight...

Should racing have been abandoned at Cheltenham? Paul and Stephen discuss the risk vs reward and whether there was more pressure to run the final race due to the Grade.   They also discuss the retirement of a legend: Carol Kirkwood. Oh, and Frankie Dettori, whilst previewing this weekend's Dublin Racing Festival and share their selections for Sandown.    Subscribe to the channel so you never miss...

Are the tides turning in favour of the British at Cheltenham? Paul and Stephen discuss the Ante-Post markets for The Festival and whether things have started to even themselves out. They also answer a question from French racing expert Adam Mills, the food prices at Catterick and the 'bare' card at Cheltenham this weekend. Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a commen...

Constitution Hill running on the flat? Paul and Stephen share their thoughts on the future of Nicky Henderson's stable star and discuss the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets and whether horses from smaller yards are overpriced.   They also share their thoughts on the potential clash between Sir Gino, Poniros and The New Lion, preview the Peter Marsh and share their top selections for the weeke...

With several meetings falling the way of the weather this week, the guys discuss whether a winter break is a viable option for Racing . They also cast an early eye on the Cheltenham Festival and which novices have caught their eye so far this season. After a shout from a YouTube viewer, is our very own Stephen Darbyshire the new John McCririck? Whilst another viewer has emailed in a plea to bring...

Paul and Stephen are back for the final episode of The Racing Alternative in 2025. In this episode, the pair discusses The Jukebox Man’s King George victory – is he a better horse on a flatter track? Could he win the Gold Cup?   They discuss the Savills Chase and whether it was a good Gold Cup trial, while it’s also time to get serious - the pair tackle the fixture list. The pair also go head-to-h...

With great racing action from Kempton, Leopardstown and elsewhere on Boxing Day, Paul and Stephen have put the mince pies down to bring you a festive racing preview on The Racing Alternative. They also discuss Nico de Boinville's disappointing ride on Khrisma, horses being late to parade ring at Lingfield and some of the mad market moves for Fact to File to win this year's King George. In a festiv...

With Kempton Park's future back in the headlines, Paul and Stephen discuss whether the track should be saved in the latest episode of The Racing Alternative. Following SD's long queue for a coffee at Southwell, they also discuss the raceday experience and what more can be done for racegoers across the country. After the Jockey Club announced investment plans for its flagship tracks, the duo also d...