Your Guide to May’s 150th Kentucky Derby

Image of horses racing to represent Japan Horse Racing

Tagged as the “most exciting two minutes in sport”, the Kentucky Derby has that quality of transcendence shared by only a handful of sporting events. It is, as such, both a cultural and sporting event, bringing in casual fans and those who have never watched a horse race before. It shares those qualities with the Grand National and Melbourne Cup, both of which are described as races that stop a nation. The 2024 Kentucky Derby will be the 150th running of the iconic race, which is the most-watched and attended…

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Biggest Horse Races in Europe

The Grand National"Aintree Racecourse and the Grand National have a storied history" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by David Holt London. Image for biggest horse races in Europe.

Horseracing may not be broadcast as loudly on the European stage as football is, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting or significant for its spectators. The excitement of horse racing, alongside its long history attached to Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful people, has led to some horse racing events becoming immense events and attractions. Let’s look at the horse races that have become the biggest across Europe. Grand National (Liverpool, UK) Perhaps the world’s best-known and popular horse race is Liverpool’s Grand National. The race, which you may…

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Sir Gino remains unbeaten over the hurdles at Aintree

Sir Gino Grand National 2024

Sir Gino (11-10 Favourite) made it four wins from as many starts over hurdles when coming home the winner under Nico de Boinville for the Grade One Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle at Aintree on Thursday, 11th April. Having been forced to swerve last month’s Cheltenham Festival when his stable was in the doldrums, the son of It’s Gino made no mistake as he prevailed by three and a quarter lengths from Kargese. Winning trainer Nicky Henderson said: “It was a messy sort of a race and they were playing cat and…

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Former racehorses showcase their second careers in Aintree RoR Parade

RoR Parade will feature Lady Buttons

The second day of the Randox Grand National Festival on Friday, 12 April, sees the return of the annual Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade at 12.40pm before racing starts. The line-up of eight horses taking part in the RoR Parade illustrates the versatility of the Thoroughbred. It shows off the diverse options available to racehorses after their racing careers end. The parade includes horses excelling in slightly more unconventional activities, such as horseball, and the more traditional disciplines of dressage and showing. Blaklion Aintree favourite Blaklion returns to the course where…

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Grand National News: River Island becomes style partner of Ladies Day

Randox Grand National Festival announce River Island as style partner for Ladies Day, 2024

Iconic high-street fashion retailer River Island has been named the official style partner of Ladies Day for the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival this week. This year, Ladies’ Day, including the Style Awards, will take place on Friday, 12th April, running from Thursday, 11th April to Saturday, 13th April. The overall Style Award prize package is this year worth £10,000 – double the amount it was worth in 2023. Brand new for 2024 is the Sustainable Style Award, which will see a prize worth £2,000 awarded to the most fashionably…

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Jockey, Stefano Cherchi dies after fall in Australia

Jockey Stefano Cherchi.

Jockey Stefano Cherchi has tragically died two weeks after falling from a horse at the Canberra Races in Australia, the NSW Jockeys Association said on Wednesday. 23-year-old Cherchi from Sardinia, who had ridden over 100 winners in the UK, fell during a meeting at Canberra. On 20 March 24, his mount Hasime fell in the Affinity Electrical Technologies Plate, and two other riders narrowly avoided serious injury when they became unseated during the incident. After receiving emergency medical treatment at the track, Cherchi was rushed to hospital, where it was discovered he had sustained a…

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Chester Racecourse announce 17% increase in prize fund for 2024

Save the Last Dance race horse at Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse has announced a total prize fund increase of 17% (from 2023) to £3.275 million in 2024 across 15 of its race days. Owned by Chester Race Company, the move will see more than £1.3m of the total fund offered over three days of the prestigious Boodles May Festival, from Wednesday 8th to Friday 10th May.  Uplifts in the race values of the 200-year-old Chester Cup* (£170,000), the Group 3 Boodles Chester Vase, Group 3 Ormonde Stakes (both £140,000) and the Listed Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks (£120,000) help contribute to a 13%…

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Who are the Biggest Winners from the Cheltenham Races’ History?

Who are the Biggest Winners from the Cheltenham Races’ History? Image of horses racing on grass

The Cheltenham Festival is widely deemed a key event in horse racing that assembles the most superior horses, jockeys, and trainers worldwide. Unique, this festival, with its reputation for fantastic races, acts out the parade of the competitive fire, and these highlight the highest level of jump racing. In this article, we look at the stalwarts of the week that were, and somewhat endearingly, dig into the tales of those who coloured the Cheltenham fields with their everlasting performances. Major Winners The Cheltenham Festival, of course, regarded as the most…

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Racing Welfare win Silver Smiley Charity Film Award

Racing Welfare has scooped a silver at the Smiley Charity Film Awards

Racing Welfare won a silver at the Smiley Charity Film Awards on March 20th in recognition of its impactful 2023 Mental Health Awareness Week film. The gala was held in Leicester Square, where many royal, global and European film premieres take place. From 15 finalists within their category, the expert panel of judges deemed Racing Welfare’s film worthy of the silver award. Taking gold, was breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel. The film, which was commissioned for Mental Health Awareness Week in 2023, depicts anxiety building up for a racehorse trainer. It…

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Horse Racing Breeds: What Makes Them Superior?

The Thoroughbred: Horse Racing Breeds: What Makes Them Superior?

Throughout history, horse racing has captivated audiences worldwide. The speed, agility, and grace of these magnificent animals leave spectators in awe. But what exactly makes certain horse breeds superior on the racetrack? Breeders have spent centuries meticulously crafting breeds specifically for racing, resulting in a diverse range of equine athletes, each with its own unique strengths. Thoroughbreds: The Bloodstock Aristocracy with a Racing Pedigree The Thoroughbred reigns supreme in the world of horse racing. Bred for pure speed and athleticism, these horses boast a lineage that can be traced back…

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Highlights of the 2024 jumps and Flat season

Horses racing out of the start box

Randox Grand National Once again, the Cheltenham Festival served up some thrilling racing over the four days of the meeting; however, with the action from Prestbury Park at an end, thoughts turn towards the tail end of the jumps season and the start of the Flat racing. Indeed, there’s still much jump action to look forward to in the coming weeks, and the main event on the horizon is the Randox Grand National, which takes place on Saturday, 13th April, the third day of the three-day Aintree festival. This year’s…

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The Most Thrilling Moments in Horse Racing History

a horse racing with jockey on grass. The Jockey is wearing red and white, the horse is a bay

The track is a place where dirt and dust fill up the air. The smell of the horses is strong. You hear shouting from the crowd. It’s loud. Horse racing is not particularly appealing when you put it that way, is it? But everyone’s hearts race with the horses. It’s hard to explain to someone who never visited a track.  Perhaps the most notable part of the horse racing history is Circus Maximus. Perhaps one of the greatest buildings Romans have ever built, this behemoth could fit up to 150,000…

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A Quick Look at the Upcoming Kentucky Derby

As the spring of 2024 blossoms, the world of horse racing turns its eager eyes towards Louisville, Kentucky, home of the iconic Kentucky Derby. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby continues to be a pinnacle of American horse racing tradition, blending fast-paced action on the track with a cultural festival that captivates the nation, with millions around the world placing bets on the races. If you’re interested in taking part in the action, take a look at sites that offer Cheltenham betting offers, as they’re more…

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Are These the Two Most Important Grand National Victories of All Time?

Are These the Two Most Important Grand National Victories of All Time?

The Grand National is the one race that galvanizes the entire United Kingdom and beyond. It’s a day when the country stands still. Both punters and casuals alike are glued to their TV sets hoping to back the winner. This year, the race takes place on April 14th at Aintree, at the new time of 4 pm rather than 5:15 pm in order to improve the likelihood of good ground. The race used to start at 4:15 pm. However, that was changed back in 2015 to avoid clashing with the…

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What Channel is Cheltenham on? TV and the Internet

Cheltenham Racecourse

What Channel is Cheltenham on? The Cheltenham Festival is available to watch on Racing TV, ITV and via BBC Radio 5. Read on to find out more. Are you looking for ways to watch the 2024 Cheltenham Festival on TV? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about what channels the Cheltenham Festival is on. We’ll discuss the different types of channels that will be broadcasting the event, how to get access to them, and the…

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Exciting Preview: Sydney Cup 2024 – A Spectacle of Sailing Mastery

Article about the Sydney Cup. Image of horses racing on sand from the back

The Sydney Cup stands as a prestigious highlight within the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, unfolding at the esteemed Royal Randwick Racecourse as part of Day 2 of The Championships. Slated for the second Saturday of April each year, this Group 1 race captivates fans and participants with its compelling history and generous prize pool. Notably, the 2022 champion was Knights Order, whose victory underscored the event’s competitive spirit. Beyond its own allure, the Sydney Cup complements the grandeur of The Championships’ most anticipated event, the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes,…

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Cheltenham Dress Code: Prepare to head for the races in style!

cheltenham dress code

Wondering about the Cheltenham dress code for men and women? Here we give a breakdown of what to wear, and what to expect from this years Festival. The 2023 Cheltenham Festival is now just around the corner and the excitement for the greatest show on turf once again reaches fever pitch. Those preparing to attend the biggest jumps meeting of the year, will not only be looking forward to seeing some high-quality racing, but will be excited to get on their gladrags. Here we take a look at the Cheltenham…

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Shark Hanlon shares his love for £800 horse Hewick with chance of Cheltenham and Grand National

Cheltenham Festival

“Winning the Gold Cup would be life-changing” Irish trainer Shark Hanlon shares his love for £800 horse Hewick with chance of Cheltenham and Grand National double John “Shark” Hanlon has admitted it would be heartbreaking if Hewick were not able to run because of the ground conditions at Cheltenham – but insisted if his fan favourite horse won the Gold Cup then it would be life changing for the trainer.  Hewick was a sensational winner of the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day last year, adding to successes in…

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 ‘Winning at Cheltenham is special’ Cheveley Park owner Richard Thompson reveals two races he’d love to win at this year’s festival

Cheltenham Racecourse view from above.

Cheveley Park Stud Director Richard Thompson has revealed the two big targets he wants to win at next week’s Cheltenham Festival. The prominent operation has secured plenty of big race wins in the past on both the Flat and over Jumps and heading into next week’s four-day extravaganza at Prestbury Park, Thompson has two runners he is very keen to see cross the line in front.  Cheveley Park runners Tullyhill and Quilixios are both 7/2 and 6/1 respectively in the latest Cheltenham betting markets via bookmaker BoyleSports and Thompson is keen…

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Cheltenham Festival 2024 Preview

Cheltenham Festival 2024 Preview By Carine06 from UK - Champion Hurdle, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37285214

It is widely considered one of the biggest horse racing events in the world, and it is almost back to provide fans with all the excitement that it has to offer. The Cheltenham Festival sees the very best in jump racing take place, with the sport’s best jockeys, horses, and trainers all descending on the southwestern town in England. Traditionally held across the week of St Patrick’s Day in March, the annual festival continually attracts fans from all corners of the globe. While attendance is limited, millions tune in to…

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The Three Richest Horse Races in the World

Discover three of the richest horse races in the world. Image of two horses being raced side by side.

In recent years, the Arabian Gulf has made an indelible mark upon the sporting world. It began with football. Manchester City were taken over by an Abu Dhabi-based consortium back in 2008, Paris Saint-Germain by Qatar Sports Investment just a few years later and finally Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund just two years ago. Golf has also been transformed with the introduction of LIV and its subsequent merger with the PGA, while both professional boxing and WWE have been hosting events there in recent years.  Horse racing…

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Cheltenham honours late Maureen Mullins with Festival race

Maureen Mullins wears a hat and red jacket while standing with a racehorse

Cheltenham Racecourse Honors Late Maureen Mullins with Grade Two National Hunt Chase at The Festival Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that the Grade Two National Hunt Chase, set to take place on Champion Day at The Festival on Tuesday, March 12th, will be dedicated to the memory of the late Maureen Mullins in 2024. Maureen Mullins, who passed away at 94 on February 14th, was the esteemed matriarch of an illustrious Irish racing dynasty. Her late husband, Paddy Mullins, boasted a remarkable record with half a dozen Festival triumphs, most notably…

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Trainers’ Plans Unveiled Ahead of Cheltenham Festival

horse and jocket close up as we look at Cheltenham Festival

Trainers’ Plans Unveiled Ahead of Cheltenham Festival As the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival quickens its pace, leading trainers have revealed their strategies for the upcoming four-day extravaganza at a media event hosted by The Jockey Club at The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power. Amongst the discussions, trainers provided insights into their contenders and expectations for various races, offering fans a glimpse into what promises to be an enthralling festival ahead of booking tickets. Ben Pauling’s Considerations Speaking at the event, Ben Pauling, a seasoned trainer known for his astute…

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The Cheltenham Festival: A Celebration of Equestrian Excellence

Cheltenham Festival

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, the Cheltenham Festival is a beacon of excellence in equestrian sports. Each year, this illustrious event captures the imagination of horse racing enthusiasts worldwide, drawing them to its hallowed grounds for a week-long celebration of skill, determination, and the sheer beauty of the Thoroughbred. A Historic Legacy The origins of the Cheltenham Festival can be traced back to the early 20th century when a group of forward-thinking individuals envisioned a prestigious racing event that would showcase the best British racing talent. In…

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Horse Racing 101: How To Choose The Winning Horse

Image of a man celebrating with his hand in the air. How To Choose The Winning Horse

Horse racing is an ancient sport steeped in tradition, where the condition and aptitude of the horse are paramount. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the track, understanding how to choose a winning horse is essential for maximising your enjoyment and potential returns. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors that can help you make informed decisions when selecting horses to bet on. Understanding The Basics Before delving into the intricacies of selecting a winning horse, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of horse racing.…

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