Category Archives: Racing

Kevin Doyle – From Footballer to Racehorse Breeder

By Noah Salzman – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126534018

Former Reading striker turned racehorse breeder Kevin Doyle compares Willie Mullins’ dominance to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle has a new passion in life – breeding racehorses and his love for the sport has taken off since leaving football.

The 40-year-old revealed in an interview with BoyleSports how his life has changed and has compared the dominance of Willie Mullins in jump racing to that of Sir Alex Ferguson to Manchester United.

Willie Mullins is currently the 1/16 favourite to be this year’s top trainer, according to the latest Cheltenham odds via the bookmaker – demonstrating his superiority in the sport.

Doyle said: “I think in every sport you have dominance, whether it’s in football with Man City and, before that, Manchester United were dominant for how many years.

“For most of my childhood as a Man United fan, we were winning everything, you know, one man started leading it all in Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It just goes like that; I think it doesn’t last forever. Willie at the moment has an unbelievable setup and a team around them of people as well.”

Though Doyle is a big fan of the Irish magician’s way to train winners, he doesn’t think Willie’s dominance will last for a lifetime.

He added: “Dominance just happens in sports; it will be cyclical, it might last another 10 or 15 years, and it might annoy a lot of people, but things don’t last forever.

“But it’s just human nature; it won’t last forever. He’s got the hunger and the desire to make sure to try and prove every year and get better and better and try and make it last as long as possible.”

Doyle has also revealed how football teams can use a trip to next week’s Cheltenham Festival for team bonding, with mixed success.

The ex-Reading and Wolves striker said: “My first year at Reading in 2005/06 was my first trip to Cheltenham; we were going very well at the time. We were basically promoted to the Premier League and it was the day out to celebrate.

“It was only three days at the time, Cheltenham, from what I remember, and we have gone many years since, with Reading and different clubs.

“When things are going well, we used to go with a day out for team bonding, and when things were going poorly, it was an excuse to go to the manager and say maybe we need a day away to get a bit of team bonding to try turn the ship around, but that never seemed to usually work!”

Doyle has entered the world of horse breeding, a rarely trodden path for former footballers and has bred a number of horses, including Baby Kate for Willie Mullins. Doyle revealed how his early years as a player for Reading and Ireland set him on a path to the racing industry.

He said: “Yeah, we had plenty of players over the years with that Reading team. Plenty of lads interested.

“Stephen Hunt was one of them and has had shares and horses and syndicates, I think over the years. Shane Long was another one thinking of the Irish lads, Noel Hunt as well. We all had a dog together with the assistant manager Wally Downes which won the Puppy Derby. Bush Paddy it was called.

“With the Ireland team as well, we’ll be home with Ireland and John O’Shea was a big one to set up syndicates with the Ireland team and get a few of us involved over the years with different horses.

“With Ireland, maybe we’d get an afternoon off and we’d go to Leopardstown or the Curragh together.”

Ferguson’s main chance of a big win at next week’s Cheltenham Festival will be with either Protektorat 16/1 or Hitman 25/1 in the £375,000 Ryanair Chase.

Meanwhile, Redknapp will be hoping that his charge, Shakem Up’Arry, can win from odds of 20/1 in the Ultima Handicap Chase. British and Irish trainers will go head-to-head at the Festival, competing for the Prestbury Cup, with former Irish international Doyle revealing fond memories of trips to the Festival.

Winning the Gold Cup Would Be Life-Changing

By Carine06 from UK – Champion Hurdle, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37285214

“Winning the Gold Cup would be life-changing” – Irish trainer Shark Hanlon shares his love for £800 horse Hewick with the chance of a Cheltenham and Grand National double.

John “Shark” Hanlon has admitted it would be heartbreaking if Hewick were not able to run because of the ground conditions at Cheltenham – but insisted if his fan favourite horse won the Gold Cup, then it would be life changing for the trainer.

Hewick was a sensational winner of the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day last year, adding to successes in the bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate and American Grand National before reaching a career pinnacle at Kempton.

Hewick and newly-named BoyleSports ambassador Hanlon are all set to travel over to Cheltenham next week for the prestigious four-day Cheltenham Festival with Hewick a 14/1 shot, according to the latest Cheltenham Gold Cup odds from the bookmaker.

The trainer has said it would be a career-defining moment were his bargain £800 win one of the biggest prizes in racing.

“The most important thing is that the rain stops and we get good ground,” Hanlon said.

“If we don’t get good ground, we are not going to run the horse. That would be heartbreaking because we are going to a Gold Cup with a real chance. We want the sun to come out, the breeze to blow, and we want good ground on the day.

“Hewick has taken us all over the world. We were in France, went to America and will go back, maybe go to Australia later in the year.

“For us to have a horse to win the King George was a big, big day, for me, my family, and for all the staff in the yard. And also for Ireland. It gave the whole of Ireland a lift.

“I wouldn’t say that it has been life changing but it has been a big help. The Gold Cup though would be life changing and we will go for the Grand National after that. We just have to keep our fingers crossed. To win a Gold Cup which we all grow up dreaming about would be utterly amazing for a small yard like me.”

Hanlon is going up against the big boys once again in the shape of the powerhouse yards of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott from Ireland, as well as Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson in Britain.

Mullins and Elliott in particular have dominated Cheltenham in previous years and that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

“It is impossible to take on those super yards in Ireland,” Hanlon added.

“We are working with handicap horses because we can’t get graded horses. We can’t afford to buy the graded horses. That is the big thing. Gordon has Gigginstown and three or four other very good customers.  Willie has them everywhere. I just hope one of them might come to me!”

BoyleSports announced it is teaming up with John ‘Shark’ Hanlon as his Official Stable Partner and will be closely following Hewick’s journey to Prestbury Park. If Hewick is successful in his bid for the Gold Cup, BoyleSports will donate €100,000 to the Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) and the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) in the UK.

The Longest Horse Races in the UK

Grand National. (2024, January 18). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_National

Jumps season is now in full swing with some of the most significant dates in the National Hunt calendar just around the corner. Horse racing fans will soon be piling into racecourses around the country in the early months of 2024 as they watch jockeys and trainers test their mettle in some fierce conditions. UK horse racing fans have fallen in love with the National Hunt format over the years; some of the country’s most iconic and well attended races are National Hunts and have made the careers of several legendary jockeys and trainers. They are some of the most challenging races out there on the calendar given the arduous obstacles and taxing length and the UK boasts some of the best National Hunt tracks in the world. Here’s our look at some of the longest races the UK has to offer.

Grand National

Aintree hosts the world’s most famous National Hunt race every April when racing fans flock from the world to watch the Grand National. The iconic race originated in 1839 and is by far the longest race on this list at four miles, two and a half furlongs long. The event routinely sees record TV viewership and well over 70,000 fans come to Liverpool each year. Its popularity is largely down to the treacherous nature of the track as well as the massive number of entrants with 40 horses competing for the honour of winning the National. As if getting the better of 39 other runners wasn’t difficult enough, its iconic fences have ended the hopes and dreams of many a top jockey over the years. The ominous five foot high Becher’s Brook, Valentine’s and The Chair have all helped establish the Grand National as one of the most fearsome and prestigious races on the circuit. It’s considered a bucket list attraction for any racing fan worth their salt and 2024’s meet promises to be another enthralling affair. Corach Rambler is currently the frontrunner at 14/1 followed by Fastorslow but with the meet still several months away, it’s hard to say with any certainty whether the early favourites will make good on their billing. The CopyBet sign up offer will give you more to bet on these races.

Scottish Grand National

Sharing the same name as the iconic meet in Merseyside is the Scottish edition of the Grand National, the most prestigious race on the calendar north of the border. The racecourse in Ayr is known to be a slightly tamer edition of the National than the one Aintree serves up but there remains a large field to contend with as 30 runners compete each year. The 27 fences are not as taxing for the jockeys to navigate but by dint of taking place in Scotland in the early stages of Spring, the erratic weather can serve up some treacherous conditions to navigate often making it a thoroughly exciting and unpredictable contest. At four miles long it is the longest race in Scotland and comfortably one of the longest in the UK. 2024 will mark the 50 year anniversary of Red Rum’s victory at both Aintree and Ayr and hopes will be high amongst racing fans that this year’s edition can serve up another historic landmark for the sport.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

Widely considered to be the best National Hunt race in the UK, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a staple of the country’s most popular horse racing event of the year in the Cheltenham Festival. The best and brightest names of the Jumps season arrive in Gloucestershire to tackle the 22 fences over a distance of three miles, two and a half furlongs. The tough downhill fences have been known to trip up plenty of riders and while the course length isn’t the longest on this list, the pressure of competing in front of 68,000 roaring fans in March has seen many of horse racing’s biggest names buckle under the pressure. It may not be the most difficult test out there for jockeys and trainers but it certainly is the most famous and the one that everyone who competes dreams of winning.

Eider Chase

Newcastle isn’t exactly renowned for its racing scene but that doesn’t mean the racecourse can’t serve up some of the most exciting meets the UK has to offer; case and point is the Eider Chase at the Newcastle racecourse. This meet takes place in February each year and features 26 fences over a distance of four miles, half a furlong with many considering it a precursor/trial to the Grand National. With a similar length and number of fences, it offers up a good indication of where the field is at coming into the famous Aintree race given the short turnaround before April and similarities between the tracks. It was first introduced in 1952 and given its significance in the buildup to the Merseyside meet, it will likely be a staple of the National Hunt schedule for years to come.

Avoid These 3 Mistakes Inexperienced Horse Bettors Make

With sports betting now more straightforward, transparent, and encumbered with choice than ever before, it makes nothing but sense that there will be more customers than ever looking to place bets on sports from football to fencing, and from hockey to horse racing. Indeed, equine events have been more strongly linked to the gambling game than any other form of sport, so it’s no surprise that many a greenhorn will place a bet on horse racing from time to time.

While there is supposed to be a certain element of fun to betting on any sport – and you shouldn’t partake if the end result is going to leave you feeling bitterly angry – it is also something that should be taken seriously. If you want to enhance your chances of winning, it is wise to avoid some pitfalls that novice bettors make when placing money on a horse race.

Don’t be distracted by a favorite or a popular horse

All of the greatest horses lose occasionally. Seabiscuit himself only won ten of his first 40 races, and it’s an inescapable fact that favorites lose all the time. Certain horses become popular with spectators for a range of reasons, from a majestic running style to a distinctive look – the British racing community has long had a love of grays that has led to horses becoming household names. For a novice bettor, the temptation will be to pick a horse with whom they are familiar, or who is beloved of a large audience. Paying close attention to the form is a much better idea than picking the big name.

Don’t spread your attention too thin

Online bettors often have the chance to use bonus bets on a number of events, and given that these bonus bets can expire, there will be the temptation to use them quickly. The best online gambling sites make it easy to place bets on your chosen horses, but it’s worth holding fire and using each race as a learning experience. If you place a lot of bets at once, your strategy for choosing those bets may turn out to be flawed, and you can stack up the losses without any chance to change course. Place one bet, watch the race, and see how your hunches hold up. Then place another bet once you’re happy with your strategy.

Don’t chase losses or ignore your bankroll

It’s easy to deposit in a betting account, and easy too to be seduced by the idea that a losing bet needs a winning bet to balance it out. You should start any stint of betting with a fixed bankroll: a certain amount to bet in one day, or across a week or month. And once you’ve fixed that, you should stick to it. If you win a bet, you can reinvest that money in your bankroll or enjoy the windfall, but what you should never do is chase a loss. Your bankroll should be specifically drawn from money that you can afford to say goodbye to, because you can never guarantee a win. Betting ceases to be fun when you need a win, and knowing when to step away is essential. Of all the rules to follow, this is the most important one.

Horse Racing Tips You Must Know

Horse racing is a sport that is growing in most parts of the world. The influence has been seen to increase in the betting and gambling world. The sports involve two or more horses being ridden by jockeys competing over a set distance.

Horse betting is a very profitable endeavor if done properly. To win big, you will need the best betting strategies. The strategies reduce the edge, ensuring your bet has a high winning probability. This is a similar strategy you can win with Kentucky Derby odds.

Keep reading as we explore various horse racing tips, including betting on horses.

Factors Affecting Horse Racing Betting

The Course

The course used has an impact on the horse’s performance. Some houses have a high winning rate on a straight course, while others are more used to winding courses. When betting, you should put high consideration into this factor.

The Weather and Track

The weather affects how the horses drink water, feed, and the racing track’s condition. The best tracks are all-weather tracks that are not affected by the weather, and racing can occur anytime. A tough racecourse is good as there is less slippery under the horse’s hooves, providing good racing conditions.

The Distance

When betting, consider looking at the horse’s profile and what distances the horse performs at the optimal level. Some of the horses in the race are good at short races, giving them a high winning probability.

The Jockey

The jockey affects how the horse runs as they control the running of the animals. Some jockeys are always in the race to train the horse on the movements and maneuvers in the race. There are known winning jockeys, and you should have high consideration when betting.

Betting Tips in Horse Racing

When betting in horse racing, it is best to focus on your main strategies as many variables affect the outcome of the races. The historical behaviors of the horses have high consideration as horses are animals of habit.

Wager on Win, Place, and Show Bets

These are the easiest bets to wager in horse racing. The win is wagering on the horse you want to win the race. Place bets the horses have to finish fast or second in the race.

The show bet the horse is expected to finish either fast, second, or third. These bets can be made for every race, depending on your bankroll. The most conservative bet is the show bet where you wander over a range out of first, second, or third.

Concentrate on One Race

When betting in races, several races happen simultaneously. Most gamblers will want to place their bets spread out on different races. This is not a good strategy as you are highly dependent on luck to win the bet.

Find a sport where you feel you have an advantage with a high winning probability. Betting on the favorite horse will result in a small profit, but betting on the less popular horse to defeat the favorite will result in a large profit. Choosing one race and finding an edge is the best way to ensure you win your odds.

Avoid the Maiden Races

The maiden race is a horse race for new horses that have never won a race. This makes the race very hard to predict as nobody knows what horse has the best chance of winning the race.

The stable owners are not mainly interested in winning the race. The main aim of this race is to train the horse on how they should maneuver in races.

Choose a Track and Learn about It

When betting on horse racers, don’t jump from one track to another. Like betting in soccer, you know the underdog teams and know who the favorite team is to win a match in every game because you are familiar with the teams. Having a good understanding of how the horses are trained and who trains these horses gives you an advantage while betting.

While betting, the jockeys racing the horses should be well-understood and their previous race participations. It is easier to find patterns based on the combination and the different horse histories. The different types of horses and their races are a big consideration while betting.

When betting, you should always choose the bets that value the money you are waging. It ensures you are betting on the horses with the highest probability of winning. This ensures you are making profits from your bets.

Verdict

There’s a lot to know about horse racing. The most important factor is to find a race where you know the horses and their past performance. This will give you a good indication of who is likely to win the race. Betting on favorites can result in small profits, but an underdog can lead to large profits.

Now that you have all the information you need to get started, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice and start making some profits! Good luck!

Five Major Horse Racing Events to Check Out in 2022

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports today, and we enjoy different events every year. Depending on your preference, you can always bet on these events at your favorite sports betting site or online casino with a sportsbook section. If you are a fan of horse racing, you will know how exciting these events can get.

As a result, you want to enjoy all the major and local horse racing events. Even if you are new or want to enjoy the sport casually, you can check out the top events available for the year. So, here are five incredible horse racing events for you to enjoy this year.

Saudi Cup

The Saudis have been pivoting to different sports in recent years, and one of their latest endeavors is the Saudi Cup for horse racing. It is tagged as the richest horse racing event because of its large prize pool. The winner takes $10 million from the $20 million prize pool.

This year is even more significant as they have raised it to $35 million, and the winner will take $15 million. As it stands, no events globally come in terms of prize pool and size. So, without any doubt, we will find most of the top athletes participating, making it one of the most competitive horse racing events of the year.

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham festival is one of the most exciting and thrilling horse racing events every year. It is also one of the UK’s most prominent events. Every year thousands of spectators worldwide visit to witness the event live. We expect this year to be the same, and we might even see more expensive horse breeds compete.

The event is famous for its races that include multiple jumps, and speed is not the only thing that matters here. You also need stamina. Any horse can win, making it a perfect place to place bets on underdogs, and you can win big.

The Grand National

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse racing events globally. In addition, it is the oldest jump race worldwide. It was created in 1839 by William Lynn, a Liverpool innkeeper. The event takes place on the Aintree course boasting one of the biggest pots in global horse racing.

Since this is a prestigious event, we will see some of the best thoroughbreds compete. In addition, this year’s event boasts of featuring 40 champion thoroughbreds that might compete. So, you should put this one on your radar if you can make it to Liverpool, England.

Kentucky Derby

Horse racing is also popular in America, although not as much as in European countries like the UK. However, in the US, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious annual events. The race takes place at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and has been around since 1875.

This year’s race will make it the 148th season of the event, and anyone familiar with it will know that there are strict restrictions and regulations to follow. Only the best breeds and successful horses that meet the entry requirement can sign up and enter the event. In addition, the Kentucky Derby is restricted to only 3-year-old horses.

Melbourne Cup Carnival

Our last entry for this year is the one that takes place in Australia, the Melbourne Cup. The race happens on the prestigious Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, and it is one of the top events that close out the horse racing calendar year. The event has a massive following in the country, and only the best horses enter.

The Cup features a run of more than 3 km, and it is even older than the Kentucky Derby as it started in 1861, and horses from other countries can enter the event. We’ve even seen horses from the US, UK, and Ireland win several races in the Melbourne Cup.

Bottom Line  

Horse racing is an incredible sport that feels everyone with excitement and thrill. You don’t even have to be a fan before you can enjoy a race. Just pick one of these significant events, tune in or go on to watch it live to enjoy the incredible atmosphere at the various horse racing tracks.

First Timer Guide to Attending the Kentucky Derby

Horse racing is a significant sport in the United States. Although it is not as big as Basketball, Baseball, or Football, the sport has a massive following in the country. As you would find various MLB picks today or other top sports, getting picks and betting on horse racing is possible. You only have to find the right sports betting site.

Since there are plenty of horse racing events worldwide, there is a wide range of options. However, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most significant in the US. It has been around since the 19th century, making it one of the oldest horse racing events in the world. As a result, it is a prestigious event that every US horse racing fan should try at least once.

If you plan to attend the 2022 Kentucky Derby, you need to read this guide as it covers all you need to know as a first-timer. So, let’s dive right in!

Plan Far in Advance

Before anything, you need to start your planning process far ahead of the competition. Undoubtedly, you are already considering attending the Derby. So, why not start the planning process to get ahead? In turn, you will have enough time before the competition begins, and there will be no rush.

Book through the Official Website

You need to be careful when you want to book tickets for the event. You will find many shady options looking to siphon your money. So, take your time to find the official Kentucky Derby website and book your tickets. To avoid missing out on tickets and rush hours, you should undoubtedly plan ahead of time.

Consider Tickets Including Food

There are different kinds of tickets that you can buy for the Derby. You should go for the one that comes with food. You do not want to pay extra for food at the Churchill Downs outlets. So, you should consider buying the tickets that include food if they are available and within your spending budget.

Do Some Research on the Horses Ahead of Time

So that you do not look lost before the start of the races, you should ensure that you research the racing horses ahead of time. Once it is certain that you are going to the Kentucky Derby, you should start checking out the different horses and their previous performances at the Derby.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

When you start packing your clothes, you need to consider comfortable shoes. You do not want to have any problem watching the races as they can go on for hours. Therefore, you need to go for comfort over fashion. However, if you can get a pair that can do both, you should certainly go for them.

Wear Pink on Friday

On Fridays, the dress code is pink at Churchill Downs. So, if you are planning to go to the races this year, you should pack pink dresses. The reason is that Friday is devoted to fillies, female horses, races, and it is tagged Oaks Day. So, in honor of that, everyone is expected to adorn pink.

Bring Some Rain Gear

Since this is a springtime event, you should expect rain from time to time. Therefore, you should pack a few clear ponchos so you are ready whenever it rains and do not have to miss the races.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Even though it is spring, you still need to go with your sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned. You might have to stay under the sun during the event for a while. So, you should try packing a few sunscreens before leaving the house.

Learn How to Bet

Before going to the event, you should learn how to place a few bets on the horses. Not to worry, there are many resources online that can help you get started. In addition, ensure that you already know about the horses before you start placing your bets.

Final Thoughts

The Kentucky Derby is undoubtedly exciting to watch, and if you can make it down to Churchill Downs, you will have a massive range of fun. So, if you want to attend this year’s event, you need to start planning today. Take your time to follow this guide, and you will not have any problems.

Zippy Chippy, Racing’s Loveable Loser, Dead at 31

Zippy Chippy, left, and Red Down South at Cabin Creek by Connie Bush/Tiger Eye Photography.

GREENFIELD CENTER, NY – APRIL 16, 2022 – Zippy Chippy, horse racing’s most loveable loser, has died.

A retiree at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, NY, a satellite of Kentucky’s Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement, the son of Compliance was 31.

Campaigned by owner-trainer Felix Montserrate — who acquired the horse in 1995 by trading a truck — Zippy is known more for losing races than winning them. In 100 starts, he never crossed the finish line first. But he earned fame in other ways — for being cantankerous and for putting on carnival exhibitions where he once raced against a baseball player.

In 2000, People Magazine even voted Zippy Chippy one of the year’s “Most Intriguing Characters.”

Banned from numerous tracks due to such antics as refusing to break from the gate, Zippy finally retired from racing in 2004 and had a brief second career as an outrider’s pony at his home track, Finger Lakes in New York.

In April 2010, the aging campaigner found a home at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Under the guidance of Cabin Creek owner and manager JoAnn Pepper, Zippy finally found solace with a paddock mate, Red Down South, a chestnut New York-bred gelding.

In recent years, they were the stars of Cabin Creek.

“Zippy was our main character here, and he lived his life his way,” said Cabin Creek’s Pepper. “He was so content, and would not do anything he wasn’t in the mood for. He taught me so much about life, and I’ll miss him forever.”

“Zippy found his greatest success as a retiree,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “JoAnn and all of the volunteers at Cabin Creek adored him, and he attracted hundreds of fans to the farm each year. He was finally a star. Our thanks to JoAnn and Mark Pepper and everyone at Cabin Creek for the wonderful care they gave Zippy,” Blowen continued. “I know he will be deeply missed by all.”

For more information, please call (502) 863-1775 or visit www.oldfriendsequine.org.

How Technology Has Changed the Way We Watch Equestrian Sports

Photos: Google Images Creative Commons Licences.

Technology impacts every aspect of our modern lives, from booking a table for dinner to paying for your weekly shop. Interacting with friends and family to working from home. Much has changed over the last two years during the pandemic, and life will never quite be the same again. It’s time to embrace an exciting new dawn as the world of sports, business, and leisure go from strength to strength.

The ancient sport of showjumping certainly hasn’t escaped the reach of tech. The training methods of the riders have been improved with practice times digitally recorded, stored, and improved upon. The health and well-being of the horses is another area where we’ve seen drastic improvements. How we follow the meetings, riders, and horses we love the most has a very modern feel about it. This has helped attract a new generation of fans and participants to showjumping and other popular equestrian sports, including horse racing and dressage.

You can now make predictions on the Kentucky Derby from the comfort of your own home using the smartphone betting apps listed at mytopsportsbooks.com. It’s a wonderful time to be a fan of all things equestrian sports, and in this article, we’d like to prove it. Read on as we discuss how technology has changed the way we watch equestrian sports and how, if you follow our advice, you’ll never miss a chance to follow the progress of your favourite teams in action again.

Times have changed for the better

The days of frantically checking a results service to see how a horse or rider got on in a top competition are over. For generations, if you couldn’t make it along to a showjumping meet, you’d be forced to rely on second-hand information. Perhaps the meet you were most interested in didn’t enjoy live television coverage, or you had a prior engagement and couldn’t get along to the venue. You’d be forced to check for updates on the telephone or online for any breaking news. It was much quicker and more reliable than the methods used by a generation before, but those practices now seem ancient and far too much effort.

The invention and growth in popularity of live streaming apps have allowed fans, trainers, families, and owners to keep in touch, following every jump, step, and score from anywhere in the world. The standout live streaming apps can be downloaded to your Android or an iOS smartphone in a matter of seconds. You must complete the download process just once and, in future, it’s a simple case of logging on with your username and password then watching an HD quality live stream of the competition.

This can be done at home or on the move, if you are commuting or stuck behind at the stables. Perhaps you are a lover of showjumping and are keen to follow the progress of your favourite team. All this can be done at the touch of a button. This really has to be seen to be believed, and if you have no experience of using live streaming apps to watch showjumping or haven’t visited in a while, you’ll be blown away by the quality.

The quality is perfect

For a long time, live streaming sites had a bad reputation, and in many cases, it was deserved. They were slow, plagued by loading or buffering interruptions, and often lacked commentary. Between the breaks in the stream, it was a battle to make out just what was happening from a single camera often held by a shaky hand in the crowd. It was more hassle than it was worth. Not anymore.

Today the quality is perfect with expert commentary and analysis from professionals. There are several exciting camera angles that bring you up close with the action, and the feed is accompanied by live stats, scores, and results. In many cases, the best apps to download for live streaming came from online bookmakers. They offer pre-competition odds and a perfect live stream to encourage members to gamble on the outcome of meetings. The live streams are free to watch if you have made a bet on the event.

Old Friends Final Resting Place for Medina Spirit

Photo of Medina Spirit Courtesy of Photographer Bee Buck.

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEB. 25, 2022 —Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, announced that the farm has been chosen as the final resting place of multiple graded stakes winner Medina Spirit.

Medina Spirit’s ashes will be interred in Old Friends’ Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden alongside such champions as Kentucky Derby Winners Charismatic (1999) and War Emblem (2002), both of whom were retired to Old Friends following breeding careers, as well as Eclipse Winner Hidden Lake and Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner Alphabet Soup.

Old Friends will host an open house Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm to offer fans an opportunity to visit the gravesite and pay their respects to this great athlete.

Trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Zedan Racing, Medina Spirit had a short but brilliant career on the track.

A win in the GR3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes and a second-place finish in the GR1 Santa Anita Derby earned the dark bay son of Protonico a berth in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Despite being a long shot behind favorites Essential Quality and Rock Your World, Medina Spirit went wire-to-wire against his rivals.

Further proving his mettle, later that year Medina Spirit won the Shared Belief Stakes and the GR1 Awesome Again before coming second in the GR1 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“The Zedan Racing family was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our beloved Medina Spirit,” said Amr Zedan. “He brought us great joy during his time, and we will forever cherish his spectacular win in the Kentucky Derby.  Medina Spirit truly had the heart of champion,” Zedan added, “and it is very comforting to know that he will be laid to rest with many of racing’s greats and the wonderful people at Old Friends Farm.”

“To most, Medina Spirit was an over-achiever, the kind of colt who surprised the experts,” said trainer Baffert and his wife Jill. “But he would not have agreed with that assessment. He carried himself like the champion he was through all his days. From his first race to his last, he was a confident and competitive thoroughbred who always gave his best. We were lucky and blessed to have known him.

“Medina Spirit was loved deeply by us and everyone at the barn,” the Bafferts added. “We grieve his loss, but take comfort knowing he will be buried among some of racing’s all-time greats at Old Friends.”

“We’re very grateful to Mr. Zedan and Bob Baffert for allowing us the honor and privilege of burying Medina Spirit’s ashes at Old Friends,” said Old Friends President Michael Blowen. “His gravestone, which will be a constant reminder of his spectacular achievements, will be placed next to Charismatic and War Emblem in the Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden where his legion of fans can pay their respects.”

For more information, please call (502) 863-1775 or visit www.oldfriendsequine.org.