Alastair Bull

Alastair Bull has been writing on sports and horse racing for many years. Starting in his home near Auckland, New Zealand as news editor for several papers and since contributing for BloodHorse, The Associated Press and Churchill Downs, Inc after relocating to Cleveland, Ohio. Other sporting events Alastair has enjoyed covering are the 2012 London Olympics, Dubai World Cup, Melbourne Cup, Royal Ascot, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.

Happy Valley Racecourse (Vance Hanson Photo)

Hong Kong Preview: International Jockey's Championship

Tue Dec 05 2023Alastair Bull

Hong Kong’s International racing week begins on the Wednesday before the major Group 1 races with the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, where eight leading riders from around the world take on four of the best Hong Kong-based jockeys for the title over four races.

International

Leading Kentucky Derby fancy Angel of Empire was offered at more than 100-1 in Pool 3 and 4 of the Future Wager. (Photo by Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges Jr.)

More named Future Wager options get 2023 Kentucky Derby starts

Sat May 06 2023Alastair Bull

With the Kentucky Derby (G1) just one day away, it’s worth a look to see how the Future Wager pools are set to play out, and how that might impact betting strategies for the big race.

Kentucky Derby

(Photo by Coady Photography/Churchill Downs)

Horses: $122 Billion annually to the US Economy

Sat May 06 2023Alastair Bull

For many Americans, Kentucky Derby day is the one big day when they take an interest in horse racing. In the popular mindset, all roads lead to the first Saturday in May at Louisville. But as spectacular as that one day is, it’s merely the high point of a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of people.

Belmont Stakes

Aidan O'Brien trains the two favorites for the 2023 2000 Guineas at Newmarket (Keeneland photo)

Great Britain Preview: Little Big Bear can upset Auguste Rodin in 2000 Guineas

Fri May 05 2023Alastair Bull

In all likelihood, Auguste Rodin will be a strong contender in the 2000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket. But I’m more interested in his stablemate Little Big Bear.

Triple Crown

(Coady Photography/Churchill Downs)

How long are the three Triple Crown races?

Mon May 01 2023Alastair Bull

The three races which make up the U.S. Triple Crown of Thoroughbred horse racing—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness S., and Belmont S.—each provide a test over a different distance at a different venue.

Triple Crown

Racing at Aintree (Photo by Frank Sorge/Horsephotos.com)

Grand National Preview 2023: Gaillard Du Mesnil a leading chance

Sat Apr 15 2023Alastair Bull

The huge field, the handicap conditions, the extreme distance of 4 1/4 miles, and the challenging fences mean the uncertainties are high.

International

Sun Thunder has been a huge beneficiary of the new Road to the Kentucky Derby points system (Photo by Coady Photography)

The impact of the new Road to the Kentucky Derby points system

Thu Apr 13 2023Alastair Bull

Four consistent horses that in previous years would not have made the Kentucky Derby field are set to make it this year under the new points system that rewards those which run more often in prep races.

Kentucky Derby

American Pharoah winning the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) (Breeders' Cup/Weasie Gaines 2015)

10 interesting facts about American Pharoah, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner

Tue Apr 11 2023Alastair Bull

American Pharoah was the 12th Triple Crown winner, having broken a 37-year drought to win the famed trio of races in 2015.

Triple Crown

Justify (Photo by Coady Photography/Churchill Downs)

10 interesting facts about Justify, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner

Sun Apr 09 2023Alastair Bull

Justify is the 13th and most recent Triple Crown winner, having achieved his milestone in 2018 in remarkable circumstances. Below are 10 interesting facts about Justify.

Triple Crown

Jim 'Mattress Mack' Mcingvale during Hurrican Harvey disaster relief (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/US Government)

Mattress Mack: A colorful gallery of big bet action

Sat Apr 08 2023Alastair Bull

There are few more colorful people in the United States than Houston Furniture store tycoon "Mattress Mack". Successful businessman, he's also a unique figure in Thoroughbred racing.

Kentucky Derby

Wonder Wheel wins the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Ashland Stakes: Betting with, and against, Wonder Wheel

Fri Apr 07 2023Alastair Bull

After a surprise defeat for Wonder Wheel on her three-year-old debut, it’s entirely reasonable to look elsewhere in the Ashland for a winner.

Analysis

Keeneland Saddling Paddock spring (Photo by Coady Photography/Keeneland)

Exotics plays for the 2023 Transylvania Stakes

Fri Apr 07 2023Alastair Bull

If the morning line odds are anything to go by, the one to beat in the Transylvania is a maiden winner untested in stakes company.

Analysis

Dubai Honour seeks to give William Haggas a third Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick (Photo courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Sydney Preview: The 2023 Championships Day 2

Fri Apr 07 2023Alastair Bull

Sydney’s autumn carnival reaches its climax with day two of The Championships at Royal Randwick.

International