Brexit out for a win – at Newbury
A topically-named filly could leave her rivals standing at Newbury racecourse this evening (23 June).
As Britain votes whether or not to leave the European Union, a two-year-old called Brexit is set to race in the 6.10, a novice auction fillies’ race, ridden by Kieran O’Neill.
Trainer Pat Phelan said the filly’s owner, Tony Smith and The Undecided partnership, had asked him to get her ready for today.
He said: “The boss (owner) is politically aware and had this name picked out from a long way off.
“When the whole Brexit thing came out he thought it would be a great name for a racehorse.
“I am not so sure it reflects a political persuasion – it is more about having a name that would be topical at a particular time.”
The filly, a daughter of Bahamian Bounty, faces another appropriately named horse, Cautious Choice, among her 12 rivals this evening.
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She finished fifth in her maiden race, at Windsor at the end of last month.
“Brexit has come out of Windsor well. She ran very well and an auction novice is about her standard,” said Pat.
“I would be hopeful of a good run, but the ground is a bit of an unknown.”
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Paddy Power is offering 20-1 odds on Brexit, the horse to win tonight, while if she is victorious and Britain leaves the EU, it is a 100-1 shot.
Britain’s voting to remain is 1-4, while Paddy Power rates Brexit failing to leave the stalls as 33-1, the same price for Brexit winning her race and Britain to vote to remain.
A spokesman for the bookmaker said: “We’re not horsing around with this one — we think Brexit has a chance after her Windsor run and with Britain set for the polls we’ve seen a surge in interest and a fair few quid lumped on the filly.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.