Finals Week 1 – Sal’s preview: What would I know from Europe?

Sal is back on home turf to run his eye over Week 1 of the footy finals as well as the nags at Moonee Valley.

Round 14 – Sal’s Preview: To the Dustman!

Sal Ciardulli presents his thoughts and tips for the AFL Round 14 matches.

Almanac Books: ‘The Vo Rogue Show’ in the running for an award

Lynlea Small’s book ‘The Vo Rogue Show’ has been nominated for the prestigious Bill Whittaker Award.

Almanac Obituary: Vale – John Russell: Racecaller

Renowned race caller John Russell passed away aged 93 last week. Journalist and author John Craven remembers the ‘real one’ in his obituary and fitting tribute.

Sal’s Preview – Round 2: Love is in The Heir, plus Rosehill and Moonee Valley tips

Sal has his mind on The Heir’s nuptials this weekend but took time out to favour us with his Round 2 tips as well his read of the form guide at Rosehill and Moonee Valley.

Sal’s Preview: Round 1 – It’s Victoria’s turn, and racing tips for Caulfield and Rosehill

Sal Ciardulli presents his thoughts and selections for the Round 1 footy, and his tips for the racing at Caulfield and Rosehill.

Sal’s Preview: Round Zero and some big Autumn racing

Sal’s back. He previews the first games in the AFL season and the big racedays at Flemington and Randwick.

Almanac Horseracing: A bad day at the Bell Races (1954)

Damien Morgan from the Darling Downs has been delving into racing history. A Trove search revealed a crazy meeting at Bell in 1954. Here’s what happened.

Almanac Horseracing (and Investment): The Muse is musing on yearling sales

With the Blue Diamond on tomorrow, and the Golden Slipper not far away, The Muse turns his critical eye to yearling sales.

Almanac Local History – Pine Ridge Cemetery Coburg: Reginald Bell (1899-1913) – Promising child jockey

Reginald Bell (1899-1913) was a promising junior jockey until a race fall unfortunately took his life. He is one of many sportsmen buried at the Pine Ridge Cemetery Coburg.

‘A life-long affair with racing…’ by KB Hill

KB Hill recently caught up with Pat Heffernan, a prominent identity in Wangaratta sporting circles. And he was a dab hand at car sales too!

Almanac Racing: Sal’s Preview – Stakes Day Preview: It’s 3/4 Time – need a big finish!

It has been a brutal Spring Carnival for punters according to Sal Ciardulli but his tips for the weekend may remedy this. [Thanks Sal for all your previews throughout the year – they are always eagerly awaited for and read. – ED]

Almanac Horseracing: The 2023 Melbourne Cup revisited (by a once a year non-punter)

The Melbourne Cup means different things to different people. Here’s the view from a once-a-year horseracing viewer who also happens to be a total non-punter. (Didn’t even go in a sweep this year.)

Almanac Melbourne Cup: The time-honoured trifecta think-tank and other absurdities

Last night’s think-tank has generated this report, with these selections.

Almanac Racing: Sal’s Preview – Melbourne Cup: Will Irish Eyes Be Smiling?

It’s the race that stops a nation, and for many, it’s also the chance to have a flutter on the Melbourne Cup. To help punters pick a winner, Sal Ciardulli has cast his eye over the field and made his selections for the biggest race of the year.

Almanac Poetry: ‘The Race That Stops a Nation’ – Vivienne McCredie

To put you in the mood for the big race today, have a read of Vivienne McCredie’s terrific poem about the Melbourne Cup, ‘The Race That Stops a Nation’.

Almanac Music: ‘The Melbourne Cup’ – Slim Dusty

Aussie music legend Slim Dusty sings his song, ‘The Melbourne Cup’.

Almanac Melbourne Cup Think-tank: The time-honoured Almanac trifecta

The Melbourne Cup Eve get-together (via Microsoft Teams) is on again from 7.30pm Vic time tonight (Monday). All welcome. Deatils are in this post.

Almanac Racing: Sal’s Preview – Derby Day, Not Quite Christmas for Punters

Sal is back to provide us with a comprehensive preview of the Derby Day card.

Almanac Racing: Sal’s Preview – Cox Plate Preview: When the Whip Comes Down

A couple of big days at Moonee Valley this weekend with the Moonee Valley Cup and the Cox Plate sure to whet the appetites of punters and fans. Sal Ciardulli cast his eyes over the card and made his tips for the big races.