Horse Racing Meetings: September Week 1 Review

We may not have exact records of who was the first to start horse racing or when the first horse race was conducted, but we do know that from time immemorial, horse racing would gather large crowds of spectators during the race events. Historians have evidence that horse racing was a popular sport in Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Babylon, Egypt, and various other ancient civilizations. In Greece, both riding and chariots were part of the Olympic Games.

At the essence of any race lies the same idea: to determine which of the two or more horses participating in the race will be the fastest and finish the race first. However, to make things interesting, with time people came up with lots of variations. Not only do races vary in distance, but some of them may also have obstacles or different track surfaces. Some races accept only specific breeds for participation, others allow the horses to run only in certain gaits. 

What You Need To Know About Horse Racing

Before you dive into the more intricate parts of the racing world and follow various races, it is advisable to get to know the basics. This will enhance your overall experience but also give you a better understanding of various racing events, their significance, and other developments in the sport.

Understanding different types of horse racing might be a good place to start. Race categories depend on the distance, obstacles, surface, and several other factors. In some countries certain breeds are used for certain types of races, as it is believed their physical characteristics make them a better fit for the particular conditions.

The main types of horse racing currently practiced in various parts of the globe are as follows:

• Flat Racing: this is arguably the most common racing type. The idea behind flat racing is that horses gallop between two points. Straight tracks aren’t completely uncommon, but the more typical ones are oval. As to surfaces, they differ on different continents. While Europe prefers turf, in North America and Asia dirt tracks are more common. Race distances can be anywhere between 400 m and 6.4 km, with the most common distances being five and twelve furlongs (1 km and 2.4 km respectively).
• Jump Racing: this category is also often called steeplechase, while in Great Britain and Ireland it is known as the National Hunt racing. As the name suggests, this type of racing includes obstacles that horses have to jump over. Jump races can be of two kinds: hurdles (with at least eight obstacles over 3.5 ft high and a minimal distance of 3.2 km) and steeplechase (with a diverse set of fence and ditch obstacles). But keep in mind that in modern racing the term “steeplechase” can mean different things, depending on the country. In the US it is used to refer to any type of jump racing, but in Great Britain and Ireland it is used exclusively for races over large obstacles. 
• Harness Racing: this racing type comes directly from the ancient chariot racing, except now, instead of chariots, horses pull the driver in a lightweight cart called sulky. In harness racing horses either trot or pace. Trotters are considered to be faster. 
• Saddle Trot Racing: more commonly found in Europe and New Zealand, for this type of racing horses need to be able to trot on a flat surface with a jockey in the saddle.
• Endurance Racing: the main point in this type is to test the horse’s ability to travel over long distances, which may vary starting from 40 to 161 km. Endurance races are divided into five categories depending on their distance: pleasure rides, non-competitive trail rides, competitive trail rides, progressive trail rides, and endurance rides. Preconditioned by the length of trails, endurance races are typically conducted on natural terrain, and the ones greater in distance can last for several days.

Horse Race Meetings: Weekly Review

Collins Dictionary defines race meetings as “an occasion when a series of horse races are held at the same place, often during a period of several days.”

Attracting racing enthusiasts and professionals, race meetings are not just a sporting event but a social happening. Most racing venues offer a comprehensive programme to enhance your experience of the race, varying from tours around the course to merch and refreshment stands.

As the first week of September came to an end, let’s take a look at how the events unfolded at the horse race meetings that took place from 2 to 8 September. 

Southwell (03-04 September)

Framed by the eye-soothing landscapes of the rural Nottinghamshire, Southwell offers a number of exciting events throughout the year. It hosted nine races this past Tuesday and eight races on the following Wednesday. Michael Eyre and Simon Connaway acted in the steward capacity, while the steward panel chair was presided by Christopher Bennett on 3 September and Caroline Wilson on 4 September. Riders and spectators were rewarded with sunny spells throughout both days.

The results of the Tuesday, 3 September races were the following:

 The results of the Wednesday, 4 September races were the following:

Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

Lingfield Park (04-05 September)

With world class tracks for flat and jump racing combined with the lush nature of Surrey, Lingfield Park stays active throughout the year. This week Wednesday and Thursday were no different, hosting eight races on each day. On Wednesday Sophie Candy and Steve Drowne performed the roles of stewards, while Allan Hepworth chaired the stewards’ panel. On Thursday these positions were filled by Cody Watkins and Steve Drowne, and Nigel Stafford respectively. 

The results of the Wednesday, 4 September races were the following:

The results of the Thursday, 5 September races were the following:

Haydock (05-07 September)

Another racing venue that welcomes spectators and participants all year around, Haydock accommodates flat and jump races. Its location in the North East makes it a special favourite among race goers. From Thursday, 5 September to Saturday, 7 September, it hosted a combined total of 22 races: 7 on Thursday and Friday each, and 8 on Saturday. Steward and panel chair duties were performed as follows:

• Thursday: Greg Pearson, Michael Eyre, Robert McCarthy, and Jeremy Barlow (chair) 
• Friday: Greg Pearson, Robert McCarthy, and Caroline Robinson (chair)
• Saturday: Greg Pearson, Robert McCarthy, Simon Connaway, and Caroline (Tiddles) Tellwright (chair).

The results of the Thursday, 5 September races were the following:

The results of the Friday, 6 September races were the following:

The results of the Saturday, 7 September races were the following:

Kempton (06-07 September)

If you want to visit a racing venue that has both flat and jump races but don’t want to go too far from London, Kempton Park located in Sunbury-on-Thames is an ideal place for you. This past Friday, 6 September, and Saturday, 7 September, Kempton park hosted 14 races, 7 per day. Fergus Sweeney and Sophie Candy fulfilled the steward duties, while Lyn Williams chaired the panel on Friday. On Saturday these positions were filled by Fergus Sweeney, Richard Westropp, and Steve Drowne, and Sarah Ellison respectively.

The results of the Friday, 6 September races were the following:

The results of the Saturday, 7 September races were the following:

Ascot (06-07 September)

Best known for the Royal Ascot week, this Berkshire racing venue founded by Queen Anne in the 18th century has a lot of other exciting events. This time around Ascot hosted 7 races both on Friday, 6 September and Saturday, 7 September. Cody Watkins and Richard Westropp were the stewards, while Rupert Sweeting chaired the panel on Friday. On Saturday these responsibilities were performed by Cody Watkins and Shaun Parker, and Lyn Williams respectively.  

The results of the Friday, 6 September races were the following:

The results of the Saturday, 7 September races were the following:

Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org