There has already been a number of huge horse racing headlines in the United Kingdom throughout the first half of the year.
Rachel Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, while Minella Indo completed the Irish domination at the Cheltenham Festival by taking the Gold Cup in a humbling four days for British-trained horses.
On the flat, Royal Ascot saw the return of racegoers, with the Queen in attendance to see Dream of Dreams win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. But, which huge races do we have to look forward to in the second half of 2021?
St Leger
The oldest British Classic of the season is still to come in 2021, as the St Leger will be taking place at Doncaster in September. It will be the fifth and final Classic of the season, and horses will travel over the one mile and six-furlong distance looking to join greats such as Nijinsky, Never Say Die and Galtee More. The leading horse in the betting is currently Adayar for trainer Charlie Appleby.
The Godolphin owned horse was a surprise winner of the Epsom Derby in early June, with Adam Kirby on board, and will be looking to add another famous victory to his wins as a three-year-old this season. High Definition for Aidan O’Brien could be one of the leading contenders at Doncaster after bypassing the Epsom Derby. His last run came at York in the middle of May, as he was third behind Hurricane Lane. Wordsworth and Bolshoi Ballet could also be likely rivals for the St Leger.
Sussex Stakes
Before we get to the St Leger, there could be a hugely entertaining race in store at Goodwood, as the Sussex Stakes takes place at the end of July. There is set to be an A-list cast for the Group 1, which will see horses travel across a distance of one mile.
The leading name that many will be looking to bet on will be Palace Pier, who is highly regarded as one of the best horses in training over a mile in the world. He didn’t disappoint on the opening day at Royal Ascot, as he won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes by a length and a half from Lope Y Fernandez. Frankie Dettori will be back on board the four-year-old for this huge Goodwood date.
Poetic Flare produced possibly the best performances on the opening day of the royal meeting to win the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes by four and a quarter lengths, and will come up against Palace Pier at Goodwood. Meanwhile, St Mark’s Basilica will come into the Sussex Stakes after a huge Group 1 in France in June, and ensures it will be unmissable racing.
King George
By the time that the King George comes around on Boxing Day, all sights will once again be fixated on the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. It is the second most prestigious race on the National Hunt calendar behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup, as horses race over three miles. Kauto Star won this illustrious race on five occasions, and Frodon will be looking to become a very popular two-time winner in 2021 with Bryony Frost.
Paul Nicholls’ record in this race is staggering, as he has won the last three renewals. Frodon and Clan Des Obeaux will once again be his leading chances, as the last two winners look set to square off. Irish competition could come in the form of Ryanair winner Allaho, while Gold Cup runner-up A Plus Tard could also be involved in this blockbuster race.
If you live in the USA you can still bet on the British races online. Make sure you are in one of the states where horse race betting is legal, which includes Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana (https://www.twinspires.com/states/indiana).
