Sport is made for betting

When it comes to European nations taking their time to adhere to European Union directives regarding breaking down the monopolies of state-run gambling companies, you can't be surprised that the French have been dragging their heels on it. ZeTurf, a Maltese-based gambling firm which focuses on French racing, angered the French government last week when a 'press release' appeared in the free daily Metro paper in Paris, just two days before the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. Zeturf French advertising condemned Online operators have become increasingly impatient in recent months ahead of the market liberalisation which is planned for early 2010, entering into media and sports sponsorship deals as they compete to establish themselves ahead of the market opening. France’s proposed gambling bill will be presented to the National Assembly for discussion on Wednesday.

I've watched a lot of top quality racing in the 25 years or so I've been keen on the sport, and even seen a fair bit of historical footage.. but I can't think of any horse who can match what Sea The Stars has done this season. Six Group 1s spread over six months, beating his age group and open class, in three countries, and facing all the team tactics that the likes of Aidan O'Brien and co can serve up... and still braining them. He wasn't even at his best yesterday, and still cruised home in what the experts have called the strongest Arc field in years. I'd embed the YouTube clip but unfortunately it's all in widescreen and won't fit on the blog page - Sea The Stars wins the 2009 Arc de Triomphe It will be great to see his progeny gracing the turf in a few years' time, but it will be just as sad that he will almost certainly be packed off to stud and won't return to defend some of his crowns next season. Great call from Jim McGrath, his quote of...

A 3yo filly has to be bloody good to beat everyone else in a race like the Arc. I think I have to be against her today. Vision d'Etat is unbeaten as well yet is in double figures, I'd rather be on him. Zambezi Sun might be a ridiculous price as well. I wonder how Duke of Marmalade will go if the French stewards give the O'Brien stable a warning about team riding? He's a very good horse, but has been flattered by questionable tactics recently.