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While the Lincoln is often viewed as a “lottery” due to the maximum field size, a closer look at historical data reveals a remarkable success story for Somerville Lodge. Haggas has won the race in total 5 times but it is the performance levels over the last 16 years that require close inspection. During this…

For “day-by-day” punters, as Johnny Dineen regularly states, “the first bet of the day is the most important.” For those of us who follow a highly selective process, however, the first bet of the campaign is massive. Friday’s win by the aptly named First Principle has provided a significant boost in confidence and anticipation for the season ahead. For…

As Karl Burke develops a new powerhouse of racing at Spigot Lodge in North Yorkshire, the challenge for William Haggas at Somerville Lodge to maintain his excellent strike rates in Group races and major handicaps becomes increasingly difficult. 2025 saw a record number of winners; however, significantly, the returns from Group races—especially international contests—were low…

It’s been a long winter for William Haggas followers with just a single victory in 2026. That has largely been expected and will have no bearing on the fast approaching Turf season. I am anticipating at least 3 significant gambles beginning at Doncaster and although the start of April will remain relatively quiet I would…

Two entries for the Haggas team this week and no real signs that a second win of 2026 is in sight. It is of no concern as the yard enters a transformational year when in the words of the Somerville Lodge master – ” I will be more like a National Hunt trainer”. That comment…

As the barren winter for followers of the William Haggas stable extends into March, a potential top handicap winner steps onto centre stage on Saturday at Wolverhampton. First Principle is currently the least favoured of the three entries in the Ante Post market for the Lincoln on the 28th March 2026, prices at around 20/1.…

With all eyes understandably fixed on next week’s glorious Cheltenham festival – plans for the start of the Turf season are progressing at pace. William Haggas followers will have circled on the calender the Lincoln meeting on Saturday 28th and double circled the AW finals day on Good Friday. There is every indication that the…

With all eyes understandably fixed on next week’s glorious Cheltenham festival – plans for the start of the Turf season are progressing at pace. William Haggas followers will have circled on the calender the Lincoln meeting on Saturday 28th and double circled the AW finals day on Good Friday. There is every indication that the…

As readers of this blog were forewarned the slow start on the AW in 2026 for Somerville Lodge extended from 1-20 in January to 0-6 in February. This follows the pattern of the last 2 winter campaigns in the opening months of the year, in 2025 the record in February was 1-4 and in February…

Given a vast majority of the Somerville Lodge 3yo’s are unexposed- the early entry dates made for the French Classics this week, provide a good insight into which may be among the highest ranking as the season progresses. Haggas rarely has runners in the early classic races either in the UK or in France or…