Racing

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Whether it is over the jumps or taking to the Flat turf, horseracing is renowned for creating spectacular, heart-warming moments that can make even the toughest of people shed a tear.

Over the decades it has been all about the likes of superstars Best Mate, Kauto Star and Big Buck’s to name just a few.

With top trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson — the latter producing the best comeback story with his stable star and 2016 Champion Chase victor Sprinter Sacre — constantly churning out top-class horses, these spectacles are unlikely to diminish any time soon.

But British trainers have something mega to contend with from across the Irish Sea — the reign of leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins. Along with jockey Ruby Walsh and owner Rich Ricci, the Mullins’ team is a force to reckoned with and their domination at the Cheltenham Festival is not a rarity.

The four-day showcase at the Gloucestershire track — fondly known as the home of jump racing — which takes place in March is the highlight of the National Hunt calendar.

But the most famous horserace in the world takes place a matter of weeks later in Liverpool as 40 runners line-up for the Grand National — probably the only race where every horse has an equal chance of triumphing.

As soon as the curtain closes on the jump season, all eyes quickly turn to Flat racing with the Derby at Epsom and Royal Ascot the ultimate meetings not to be missed.

Glorious Goodwood, the St Leger at Doncaster and the York Ebor are also hotly-contested festivals.