Gemma Owen is carving out quite a career for herself in the equestrian world. While millions of TV viewers know her from the 2022 season of Love Island, in which she finished runner-up, horse sport fans know she’s an accomplished dressage rider, who represented Britain at the junior European Championships. And now racing’s getting a look-in.

She’s still competing in dressage, currently at inter II on her Polish-bred gelding King Ron-P (Ron William x Corleone Z), who has won at grand prix with Sarah Rao.

“Ronnie is a grand prix schoolmaster,” Gemma says. “He’s not the easiest ride – he’s quite complicated, but incredibly talented, so amazing for teaching me all the harder movements.

“He’s teaching me a lot, in terms of the grand prix movements and also patience and resilience. He is amazing.”

The latest equestrian string to Gemma’s bow is her recent foray into the racing world. Over the past year, she’s transformed herself from the long stirrups and deep seat of the dressage world, to raising her irons and galloping down the home straight at “Glorious Goodwood” in the Markel Magnolia Cup at the end of July.

The transformation is captured in detail in a new Amazon Prime docuseries, Meet The Owens, a six-episode insight into the Owen family’s daily life, produced by Whisper.

Gemma, the eldest child of England football star Michael Owen (not to be confused with the five-star event rider of the same name), is portrayed as she starts from scratch in her quest to become a jockey. There are thrills and spills, hard work in the gym, hours on the equicizer – and ultimately the charity race goal.

Gemma describes her early gallops as “humbling”, with a stark contrast between the two disciplines.

“I’ve trained dressage for as long as I can remember, and how the dressage horses are and how the thoroughbreds are is completely different,” she says. “My position when I’m riding dressage to going up the gallops is completely different as well.

“It took a while to fully adjust. Your stirrups are so unbelievably short and I remember when I first started riding out and I thought my stirrups were short, I look back and I literally look like I’m a dressage rider that wanted to do a bit of jumping or something. It was humbling.

“But I’m getting there,” she adds. “My legs and lower body I found OK; it was more my upper body strength that I found more challenging and had to develop.”

But however tough the challenge, there’s no question which Gemma deems harder overall.

“Nailing the perfect test is definitely harder [than winning a race],” she says. “There is so much that goes into dressage, and you are dealing with the tiniest, tiniest detail. You’re constantly chasing the perfect picture. Which obviously is subjective to a certain extent.

“Racing, there are loads of different challenges – I have to concentrate in a different way when I’m riding dressage to when I’m going up the gallops.

“It’s just a completely different way of riding. It’s not necessarily when you’re going up the gallops, it’s more the stopping and starting, walking to the stables, from the collecting ring, all of the little bits in between you just have to be so on it.

“These horses are so young and you just can’t switch off, they will spin round and go off with you! Learning to control the pace up the gallops is something I had to learn. If you pull the reins that doesn’t necessarily mean stop, it means they take a hold and we’re going faster. So I’m like, ‘If I can’t pull the reins how do I stop?’ But it’s all learning.”

Dad Michael was known as one of the most competitive strikers of his era. Now he’s running Manor Farm Stables, a Flat racing yard with trainer Hugo Palmer, he’s channelled that ambition to a new sphere.

Gemma admits she’s no match for his intense drive.

“Dad is more competitive,” she says. “I’m extremely competitive and want to do well in everything I do, but Dad is ridiculously competitive. When it comes to card games or a family quiz, whatever it is, everything has to be a competition.

“Mum, on the other hand, when it came to the Magnolia Cup was like, ‘enjoy the experience, enjoy learning a new discipline’. I think I’ve got the best of both of them I’d like to say.

“Dad and I have a lot of similarities. One of the first things Dad says about me on the show is ‘she’s a female version of me’ which is kind of accurate. I do think in a similar way about a lot of things. I’m extremely driven, focused, competitive and determined.

“When I set my mind to something I want to achieve it and put as much in as I can and get the best out of it. In those ways we’re similar.

“But because of my mum’s slightly different approach, I try to enjoy the journey and learning of a new skill as much as it does kill me when I don’t do as well.”

When it comes to the dressage, Michael has been happy to take a back seat. There’s a hilarious (and very relatable to most riders) moment where Michael is prancing around his lawn as if he’s practising a dressage test. But that’s about as far as his involvement goes.

He’s been crazy about racing, however, since he was a child. And there’s a scene in the show where Gemma goes upsides on the gallops when she wasn’t meant to – and goes really fast. Cue frosty exchange between dad and daughter.

“In dressage he’d support from the sidelines but he’d never tell me how to ride, whereas the racing he knows a lot more, he’s more passionate about, he’s more knowledgeable,” Gemma says. “When you’re learning something new there are a million things you need to think about and we had a miscommunication.

“We were meant to be going single file, and I came up upsides, which now I know is a completely different thing and the horses know they’re racing each other, as opposed to just cantering nicely.

“I had to learn that the hard way but I think having Dad here and passionate about the racing stables is incredible and I’ve learnt a lot from him.”

When it came to riding in the big race, it nearly didn’t happen at all. Michael relates how she had a fall on a racecourse gallop at Southwell a few days before – but somehow she was back in the plate in time for Goodwood.

She finished fourth – on a miler called Turbo Trotter for whom the sprint distance was far from ideal. Not good enough, says Gemma, who rued her own bad start.

“I was frustrated with myself – I completely missed the start,” she says. “I made up good ground and finished the race strong. The horse gave me an incredible ride and I’m so happy to have ridden him. But I should have been more on it and ready for the start to go at any point. Yup, I’m competitive.”

As for what the future holds? Will she carry on racing?

“Yeah! And dressage! I’m going to try,” she says. “Racing’s completely different, but I love it so much I don’t want to stop.

“I love the people, I love the horses , I love the routine and the involvement I’ve got here now. So if I can do both, I will. Racing in the morning, dressage in the afternoon.”

• For more exclusive insights into top riders and their horses, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has paid tribute to the “truly special” racehorse Big Buck’s, who has died aged 23.

The Stewart family’s National Hunt superstar won the Cheltenham Festival World Hurdle (now the Stayers’ Hurdle) a record four times and had a huge following across the equestrian community.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to the fantastic Big Buck’s at the grand old age of 23,” said Paul.

“A champion staying hurdler, he was a truly special horse who gave us some of the most incredible memories throughout his racing career. Four World Hurdle victories, four Liverpool Hurdles, three Long Walk Hurdles and 18 wins in a row — what a record.”

Big Buck’s started his career in France, trained by Mr Lecomte. In late 2007 he was sold by his owner Henri Poulat to Andy Stewart and he joined Paul Nicholl’s stable. Big Buck’s was paired with the legendary Ruby Walsh for most of his career, but enjoyed two victories under AP McCoy in 2010 when Ruby was sidelined.

Big Buck’s won 18 consecutive races from January 2009 to December 2012. He sustained an injury and spent a year out of action, then returned in January 2014 under Sam Twiston-Davies. In March that year Sam rode Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle, where they finished fifth. Immediately after the race Paul announced Big Buck’s retirement. He enjoyed a second career on the hunting field and made appearances at the Horse of the Year Show.

“He was a real character, and you never quite knew what he had left in the tank in a race. Somehow he always seemed to find that little bit extra when it mattered, a part of what made him so special,” said Paul.

“Big Buck’s was owned by the late Andy Stewart, who gave us the privilege of training such a wonderful horse. I’m delighted that Andy’s family continue to have horses in training in Ditcheat today, which makes that connection even more special.”

Paul added that the late Rose Loxton looked after Big Buck’s throughout his racing career alongside the rest of the team.

“He then enjoyed a long and happy retirement with Mike and Lucy Felton, who gave him a wonderful home and cared for him so well,” he said.

• To stay up to date with the latest news from the World Championships in Aachen, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Supreme talent Bow Echo has retired from racing unbeaten following “a setback” and will go to stud.

The three-year-old, bred by the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum and trained by George Boughey, was ridden in all six of his victorious starts by Billy Loughnane.

Mr Boughey said that it “has been the honour of a lifetime to train a horse like Bow Echo”.

“He has given us some extraordinary days and taken everyone involved on a journey we will never forget. To retire unbeaten, having won the 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes, says everything about what an exceptional racehorse he has been,” he said.

“Bow Echo’s remarkable story began with his owner-breeder, the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, and it is a great sadness that he was not here to see what a lifetime of breeding was able to produce. Bow Echo’s unbelievable constitution and extraordinary ability have set him apart.

“We will all miss seeing him at home and on the racecourse but we are incredibly excited for his next chapter and in time, to see a new generation of his progeny on the racecourse.”

Bow Echo’s trajectory this year, winning the same three races as Frankel, has been outstanding. The Night Of Thunder son, who Billy named in a H&H interview in March as one to watch this season, drew fans as much for the bravery and style with which he won as for his talent.

Their partnership – the “Kid” and his horse, two exceptional talents, smiling their way into the winner’s enclosure – has been glorious to watch. The late surge of speed with which they sailed past their rivals in the closing stages of the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood was an electrifying swansong to Bow Echo’s blazing career.

“He is probably one of the best horses I will ever partner, and to have him at 20 years old is a dream come true,” said Billy that day.

Paying tribute to Bow Echo on the horse’s retirement today, he added: “Bow Echo has been the most unbelievable racehorse and has given me days in the saddle that I could only ever have dreamed of. To ride a horse like him at this stage of my career, and to win the 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes together, is something incredibly special.

“I can’t thank George and the whole team enough. George has trained him to perfection throughout his career and I feel incredibly lucky to have been Bow Echo's jockey in all six of his starts.

“Of course it’s disappointing that we won’t see him on the racecourse again, but he retires unbeaten having done everything that was asked of him. It has been a privilege to ride him and he’ll always mean a huge amount to me.”

● What’s your favourite memory or moment from Bow Echo’s career? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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Robby Albarado, the US jockey who rode more than 5,000 winners, has died aged 52.

It is understood that Robby died in Saratoga, New York, on 4 August, from complications after heart surgery the week before.

Robby was widely regarded as a legend of the sport. He competed in more than 34,000 races during his decorated career.

He was born in Louisiana in 1973 and started race-riding aged 12. He rode his first winner in 1990 and by the time he retired in 2021 he had recorded 5,222 victories, including 39 Grade Ones.

One of Robby’s best known partnerships was with the Kenneth McPeek-trained Curlin. The pair won seven major races together including the 2007 Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic and the 2008 Dubai World Cup, earning Curlin the title of American Horse of the Year in both years.

Robby also enjoyed great success with the Neil Howard-trained Mineshaft, who started his career in Britain with John Gosden. Robby rode Mineshaft to victory in four Grade Ones, including the 2003 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

In 2004 Robby received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award and the following year he was inducted into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame.

A spokesperson for Churchill Downs racecourse, where Robby won many races, described the jockey as “one of the most accomplished riders in track history”.

“Robby’s talent and passion for thoroughbred racing left a lasting legacy,” said the spokesperson.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire racing community.”

A spokesperson for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) said the organisation was saddened by Robby’s death.

“From his success aboard champions Curlin and Mineshaft to his later work with Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna, Robby’s talent and horsemanship left a lasting impact,” he said.

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Top jockey Jim Crowley, who won the 2016 Flat jockey crown and scored 29 Group One wins, has retired from race-riding 10 months after a serious fall at York.

Jim, 48, announced his retirement on Saturday (1 August) and was given a guard of honour by his weighing room colleagues at Goodwood, a racecourse where he has enjoyed some of his most memorable days.

“It has been tough, the hardest decision of my life,” said Jim. “I had my first ride when I was 17. Time does not wait for anybody, and the injuries I had at York have taken a lot longer than I anticipated. But I feel very fortunate to have come out of that accident because it was a pretty nasty one.

“On to the next chapter. I only made the decision last night – I thought Goodwood is on, my local track, and it is a nice way to finish.”

He added: “I have talked to a couple of my closest friends, whose judgement I really respect, but at the end of the day the decision came from me because I have never listened to anyone my whole life.

“When I was a jump jockey, people said I would not do any good on the Flat, so that made me more determined. It is just one of those things. I am young enough to start training now and it is something I really want to get my teeth into.”

Jim started his career as an amateur on the Flat, then became a professional National Hunt jockey and learned his trade riding for Sue Smith and her husband, Olympic showjumper Harvey Smith. He rode 252 winners in Britain during his jumps career, switching back in 2006, when he started riding for West Sussex-based trainer and his sister-in-law Amanda Perrett.

“I wasn’t struggling over jumps – I was riding on average 50 wins a season – but I wasn’t where I wanted to be,” he told H&H in a 2017 interview.

In 2009, he rode his first Group One winner – Lord Shanakill, trained by Karl Burke, in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly. The following year, he was appointed stable jockey for Ralph Beckett, and his career continued its upward trajectory.

He was crowned champion Flat jockey in 2016, receiving the trophy on Champions Day at Ascot from Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper Nick Skelton, and subsequently landed the job as retained rider for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell operation.

“There are so many people to thank. Obviously, the whole Shadwell team, Sheikha Hissa and her father Sheikh Hamdan, who gave me the job. Angus Gold, Richard Hills, everybody at Shadwell. My agent, Tony Hind, who has worked tirelessly over the years. Valets, jockeys, stable staff – everybody has helped me along the way,” said Jim.

“There are a thousand emotions running through me, good ones and sad ones, but I have had a lovely send-off and there is no finer place, so I am very happy.”

Jim Crowley: ‘I have been so spoilt’

Jim had a superb association with Shadwell’s stars including Baaeed, Battaash, Mostahdaf, Anmaat, Hukum and others.

“Baaeed was special and Goodwood has always been a lucky track for me. I rode my 2,000th winner here as well, so it is great to finish here,” he said.

“I have had so many good horses and was fortunate to be champion jockey, which got me the position with Shadwell. Baaeed, Hukum winning the King George, Ulysses, Battaash, Mohaather, Anmaat – so many. You would settle for one of those, but to get all of them, I have been so spoilt.”

A Shadwell spokesperson said everyone at the stud would like to thank Jim “for his invaluable contribution since becoming our retained rider in 2016” and wishes him well for his “exciting new chapter as a trainer”.

“He has played a vital role within the operation, enjoying many memorable victories in the blue and white silks,” said the spokesperson.

“From the brilliant sprinter Battaash, including his track record-breaking ride in the Group One Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes to Group One winners Al Husn, Anmaat, Eqtidaar, Eshaada, Hukum, Minzaal, Mohaather, Mostahdaf, Mustashry and Nazeef, Jim has enjoyed remarkable success at the highest level for Shadwell.

“His victory aboard Anmaat in the QIPCO Champion Stakes marked his final Group One success in the Shadwell colours.”

The spokesperson added: “Perhaps most significant of all was his partnership with the exceptional Baaeed, guiding the champion to six breathtaking Group One victories and creating memories that will live long in the history of Shadwell and with racing fans around the world.”

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Welsh first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth swerved a question about the future of horse racing in Wales following the ban on greyhound racing.

On 17 March, The Senedd (Welsh parliament) voted to end greyhound racing. The ban will come into effect at some point between 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2030. The following day, members of the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a ban in Scotland.

On 1 July, Reform UK Senedd member (MS) Cai Parry-Jones raised the topic during first minister’s questions.

“First minister, your party supported the banning of greyhound racing in Wales, as a result, it will be fully banned in Wales as early as next April. I am seriously concerned that Plaid Cymru’s thirst for banning British cultural sports will not stop here,” he said.

“Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville [Roberts] said a few months ago that Grand National-style horse racing should be banned. First minister, horse racing is not only a cultural part of our British identity, but an economic one – generating hundreds of millions of pounds for Wales, supporting jobs from stables to tracks to bars at the races. Will you confirm to the Senedd today that you will not be moving to ban horse racing with jumps here in Wales?”

Mr Ap Iorwerth responded, saying: “I’m afraid I have to correct the member, the vote on greyhound racing was a free vote, and I believe it was for most parties in the last Senedd.”

Responding to the exchange, a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) spokesperson told H&H the BHA “has been active in the Senedd for a number of years, running a cross party group and engaging with the Welsh Government on behalf of the industry”.

“The industry has invested over £63m since 2000 in equine welfare initiatives, which have helped deliver genuine progress, and politicians from across the political spectrum were previously on the record in the last Senedd praising the high standards of equine welfare in the sport,” added the spokesperson.

“The Welsh horseracing sector continues to be an economic and sporting success story for the Welsh nation and it is worthy of Government support.”

In March, the BHA was quoted as saying that at every stage, both governments have been keen to stress that there is no connection between these bills and the future of the horseracing industry in Scotland and Wales.

At the time, World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H: “We know that society is increasingly questioning how we involve animals in our lives in so many different ways, from pets, to livestock, to animals involved in sport, and the greyhound ban in Wales and Scotland is another timely reminder about what the consequences can be if a sport loses public trust.

“Equally, it is well recognised that maintaining trust is one the key drivers of public acceptance and this can be strengthened by genuine, ongoing and evidence-led actions to improve safety and welfare. So this must remain a strategic priority for horse sport, along with being transparent and accountable for the actions undertaken. In this way sport will truly be putting the horse first, which should help avoid future restrictions and provide for a more sustainable future.”

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Horse racing is set to return to Towcester racecourse next year following a £2m revamp – nearly a decade after it hosted its final meeting.

Bookmaker Betway announced a new partnership with Towcester racecourse owners Orchestrate to bring the return of National Hunt racing to the Northamptonshire track in time for the 2027/28 jumps season.

As part of the deal, the venue will be renamed Betway Towcester Racecourse. Betway will be principal strategic partner of the racecourse and exclusive betting partner across all fixtures.

Towcester racecourse, where AP McCoy rode his 4,000th winner in 2013, hosted its last horse racing fixture in May 2018; administrators were called in on 29 August that year and it officially closed as a horse racing venue in 2019. Greyhound racing has continued at Towcester over recent years.

Orchestrate chairman Mike Davis said the company is “thrilled to welcome Betway as principal strategic partner of the refurbished racecourse”.

“It has always been our ambition to bring horse racing back to Towcester for the local community and fans of the sport. This partnership turns that vision into a reality,” he said.

“We are now working with the BHA [British Horseracing Authority] to secure the necessary racecourse licences, to enable us to race in the autumn of 2027. Positive conversations are also underway to finalise fixtures for that period, and it is amazing to see the racing community all working together to promote the sport.”

Extensive course and facility refurbishment, worth more than £2m, is already underway. Top jockey Paul Townend will also be involved, focusing on jockey welfare, course layout and weighing room facilities. The racecourse’s revival will be documented in a fly-on-the-wall series, which is scheduled for release in 2027.

Betway PR manager Lewis Knowles said: “Towcester has such a rich history within British racing, and we’re delighted to be partnering with the team there to bring horse racing back to what is such an iconic racecourse.

“As principal strategic partners, we plan to offer a truly unique experience for racegoers, owners, trainers, and jockeys at Betway Towcester Racecourse. The hard work is already well underway as the team prepares the track and facilities for racing’s return.

“We’re also looking forward to documenting this journey through a fly-on-the-wall series to be released in 2027.

“Our thanks go to the team at Orchestrate for all their hard work in making this partnership possible, and we can’t wait to play our part in this exciting new chapter for the racecourse.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Watch The July Festival live this week and witness the finest horses and jockeys take centre stage in a celebration of speed, style and atmosphere at Newmarket.

At a glance

• The July Festival date: 9–11 July 2026
• Watch July Festival on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
• Watch July Festival from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch The July Festival on TV

ITV will screen some of the action from The Debenhams July Festival live and for free on ITV and ITVX across the three days, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast the first four races on Thursday and Friday, as well as the first six on Saturday, while Racing TV will cover every race.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the July Cup?

The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup will run at 4.35pm and will be the sixth of eight races at Newmarket on Saturday 11 July.

How to watch The July Festival from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

The July Festival race times

Races in bold will be shown on ITV.

Thursday 9 July: Ladies’ Day

Friday 10 July: Festival Friday

Saturday 11 July: July Cup Day

What is The July Festival?

Newmarket is the home of British horseracing and The July Meeting dates back to 1765. The July Course itself is known for its intimate, relaxed, and picturesque summer garden-party feel, in contrast to the more formal spring Rowley Mile events.

The pinnacle of the three days is the July Cup, which is recognised as one of the most prestigious sprint races in the world and a highlight of the British racing calendar. The Group 1 Flat race is open to horses aged three years or older and run over 6f.

Many future classic and Group 1 winners first make their mark in juvenile races during the festival.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A bluffer’s guide to reading a racecard

Major UK horseracing events for your calendar in 2026

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from Coral-Eclipse day at Sandown Park (5 July) will need to tune into ITV or a free livestream. With two-and-a-half hours’ live footage on the main ITV channel, ITV Racing will be covering four races on the day of this Group One meeting, plus there are livestream options to choose from too.

The Coral-Eclipse is a Group One Flat race, run over a distance of 1m1f and 209 yards and is named after Eclipse, who was a top racehorse in the 18th Century.

Ombudsman, who was impressive when winning the Prince Of Wales’ Stakes at Royal Ascot last month is currently evens-priced favourite to take the 2025 Coral-Eclipse under William Buick for trainers John and Thady Gosden and owner, Godolphin.

Here’s our full TV guide so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing four of the Coral-Eclipse day races races for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

The Coral-Eclipse on TV: how to watch

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch the Coral-Eclipse, with four of the races from this meeting being streamed for free on ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturday 5 July.

They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus other top racing names.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on the morning of the Coral-Eclipse, previewing the day’s big races.

You can also watch the action live via the pay-for channel, Racing TV.

What time does the Coral-Eclipse start?

The ITV Racing Coral-Eclipse coverage will show racing between 1.30pm and 4pm on the main ITV channel.

ITV’s Opening Show will be shown between 9.30am and 10.30am on the morning of the meeting.

The full 2025 Coral-Eclipse day racecard is as follows.

Saturday 5 July

1.50pm: Coral Charge (Group Three)

2.25pm: Coral Challenge

3pm: Coral Distaff

3.35pm: Coral-Eclipse (Group One)

4.12pm: Coral Celebrating 50 Year Eclipse Sponsorship Handicap

4.45pm: Coral “Pipped-At-The-Post” And Win Handicap

5.15pm: Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Coral-Eclipse day. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

A Virtual Private Network will alter your device’s IP address to make it appear to be in a different country, allowing you to access your usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. It’s great for watching racing on the move, and it’s also handy even if you’re watching at home. VPNs are designed with internet security in mind, creating encrypted connections that keep your data safe from third parties and improve streaming speeds by preventing bandwidth ‘throttling’ from your internet service provider.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, which is the best VPN in the world according to our colleagues at TechRadar.

How do I bet in the Coral-Eclipse?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during Coral-Eclipse day so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

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Watch the Coral-Eclipse live this weekend and enjoy the action from Britain’s first Group 1 “generation clash” of the season at Sandown Park.

At a glance

• Coral-Eclipse date: 4 July 2026
• Watch Coral-Eclipse on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
• Watch Coral-Eclipse from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse on TV

ITV will screen some of the action on Coral-Eclipse Day live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX from 1.30pm to 4.05pm on Saturday 4 July, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast the first four races from Sandown Park (1.50pm, 2.25pm, 3pm and 3.35pm), which will include the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, while Racing TV will cover every race.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the Coral-Eclipse?

The Coral-Eclipse Stakes will run at 3.35pm and will be the fourth of seven races at Sandown Park on Saturday 4 July.

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

Coral-Eclipse race times

What is the Coral-Eclipse?

The Eclipse Stakes was first run in 1886 and is named after Eclipse, the legendary 18th-century racehorse who won all 18 of his starts and appears in the pedigrees of an estimated 95% of all male thoroughbreds alive today. It is raced over 1m 1f 209y, which is equivalent to 2.002km.

The race has been sponsored by Coral since 1976, making it the longest-running Group race sponsorship in the world. It is also one of the most valuable summer races of the British racing calendar and attracts the world’s finest middle-distance champions.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The family of Graham Bradley has paid tribute to a man who will be remembered for his kindness, humour and love.

The former Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey died aged 65 after, his family said, a “courageous five-year battle” with neurodegenerative disorder semantic dementia.

“One of British racing’s most talented and respected jockeys, Graham will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements on the racecourse but also for his kindness, humour, and love for his family and friends,” the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) said in a statement on behalf of Graham’s family.

“Graham passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Bob, and cherished daughter, Georgia May Bradley, by his side. The last words he heard were: ‘We love you, and it’s OK to go now’.

“He fought his illness with courage and dignity, surrounded by the unwavering love and support of his family.”

Graham rode 686 winners in Britain, including the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Bregawn for trainer Michael Dickinson, who that year saddled the first five horses in the race.

He also won the 1996 Champion Hurdle (Collier Bay), the 1985 King George V Chase (Wayward Lad), the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, in 1982 also with Bregawn and in 1997 with Suny Bay, and the Irish Grand National in 1985 with Rhyme ‘N’ Reason, who won the Grand National three years later with Brendan Powell. He had seven other Cheltenham Festival wins, came second in the 1998 Grand National with Suny Bay and was champion conditional jockey in the 1981-1982 season.

There will be a private cremation on Friday, 10 July, in Poitiers, France, and a memorial service celebrating Graham’s life will be held in his home town of Wetherby; details to be announced.

“Bob and Georgia May would like to thank everyone for the kindness, love and support shown throughout Graham’s illness and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the statement said.

“‘Live for today, tomorrow is promised to no one’.”

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“Racing must lead with the sport, not the betting” and has a possible untapped fan base of up to 200 million people if it can crack the puzzle – and reaching these people could benefit all horse sport.

The Horse Racing Audience Opportunity report is by Spotlight Sports Group – owners of the Racing Post and a B2B partner to the global racing and sports betting industry. It analysed racing’s current global fan base and shared recommendations to grow it, drawing on consumer research, senior figures in racing and learnings from Formula 1.

Its key findings included that racing needs to be easier to understand for more people, that tradition is not a bad thing – but must not hold racing back – and that racing must have a closer relationship with its customers and give them reasons to become, and stay, interested.

It also found that betting is “vital to the health of racing in most jurisdictions”, but that when attempting to sell itself, it is more successful to lead with the sport, not the betting; and that racing jurisdictions are not in competition with each other, but rather other sports and forms of entertainment.

“As an industry, racing is a major employer. People’s livelihoods depend on it. They need it to continue and, in the long term, they require it to flourish. However, for racing to work as an industry, it must first work as a sport – and any sport requires an audience. Central to this report is how racing can ensure it keeps and grows that audience,” said Spotlight Sports Group CEO Mark Renshaw in the report’s foreword.

“At a time of serious economic challenges and enormous societal change, and with the retention of racing’s social licence no longer guaranteed, there is an absolute need to better understand, appreciate and entertain those who enjoy racing now and those we want to enjoy it in the future. More than most sports, racing has existed with a fan base that is far from youthful.”

The report highlighted that racing’s “key opportunity” is to make a connection with non-racing sports fans aged between 25-44, and also with those aged 16-24 who fall into the 60-80 million people who can be classified as “big event fans”.

Sam Houlding, managing director of B2B at Spotlight Sports Group, told H&H that for him “the headline isn’t decline, it’s the scale of the opportunity”.

“We’re no longer competing only with football, Formula 1 or cricket. We’re competing with everything else on a phone screen, and more than half of 18-44 sports fans now follow 11 sports or more. Attention has to be earned, and racing has a genuine chance to earn a far bigger share of it,” he said.

“Betting will always be central to our model, but it’s the outcome of fandom, not the entry point to it.”

He said this means three things: telling a connected, year-round story rather than presenting a series of one-off events, making racing easy to understand for someone meeting it for the first time and reaching younger audiences where they are, which is mobile and social.

“Formula 1 has shown what season-long narrative can do, and cricket’s The Hundred showed the power of simply making a sport easier to follow. Racing is one of the richest sports in the world for data and heritage, and the task is to simplify the way in without losing the depth existing fans love,” he said.

H&H asked if any areas highlighted in the report potentially cross over with the broader equestrian world, and if there are take-aways that could apply and so strengthen the future of the whole industry.

“It’s a fair question, and much of what the report identifies isn’t unique to racing, it’s common to the whole horse world,” said Mr Houlding.

“The wider equestrian industry shares many of the same dynamics – a deeply passionate core, flagship moments that draw in casual interest and a language and set of conventions that can feel hard to penetrate for newcomers.

“The same principles apply across the board – lead with the sport and the storytelling, lower the barriers to understanding, and build mobile-first entry points for new fans. If racing and the broader equine world saw themselves as part of one connected story rather than separate silos, there’s a real opportunity to introduce audiences to each other and grow the whole ecosystem.

“A new fan who comes in through one part of the horse world is a potential fan of all of it.”

Ascot racecourse CEO Felicity Barnard said Ascot sees “huge opportunity globally, and every major raceday is a chance for us to convert people into lifelong fans”.

“As the report highlights, racing’s digital offering needs to develop and evolve so that it can reach new fans and the insights from this work will help the whole industry do that more deliberately and at greater scale,” she said.

• Read the Horse Racing Audience Opportunity report in full

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Discover the top UK equestrian events on the 2026 calendar

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Watch Royal Ascot live this week and witness some of the world’s finest flat racing.

With 35 races spread across five days, Royal Ascot is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the UK’s racing calendar.

At a glance

• Royal Ascot dates: 16–20 June 2026
• Watch Royal Ascot on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
• Watch Royal Ascot from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Royal Ascot on TV

ITV will screen all the action from Royal Ascot live and for free across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast all seven races on each day of the meeting (race times and channel information below), along with The Opening Show, which will air at 9.30am on ITV1 each day of the meeting.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the ITV coverage, accompanied by analysis from Jason Weaver and Adele Mulrennan, and reporting by Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad, Oli Bell and Luke Harvey.

Commentary will be by Richard Hoiles and Mark Johnson, and Oli Bell will present The Opening Show each morning.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Royal Ascot from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

Royal Ascot race times

Tuesday 16 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Wednesday 17 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Thursday 18 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Friday 19 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Saturday 20 June | 13:25–18:40 ITV1

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

The Skelton brothers will team up for a masterclass on the opening day of Defender Burghley Horse Trials (3 to 6 September).

Reigning National Hunt champion trainer Dan Skelton and his brother, Harry, who won the respective champion jockey title in 2021, will give a demonstration in the main arena during Thursday’s lunch break.

It will be hosted by racing broadcasters Nick Luck and Alice Fox-Pitt and will end with a Q&A session.

“Harry and I are really looking forward to delivering a masterclass at Burghley Horse Trials this year,” said Dan.

“It will be a great opportunity to take people behind the scenes and demonstrate how we use techniques from other disciplines to help develop our racehorses in training. We’re excited to share our approach and highlight the benefits it brings to our horses.”

Horses for the Dan and Harry Skelton masterclass will be provided by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, an initiative set up by David Howden in 2024 designed to support riders taking on former racehorses.

After the first day of dressage, Australian eventing medallist and course-designer Clayton Fredericks will lead a masterclass on cross-country course design. He will also be joined by fellow designer and Olympic rider Andrew Heffernan – the pair are assistants to course-designer Derek di Grazia at Burghley this year.

Dressage legend Carl Hester’s popular masterclass is scheduled for Friday’s lunchbreak this year. He will work with a grand prix dressage rider on their freestyle performance, and with a leading event rider on the CCI5* dressage test.

A demonstration from the Howden Way Young Horse Academy, led by BHS Fellow and CCI5* event rider Kylie Roddy, will round off Burghley’s masterclasses on Friday afternoon. It will showcase promising young horses and provide training tips on producing horses through the levels.

Defender Burghley Horse Trials director Martyn Johnson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan and Harry Skelton to Burghley for the first time. The Skelton family is almost unparalleled in the range of its equestrian achievements, and we think our visitors will be fascinated to watch Harry and Dan work together.

“We are determined to keep raising the standards of what we offer visitors, and this year’s masterclass line-up reflects that ambition. From the dressage precision of Carl Hester to the groundbreaking cross-discipline insights of the Skeltons, there is something to inspire every equestrian enthusiast.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Calling all future Rachael Blackmores and William Buicks! If you love nothing more than shortening your stirrups for an exhilarating gallop, why not give pony racing a try?

This fast-growing, adrenaline-fuelled sport for riders aged nine to 16 is a great way to experience the thrill of riding on some of Britain’s premier racetracks.

But it’s also proving an essential foundation for future jockeys and point-to-point riders. Champion jump jockey Sean Bowen, young Flat racing star Billy Loughnane and Grand National hero Rachael Blackmore all learned their craft in pony ranks.

Group One-winning Flat jockey Hollie Doyle started out as an “uncompetitive” youngster on her Pony Club pony.

“As soon as I rode in a pony race, I knew I wanted to be a jockey,” she says.

The sport’s governing body, the Pony Racing Authority (PRA) is there to guide you every step of the way, from teaching you the basics through to your first official race and beyond, ensuring you and your pony progress at your own pace.

Pony racing: three steps to the racetrack

Step one: join a taster day

If you’re tempted by pony racing but unsure how to begin, your first port of call is to attend a PRA taster day. They are normally unmounted and tend to take place on the morning of a Pony Club race day, offering a great opportunity to watch the action as well as getting involved in all sorts of activities, such as refining your racing position on a mechanical horse and learning what tack and equipment is needed.

Step two: practice makes perfect on a training day

The next step is to take your pony to a PRA or Pony Club training day, where you’ll learn all the ingredients that go into race riding, from how to line up at the start to the balance, control and fitness required for riding in a forward seat.

These events also act as qualification for the upcoming season and are a great opportunity to meet fellow rookie jockeys. PRA advanced training days focus on the finer details, while the British Racing School, Scottish Racing Academy and National Horseracing College offer further courses.

Step three: under starters orders!

There are essentially three types of racing to take part in:

• Stand-alone Pony Club race days
• The point-to-point pony racing series 
• The PRA racecourse series, which is the premier league of pony racing and held at professional racecourses between May and October (suspended in May 2026 due to a flu outbreak)

Vine branch member William King-Harris, 11, competes in Pony Club race days and was hooked from day one.

“He came last in his first race, but he didn’t care, he just loved being a part of it. There’s great camaraderie and he loves the thrill of it all,” says his mother Charlotte King-Harris, who teams up with other families to hire out local gallops and makes use of the regular racing rallies hosted by their Pony Club.

William, who rides 148cm Bowhaylands Midnight, says: “I love it because you get to race with your friends and riding at proper racecourses makes you feel like a real jockey.”

Up to 10 races take place on Pony Club racedays, split into height sections, with categories from beginners to open riders. Two or three races are held at the point-to-point fixtures, catering for both novice and more experienced riders, with various championships to aim for.

When you’re ready to graduate to the showcase racecourse series, you’ll be competing either before or after professional racing, with each contest (138cm or 148cm and under) mirroring that of a real race, right down to a best turned out award.

Lucas Murphy, 16, who won his first race against the professionals in April, progressed through all three levels alongside his younger brother Finn.

“There’s no gender issue in pony racing – or racing itself – everyone’s on a level playing field,” says their mother Verity Green, who organises the popular Area 9 Pony Club race day at Cheltenham Racecourse.

“With the changing landscape of the UK, riding at speed across open fields is difficult for a lot of people, so pony racing gives you that opportunity.

“But it’s not just about lining up and going as fast as you can! Pony racing is a great skill for any rider to learn – it helps with balance, fitness and judgement of pace, which then applies across the disciplines.”

What you need to take up pony racing

Do I need a flashy pony, fancy silks and expensive racing saddle?

You absolutely don’t need a specialist pony – you don’t need a pony at all!

Head of the PRA Lucinda Campbell-Dutton says, “You can race any type of pony under 148cm”, with the only stipulation being that it is aged between four and 20. The only specialist equipment you need is the requisite safety gear.

Riders aged 11-16 who don’t have a pony but have regularly attended a riding school can apply to the PRA academy scheme, funded by The Racing Foundation and the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

Sally-Ann Dale, whose 12-year-old daughter Lucie competes in Pony Club race days on her home-produced ponies, hosts the PRA academy at her Ghyll Park Equestrian in East Sussex.

“What I think we lack at schools nowadays is team spirit and that’s what Ghyll Park is all about,” says Sally Ann. “I tell the kids that racing is not a team sport, but when you go to the start, you’re a team. Talk to each other and jump off together. I’m more than happy to help anyone.”

As Verity Green sums up, “The way that racing opens its doors and looks after the progression of its young riders is phenomenal. My children have had an absolute ball.”

So what are you waiting for? Head to ponyracingauthority.co.uk for further information and above all enjoy yourselves – let us know how you get on!

Meet the 2025 pony racing champion

Last season, Chloe Fox-Pitt notched up 15 straight wins with Avalon Dancer in the 138cm PRA racecourse series, including the Aintree final. The now 13-year-old is back with the mare in 2026, having also secured the ride on the prolific 148cm She’s A Corker. Chloe, daughter of racing presenter Alice Plunkett and retired five-star event rider William Fox-Pitt, also enjoys eventing, Pony Club and hunting.

How I began racing: “I got a racing Shetland for a Christmas present and did two seasons on him before I got former show pony Maesteg Ruth to do pony racing on. She was very experienced and taught lots of people to race ride.”

Top tips for starting out: “Get as much experience as you can. I went to various places to get training on the mechanical horse. I did three race training days with my pony just to get to grips with it all and to learn what to do.”

The secret of success: “A big part is having a fast pony, but learning when to go, when to pull and how to start a race are equally important. It took me a while to get to grips with Avalon Dancer because she was much hotter than my first pony, but having a pony as good as her last season was so much fun.”

The best aspect of pony racing: “I’ve made so many friends, got to ride at the big racecourses and speak to some amazing people about racing.”

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Christmas came early for Irish training maestro Aidan O’Brien when he celebrated winning his 50th British Classic with 7/1 shot Christmas Day in the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse on Saturday (6 June).

Ridden by Ronan Whelan, the son of Camelot cruised to a commanding two-and-three-quarter-length victory over the William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross (Tom Marquand) to land the 247th running of the Epsom contest, worth £1m to the winner.

This historic Derby success came the day after Aidan’s son Joseph O’Brien saddled filly Thundering On to win the Betfred Oaks.

A 12th Epsom Derby success

“Christmas Day has done nothing but improve,” said Aidan O’Brien of his 12th Epsom Derby victor. “He’s so genuine, he stays and he handles the soft ground. Ronan gave him a beautiful ride. He’s a tough, hardy horse. This is unbelievable. But this is not just me – I’m just a small part of a very big team.”

Winning jockey Ronan Whelan, 33, in only his second season riding for the mighty Ballydoyle operation, described his first Derby success as “just so easy!”

“Aidan told me to keep it simple and the horse has done it easily – he loves the ground and it just felt effortless,” said Whelan, carrying the silks of Magnier, Tabor, Smith, Westerberg and Brant. “Running down the hill, Christmas Day had loads left – I wish I was as cool a customer as the horse because he took it all in his stride. He’s a credit to everyone who has had anything to do with him.”

Derby favourite declared a non-runner: “He was standing on three legs”

But this year’s Betfred Derby was action-packed from the start. Race favourite Benvenuto Cellini appeared to stumble out of the starting stalls, going on to complete the course but trailing home in ninth. It was then revealed that the Aidan O’Brien chestnut colt had ended up with a hind leg resting on the running board when the gates opened and a stewards’ enquiry involving Benvenuto Cellini’s jockey Ryan Moore was called. It was deemed that Benvenuto Cellini’s race had “been negatively affected” and on that basis he was declared a non-runner.

“Soon after the horse left the starting gate, we were notified that the favourite had his left hind leg on the running board just before the start, which resulted in him not being able to jump out on terms with the rest of the field,” said Shaun Parker, head of stewarding at the BHA.

“He was standing on three legs when the stalls opened.”

Further success for the O’Briens in Betfred Oaks

Aidan O’Brien’s son Joseph saddled the third horse home in the Derby, James J Braddock, just 24 hours after watching Frankel daughter Thundering On (Dylan Browne McMonagle) come home in front in the fillies’ Classic, the Betfred Oaks.

“Winning a big race like this is a dream and it’s special to share it with everyone,” said the winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, who also rode Derby winner Christmas Day’s sire Camelot to win the Epsom Classic for his father in 2012.

“Thundering On was a very impressive winner. To come to any Classic with a horse that has a legitimate chance is incredible.”

You can read the full report with exclusive insight from the Betfred Festival at Epsom in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 11 June.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The Epsom Classic, the Betfred Derby, is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar. If you’re thinking of having a bet on one of the 14 runners lining up for the one-mile four-furlong contest, we’ve sought out some Epsom Derby tips from the racing experts.

Irish training maestro Aidan O’Brien has saddled a record 11 Derby winners and he sends four runners for this year’s £2,000,000 race, including ante-post favourite Benvenuto Cellini, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

The Andrew Balding-trained colt Item, who will be ridden by Colin Keane, is the shortest priced English runner and one of five sons of the legendary Frankel running in the world famous Epsom horse race.

To help you decide which of the 14 horses and jockeys might come home first in this year’s Betfred Derby at Epsom, which takes place on Saturday 6 June at 4pm, here are some Epsom Derby tips picked out by the racing experts.

Good luck!

Epsom Derby tips

James J Braddock

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle

My pick as H&H racing editor is relative underdog James J Braddock. It’s hard to look past the Aidan O’Brien runners in the Derby, but I’ve gone instead for a colt trained by his son Joseph O’Brien, who has twice ridden but not yet trained a Derby winner. James J Braddock is co-owned by ITV Racing pundit Kevin Blake and named after the American heavyweight boxing champion. This son of Zarak won a competitive Derby trial at Leopardstown – beating fancied Ballydoyle runner Pierre Bonnard in the process. He also won on heavy ground as a two-year-old, so won’t be inconvenienced by the projected softer ground at Epsom on Saturday. Could James J Braddock deliver a knockout blow and win the iconic race? He could well punch his way into the placings at least.

Ancient Egypt

Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Jockey: David Egan

ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles will be calling home the Betfred Derby winner during its coverage starting at 1pm on Saturday, but he’ll be keeping his eye on one runner in particular.

“Ancient Egypt may well be able to outrun his odds,” says Richard. “Connections took this big imposing horse to Epsom on the gallops morning to get him accustomed to the track and despite his size he looks a well balanced horse as he showed when galloping on strongly at Newmarket last time. A son of the great Frankel, he cost over £1m as a yearling but it still could be money well spent.”

Benvenuto Cellini

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Racing journalist Frank Keogh says: “I think we saw something special when Benvenuto Cellini powered to victory in the Chester Vase. Even the taciturn jockey Ryan Moore was laughing afterwards. I expect big “Ben” to give Aidan O’Brien a 12th Derby win. James J Braddock can go well for Aidan’s astute son Joseph and take an each-way chance (particularly if you find a bookmaker offering four places) on 150/1 shot Balzac. He was placed in two Derby trials.”

ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin agrees: “Basically, I think Aidan O’Brien will win the Derby with his best three-year-old and you can gauge which one they think is the best as to the one Ryan Moore picks – Benvenuto Cellini – so let that be your guide. As an outsider, I like Ancient Egypt!”

Maltese Cross

Trainer: William Haggas | Jockey: Tom Marquand

H&H racing reporter Lucy Elder says: “The Coolmore behemoth is rightly dazzling, but blink through the glare and other sparks emerge among this year’s field. Maltese Cross, owned by film producer George Waud (of Snakes On A Plane fame), sailed through Lingfield’s Derby trial last month (9 May) and showed real guts in that close-fought finish with Bay Of Brilliance. The Sea Of Stars son is a beautiful mover and I love the way he’s been so game in the closing stages of his races. Being drawn in stall one isn’t ideal, but proved no obstacle to Adayar (2021) nor City Of Troy (2024) – the most recent of the four horses to win from that draw since stalls were introduced in 1967. Jockey Tom Marquand has been on board for his last three stars, all victorious. This year marks the 30th anniversary of trainer William Haggas’s sole Derby winner, Shaamit (1996) and Maltese Cross could well be the horse to flip the script on the Coolmore narrative that has dominated the Derby in recent years.”

Epsom Derby coverage

So there are your Epsom Derby tips all wrapped up! The Betfred Derby Festival takes place at Epsom Downs from 5-6 June and you can watch it live on ITV Racing. Horse & Hound will be bringing you all the latest news during the two-day meeting, as well as online coverage with a special report featuring in the magazine dated 11 June. Enjoy!

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Watch the Epsom Derby live this weekend and enjoy the action from what’s known as “the greatest flat race in the world”.

Horses only have one chance to shine in the Epsom Derby as it’s only open to three year olds, so the stakes are higher than ever.

At a glance

• Epsom Derby date: 6 June 2026
• Watch Epsom Derby on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
• Watch Epsom Derby from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Epsom Derby on TV

ITV will screen much of the action from the Epsom Derby Festival live and for free on ITV1 and ITVX from 1pm to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast six races on each day of the festival, including The Derby and The Oaks, while Racing TV will cover every race.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the Epsom Derby?

The Derby will run at 4pm and will be the fifth of eight races at Epsom Downs on Saturday 6 June.

What time is the Epsom Oaks?

The Oaks starts at 4pm and will be the fifth of eight races at Epsom Downs on Friday 5 June.

How to watch the Epsom Derby from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

Epsom Derby Day race times

How long is the Epsom Derby?

The Derby is 1m4f, which is approximately 1.5 miles or 2.414km.

What is the Epsom Derby?

The Epsom Derby is one of Britain’s richest and most prestigious Classic Flat races. It is open exclusively to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, and is the second leg of the triple crown – preceded by the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and followed by the St Leger at Doncaster.

The course at Epsom Downs is known for its extreme undulations and camber. Horses face a tough, steep climb in the first half-mile before navigating a sweeping descent and a long straight to finish. The Derby serves as the ultimate test of a racehorse’s speed, stamina and balance.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore and her husband Brian Hayes have welcomed their first child.

Rachael shared a photo of their son yesterday (3 June), captioned with his name, Bowie Martin Hayes, and a blue heart.

Rachael retired from race-riding in May 2025 following a trailblazing career. Her wins included the 2021 Grand National and 33 Grade Ones – including the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022), two Champion Hurdles (2021 and 2022), and the Queen Mother Champion Chase (2024).

Although Rachael is no longer a professional jockey, she remains involved in the sport.

In November, she was appointed “head of ladies’ day” for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, as part of a drive to encourage more women to come racing. Rachael spent time with racegoers at Cheltenham’s November meeting and travelled to cities across the UK to promote the campaign.

The 36-year-old was inducted as a Grand National legend on the opening day of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree (9 April), when she also opened a new alcohol-free bar named in her honour at the racecourse.

Rachael also joined ITV Racing’s presenting team as a pundit on Grand National day this year (11 April).

Brian and Rachael married in January in Rosscarbery, County Cork.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The final field of Derby entries has been decided after the last deadline for declarations passed on the morning of Wednesday 3 June. The finishing touches are now being made for 14 runners and riders announced for the 2026 Epsom Classic. The Betfred Derby takes place at 4pm on Saturday 6 June on Epsom Downs racecourse and an A-list crop of three-year-old colts are set to line up for this year’s race.

So who will be bidding for glory and a slice of history in the £2,000,000 contest?

Here is your full run down of this year’s Epsom Derby entries.

Derby entries: who is trying to win the £1m first prize?

After the final scratching deadline of 3 June, a total of 14 Derby horses remain for the 247th running of the world-famous 1m 4f race. Irish training maestro Aidan O’Brien saddles four of the contenders, including the race favourite Benvenuto Cellini, and a further runner is trained by his son Joseph O’Brien.

But there’s also an intriguing English contingent lining up to contest this country’s richest and most prestigious horse race.

So who will follow in the hallowed footsteps of the likes of City Of Troy, Sea The Stars, Galileo and Mill Reef to take the Epsom crown? Which jockeys are riding which horses in this year’s race?

Here is the complete list of 2026 Epsom Derby runners and riders.

Epsom Derby runners

• Action (Trainer: Aidan O’Brien)
• Alderman (Richard Hannon / jockey: Pat Dobbs)
• Ancient Egypt (Charlie Johnston / David Egan)
• A Taste Of Glory (Andrew Balding / Jamie Spencer)
• Balzac (Jane Chapple-Hyam / Silvestre de Sousa)
• Bay Of Brilliance (Ralph Beckett / Hector Couch)
• Benvenuto Cellini (Aidan O’Brien)
• Christmas Day (Aidan O’Brien)
• Item (Aidan O’Brien / Colin Keane)
• James J Braddock (Joseph O’Brien / Dylan Browne McMonagle)
• Maltese Cross (William Haggas / Tom Marquand)
• Pierre Bonnard (Aidan O’Brien)
• Poker (Kieran Burke / Rowan Scott)
• Rebel Rocker (Faye Bramley / Rob Hornby)

The following horses were scratched from the race on Wednesday 3 June and will not take part: Amadeus Mozart (Aidan O’Brien), Causeway (Aidan O’Brien), Endorsement (Aidan O’Brien), Hawk Mountain (Aidan O’Brien), Constitution River (Aidan O’Brien), Proposition (Aidan O’Brien), Saxon Street (John and Thady Gosden), Shosholoza (Joseph O’Brien).

The Betfred Derby Festival takes place at Epsom Downs from 5-6 June. Horse & Hound will be bringing you all the latest news and tips in the run-up to the meeting, as well as online coverage with a special report featuring in the magazine on sale 11 June.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The King and Queen will attend the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs next weekend (6 June) to watch the 247th running of the British Classic.

Epsom’s general manager Jim Allen said the racecourse is “honoured and thrilled” that the King and Queen will be there on Derby day.

“Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horseracing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse,” he said.

“Derby day provides joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world as one of Britain’s most famous and iconic events, and royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations. We are delighted that Their Majesties will be continuing this tradition next week.”

The King and Queen are both honorary members of The Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs racecourse, and became the organisation’s joint patrons in May 2024.

Their visit continues a tradition of royal attendance. The late Queen only missed two editions of the famous race from the start of her reign until the Covid pandemic, in 1956 when on a state visit to Sweden, and in 1984 when attending the 40th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Her late Majesty was also patron of The Jockey Club for 68 years, from 1954 until her death in September 2022.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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If you’re still on the search for a dress for Royal Ascot or haven’t yet sorted your outfit and need a bit of inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place.

For those heading to Royal Ascot this year (16–20 June, 2026), we’ve rounded up a selection of dresses for Royal Ascot that adhere to the dress code – are the correct length, and have suitable necklines and straps.

What’s the dress code at Royal Ascot?

Of course, depending on which enclosure you’re in, the dress code is slightly different – but as this race meeting is a chance to get your glad rags on we think it’s nice to really make an effort and go all-out smart with one of the best hats suitable for Royal Ascot and dress like you’ve been invited to spend a day with royalty.

In the most strict of the enclosures at Royal Ascot, dresses and skirts should:

• fall just above the knee or longer
• have straps that are at least one inch thick
• not be strapless, off-the-shoulder, bardot or halter-neck style
• not have sheer straps or sleeves

In most enclosures an open-back style is permitted as long as the straps meet the dress code. Trouser suits and jumpsuits are also allowed, too, providing they meet the dress code regulations. If you’re at all unsure, here’s our guide to navigating the full Royal Ascot dress code.

Dresses suitable for Royal Ascot

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Staff education, role models and trustworthy research were the three key themes in a cross-industry discussion on how to ensure thoroughbreds’ wellbeing is the best it can be throughout their lives.

Researchers, trainers, educators and other leading industry figures debated ideas and discussed existing practices around horse wellbeing in the thoroughbred industry, from birth through their racing careers and life after racing.

“The mentoring, formal and informal, and then the environment that you’re in influences a lot of what you learn and what you come to think of as normal,” said Andrew Braithwaite, chief executive of the British Racing School (BRS), during the event at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse on 15 May.

He gave the example of the way wellbeing was a focus for last year’s refurbishment of the main BRS yard, which included “friendship grilles”, which allow horses contact with each other, and dual-aspect windows in stables, and also spoke about the school’s kindness ethos.

“When we speak to the trainees, we make absolutely clear that we’re not just talking about kindness to each other and to the humans at school. But that it’s absolutely paramount when they’re with us – and throughout the whole of their careers in racing – that you have to be kind to the horses,” he said.

Trainer Richard Phillips said “the best leaders are the best examples”, adding that thinking about how his own mentors would behave in situations has “never left” him.

“Those days, a long time ago, we had more time,” he said. “I’ve always used the analogy that I’m the headmaster of school. The people who ride the horses are the teachers. The owners are the parents and the horses are pupils. Being the teacher in the school is the most important role.”

He echoed others’ points about the important role being physically fit plays in good wellbeing for horses and said the industry “shouldn’t shy away” from that.

Mr Phillips also raised the question about how to support staff with continued learning from experts – in work time – through their careers.

“There are lots of courses out, but it’s often in their own time,” he said. “I think training staff within racing is within our compass, we can do it, we’ve got to think of a way of how we do it better.”

Anna Kerr, chief executive of The National Stud, shared how good foundations are “laid from day dot”.

“At the core it’s a partnership and we’re laying the foundation of trust; that [horses] can trust us,” she said.

She gave the example of how certain staff come in early during the season to make sure young horses get extra scratches on morning feed rounds and are used to being handled all the way through.

Many nodded to how lucky the industry is to have many great horse people “across the board” and the value of good staff, but noted that yards are under increasing time and financial pressures.

The point was also raised that changes – for example, to yard design – come at a time and financial cost, too, and that trainers want certainty, through solid research, that these will not lead to unintended negative consequences.

The panel also came up with many positive ideas. These include promoting how much British racing and the wider equestrian industry does know and is already doing well, plus a system whereby new owners are given “full disclosure” of a horse’s veterinary history and reason for retiring when he leaves racing.

“It would certainly give people that transparency of what they’re taking on,” said Therese Murphy, founder of education provider Equi-Ed.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The best hats for Royal Ascot not only comply with the strict Royal Ascot dress code but make you stand out from the crowd and feel glamorous, too. Everyone loves to dress up for a day at the races, but the Royal Ascot meeting (16–20 June, 2026) is synonymous with fashion, elegance and style, which makes your outfit choice even more important. The best hat will complement your dress for Royal Ascot, putting the finishing touch to your outfit.

Raceday hats can be awkward to greet friends in, there’s a high chance of ending up with a glaring, sweaty forehead, and at some point during the day your heart will skip a beat as you make a dash back to the loo where you left it. So if you’re going to put yourself through the trial of choosing and wearing a hat to go racing this summer, we say make it a goody – and read our tips on how to choose.

Best hats for Royal Ascot 2026: all budgets and styles

How to choose the best hat for Royal Ascot

For most equestrians, Royal Ascot is an opportunity to ditch the horsey attire and don a posh frock (or a top hat for the men). For the ladies, a hat can add personality to an outfit, but what are the secrets to getting it right?

The meeting famously has strict dress codes to adhere to – particularly in the Royal Enclosure where hats or headpieces should have a base of at least four inches (10cm) or more in diameter. You might think this rules out a lot of options, but there are plenty of fascinators that are designed with these dimensions in mind.

Unless you are fortunate to have access to a personal stylist, choosing an exquisite hat can be a tricky decision, so here are some tips for choosing the right hat for you…

• If you’re petite, a delicate feather fascinator or smaller headpiece (not wider than your shoulders) tilted to one side will work well.
• Tall ladies will carry off a larger brimmed hat more easily.
• If you have a round face, opt for a headpiece that sits at a slant (such as a beret) with a design, such as long feather quills or flowers, to add height and elongate your face.
• Ladies with a heart or oval-shaped face are lucky enough to be able to wear almost any shaped hat.
• If you are choosing a hat that is made on a hairband, opt for one that can easily be disguised in your hair — this is often achieved by having silk that matches your hair colour wrapped around the band.
• If you have a side parting, wear your hat on the side that your hair parts so that you have the fullest side of your hair on show.
• If you want to be the centre of attention, bright against blocks of darker tones will definitely turn heads. No one shies away from bright at Royal Ascot, but there are plenty of softer pastel options available, too.
• Botanical leaf and floral designs are always popular and are well-suited to this outdoor occasion.
• Avoid going overboard with accessories — a statement necklace with a detailed headpiece will look fussy so opt for one or the other.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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There are four enclosures at Royal Ascot, with three of those open to the public. Each enclosure has an atmosphere of its own, offering a unique raceday experience.

Royal Ascot itself is one of the most prestigious and exciting Flat race meetings in the horse racing calendar and this year it will take place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June.

Royal Ascot enclosures: your complete guide

Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure works on an invitation-only membership, as it was at its inception in 1807, when the area was exclusively reserved for guests of The King.

Royal Enclosure members have access to a private trackside viewing lawn, a dedicated fourth floor vantage point in the grandstand, an exclusive area around the parade ring, several fine dining restaurants and a dedicated car park.

There is a strict dress code for the Royal Enclosure – find out more about the Royal Ascot dress codes.

To become a Royal Enclosure member, a new applicant will need to be sponsored by two eligible members (of different addresses) and must be 18 years or older at the time of the event. Currently, a £150 joining fee also applies, and an annual membership fee of £25 will be introduced ahead of the 2027 meeting.

Members are invited to bring up to two guests on each day excluding Tuesday. There are only a limited number of guest badges available and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Juniors aged 10-17 may attend the Royal Enclosure with their parents on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. Babies and under 10s are not permitted.

Queen Anne Enclosure

Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure start at £99. The enclosure itself is located around the Ascot Grandstand and grants guests access to the parade ring steppings, bandstand, trackside lawns and ground floor of the grandstand.

While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and must be followed.

This enclosure offers a wide range of food and drink options and there are a number of bars and Champagne lounges located within it.

Queen Anne Enclosure ticket holders also have the option to upgrade their ticket in various ways, such as booking a trackside table or private gazebo for up to 50 guests.

Tickets start at £99 – find out more about Royal Ascot tickets.

Village Enclosure

The Village Enclosure is located in the centre of the track, looking back towards the grandstand from the other side of the rails. The Village Enclosure is open Thursday to Saturday, gives views of the racing down the home straight and is a festival-inspired experience.

There is an after-party headlined by Disco Inferno, bringing glittering disco anthems and energy to the main stage until 9pm for all Village Enclosure ticket holders.

Village Enclosure tickets start at £85.

Windsor Enclosure

The Windsor Enclosure has a laid back atmosphere. Those in this enclosure will get the first view of the Royal Procession, features live music, is ideal for large groups of people and there is no formal dress code.

It’s the only enclosure that allows guests to bring a picnic and bottle of sparkling wine or champagne. Guests can enhance their experience by reserving a picnic bench or securing access to a VIP area.

Windsor Enclosure tickets start at £37.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

An instructor at the National Horseracing College (NHC) has raised over £1,000 in memory of a former student – and to help other young people realise “there is always someone there to listen”.

Natalie Dunning completed the Yorkshire three peaks challenge on 10 May in aid of men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club. She was inspired by the memory of former student and stable lad Billy Moffatt, who died aged 20 a year ago.

“Billy was a valued member of staff within the racing industry,” said Natalie. “He was a likeable character and his loss has been felt deeply by members of the racing community and instructors here at the college.”

“By raising funds for Andy’s Man Club, I hope to honour Billy’s memory and make sure other young people in racing know there is always someone there to listen.”

Natalie completed the challenge in five hours and 45 minutes.

“It was incredibly hard,” she said “I wasn’t naive to the fact it would be, but it was nothing in comparison to what Billy and his family went through and that kept me going when I really started to struggle.

“Working with learners every day, you remember them long after they have graduated from the NHC. I still think about Billy a lot and it’s a reminder how important my job is and the impact we can make at the college, to care and support young people in racing.

“I hope it’s a reminder to students that we are always here to listen and support them, and that doesn’t stop when they graduate.”

The JustGiving donation page will be open until Sunday 31 May.

The NHC also reminded those in the industry of charity Racing Welfare, which offers support and guidance in all areas, including finance, housing and mental health.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Hunter chases have been abandoned, special measures enlisted for the royal procession at Ascot and retired racehorse parades cancelled owing to the continued rise in equine flu cases.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that only horses from licensed training yards will be allowed to enter racecourses on racedays from Wednesday (20 May).

“With a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population, this is a precautionary measure to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed,” said a statement from the BHA.

This means all scheduled hunter chases from 20 May, including the popular hunter chase evening at Stratford on 29 May, have been called off. Other equine events due to take place on British racecourses, including Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades, are also cancelled.

The BHA statement also said the authority is “working with Ascot racecourse to replicate the biosecurity measures of a licensed premises to enable the royal procession to go ahead without any increased risk”. Traditionally, members of the royal family and invited guests arrive in a horse-drawn procession before racing each day at Royal Ascot.

Biosecurity measures will also be required for police horses attending the racecourse. Conversations are already in progress around this and the BHA will meet with Ascot, the police and others to work through the practicalities.

James Given, BHA director of equine regulation, safety and welfare, said: “The news today will understandably be disappointing for many people, but levels of equine flu are higher than at any time in recent history and it’s essential that we take all necessary steps to protect the thoroughbred herd.

“These measures follow extensive engagement with independent infectious disease experts about how we further reduce the risk of exposure and ensure the continuity of racing.

“In addition to vaccination, this can be best achieved by preventing the mixing of racehorses with horses and ponies from premises that are not licensed by the BHA, where we have more limited information about their health and vaccination status.”

The racecourse restrictions will remain in place until the BHA is “confident that the levels of equine influenza in the British horse population have fallen and there is no heightened risk to the thoroughbred racing herd”.

“I’m encouraged by the response we have already seen from the racing community about the vital importance of maintaining the biosecurity of the thoroughbred racing herd. We continue to urge constant vigilance, especially around the movement and mixing of horses,” said Mr Given.

“Information about vaccination, infection control measures and spotting the signs of flu are available on the BHA website.”

The BHA is working with the racecourses that were due to hold hunter chases to discuss options for potentially replacing lost races.

Racecourses will also be required to increase the period of time between hosting an equine event involving horses from unlicensed premises and a licensed raceday taking place to six clear days (from three).

The measures follow consultation with experts at Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) and the Racecourse Association’s representative on the BHA veterinary group. The BHA has also engaged with affected racecourses, the ROR, the Point-to-Point Authority and the Pony Racing Authority.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A minute’s silence has been held at Bangor-on-Dee following the death of Beryl McCain, the wife of the late Red Rum trainer Ginger – on the same day their son Donald recorded his 250th course winner.

On Saturday morning (16 May) the McCain family announced with great sadness that Beryl had died peacefully in her sleep during the early hours, aged 88.

“It leaves a huge hole in our family but we take great peace in knowing that her and dad are now reunited. Rest in peace, Mum,” said a family tribute.

Beryl, a respected figure in the racing community, was married to Ginger for 50 years, supporting him throughout his phenomenal career which included three Grand National wins with the legendary Red Rum. When Ginger retired after the 2006 Grand National he handed the training business to Donald, and Beryl remained a big supporter.

A minute’s silence was observed on Saturday for Beryl at Bangor-on-Dee, where Donald had six runners. That afternoon, Harry Cobden rode Grain d’Oudairies to victory by one length in the Grand Wynnstay Handicap Chase, to give Donald his 250th win at his local track.

Donald told the Racing Post the jockeys wore black armbands in honour of his mother and described it as a “really special”.

“None of us expected that and it was a lovely gesture. It had only happened that morning, so it had hit us quite quickly,” he said.

Patrick Chesters, racing director at Chester Race Company, said the 250th course winner was a “phenomenal milestone for Donald”.

“We’re extremely proud of the relationship between his team and ours at Chester and Bangor-on-Dee,” he said.

“Evidently, Donald is one of the best in the business and we always see a top calibre of racing from his runners and riders. Huge congratulations are in order.”

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If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Royal Ascot this year (16–20 June 2026), we’re here to help with the ultimate guide to the Royal Ascot dress code for each enclosure.

It would be awful to arrive at Royal Ascot in an outfit that does not meet the dress code and be turned away as a result, so we’ll cover everything from the length of dresses suitable for Royal Ascot, to the accepted width of straps, dos and don’ts for the gents and what young racegoers should be wearing, too.

Do you need to wear a big hat? Can you wear a fascinator instead? How about a jumpsuit? Does he need a tie? We’ve got all your questions answered and if you need some inspiration, we’ve got some tips for dressing at Royal Ascot, too.

Royal Ascot dress codes

Each of the Royal Ascot enclosures has slightly different rules about what you can and can’t wear, so if you have your Royal Ascot tickets and know which enclosure you need to be dressing for, jump straight down to your dress code using the links below. If not, this dress code explainer might help you narrow down where you’d like to spend your day.

• Royal Enclosure
• Queen Anne Enclosure
• Village Enclosure
• Windsor Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure dress code

The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code and is by invitation only, so congratulations if you’ve got yourself a ticket. Guests in this enclosure are encouraged to embrace the elegance and fashion with their own individual style, providing it is in keeping with the dress code.

Ladies

• Headwear must be worn. Hats are preferred, but a headpiece that has a solid base of four inches (10cm) or more in diameter is allowed as an alternative. This selection of hats for Royal Ascot are all compliant.
• Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer, and midriffs should not be on show. Straps should be at least one inch thick – strapless, off-the-shoulder and halter-neck styles are not permitted. Lace and chiffon materials are accepted.
• Jackets and pashminas are allowed, however, the dress underneath still needs to comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
• Trouser suits are welcome but should be full length and both the material and colour should match.
• Jumpsuits are allowed, but should fall below the knee and match the same strap regulations as dresses.

Gentlemen

• Morning dress must be worn and must be either black, grey or navy. This includes a waistcoat and tie (bow ties and cravats are not permitted).
• Top hats should be worn (black or grey) but customisation, such as coloured ribbon, is not allowed.
• Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted, but discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.
• Shoes must be black and socks must cover the ankle.

Children

• Girls (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the ladies’ dress code, however, there is no size restriction on headwear.
• Boys (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code or wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie.

Queen Anne Enclosure dress code

While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and should be followed with confidence.

Ladies

• Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
• Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times.
• Dresses or tops must have shoulder or halter neck straps. Garments with an open-back style are permitted as long as they aren’t strapless, off-the-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer fabrics are not permitted, but there is no minimum dress or skirt length.
• Trouser suits and jumpsuits must fall below the knee and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Trouser suits must also be of matching colour and material. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.

Gentlemen

• Suits (two or three-piece) must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern. Jeans and chinos are not permitted, but morning dress is an option.
• Ties should be worn at all times – bow ties, cravats and neckerchiefs are not permitted.
• Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
• Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.

Children

• Girls (under 17) should be dressed for a formal occasion (smart summer dresses, for example). Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
• Boys (aged 10–17) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie.
• Boys (aged nine and under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.

Village Enclosure dress code

Although less formal than the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, the Village Enclosure still requires that you dress in a manner than befits a formal occasion.

Ladies

• Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
• Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times. Smaller hats or fascinators are recommended in this enclosure.
• Dresses or tops should not be strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer straps are not permitted. There is no minimum length.
• Trouser suits must be full length, of matching colour and material, and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.
• Wedges and block heels are recommended over stilettos as this enclosure is a grassed area.

Gentlemen

• Jackets are required and can be of a different material to the trousers.
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jeans are not permitted.
• Ties must be worn at all times – bow ties and cravats are accepted.
• Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
• Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.

Children

• Juniors (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with either of the above adult dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.

Windsor Enclosure dress code

There is no formal dress code in this enclosure, but smart daywear is encouraged. Hats and fascinators are recommended for ladies, while it’s recommended that gentlemen wear a jacket, collared shirt and full-length trousers.

What not to wear at Royal Ascot

There are some things that are not permitted on site at all at Royal Ascot, even in areas that do not follow a formal dress code. Racegoers should not wear fancy dress, novelty patterns or fabrics – this include clothing with slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery.

Likewise, trainers, denim, leggings and shorts are not permitted within any dress code.

Other things to bring to Royal Ascot

It would be remiss not to mention also packing the following:

• a pair of the best binoculars for racing
• suncream (SPF 50)
• blister plasters, hair grips and safety pins

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Royal Ascot and other major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Thinking about attending Royal Ascot but not got your tickets yet? Here’s a full guide to your options for Royal Ascot week (16–20 June), including each of the public enclosures. Some options are sold out already, while others are showing as limited availability, so we recommend purchasing as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

The Royal Enclosure is exclusively for members only, but all other tickets can be easily purchased online at eticketing.co.uk, with further hospitality options via seatunique.com.

Royal Ascot tickets

Not sure what area is best for your party? See our full guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures.

Windsor enclosure tickets

This vibrant enclosure has no formal dress code and you can bring your own picnic.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

• Tuesday – £37
• Wednesday – £37
• Thursday – £47
• Friday – £42
• Saturday – £47 (sold out)

Queen Anne Enclosure

This is the premier public enclosure, which gives you access to the grandstand and parade ring viewing.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

• Tuesday – £99
• Wednesday – £99
• Thursday – £110
• Friday – £110
• Saturday – £115 (sold out)

Village Enclosure

This enclosure in the centre of the track has a festival atmosphere and hosts a post-racing concert.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

• Thursday – £85
• Friday – £85
• Saturday – £89 (sold out)

Royal Ascot ticket discounts

Ticket savings are available on groups of 7+ and 30+ tickets until midnight on Sunday, 17 May.

You can book a “party package”, which includes your ticket, a racecard voucher and two drinks vouchers at a reduced bundle price.

Royal Ascot also offer early-bird booking, but this window has now ended for the 2026 meeting.

Royal Ascot hospitality tickets

Restaurant options

There are restaurant hospitality options available in all three public enclosures. There is are options ranging from lively to formal dining experiences, so all types of racegoer will be able to tailor their day to their taste, priorities and budget.

View options at ascot.com (starting at £600) or seatunique.com (starting at £549)

Private boxes

Private boxes offer privacy, exclusivity, and impeccable service at the heart of the action. Boxes are available in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, with options from 10–72 people. Each box has a private barm dining area, large flat screen TV and private balcony.

To enquire, visit ascot.com or seatunique.com

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Top mare Lady Of Camelot has been withdrawn from Royal Ascot (16-20 June) and all other fixtures as she has been stung by a stingray.

The home-bred Australian Group One winner was involved in a “freak incident” on the beach yesterday (12 May) and was taken to a specialist veterinary hospital.

The four-year-old mare, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, “remained under close observation” yesterday, a spokesperson for the mare’s owners Go Bloodstock said.

“While the immediate focus is on her recovery and wellbeing, the decision has been made to end her Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns effective immediately,” the spokesperson added. “This is a deeply disappointing turn of events for the entire team.

“Lady Of Camelot is a horse of immense talent and heart. Our primary concern is her health and ensuring she receives the best possible care during this period.”

A decision about Lady Of Camelot’s future will be made “in due course”, the spokesperson added.

“Given her elite pedigree and Group 1 success, she remains a highly valuable prospect,” he said

It is understood that the wound is not of significant size but its location near a joint is a concern.

Lady Of Camelot, by Written Tycoon, has won nearly $6m (£3.2m) in six wins from 14 starts, including the Group One Golden Slipper Stakes two years ago.

The star sprinter was due to make her debut on a British racecourse next month as she was entered to run in one of of Royal Ascot’s Group One races; Tuesday’s 5f King Charles III Stakes or Saturday’s 6f Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

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The 2013 Grand National winner Auroras Encore has died aged 24, having been “part of the family to the end”.

Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith Racing have paid tribute to the horse who made dreams come true, promising he would never be forgotten.

“Auroras Encore achieved what every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of when he won the 2013 Grand National – the world’s most famous and toughest steeplechase,” they said.

“To conquer the Aintree fences and win the hardest jumps race of them all takes an incredibly brave and special horse, and Auroras Encore did it in unforgettable style. His victory gave everyone connected to him memories that will last a lifetime and secured his place in racing history.”

Auroras Encore won the 166th Grand National with Ryan Mania by nine lengths, for Sue Smith and owners Douglas Pryde, Jim Beaumont and David van der Hoeven. The 66-1 shot had been sold to Frank Barry for €7,000 as a yearling, then to Sue’s husband Harvey for €9,500 as a three-year-old. The son of Second Empire, bred by Mountarmstrong Stud in Ireland, went on to win £725,737 in total.

He was trained by Sue Smith for his whole career, which also included finishing second in the Scottish Grand National in 2012 and winning a listed hurdle at Aintree in 2008, at 50-1.

Auroras Encore raced three more times after his National win, retiring in January 2014.

“After his racing days were over, he spent his retirement here with us on the farm, enjoying the peaceful life he deserved,” Joel and Sue said. “He was a much-loved horse with a kind nature and a big personality, and he remained part of the family right until the very end.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have cared for him throughout his retirement and to have shared so many years with such a remarkable horse.

“Rest easy, champion. You will always be remembered and never forgotten.”

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Five-time Grade One winner Bob Olinger has settled quickly into a happy retirement after bowing out on a high at Punchestown last week.

The 11-year-old gelding, who scored three of his top-level victories at the Cheltenham Festival with jockey Rachael Blackmore, retired after winning his fifth Grade One, the Ladbrookes Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday (30 April), piloted by Darragh O’Keeffe.

“Bob clearly read the script for that one,” said trainer Henry de Bromhead. “The most perfect ending for a truly incredible horse, who we’ve been lucky enough to have been associated with for the last six years.”

Mr de Bromhead thanked owners the Acheson family for trusting the yard “with their third child” and congratulated the horse’s connections.

“Thank you Bob and happy retirement,” he said.

He later shared a video of the new retiree lying down and relaxing in the sunshine with the caption: “Bob taking his first day of retirement very seriously”.

Bob Olinger won his first Grade One hurdle at Naas in January 2021, making it a brace two months later with the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle title at Cheltenham. The following year, he and Rachael won the Turners Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and also went on to win the 2025 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. In all, he won 11 of his 22 starts under Rules and bagged more than £825,000 in prize money.

Brian Acheson had indicated beforehand that Thursday’s race would be Bob Olinger’s final start.

Following his victory, he told Racing TV the horse “has been a rock star”.

“We made up our minds over the weekend; he was 11 years old, he’d done everything, it would be greedy of me to ask him to do more next year, even though he would probably have wanted to,” he said.

“He’s always been the third child and every parent wants their children at home! I just wanted him at home.”

The horse’s first Cheltenham Festival victory, during the Covid-restricted 2021 festival, was among Mr Acheson’s favourite memories. But the one that meant the most was the Relkeel Hurdle on New Year’s Day in 2024.

“Going to Cheltenham and hearing the roar on that New Year’s Day with 35,000 people there. When he went past Strong Leader, it gave me goose bumps and we thought, ‘Right, we have our horse back’,” said Mr Acheson.

“He loves Cheltenham, he and Rachael came alive in the place. He’s something special, he really is. When he’s at home on the farm, I go down and sit in the field with him. He’ll ignore me! But he’s just a cool dude. He’s a Hollywood superstar – he read the script and he performed.”

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Proposed changes to healthcare requirements at events could lead to the loss of a “significant number” of doctors willing to provide cover.

A new event healthcare standard, which would standardise healthcare provision for everyone at events, and the extension of the regulatory remit of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) into sporting and cultural events are two proposals being taken forward by the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care. This follows recommendations from the Manchester Arena inquiry, following the terrorist attack in 2017.

The CQC registers “service providers”. For most doctors, the CQC registration at their normal place of work would not extend to event coverage, so doctors providing this service would have to register as individuals or be employed for this by a CQC-registered provider.

A survey by the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine found that this could mean 29% of doctors would stop providing medical support at equestrian events, and 36% for racing. An impact assessment by the CQC and the Department of Health and Social Care estimated that the registration fee per provider would be £1,200 annually, plus an additional £1,900 in the first year for admin costs.

Those H&H has spoken to stressed that they support the standard, but are concerned about the CQC aspect.

Consultant surgeon Stephen Andrews, chairman of the Medical Equestrian Association (MEA), told H&H the MEA is “very concerned about the potential impact of CQC regulation and how it might affect our members”.

“We fully support the aims behind the event healthcare standard to ensure a standard of care at all events. Our professional members are already fully regulated health care professionals,” he said.

“We have not been convinced that adding another layer of regulation, with the significant costs involved, would be of measured benefit. If individual doctors were required to be individually registered with the CQC to be able to support medical care at equestrian events, we have no doubt that a significant number of doctors would withdraw from participation as the costs to individuals would make it unworkable.

“If those costs were passed to the event organisers, many events would become completely unviable financially.”

He added: “Many of our members have full-time jobs, mostly in the NHS, and cover local events a few times a year in their spare time. Individual CQC registration would be a significant step too far for many of these highly experienced doctors.

“Our paramedic members are less affected as they are employed through ambulance providers who are already CQC-registered. We are unsure as to how our nurse members will be affected if they are not employed via a CQC-registered company.”

‘Could have negative consequences’

British Equestrian chief executive Jim Eyre told H&H the event healthcare standard is “a positive move”.

“However, the additional cost and administration of a CQC requirement is a concern for our industry. The direct impact on the dedicated medical staff is worrying but the knock-on effect on the quality of provision, running costs and ultimately event and organisational viability may be unsustainable,” he said.

“We will continue to work with our member bodies and the experienced and dedicated medical practitioners who support our sports and activities, alongside the Sport and Recreational Alliance and British Horseracing Authority to ensure the voice of our industry is heard in this important debate.”

British Eventing chief executive Rosie Williams said that there is “growing concern that these pressures may push our sport toward becoming unviable”.

“Our medical teams – both human and equine – are highly trained, deeply committed professionals who place the welfare of riders and horses at the centre of everything they do. Their expertise and dedication are not in question,” she told H&H.

“The challenge arises in how the cost of delivering this exceptional level of care is distributed. Increasingly, these expenses are being passed on to event organisers and, ultimately, to participants. It is here that the balance becomes difficult, as the financial burden risks outweighing the sustainability of the sport itself.”

British Horseracing Authority outgoing chief medical adviser Jerry Hill said the standard is a “proportionate response” to findings from the inquiry and that “when completed, trialled and refined will ensure a minimum standard of care at all events”.

Dr Hill added that racing anticipates only minor changes will be needed to be compliant with that, but said: “Adding another layer of regulation with associated costs to staff and venues by requiring CQC registration could however have negative consequences with the potential loss of experienced medical staff, reduced quality of care and event cancellation.”

‘I believe it is the right body’

The draft legislation was also debated in both the House of Commons and House of Lords on 15 April.

Zubir Ahmed, parliamentary under-secretary of state for health and social care, said there will be a 15-month period for registrations before regulation becomes enforceable, and that the CQC will consult.

“I do not want small events and village fêtes to be overregulated; that is not the intention of this legislation. Nor do I want individual doctors, clinicians and other volunteers to be over-burdened with financial registration fees, and we will look into this with the CQC,” said Dr Ahmed in the Commons.

“Given the changes that have been made to the CQC governance architecture, I believe that it is absolutely the right body to do this work.”

Speaking during the Lords debate, senior steward at The Jockey Club Baroness Dido Harding said: “The CQC’s initial impact assessment claimed that only 36 healthcare providers would need to register.

“Horseracing alone thinks that we have 350 individual clinicians who would need to register, even allowing for the fact that each clinician tends to work in three different sports.

“Potentially, the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK’s estimate of 23,000 is an overestimate. Even if it is one third of that, it is still massively more than the CQC expected.”

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Watch the Guineas this weekend and enjoy the action from the first two Classics of the British Flat racing season.

The big story for this year’s 2,000 Guineas is Billy Loughnane bidding for his first Classics win on Bow Echo, while the 1,000 Guineas belongs to the fillies and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Precise is looking to be an early favourite.

At a glance

• 2,000 Guineas date: 2 May 2026
• 1,000 Guineas date: 3 May 2026
• Watch the Guineas on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
• Watch the Guineas from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Guineas on TV

ITV will screen much of the action from the Betfred Guineas Festival (including the two feature races) live and for free on ITV1 and ITVX, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the 2,000 Guineas?

The 2,000 Guineas post time is 3.35pm and is the fifth of nine races at Newmarket on Saturday 2 May.

What time is the 1,000 Guineas?

The 1,000 Guineas starts at 3.35pm and is the fourth of seven races at Newmarket on Sunday 3 May.

How to watch the Guineas from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

What are the Guineas?

As the first two Classics of the British Flat racing season, the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas are among the most famous horse races in the world.

Run over a mile at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse, the 2,000 Guineas is contested by colts and fillies and the 1,000 Guineas solely by fillies. The two races are limited to three-year-old Thoroughbreds only.

The 2,000 Guineas was first run in 1809, while the inaugural 1,000 Guineas was staged five years later. At the time the races were named after the prize money given to the winner of each – with one guinea amounting to 21 shillings or £1.05.

By the 1860s the Guineas were considered to be two of the most significant races in the UK for three-year-olds and today attract the very best horses of their age in Europe. Often the races highlight potential contenders and winners of the third and fourth Classics of each year, the Derby and Oaks staged at Epsom Downs.

The total prize money for each race is more than £500,000, with the winner of the 2,000 Guineas taking home £297,728, while the winner of the 1,000 Guineas takes home £311,025. The 2,000 Guineas is also the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by Epsom Derby and St Leger.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
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We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

Six-time Grade One winner Energumene has retired aged 12, after finishing third behind his victorious stablemate Il Etait Temps in the Punchestown Champion Chase on Tuesday (28 April).

Energumene started his career in a British point-to-point under the guidance of the Laceys before joining top Irish trainer Willie Mullins. He went on to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the Punchestown Champion Chase in both 2022 and 2023.

In all, the Denham Red gelding, owned by Tony Bloom, won 14 of his 23 races under Rules and more than £1.2m prize money.

His final win was the Underwriting Exchange Fairyhouse Fairyhouse Chase on 6 April.

“He gave us a great day out at Fairyhouse the last day, he rolled back the years,” Mr Mullins told Racing TV, following Energumene’s final start in the William Hill-sponsored Champion Chase at Punchestown.

He said the ground was too dry for him, but that he “still ran a great race”.

Mr Mullins named Energumene’s first Champion Chase win at Cheltenham as his favourite memory with the horse and added: “He’s a huge big horse, a strong horse, probably not one you’d think would be a Champion Chaser looking at the size of him – you’d think he might be more a three-mile chaser. The fact that he had that speed and ability to jump marked him out.”

Jockey Paul Townend, who was in the saddle for the majority of Energumene’s races, also paid tribute to the horse on Racing TV.

“He was a star of a horse,” he said. “He was a joy and will be hard to replace.”

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