Nick Luck Daily Ep 1501 - Fanning eyeing return after cancer surgery

This episode of Nick Luck Daily, aired on April 13, 2026, opens with a heartfelt update on veteran jockey Joe Fanning, who has returned to good health after prostate cancer surgery and is on track to resume race riding by summer. The conversation with Fanning highlights his resilience, fitness, and determination to return to the saddle, drawing admiration from host Nick Luck and guest Lydia Hislop. The episode then shifts to the early-season challenges in flat racing, including the tragic injuries to promising two-year-olds Gihwan and Publish, which have dampened the start of the season. Coverage turns to Bally Doyle’s latest entries, with particular focus on Hawk Mountain as a potential Derby contender and the mixed results from Aidan O'Brien’s stable. The Nell Gwynn Stakes is previewed with attention to Innes Moore, a promising filly trained by David Menuzier. Newbury Racecourse’s community outreach initiative, offering free tickets to locals, is praised for its potential to boost attendance and engagement. The episode also highlights a standout performance in France by Pearled Majesty, a colt bred by Persian King, who is now being eyed for the French Derby. In Australia, Sir Delius triumphs in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after a controversial vet scratch from the Melbourne Cup, reigniting hopes for a strong spring campaign. The episode concludes with a powerful segment on jockey mental health, spotlighting Sky Sports Racing’s documentary on the tragic death of 19-year-old Tommy Jakes and the broader crisis in the sport’s mental wellbeing, calling for systemic change and greater support for riders.