UK Horse Racing Tips

Even in his heyday in the early- to mid-Sixties, Arkle gained legendary status in his native Ireland, where he was often revered simply as ‘Himself’ or ‘The Champion’. Thanks, in no small part, to a Timeform Annual Rating of 212 – the highest awarded to any horse and 20lb superior to every steeplechaser, bar one, in the last five decades – his legend continues.

Arkle is best remembered for winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup three years running in 1964, 1965 and 1966. On the first occasion, he was involved in one of the greatest clashes in the history of National Hunt racing when he took on the reigning champion, Mill House, an exceptional steeplechaser who was, at the time, a poster child for the sport. Arkle prevailed by 5 lengths, beat the same horse by 20 lengths in the 1965 renewal and, in 1966, in the absence of Mill House – sidelined with back problems – beat the talented, but vastly inferior, Dormant by a record 30 lengths.

At that stage of his career, still only a nine-year-old, Arkle was widely expected to equal the record of five consecutive wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup achieved by Golden Miller in the Thirties. Indeed, had his career not been cut short by an injury sustained in the King George VI Chase at Kempton later that year, Arkle may well have done so. Nevertheless, between 1962 and 1966, Arkle won 22 of his 26 steeplechases, with notable successes also including the Irish Grand National in 1964 and the King George VI Chase in 1965.

Unlike many modern steeplechasers, Arkle regularly tested his mettle in handicap company, often conceding two stone, or more, to his rivals. In that sphere, he won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in 1964 and 1965 and the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown in 1965, carrying 12st 7lb on all three occasions. Arguably his best weight-carrying performance was also at Sandown, in the Gallaher Gold Cup in 1965, where he beat his old rival Mill House, who was receiving 16lb, by 20 lengths in effortless fashion and smashed the track record by 17 seconds in the process.

Racing is universally known as the sport of kings, and in the UK it’s certainly a sport that the nation holds close to its collective heart. With races like the Grand National and 2000 Guineas steeped in 100 years plus of history, and with royal connections to festivals such as Royal Ascot, there can be no doubting its appeal in the country.

Let’s not assume that a love of horse racing begins and ends in the UK though.  Horse racing holds truly global appeal, and many of the world’s most prestigious racecourses and races are abroad. Vast numbers of Australians for instance simply can’t wait for the Melbourne Cup 2019. Held on Tuesday, 5th November (and first held way back in in 1861!) this much loved racing spectacle is set to feature the cream of the crop of thoroughbred racing. With prize money of A$8,000,000 this jewel in the crown of Australian racing takes place in Flemington, Melbourne, Victoria and is known to be the richest two mile handicap in the world. Previous winners include the likes of the Godolphin owned and Charlie Appleby trained Cross Counter in 2018 and Rekindling the year prior. The race is part of the stylish and lavish Melbourne Cup Carnival.

If we travel around 7400km from Melbourne we find ourselves at the visually stunning Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong. While the current problems in the area are lamentable, the Happy Valley course situated on Hong Kong Island offers a skyline view like no other, and is popular with both locals and tourists. With a 55,000 spectator capacity and dazzling views, especially during night-time racing, this is one for the racing casuals and purists alike. The course is one of two in Hong Kong, was built in 1845 and had its first race held there the following year.

If you’re less about the views and more about the dollars signs, you may want to check out horse racing in Dubai. Of course the interest from this area of the world within worldwide racing as a whole is ever apparent, but it’s on Dubai soil that the Dubai World Cup meeting is held. It’s the race day that holds the distinction of being both the richest day ($35 million dollars) and the richest race (the Dubai World Cup – $7.2 million dollars going to the winner in 2019). Held each year at the Meydan Racecourse, Godolphin has once again experienced much success here, registering its record seventh victory in 2018 with the Saeed bin Suroor trained Thunder Snow.

The reality is that wherever you find yourself in the world, you’re never far away from top class racing action, unmissable festivals, and big money races. And all of this is held up by a general public with a love of this, the sport of kings.

Introduction

In every sport, there are names that transcend the sport itself and become known to even to non racegoers. For many people, Kauto Star is one such name that even those with little racing interest are likely to know. A French-bred National Hunt racehorse, it was an incredibly powerful horse that pulled in over £3.75m in prize winnings across a stellar career. While it sadly passed on age 15 in June 2015, what it leaves behind is one of the most impressive career legacies for a horse of its kind.

Career Summary

Known for its determination and capability for a big comeback, Kauto Star managed to shock the world with a Cheltenham Gold Cup win in 2007. However, it returned in 2009 to win it again, becoming the first horse in history to win the cup, lose it, then win it back. Sadly, it began to reduce in performance levels afterward, despite wins at tournaments such as the King George VI Chase and the Betfair Chase.

With five King George VI Chases, it is the most decorated horse to attend these events. With a Timeform rating of 191, too, it’s one of the most decorated horses of all-time.

Achievements & Highlights

When retiring in 2012, it was provided with an option to move into career options – but none were particularly forthcoming. Injuries in 2015 occurred after falling and it had to be euthanized after sustaining injuries which it could not recover from. It was paralyzed and unable to stand, and the decision was made to put down.

With a rating of 191, it stands as the third strongest steeplechaser of all-time, just behind Arkle and Flyingbolt.

Wins – Tingle Creek Chase (2005, 2006), Old Roan Chase (2006), Betfair Chase (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011), King George VI Chase (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), Aon Chase (2007), Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007, 2009), Ascot Chase (2008), JNwine.com Champion Chase (2008, 2010).

Associations – Clive Smith, Henri Aubert, Paul Nicholls, Serge Foucher.

Earnings – £3.75m+.

A pony went to the doctor complaining about having a sore throat. The doctor said: “It’s OK, you’re just a little horse.”

A racehorse owner takes his horse to the vet. “Will I be able to race this horse again?,” he asks
The vet replies: “Of course you will, and you’ll probably win!”

Why should you never be rude to a jump jockey? In case he takes offence.

A talking horse walks into a bar and approaches the manager. “Excuse me, good sir,” the horse says, “are you hiring?”

The manager looks the horse up and down and says, “Sorry, pal. Why don’t you try the circus?”

The horse nickers. “Why would the circus need a bartender?”

Did you hear about the man who was hospitalized with six plastic horses inside him?

The doctor described his condition as stable.

A young jockey and his stable lass girlfriend make the decision to get married. Everything is planned and the couple intend to honeymoon in Italy for a week. The marriage goes without a hitch and the couple set off on their honeymoon. While checking in the lady behind the desk asks ‘We have two suites available for you, would you like the bridal?’ ‘No thanks says the jockey I’ll just hold her ears till she gets the hang of it!’ –

A horse walks into a bar. The barman says “hey”. The horse says “sure, thanks