Category Archives: Racing News

2020 was something of a wash-out for sport. While (somehow!) a packed Cheltenham Festival went ahead last year – essentially the last major sporting event for a good few months – we had no such luck with the Grand National. I’m sure we’d all have been happy for it to go ahead without crowds (much as it will this year) but unfortunately the whole event was cancelled as we were forced to endure a ‘Virtual Grand National’ instead. Thankfully the 2021 race is going ahead as planned, and in the above video Betway Horse Racing Ambassador takes the time to detail the tough road female jockeys have had in gaining recognition in the sport and the Grand National itself.

So who’s is in with the best chance of winning the 2021 Grand National? Well, there’s a clear favourite with bookmakers at time of writing –  Cloth Cap at 4/1. He’s looking to be one of the shortest priced starters (and potentially winner) in the history of the event. Others in the mix include Minella Times, Any Second Now and Burrows Saint. Tune in on 10th April, you’re in for a treat!

2020 wasn’t the easiest of years by any measure, and those difficulties extended to UK Racing . While the Cheltenham Festival went ahead (as essentially the last big sporting event before lockdown) sadly the Grand National was cancelled. Thankfully in 2021, while we’re not quite out of the woods, the Cheltenham Festival is at least due to go ahead once again this Tuesday, albeit without crowds. ITV is expected to use a previous crowd roar, to emulate the Cheltenham Roar that is so integral to the start of this stand-out Festival of racing. With the Festival just around the corner now let’s get into the spirit of things with a Betway Racing Cheltenham based quiz featuring some familiar footballing faces.

Ripon racecourse is a horse racing track located in Ripon, England. It is owned and managed by the Ripon Race Company Ltd. The racecourse has been hosting race meetings for over 300 years now, and is well-known for hosting flat races. It is widely known as Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse since it is situated in a peaceful and exciting atmosphere. The racecourse has a big permanent screen from which the racegoers can enjoy watching the races and replays. It has its own betting operator, enabling it to reinvest the money obtained from betting into its facilities. The racetrack is right-handed and oval in shape. It has three enclosures where the racegoers can view the races from-the course enclosure, which is situated in the middle of the race track, the Paddock Enclosure and the Club Stand.

The first race to be recorded at Ripon racecourse took place in 1664, with its venue being the Bondgate Green. In
1723, the course made history by staging the first race for lady riders. In 1900, the racecourse was relocated to Boroughbridge, which is its current venue. The first race meeting in the new venue was held on the 6th of August in the same year. It was voted for as the best small racecourse three times by the Racegoers Club.

The Ripon Champion Two Years Old Trophy is a notable race held in the racecourse. It takes place every August, being sponsored by the Irish Champions Weekend. Only horses aged two years are allowed to take part in the race. Another notable race taking place in the racecourse is the Great St. Wilfrid Stakes. It is sponsored by William Hill, and requires the horses to be three years and above in order to take part in the race. Ripon has a wide range of hospitality facilities, ranging from private boxes, suites and rooms for hire.

The Fakenham racecourse is a thoroughbred racing track for horses located in Fakenham, England. It is owned and operated by the Fakenham Racecourse Ltd. The racecourse is well known for hosting National Hunt races, and is a venue for the famous West Norfolk Hunt. The left-handed racetrack is fairly big having a circumference of 1 mile.

Racing in Fakenham racecourse has been taking place since 1884. The first race that ever happened there took place on an Eater Monday. This was after the racecourse was transferred from East Winch to West Winch due to problems caused by the heavy soil on the course. In 1905, another race meeting took place, attracting a total of 37 runners. Hurdle races were introduced into the racecourse in 1926. Races were held frequently in Fakenham till 1939 when it was affected by the World War outbreak. Racing however resumed back to normal in 1947, and a second meeting besides the Easter Monday one was introduced. This attracted a significant number of people, making it more popular. Renovations were done in 1965. The paddocks were enlarged, and a new grandstand built. These developments made it possible for the number of fixtures to increase from two to five.

Many changes have been taking place in the racecourse since it started hosting race meetings about 110 years ago. For example, it takes pride in its thriving Annual Membership which has put it a step ahead of many racecourses in the country. This year, it is set to host a number of events. On the 8th of May will be the Snellings Norfolk National. Entry badges for this event will be available for bookings online. Children under the age of 18 will be allowed to enter free in the company of a paying adult. Tickets start from 10 Euros, depending on the packages that one chooses for the event.