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Time Business News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Turf Racing Culture Around the World
Turf horse racing is more than just a sport it's a global tradition that blends athleticism, , fashion, and national pride. While the basic concept remains the same across borders horses racing on natural grass surfaces the culture of turf horse racing varies significantly from country to country. From the refined elegance of Royal Ascot in the UK to the electric atmosphere of Hong Kong, turf racing has become a unique cultural symbol in each region it touches. In this article, we explore the diverse turf racing cultures around the world, revealing how different nations celebrate and experience this prestigious form of horse racing. The United Kingdom is considered the spiritual home of turf racing. Races here are steeped in tradition, pageantry, and history. Tracks like Ascot, Epsom Downs, and Newmarket host some of the oldest and most prestigious turf races globally. Royal Presence : Events like Royal Ascot are attended by British royalty and feature strict dress codes, adding a regal aura. : Events like Royal Ascot are attended by British royalty and feature strict dress codes, adding a regal aura. Flat and Jump Racing : The UK uniquely celebrates both types, with turf used for iconic flat races like the Epsom Derby and steeplechase events like the Cheltenham Festival. : The UK uniquely celebrates both types, with turf used for iconic flat races like the Epsom Derby and steeplechase events like the Cheltenham Festival. Culture: is deeply ingrained, with on-course bookies and shops across the nation. French turf racing is known for its tactical complexity and graceful aesthetic. The country boasts legendary turf races such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, held at the historic Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. Emphasis on Bloodlines : French breeders and owners place great importance on turf-specific pedigrees. : French breeders and owners place great importance on turf-specific pedigrees. Parisian Style : Races are social events, especially among the fashion-forward elite. : Races are social events, especially among the fashion-forward elite. Tactical Racing: Courses are often undulating, favoring strategy over pure speed. Turf racing in Japan is a massive industry supported by one of the world's most passionate and respectful fan bases. Major turf events such as the Japan Cup and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) are celebrated like national holidays. Fan Engagement : Japanese fans are extremely loyal, often cheering politely and waiting hours to meet jockeys. : Japanese fans are extremely loyal, often cheering politely and waiting hours to meet jockeys. High Stakes : Purses in Japan are among the richest in turf racing. : Purses in Japan are among the richest in turf racing. Clean, Family-Friendly Venues: Turf tracks are modern, well maintained, and attract a wide demographic. Japan's turf racing culture combines deep tradition with cutting edge innovation, making it one of the most respected in the world. In Australia, turf racing is a key part of sporting life. Races like the Melbourne Cup, known as 'the race that stops a nation,' draw huge crowds and nationwide attention. Festival Atmosphere : Racing carnivals are week-long celebrations filled with fashion, music, and food. : Racing carnivals are week-long celebrations filled with fashion, music, and food. Punters' Paradise : Wagering is hugely popular, both online and at tracks. : Wagering is hugely popular, both online and at tracks. Diverse Participation: Racing appeals to everyone, from blue-collar workers to high society. Australia blends sport and celebration, turning turf racing into a vibrant, inclusive cultural experience. Turf racing in Hong Kong is fast paced and intensely competitive. Venues like Sha Tin and Happy Valley regularly attract thousands of fans and millions in turnover. Night Racing Spectacle : Races at Happy Valley are social events, especially on Wednesdays. : Races at Happy Valley are social events, especially on Wednesdays. Massive Culture : The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the richest in the world. : The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the richest in the world. International Participation: Events like the Hong Kong International Races bring top turf talent from Europe, Japan, and Australia. Though the U.S. has long favored dirt racing, turf racing has steadily gained popularity, especially on the East Coast and in California. Prestigious events like the Breeders' Cup Turf and races at Belmont Park and Keeneland showcase elite turf talent. Diverse Racing Surfaces : Turf is one of several options, often attracting international horses. : Turf is one of several options, often attracting international horses. Global Influence : Many turf races in the U.S. feature European or South American contenders. : Many turf races in the U.S. feature European or South American contenders. Expanding Fan Base: Turf racing is attracting more interest from seasoned bettors who appreciate its tactical nature. Turf racing is carving out its niche in the American racing landscape, with a growing and dedicated following. From the traditions of England to the neon-lit races in Hong Kong, turf racing culture is as diverse as the countries that host it. While the surface may be the same natural grass the way people engage with the sport varies wildly. Some embrace formality and elegance, others create a carnival atmosphere, and some see it as a strategic sport of intellect and . No matter the location, turf racing continues to bring people together through shared excitement, national pride, and the timeless thrill of watching powerful horses thunder down the track. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Cheltenham Festival winner's stepdaughter on hot streak commits future to Flat
Elizabeth Gale, whose stepfather rode One Man to victory in the Champion Chase, has ridden ten winners since she switched from the jumps in May Rookie rider Elizabeth Gale has committed her future to the Flat after riding her first winner at Ascot. The 23-year-old followed her stepfather Brian Harding, who rode One Man to victory in the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, into the jumps sphere as a teenager, riding 11 winners. She rode her last winner over hurdles at Ffos Las in May but since switching focus to the Flat she has rattled off ten wins, including one in Ireland. Gale had her first ride at Royal Ascot last month and returned to the track on Friday to score for the first time at the track on Knights Gold in a £20,000 handicap for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, to whom she is now apprenticed. She made her switch with the intention of continuing to ride under both Flat and jumps codes but has decided to concentrate solely on the Flat. 'This will be my main focus over the summer and then I will look forward to the all-weather season over the winter,' said Gale. 'I might still have a few rides in bumpers where needed but for now it will be solely on the Flat side of things and improving my riding. 'When I was riding as a jump jockey things were very stop and start. Obviously there is a lot less jump racing so I would go through phases of getting momentum going and then have a quiet period, like every other jump jockey in the weighing room. 'Since moving to the Flat I've realised how much racing there is and how much opportunity and for me personally my riding improves the more regularly I am doing it. There are so many meetings that I am finding it a lot easier to improve. As an athlete I can get better quicker. 'I went into jumps because that was what I was brought up in. My stepdad won an Irish Grand National and Queen Mother Champion Chase so that's why.' Gale has climbed up sixth place in the apprentice championship but believes her best shot will come in 2026. 'This year has been going so well that anything I get will be a bonus,' she said. 'Don't get me wrong I am still hungry for winners but I think with the 5lb claim next year would be the time have a real go at the apprentice championship.'
South Wales Guardian
04-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Jack Kennedy records first win since injury break
The former Irish champion jockey broke his leg for a sixth time in November and despite making it back for the Cheltenham Festival in March, he has been on the sidelines again since, missing showpiece meetings at Aintree and Punchestown as well as the conclusion of the 2024-25 Irish season. Kennedy was out of luck with his three rides on his long-awaited return at Tipperary on Tuesday and also failed to trouble the judge on his three mounts at the same track on Thursday, but struck gold in Wexford's opening Shamrock Enterprises Maiden Hurdle. He said: 'That's brilliant and I didn't have to wait too long, so it's great.' The Gordon Elliott-trained Kamikaz Du Plessis was an 11-8 favourite having gone down narrowly on his debut under rules at Ballinrobe in late May and rewarded his supporters with a near four-length verdict. Kennedy added: 'He is a very slick jumper, he travelled well and was probably borderline keen early, but once we on a little bit he was perfect then. He is a nice horse and hopefully there will be plenty more to come with him. 'He stayed on well in Ballinrobe the last day, so we were hoping the two-and-a-half-mile trip today would suit him. 'He probably put the race to bed fairly easy and I was probably there a bit soon on him. He was green and just ran around a bit, but he is a nice horse, I got a nice feel off of him, so hopefully he can go forward.'
Rhyl Journal
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Jack Kennedy records first win since injury break
The former Irish champion jockey broke his leg for a sixth time in November and despite making it back for the Cheltenham Festival in March, he has been on the sidelines again since, missing showpiece meetings at Aintree and Punchestown as well as the conclusion of the 2024-25 Irish season. Kennedy was out of luck with his three rides on his long-awaited return at Tipperary on Tuesday and also failed to trouble the judge on his three mounts at the same track on Thursday, but struck gold in Wexford's opening Shamrock Enterprises Maiden Hurdle. He said: 'That's brilliant and I didn't have to wait too long, so it's great.' The Gordon Elliott-trained Kamikaz Du Plessis was an 11-8 favourite having gone down narrowly on his debut under rules at Ballinrobe in late May and rewarded his supporters with a near four-length verdict. Kennedy added: 'He is a very slick jumper, he travelled well and was probably borderline keen early, but once we on a little bit he was perfect then. He is a nice horse and hopefully there will be plenty more to come with him. 'He stayed on well in Ballinrobe the last day, so we were hoping the two-and-a-half-mile trip today would suit him. 'He probably put the race to bed fairly easy and I was probably there a bit soon on him. He was green and just ran around a bit, but he is a nice horse, I got a nice feel off of him, so hopefully he can go forward.'
North Wales Chronicle
04-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Jack Kennedy records first win since injury break
The former Irish champion jockey broke his leg for a sixth time in November and despite making it back for the Cheltenham Festival in March, he has been on the sidelines again since, missing showpiece meetings at Aintree and Punchestown as well as the conclusion of the 2024-25 Irish season. Kennedy was out of luck with his three rides on his long-awaited return at Tipperary on Tuesday and also failed to trouble the judge on his three mounts at the same track on Thursday, but struck gold in Wexford's opening Shamrock Enterprises Maiden Hurdle. He said: 'That's brilliant and I didn't have to wait too long, so it's great.' The Gordon Elliott-trained Kamikaz Du Plessis was an 11-8 favourite having gone down narrowly on his debut under rules at Ballinrobe in late May and rewarded his supporters with a near four-length verdict. Kennedy added: 'He is a very slick jumper, he travelled well and was probably borderline keen early, but once we on a little bit he was perfect then. He is a nice horse and hopefully there will be plenty more to come with him. 'He stayed on well in Ballinrobe the last day, so we were hoping the two-and-a-half-mile trip today would suit him. 'He probably put the race to bed fairly easy and I was probably there a bit soon on him. He was green and just ran around a bit, but he is a nice horse, I got a nice feel off of him, so hopefully he can go forward.'
