The official opener to the British flat racing season was the historic Guineas Festival from 1-2 May at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and it did not disappoint. The charismatic Frankie Dettori won the 1000 Guineas – the race for 3-year-old female horses – on Mother Earth, claiming his 20th British Classic win. Hailing “come on the oldies”, the 50-year-old jockey stormed to victory the day after 54-year-old Kevin Manning won the meeting’s 2000 Guineas for 3-year-old male horses on Poetic Flare. Tickets are already on sale for the Newmarket Guineas Festival 2022.
Speaking of “oldies”, Chester - widely recognised as the world’s oldest racecourse still in operation – held its famous Boodles May Festival from 5-7 May. Following on from his Guineas form, Dettori claimed victory in the Chester Cup, a race he has only won once before and that was 30 years ago. The Festival took place behind closed doors, but next year the ancient course is sure to be brimming with atmospheric cheering once again.
The early meetings have shown encouraging signs for Derby contenders, with Epsom’s huge race only a few weeks away (5 June). After a win at County Dublin’s Leopardstown last weekend, Bolshoi Ballet is currently the favourite to win the Epsom Derby. His comfortable racing style will see him compete against High Definition and Van Gogh; all 3 are from Irish trainer, Aidan O’Brien who has an incredible record in the Derby. Epsom Racecourse has had to limit its ticket sales this year, but those who want to catch the live-action in style can purchase hospitality tickets.
QIPCO British Champions Series
The QIPCO British Champions Series consists of 35 top British flat races including highlights such as the Epsom Derby and the Yorkshire Oaks. This year sees the inauguration of the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame with induction into one of the 4 categories (Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Major Contributors) expected to become the highest accolade in the sport. Celebrating the achievements of everyone from legendary jockey, Lester Piggott to one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Frankel, the new initiative emphatically collates the most significant figures in racing.
The flat racing season culminates with QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot; the perfect match of vying competition and elegant style. Victory at any of the 35 British Champions Series races grant horses a qualifying entry into the finals of the 5 divisions of the series. For a chance to witness the best of the best competing on 16 October, you can now purchase tickets and hospitality packages.
Dates for your Calendar:
- Epsom Derby Festival: 4-5 June 2021
- Royal Ascot: 15-19 June 2021
- Newmarket July Festival: 8-10 July 2021
- Goodwood Festival: 27-31 July 2021
- Yorkshire Ebor Festival: 18-21 August 2021
- QIPCO British Champions Day: 16 October 2021
- Guineas Festival: 30 April-1 May 2022
- Boodles May Festival: 4-6 May 2022