Robert Winston's racing comeback in Bahrain has been abruptly halted after just two rides, leaving fans and the racing world in a state of bewilderment. The former top Flat jockey, who had a successful return to race-riding in Bahrain, has had his license suspended. He is believed to have returned to Britain while an investigation is underway.
Winston, once a rising star and champion apprentice, was on track to become champion jockey in 2005 before a serious fall at Ayr sidelined him. While he boasts two Group One wins, including aboard Librisa Breeze in the 2017 Champions Sprint at Ascot, his career has also been marked by controversy. In 2007, he received a year-long ban from the British Horseracing Authority for passing information for reward.
After initially announcing his retirement in 2019, citing weight issues and injuries, Winston made a low-key return in 2021 and 2022. He hadn't ridden in Britain since March 2022. In mid-October, he was granted a license in Bahrain, and he made his comeback on October 31st.
He rode a double on his return, but his contract with trainer Paul Smith has been terminated, and his license suspended. The Bahrain Turf Club confirmed that Winston's license was suspended following an incident, which is now under investigation. But here's where it gets controversial...
Shifting gears, let's look ahead to the races.
The Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree marks the first time the Grand National fences will be jumped this season, followed by the November Handicap at Doncaster, concluding the 2025 Flat campaign on turf.
Colonel Harry (2.40) is an interesting contender at around 12-1, given his form and suitability for the track and trip.
Here's a quick rundown of the day's races:
- Aintree 12.55: Idem, who nearly won on his recent return, is expected to improve.
- Wincanton 1.10: Tapley returns to chasing and gets a weight advantage with Isabelle Ryder's claim.
- Doncaster 1.25: Montassib, after a solid performance, seems well-suited to the soft ground.
- Wincanton 1.45: Jubilee Alpha, a dual winner in Listed events, aims to continue her progress.
- Aintree 2.05: Highlands Legacy could build on his chase debut win.
- Wincanton 2.23: Cobra Queen is a more appealing bet than the favorite, Blueking d’Oroux.
- Wincanton 2.55: Rubaud, the winner for the last two seasons, is the likely favorite.
- Doncaster 3.10: Danielle, who performs well in testing conditions, is the safer bet over Elwateen.
Quick Guide
Greg Wood's Friday tips
- Kelso: 10.45 Scarlet Jet, 11.14 Heads Or Harps, 11.42 Gonnino, 12.10 Rickety Gate, 12.42 Rocheval, 1.17 Dom Of Mary, 1.52 Sir Carnegie
- Doncaster: 11.37 Edgewater Drive, 12.15 Invincible Boy, 12.50 Angel Gabriel, 1.25 Montassib, 2.00 Better And Better, 2.35 Lord Bertie, 3.10 Danielle, 3.45 Atherstone Warrior (nap)
- Aintree: 12.20 Spreadsheet Guru, 12.55 Idem, 1.30 Hidden History, 2.05 Highlands Legacy, 2.40 Colonel Harry, 3.15 Don’t Mind If I Do, 3.50 Maxios Aurelius
- Wincanton: 12.35 Miss Altea Blue, 1.10 Tapley, 1.45 Jubilee Alpha, 2.23 Cobra Queen, 2.55 Rubaud, 3.30 Threeunderthrufive (nb), 4.05 Miracles Do Happen
- Wolverhampton: 2.18 Exotic Baby, 2.50 Pleasant Man, 3.25 Queen Sana, 4.00 Clearpoint, 4.30 Heyzoom, 5.00 Patontheback, 5.30 Al Muqdad, 6.00 Beaumadier, 6.30 Hitched
Wincanton 3.30: Threeunderthrufive, returning after a wind operation, could give Nicholls his fifth win in the last nine runnings.
Doncaster 3.45: Atherstone Warrior, fast-improving and suited to soft ground, could excel in the Flat season finale.
What do you think? Were you surprised by Winston's sudden exit? Do you agree with the tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
