UK Horse Racing News | Royal Ascot & Epsom Derby Updates |

The British flat racing season is in full swing. With the Epsom Derby just around the corner and Royal Ascot on the horizon, there is plenty of news coming out of UK racing circuits.

The Epsom Derby, the most famous flat race in the world, will be run on June 6. This year’s renewal looks wide open. Several top colts are being aimed at the mile and a half Classic.

Epsom Derby Update

The Epsom Derby is the highlight of the British flat racing calendar. This year’s race has attracted a strong field. Leading contenders include Ancient Wisdom, City Of Troy, and Diego Velazquez.

Aidan O’Brien has won the Derby a record nine times. He could have up to five runners this year. His top hope is City Of Troy, who won the Dewhurst Stakes last year.

Leading Derby Contenders

Ancient Wisdom trained by Charlie Appleby is the current favorite. The colt won the Lingfield Derby Trial impressively. He has the stamina for the Epsom hill.

City Of Troy is the main danger. He worked five furlongs at Ballydoyle last week. Aidan O’Brien said the colt is doing everything right.

Diego Velazquez won the Chester Vase. That race has produced many Derby winners in the past. He will need to improve but has the talent.

Royal Ascot Preparations

Royal Ascot is just five weeks away. The royal meeting runs from June 16 to June 20. It is the highlight of the British social and racing calendar.

The Queen Anne Stakes on opening day is the traditional curtain-raiser. Inspiral is expected to start favorite. The mare has won at the last two Royal Ascot meetings.

Frankie Dettori’s Retirement Tour

Frankie Dettori is in his final season. The legendary jockey will retire at the end of the year. He has confirmed he will ride at Royal Ascot and the Derby.

Dettori has 22 Royal Ascot winners to his name. He is looking for more. His best chance this year looks to be on Kinross in the Queen Anne Stakes.

Oisin Murphy Back to His Best

Oisin Murphy is having a strong season. The three-time champion jockey has 35 winners already. He is leading the flat jockeys’ championship.

Murphy has big rides at the Derby and Royal Ascot. He will ride Ancient Wisdom in the Derby. That gives him a real chance of winning the Classic for the first time.

Horse Injury News: Paddington Sidelined

There is bad news from the Coolmore camp. Group 1 winner Paddington has been sidelined. The horse will miss Royal Ascot with a minor setback.

Aidan O’Brien said Paddington should return in the summer. “It’s nothing serious. But we won’t rush him. He has a big future.”

York Dante Meeting Review

The Dante meeting at York produced several top performances. The Dante Stakes was won by Ancient Wisdom. The Epsom Derby favorite beat his rivals by two lengths.

The Yorkshire Cup went to Giavellotto. The stayer is now aimed at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. He will face last year’s winner, Courage Mon Ami.

Newmarket Guineas Weekend Recap

Newmarket’s Guineas weekend was a huge success. The 2000 Guineas went to City Of Troy. He led from start to finish and won impressively.

The 1000 Guineas was won by Fallen Angel. The filly is now aimed at the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. She will face a strong international field.

Irish Racing News

The Curragh hosts the Irish Derby on June 28. Many Epsom Derby runners will head to Ireland for that race. The Irish Derby offers £1 million in prize money.

Aidan O’Brien has won the Irish Derby a record 15 times. He will be looking for another win this year. City Of Troy is likely to run if he misses the Epsom Derby.

Trainer News: John Gosden’s Stable Stars

John Gosden has a strong team for the summer. Inspiral is pointing to the Queen Anne Stakes. Emily Upjohn is aimed at the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Gosden said both horses are in great shape. “They have had good winters. They are ready to run. Royal Ascot is the first big target.”

British Racing Authority News

The British Horseracing Authority announced new whip rules. Starting July 1, jockeys can use the whip only four times in a flat race. Jump races will have stricter limits as well.

The BHA said the changes are for horse welfare. Many jockeys have expressed concerns. They say the new rules are too strict.

Attendance Records at UK Tracks

Attendance at UK racecourses is up this year. The Guineas meeting at Newmarket saw record crowds. York’s Dante meeting was also well attended.

Royal Ascot is already sold out for all five days. Over 300,000 people are expected to attend the royal meeting.

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