UK Horse Racing Tips

Despite being beaten in each of the last four Grade 1 chases he has contested since winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March 2011, the Nicky Henderson-trained Long Run remains a top priced 4/1 favourite in the ante-post book with the likes of bet365 racing betting for the forthcoming King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

When he won the steeplechasing crown more than 18 months ago in a memorable contest that saw him get the better of the outstanding warhorses Denman and Kauto Star, most people believed the French-bred gelding would be the dominant force in the division for years to come, but things haven’t gone anywhere near as smoothly as so many racing ‘experts’ predicted.

At Haydock on November 24 Long Run made his eagerly anticipated return to action under regular pilot Sam Waley-Cohen, and despite very testing ground was expected to land the Grade 1 Betfair Chase, having 10lbs in hand of his nearest rival Silviniaco Conti on official BHA figures. But even given that rival’s fitness advantage, (having won the Grade 2 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby earlier in the month), Long Run never appeared to be a serious threat to the up-and-coming Paul Nicholls-trained chaser, who jumped like a stag and appeared very much at ease in the bog-like conditions.

Although the former champion moved to within a length of the eventual winner after the third last fence, Silviniaco Conti was alwaysholding too many aces for Henderson’s charge and went on to draw away to score comfortably by two-and-a-half lengths. He was soon halved in price for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is now just 7/1 in the horse racing betting offers to land the blue riband contest in March, a point shorter than Long Run (8/1).

Surprisingly though, Long Run has remained a solid market leader for the King George VI Chase despite his Haydock loss, connections having stressed that they weren’t going to knock their star performer around on his first start of the campaign on such bad ground, and expressing confidence he will come on a good deal for the outing and be at his best to attempt to win back the title he took two years ago and which he surrendered to the revitalized Kauto Star in the 2011 renewal.

There’s no doubt though that Long Run has a big point to prove at Kempton as more and more observers believe he is not quite the force of old. Only a winning performance at the Sunbury track will do if he is torestate his position as the best chaser in training.

Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of what is a racing festival considered by many to be the most glamorous and stylish race meetings in the world. Perfectly timed after the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee we get to continue the celebrations with five days of world class racing action. The Ascot course has close links with the royal family, and as such it’s likely the punters and royals alike will be looking forward to the 6 furlong Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 23.

Royal Ascot is a rare opportunity to enjoy the spectacle of top class racing. Many are looking forward to watching the Peter Moody trained, undefeated Black Caviar run in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Saturday). She’s the fastest racehorse in the world and is likely to be priced in Usain Bolt territory.  Others will be excited to see Ortensia race. Let’s also get forget that Royal Ascot is about the fashion dos and occasional don’t. There’s something for everyone at this must attend, or at least must watch event.

Ones to watch: Black Caviar, Ortensia and last but not least Frankel in the Queen Anne Stakes (Tuesday). Why not check out odds for other big events such as the 2013 Cheltenham Festival too.

A great horse race can be run in numerous ways. It could be the story of two perfectly matched horses running head-to-head until the last length. It could equally be the story of a race that begins with a strong favourite and ends on a win for the underdog. We’ve selected a few of the best racing legends of all time.

Grundy vs. Bustino in the King George IV and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, 1975
In one of the closest QE Diamond Stakes races ever, Grundy and Bustino duked it out practically neck and neck the whole way to the finish line. It was so close that no one would have dare called it until the last half a length. Grundy beat out Bustino in a display of flat racing athleticism that Brough Scott described as the toughest and most flawless performance of flat racing that he had ever witnessed. It’s written in the history books as the ‘race of a century’.
Arkle vs. Mill House in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, 1964
Not only were two of the most unstoppable young steeplechasers of their generation squaring off against each other, the whole affair was tied deep into national pride with Arkle representing the Irish stables and Mill House representing England. The build up to the race was phenomenal, measurable against any of the most famous sporting events of the past. Arkle sat behind Mill House for most of the race, and then began to pull up ahead of him over the jumps. It wasn’t a close race by the time Arkle rode to victory, but it certainly was one of the most spectacular races ever seen. It’s also one of the only events in horse racing to have a song – ‘Arkle’ by Dominic Behan.
Secretariat in the Belmont Stakes, 1973

The legendary racehorse known as Secretariat or ‘Big Red’ still holds the speed record at the Belmont Stakes in New York, nearly 40 years on from his amazing victory in 1973. He flew down the course, setting a staggering record of 2:24.00. He deserves his own solo entry in this list – there simply never has been any competition. After his win, many hundreds of the winning tickets were never cashed in but instead kept as souvenirs. Secretariat’s performance in the 1973 Belmont Stakes is regarded as one of the most amazing sporting achievements of all time. The event has been fictionalised in the 2010 movie Secretariat produced by Disney studios.
Crisp vs. Red Rum in the Grand National at Aintree, 1973
This is the story of an unbelievable defeat and an astonishing win. Crisp dominated most of the race by building a huge lead and going strong over the jumps. He looked as if he were going to carry the race away as he ran 20 lengths in front of Red Rum, as both horses approached the end of the race. Unfortunately, his potential dramatic win morphed into a dramatic loss when fatigue got the best of him and slowed him down. Red Rum, coming up fast behind with energy to spare, beat him by three quarters of a length. This win was the first of the legendary three Grand National wins for Red Rum. Most racing fans will say that Crisp nevertheless put in a fantastic performance (whilst carrying the maximum weight allowed) and that both horses rightfully have legendary status.
Our list focuses mostly on the 1960s and 70s, because those are the races and the names that seem to endure the most to this day. Horse racing fans still find watching these races an emotional experience – despite many fans being too young to remember the races as they happened! What is your favourite horse race of all time?

Our Lucky 7

Manomine
Clive Brittain has made a quiet start the two-year-old Flat season with a sole runner at present. However, he has been entering Manomine for a number of races including the Lily Agnes. Owned by his wife, this bay colt by Manduro could well turn out to be a bargain-buy at 18,000gns. Brittain is often noted for being a helpless optimistic although what many people forget is that so often these lofty expectations come to fruition. Although he can win with his debutantes his juveniles are often placed to win on their second start. This is a juvenile worth watching this season.

Queen’s Revenge
In recent years, Tim Easterby has made a monopoly of winning the first two-year-old race at Ripon and this year was no exception with the success of Queen’s Revenge. Winning four out of the last five contests is quite an achievement – even the losing filly finished a creditable second to a decent colt. Previous winners included Cristal Clear, Anglezarke & Cocktail Charlie. These classy two year olds are names, which stay in the mind. In fact, all went on to run respectably at pattern-class level in their two-year-old careers. What makes the performance of Queen’s Revenge so eye catching is that this robust filly recovered from a terribly slow start on debut, found trouble in running, and went on to win a shade cosily. David Allan never resorted to using his whip and this filly was running for fun. An attractive daughter of Multiplex, she is unknown quantity. It would be no surprise to hear connections are bound for Royal Ascot.

Pink Damsel
Paul Cole got the two-year-old season off to a flying start with Silverheels’ stylish victory at Windsor. His connection with Mrs Fitri Hay is another good reason to keep tabs on this season’s juveniles because she has a number of expensive recruits. Whatcombe must be anticipating an excellent year with a collection of two year olds featuring enviable pedigrees. Pink Damsel must figure high on their pecking order. This daughter of Galileo, out of the American mare Riskaverse, cost a whopping £600,000. Although this bay filly is unlikely to be seen until later this year she is worth noting. Hay has a number of juveniles stabled with Cole: Cardinal Water, MacDonald Mor, Minimise Risk plus one or two yet to be named. Mrs Fitri Hay’s purse has seemingly has no limit. Her juveniles with Cole cost more than £1.3 million. This Dubai-based property magnate doesn’t mind paying for success.

He’s So Cool
Bill Turner needs little introduction when it comes to early-season two year olds. Predictably, this son of One Cool Cat followed the tradition of winning the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. Never a handler to let the grass grow under his horses’ feet, this bay colt was expected to run a big race at Chester’s May meeting when competing in the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes. He didn’t have much go right that day and was unsuited by the turning course. He was able to show his class in the home straight where he clawed back many lengths and for a brief moment looked to have a glimmer of hope. He’s So Cool could be a good bet next time out but he needs a straight 5/6f.

Garrarufa
There are speculative bets and Garrarufa! At worst he trails home last – at best potentially a huge-priced winner. Millman’s debutante went off a 33/1 shot at Windsor. He finished last. At first glance that run doesn’t hold much promise. However, it isn’t unknown for one of Millman’s juveniles to be transformed from its first to second run. Garrarufa is a full brother to Roi De Vitesse who won at huge odds on his second start and this chestnut colt is also related to Cavort & Kojak who both won at two. Millman’s early-season juveniles are often some of his better horses. After reading comments made by James Millman, he noted that Roi De Vitesse showed nothing at home before being quote by the trainer’s son as ‘‘the best two year old I have ridden so far’’. Could Garrarfa follow in his illustrious brother’s footsteps? Only time will tell. He isn’t without hope. This son of Chineur is worth a small each way bet on his second start at speculative odds.

Crowning Star
Stan Moore has his two year olds in good form. Recent winners such as The Penny Horse & Snowed In give this affable trainer a good line to his string although it may be a recent form horse that proves to be the star of the show. Crowning Star is a giant of a two-year-old horse and ran a superb race on debut when competing in the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. After a slow start, this son of Royal Applause didn’t have the clearest path, but finished with purpose down the centre of the course. In previous years, Moore’s Brocklesby entrants have gone on to win in their juvenile career. Interestingly, even those declared for the race but withdrawn at the later entry stage have figured well. Snowed In was one such candidate. Being a big horse it is realistic to consider there could be more to come. I would expect this bay colt to run very well on his second start. Ideally suited to a straight course rather than a turning 5f, owner Ray Styles could have a decent horse.