The weights for the Cheltenham Festival handicaps have been unveiled, signaling the start of serious betting opportunities. With the handicappers doing their job, the ante-post markets now offer less guesswork.
Sa Majeste – Martin Pipe
Sa Majeste, a JP McManus runner trained by Willie Mullins, has caught the attention of punters. With a rating of 140, he impressed by defeating Noble Yeats with ease. Expect more from this lightly raced contender.
King Of Kingsfield – County Hurdle
King Of Kingsfield, with a mark of 140, looks promising after a strong finish behind top prospects. If top weight Pied Piper runs, he could have a significant advantage.
Waterford Whispers – Martin Pipe
This Henry de Bromhead-trained runner, rated 133, defeated Answer To Kayf and has room to improve. Keep an eye on him, especially on the stamina-demanding New course at Cheltenham.
White Rhino – Pertemps
Trained by Josh Guerriero and Oliver Greenall, White Rhino has potential at a mark of 129. Despite facing top weight Farouk d'Alene, his progressive form suggests he could be a contender.
Milan Tino – Boodles
JP McManus is back with Milan Tino, who has been lowered to a mark of 136. With impressive performances against top competition, this French-trained four-year-old is worth watching in the juvenile handicap.
Remember to gamble responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by the term “photo finish” in horse racing
The ‘photo finish,’ is when two or multiple horses cross the finishing line so closely together that the winner cannot be determined with the naked eye. In these instances, race officials will use a camera at the finish line to capture images in high speed and review the exact moment that each horse’s nostril reaches the finish line. Officials can accurately determine the order of finish by using the photo finish image.
What does a racing term describing a horse as “stayer” mean?
In racing, a “stayer” is a racehorse that excels over long distances. Usually, these distances go beyond one mile. Stayers need to be fast and have endurance in order to keep up a good pace for long races. Renowned stayers compete in long distance races like the Ascot Gold Cup.
What are Britain’s most prestigious races for horses?
The United Kingdom is home to several world-renowned horse racing events. The most prestigious of these include Royal Ascot and the Grand National in Aintree. These events have a rich heritage and offer a chance to see the finest in equine performance.
How do racehorses are bred and chosen for racing purposes?
Usually, racehorses are bred to excel on the track. Breeders choose sires and mares who have proven racing pedigrees in order to produce offspring that are characterized by speed, endurance and temperament. Thoroughbreds have a long history of racing in England, and the bloodlines are meticulously recorded. Before they start their racing career, prospective racehorses are often put through a selection procedure that includes pedigree analyses, physical conformation assessment, and training performance.
What does the word “Going” mean in horse racing?
The surface of a track is described as “going” on the morning of a racing event. It can have a significant impact on the performance of horses and the outcome. The ‘Going” can vary from heavy, which indicates a wet, very soft track, to firm, which indicates a hard, dry surface. There are several gradations in between, such as soft, good to soft, good, good to firm, and hard. Trainers or jockeys need to consider the “Going”, especially when it comes to choosing equipment and racing strategy.
What is the role of a steward in horse racing?
Stewards play a vital role in ensuring that horse racing events are conducted fairly and in accordance with the rules of racing. Stewards have the responsibility of overseeing the conduct and behavior of jockeys, other racing personnel and trainers. They monitor races for any rule infractions and hold hearings into any incidents. The stewards can also impose sanctions, such as suspensions or fines, if rules are broken.
Statistics
- The National Hunt racing season in the UK sees approximately 1,000 races with hurdles or fences each year.
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
- There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.
- The Grand National at Aintree boasts a prize fund of around £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
- Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
External Links
britishhorseracing.com
timeform.com
thejockeyclub.co.uk
racingtv.com
tattersalls.com
ascot.com
How To
How to get live horseracing coverage in the UK
Subscribe to Sky Sports Racing (or Racing TV) for live race coverage and expert analysis. Online betting sites often offer live streaming for their customers. Some require a minimum wager to view the stream. Additionally, major races and festivals are often broadcasted on free-to-air television, with channels such as ITV covering select events throughout the racing calendar. Consider downloading apps from the racing channels, or using betting sites’ mobile apps to watch races live on the move.
