Category: Races

The next major horse race meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse is The Showcase at the end of October. The two-day event is scheduled for Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October. As ever, The Jockey Club has dubbed it the “return of jumps racing” and the general curtain-raiser for the 2024/25 Cheltenham calendar. Tickets are set to go on sale imminently for adults, with all under-18s allowed free, ticketless entry to The Showcase.

The Showcase is also unique as it provides a peak behind the curtain into the world of racehorse ownership. There’s a host of experiences for racegoers, including Q&A sessions with some of the greats of National Hunt racing. All of which helps to whet the appetite for the 2024/25 jumps season.

National Hunt trainers dedicate their lives to preparing the finest hurdlers and steeplechasers for owners up and down the country. Being a racehorse owner is a hugely fulfilling pastime, especially when the hard work of training pays off on a race day. It’s easier than some may think to become a racehorse owner. It’s even possible to purchase shares in a racehorse gift voucher, which allows recipients to select the horse they are interested in. Whether it’s to celebrate a birthday or a landmark anniversary, there’s no barrier to entering the world of horseracing these days.

What to expect from The Showcase meeting

Both days of racing have already been pencilled in, according to The Jockey Club’s official website. Friday’s race card features seven compelling races, one of which is a Grade 2 feature race, the Sky Bet Novices’ Hurdle. Last time out, the Novices’ Hurdle was landed by Lookaway, trained by Neil King. In addition, the Class 2 Novices’ Steeple Chase and Novices’ Hurdle Race were both landed by thoroughbreds trained by Gavin Cromwell, who enjoyed a stunning start to the 2023/24 jumps season.

On Saturday, the second and final day of The Showcase meeting, the EPIC Jumps Season at the William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase is the feature race. In 2023/24, this race was comfortably won by Henry De Bromhead’s Whacker Clan. Meanwhile two-time Cheltenham Festival winner, Flooring Porter, also made a triumphant return to the circuit to win the William Hill Lengthen Your Odds Novices’ Steeple Chase. There’ll likely be more seasoned festival runners entered into this year’s Showcase meeting.

If you want to be notified when tickets formally go on sale, it’s best to sign up for The Jockey Club newsletter, which alerts all subscribers to early-bird windows and potential ticket discounts in advance.

Any readers thinking of making use of The Showcase as an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion should note that hospitality packages will soon be made available for October. Private boxes are available for most race meetings at Cheltenham, catering for a minimum of ten guests per box. With a four-course meal, as well as an additional afternoon tea and private bar facility, not to mention your own official betting services, it’s as VIP as it gets for racehorse-goers at Cheltenham.

 

If you enjoy two-year-old horse racing then you must have heard of the Brocklesby Stakes. Predominantly it has been the first juvenile race of the Flat season. I say predominantly because there have been a few years where one or two races took place on the all-weather, which I found irritating because it undermined the whole tradition of the Brocklesby. It has been and should be the starting point of two-year-old horse racing season. To me, that is important and something to be protected.

Too many traditions have been eroded by someone with a ‘good’ idea.

I remember the Cherry Hinton. A race established in 1947. A Group 3 race upgraded to Group 2 status in 1996. And then in 2013 renamed to the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (in honour of Catherine Dutchess of Cambridge). I can’t tell you how irritated that name change made me feel. I know I’m not alone with that thought. I wonder who had the ‘bright idea’ for change?

Anyway, enough of me being, still, annoyed how the Brocklesby could have been usurped.

I don’t think that will be happening again!

Good news, the Brocklesby Stakes 2024 will be taking place on the 23^rd March at 13.50.

A sprint (5f) at Doncaster Racecourse on the same card as The Lincoln Handicap.

The first race on the card.

The Brocklesby Stakes has been won by many exceptional horses. In fact, in recent years (2022), we saw the Richard-Hannon trained Persian Force cruise to an ‘impressive’ four-and-three-quarter length victory. He went on to win the July Stakes (Group 2), runner-up in the Prix Morny (Group 1), placed in the Middle Park Stakes (Group 1). His season and racing career finishing when fourth place in the Keeneland Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Total prize winnings £289,012. This son of Mehmas, racing in the familiar silks of Amo Racing Ltd, raced just 8 times. He now stands as a stallion (8,000 Euros) at Tally Ho Stud, Ireland.

Over the years a number of classy two-year-old colts and fillies have won this race.

Some of my favourites include Jack Berry’s Mind Games (1994), Hearts Of Fire (2009) trained by Pat Eddery, who took the Group 1 Gran Criterium at San Siro (Italy). Every inch a mudlark, he was a great talent and probably one of the best horses trained by the former high-profile jockey. Other legends include the outstanding Provideo (1984), trained by Bill O’Gorman. He set a British record winning 16 of his 24 races as a two-year-old. To think his journey started by winning the Brocklesby. Bill Turner, who for so many years won this great race, has struggled to capture those glory days. The likes of The Lord, Spoof Master & Mick’s Yer Man are all reminders of why the Brocklesby is so special for trainers big and small. Other horses I remember with joy are the ill-fated Santry (2017). We can only imagine what he could have achieved. The Last Lion (2016) trained by Mark Johnston who went on to win the Middle Park Stakes (Group 1).

I wonder which Brocklesby winners are your favourites?

I love the Brocklesby Stakes. It’s a starting point. The beginning of a journey. A story that will be carved in stone. The winner will follow in the hoof prints of famous thoroughbred racehorses. Perhaps, even, pattern-class winners.

For many, this race will come and go without reflection. Horse racing is, for me, more than the next race. Horse breeder, Nellie Cox, said: ‘There’s a story behind every horse’ and that is worth considering. For me, it helps add to the understanding of something special. Each and every life is important and we are lesser people if ignoring this fact.

This year we have even more reason to look forward to the Brocklesby Stakes. The British Stallions Stud (EBF) is increasing the total prize money to £40,000 which means the winner should receive a prize of £20,000+. This will help bolster the standard of the Brocklesby Stakes as it’s sure to be in the minds of trainers looking to start their season with a bang.

The Brocklesby Stakes is a Class 2 race. It has seen good and bad years with differing levels of talent.

Back in 1996 Indian Spark won the Brocklesby Stakes by four lengths for horse trainer Bill Turner. Little did they realise it would be the first of 143 race career.

 

We’re all a little bit excited about the arrival of Cheltenham 2023 – one of the biggest and best racing events on the calendar. However, if you don’t know much about horse racing and are new to this kind of event, then fear not – we have put together this quick guide of all you need to know to get started…

 

Dress Code

If you are heading over for some actual real-life action, then you may want to dress the part. Although there isn’t an official dress code for the festival, this is certainly a dress-to-impress kind of event. Most women will be wearing bright-coloured dresses, hats and heels, whereas men will likely be suited and booted. But don’t forget to dress for the weather… We live in Britain and it can be very unpredictable!

Betting at Cheltenham

One of the best parts about Cheltenham, whether you watch it from home or have a track-side seat, is all the betting action. It is no wonder that millions of pounds are spent betting on the assortment of races over the four festival days. There are hugely generous Cheltenham betting offers available such as boosted odds, extra place deals and all sorts. You’ll also find plenty of expert tips up for grabs. If you’re new to horse racing betting, this is the time to get started.

The Major Races

There are 7 races per day over the four days, meaning 28 races in total. If you want to cherry-pick the ones you want to watch or bet on, here are the key races…

Tuesday at 15.30: Champion Hurdle

The big race of the first day is the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy. This is run over 2 miles and ½ a furlong. It is race number four – right in the heart of the day’s action and has produced some very famous winners including two-time champion Buveur d’Air, who won in both 2017 and 2018.

 

Trainers to look out for this year include 4-time winners Wille Mullins and Nicky Henderson. You may also want to look for horses owned by JP McManus – who has produced 5 winners in the last 10 years – including the last 3 winners.

 

Wednesday at 15.30: Queen Mother Chase

Heading into day 2 we have the Queen Mother Champion Steeplechase, run over 2 miles. Again, this is right in the middle of the day’s action and offers the biggest purse – of £400,000. In the last few years, it has been dominated by two-time champion, Altior.

 

In terms of betting, one trainer you may want to look out for is Nicky Henderson who has trained 5 of the past 10 winners… including 3 of the last 4 winners. Other names worth checking out include Paul Nicholls and Henry de Bromhead who also have decent track records in this event.

 

Thursday at 15.30: The Stayers’ Hurdle

On day 3, there are two big races – the Ryanair Steeplechase at 14:50 being a good one. However, the biggest race of the day is the 3-mile-long Stayers’ Hurdle at 15:30. This race has brought us some of the sport’s most legendary horses – such as Big Bucks who won it four years consecutively between 2009 and 2012. No one has matched this record ever since.

 

The most successful trainer in recent years is Wille Mullins, who won it in 2017 and 2018, with different jockeys, horses and owners.

 

Friday at 15.30: The Cheltenham Gold Cup

This is just the biggest race of the day, this is the biggest race of the festival… the pinnacle of four days of racing. As such, it has the biggest purse – £625,000 and this is the race every trainer and jockey wants to win. There is only one trainer who has won it more than once in the past decade and that’s Nicky Henderson. Willie Mullins has won it just once with the 7-year-old runner Al Boum Photo.

 

There are no dominant horses, owners, jockeys or trainers – this is all about the best on the day… which makes it the best race of the festival and some even argue, the best of the year.

Ask any casual racing fan to name the most prestigious horse racing event in Australia, and they’d almost certainly say the Melbourne Cup. And with good reason, too, as it’s not just the most famous racing event from Australia – it is one of the world’s greatest sporting and cultural events.

But the showcase at the most famous Australian horse racing racecourse, Flemington Park, does have competition from other events. These include the new super-rich events like The Everest, which carries one of the world’s largest racing purses.

And yet, there is also some debate as to whether the W.S. Cox Plate is the superior race. Yes, the Melbourne Cup is the one that brings the nation together, and the one that gets all the international attention. But for racing purists, and that means many trainers and jockeys, the one they want to win is the Cox Plate.

Both races steeped in history

The Cox Plate is in its 100^th year in 2022, whereas the Melbourne Cup has been held since 1861. So, it’s fair to say that both races are steeped in history. Both offer huge financial incentives to owners, but the Melbourne Cup has the bigger purse at $AUD 8 million, whereas the Cox Plate offers $AUD 5 million (still a huge amount).

Nonetheless, we aren’t talking about history, money, or even prestige here, it’s more about the mechanics of the race. And some feel that the slog of the big handicaps like the Melbourne Cup becomes something like a war of attrition, not necessarily rewarding the best horse in the race due to the handicap system.

In contrast, the Cox Plate, with its shorter distance and ‘weight for age’ system is more of a fair system in the eyes of some racing fans. Horses will carry some weight because of their age, but it’s not like the handicap system where the best horses are punished to carry the most weight due to their perceived excellence. The Cox Plate has a better record of favourites winning, and it’s clear punters enjoy that element.

Everyone will have their personal favourite

Of course, some of this comes down to the question of handicaps versus other races. Detractors believe that forcing the best horses to carry heavier weights is the equivalent of asking a Real Madrid to play a football match with nine men against a team of 11 just because the Spanish team has had more success. Proponents of handicaps, however, believe that it’s simply part of the contest. Indeed, many punters enjoy their battle of wits against the handicapper.

We might ask – why not try to win both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup? Despite the close proximity of the two race dates, it has been done in the past – seven times, in fact. Most recently, the double has been achieved by Makybe Diva (2005).

But the demands of modern racing – and welfare concerns – mean that fewer elite horses are trying to achieve the double. Verry Elleegant entered both in 2021, coming 3^rd in the Cox Plate and winning the Melbourne Cup. So it is still very possible.

It’s always going to be a subjective opinion to say one is better than the other. And every jockey, trainer, owner and, indeed, punter is going to have their favourite. Maybe it’s the Melbourne Cup or the Cox Plate; perhaps it’s the All-Star Mile or the Caulfield Cup. Racing is a broad church, consisting of multiple disciplines; claiming one is the best is akin to claiming there is a best Olympic sport. And any horse with a Cox Plate or Melbourne Cup on its resume is going to be a special horse indeed – regardless of which one they win.

Everyone knows that the annual Cheltenham Festival every March has lots of top-drawer racing action to savour each day that it runs. This is certainly true for day four, which hosts arguably the biggest race of the entire week to bet on. This comes in the form of the historic Gold Cup and provides the ideal climax to a sensational week of National Hunt thrills.

Although it is known to horse racing fans as Gold Cup day, the final day of Cheltenham is not just about this Grade 1 contest – there are also other well-known races, such as the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the Triumph Hurdle, to have a flutter on. To get the most from betting on day four of Cheltenham, though, a good tip is that you should track down the most sought-after bookmakers’ offers.

These enable bettors to have even more fun when getting involved with the festival, and have more cash to bet on races with. But what are the best Cheltenham day four betting offers to know about?

Sky Bet – £30 in free bets for Cheltenham

Free bet offers are the most widely seen and highly-prized promos that bookies run for big events in horse racing events such as the Cheltenham Festival 2024. Sky Bet is a case in point and certainly has one of the most eye-catching promotions to use for betting on day four of this meet.

This sees a huge £30 in free Cheltenham bets up for grabs when you create a Sky Bet account as a new customer. The free bets are credited as 3 x £10 bet tokens, which can be used on races that are run during the final day of the festival.

As with most other bookies covering the festival, Sky Bet is also known to have regular ongoing promos for existing customers to use on day four of the action. This often includes deals such as price boosts for the biggest races, or on big-name horses running in a particular day four contest.

bet365 – Bet £10 on Cheltenham and get £30 in free bets

bet365 is one of the most famous, trusted and reliable sports betting firms in the UK. It is also well-known for covering each day of the Cheltenham Festival, offering competitive odds on races and having lots of markets to check out. If you are searching for the best betting offers for day four of this event, it rates highly.

New customers have the chance to net a cool £30 in free bets for this day of the festival, when they first bet £10. Once an eligible £10 qualifying bet has been made, the £30 in free bets will be credited to your account to use on top races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup. A good tip with this offer is putting the qualifying bet on the first race of day four at Cheltenham, so you get the free bets to use on the rest of the day’s racing.

talkSPORT BET – Get £30 in free bets for Cheltenham

It is common to see the best Cheltenham day four promotions come from the biggest names around. talkSPORT BET is a case in point and shares a brand with the UK’s top sports radio station. It is a place that not only treats customers fairly and offers excellent support but also focuses on using the latest online security measures to protect your sensitive data.

This platform also has a sensational Cheltenham day four betting offer that is open to brand new customers. This sees £30 in free bets up for grabs to use during the festival, once you have opted in and first placed an eligible £10 qualifying bet on any sport. Once this has been done, you will receive 3 x £10 bets to make the most of day four betting with. It is important to note that this offer is only available with card and Apple Pay payments.

BetVictor Sports – Bet £20 and get £40 in free Cheltenham bets

All sports betting fans in the UK will know the BetVictor Sports brand – it is another iconic company offering awesome extras for Cheltenham 2024. Its main promotion is for new customers and offers £40 in free bets to use at the festival once you have opened a new account and placed an eligible £20 qualifying wager within seven days. Once the qualifying wager is settled, the £40 will be yours to use on races such as the Triumph Hurdle or the Mares’ Steeple Chase.

BetVictor is also likely to fall in line with other sportsbooks covering Cheltenham, and run specific offers for existing customers to grab on day four of the action. This could be anything from free bets to daily doubles, accumulators and more, so keep an eye out.

Ladbrokes – Bet £5 and get £20 in free bets

Although not a dedicated Cheltenham deal per se, Ladbrokes’ “bet £5 and get £20 in free bets” promo is perfect for getting more from betting on day four of the festival. Open to new customers from the UK and Ireland, placing an eligible qualifying wager of £5 within 14 days of opening an account sees 4 x £5 free bets credited for your use.

As long as you make your qualifying bet in time for Cheltenham day four, you will have the £20 in free bets ready to use on your selections for the day. Although the free bets are only valid on certain markets and expire after seven days, this remains one of the favourite promos for the final day of Cheltenham racing action.

Top offers for Cheltenham day four betting

Those discussed here are without doubt the most sought-after promotions to use for betting on day four of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. All of the offers we have looked at not only come from some of the most trusted names in horse race betting but also enable punters to get the maximum benefit from wagering on the final day of this event.