Braving The Elements: UK All-Weather Racing Blogged Up

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Braving The Elements:
Forget the sunshine and the crowds, for true horse racing enthusiasts, the thrill of the sport shines brightest on the chilliest of days. We're talking about All-Weather racing, a unique breed of competition that takes place in the UK throughout the year, regardless of the sun, rain, wind or snow.

What Exactly Is All-Weather Racing?
This is horse racing on synthetic surfaces, primarily Tapeta and Polytrack, instead of the traditional grass courses. These surfaces offer a consistent, safe, and reliable environment for racing, even during harsh weather conditions. This means action can continue when the grass courses are waterlogged or frozen, offering a crucial lifeline for both horses, connections and betting shop punters.

Where To Catch The AW Action:
The UK boasts several dedicated All-Weather tracks, each with its own unique character:

South: Lingfield Park (Polytrack) is a popular venue with a variety of races, from sprints to longer distances. Kempton Park (Polytrack) also offers a wide range of racing, known for its tricky, tight turns. Chelmsford All-Weather Polytrack surfface and it's wide sweeping bends bring consistent and competetive racing action year-round.

Midlands: Wolverhampton (Tapeta) is famous for its fast and flowing track, often producing exciting finishes. Southwell is a unique addition to the UK's All-Weather racing scene. It features a unique, tight, and undulating Polytrack surface, offering a distinct test for horses and jockeys. The track's smaller size and tighter turns create a more tactical and unpredictable experience, often favouring horses with good speed and agility.

North: Newcastle (Tapeta) is a more traditional-feeling track. Straight sprints and mile, with a tight, undulating layout for middle distances, often favouring stamina.

Ireland: Dundalk (Polytrack) is another AW venue worth exploring, offering a unique flavour of international racing. Known for its consistent and forgiving nature. This surface minimizes weather impact and is relatively even for most horse types. A tight oval track with a short straight, making it quite tactical, where horses need to be maneuverable and have good speed also.

The Appeal Of All-Weather Racing:

Consistent racing: No matter how inclement the weather is outside, AW race meetings are almost guaranteed to go ahead, providing a constant source of entertainment for racing fans.

Variety of surfaces: The different AW tracks offer a range of challenges for horses and jockeys, leading to diverse and exciting races.

Opportunities for young horses: All-Weather racing provides a valuable platform for young horses to gain experience and build confidence.

Competitive betting: The exciting and unpredictable nature of All-Weather racing can lead to lucrative betting opportunities.

AW Horse Racing Variables To Consider:

Track bias: Certain surfaces and track layouts can favor particular horse types, making it essential to research the tracks and their nuances.

Weather conditions: While weather doesn't impact the racing itself, it can influence the crowd size and general atmosphere.

Different race types: All-Weather racing offers a range of race types, including handicaps, maidens, and claiming races.

Conclusion:

All-Weather racing is a unique and exciting experience that deserves attention from any horse racing enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual race fan, there's something to appreciate about the thrill of watching horses battle it out under the lights, regardless of the elements.

So, grab your winter coat, or an umbrella, or your sunglasses and head out to an AW racetrack and immerse yourself in the world of UK All-Weather racing.

Lingfield Bets - Sat Sept 14 (afternoon meeting)

12:55 Anisoptera (14/1) runs in these extreme distance AW flat races all day long. She runs from 60 today. Her tissue price was 7/1. She's currently available at 14's.

She's fit from running regularly. Her last 2 runs she's been threatening to find her best form. She will run her race and has as much chance of winning as anything else in the contest.

Win only for me. EW thieves should be all over her.


4:23 Topweight Enthused (12/1) has drifted overnight from a reasonable 6/1 out to a pretty big looking 12's. He's up against a bunch of younger horses who I think he'll mow down fairly easily, apart from the talking horse and 6/4fav Capello.

In a toss up between the two horses, I'll take the 12/1 and leave the 6/4 to the crowd.


4:58 Shalfa (16/1) from the 2 box will have the opportunity to take the rail early and go the shortest way around. If Neil Callan can time it right, she has the ability to win this from the front.

The 8/1 overnight price was correct. The 16's available now is over the top. Cheers, Sandracer.


Π Going: Tapeta - Standard.

12:55 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
14/1 Anisoptera. (3rd 25/1) market drifter, jinked right and lost many lengths, held up at the back, made ground smoothly approaching final turn and going well, stayed on, beaten 1-2 lengths, unlucky 3rd.

13:25 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

14:00 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

14:35 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

15:10 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

15:50 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

16:23 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
12/1 Enthused. (3rd 9/1 from 12's) waited with towards rear, asked for effort over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never nearer, 3rd.

16:58 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
16/1 Shalfa. (Unplaced 33/1) drifted alarmingly in the market, disputed lead, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 10th.


Stake: 3 X £1.00 Win Singles = £3.00
Returns: 0.00
Total: Minus £3.00

Newcastle Bets - Thurs Sept 12 2024 (evening meeting)

7:00 3yo Marianglas (12/1) gets a 4lb allowance for age. I think the race may will be a close one and I reckon the Bethell yard have placed this one quite shrewdly.

1st time in blinkers. She's running in C6 for the first time in her career. It's also her 1st try over the straight 7f at Newcastle.

She could well prove to be a tiny bit too good for them.


7:30 Arranmore (25/1) is viewed as a no hoper by the bookies, but I beg to differ. He hasn't won for 3 years and 32 races I grant you. He's not been running badly of late though. 1st time tongue strap applied.

The capper has given him a chance at 57. Aiden Brookes gets him down to 54 with a 3lb claim. He's gone well at Newcastle before at a stone higher.

I think he'll possibly be scrapping it out at the front end today, at very nice odds. Cheers, Sandracer.


Π Going: Tapeta - Standard/Slow.

4:25 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

4:58 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

5:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

6:00 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

6:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

7:00 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
♥ 12/1 Marianglas. (Won 5/1 from 12's) bumped start, held up rear of mid-division, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, 1st.
Returns: £6.00

7:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
25/1 Arranmore. (Unplaced 40/1) prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon edged right and lost place, 13th.

8:00 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

8:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.


Stake: 2 X £1.00 Win Singles = £2.00
Returns: £6.00
Total: Plus £4.00

Lingfield Bets - Wed Sept 11 (afternoon meeting)

5:20 3yo Beset (14/1) has shown only a modicum of ability. Unplaced in her 4 starts. She has drifted in the betting all day.

The positives are it's her first try in a handicap. She is a Galileo mare. Henry Candy will be looking to get this horse in the winners enclosure sooner rather than later. It's not a strong looking C5 handicap.

I'll take the 14's and see what happens.


5:50 Militry Decoration (40/1) has fallen off a cliff re form lately. I doubt he's too old to compete at 9. If I put a line through his last run, he has as much chance as any in the race.

Trainer Camilla Poulton will surely be hoping to get the horse back on track. A small yard. They have some nice training facilities by the seaside in Saltdean, near Eastbourne. I am hoping the horse finds his running shoes again after a paddle maybe. He has the form in the book to trouble these all day long, and at fancy odds today.

Small stakes, win only. Cheers, Sandracer.


Π Going: Tapeta - Standard.

2:05 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

2:35 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

3:05 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

3:40 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

4:15 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

4:50 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

5:20 Lingfield (AW Polytrack) (fillies hcp)
14/1 Beset. (2nd 10/1 from 14's) soon prominent, ridden 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, no impression on winner, kept on, 2nd.

5:50 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
40/1 Militry Decoration. (3rd 28/1 from 40's) slowly into stride, held up towards rear, ridden and effort over 2f out, went 3rd well inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd.


Stake: 2 X £1.00 Win Singles = £2.00
Returns: 0.00
Total: Minus £2.00

Photograph Of Militry Decoration Going For A Paddle


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The Master of Newmarket - A Quick Look at Sir Michael Stoute's Illustrious Career

Sir Michael Stoute - The Master Of Newmarket


♠ Sir Michael Stoute Biography ♠ Sir Michael Stoute Wiki ♠ Legend Of The Turf ♠

Sir Michael Stoute Has Announced His Retirement At 78
Sir Michael Stoute, some say legend of the racing game, is set to retire at the end of the season. He announced “I have decided to retire from training at the end of this season. I would like to thank all my owners and staff for the support they have given me over the years. It has been a great and enjoyable journey.”

Stoute's name is forever indelibly etched into UK horse racing history. From his early days as a young trainer, to his present day status as a training legend, means his racing career proves he harnesses an unwavering passion for the sport of horse racing.

Training Methods
The methodoly: Meticulous approach, patience, plus a good understanding of each horse's individual needs. A gradual and controlled training program, that allows horses to develop their physical capabilities. His training methodology, coupled with his commitment to quality over quantity, has resulted in exceptional results through the years.

Legendary Horses - Shergar - Shahrastani
Big name horses: The hallmark of Stoute's career is his ability to train big name champions. Huge names everywhere, each a nod to his training technique. From the legendary Shergar in the 1980s, to the brilliant UK & Irish double Derby winner Shahrastani (1986).

Stoute's list of winners includes an impressive array of top winners. Classic G1 race champions, including the Epsom Derby 6 times, 2000 Guineas 5 times, 1000 Guineas, the Oaks the St Leger twice each. He won the prestigious French Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Workforce (2010) and successive Japan Cup winners - Singspiel (1996) and Pilsudski (1997). A remarkable training achievement that showcases his international repute.

Multiple Classic Winners
Sir Michael Stoute has an impressive list of Classic winners. Here are some of his most notable Classic victories:
  • 2000 Guineas: Shadeed (1985), Doyoun (1988), Entrepreneur (1997), King's Best (2000), Golan (2001).
  • 1000 Guineas: Musical Bliss (1989), Russian Rhythm (2003).
  • Oaks: Fair Salinia (1978), Unite (1987).
  • St Leger: Conduit (2008).
  • Irish Derby: Shergar (1981), Shareef Dancer (1983), Shahrastani (1986).
  • Epsom Derby: Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kris Kin (2003), North Light (2004), Workforce (2010), Desert Crown (2022).
Only a selection of his Classic wins btw, certainly not them all, way too many to mention. He has also trained numerous other international Group 1 winners, including 8 Breeders Cup classics in the USA, earmarking him as one of the most successful trainers in British racing history. His career race wins in the Uk total 4,190 (4,178 on the Flat and 12 over fences).

End Of An Era In Racing
Retirement: His putting his feet up marks the end of an era for racing, a period defined by an excellent contribution to the art of training racehorses. While the reasons for his decision remain personal, we can only speculate that the demands of the profession, coupled with a need to have a well deserved rest at 78 years young, has likely been the deciding factors in Stoute's decision to retire. He's probably tired to be honest. I doubt it's that he's bored of the game.

Legendary Trainer Status
Legend? The legacy will endure time I'm sure. Sir Michael Stoute's legendary name will forever be in the hearts and minds of the racing fraternity and formbook monkeys. Testament to a career built on his unwavering dedication and love for the sport of horse racing.

His impact on the racing industry extends way beyond the winners tally may I add. The countless horses he nurtured. The young jockeys he mentored. The owners he represented. All a testament to the man at work at the Newmarket yard. His influence on the future of British horse racing will not be forgotten anytime soon.

#page description: a quick blogged up post about Sir Michaels Stoute's career in racing and his impending retirement.

#page last update: Wed Apr 16, 2025


Related Page: UK Horse Racing Commentary ➔

Newcastle Bets - Tues Sept 10 2024 (evening meeting)

8:00 Captain Cuddles (16/1) is now down to a very workable mark of 66. He's also back on the AW. I think his 1st try over the straight 7f at Newcastle could well produce a much improved performance for trainer Fionn McSharry from this ex Hannon runner.

Why? The Andrews Bowen installed Equitrack at the yard may well be of assistance to the horse. 1st time tongue strap applied also. Horse quickly dropped in grade from 4 to 5 to 6.

I've seen horses with a similar profile and small yard set up behind them improve a lot once the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together. I'll take the 16's and take my chances.


Π Going: Tapeta - Standard.

4:50 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

5:23 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

6:00 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

6:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

7:00 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

7:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.

8:00 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
16/1 Captain Cuddles. (Unplaced 12/1 from 18's) broke well, tracked leader, going well, found nothing when asked to quicken 2f out, 10th

8:30 Newcastle (AW Tapeta)
# No Bet.


Stake: 1 X £1.00 Win Single = £1.00
Returns: 0.00
Total: £1.00

Lingfield Bets - Tues Sept 10 (afternoon meeting)

3:30 Don't Fight It (33/1) is having her 2nd ride for her new stable. She needs to get out of the stalls unscathed and into a race. If and when she does, she has shown bits of speed at a stone heavier than today's mark.

She ducked right and was hammered last time up early - race over effectively. The small field is a positive for her. I think the extra furlong today is another positive.

She's going to get a nice position on the rail one day and will prove hard to stop when going the shortest route round.

The 33's on offer is probably 3 times her true chance of the win. Cheers, Sandracer.


Π Going: Tapeta - Standard.

2:00 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

2:30 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

3:00 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

3:30 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
33/1 Don't Fight It. (2nd 40/1) midfield, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headway out wide over 1f out, went second inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd.

4:00 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

4:30 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

5:05 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.

5:35 Lingfield (AW Polytrack)
# No Bet.


Stake: 1 X £1.00 Win Single = £1.00
Returns: 0.00
Total: Minus £1.00