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Simon Rowlands

@simonrowlands.bsky.social

760 followers 300 following 330 posts

Freelance horseracing writer, form/time/sectional analyst. Likes: data, music, wildlife, sport, literature, travel, films. Loves/hates politics. Sheffield/Peak District UK.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 12h

I thank you!

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 14h

Latest blog, looking back at Newmarket and forward to Ascot (and Randwick/Del Mar)

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

Simon rounds-up the latest juvenile news from the clock, while nominating several potential champions for Ascot this weekend.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 7d

Utterly! 😂

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 7d

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

The Arc, Abbaye and Lagardere are just three races Simon reviews in this week's round-up from Paris.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 11d

Also, that people want their cake and to eat it - want 1st-rate services but anyone other than them to pay for it - in a way that wasn’t the case until 10/15 years ago.

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 14d

Overview of 2yos, Middle Park/Cheveley Park sectional comparison, the likely effect of the draw at ParisLongchamp.

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

It was an informative week in the juvenile division and Simon has all the fastest times, plus a few pointers for Arc weekend.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 27d

Thanks, Merlyn. Not much interest in the handicapping aspect, which may mean I reconsider writing about it at greater length.

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 28d

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A memorable St Leger, some handicapping calculations, and a look at a few of the big performances over an eventful weekend.

Expert Analysis | At The Races

The final Classic of the year, several smart juveniles and a potential Arc candidate feature in Simon's weekly round-up from the clock.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · 28d

😁

The form is strong! The resolution of Moon Target, maybe not!

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Sep 14

Thank you for this.

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Sep 14

Tells it straight and true. A fine read.

Paul Hayward @paulhayward.bsky.social · Sep 14

How a tax threat forced horse racing to stop infighting - and why it deserves protection.
My commentary for @theobserveruk.bsky.social

observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

Racing is a proper industry with history and a soul that ...

For once the sport united to resist the threat of a ruinous tax increase, but its entrenched relationship with the bookies leaves it dangerously vulnerable

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Sep 9

Blog looking back on Arc Trials Day and other matters, including the phenom that is Ka Ying Rising.

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

“The ground” is this week's subject under the spotlight for Simon, who analyses all the key times and performances to note from Arc Trials Day at Longchamp.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Sep 8

leger.attheraces.com/features/tow...

Town Moor 2YOs | St Leger | At The Races & Sky Sports Racing

Simon Rowlands gives his verdict on the juvenile contests at the 2025 Betfred St Leger Festival with exclusive ratings for those likely to line up at Doncaster.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Sep 2

Perhaps deserving of a strongly-worded letter?

A cynic - not me, of course - might suggest that would be ignored also.

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Sep 2

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

The international scene is hotting up around the globe, especially in America where the best juveniles are stopping Simon's clock.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 28

Agree. He’s got plenty in his plate this time. Should be informative!

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 27

98 on form and 93 on time with me. Away at the weekend so still playing catch-up as far as visuals are concerned, however.

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 26

Had to Google “pithy” just to be sure. 😁I always appreciate your support. 👍

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 26

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

Simon's latest round-up takes in all the summer action from across the globe, including at York, in France and the US.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 19

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

Simon tees up this week’s Juddmonte and Nunthorpe races at York while quickly recapping on More Thunder’s and Diego Velazquez’s weekend victories.

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Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 15

One-i Philp at it again. #OneEye

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 11

I am told the What3Words for the location of the former is Massive.Stitch.Up

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 5

Aww, shucks. Thank you: nice to hear that!

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 4

Who would be your idea of the best French-trained 2yo so far, Scott? They are not exactly queuing up for consideration…..

Simon Rowlands @simonrowlands.bsky.social · Aug 3

Part Two of the Goodwood 2025 Review

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Expert Analysis | At The Races

Simon Rowlands reviews the best of the action from last week’s Glorious Goodwood festival, nominating his top 10 performances.

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