News

Few racing festivals draw in the general public like the Cheltenham Festival. A veritable feast of racing action set across four days, it’s a competitive and highly prized spectacle that enthrals both casual punters and avid racing fans alike. The festival is steeped in history with its origins stretching back to 1860 when the then ‘National Hunt Chase’ took place in Market Harborough. Staggered across its four days, TV viewers (close to 2 million in recent years in the UK alone) and those on course can enjoy the likes of the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Arkle Challenge Trophy and the one and only Cheltenham Gold Cup. In a way the festival is a living and evolving history and tribute to the sport, as for instance Arkle is a legendary racehorse, the Queen Mother a huge racing fan, and so on.

 

Fast forwarding to the 2024 Festival and the Cheltenham odds offers a window into how many (certainly the bookies!) think events will unfold. Let’s take the jewel in the crown, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This prestigious race has a clear favourite in the shape of Galopin Des Champs. This French-bred Irish-Trained racing giant certainly has the credentials to do the job, having recently won the Irish Gold Cup race at the Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival (the fourth Grade One win of the day for trainer Willie Mullins). At a short 10/11 at time of writing, he will definitely take some stopping, and having won the Gold Cup in 2023 will find himself in the illustrious company of just eight others if he manages to pull it off again. His nearest competitor Fastorslow (5-1) is a talent too, though he was handily beaten in the aforementioned race, so bookies and punters alike aren’t convinced.

 

Success at The Cheltenham Festival is something that all of those at the pinnacle of the sport can use as a claim to greatness. With jockeys, legends of the sport such as Ruby Walsh and Davy Russell have elevated their standing significantly due to their Cheltenham successes. The former holding the accolade of winning the Cheltenham Festival top jockey award a staggering 11 times – riding 7 winners on two of those occasions. Russell clinched the title after riding 4 winners in 2018.  In 2024 jockeys slooking to shine include the likes of Paul Townend (expecting several rides including the aforementioned Galopin Des Champs), 2021 top jockey Rachael Blackmore and Jack Kennedy.

 

Of course behind every horse, and talented jockey is a trainer making the difficult decisions and getting a meaningful framework and route to success in place. In 2024 trainers looking to make their mark include:

 

Willie Mullins

 

This Irish former jockey turned trainer is no stranger to excelling when it matters. With Grand National and Champion Hurdle wins under his belt, as well as training the most winners at Cheltenham (including ten wins alone in 2022) he’s a formidable presence at the event. He’ll be looking for build on Galopin Des Champs successes here to repeat his Gold Cup win the year prior. With 40 winners in January alone the momentum is certainly with the Irishman.

 

Nicky Henderson

 

With six national hunt Champion Trainer trophies under his belt, Nicky Henderson knows a thing or two about the sport of kings. Over the years there’s little he hasn’t won at Cheltenham, with memorable victories in the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle and indeed twice the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner – with Long Run in 2011 and Bobs Worth two years later. One setback in the 2024 Festival for Henderson is jockey Nico De Boinville’s ongoing collarbone injury. A regular rider of the likes of Constitution Hill and Jonbon, the injury creates unhelpful unknowns this close to the March 12th – 15th festival.

 

Gordon Elliot

 

After beginning his career as a trainer in the mid 2000’s , Elliot was still under 30 when he claimed his first Grand National win with outsider Silver Birch in 2007. He went on to win the race twice more in 2018 and 2019 with Tiger Roll. His successes are by no means event specific though as he too has been top trainer at Cheltenham twice. With an in form stable and a 9-1 Gerri Colombe in the Gold Cup this year, the trainer is said to be nervous yet excited by the upcoming festival.

 

Other trainers of note vying for success at Cheltenham include Martin Brassil (trainer of second favourite Fastorslow in the Gold Cup), Henry De Bromhead (with the likes of Rachael Blackmore riding for him) and Paul Nicholls (hoping that Bravemansgame can do the business in the Gold Cup!). Cheltenham is a big money event (the winner of the main event wins £350k+) but above and beyond prize money on offer, it’s all about beating the best of the best and becoming part of the history of this spectacular event.

It won’t be long now until we can all enjoy this feast of racing action so whether you’re placing a few wagers over the course of the festival or simply soaking up the event, enjoy!

 

The Cheltenham Festival is now upon us! Racing fans who may have been a little worried about this variant or that (and knowing how Covid impacted the Grand National event, and Cheltenham crowds previously) can now rest easy that the festival we all know and love is going ahead, providing us for four days on top tier racing action to get our teeth into.

The best of the best from the world of racing will go head to head, in a bid to lift their profiles and work their way into the history books. That can certainly be said of the likes of Minella Indo, who at 5-1 will be looking to secure back to back Cheltenham Gold Cup wins, despite being up against stiff competition from several other tough competitors. And that’s only on the final day of the Festival, there is so much to look forward to prior, including the likes of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle , Champion Hurdle  and Champion Chase! It’s unmissable and all free to air on ITV from March 15th – 18th.

What better way to prepare for this unmissable annual event than a fun yet informative ‘Trading Places’ take on what it really takes to be a winning trainer. Mentally-wise there’s clearly plenty of crossover between sports and so Betway decided to let none other than West Ham’s David Moyes bend the ear of top trainer Ross O’Sullivan to discuss the trials and tribulations of being a trainer. Talk of the pressure of the job, expectations of building on successes over the seasons, recovery and more all form part of a broad and interesting exchange between two trainers with massive experience in their respective fields. A great feature to enjoy prior to tuning into the races.

Whilst many of us focus on horse racing around Ireland and the United Kingdom, horse racing is enjoyed by millions around the world from countries like Mexico to Japan. It’s a sport that is loved by many and whether it’s for punters or lovers of the sport, there is no denying the popularity of horse racing.

 

But what’s the most popular race or race meeting in the world? Well, we thought we’d look at the figures to see what is the most popular horse racing event in the world!

 

The Grand National

 

The Grand National comes in first and is easily the most-watched horse racing event in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Casual punters and horse racing betting fanatics all tune in to this historic race and it’s estimated that 80,000 were in attendance at Aintree this year to watch the race.

 

According to the BBC, around 600 million people across 140 countries tuned in to the Grand National this year which is an absolutely mind-blowing figure and with that, you’d have to make it the biggest horse racing event in the world.

 

The Kentucky Derby

 

The Kentucky Derby is the biggest horse racing event in the United States by some distance. More than 150,000 attended the event in person and it’s estimated that over $280m is bet on the event.

 

When it comes to viewing figures this year they averaged 14,300,000 people watching the event which makes it one of the most popular races not just in America, but around the world. As betting continues to grow in the US you’d think this legendary event will only increase in popularity.

 

For those interested in the latest insights and tips on horse racing, check out our comprehensive guide on Top Horse Racing Insights. This resource provides valuable information on betting strategies, upcoming races, and expert analysis that can enhance your experience.

 

Royal Ascot

 

Royal Ascot is currently underway and there are plenty of betting sites for horse racing offering odds on this historic event. The event might not be the most popular worldwide but approximately 600,000 people a year visit this course which accounts for 10% of all UK racegoers.

 

The Melbourne Cup

 

Whilst reports suggest the Melbourne Cup is on the decline, viewing figures are still in the millions and the attendance on the day reaches 81,000+. This sole race attracts the biggest names in horse racing from across the globe and with a prize pool of $4,400,000, it’s tough to miss this out as one of the biggest races in the world.

 

The Dubai World Cup

 

Speaking of huge prize pools, the Dubai World Cup has a total prize pool of $12m which isn’t the biggest in the horse racing world (we’ll get on to that) but it has been around since 1996. This race has its own legacy at Meydan Racecourse and attracts 100,000+ people every year.

 

Much like the rest of the sporting world, the Arabian countries are becoming serious players in the space, and with horse racing growing even bigger over there, this race could become an absolute monster in the future.

 

Saudi Cup

 

The biggest prize pool in racing comes from the Saudi Cup. $30.5m is on offer for this race and it’s no surprise to see the biggest names in horse racing here. The Saudi Cup started in 2020 with a prize pool of $10m and just two years later it grew to the $30.5m prize pool which is on offer to this day.

 

Considering this race is still in its early stages, we could see some absurd amounts of money on offer for this race. The current capacity is around 63,000 for this event which is impressive for a race that’s only three years old and you’re looking at viewing figures of around 6.5 million, expect this one to absolutely rocket someday.

The Royal Ascot is considered the most prestigious horse racing in the world. It was founded on August 11, 1768. The racecourse is around 179 acres leased from the Crown Estate. The race is held during the last week of June, from Tuesday to Saturday.

It’s Britain’s most valuable horse racing event. It attracts the world’s fastest and finest horses. They will then be competing for millions of pounds in prize money, around seven to eight million

This 2023 the Royal Ascot will be held from June 20 to 24. Approximately 300,000 people are expected to flock to the Ascot Racecourse to witness this Europe’s most famous horse racing event. If you’re a first-time attendee to the Royal Ascot, here are a few essential tips you should remember to have a fabulous time.

Expect A Lot of Horse Racing

Throughout the five-day Royal Ascot, there will be around 500 horse races. Each day offers a unique experience. You can expect that the horse grade and racecourse distance for day one horse races differs from the horse grade and racecourse the following days.

For example, during the opening day of the Royal Ascot, the highlight horse racing is the Grade 1 Queen Anne Stakes. It features horses four years old and older. While on Thursday, the oldest race in the Royal Ascot, the Gold Cup, happens. The world’s elite long-distance horses compete to win this honor in this race.

If you like to spice up your inaugural experience, you could also bet on horse racing, especially at the Gold Cup race. You can check out horse betting Fanduel platforms for an easier way to place your bet and a chance at a bigger return if you win. Just ensure you study the horses’ backgrounds and interact with them during the Parade Ring to know which one to bet.

Know the Schedule

Since the Royal Ascot is a five-day horse racing event, it would benefit you to know the day, time, and location of the race you’d want to watch. If time is limited, this is the best way to maximize your time in the event.

The opening on Tuesday is usually considered the best day for flat racing events. The highlight of this day is the Grade 1 Anne Stakes. Before the start, there is also the Royal Procession starting at 2:00 pm.

Wednesday is undoubtedly the day when you want to win big in betting. There isn’t much bustle on this day, which is perfect for horse betting on high-quality races. One of the big races is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

If you’re really into fashion, Ladies’ Day on Thursday should be part of your itinerary. During this day, millinery fashion meets high-quality racing. Horse racing fans significantly improve their clothes to flaunt their best attire for the Royal Ascot’s oldest race – the Gold Cup.

You should include in your schedule the closing days if you want to feel excited and thrilled. Friday is the most social day of the Royal Ascot, where much racing drama happens. On Saturday, the longest flat horse racing, the Queen Alexandra Stakes, is held.

Expect Royal Family Members in Attendance

Since the Royal Ascot is closely associated with the British royal family, you can expect that many of them will show up daily. They will partake in the Royal Procession, a tradition started by King George IV in 1825, every day before the start of the day’s first race.

After the procession, they will then be seated at the exclusive Royal Enclosure. The monarch will then present to the Gold Cup winner their trophy. However, in the 2013 Royal Ascot, Queen Elizabeth II’s horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup. Instead of her presenting the trophy, it was her second child, Prince Andrew, who presented her the trophy as the owner of the winning horse.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was present almost every year on the third day of the Royal Ascot. She was an avid fan of horses, a character inherited by her children, grandchildren, and their spouses. She even continued to ride horses well in her 90s.

Wear Your Best Formal Daywear

Even though the main focus of the Royal Ascot is horse racing, it’s also one of the biggest and most famous social events of the year. Many racegoers will put their best foot forward, especially on the attires they’ll be wearing.

Aside from that, the Royal Ascot also has one of the strictest dress codes. If you fail to dress appropriately, you can be denied access and entry to the racecourse.

For females, the formal day wear you’ll include a hat, fascinator, or headpiece. Your dress or skirt should be knee-length or longer. Wearing trousers, suits, and jumpsuits is allowed as long as they comply with the dress code.

The male attendees must wear a formal suit, collared shirt, and tie. The jacket and trousers you’ll wear must match in colour and pattern. You must also wear socks covering the ankle at all times.

Secure the Nearest Hotel

To have the best experience, you can also book the nearest hotel if you’re not near Windsor. You’ll avoid traffic to the racecourse or rushing after the event to catch the train home. You can also arrive early and be able to roam around the event area before the races start.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous scheduled horse racing events worldwide, but attending the Royal Ascot is special. It doesn’t only provide high-quality racing and an opportunity to showcase your best attire but also a chance to be in the same event, breathing the same air, with the monarch and other members of the British royal family.

As a first-time attendee to the Royal Ascot, some aspects of the event might overwhelm you. However, if you are familiar with the aforementioned reminders and the Royal Ascot’s culture, you’ll appreciate it more in the long run.