Are you ready for one of the most anticipated events of the flat racing season? Newbury racecourse will be hosting two days of non-stop action on 21st and 22nd July that no racing enthusiast should miss. Here, we take a sneak preview at the event, the track and, of course, some of the top runners and riders.
Racing at Newbury
It all kicks off at 2:10pm with the seven furlong Upham Brewery EBF Novice Stakes, and a further six races take place throughout the afternoon. On Saturday, the racing starts at 1:50pm, but everyone will be waiting for the clock to tick round to 3:35pm for the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes, when 86 runners will be setting off in pursuit of the £157,500 winner’s prize.
The racing continues late into the afternoon, and there are seven races in total throughout the day. When the racing is over, award-winning artist Jess Glynne will take centre stage, performing at the Party in the Paddock.
The track
Newbury is recognised as one of the top horseracing tracks in the UK. The left-handed, galloping track provides a genuine test of stamina for both horse and rider, particularly when the conditions get tough.
If you have never visited Newbury before, give it a try – the trackside views and facilities are second to none, and you are guaranteed a wonderful afternoon of racing. Of course, whether you are going to be there in person or visiting one of the horse racing betting sites to lay your wager, what you really want to know is who is likely to be ahead of the pack in this year’s Super Sprint. Let’s take a look.
Runners and riders
With 86 runners and riders scheduled to take to the track, almost anything could happen in this iconic race. Ones to watch include Debutante’s Ball, which won at Chepstow on 19th May before a disappointing showing at Ascot; Bengali Boy, which has exhibited excellent form over the past few weeks; and Royal Household, which followed a good showing at York with a great win at Goodwood on 16th June.
Hello Girl, Corinthian Knight and Maggie’s Angel are also certain to be up among the best of them.
Last year’s event
In the 2016 event, Mrs Danvers, the joint 9/2 favourite, stormed to victory under Luke Morris in front of a record crowd of almost 20,000 spectators. Trained by local Jonathan Portman, the two-year-old grey filly won by a length and a quarter, beating Stormy Clouds under Richard Hannon into second place and Clem Fandango into third. However, perhaps the biggest cheer was reserved for 50/1 shot Diable D’Or (trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and ridden by Edward Greatrex), which claimed fourth.
This year’s event is predicted to attract a bigger crowd than ever, and the racing is certain to be memorable. For further details, including directions and ticket prices, check out the Newbury Racecourse website. We look forward to seeing you there for a race meet to remember!
