Category: Horses

Betting today covers almost everything. Football, tennis, video games, even darts. Yet horse racing still feels different. The races may be short, over in a couple of minutes, but the anticipation builds all week. The noise of the crowd, the colors on the track, the sense that this is an event and not just a game. That is what keeps it special.

Royal Ascot’s Pull

Royal Ascot is theatre as much as it is sport. The carriages roll in, the grandstands fill with suits and hats, and the tradition speaks for itself. For many bettors, this is not just about chasing odds. It is about taking part in something that stretches back centuries. Whether you buy a card at the track or place a wager online through platforms like bet malawi, the feeling is the same. You follow the horses, make your pick, and when the gates open it feels like stepping into history. A win here is not only about the payout, it is about pride.

The Spirit of the Derby

Then there is the Kentucky Derby. Loud, quick, and impossible to ignore. People call it the most exciting two minutes in sport, and it earns that label. The stands are buzzing, mint juleps in hand, fashion on full display. Some fans only ever place one bet all year and this is the race they choose. Others come for serious money. Both groups give the Derby its mix of fun and high stakes, and that mix is what keeps it alive.

Betting as the Centerpiece

In most sports betting feels like an add-on. In horse racing it is the heartbeat. The ring is alive with shouts, odds boards change by the second, and friends argue over form before the race begins. The money that moves through Ascot or Churchill Downs is vast, but the real point is how central wagering is to the day. The bet and the race belong together.

The Occasion Matters

There is football every weekend. There is basketball every night. But there is only one Ascot week, only one Derby each year. That rarity creates weight. Dates are circled months in advance. Media coverage builds it up. Celebrities arrive. When the horses line up it feels like the whole day has been leading to that one moment.

Prestige That Lasts

Online betting means anyone, anywhere can follow these races now. A stream on your phone, a quick wager, a result in seconds. Platforms such as Betway make it simple for fans to join in no matter where they are. Yet the magic of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, the silks rushing past the post still matters most. Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby prove that horse racing can turn a bet into an occasion, and that is why these events continue to define prestige in the betting world.

At the last count, Highfield Princess had won 14 of her 38 races and a total of £1.67 million in win and place prize money. Her victories include no fewer than four at the highest Group 1 level and, most recently, she overcame a wide draw to justify favouritism in the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, run over 5 furlongs at Longchamp Racecourse on the same day as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, at the first time of asking. That was her first Group 1 win of 2023 but, in 2022, she completed a Group 1 hat-trick in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh within a five-week period in August and September. This is a winning streak in action, the kind you get on casino no deposit bonus codes casinous.

Now a six-year-old, the daughter of Night Of Thunder, who won the 2,000 Guineas in 2014, is rated 125 by Timeform, which places her in the ‘high class’ category; if the 3lb sex allowance she receives from her male rivals is taken into account, she is bordering on ‘top class’ but, in any case, has bona fide claims of being the best sprinter in Europe. Any such claim is all the more remarkable for the fact that her owner, John Fairley, bought her dam, Pure Illusion, who was in foal with her, for just £18,000 in December, 2016.

Highfield Princess did not race as a juvenile and, on her first three starts as a three-year-old, was beaten an aggregate of 28¼ lengths in maiden and novice stakes races, over 7 furlongs and a mile, at Redcar and Thirsk. Sent handicapping, off an official mark of 57, she troubled the judge for the first time when third, beaten 1¾ lengths, in a lowly, 0-65 affair, over 7 furlongs, at Doncaster, before cosily opening her account, off a 1lb higher mark, at Ayr six weeks later. Her trainer John Quinn, who is based in Settrington, North Yorkshire, said of her, ‘Some horses get quicker – and that’s what she did.’ No kidding, John.

For readers who, perhaps, haven’t read the news recently, Nick Rockett is an eight-year-old gelding who, on April 5, 2025, writ his name large in the annals of Aintree by winning the Grand National. Still officially owned by Bradford-born Stewart Andrew and his late wife, Sadie, and trained by Willie Mullins at Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow, Nick Rockett had advertised his Grand National claims by winning the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse after the weights for the world-famous steeplechase were published.

In the absence of the 2024 Grand National winner, I Am Maximus, Mullins’ stable jockey Paul Townend switched to Nick Rockett at Fairyhouse. Following a three-quarters-of-a-length victory over Intense Raffles, Townend said of the son of Walk In The Park, “He’s a hardy horse this year. I could see him running well in the National, big time.” Bookmakers, too, took note of the performance, quoting Nick Rockett as short as 8/1 second-favourite, ante-post, for the Grand National. Many took advantage of Free Bets UK , bonuses and the like to make the most of their National bet.

At Aintree, although evidently impressed by Nick Rockett, Townend chose to stick with I Am Maximus, leaving Nick Rockett to be ridden by Mullins’ son, and 15-time Irish champion amateur, Patrick. Jockey bookings, coupled with the fact that Intense Raffles was re-opossing on 15lb better terms than at Fairyhouse, may have contributed to Nick Rockett being sent off at a generous-looking 33/1 for the Grand National. In any event, Intense Raffles proved no threat at all and was tailed off when pulled up early on the second cicuit.

Nick Rockett, on the other hand, travelled and jumped well throughout, took a narrow lead at the second-last fence and mastered I Am Maximus on the run-in to win by 2½ lengths. In so doing, he took his record under Rules to 7-13, including 4-9 over fences, and his career earnings to just over £640,000. His only previous start on British soil resulted in a close third behind stable companion Minella Cocooner – whom he beat into seventh place in the National – in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park in April 2024 and he clearly has a bright future on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Australian horse racing has a rich history, deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture. From the early days of colonial settlement to the modern era, the sport has been a favourite of countless audiences and produced some of the greatest racing horses that we’ve ever known.

Here, we celebrate the legendary Australian racing horses that have left an unmeasurable mark on the sport, both in Australia and across the world.

Starting With The Historical Context

Horse racing in Australia began to take shape in the early 1800s, with the first official race meeting held in Hyde Park, Sydney, in 1810. By 1880s, almost 200 country clubs were registered to race under Australian Jockey Club rules, an example of the sport’s growth and popularity. The Australian Racing Board, established in the early 20th century, has since overseen the administration of racing, and today, horse racing is the third most attended spectator sport in Australia, drawing in nearly two million admissions annually to its 360 registered racecourses.

The Criteria for Greatness

The greatness of a racing horse is measured by its performance on the track, the impact it has on the sport, and what it meant to the racing culture at the time. Legendary horses often achieve remarkable feats, such as winning multiple Group 1 races, setting records, and capturing the public’s imagination. Their legacies often extend beyond their racing careers, influencing future generations of horses and the sport itself, and even becoming the stars of slots and other racing games at sites like Black Lotus online casino.

Legendary Australian Racing Horses

1. Phar Lap

Phar Lap, foaled on 4 October 1926 in Seadown, near Timaru, New Zealand, was a chestnut gelding known for his humble beginnings and extraordinary achievements. He was sired by Night Raid and was initially considered unimpressive due to his gangly appearance and warts. But his potential was recognised by trainer Harry Telford, who persuaded American businessman David J. Davis to purchase the colt.

Phar Lap’s racing career was marked by a slow start, finishing last in his first race and failing to place in his next three. However, his fortunes changed dramatically when he won the Maiden Juvenile Handicap at Rosehill in April 1929. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable streak that saw him win 37 of his 51 races, including the Melbourne Cup in 1930. Phar Lap’s most notable victories include the AJC Derby, the Cox Plate (twice), and the Melbourne Stakes. His heart, famously larger than average, is now displayed at the National Museum of Australia, symbolising his extraordinary stamina and determination.

Phar Lap’s legacy extends beyond his racing achievements. He became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression, inspiring a nation with his rags-to-riches story. His mysterious death in 1932, possibly due to arsenic poisoning, remains a subject of debate and intrigue. Phar Lap was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and is remembered as one of the greatest racehorses in history.

2. Makybe Diva

Makybe Diva was foaled on 21 March 1999, and is considered a champion Australian Thoroughbred racehorse that’s known for her unprecedented achievement of winning the Melbourne Cup three times in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Sired by Desert King out of the Riverman mare Tugela, she was trained by David Hall and later by Lee Freedman.

Makybe Diva’s racing career was marked by her exceptional stamina and versatility. She won the Cox Plate in 2005, adding to her list of Group 1 victories. Her other notable wins include the Werribee Cup and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Makybe Diva’s success on the track earned her the title of the highest stakes-earning mare in Australian racing history.

Makybe Diva’s legacy is defined by her record-breaking achievements and her impact on Australian horse racing. She captured the public’s imagination and became a household name and became an inspiration to an entire generation of passionate racing enthusiasts before ultimately retiring in 2005.

3. Kingston Town

Born on the 31st of August 1976, Kingston Town was an Australian Thoroughbred racehorse famous for his dominance in the early 1980s within the country. The offspring of Bletchingly and trained by the legendary Tommy Smith. Kingston Town’s career began modestly, but he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning 30 of his 41 starts.

Kingston Town’s racing career gained fame thanks to his three consecutive wins in the W.S. Cox Plate in 1980, 1981, and then once again 1982. He won the Sydney Cup and the AJC Derby, among other Group 1 races, and his versatility was evident in his ability to win at distances ranging from 1200 to 3200 metres. Kingston Town’s earnings surpassed the million-dollar mark, making him the first horse in Australia to achieve this feat.

Kingston Town’s famed heritage is marked by his extraordinary achievements on the track and his permanent impact on Australian horse racing as a whole. He was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and is remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of his era.

Black Caviar

Black Caviar is an Australian Thoroughbred racehorse who achieved the remarkable accomplishment of remaining undefeated in all 25 of her career starts. Black Caviar’s career began with a victory in a two-year-old handicap at Flemington in April 2009, setting the stage for her extraordinary racing journey.

An example of Black Caviar’s racing career is her unparalleled success and dominance throughout, including winning 15 Group 1 races, and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012, where she triumphed in front of Queen Elizabeth II. Other famous victories include the Lightning Stakes, the Newmarket Handicap, and the TJ Smith Stakes. Black Caviar’s speed and agility made her a truly formidable competitor, and she was crowned the World’s Best Racehorse in 2013.

The racer has left a legacy of unmatched success and excellence. She has long been a favourite among the Australian public and became a symbol of national pride, along with a favourite for online betting. Her retirement from racing in April 2013 was widely considered the end of an age, but the impact she left on the sport continues to be celebrated.

The 2024/25 National Hunt season is now past the halfway point, and with so many major meetings still to come, including the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Dublin Racing Festival, there are many opportunities for the best horses to shine.

Here is a look at who is in contention to end the campaign as the Jumps horse of the season.

Galopin des Champs On Course for Third Gold Cup Triumph

Dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs will head to the Cheltenham Festival in March bidding for a third straight success in the Blue Riband event in the sport. Only one horse in the last 50 years has achieved that feat, with Best Mate completing his hat-trick in 2004.

Willie Mullins’ chaser blew his rivals away in the Grade One Savills Chase during the festive period. He won the race for the second straight year for the Irish trainer, prevailing by just over seven lengths. It was a much better performance from the nine-year-old than he showed on his seasonal reappearance in the John Durkan Memorial Chase.

Galopin Des Champs will take the same route ahead of Cheltenham as he did last season, featuring in the Irish Gold Cup first. As of January 21st, he is the 4/5 favourite in the bet on horse racing market for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Victory in the day four feature could see him lead the race to be crowned the horse of the season.

Jonbon Dominates 2m Chase Division

All three of Jonbon’s victories this season have come at Grade Two or higher level. He has dominated the 2m division in the UK, winning the Shloer Chase (Cheltenham), Tingle Creek Chase (Sandown) and Clarence House Chase (Ascot).

In the Tingle Creek at Sandown, he hit the front of the field after the fourth fence from home at the Surrey-based racecourse, and he soon stretched away from his rivals. It was his second win in the race, becoming the first horse since Kauto Star in 2006 to defend his crown.

Jonbon produced an even better performance on his latest run in the Clarence House Chase. Nicky Henderson’s runner took on the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner, Energumene, but the Irish horse was no match for the favourite. It was his fifth straight victory on the track.

The J.P McManus-owned chaser will bid for his first Queen Mother Champion Chase success this season. He missed the meeting due to an injury in 2024 but he now heads to the Festival in great form ahead of that championship contest.

Constitution Hill Back to His Best 

Racing fans were delighted to see former Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill return to action in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Henderson’s star hurdler was back to his best in the Grade One race, beating Irish mare Lossiemouth comfortably.

After a series of setbacks that delayed his opening run of the season, Henderson and Constitution Hill’s regular jockey Nick de Boinville will have been relieved that their horse passed his latest test.

Constitution Hill has been tipped by many horse racing pundits to finish his career as one of the best 2m hurdlers in history. A second Champion Hurdle in March will help him towards that position. With Aintree’s Grand National Meeting or the Punchestown Festival likely for the unbeaten hurdler, he has plenty of time to end the campaign as the most impressive horse this season.

Some Exciting Novices on Both Sides of the Irish Sea

The novice races at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival are set to be very exciting this year, as several first-season hurdlers and chasers head there with big reputations. In the novice hurdles division, The New Lion is one of these. Trained by Dan Skelton, he won the Grade One Challow Hurdle at the end of 2024. His next appearance will be in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

In Ireland, Salvator Mundi has won both of his two hurdles starts comfortably. He broke his maiden at the first time attempt at Tipperary, scoring by 62 lengths. Mullins’ runner then stepped up in class to land the Grade Two Moscow Flyer Hurdle at Punchestown. That latest performance suggests he goes into the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle as a big player.

The final fixture on the 2024/25 Jumps calendar is the Celebration Chase Day at Sandown on the 26^th of April.