Monthly Archives: December 2008

Not many people are aware of the fact that the Czech Republic has had a long and distinguished history of horse racing, and that horse racing and various other equine disciplines are enjoyed throughout the country. The Czech Republic is also known for its high standards in breeding, in particular Kladruby horses. Even though they have not celebrated abundant international horse racing success, the racing industry remains well supported in flat horse racing and steeple chase racing events. In the Czech Republic, the city of Pardubice is seen as the horse racing hub and is also home to one of the most dangerous steeple chase racing events in Europe

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Horse racing has been a part of Newmarket for centuries, with the Newmarket Racecourse hosting racing events since 1671. With so much horse racing history to share, there is no better way to discover the heritage of the racing industry and explore is journey from the past till present day, than at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket. What makes this museum stand out above any other horse racing museum is the fact that there are retired jockeys and trainers working at the National Horse Racing Museum and they are able to answer questions descriptively and add in a few personal stories.

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The troubled economy seems to have made life very difficult for a number of industries and the toll it has taken on the horse racing industry is becoming increasingly visible. Now, looking towards 2009, not many members in the horse racing industry forecast a favorable turn of events, on the contrary, it seems that everyone will be tightening their budgets. Even though some industry leaders have tried to assist in bringing relief to the Thoroughbred market, breeders will still be feeling the slump in the market next year.

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The Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong was alive with anticipation and excitement on Sunday, 14 December 2008, as everyone got ready for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races. The day consisted of a number of racing events with very big purses and some of the best horses in the horse racing industry were entered into the respective events. The main racing event was the two thousand meter Hong Kong Cup, and most of the locals had their hopes pinned onto Viva Pataca, but is was a trainer from South Africa, Mike de Kock, and his horse, Eagle Mountain, that caused the great upset of the day.

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With a purse of $250 000, the Grade 1 Hollywood Turf Cup attracts a number of well known racehorses each year. It is a horse racing event for three year old horses and older. In 1991, the first and only filly to ever win the Hollywood Turf Cup, Miss Alleged, crossed the finished line. The legendary horse racing phenomenon, John Henry, also found victory in this event in 1983. On Saturday, 6 December 2008, it was time for Champs Elysees to be crowned victorious at Hollywood Park Racecourse.

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