At some point everyone has had a debate in the pub about something completely random. Would Muhammad Ali beat Bruce Lee in a fight? Who is the greatest footballer of all time? One of these very conversations was happening in the Neuadd Arms Hotel, Llanwrtyd Wells , in June 1980. The then landlord, Gordon Green, overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain. And from that, the Man v Horse race was born. Almost 30 years on, the race has grown and grown with a dedicated following and people travelling from all over the UK. “We don’t really know what has made it so popular,” said 72-year-old Bob Greenough who is part of the organising team. According to Bob the event is a welcome boost to the area. “It is very well attended, a lot of people come out to watch it. People will come here from a long way away. The runners will come from all over the UK and people come with them. “This is a very sleepy town. … [Read more...] about How the Man V Horse race has helped save a rural Welsh town
Horse racing nation
Chester Races 2018 how to get tickets to all horse racing fixtures
Whilst the Grand National may have been and gone, there is still plenty of racing to look forward to. Including all the fixtures at Chester Racecourse between May and September 2018. Chester Racecourse, known as Roodee, is famed for being the oldest racecourse still in use in England. And Chester look set to saddle up for a season of glamour and high quality racing. So, if Chester Races takes your fancy, here's how you can get tickets to all the horse racing fixtures. How to purchase tickets All tickets and badges can be bought online at chester-races.com over the phone via 01244 304 600 or in person at the Chester Racecourse Box Office. Boodles May Festival City Day - Wednesday, May 9 Winning Post Enclosure - £85 County Concourse - £53 Tattersalls - £37 Dee Stand - £15 Open Course - £10 Ladies Day - Thursday, May 10 Winning Post Enclosure - £95 County Concourse - £53 Tattersalls - £37 Dee Stand - £15 Open Course - £10 188BET … [Read more...] about Chester Races 2018 how to get tickets to all horse racing fixtures
Soaring temperature see Cheltenham horse race abandoned
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
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