Episodes

  • Should Racing have a winter break? | Weather & Wetherby | Is SD the new John McCririck? | Episode 11
    Jan 9 2026

    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 back cash on course.

    The duo also discuss nine race cards and who they actually suit (if anyone), give Kudos to the grounds team at Sandown and discuss some not so great rides in recent days, before giving us their tips and selections for a weekend of racing once again threatened by the weather.

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    Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    36 mins
  • King George Review | Savills Chase Discussion | Fixture List Discussion | Wrong Ground at Chepstow
    Dec 31 2025

    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-head with the selections at the end of the show.

    Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a comment to let us know what you thought of the show.

    Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    36 mins
  • Festive Racing Preview | Late to Parade Ring | Good ground for the Welsh National?! | Episode 9
    Dec 24 2025

    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 festive miracle, could we see good ground for the Welsh National? What will it be like at Kempton? Our duo discuss their picks for the best of the action.

    After a great weekend for their tips last time out, they also go head-to-head with the selections at the end of the show.

    Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a comment to let us know what you thought of the show.

    Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    31 mins
  • Should Kempton Park be saved? | Flat Racing at Aintree? | Queues at Southwell | Weekend Preview
    Dec 19 2025

    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 debate the merits of bringing Flat racing to Aintree. At the back end of the episode we preview the weekend's action at Ascot and Haydock, with their selections and tips too. Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a comment to let us know what you thought of the show. Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    37 mins
  • Is Il Etait Temps a Champion Chase winner? | Royal Ascot Prize Money | December Gold Cup Preview
    Dec 12 2025

    After winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown last weekend, Stephen and Paul discuss whether Il Etait Temps could be a Champion Chase winner next year, as well as disagree over the state of prize money at Royal Ascot in the latest episode of The Racing Alternative.

    After some great shouts last week, they also give their selections for the weekend ahead at the back end of the show, discuss Dan Skelton's recent fine for Be Aware being late into the parade ring and take a question from a listener.

    Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a comment to let us know what you thought of the show. Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    34 mins
  • What next for Constitution Hill? | Panic Attack for the Grand National? | Weekend Racing Preview
    Dec 5 2025

    Constitution Hill's latest fall has the racing world talking, so Paul Jacobs and Stephen Darbyshire open our latest episode by throwing their thoughts into the debate. After an impressive win at Newbury, they also discuss whether Panic Attack is a Grand National Horse and debate whether the starting procedures need looking at following more troubles this weekend. They also look ahead to a huge weekend of National Hunt racing, with the Tingle Creek, the Beecher Chase, the Borders National and the Welsh Grand National trials all to look forward to. Follow the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a comment to let us know what you thought of the show.

    Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    31 mins
  • The Budget's Impact on Racing | Hennessy Gold Cup Preview | Weekend Review | Episode Five
    Nov 28 2025

    Rachael Reeves delivered her budget on Wednesday, but did Racing really get off as lightly as some are making out? Stephen Darbyshire and Paul Jacobs give their thoughts on how the new measures will impact the sport in our latest episode.

    They also review last week's action including the John Durkan, the Betfair Chase and the Ascot Chase, as well as look ahead to this weekend's Hennessy/Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and give their selections for the rest of this weekend's action.

    Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode and leave us a review to let us know what you thought of the show.

    Have a question for our hosts? Send them to theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to feature in a future episode.

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    36 mins
  • Ones to watch from Cheltenham | The Racing League | A Fiasco at Plumpton | Episode Four
    Nov 21 2025

    The Cheltenham November meeting saw plenty of horses to watch for Stephen and Paul as they review the action and discuss the future of the Racing League as well as the fiasco at Plumpton earlier in the week.

    The duo return for episode four of The Racing Alternative, with plenty else to discuss this week. We take more questions from listeners - would Darbyshire ever charge for his tips? Listener to find out!

    They also give all their selections for the weekend, including Saturday's Betfair Chase at Haydock.

    It's Safer Gambling week so please visit Sgweek.com for more recourses around Safer Gambling.

    Have a question for our hosts? Email theracingalternative@gmail.com for the chance to be featured in our next episode!

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    33 mins