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The Hatton’s Grace Hurdle is a Grade 1 Hurdle race run over an extended two and a half miles at Fairyhouse, Co. Meath in late November or early December; at the time of writing, the next renewal is scheduled for 2:40pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024. The race was inaugurated in 1994 and commemorates Hatton’s Grace, trained by Vincent O’Brien, who won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival three times, in 1949, 1950 and 1951.

All told, four horses, namely Limestone Lad (1999, 2001 and 2002), Solerina (2003, 2004 and 2005), Apple’s Jade (2016, 2017 and 2018) and Honeysuckle (2019, 2020 and 2021), have won the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle three times. The first-named pair were trained in Gathabawn, Co. Kilkenny by the late James Bowe, who remains the most successful trainer in the history of the race with six wins. Gordon Elliott, trainer of Apple’s Jade and the 2022 and 2023 winner, Teahupoo, has five wins to his name, while Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Honeysuckle, and Willie Mullins have three apiece.

Thus far, Mullins has won the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle with Hurricane Fly (2010), Zaidpour (2012) and Arctic Fire (2015). Reigning champion Teahuppo is once again among the entries for the 2024 renewal, but at this early declaration stage Mullins holds a formidable hand, with four of the top-five highest-rated entries, headed by Cheltenham Festival winners State Man, Ballyburn and Lossiemouth. At first glance, a fourth win for the Co. Carlow seems by no means out of the question.

Horse racing has captured the hearts of enthusiasts around the world for centuries. From the thunderous hooves pounding on the turf to the exhilarating atmosphere at the tracks, the sport brings a unique blend of tradition, skill, and thrill. Some countries, however, have taken their passion for horse racing to another level. Here’s a closer look at the nations where the love for this age-old sport runs deepest.

The United Kingdom: Home of Racing’s Rich Heritage

It’s no surprise that the UK tops the list. With iconic events like the Grand National and Royal Ascot, the country boasts a deep-rooted horse racing culture. Racing in Britain dates back to Roman times, and today, it’s an integral part of British society. Prestigious tracks, legendary trainers, and an active breeding scene ensure that horse racing remains a key national pastime. British fans also contribute significantly to the global horse racing industry, particularly through online betting. Many of the world’s most recognised operators host extensive markets catering to the UK’s racing fanatics.

The United States: A Land of Triple Crown Dreams

Across the Atlantic, the United States has its own thriving horse racing scene. Famous for the Triple Crown series, comprising the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, America offers some of the most lucrative and widely followed races globally. The Kentucky Derby alone attracts millions of viewers each year with its blend of Southern charm and fierce competition. The U.S. racing industry’s scale is vast, spanning everything from small-town tracks to world-renowned venues.

Australia: The Melbourne Cup Phenomenon

In Australia, horse racing is more than a sport; it’s a national obsession. The Melbourne Cup, affectionately known as “the race that stops a nation,” exemplifies the country’s fervour. Held annually in November, this prestigious event draws viewers from around the globe. Beyond the Melbourne Cup, Australia boasts a packed racing calendar featuring numerous Group 1 races, supported by a thriving betting culture. Punters regularly turn to well-known platforms to place their bets, underscoring the sport’s immense popularity Down Under.

Japan: Precision and Passion

Japan’s horse racing scene is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. The country hosts some of the world’s most technically challenging and well-attended races, including the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen. What sets Japan apart is the meticulous breeding and training standards upheld across the industry. Fans are incredibly loyal, often attending races in droves or following them online. The sport’s prominence is also reflected in the amount of online horse racing betting that is done via some of the most recognised operators, helping Japan maintain its status as a global racing hub.

France: A Legacy of Elegance

France has long been synonymous with elegance and sophistication, and its horse racing scene is no different. Events like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe showcase the country’s passion for equestrian excellence. Held annually at Paris’ Longchamp Racecourse, the “Arc” attracts top talent from around the world. Beyond the glitz, France’s regional races and breeding programs highlight a strong grassroots love for the sport.

Ireland: Where Racing Runs in the Blood

Ireland’s lush landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a thriving horse racing industry. Known for producing some of the finest thoroughbreds and trainers, Ireland punches well above its weight. The Irish Champion Stakes and the Punchestown Festival are just two examples of how deeply ingrained racing is in the country’s culture.

Whether it’s the UK’s historic tracks, Australia’s electrifying Melbourne Cup, or Japan’s unparalleled precision, horse racing continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Each of these countries brings something unique to the table, enriching the sport and ensuring its continued global appeal.

Born in Edinburgh on June 24, 1995, Lucinda Russell is based at Arlary House Stables in Milnathort, near Kinross, central Scotland, where she started training in 1995. Strictly speaking, she holds a dual-purpose licence, but her emphasis is very much on National Hunt racing and she presides over what has become the most successful in the history of the sport in Scotland.

Russell reached the landmark of 1,000 winners at Kelso on Saturday, November 9, 2024, courtesy of victory for Starlyte in the Graeme Todd Memorial Handicap Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs. Ridden by conditional jockey Patrick Wadge, the seven-year-old was officially rated 11lb lower than his previous win, at Newcastle two years previously, and took full advantage, winning comfortably by six lengths.

Russell was quick to praise the owners who have supported her during her training career, saying, “What has been central in every one of the 1,000 wins, no matter where they have been or how big the race was, is the enjoyment we have shared with our owners.” Remarkably, 960 of the 1,000 wins came over fences, famously including the Grand National twice, with One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023.

Russell is currently assisted by her partner, eight-time Champion Jockey Peter Scudamore, and his son, Michael, who trained, in his own right, in Bromsash, near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire before joining the yard. She originally planned to enter a joint partnership with Scudamore Jnr. once she saddled 1,000 winners in her own name, but has had to delay that decision pending the formation of a limited company.

The short answer is yes, he was. In fact, way back in 2012, on the day Nicky Henderson became the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, beating the long-standing record set by Fulke Walwyn, Henderson paid homage to Winter. He said, “Dad and Fred Winter were the two most important people in my life. He [Winter] was my mentor, boss, tutor and everything.”

“Dad”, of course, was John Ronald ‘Johnny’ Henderson, Chairman of the Racecourse Holdings Trust between 1964 and 1991 and hailed by ‘The Independent’ as the ‘Saviour of Cheltenham Racecourse’ at the time of his death in December 2003. Winter, on the other hand, trained at Uplands Stables, in Upper Lambourn, near Newbury, Berkshire between 1964 and 1988 and won the National Hunt Trainers’ Championship eight times between 1970/71 and 1984/85.

Born in Lambeth, South London on December 10, 1950, Henderson was educated at Eton College before joining Winter as amateur jockey, pupil assistant and assistant trainer between 1972 and 1978. As a jockey, he rode 75 winners, notably including Acquiant in the Imperial Cup at Sandown and Happy Warrior in the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase at Aintree, both in 1977. The following year, Henderson took out a training licence in his own right and, since 1992, has been based at Seven Barrows in Upper Lambourn. He has won the British jump trainers’ championship six times, most recently in 2019/20, and has 73 winners at the Cheltenham Festival to his name, placing him second in the all-time list behind Willie Mullins.