Tag Archives: horse 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.

AQHA Racing to Begin Microchip Identification

The American Quarter Horse Association will begin the transition to microchips in place of lip tattoos to identify racing American Quarter Horses effective January 1, 2024.

Any horse that was not previously tattooed as of January 1, 2024, will have their microchip number scanned and used as part of the identification verification done by an approved AQHA-contracted identifier. Horses who were identified by tattoo before January 1, 2024, shall be allowed to continue to utilize their tattoo as a means of identification.

The microchip must be ISO compliant. This means the microchip must operate at a radio frequency of 134.2 kHz and contain 15 digits.

Read Microchipping FAQs.

AQHA is currently in the process of building an application to be used by our Identifiers named QHChip, and training will be provided to them soon.

Once a horse is microchipped and inspected by an official identifier, the information will be available on the identification platforms, both in InCompass Solutions and the QHChip app.

Read More.

Meet Thoroughbred Trainers Jena Antonucci and Katie Miranda at EquineEd

Saturday, September 16

On June 10, Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race by winning the Belmont Stakes with Archangelo. 10 weeks later, she showed the world it was no fluke by winning the $1.25 million Travers Stakes.

Join Thoroughbred trainers Jena Antonucci and Katie Miranda at the Kentucky Horse Park for our September EquineEd lecture series. Jena and Katie are co-owners of horseOlogy, a full-cycle thoroughbred training and ownership organization based in Ocala, Florida that handles everything related to thoroughbred breeding, training, and racing.

EquineEd is a FREE event. Mark your calendar for this Saturday, September 16, 12 p.m. at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions barn. Please enter through the KHP Visitor Center.

Don’t miss EquineEd: A First Saturday Lecture Series!

September 16: Jena Antonucci & Katie Miranda
Thoroughbred Trainers

October 7: Erin O’Keefe
Retired Racehorse Project

November 4: Shelby Hume
Dressage Naturally Instructor

December 2: Museum Round Table featuring:
International Museum of the Horse
American Saddlebred Museum
Keeneland Association
Kentucky Derby Museum

To learn more, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

Shadwell Impresses in the UK, but Are Denting the US Racing Market

Belmont Stakes, 10 June 2006, winner Jazil, from the Shadwell stables. Photo by Naoki Nakashima – Flickr: Jazil, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15492695.

United States based horse racing fans will be keeping a keen eye on the Shadwell group’s success over in the British horse racing market.

Following the passing of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum back in March 2021, racing fans across the world wondered what would happen to the blue and white silks that were a prominent fixture at race meets across the globe, but later in September, Shadwell Stud announced that they would be seriously trimming back their operations and dispersing a majority stake of stock following his death.

This still left an interest in the American race market and back in July, Derrinstown’s Awtaad again proved himself a reliable stud, as daughter Anisette romped home in the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes at Del Mar. The now Leonard Powell-trained novice impressed everyone when up against fellow talented three-year-old fillies with graded stakes form, yet still managed to power clear by an increasing two-and-a-half lengths to more than justify her pre-race odds of 2/1 favourite. Whilst those odds may drop a little if the group now moves her up to Grade 1 race events, as most now think will happen, for those who like a flutter on their horses, her potential suggests she is very much one to watch, and one to put a small stake on if you feel the need.

Moving back to Shadwell as a whole, instead, they would focus in on key strategic objectives in an effort to maximise a much smaller foot print moving forward. Their statement explained that they were “undertaking a full review of all its activities that will result in important changes for the business. As a result its operations in the UK, Ireland, and the USA will contract, with a focus on quality and competition at the highest level of the sport.”

Plenty of racing commentators had their own thoughts on whether or not this was a sensible business move by the group as they moved forward, but they were clearly staying in the major markets that they were well versed in – but the sticking point was always going to be: could you have greater success with fewer assets?

As per Horse Bet, with a mind to the British racing market in particular, Sheikh Hamdan’s daughter Sheikha Hissa took on the reins under their new, much tighter, business plan, and whilst it has not yet been replicated in other global race markets, their endeavours in Britain are certainly coming to fruition.

The Shadwell group have now taken eleven wins from 21 races – representing an astonishing 52% success rate – as they focus on quality and calibre of horse, as well as racing competition at the highest level. Their success rate may well be increasing as the current Goodwood series of events continues.

But for the United States market, it again shows the Shadwell group of companies and their connections are determined to make an impact, even if they have scaled back their overall bulk.

This season, sires Anmaat and Diamil have already tasted success and Anisette is the latest in Awtaad’s bloodline to make the headlines, and with nine individual stake winners to his name, he is proving himself to be one of the best value sires in Europe at a ridiculous price of just 5,000 Euros.

Cheltenham Festival 2024: 4 British-Trained Horses to Follow

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

The Cheltenham Festival has been dominated by Irish trainers in recent years and that trend looks set to continue when the 2024 meeting is staged.

A quick look at the Cheltenham betting markets for next year’s top races highlights how difficult it will be for British handlers to get into the winners’ enclosure.

Irish-trained horses dominate most of the ante-post markets, particularly in each of the Grade 1 events across the four-day meeting.

However, there are several British-trained horses who have a genuine chance of emerging victorious in March. Here are four we believe can get the job done.

Constitution Hill – Arkle Novices’ Chase

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill has plenty of options open to him next season including embarking on a career over bigger obstacles.

Some pundits have suggested he could be aimed at the Gold Cup, but trainer Nicky Henderson will probably resist the temptation to head down that route.

His most likely target is the Arkle Novices’ Chase, although the Champion Chase could be an alternative if he scares away the opposition at novice level.

Whichever race he ends up in at the Festival, Constitution Hill will be a banker bet to get a winner on the board for British trainers.

Jonbon – Ryanair Chase

Henderson could add another winner to his tally in the Ryanair Chase, with his Jonbon likely to take a step up in trip next season.

The big-money purchase has finished second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Novices’ Chase in the last two years and looks to be a Festival winner in-waiting.

He ended last season with two Grade 1 victories over two miles at Aintree and Sandown, but now looks ready to run over a longer distance.

The Ryanair Chase is the natural target for the horse and he could be tough to beat if he participates in the race in March.

Love Envoi – Mares’ Hurdle

Irish trainers have dominated the Mares’ Hurdle since it was first run in 2008, winning the race on 13 of the 16 occasions it has been staged.

Henry De Bromhead’s Honeysuckle was responsible for two of those victories (2020 & 2023), but her retirement has left the mares’ ranks lacking a superstar.

Love Envoi could be the one to beat having given Honeysuckle a run for her money in this year’s race for trainer Harry Fry.

The horse clearly likes Cheltenham after winning the 2022 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and looks a good bet to be extremely competitive next year.

Shishkin – Gold Cup

We return to the Henderson stable for our final recommendation, with Shishkin fancied to emerge as a strong contender in the Gold Cup.

The horse has already run twice at the Festival, but a poor run in the 2022 Champion Chase left connections scratching their heads.

He bounced back to finish second in this year’s Ryanair Chase, and followed up with a victory over 3m1f in the Aintree Bowl Chase.

Shishkin has been crying out to be run over a longer trip and should be a lively contender for the Gold Cup when March comes around.

Markel Jockeys Jumping Set for Spectacular Return to London International Horse Show

The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund will be returning to The London International Horse Show for the first time since 2019, featuring some of the most prolific jockeys of Great Britain and Ireland. Back by popular demand, this competition sees jockeys attempt a show jumping course at the famous London Horse Show – often with hilarious results. The 2022 competition will be a girls versus boys format and takes place on the evening of Monday 19 December.

Heading the boys’ team will be 20-time champion National Hunt jockey Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy, who will be seeking to reverse the 2019 result, in which the girls were victorious. From the world of Flat Racing will be Jim Crowley, who started his professional career over fences riding for the stable of show jumping legend Harvey Smith. Since his switch to the flat, Crowley has been crowned champion jockey and won many of the world’s most prestigious races, most recently the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes last week aboard Baaeed, currently the highest rated horse in the world.

They will be joined by 2021 champion National Hunt jockey Harry Skelton, son of Olympic double gold medallist Nick Skelton CBE. Skelton will be looking to reclaim the title he won in dramatic circumstances following a bridle malfunction in 2018. Skelton’s wife, Bridget Andrews, will be a pivotal part of the girls’ team, following a successful performance in the 2019 edition. Andrews, a Cheltenham Festival winner, will be seeking to make it a double over her husband, this time at the iconic ExCeL London.

Another husband-and-wife combination likely to go head-to-head at The London International Horse Show will be flat jockeys Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle. Doyle will head to The London International Horse Show on the back of another record-breaking season, during which she claimed her first Classic win in the French Oaks, becoming the first British female jockey to win a Classic. Doyle holds the record for victories in a single season by a female rider in the UK and will be looking to add to her list of accomplishments in London. Marquand, also a Classic winner having won the St Leger Stakes in 2020, will add to the stellar list of jockeys taking part in the class, described by Clare Balding in 2019 as “the most extraordinary sporting event I’ve ever seen,” with more top-class participants to be announced in due course.

Looking ahead to the 2022 event, McCoy, President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said: “At one of our previous appearances in the Markel Jockeys Jumping at The London International Horse Show, Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton resorted to using a cable tie to fix the bridle on Harry’s horse, so let’s hope we are a bit more professional this time around!” He continued, “At our last appearance in 2019, we were beaten by the girls, so we’ll be putting that right this year. In all seriousness though, it’s for a great cause in the Injured Jockeys Fund – and we all love taking part.”

Juliet Redfern, Head of Equine Insurance at Markel, added: “Markel is delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous event, as a specialist equine insurer we are committed to supporting the wider equine industry through various charitable initiatives. We have supported this particular event for six years; it’s great fun, but more importantly provides crucial funds to the Injured Jockeys Fund, a wonderful charity that looks after its own so well.”

Taking place from 15 to 19 December at ExCeL London, The London International Horse Show hosts three FEI World Cup™ competitions in Dressage, Carriage Driving, and Show Jumping, attracting the world’s best equestrian athletes. Spectators can also look forward to entertainment from The Shetland Pony Grand National, Kennel Club Dog Agility, and two international displays, to be announced.

The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund will be part of the Show’s thrilling final session, which also includes the five-star London Grand Prix, featuring the finest international show jumping horse and rider combinations.

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets, can be found here.

The London International Horse Show
www.londonhorseshow.com
Niki McEwen / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Which Three Competitions in Horse Racing Are Considered to Be the Most Prestigious in the UK?

The history of horse racing in England can be traced all the way back to the 16th century, making it one of the most historic sports and spectator events in the country. Nevertheless, if we only consider horse racing in terms of its role as a sport, we diminish the cultural traditions and historical relevance of the activity.

These world-famous racing events have millions of followers and fans all around the world. Also, if you didn’t know already, this sport along with the events brings in millions of gamblers around the world and as this sport is one of the most popular gambling activities, passionate horse racing fans are constantly looking for new ways to get the best odds, offers, promotions, and much more in order to win the most money. However, if you also have been looking for a new platform, you’re in luck because you can play online at this resource and receive the best odds and promotions for the upcoming horse racing events.

Cheltenham Festival

One of the events in the United Kingdom that is considered to be the most prestigious and oldest is the Cheltenham Festival, which was first held in 1860. The historic event takes place once a year over the course of four days, and it is known for its elegance and style in welcoming the most avid racing fans in the country. The horses are stabled at the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, which also boasts amenities that are second to none and staff members who are trained to greet guests in the most refined manner possible.

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is a gorgeous annual spectacle that has been running since 1780. It comprises a number of Thoroughbred racehorses competing against one another for the title of the fastest performer. In the month of June, supporters head down to Epsom Downs in Surrey for the event that is aimed to evaluate as “The Derby.” The illustrious competition typically draws in close to 150,000 spectators, and attendees of the event are strongly encouraged to dress appropriately.

That suggests that men’s and women’s fashion should be on par with one another. The dresses the women wear are often very brilliant colours, and they also wear elaborate headpieces. It is customary for males to attend races in top hats and suits, and it is strongly advised that they steer clear of wearing clothing that does not fit well as well as sportswear.

Royal Ascot

Every year in the month of June, the well-known festival brings together hordes of celebrities, members of the royalty, and well-dressed men, women, and children who are all searching for a chance to have a good time and get the attention of some of the most prestigious individuals in the world.

The competition is one of the oldest in the world, making it an unbeatable experience, and the prize money of over six million pounds is unsurpassed. The fact that the Queen has made it a point to attend Royal Ascot each and every year of her reign is another indication of the event’s high quality.

HISA Implementation

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has been preparing to implement the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act on July 1, 2022.

There has been an unclear implementation of rules related to the Act. On June 27, seven-term U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the second-most senior member of the United States Senate, sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission and HISA demanding answers to questions about their failure to comply with the enabling federal legislation’s deadline of July 1 for implementation.

Read Sen. Grassley’s letter here.

Sen. Grassley and three other senators, Joni Ernst of Iowa, John Kennedy of Louisiana, and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, are asking for clarification and explanation about HISA’s ability to meet the July 1 deadlines. The senators’ letter points out that neither the FTC nor HISA have the authority to extend the deadline.

While at this time, HISA has indicated that only Thoroughbreds will be covered under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, the Authority’s intent is to include all breeds in the future.

It is important that members of the horse racing industry who have concerns regarding the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act contact their representatives to voice their opinion and let their representatives know of Sen. Grassley’s inquiry.

To find your representatives, visit www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member and enter your zip code.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104