Horse Racing News

Hong Kong Sprint Disappointment

As the thirteen competitors entered the starting gate for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint, many had backed the racing sensation from Australia, Apache Cat. After a wonderful performance in the Winterbottom Stakes, it was believed that Apache Cat would be able to conquer the field easily during this one thousand two meter event. To the disappointment of his trainer, jockey and connections, it seems that this racing event was too short for the turf champion and they had to settle for a third place finish.

Betfair Boost for King George

Everyone in horse racing knows that sponsorships are crucial to the major horse racing events, as purses are increased through monetary support. The Ascot Racecourse has always been home to some of the most prestigious horse racing events on the British racing calendar and as sponsorships come to an end, replacements need to be found. The one important racing event of July at the Ascot Racecourse, has always been the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Up until two years ago this race had been sponsored by De Beers for twenty years, but now, Betfair has stepped in with a contract of five years.

Victory for Dominican Republic

No-one knows more about patience in horse racing better than the Dominican Republic. For years they have been committed to enhancing the quality of their breeding programs and for over forty years they have unsuccessfully entered their horses in the Caribbean Derby, or Clasico del Caribe. This magnificent Latin American Grade 1 stakes race was inaugurated in 1966 and takes place annually at the Camarero Racecourse in Puerto Rico, and this year it took place on Saturday, 6 December 2008. It was one of the most memorable Clasico del Caribe events for the Dominican Republic, as Sicotico finished in first position, to the joy of his breeder, jockey, trainer, owners and country.

SunRay Racing Dates Released

SunRay Park Racecourse in Farmington, New Mexico, have released their 2009 horse racing schedule, which will kick off on the 17th of April and promises to be forty-four days filled with unbelievable racing action and non-stop entertainment. With SunRay Park Racecourse also being home to a casino, there is always something spectacular happening every day, and combining that with quality live horse racing, has ensured a loyal and supportive fan base that are looking forward to the coming season.

Bauer In The Clear

It has been a very tiring and nerve-wracking week for the connections of the Melbourne Cup runner up, Bauer. Racing Victoria Ltd announced that an investigation would be launched into the treatment received by Bauer five days before the race, which if found guilty, would have seen Bauer stripped of his position and prize money. But it has recently been confirmed that Bauer will retain his placing, much to the relief of his trainer, Luca Cumani, and his owners.

Tension between Hong Kong and Australia over Munce

Horse racing authorities all over the world usually work together as a united international authority to build healthy relationships with each other and to provide the public with the security of a unified industry. Co-operation between the various racing jurisdictions is vital for the horse racing industry, as it assists jockeys and trainers to get licenses to race in other countries, and most countries are signatories to Article 10 of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities that upholds an agreed upon set of rules and regulations in regard to wagering, breeding and racing. A small loophole in the signing of this agreement has caused tension that could have an international impact on the industry.

Melbourne Cup Inquiry

On 4 November 2008, one of the most nail-biting finishes in the history of the Melbourne Cup took place at Flemington Racecourse, in Melbourne, Australia. Spectators had to wait approximately thirty seconds while stewards examined the photo finish to determine who the winner was. When the results finally came back, it was determined that Viewed, trained by Bart Cummings was first, with Bauer in second, C’est La Guerre in third and Master O’Reilly in forth position. Now, almost a month later, the shocking news that Bauer his position stripped has rocked the horse racing industry and torn the joy of their second place finish away from his owners.

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