Latest news with #YorkRacecourse
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Prague pencilled in for double York Racecourse visit
Prague will visit York twice this Summer, starting today at today's races. (Image: PA) DYLAN Cunha has pencilled in for Prague to visit York Racecourse twice this Summer – starting with a shot at this Saturday's £100,000 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Criterion Stakes. It is the first time the Knavesmire has ever staged this Group 3 race (previously held at Newmarket) so, as part of a wider strengthening of its seven-furlong programme, it will give the winner a free entry* into the Group One Sky Bet City of York Stakes on Saturday 23 August. Advertisement The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Criterion Stakes will also be the first time Prague has been tested at this distance. If it proves a success, Newmarket-based Cunha will bring back his stable star for that £600,000 Sky Bet City of York Stakes, which is set to be staged as a Group One for the first time. Otherwise, the trainer will target the nine-furlong Group 3 Sky Bet Strensall Stakes, scheduled for the same card at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival. This weekend's fact-finding mission sees Prague back in action, having not been seen on a racecourse since British Champions Day at Ascot last October. The five-year-old proved a real star for connections in 2024, finishing second in the Group 3 Superior Mile Stakes at Haydock before winning the Group 2 Joel Stakes over the Rowley Mile at Newmarket. Advertisement As a result, Prague must carry 9st 13lb – 5lb more than any other horse in the 13-strong entry. Cunha said: 'He's in great form – as well as I've ever seen him. He's training really well. 'The drop to seven furlongs is just that he's quite keen in his races – we just want to teach him to settle. "We've been going a mile and a mile and a quarter with him, but his mother was actually a six-furlong Group 3 winner. 'We're thinking he might just be that keen because we might be going too far with him. So, it's an experiment. "If he runs in the first two, he'll go to the City of York. If it's too short, he'll run in the Strensall. Advertisement "He's definitely going to York twice in the next two months!' Cunha had hoped to have Jim Crowley aboard Prague for his seasonal bow, but the jockey looks likely to be required elsewhere by Shadwell, who retain him. Instead, Prague will be ridden for the first time by Kieran Shoemark. Cunha said: 'Jim would have ridden him, but he's booked for Shadwell. So, Kieran then messaged for the ride and I said, 'Absolutely'. He rides quite a bit for us – so, a great replacement for Jim.' The trainer enjoys visiting York where Silver Sword gave him a first high-profile success at the 2023 Ebor Festival. Advertisement And Cunha has fingers crossed Prague can put him back in the same winner's circle on Saturday. He said: 'He'll jump out, go forward and he'll be sitting in the first three or four and hopefully run a huge race for us.' Saturday's seven-race card starts at 1.55pm with the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Mile Handicap.
The Herald Scotland
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Inisherin returning to scene of finest hour in great form
However, having undergone wind surgery during the off-season, Inisherin bounced back to form when landing the 1895 Duke of York Stakes on his seasonal debut last month and Adam Ryan, assistant to his father, expects him to take his game to another level on Saturday. He was pushed all the way to the line, but Inisherin is back to winning ways, holding off a charge from Flora Of Bermuda to win the 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes Ryan Moore | @kevinryanracing — York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) May 14, 2025 'We made no secret of the fact he was only about 80 per cent at York and we feel he's taken a big step forward in his training since,' he said. 'We're delighted with him and really looking forward to Saturday. The stiff six (furlongs) obviously suited him down to the ground last year, so you can't be anything but happy coming back here. 'It's going to be a top-class race, we're under no illusions, but I wouldn't swap him for anything. 'They don't give Group Ones away, but as I say I wouldn't be swapping our fella for anything in the world. Hopefully it's a good race and if he runs his race he should be there or thereabouts.' Royal Ascot sprints are international affairs these days and this year's renewal is no exception, with Inisherin joined at the head of the market by leading contenders from France and Japan. Satono Reve carries Japanese hopes at Royal Ascot (Adam Morgan/PA) Satono Reve is a fascinating challenger from the Far East, who produced a sparkling workout in Newmarket last week, while Lazzat has been a star for Jerome Reynier, winning his first six career starts before being touched by the William Haggas-trained Lake Forest in the Golden Eagle in Australia. A tilt at the Hong Kong Mile did not pay off and he was also beaten on his first start of this year at Saint-Cloud, but a dominant display on his most recent start in a Listed event at Chantilly was enough to persuade powerhouse owners Wathnan Racing to step in ahead of his British debut. 'Lazzat is a horse we've been following for a very long time and he was unlucky in Australia in the Golden Eagle at the back-end of last year and it was a similar story in Hong Kong, which didn't pan out for him either,' said Wathnan's racing adviser Richard Brown. 'But we were deeply impressed with what he did in France on his comeback run, the time was very good and I think the straight six furlongs at Ascot will be right up his street. Six and seven should be his best distances, so a stiff six should be perfect for him. 'He's a great addition to the team and we're looking forward to seeing him in the Wathnan colours.' The Qatar-based operation have a second string to their bow with another new recruit in Andrew Balding's Flora Of Bermuda, who was a neck second to Inisherin at York in mid-May. Brown added: 'She ran a great race behind Inisherin at York and was arguably unlucky not to have won that day, it's great to have her on the team. 'The draw (stall four) is probably not the best, but she's a filly who comes from behind and hopefully it won't impede her chances too much. She's a really admirable filly and we're looking forward to seeing her run.' Lazzat is joined on the trip across the Channel by Topgear, who has won his last three starts over seven furlongs for Christopher Head. Topgear returns with a smart front-running performance in the Group Three Prix du Palais-Royal at ParisLongchamp! 🇫🇷 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 25, 2025 Other runners include Aidan O'Brien's Australian recruit Storm Boy, who needs to put a disappointing Irish debut behind him, and Clive Cox's pair of outsiders James's Delight and Jasour, with the latter turning out quickly after finishing down the field in Tuesday's King Charles III Stakes. Cox said: 'Jasour has come back very well after Tuesday. It wasn't the early plan (to run again) but he has come back very well indeed and I think six furlongs is definitely more his gig. 'James's Delight was excellent in Ireland (last time out). He's also in good form but he wouldn't have minded easier ground. He's in great shape though and is looking to follow up a very exciting success on the Curragh.'
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
UK weather: Hundreds of Brits head to beaches & parks as temps hit 26C – but it won't last for long
SUN-SOAKED Brits have spent the weekend basking in the 26C heat with hundreds flocking down to the beach. UK temperatures soared on Saturday to officially cement this year as the sunniest spring on record - but the weather won't stay around for long. 9 9 9 9 Heathrow in west London peaked at 26.7C which was about 8C hotter than the average in the area for the time of year. The scorching heat also brought with it very high levels of grass pollen in the South East. The final day of May topped off a hot few months in the UK with provisional figures from the Met Office showing 630 hours of sunshine were clocked up between March 1 and May 27. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "It's the last day of meteorological spring today but it'll actually feel more like midsummer for some southern and eastern areas. "It's fairly warm in that sunshine, particularly across more eastern and south-eastern parts of the UK, with temperatures in the mid 20s." As pub gardens and parks filled up, another bustling venue full of sun-loving Brits York racecourse. Racegoers were determined to make the most of the good weather and were aiming to top up their tans while watching the horses. Many had talked up the "Iberian heat" across the week. The Met Office said the jet stream, which is coming up from the Atlantic Ocean, will allow warm air to be drawn up from the Iberian Peninsula, carrying it to the UK. This led to the above-average temperatures in many parts of Britain. 9 9 But Sunday showers are set to rain on the weather's parade. Mr Morgan said it is already looking like a "different story" in the North West of England with people experiencing cooler and more showery weather. This is expected to spread across much of Britain on Sunday. He said: "Further showers and longer spells of rain across the north of the UK and feeling much fresher for all of us by tomorrow. "Generally a fine start for many parts of England and Wales, a mixture of clouds and sunny spells overall though it will be a breezier day tomorrow and generally a bit cloudier too. "So the cloud bubbling up through the morning, further showers and longer spells of rain pushing eastwards across Northern Ireland and Scotland, the odd rumble of thunder here and there. "Showers breaking out quite widely across northern England, Wales, the Midlands and the South West as well, but some places will stay dry, particularly across the South East of England." It all comes less than a week after Brits were soaked in a . Temperatures dropped to as low as -5C in some regions. Thunderstorms hit across the UK, with one area - in and around the River Mimram in Hertfordshire - being issued with a flood alert. 9 9
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
And they're off! Glamorous revellers enjoy the warm weather as the racing season kicks off in York
Glamorous racegoers stepped into the weekend in style as they descended on York racecourse for the May Spring Meeting today. The warm weather and blue skies were a welcome sight as groups of friends arrived for the William Hill Brontë Cup - the first Saturday of the season at York Racecourse. And racegoers were dressed to stave off the heat in short skirts and billowing dresses, most opting for pastel shades of pink, blue and yellow. Others opted for more traditional attire, in floral prints - with many still deciding to don a chic fascinator, as you would expect on any race weekend. The May Spring Meeting - held on Saturday - was described as a race enthusiast's 'first chance to combine York Races with your weekend' this summer. York Racecourse said: 'The first Saturday of the season offers the chance to a few to enjoy some fresh air and the open spaces that form part of a day at the Races. 'The day is set to feature the Group 3 William Hill Brontë Cup. There is betting excitement aplenty, notably in the valuable Sprint.' Those in attendance will also be treated to a Taylor Swift tribute act - Taylored Swift. 'After racing tribute act, Taylored Swift, will be performing on our "tribute" stage located at the Knavesmire Stand end of the Bustardthorpe Lawn,' the website explains. 'The music will not be played through the main PA system, so get down to the stage for the best experience.' Racegoers were clearly eager to kick off the season, with dozens seen arriving early at the much-acclaimed racecourse in North Yorkshire. Groups of friends held on to their hats as the wind kicked in, with one trio all wearing pastel colours and chic, matching headwear. Another woman dressed in a deep red gown was spotted adjusting her heels as she walked into the grounds, preparing for a busy day at the York Racecourse. The men were equally as stylish, largely opting for lighter coloured jackets and colourful ties. There were also plenty of sunglasses on display, as the sun made an appearance for the start of the warmer months in the UK.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Glamorous racegoers make the most of the hot weather in colourful mini dresses and eye-catching hats at York races
WITH the sun shining across the UK today, racegoers were determined to make the most of the good weather in York. Aiming to top up their tans, guests arrived in an array of mini dresses with plenty of leg on display as they arrived at York racecourse. 9 9 9 9 9 But while the hemlines might be mini the headgear certainly wasn't with sky-high millinery the order of the day. Brightly coloured hats, headbands and fascinators topped the heads of almost every lady in attendance today. While many have chosen to opt for a shorter dress, full ball gowns could also be seen peppering the crowds. And what better way to keep your hem from trailing than with a pair of killer heels with plenty on show today. The May Spring Meeting at the famous racecourse will see the William Hill Bronte Cup be fought for alongside £90,000 in prize money. Guests could be seen arriving in high spirits for a day of racing in the sun with their friends and family. And they certainly have gone all out with their wardrobe choices, with eye catching prints and elegant tayloring littering the racecourse. The exciting festival has no set dress code, but the website states that the day is 'special' and guests choose to 'dress accordingly.' It adds: "While the only formal dress code at York (within the bounds of decency) is that in the County Stand gentlemen (and those identifying as such) are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie, many racegoers like to dress up and step out in style for a day at York Racecourse." And this was certainly the case today with dapper gentlemen on the arms of the glanmorous ladies. Jim Delahunt's FREE horse racing tips - Does Greg Fairley deserve a second chance Selections at Haydock, York, Chester and Stratford OFFERS OF THE DAY Tote: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets - CLAIM HERE Virgin Bet: Bet £10 Get £20 in free bets - CLAIM HERE William Hill: Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets (MOBILE ONLY)* - CLAIM HERE Betfair: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets - CLAIM HERE Paddy Power: Bet £20 and get it back as Cash if it Loses - CLAIM HERE Sky Bet: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Horse Racing Bets - CLAIM HERE New customers online only. £/€10 min stake (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€30 Tote Credit when first bet settles. £/€10 redeemable against win/place racing bets, £/€10 redeemable against Exotics bets and £/€10 redeemable against World Pool bets. Racing and Exotics credit expires after 7 days. World Pool credit expires 17:20 on 26/8/23. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. 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Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using Cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply. 18+ Sky Bet: 18+NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ONLY REDEEMABLE ON HORSE RACING. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+ 9 9 "There is no formal dress code for ladies (and those identifying as such), however most choose to dress up for a day at the races - think wedding guest attire," the website says of women's dress. "Lots of female racegoer do like to wear dresses, high heeled shoes together with hats or fascinators, however it's most important that you feel comfortable and enjoy your day!" Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. 9 9
