OCTOBER 19-20
Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity. Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated. Thanks!
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British Champions Day, as it happened - includes commentary and race replays
BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY!
"The Next Big Thing" in the world of racing is BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY, OCT. 19 - click here! Billed as the "richest day in British racing", it looks to be star-studded, with $3.4 Million Pounds ($5 Million plus USD) in purses. At the link is a listing of the races, as well as the category leaders for each contest. Coming roughly 2 weeks prior to North America's premier event, the Breeders' Cup, British Champions Day is viewed by many in the Colonies as a "talent drain" for the U.S. event.
Nevertheless, it will be exciting and will be available "live" in the U.S. via many streaming sources. Being a recent convert to overseas horse racing, I am eagerly anticipating watching this event.
Video preview of Champions Day including review of races in series
The Berkshire racecourse’s roots go back 300 years to Queen Anne, who recognized the potential of a stretch of heath land while out riding just a few miles from Windsor Castle. The royal link has endured ever since.
Some of the stars expected to make their appearances are THE FUGUE, SKY LANTERN, ESTIMATE, LEADING LIGHT, ELUSIVE KATE, AL KAZEEM, DAWN APPROACH, TORONADO, IGUGU, LETHAL FORCE, SOFT FALLING RAIN, INTELLO and many more! It was announced this week that Declaration of War is headed to the Breeders' Cup in light of the predicted soft ground at Ascot on Champions Day. Other defections are likely, also.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES, which Toronado and Dawn Approach are both entered for, raises the tantalizing possibility that the pair may resume a fierce rivalry that currently stands 2-1 in favor of Dawn Approach.
Dawn Approach won their first two meetings, in the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes, before Toronado struck back in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood more recently.
Toronado also holds an entry in the CHAMPION STAKES, as does his stablemate and 1,000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern, plus the British, Irish and French Derby winners (Ruler Of The World, Trading Leather and Intello).
Britain's leading older racehorse Al Kazeem, winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Coral-Eclipse, is another engaged for the race.
The Qipco British CHAMPION FILLIES & MARES STAKES, being run as a Group 1 for the first time, has doubled in value to £500,000 and attracted a plethora of European talent.
ABIGAIL'S CORNER! Abigail Anderson has kindly provided us with her "Notes" for British Champions Day. Please click here to download a printable version for your reference. Thanks, Abigail!
About the Champions Series
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National Racing Report - Oct. 17, 2013
Grand National Steeplechase is an American Grade I NSA sanctioned steeplechase race run each
fall over the rolling hills of Moorland Farms in Far Hills, New Jersey. The Grand National (once called the American Grand National) is one of the oldest races in steeplechasing and one of the most important outside Europe. It has been brought back from oblivion by the dedication of a combination of steeplechase enthusiasts. Run in 2006 for the 14th time in its latest incarnation, the day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.
In the U.S., the sport of "steeplechasing", or "hunt racing" is not that widely known, however, it is a flourishing sport among many who enjoy this type of racing. Among aficianados, Far Hills is the center of the universe each year, with the backdrop of Autumn providing Mother Nature's own decoration. It is where the Grand National takes place, a race that dates back to 1899. Past winners include 11 of the 14 steeplechasers inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: Flatterer (also a close second in the 1987 Champion Hurdle), Zaccio, Café Prince, Bon Nouvel, Neji, Oedipus, Elkridge, Bushranger, Battleship (in 1938 became the only winner of this race and the Aintree Grand National), Jolly Roger and Good and Plenty. The day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.
Set over a 2⅝ mile course during the one day Far Hills Races, it has 14 national fences, and a purse of $250,000.
Considered one of the premier social events of the year in the tri-state area, it is attended by as many as 75,000 people annually. Family and friends create unique and often extravagant fall picnic areas, complete with beautiful floral center pieces, haybale seating, ice carvings and culinary feasts. For many visitors, the Race Meeting is a time-honored tradition and a joyous reunion of family and friends.
Full race details including expected star entries Top contenders clash in Far Hills $250,000 Grand National Jimmy Duggan to provide commentary on Grand National Card Far Hills Racing - Home Page Pierrot Lunaire back for Grand National title defense
AUSTRALIA - CAULFIELD CUP DAY
The Caulfield Cup is one of the biggest events on the Australian racing calendar second only to the
Melbourne Cup and the interest is global both from trainers and owners as well as general punters. It is a Group 1 event raced under open handicap conditions in Australia’s racing capital, Melbourne. See below for links to entries and more race information.
Caulfield Cup Preview and Entry analysis
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Note: International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov. Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the Cox Plate, Breeders' Cup, and Melbourne Cup. A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.
Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card. After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races). Check out my printable time ordered list and entries: Click here
