Royal Ascot News Round-Up no2 2015

Can you believe it?  The Royal Ascot 2015, the biggest horseracing festival of the year is next week!  As we approach the final countdown leading up to the big event, what last-minute news should you be aware of?  Here are some of the headlines which could impact how you bet next week!

• The Australians have arrived!  The land down under has sent three sprinters: Brazen Beau, Wandjina, and Shamal Wind.  All three of them are in tip-top shape and will bring some serious game to the races.  Ryan Moore has also announced he will be riding Shamal Wind in the King’s Stand Stakes.  Previously he was waiting to find out whether he had any Coolmore commitments.  Shamal Wind’s trainer Robert Smerdon said, “He doesn’t have any Coolmore commitments so he’s right to ride.  We had Damien Oliver as our standby rider.”

• Seven-year-old four-time Group 1 winning horse Al Kazeem unfortunately will not be able to make it to the Prince of Wales Stakes.  Al Kazeem won the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month in Ireland, but it wasn’t without a cost.  The horse’s foreleg injury will rule him out of Royal Ascot this year.  He was the 5-1 second favourite for the Prince of Wales Stakes. 

• Jockey Danny Tudhope will also be missing out on Royal Ascot.  At Catterick on Friday, he suffered a broken thumb which will keep him out of the races for the next four weeks. 

• Ripon winner Excessable also will not make it to Royal Ascot.  While the horse is in fine shape, he will instead be heading to Newbury for the Super Sprint.

• Illuminate, the filly trained by Richard Hannon, make an excellent debut at Salisbury against Great Page.  Paul Webber has just announced that she will go for the Albany at Royal Ascot. 

• Three-year-old filly Anthem Alexander won the Group Three Lacken Stakes on Royal Ascot trial day at Naas, and did it with style in challenging rainy conditions.  She’s one to keep an eye on at the upcoming races.

Now you’re up to speed on the latest Royal Ascot headlines, and are a little more familiar with the horses that will be running, as well as the contenders that have dropped out.  Keep following the news closely in the coming week, and start researching the horses you are interested in to see how they have performed at Royal Ascot and other races in the past.  That way you will be in the best position to place your bets. 

Want to bet on the Royal Ascot, but won’t be able to make it to the big event in person?  You can follow along with the events live on Channel 4 and make your bets online at a UK betting site.  While it may not be as exciting as attending in person, it is the next best thing, and wagering will make you feel like you are a part of the action!