When it comes to horse racing, the British love nothing more than staging a grand event. With so many on offer throughout the year, it helps to know which are the most prestigious meetings with the best horses, trainers, and jockeys. Below, we help Nigerian sports fans understand the biggest meetings in British horse racing.
The Grand National
The Grand National is a race run over 4 miles, 2 ½ furlongs at the Aintree course near Liverpool. That is quite a distance for a horse race, so it’s a real test of endurance. It is arguably the most famous race in Britain, having been run since 1839. It’s known as a handicap steeplechase, and even the hardiest of horses and most favored can drop out, fall or run out of steam halfway.
This year’s edition is now just a few weeks away, and Corach Rambler currently leads the way in the Grand National betting odds, currently priced at 7/1, followed closely by last year’s winner, Noble Yeats, at 8/1. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Noble Yeats was a 50/1 outsider last year, so you can certainly expect more upsets in the Grand National 2023 results.
Owing to the unpredictability of the event, Nigerians making a bet should realize that the Grand National does require a huge amount of luck. Check if any horse has managed to run the distance before, then look for the form of the horse and jockey. In 2009, the horse Mon Mome won with odds of over 100/1, showing that outsiders are in with a chance. However, the history of the course will always be linked to Red Rum. He won in 1974, 1974, and 1977 making him the only runner to win a triple.
Noble Yeats and @swaleycohen win the 2022 Grand National! pic.twitter.com/Bm1y9qcV54
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 9, 2022Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival takes place in mid-March and is spread out over four days. Each day has seven top-class races. It focuses on National Hunt racing, which means horses have to jump fences and obstacles during the race, as opposed to racing on flat sprints. All of this makes the festival extremely unpredictable and a joy to watch, even if the weather does its best to dampen spirits.
🏆 Galopin Des Champs wins the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup! 🏆
😁 @CheltenhamRaces redemption!#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @WillieMullinsNH | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/89qqOTJjhE
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 17, 2023This year’s Cheltenham Festival was no exception. As expected, Galopin Des Champs took victory in the Gold Cup having been priced at 6/4 long well in advance of the festival starting. However, there was no shortage of surprises with other winners including horses priced at 66/1 and 33/1, further going to show that there’s never a dull moment at Cheltenham.
Royal Ascot
The Ascot course is an all-weather track and is used for both flat and jump racing. However, the meeting at Royal Ascot is the highlight of the calendar. Of all the British events, Royal Ascot is the most valuable with a prize fund of £7.3 million.
The third day is always the most visited when the Gold Cup race takes place. This is held over two and a half miles and is a Grade 1 flat horse race, meaning it attracts the best in the field. It is the first race in the Stayers’ Triple Crown, which also includes the Goodwood and Doncaster Cups.
There are several other high-profile races in the United Kingdom, and smaller events take place every day. If you are interested in betting on racing in the UK, start to follow the horses and their form and then manage your bankroll. By watching online, you can truly enjoy a great experience from your home in Nigeria.
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