UK Horse Racing Tips

The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends Claudio Monteverdi across the Irish Sea for the Investec Derby Trial (2.30) at Epsom on Wednesday as his sole representative of the afternoon may be a hint worth taking. The Galileo colt has raced exclusively over a mile so far, but has suggested on all three starts that the step up to middle distances will be in his favour. He confirmed the promise of his never-nearer fourth of 25, beaten 4¼ lengths, behind Embiran in a maiden at the Curragh last month when comfortably winning a similar race at Leopardstown two weeks ago and looks a force to be reckoned with, despite his relative inexperience. Indeed, the form of his Leopardstown win has already been franked by stable companion The Gurkha, who hacked up by 9 lengths in a Navan maiden on Sunday so, provided he handles the idiosyncrasies of Epsom, he appears to have an outstanding chance.

Selection: Epsom 2.30 Claudio Monteverdi to win

In the Coral Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (4.45) at Ayr on Friday, Rons Dream proved no match for Vroum Vroum Mag and company in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month but, back in a handicap, off the same mark as when second over 2 miles 4½ furlongs at Cheltenham in December, she has a realistic chance of a return to the winners’ enclosure. That form has worked out well enough in any case, but her last win came over 3 miles 1½ furlongs, so stepping back up to 3 miles is in her favour and she’s fully effective on the prevailing soft ground. The Kayf Tara mare could only finish fourth in this race last year, but has officially improved 12lb in the interim and, with underfoot conditions in her favour, could fare significantly better this time around.

Selection: Ayr 4.45 Rons Dream to win

The 2016 Grand National is almost here and I’m sure you’re chomping at the bit in anticipation as much as I am. It’s hard to argue though, that there’s often a lottery aspect to the National. With such a large field and a gruelling course to traverse, no matter your racing knowledge, there’s a ‘shot in the dark’ aspect to the race. With that in mind here’s five tips / recommendations for the 2016 Grand National. No matter what you go for best of luck!

1) Many Clouds – A somewhat obvious choice considering it was last year’s winner and has continued to impress since. It’s not carrying much more weight and at 7-1 it could be said to be the one to beat. How many times do we see a favourite falter at the Grand National though? More often than not!

2) Silviniaco Conti – Trained by Paul Nicholls and currently available at 12-1 Silviniaco Conti has won seven group one races (as well as two King George VI Chases) so is really up to the task if he clears the hurdles. It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise in the world to see it go close or even win.

3) Onenightinvienna – I couldn’t complete the list without a big priced shot in the dark (50-1). It’s not uncommon for a horse with big or even huge odds to win the Grand Nation so here is our outsider of choice. Onenightinvienna jumps well (which doesnt hurt in the national!) and if the ground is on the soft side he might pull out one of his better performances, so it’s worth an each way shot at least.

Should you specifically be looking to bet on outsiders in the grand national in the hope of winning big, you could do worse than seeing what the Outsider blog has to say on the matter!

Imagine the scenario:
It’s your BFF’s birthday. They are horse mad! All they care about in life is horses. But what do you get for the horse-lover who has everything?
Paddy Power have stumbled across the top inventions any horse owner would love to receive ahead of the 2016 Grand National.

The Horse Saddle Holder

When you spend (on average) £2,500 on your saddle alone, you’re bound to want to get the most use out of it. By installing these handy car-seat-mounted racks, your saddle can be on show even when your horse isn’t.
Just imagine riding open top next to your top dollar saddle. They see you rollin’, they hating…
Source: hofmeister-pferdesport.de

Stable Vaccuum
Those pesky deposits of dirty and compacted straw dust are zapped away with ease using this awesome stable vacuum.

Source: elgee.com

I could eat a horse!
So hungry you could eat a horse? Or perhaps a horse-sized portion.
This handy spaghetti measurer will ensure you have just the right amount for a horse-sized appetite.

True Love
This horse hair heart is a true sign of love and devotion.
Horse hair has been used for bedding, paint brushes and jewellery for years. But we’re just not so sure on this one…

Picture This
If your friend wants to spend every waking (and sleeping) moment in the stables, help them re-create it in their bedroom with this photo-realistic stable door wall graphic.

Source: Ebay.com
Crazy Horses
These accessories for your bathroom will leave your guests wondering if you’re the crazy one. The ‘smelly horse toilet roll holder’ or the hilarious toilet seat print are both ideal gifts for the horse lover who has everything.

Source: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Horse-Toilet-Paper-Holder-FUNNY-Holding-Nose-Wall-Mount-Wildlife-Creations-4034-/381557267117?hash=item58d695daad:g:a7AAAOSwEeFVFW2q
Source: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Looprints-Funny-Picture-Novelty-Toilet-Seats-/141088513414?var=&hash=item20d987dd86:m:mqOApgFxO99DqYVk20ddmMw

Feeling a little horse
Turn your friend’s puppy into a miniature horse with this saddle and rider dress up costume. Guaranteed laughs as your small-scale-stallion competes in your very own garden Grand National.

Source: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pet-Dog-Riding-Horse-Costume-Novelty-Funny-Cowboy-Halloween-Clothing-Clothes-/391364450139?var=&hash=item5b1f23975b:m:mrRhi13r5nnBKhjgGlJubew
8GB Work Horse
Stuck in the office all day? Let your colleagues know how much you love your horses with this clever horse-shaped USB stick.

Source: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-818-Tech-no30900010008-Hi-Speed-2-0-USB-flash-drive-8GB-horse-rider-3D-black-/181767136829?hash=item2a522a663d:g:JPEAAOSwmmxW1mJb
Sweet Smell of Victory
This handmade soap comes all the way from Poland. Made with love and attention this unique soap is colourful, organic and comes in a range of sweet, natural smells. It’s SLS free, made from shea butter and contains no actual horse.

Source: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Myd-o-glicerynowe-Pi-kno-Konia-Glycerin-Soap-Horse-funny-eco-gift-handmade-/272174730026?hash=item3f5ee0cb2a:g:JIQAAOSwoBtW6rHF

Barn Bakes
If your friend loves to bake then this is the perfect gift. Despite looking like it might be a nightmare to wash up, it does print a great pattern on your cookies and biscuits.

A Very PC Horse Joke
This fun Mac sticker is our favourite. Typical of any cheeky mare, this makes a joke of the Apple logo seen on all Mac computers.

The Horse Onesie
Just when you thought the onesie craze was over, you see horses sporting their very own version around the paddocks, but when they’re looking this stylish, who can blame them.