Exciting Racing Action
The Novices' Hurdle kicked off on Ladies' Day at the Grand National Festival at Aintree, and Sun Racing has the scoop on how every horse finished in the 4.40 race.
Full Aintree Schedule
Curious about the Aintree schedule? Here's a breakdown of the races:
Thursday, April 11:
– Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase (WINNER: IL ETAIT TEMPS)
– Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (WINNER: SIR GINO 11-10)
– Aintree Bowl (WINNER: GERRI COLOMBE)
– Aintree Hurdle (WINNER: IMPARE ET PASSE)
– Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase (WINNER: ITS ON THE LINE)
– Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (WINNER: SANS BRUIT)
– Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat (WINNER: DIVA LUNA)
Friday, April 12:
– Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices' Chase (WINNER: INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN)
– William Hill Handicap Hurdle (WINNER: KATEIRA)
– TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle (WINNER: MYSTICAL POWER)
– My Pension Expert Melling Chase (WINNER: JONBON)
– Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Chase (WINNER: ARIZONA CARDINAL)
– Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices' Hurdle
– Lydiate Handicap Hurdle
Saturday, April 13:
– Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle
– Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle
– William Hill Handicap Chase
– JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
– Randox Grand National Chase
– Maghull Novices' Chase
– Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
How to Watch Aintree Races
If you're looking to catch the thrilling races at Aintree, here's how you can watch:
– The Aintree festival runs from Thursday, April 11 to Saturday, April 13 with SEVEN races each day.
– ITV1 will broadcast five races daily, with ITVX offering live streaming.
– Racing TV and bookies' websites will showcase the first and final races on Thursday & Friday, and the final two races on Saturday.
Remember, always gamble responsibly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it really mean when a race horse is called a “stayer?”
A’stayer horse’ excels when racing over long distances. Typically, these distances are beyond one mile and four furlongs. Stayers need to be fast and have endurance in order to keep up a good pace for long races. Renowned stayers often compete in long-distance races such as the Ascot Gold Cup.
Are there different types horse races in Britain?
There are many different types of horse racing in the UK. They fall primarily under the categories of Flat Racing and National Hunt (or Jump) racing. Flat racing takes place over level tracks from five furlongs to two miles. National Hunt racing emphasizes both the speed and jumping ability of the horse, with races like hurdles and steeplechases featuring a series of obstacles. These two broad categories have variations like handicaps, conditions, and maidens. Each race has a specific entry requirement and rule.
What is the handicap system in UK horseracing and how does it work?
The handicap system in UK horse racing is designed to ensure that every horse has an equal chance at winning. In essence, the weights that horses carry in a race are determined by their previous performances. Weights are heavier for better horses to equalize the playing field with horses who have had poorer performances in the past. In the UK, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is responsible for handicapping. Their team of handicappers updates ratings regularly after races.
What’s the meaning of jockeys’ silks?
The jockey’s silks are the colorful and patterned garments worn during a race. Each set of silks is unique and registered with the horse’s owners, making it easy for spectators and officials alike to identify horses during a race. Owners can choose to include colors, patterns and emblems that have sentimental or traditional value.
What does ‘photofinish’ in horseracing mean?
Two or more horses crossing the finish line at the same time can result in a photo finish.’ This is because it’s difficult to see the winner. In such cases, race officials utilize a finish-line cam that takes images at high speeds in order to examine the exact moment when each horse’s face reaches line. The photo finish helps officials determine the official finish order accurately.
Can you explain what the ‘Going’ is in horse racing?
‘Going” refers to the surface condition of the track on the day a race takes place. It’s a crucial factor that affects the performance of the racehorses and the outcome. The Going’ can range between heavy, which means a very wet and slick track, and firm, meaning a hard and arid surface. There are many grades between these two extremes, including soft, good-to-soft, good, firm to good, and hard. Trainers and jockeys should consider the “Going” when choosing racing equipment and strategy, including the type of horseshoes to use for better grip.
Statistics
- British racing oversees around 1,500 fixtures annually across its 59 racecourses.
- The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
- Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
- The National Hunt racing season in the UK sees approximately 1,000 races with hurdles or fences each year.
External Links
britishhorseracingmuseum.org.uk
timeform.com
thejockeyclub.co.uk
thejockeyclub.co.uk
thejockeyclub.co.uk
racingtv.com
How To
How to Attend Royal Ascot
Attending the Royal Ascot, a highlight of the UK’s horse racing calendar, requires early planning. You can choose an enclosure according to your budget or desired experience. From the luxury Royal Enclosure, you can also select the Windsor Enclosure, which is more relaxed. Purchase tickets well in advance, as the event is exceptionally popular. Ascot has strict dress codes, especially in premium enclosures. Be sure to adhere to them. Ascot has excellent public transport and parking is often scarce. To maximize your race-day enjoyment, be sure to explore all the betting, food and drink options.
