Category Archives: Racing News

If you’re even remotely interested in horse racing, a day at the races is hard to beat in terms of colour, drama and excitement. However, if you’ve never been racing before, you may be at a loss as to when and where to go, how to get there, what you’ll do while you’re there and so on. With this in mind, we’ve put together this brief guide to help you plan your day out.

 

When to go Racing

 

In Britain, horse racing takes place on every day of the year except Good Friday, December 23, 24 and 25, including Sundays, so when to go racing is largely a question of personal preference. If you want to attend one of the major meetings, such as the Cheltenham Festival or Royal Ascot, you’ll find that they take place at more or less the same time each year, but otherwise your choice is limited only by the spare time you have available and the type of racing you want to watch.

 

Traditionally, the Flat racing season runs from April to October and the National Hunt season from October to April, but Flat racing takes place on the all-weather courses, at Lingfield, Kempton, Wolverhampton and Southwell, throughout the winter and National Hunt racing takes place at selected course throughout the summer. It’s also worth remembering that in spring and summer the extra hours of daylight allow evening race meetings to be staged under both codes.

 

Where to go Racing

 

There are total of 57 racecourses throughout the length and breadth of mainland Britain so, wherever you live, you should be able to find at least one that’s within an hour or two by road or rail. Nowadays, most racecourses operate their own website, so if you have one close to home it should be easy to find a convenient date on which to visit.

 

If, on the other hand, you don’t know where your nearest racecourse is and/or if it offers what you’re looking for, you’ll find that websites such as those operated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Love The Races provide useful tools, guides and plenty of other information to help your find the perfect day out. Nowadays, many racecourses host special events, such as live music concerts after racing, above and beyond the racing itself.

 

How to Choose an Enclosure

 

Once you’ve chosen when to go and where to go, you also need to choose which enclosure on the racecourse suits you best. Some racecourses offer just a single enclosure, in which case you have Hobson’s choice, but others offer two, three or more, so you need to make a more considered decision.

 

Your choice of enclosure dictates not only how much you’ll pay for admission, but how much access you have to racecourse facililities, how well you can see the horses before, during and after each race and, in some cases, what you’re permitted to wear.

 

If you choose the ‘Members’ enclosure, also known as the ‘Club’ or ‘Premier’ enclosure, you’re effectively granted, for a day, the same rights as annual members of the racecourse. You obviously pay for the privilege, but you have access to all areas of the racecourse, including the prime vantage points, the parade ring and the winners’ enclosure. You do need to bear in mind, however, that some racecourses, such as Ascot, require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and ladies to dress for a smart occasion in the Members enclosure.

 

Author’s Note: Personally, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting racecourses throughout Britain and I enjoy the extra ‘elbow room’ afforded by the Members enclosure, where you at least have a chance of a few minutes’ quiet contemplation away from the hustle and bustle of the betting ring.

 

The ‘Tattersalls’ enclosure, also known as the ‘Grandstand & Paddock’ enclosure, is home to the main betting ring on the racecourse and, by definition, often the busiest. The viewing typically isn’t quite as choice as in the Members’ Enclosure – you can’t watch the races from directly opposite the winning post, so you’re be none the wiser if there’s a close finish – but it’s still perfectly adequate and you have access to everything you need for a thoroughly enjoyable day. Racecourses typically encourage racegoers to dress smartly in the Tattersalls enclosure, but there’s often no formal dress code and denim and training shoes may be allowed.

 

The ‘Silver Ring’ is the cheapest and most informal enclosure. It’s usually situated some distance from the winning post, so you can’t see the business end of races, the parade ring or the winners’ enclosure. Nevertheless, if you’re on a budget, you still have access to limited selection of bookmakers, a Tote facility and places to eat and drink. Along the same lines as the Silver Ring, some racecourses offer a ‘Course’ or ‘Picnic’ enclosure, usually in the centre of the course, where admission is charged per car as well as, or instead of, per person. The idea is that you can dress as casually as you like, park your car and enjoy your own picnic.

 

How to Pay Admission

 

You can pay your racecourse admission at the turnstiles on the day, but most racecourses off substantial discounts, typically up to 20%, if you book your badge(s) in advance, online or by telephone, particularly if you’re booking for group. Bear in mind, too, that some major meetings are hugely popular, so booking in advance may be your only option if you want to avoid disappointment.

 

Tips from an Experienced Racegoer

 

If you’ve never been racing before, you’ll be amazed by the length of time you spend on your feet during the day. Even if you need to comply with a dress code, your shoes only need to be clean and presentable, so make sure they’re comfortable.

 

If you’re likely to go racing regularly, think about investing in a pair of high-quality 10 x 50 binoculars. You’ll surprised by how much more involved you’ll feel if you can see the horses on the far side of the course. If you do take binoculars, remove the case and leave it, out of sight, in your car, if possible; you won’t need it during the day and it’s one less thing to lug around the racecourse.

 

Take enough cash to cover your expenses, including betting and refreshments. Some, but not all, racecourses provide an ATM, but if budget for your day before you leave home you’ll avoid charges, queues and the temptation to chase your losses. Whether you’re on a racecourse or at an offline or casino such as  Online Casino Deutschland, it’s important to budget.

 

The other essential items you need are a pen, to make notes on your racecard, a copy of the Racing Post and, if you’re in any doubt about the vagaries of the British weather, a small, folding umbrella.

 

Try to arrange at your chosen racecourse at least an hour before the first race, particularly if you’re visiting the course for the first time. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with the layout of the racecourse in terms of facilities and perhaps enjoy a drink before the bars become busy, which they inevitably do.

 

The first thing you should do on arrival is to buy a racecard, usually available from a kiosk just inside the main entrance, which lists the colours, runners and riders for all the races on the day. Trust me, you’ll be glad of an at-a-glance guide to the races more than once during the day.

Horse racing fans are in for a festive treat on Boxing Day as the Grade 1 King George VI Chase will unfold in a blaze of excitement. The greatest trainers, jockeys and runners in the National Hunt scene will converge upon Kempton Park for the £250,000 contest, and viewers should expect fireworks. Here are the top five leading contenders to seize glory in the biggest race of the season so far:

 

Might Bite

Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old is the antepost favourite after romping to victory with a classy performance in this race last year. He justified his status as favourite by digging deep to hold off the spirited challenge of Double Shuffle and clinch a famous win. He then went into the biggest race of the season, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, as the favourite, but he was narrowly beaten by Native River. He gave a distinctly underwhelming performance in his return to action this season, finishing fifth of five in last month’s Betfair Chase, but that can be excused due to the bizarre stiffness of the fences. He should fare much better in friendlier conditions at Kempton and he is the clear favourite. He looked on course to win it in 2016, but he suffered a fall at the final fence, allowing Thistlecrack to take the top prize. But he bounced back in style last year and he should relish another crack at it.

 

Waiting Patiently

 

This horse is appropriately named as he has raced just nine times since his 2015 debut. He will be making his first start in 10 months, but he has won his last seven contests and he heads into the big race in formidable form. His winning streak stretches back to January 2016, and young trainer Ruth Jefferson expects him to thrive as long as the ground is not too quick. She earmarked this race for him a long time ago, believing it will suit his strengths, and if it is on the slow side of good she will unleash him. Waiting Patiently was last seen prevailing in an epic clash with Cue Card to seize the Ascot Chase in February, a performance that gave Jefferson her first Grade 1 winner. She has big boots to fill after replacing her late father Malcolm, but early signs are positive and it will be interesting to see how Waiting Patiently gets on at Kempton on December 26.

 

Politologue

Paul Nicholls looms large over this race after securing a record nine victories over the years. Five of them came from the legendary Kauto Star, who won four on the bounce between 2006 and 2009 and then returned with another sensational victory in 2011. Nicholls then saddled 2013 winner Silviniaco Conti, who defended his crown in style in 2014, so he must be taken very seriously indeed. He has decided to put Politologue forward for this race, his first crack at three miles, and he insists the seven-year-old grey gelding can handle the step up in trip. He went as far as comparing Politologue with Kauto Star, which is high praise indeed, and punters that take a look at the betting on this race will see how highly the odds compilers rate his chances of success. He has nine wins from 17 starts and Nicholls believes the right-handed track will suit his strengths, so he is definitely one to watch out for.

 

Native River

Colin Tizzard’s eight-year-old claimed the biggest prize in jumps racing when he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. He is a real superstar and he has placed in 19 out of 22 races, most of which have been at the highest level. He was third in the 2017 Gold Cup and he has also won the Hennessy Gold Cup and the Mildmay Novices’ Chase, while he finished second at the Betfair Chase last month. Native River did not compete in last year’s King George VI Chase, as he was busy winning the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow, but he will be among the leading lights at this year’s renewal.

Bristol De Mai

This talented seven-year-old delivered another fine performance to win the Betfair Chase for a second year running in November. It means he is the only horse still in contention for the £1 million bonus that comes with victory in the Jumps Triple Crown. All he needs to do now is pull off the simple feat of winning the King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and the prize will be his. Bristol De Mai loves soft conditions and he could well annihilate this field if the ground is sloppy at Kempton on Boxing Day. He has placed in 21 out of 24 runs throughout his illustrious career and he could be another popular each-way shout, particularly if the weather goes in his favour.

York racecourse is a horse racing track located in York, North Yorkshire, England. The racecourse is well known for hosting flat races, and has been voted as “UK racecourse of the year” and “Northern racecourse of the year” on a regular basis. So far, it is the third biggest racecourse in the whole of Britain, attracting a crowd of 350,000each year. It is owned by York Racecourse Knavesmire LLP, and hosts a good number of races annually. Some of the notable races held there include; Dante Stakes, Ebor Handicap, International Stakes, and Nunthorpe Stakes.

Racing in York racecourse is said to have begun way back during the Roman times. However, it was until the year 1530 that the sport was recognized and supported by the city corporation. Since then, a number of races have been taking place in the racetrack, and by 19th century, it was able to host two major meetings, The Spring Meeting, and The Yorkshire Union Hunt. It hosted its first music concert in the 22nd of September, 1984.

The racecourse takes pride in hosting Britain’s famous races. For example, Duke of York Stakes. This is a Group 2 flat horse race in which horses three years and above take part in. The horses compete by running over 1,207
meters. It usually occurs in May of every year, and was first inaugurated in the year 1968. Dante Stakes is another major race hosted by the racecourse, and also allows in horses aged 3 and above. It takes place over 2,063 meters and takes place in May.

 

This year, there are a number of fixtures planned out in the racecourse. Summer music Saturday makes the highlight of them all. It is scheduled for Saturday the 30th of June, and Paloma Faith will be performing right after the sporting action. On 27th and 28th of July will be the Music showcase Weekend, where Sir Tom Jones and Boyzone will be performing.

The ability to bet on horse racing is made easier through the number of bookmakers who want to appease their many customers. After choosing which bookie you want to place most of your horse racing bets with, the obstacle you will come up against is working out how to heighten your bet’s chances of winning. There’s no way of guaranteeing winning bets or everyone would do it, so you have to rely on picking out a horse with the pedigree to finish first in a race that you’ve placed money on.

More experienced punters will find it easy to pick out what they see as being a winning horse racing tip from the hundreds of horses running in a single day, but for those with less practice at it, it can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It would help to abide by the crucial criteria used for picking likely horse racing winners, which is the same selection of boxes you need to tick when choosing a horse racing tipster to get behind, as you’ll only be able to find a winner elsewhere if the site you’re following pick their horse bets based on facts. One site we’d recommend for horse racing tips is The Winners Enclosure who offer daily betting tips for each race on daily!

What goes into winning horse racing bets?

Any horse racing tipster that has a genuine record for winning will swear by the use of thorough research in the bets they make. Without this, your horse bets will be lacking in any of the reasoning they need to stand a chance of landing in your favour, and it certainly makes it harder to back any horse that you have no reason for believing in. Even by merely looking into the current form of the horse you’re backing, their weight, record in similar races, and their superiority over other horses in the race, you’ll stand a chance of landing your bet.

Even if you’ve decided to refrain from using a horse racing tipster, you can still use a few to compare the bet you’ve created. If they were to have the same bet as you, it could be a sign that you’re on the right track, but if they don’t, it’s not a sign that you’ve wasted your time as long as you try to find out what you’re missing from your horse tip. When you’re finally ready to back any horse tips you’ve come up with, it would be advised to shop around for the best price on bookmaker websites, with some offering stronger odds by backing the horse early, and others boosting the price on selected favourites nearer the time.