What happened to jockey Stefano Cherchi?
The racing world is in mourning following the devastating loss of Stefano Cherchi. The 23-year-old jockey tragically passed away two weeks after a terrible fall while riding in Australia. Cherchi sustained a serious head injury and internal bleeding after his mount fell during a race at Canberra on March 20.
Cherchi, who was an apprentice to Marco Botti and had ridden over 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia earlier this year, was placed in intensive care following the accident. His girlfriend, Brittany, the daughter of legendary Flat jockey Kieran Fallon, had flown to Australia to be by his side during his time in intensive care.
The Cherchi family confirmed the heartbreaking news of Stefano's passing in a statement released by NSW Jockeys. They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and messages from the racing community around the world.
Stefano Cherchi has tragically passed away aged 23
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of horse racing are there in the UK and what is their history?
Yes, there are different kinds of horse races held in the UK. The most common ones fall into two categories: Flat racing and National Hunt or Jump racing. Flat racing does not include obstacles and is run on flat tracks from 5 feet to more than 2 miles. National Hunt racing focuses on both the horse’s jumping and speed. Races like steeplechases and hurdles feature obstacles. Within these two broad categories, there are also variations such as handicaps, maidens, and conditions races, each with specific entry criteria and rules.
What does it mean to describe a horse as a “stayer” in racing terms
A’stayer horse’ excels when racing over long distances. These distances usually exceed one mile and four quarters. Stayers have to be able to run fast over long distances. Renowned stayers are often seen competing in long-distance events such as the Ascot Gold Cup.
What are the UK’s most prestigious racing events?
The United Kingdom hosts many acclaimed horse-racing events that are popular around the globe. Among these, the most prestigious include the Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National at Aintree, and The Epsom Derby. These events have a rich heritage and offer a chance to see the finest in equine performance.
What is a ‘Classic’ in UK horseracing?
The term ‘Classics,’ used in UK horseracing, refers to a group of five prestigious races which are considered by many to be the most prestigious contests for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. These are The 2,000 Guineas, The 1,000 Guineas, The Epsom Derby, The Epsom Oaks, and The St. Leger Stakes. This is a major achievement for any horse. Winning the Triple Crown is even more impressive.
How do I learn how to read a racing card?
A racecard contains important information that is vital to understanding a particular race or the horses participating in it. A racecard contains information about the horse such as its name, age, weight and trainer. It may also include the jockey’s silk color. This data will help you better understand the odds of each horse and make informed decisions when betting. As part their customer service, most racecourses or betting services provide guides to help you read racecards.
How do racehorses breed and select for racing?
Racehorses are usually bred with the specific intention of excelling on the racetrack. Breeders look for sires or dams that have proven racing pedigrees. They want to breed offspring with the best qualities of speed, endurance and temperament. Thoroughbreds, which are the most common breeds associated with racing in Britain, are closely tracked. 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.
Statistics
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
- The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
- The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
- The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
- There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.
External Links
timeform.com
thejockeyclub.co.uk
tattersalls.com
britishhorseracing.com
thejockeyclub.co.uk
britishhorseracingmuseum.org.uk
How To
How to Follow Horse Racing Season Calendars Across the UK
To follow the UK horse racing season calendar, start by noting the dates of the major festivals and races, which are typically announced at the end of the previous season. The main flat season takes place between March and November. Meanwhile, the jump season is held from November to early April. You can keep track of the latest news by using an online racing schedule, subscribing to a magazine or following a racing organization via social media. You won’t miss any important events on the UK horse race schedule.
