A horse race over jumps at one of England's leading courses was called off on Thursday as large parts of Britain sweltered under unseasonably high temperatures. With thermometers reaching 26 degrees Celsius (nearly 79 degrees Fahrenheit), officials at the southwest Cheltenham track decided the three-and-a-quarter mile JRL Group Mares Handicap Chase should be abandoned on welfare grounds. Other races on Thursday's card at Cheltenham, albeit over shorter distances, went ahead as scheduled. Grand National-winning trainer Donald McCain, who had been due to run Same Circus in the JRL Group Mares race, slammed the abandonment by saying: "I just think it's an appalling decision as I don't know how you can differentiate between distances," said McCain. "If it's too hot to race, which I don't think it is by the way, then it's too hot and the whole meeting should be abandoned," added McCain, whose late father 'Ginger' trained the outstanding Red Rum to three Grand National wins in the 1970s. … [Read more...] about Soaring temperature see Cheltenham horse race abandoned
Horse racing nation
Northampton animal rights campaigner pleased by reaction to town centre horse racing protest
A Northampton animal rights campaigner believes people's attitude towards cruelty in horse racing is changing after he organised a protest in the town centre. Mel Broughton, 57, of Northampton Vegan and Animal Rights Group, was speaking at the demonstration against the Grand National in Abington Street held in the hours before last weekend's race, which was held to highlight the cruelty they believe is prevalent in horse racing.Although the group were confronted by some in disagreement, overall Mr Boughton was pleasantly surprised by members of the public's reactions."I’ve been quite surprised at how many people have come up and offered support, I thought people may be less open to what we are saying," he said."We’ve only had one or two people who have come up and pass the usual comments and wave a betting slip in our faces but generally people have been very understanding, and I do think it is to do with the fact that the lid is slowly lifting on the reality of the … [Read more...] about Northampton animal rights campaigner pleased by reaction to town centre horse racing protest
China to Encourage Horse Racing, Expand Sports Lottery in Hainan
By and April 14, 2018, 11:05 AM EDT China said it would encourage horse racing and expand sports lotteries in the southernmost island of Hainan, moves that may eventually open the door to gaming on the nation’s mainland for the first time.China will support the development of horse racing and other projects including beach and water sports in Hainan, according to a reform agenda approved by China’s cabinet and announced in the official Xinhua News Agency Saturday. The province should also “explore the development of sports lottery and instant lottery on large-scale international games,” it said, without elaborating.While the government bans all forms of gambling, it officially allows two types of lotteries -- including one in which players predict the outcomes of international soccer matches. It also permits some horse racing, though betting is banned and the central government had previously refrained from promoting the sport.“Horse racing … [Read more...] about China to Encourage Horse Racing, Expand Sports Lottery in Hainan
Unsung heroes of the British horse racing word are in the running for a prestigious national award
PUBLISHED: 12:53 13 February 2018 | UPDATED: 14:18 13 February 2018 Kath Sansom Nominated for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards is Petra Sebestokovar PHOTO: Dan Abraham Archant Seven unsung heroes, dedicated to horse racing and the care of their animals, have been short listed in a prestigious national awards ceremony. Nominated for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards is Faisal Tahir PHOTO: Dan Abraham The finalists are in the forthcoming Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards (GSSSA), and are from the Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk region. The awards shine a light on the unsung heroes working at the grass roots of British horseracing and its bloodstock industry. Ed Chamberlain, of ITV Racing will present the awards, along with guest host Michael Owen. There are six finalists who work in either Newmarket or Ely from a total of 18 finalists and 10 award categories. Nominated for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards Petra Sebestokova PHOTO: Dan Abraham The … [Read more...] about Unsung heroes of the British horse racing word are in the running for a prestigious national award
Unsung heros of the British horse racing word are in the running for a prestigious national award
PUBLISHED: 12:53 13 February 2018 | UPDATED: 12:53 13 February 2018 Kath Sansom Nominated for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards is Petra Sebestokovar PHOTO: Dan Abraham Archant Seven unsung heroes, dedicated to horse racing and the care of their animals, have been short listed in a prestigious national awards ceremony. Nominated for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards is Faisal Tahir PHOTO: Dan Abraham The finalists are in the forthcoming Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards (GSSSA), and are from the Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk region. The awards shine a light on the unsung heroes working at the grass roots of British horseracing and its bloodstock industry. Ed Chamberlain, of ITV Racing will present the awards, along with guest host Michael Owen. There are six finalists who work in either Newmarket or Ely from a total of 18 finalists and 10 award categories. Nominated for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards Petra Sebestokova PHOTO: Dan Abraham The … [Read more...] about Unsung heros of the British horse racing word are in the running for a prestigious national award