Track Conditions Force Abandonment
A Cheltenham Festival race has been abandoned due to parts of the track being deemed 'unraceable' after heavy rain. The Cross Country Chase, scheduled for today, has been scrapped following a track inspection.
Delta Work Misses Out
Delta Work, the favorite for the Cross Country Chase, will miss out on the race due to the track conditions. The hope was to reschedule the race for Friday if conditions improved, but that plan has now been abandoned.
Changes to Race Times
As a result of the abandoned race, there have been changes to the times of four other races scheduled for the day. The first race will now kick off 15 minutes later than originally planned.
Revised Race Times
The revised race times for Wednesday 13th March are as follows: Race 1: 1345, Race 2: 1430, Race 3: 1515, Race 4: 1600, Race 5: NA, Race 6: 1650, Race 7: 1730. The track conditions are reported as Soft, Heavy in Places on the Old & New course.
Top Contenders Miss Out
Gordon Elliott's Delta Work, the leading contender for the Cross Country Chase, will not compete due to the track conditions. Other top contenders, including Minella Indo and Coko Beach, will also miss out on the race.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Cheltenham Festival as the situation develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the significance of a horse’s race bloodline?
Bloodlines are important because they indicate the traits that have been passed on from their ancestors. These include speed, stamina and temperament, all of which are critical to racing success. Breeders will often look at the horse’s pedigree in order to predict its future and match stallions up with mares who have desirable characteristics.
What is a Triple Crown in horseracing?
Triple Crown is a prestigious award given to a three year old thoroughbred who has won three races of varying importance in the same calendar year. In the United States they are the Kentucky Derby Stakes (Preakness Stakes) and Belmont Stakes. Triple Crown is rare and an honorable accomplishment. It signifies a horses exceptional endurance and capabilities.
How do you determine a horse’s level of fitness before a race starts?
Before a race, a horse’s fitness is evaluated by a combination between veterinary inspections, trainer observation, and performance during training sessions. Trainers and vets both monitor the horses’ responses to training sessions. The horse’s behavior in the lead-up to the race can also provide insights into its readiness to compete.
How do handicaps operate in horse racing
Handicapping is the system used in horse races to ensure that all horses have an equal chance of success. Horses are given different weights depending on their previous performances. The horses that have been deemed to be better will carry more weight. This system is used to balance the competition. It is important for anyone betting on races to understand.
What surfaces are used for horse racing?
Horse races take place on different surfaces such as dirt, synthetic tracks, and turf (grass). Horses can perform differently on different surfaces. Some horses will show preference for a certain surface or have superior abilities. Rain-soaked tracks can have a major impact on the outcome.
Statistics
- The record for the highest horse race betting turnover in a year is held by Japan, surpassing $22 billion.
- Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
- The Kentucky Derby, one of the most watched horse racing events, has attracted over 150,000 spectators in a single event.
- Australia hosts more than 19,000 horse races annually, making it home to one of the busiest racing calendars globally.
- The Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.
External Links
racingpost.com
britishhorseracing.com
racing.com
ascot.co.uk
bloodhorse.com
How To
How To Prepare For A Career as a Professional Rider
The training required to become a professional horse jockey is a long-term commitment. Attend a reputable horse racing school to master the basics of racing and learn how to ride. Fitness is important; follow a routine that improves strength, endurance, and balance. You will need to obtain an apprentice licence to ride professionally at races. This is known as the ‘bugboy’ period and you’ll be riding on a weight limit. Find a mentor and ride as many different horses as you can to gain as much experience as possible. Focus on safety and skill enhancement while adhering to a strict protocol for weight management.
