Races come in many variations and types but the underlying idea in all of them is the same: to match two or more horses against each other to determine the fastest one. This may seem exciting enough on its own, but over time people added more variety. Nowadays you will find races that are different in distance, type of obstacles the horses and riders have to overcome, and even the type of track surface they have to compete on.
While equestrian sport isn’t limited to racing, it remains a popular pastime in many countries. In Great Britain, horse racing plays an important role in the sport as well as the economical life. It is one of the longest established spectator sports in the country that is still widely popular today.
Horse Racing: Sport and Social Happenings
Some racecourses were found in Great Britain as far back as the Roman period, however the first written records of horse racing date to the 12th century. Historians of the Henry II Plantagenet era documented horse tournaments and races as a frequent occurrence. They also mention “running horses” owned by various English kings.
Two of the most widely popular race types in Great Britain are the flat races and the jump races. The main difference between them is the type of course horses have to run.
- In a flat race the course is clear, void of any obstacles. It can vary in length between 5 furlongs to 2 miles 5 furlongs 159 yards.
- On the other hand, the main objective of a jump race is to overcome the obstacles (usually, hurdles or fences) on the course. This type of racing is often referred to as National Hunt.
While some racecourses have tracks for both types of races, others specialize in only one. Based on your preferences, you can select which race meetings to attend. Keep in mind that most race events are far more than just a sport activity. Organizers turn them into social gatherings, offering a variety of entertainment from gift shops and food stalls to master classes with riding experts to complement the race.
Horse Race Meetings: Weekly Review
Since there are 60 licensed racecourses in Great Britain, finding a racing event to enjoy is never a problem. Whether you prefer single-day events or racing meetings that continue for two or more days, the British racing world has a lot to offer.
With the fourth week of September having finished its run, let’s find out what course the events took at the horse race meetings taking place between 23 and 29 September.
Hamilton Park (23 September)
This picturesque racecourse located to the south of Glasgow offers a variety of flat races and off the track activities. On Monday, 23 September it hosted seven races. The steward duties were performed by Adrian Sharpe and Robert McCarthy, while Franki Clark chaired the stewards’ panel.
The results of the Monday, 23 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The St Andrews Ambulance Apprentice Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Good To Soft |
1m 76y
(1m 68y +8y) |
Zumaaty
(Ireland) |
Kaiya Fraser |
| The Indigo Unified Comms Ebf Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 4) (For Horses In Bands C And D With No More Than 3 Runs) (Gbb Race)
Good To Soft |
6f 6y | Thecla
(Ireland) |
Tom Eaves |
| The Ecosave Installations Ltd Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 4)
Good To Soft |
5f 7y | Call Me Harswell
(Ireland) |
Rowan Scott |
| The Sir Ian Good Memorial Handicap Stakes (Class 4)
Good To Soft |
1m 4f 23y
(1m 4f 15y +8y) |
Tafsir
(USA) |
Paul Mulrennan |
| The Achieve More With Indigo Unified Communications Handicap Stakes (Class 5)
Good To Soft |
5f 7y | Stash The Cash
(Ireland) |
David Allan |
| The Book Your Christmas Party’s Here @ Hamilton Park Handicap Stakes (Class 5)
Good To Soft |
6f 6y | Game Breaker
(Ireland) |
Kaiya Fraser |
| The Hampton By Hilton Hamilton Park Confined Handicap Stakes (Class 6) (For Horses With No Win In 2024)
Good To Soft |
6f 6y | Many A Year
(Ireland) |
Connor Beasley |
Newcastle (24 September)
Its dual purpose tracks and the fact that races are hosted all year around make Newcastle racecourse one of the most popular ones among race enthusiasts. On Tuesday, 24 September a total of nine races took place in the venue. Adrian Smith and Alan Dempsey performed steward duties.
The results of the Tuesday, 24 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Quinnbet Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
1m 4f 98y | Sycamore Gap
(Great Britain) |
Kaiya Fraser |
| The Download The Quinnbet App Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
1m 2f 42y | Three Platoon
(Great Britain) |
Kaiya Fraser |
| The Quinnbet Quarterback E.B.F Restricted Novice Stakes (Class 5) (For Horses In Bands B, C And D With No More Than Three Runs) (Gbb Race)
Standard |
7f 14y | Mr Fantastic
(Great Britain) |
Clifford Lee |
| The Quinnbet Acca Bonus Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Class 5) (For Horses Which Have Not Run More Than Three Times) (Gbb Race)
Standard |
7f 14y | Orange Sky
(Ireland) |
Billy Loughnane |
| The Quinnbet Forecast Boost Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
6f | Indy’s Angel
(Great Britain) |
Aiden Brookes |
| The Quinnbet Second To The Sp Favourite Handicap Stakes (Class 6) (Div I)
Standard |
7f 14y | Barnaby
(Ireland) |
Tom Eaves |
| The Quinnbet Second To The Sp Favourite Handicap Stakes (Class 6) (Div Ii)
Standard |
7f 14y | Yaahobby
(Ireland) |
Cam Hardie |
| The Quinnbet Daily Free Bet Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
1m 5y | Barleybrown
(Great Britain) |
Billy Loughnane |
| The Quinnbet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
6f | Alfa Whiteburd
(Ireland) |
Tom Eaves |
Perth (25-26 September)
Its convenient location between Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen allows Perth jump racecourse to welcome visitors from all over Scotland. It hosted seven races on Wednesday, 25 September and eight races on Thursday, 26 September. Adrian Sharpe and Adrian Smith filled the steward positions, while Philip Spottiswood chaired the stewards’ panel on both days.
The results of the Wednesday, 25 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Racing Tv Profits Returned To Racing Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 4) (Gbb Race) | 2m 128y
(2m 47y +81y) |
Deploy To Spy
(Great Britain) |
Sean Bowen |
| The Lord Mansfield Memorial Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier) | 2m 4f 135y
(2m 4f 35y +100y) |
Fourofakind
(Ireland) |
Conor Rabbitt |
| The Bet With The Dewhurst Ring Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier) | 2m 128y
(2m 47y +81y) |
Bowling Buddy
(Ireland) |
Sean Bowen |
| The Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow David Whitaker Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 2) (Gbb Race) | 3m 64y
(2m 7f 180y +104y) |
Hidden Depths
(Ireland) |
James Bowen |
| The Join Racing Tv Now Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) | 2m 4f 107y
(2m 4f 20y +87y) |
Indian Louis
(Ireland) |
Derek Fox |
| The Every Race Live On Racing Tv Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) (Div I) | 2m 4f 135y
(2m 4f 35y +100y) |
Happy Index
(Great Britain) |
Sean Bowen |
| The Every Race Live On Racing Tv Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) (Div Ii) | 2m 4f 135y
(2m 4f 35y +100y) |
Limerick Leader
(France) |
Sean Bowen |
The results of the Thursday, 26 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Ebf Mares’ National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 4) (Ebf Mares’ Nh Novices’ Hurdle Series Qualifier) (Gbb Race) | 2m 4f 135y
(2m 4f 35y +100y) |
Scarlet O’Tara
(Great Britain) |
Charlie Hammond |
| The Remembering Tim Hardie Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3) (Gbb Race) | 2m 4f 107y
(2m 4f 20y +87y) |
Autumn Return
(Ireland) |
Jamie Hamilton |
| The Racing Tv Profits Returned To Racing Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) (Go North Monet’s Garden Series Qualifier) | 2m 4f 107y
(2m 4f 20y +87y) |
Peejaybee
(France) |
James Bowen |
| The Every Race Live On Racing Tv Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 3) (Challenger Stayers’ Hurdle Series Qualifier) | 3m 104y
(2m 7f 207y +117y) |
Building Bridges
(Great Britain) |
Mr Oran McGill |
| The Perth Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) | 2m 128y
(2m 47y +81y) |
Heart Above
(Great Britain) |
Conor O’Farrell |
| The Join Racing Tv Now Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) (Go North Brindisi Breeze Series Qualifier) (Div I) | 3m 104y
(2m 7f 207y +117y) |
Size Five
(Ireland) |
Mr Oran McGill |
| The Join Racing Tv Now Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) (Go North Brindisi Breeze Series Qualifier) (Div Ii) | 3m 104y
(2m 7f 207y +117y) |
Skyjack Hijack
(Ireland) |
Sean Quinlan |
| The Follow @Racingtv On Instagram Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5) (Go North Jodami Series Qualifier) (Gbb Race) | 2m 128y
(2m 47y +81y) |
Hay Meadow
(Ireland) |
Conner McCann |
Newmarket (26-28 September)
With two premier racecourses on the grounds, Newmarket is well known as the place where the first two British classic races were held. This week a total of twenty one races took place in the venue between Thursday, 26 September and Saturday, 28 September. The steward and stewards’ panel chairing duties were performed as follows:
- Thursday: Anthony McGlone, Simon Connaway, Tomas O’Brien, and Adam Barker (chair)
- Friday: Anthony McGlone, Simon Connaway, Tomas O’Brien, and Adam Barker (chair)
- Saturday: Anthony McGlone, Fergus Sweeney, Tomas O’Brien, and Henry Pelly (chair)
The results of the Thursday, 26 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Rossdales British Ebf Maiden Stakes (Class 4) (Colts And Geldings Only)
Good To Soft |
1m | Seacruiser
(Ireland) |
Rossa Ryan |
| The Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 4)
Soft |
1m | Olympus Point
(Ireland) |
William Buick |
| The British Stallion Studs Ebf Premier Fillies’ Handicap Stakes (Class 2)
Soft |
6f | Sophia’s Starlight
(France) |
Sam James |
| The Tattersalls Stakes (Class 1) (Registered As The Somerville Tattersall Stakes) (Group 3)
Soft |
7f | The Waco Kid
(Ireland) |
Oisin Murphy |
| The Jockey Club Rose Bowl Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race)
Soft |
2m | Al Nayyir
(Great Britain) |
Luke Morris |
| The Graham Budd Horseracing Memorabilia Handicap Stakes (Class 4)
Soft |
1m 4f | Wonder Kid
(Ireland) |
Harry Davies |
| The Ultimate Provence Handicap Stakes (Class 4)
Soft |
1m | Terries Royale
(Great Britain) |
Tom Marquand |
The results of the Friday, 27 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai British Ebf Rosemary Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) | 1m | Sirona
(Germany) |
Ryan Moore |
| The Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes (Class 1) (Group 3) | 1m 4f | Time Lock
(Great Britain) |
Ryan Moore |
| The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2) | 7f | Bubbling
(Ireland) |
Ryan Moore |
| The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2) | 1m | Prague
(Ireland) |
Daniel Tudhope |
| The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai British Ebf “Confined” Maiden Stakes (Class 4) (Colts And Geldings Only Which Have Run No More Than Twice) | 7f | Seaplane
(Great Britain) |
Rossa Ryan |
| The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Godolphin Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) | 1m 4f | Burdett Road
(Great Britain) |
Harry Davies |
| The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Handicap Stakes (Class 3) | 1m 1f | First Officer
(Ireland) |
Sorin Moldoveanu |
The results of the Saturday, 28 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The British Stallion Studs Ebf ‘jersey Lily’ Fillies’ Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 2) | 7f | Naina
(Great Britain) |
Christian Howarth |
| The Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2) | 1m | Wimbledon Hawkeye
(Great Britain) |
James Doyle |
| The Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) | 6f | Lake Victoria
(Ireland) |
Ryan Moore |
| The Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) | 6f | Shadow of Light
(Great Britain) |
William Buick |
| The Bet365 Cambridgeshire (Class 2 Heritage Handicap) | 1m 1f | Liberty Lane
(Ireland) |
Clifford Lee |
| The Blandford Bloodstock Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Class 2) (Gbb Race) | 7f | Saqqara Sands
(Great Britain) |
Rossa Ryan |
| The Stradivarius First Foals 2024 Handicap Stakes (Class 2) | 7f | Spanish Blaze
(Ireland) |
Trevor Whelan |
Haydock Park (27-28 September)
Since Haydock Park hosts both flat and jump races and has a convenient location in the heart of the North West, it is equally favoured by race professionals and enthusiasts. On Friday, 27 September it hosted eight races, while on Saturday, 28 September it hosted 7 races. On Friday Greg Pearson and Michael Eyre acted in the jury capacity, while Jeremy Barlow chaired the stewards’ panel. On Saturday these responsibilities were performed by Adrian Sharpe, Greg Pearson, Thomas Evetts, and Peter Heaton respectively.
The results of the Friday, 27 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Sky Bet For The Fans Apprentice Handicap Stakes (Class 5) (Haydock Training Race)(Part Of The Racing Excellence Series) | 1m 2f 83y
(1m 2f 100y -17y) |
Dandy’s Angel
(Ireland) |
Tom Kiely-Marshall |
| The Sky Bet Club Ebf Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Class 4) (Gbb Race) | 7f 20y
(7f 37y -17y) |
Supermodel
(Ireland) |
Cieren Fallon |
| The Sky Bet Acca Freeze Ebf Novice Stakes (Class 4) (Gbb Race) | 6f | Nardra
(Ireland) |
Cieren Fallon |
| The Sky Bet Prize Drop Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 2) | 5f | King of Light
(Great Britain) |
Sam James |
| The Sky Bet Extra Place Races Daily Handicap Stakes (Class 3) | 1m 5f 209y
(1m 6f 1y -12y) |
Minstrel Knight
(Great Britain) |
Aidan Keeley |
| The Sky Bet Request A Bet Handicap Stakes (Class 5) | 1m 5f 209y
(1m 6f 1y -12y) |
Surrey Belle
(Great Britain) |
David Egan |
| The Smooth Radio Always The Best Music Handicap Stakes (Class 3) (Div I) | 7f 20y
(7f 37y -17y) |
Spirit Genie
(Ireland) |
George Wood |
| The Smooth Radio Always The Best Music Handicap Stakes (Class 3) (Div Ii) | 7f 20y
(7f 37y -17y) |
Myal
(Great Britain) |
Cieren Fallon |
The results of the Saturday, 28 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap Stakes (Class 2) | 1m 20y
(1m 37y -17y) |
Flying Finn
(Ireland) |
Oisin McSweeney |
| The Happy Birthday Matthew Pendlebury British Ebf Maiden Stakes (Class 4) | 1m 20y
(1m 37y -17y) |
One Eye Jack
(Ireland) |
Paul Mulrennan |
| The Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap Stakes (Class 3) | 6f | Woven
(Great Britain) |
Cieren Fallon |
| The My Pension Expert Handicap Stakes (Class 2) | 5f | Blue Storm
(Great Britain) |
Jack Mitchell |
| The Adapt Recruitment Ebf Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Class 4) (Gbb Race) | 1m 20y
(1m 37y -17y) |
Music Piece
(Ireland) |
David Probert |
| The Sky Bet Build A Bet Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 5) | 7f 20y
(7f 37y -17y) |
Our Mighty Mo
(Ireland) |
Sam Feilden |
| The Watch On Racing Tv Handicap Stakes (Class 4) | 1m 5f 214y
(1m 6f 1y -7y) |
Melon
(Germany) |
George Rooke |
Southwell (26, 29 September)
From the wonders of the Nottinghamshire landscapes to an 18 hole golf course, this mixed racecourse awaits its guests all year round. On Thursday, 26 September, nine races took place at the course, while on Sunday, 29 September it hosted seven races. On Thursday Greg Pearson and Guy Upton performed the steward duties, with Jenny Swainson chairing the stewards’ panel. On Sunday these positions were filled by Simon Connaway, Steve Drowne, and Charlie Proctor (trainee chair) respectively.
The results of the Thursday, 26 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Download The Raceday Ready App Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
4f 214y | Montana Girl
(Great Britain) |
Tom Eaves |
| The Get Raceday Ready Fillies’ Handicap Stakes (Class 5)
Standard |
1m 4f 14y | Kinetic
(Ireland) |
Laura Pearson |
| The Free Digital Racecard @ Raceday-Ready.Com Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 5) (For Horses In Bands B, C And D) (Gbb Race)
Standard |
1m 3f 23y | Lennox
(Ireland) |
Hayley Turner |
| The Golf And Gallop Package Handicap Stakes (Class 5)
Standard |
1m 3f 23y | Fearless Bay
(Ireland) |
Daniel Tudhope |
| The Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Novice Stakes (Class 5) (Gbb Race)
Standard |
1m 13y | Baraq
(Ireland) |
Paul Mulrennan |
| The Play Southwell Golf Course Handicap Stakes (Class 6) (Div I)
Standard |
1m 13y | Triggerman
(Ireland) |
Ryan Sexton |
| The Play Southwell Golf Course Handicap Stakes (Class 6) (Div Ii)
Standard |
1m 13y | Unassuming
(France) |
Callum Shepherd |
| The Get The Inside Track With Raceday-Ready.Com Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
4f 214y | Jungle Run
(Ireland) |
Connor Planas |
| The Tips For Every Race At Raceday-Ready.Com Handicap Stakes (Class 6)
Standard |
1m 6f 21y | Blenheim Lad
(Ireland) |
Kieran O’Neill |
The results of the Sunday, 29 September races were the following:
| Name | Race Distance | Winning Horse | Winning Rider |
| The Free Tips Daily On Attheraces.Com Maiden Stakes (Class 5) (Gbb Race) | 6f 16y | Mashadi
(Ireland) |
Billy Loughnane |
| The Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Stakes (Class 5) | 1m 13y | Unassuming
(France) |
Billy Loughnane |
| The Download The At The Races App Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 6) | 1m 13y | Bownder
(Ireland) |
Joe Leavy |
| The Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Handicap Stakes (Class 5) | 7f 14y | Embarked
(Ireland) |
Kieran O’Neill |
| The Get Raceday Ready Handicap Stakes (Class 5) | 2m 102y | Environment Amigo
(Great Britain) |
Hollie Doyle |
| The Free Digital Racecard At Raceday-Ready.Com Handicap Stakes (Class 6) | 1m 3f 23y | Liberated Lad
(Great Britain) |
Hollie Doyle |
| The Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap Stakes (Class 6) | 4f 214y | Sankari
(Ireland) |
Dylan Hogan |
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