Horse Racing Commentator in Britain, America, Qatar & Bahrain. Only person to call both the KY Derby & Epsom Derby. ITV Race Commentator. Eurovision obsessive!
A few stats re the ‘26 Eurovision Song Contest. 1st time since 2017 (Portugal won) that winner topped both Jury & Televote. Biggest ever winning margin of 173pts (“Fairytail” Norway won by 169pts in 2009). 16 different countries received at least one max 12pts from a Jury vote.
The mad dash back home from Newmarket completed in the knick of time! The ESC portfolio: Finland to win at 11/8, Australia to win at 9/1, Denmark to finish Top 5, Italy to finish Top 10, UK to finish either 24th or 25th (bottom 2). Good luck if you’ve played & enjoy the ride.
Some ESC Running Order stats - since 1998 (start of tele-voting era) -
Song in 1st half of RO won 10x 37%
Song in 2nd half of RO won 17x 63%
Only 4x single digit RO slot has won but…
Both 2023 & last year winner went 9th.
Overall stats say around 16th is best draw.
No doubt who gave the best performance in the two Semi Finals of the ESC - tonight Delta Goodrem knocked it out of the ball park for Australia. Repeat that on Saturday night & she has a great chance of first Aussie win.
I know I am biased but if you are planning on watching/playing the KY Derby this evening go along to the @RacingTV website & read Rachel Candelora’s excellent in-depth preview…she gave the straight Trifecta last year!
Doesn’t happen very often in British racing but in today’s second race at Goodwood all four runners are drawn in the stall which corresponds to there actual number: 1 in 1, 2 in 2, 3 in 3 & 4 in 4.
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Thanks for your thoughts on the ESC Ally. Currently going through the live performances at last weekend’s Nordic Pre Party which appears to have produced a fair range of abilities!
Morning @CommentatorMark I have completed my Eurovision revision and had 50pence ew on these three. Strong year! Delta will also defo do well. Not long now to Dante & Eurovision week ☺️ Have a fab day x
The UK entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has just been debuted - OMG this is insultingly bad. The UK has sunk to new depths. Come back Sam Ryder.