King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Preview: The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is generating significant buzz, with experts like Kevin Blake and LynchySSR from At The Races analyzing the field. The race promises to be a highlight, with competitive entries and favorable ground conditions expected (a mix of good and good to firm). Kalpana is confirmed to be on course for the event, though her team is monitoring the weather.
ITV Deal Secures Free-to-Air Coverage: British racing’s prominence on free-to-air television is secured until at least 2030, with a new four-year deal with ITV set to be finalized by late summer or early autumn. This ensures major races like the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National remain accessible to a wide audience.Racing Tax Concerns: The proposed “racing tax” continues to stir debate. York racecourse is engaging with local MPs despite their support for the tax, while the industry warns of potential damage to British racing, drawing parallels to challenges faced in Indian racing. The “Axe The Racing Tax” campaign is gaining traction, with politicians expected to hear more about its impact.
Notable Performances and Stories:
- Trainer David Menuisier’s Group 1 winner Sunway is preparing for a new challenge, with Illinois seen as a key rival.
- More Thunder, winner of the Bunbury Cup, will skip Ascot’s International Handicap to target Glorious Goodwood.
- The Racing Post highlights the dramatic history of the sport, including the iconic Grundy vs. Bustino race 50 years ago, dubbed “the race of the century,” though its legacy is debated.
- Jockey David Probert is set to take on a new challenge in Hong Kong, describing it as a “culture shock” but an opportunity for growth.
- A heartwarming story features a trainer who, after 30 years and initial rejections for a license, achieved Group 1 success.
BHA Leadership Drama: The search for a new British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chair has been described as a “soap opera,” with internal conflicts and strategic shifts causing tension within the sport.Retirements and Sentimental Moments: A beloved racemare, described as “still top dog,” has retired from breeding and found a sentimental new home, marking the end of an era for her connections.
