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Andrew Balding is one of the leading trainers in the UK and has had 100+ winners every year for the past seven years. This year he has already sent out 24 winners, and is set to unleash SPIRIT OF SUMMER on Wednesday, who is set to race at Southwell on their evening card (7:30pm). 

Spirit Of Summer is available to buy shares in through our partners Racing Club, who offer shares in the exciting 3YO at just £70 per share. Trainer Andrew Balding has already earmarked him as a potential Royal Ascot horse, so fingers crossed his owners can enjoy plenty of big days out this year! 

RACE INFORMATION

Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) (Div 1) - 7 furlongs (Class 5) - 7:30pm

SUMMARY

Spirit Of Summer looks like an extremely promising horse to have in your syndicate, and we're optimistic our partners, Racing Club, have a potential star on their hands. Whatever the outcome of his seasonal reappearance on Wednesday, he is sure to come on for the run and have an exciting year ahead. With the syndicate term running up until 31st December 2025, new owners will still have over nine months of ownership with him, and with multiple stable visits already in the pipeline, you could be joining at the perfect time! 

The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle has long been a proving ground for future staying stars. Run over three miles on the demanding New Course, this Grade 1 contest is a true test of stamina, resilience, and class - qualities that Racing Club's Wendigo has in abundance!

As the countdown to Friday, 14th March 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Wendigo as he prepares to take his place in a fiercely competitive field. Can he rise to the occasion and etch his name into Cheltenham Festival history? Let’s take a closer look at the contenders, the form, and the key factors that could shape this year’s renewal of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

KEY-RACE TRENDS

• 12/12 winners had previously run in the past 27-97 days. 
• 11/12 winners had won at least once that season. 
• 11/12 winners had previously raced over 2m 7f or further. 
• 10/12 winners were aged 6-7. 
• 10/12 winners were priced 11/1 or higher. 
• 10/12 winners were rated 136+. 
• 10/12 winners had at least three runs that season.
• Only 3/12 winners had run at Cheltenham previously. 
• Just 1/12 winners was sent off as favourite. 
• From 11 female runners, none of them have won the race.

KEY RUNNERS

The Big Westerner

An Irish runner who is yet to taste defeat, having won both hurdles starts this season, including a Grade 2 at Limerick over the festive period. Henry De Bromhead’s mare looks on an upward curve and her trainer has tasted victory in this race before - notably winning the 2019 renewal with 50/1 shot Minella Indo. She does have to buck the trend of mares running in the race, but she looks a seriously talented horse who would be a danger to all if she brings her A game.

Jasmin De Vaux

The apparent Willie Mullins second string has already tasted Cheltenham Festival success, having won the Champion Bumper at last year’s festival. His novice hurdle campaign started perfectly with a cosy victory at Navan, before finishing fourth in a couple of Grade 1’s since. He will need to reverse form with Final Demand and The Yellow Clay if they do line up in here, but he is likely to be thereabouts at the finish. 

Wendigo

Racing Club’s first-ever Cheltenham Festival runner Wendigo has been gaining plaudits ahead of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, with the likes of Ruby Walsh, Paddy Brennan and Tom Segal all tipping it up our superstar. Having finished second on hurdles debut, he won impressively at Ludlow next time out, before a gallant runner-up performance in the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle behind The New Lion over the festive period. Trainer Jamie Snowden gave his a prep run at Wetherby last month, where he won easily, and it’s been all systems go since for Wendigo! 

Trainer Jamie Snowden has reported he’s in great form at home and with the step up in trip sure to suit, we can’t wait to see how Wendigo gets on. He is another who would prefer the ground to be on the softer side, but he has won on good and good to soft ground previously, so hopefully he will still be thereabouts at the finish regardless of the ground. 

Jet Blue

French raider Jet Blue has been impressing in France and made a worthwhile journey to Cheltenham earlier this season with an impressive win over C&D, despite making a mistake over the final hurdle. He appears to have stamina in abundance and is likely to be staying on strongly towards the final stages of the race. He is likely to want the ground on the softer side, but his Cheltenham win came on good to soft, so he should have a live each way chance.

SUMMARY

With both Final Demand and The Yellow Clay opting for the Turners on the Wednesday, which will make this a much more winnable assignment for Wendigo. The step up in trip should bring out further improvement in our star and we’re optimistic he will be staying on strongly at the finish. The race has gone the way of Irish runners in five of the last six renewals, but we’re hopeful we can fly the flag for the Brits this year and keep the trophy this side of the water! 

We do still have a limited number of shares available in Wendigo at just £75 per share - purchase your shares in a Cheltenham Festival runner HERE.

Knowing what to wear at the races can be a daunting task at times, and although there is no real dress code set for a day at the races (although it can be wise to check on the racecourse's website to see if there is one beforehand), it is usually a nice time to let off a bit of steam and show off your dress sense. With that being said there can be a little more pressure on the ladies, as they have everything from dresses, shoes, hats and fascinators to choose to make sure they all work together and complement the rest of the outfit. 

Flat Racing (Summer Months)

The majority of flat meetings on the grass are during the summer months, so although the weather can be pretty indifferent in England during the summer, it can usually get pretty warm at its peak. The Jockey Club has brought in a “wear what you feel comfortable in” marker to their 15 racecourses, so you don’t have to fully dress up if you aren’t feeling it. However, most do, especially at the bigger, busier meetings that might be scheduled.

Some of the bigger flat meetings of the year are Royal Ascot (In June) or Glorious Goodwood (In August) which is said to be the perfect time to get out the fineries and really go to town with what you can wear. One thing to note with these meetings is to make sure you check out the dress code via the websites, as these bigger meetings can be a little stricter on what you can and cannot wear for the day.  

As mentioned, with the flat meetings usually being during the summer months, you want to wear something comfortable that won’t be too hot but still look your best. Many women usually wear a light, flowy dress, or other more comfortable outfits, such as a Jumpsuit. If in doubt about what to wear, just dress up nice in something appropriate for the weather that you feel comfortable wearing. The racecourse dress codes are really not that strict!

Footwear is probably the most important part of the outfit for the ladies, as you need to be clever with what you wear as you’re going to be on your feet for a lot of the day. Heels are an obvious, popular choice, but please bear in mind at some tracks there is grass you might need to walk across, so bear that in mind when finalising your shoe choice. If you prefer a flat shoe, you could consider sandals or loafers, as both still look classy and can complement an outfit nicely.  

The final accessory to finish off the outfit could be a nice hat or fascinator, something that can really complement the outfit nicely and is one that could be the final straw to winning any best-dressed competitions the racecourse might do during a meeting (typically a ladies day meeting). These are not mandatory by any means, and depending on what enclosure you are visiting during Royal Ascot week might depend if you have to wear one or not, so it is always worth checking before making the trip there.

Jumps Racing (Winter Months)     

Jumps racing or National Hunt racing tends to operate during the winter months (although we do have some summer jumps meetings in the UK; be sure to check out any dress codes if you visit them), so it is very much a case of dressing appropriately for the weather. Knowing England, that means raincoats and umbrellas to keep you warm and dry!

Keeping warm and dry is essential, some if not all the racecourses are very much open to the elements, so there will no doubt be a cold wind which can cause havoc with the rain as well. So a nice warm jacket that can keep you dry is a must, a lot like to dress in tweed jackets, which is a nice look but obviously not essential. As long as you have something that keeps the rain and wind out, that’s perfect. Remember you will be on course for about 3 to 4 hours, and depending on the meeting, there might not be as much space under shelter or indoors, so dress appropriately. The weather forecast a day or two before can be a real friend of yours.

Boots are probably the most popular footwear, as they are comfortable and keep your toes protected, unlike heels. Again, this is necessary, as there is nothing worse than cold feet when at the races. Boots also add to the tweed country look, which, as mentioned previously, is a real trend when going to these winter jumps meetings.

Overall, just prepare your outfits to keep you warm and dry during the day. If you have a slightly busier meeting, an umbrella might not be ideal. Therefore, make sure you have a jacket with a hood, which could become your best friend if it rains.

There is no real dress code for the Jumps meetings, even at a meeting like the Cheltenham Festival, which is the premium Jumps meeting of the year. All they state is that you dress comfortably and suitably for the weather. Adhering to the rules will make your day a whole lot nicer.  

Summary

The key piece of advice we can give you is to double-check the dress code for the racecourse you are set to visit. Although most are run by the Jockey Club, some might have slightly different rules on what to wear. But ultimately, wear something you feel comfortable in, as a day at the races can sometimes be a full day out with that outfit on. 

Knowing what to wear at the races can be a difficult task, and although there is no real dress code set for a day at the races (although it can be wise to check on the racecourse's website to see if there is one beforehand) it is usually a nice time to let off a bit of steam and show off your dress sense. This article will help you decide on what outfit to wear to a day at the races, with differing options depending on what type of racing it is you're attending. 

Flat Racing (Summer Months)

As mentioned, there is no real compulsory dress code for when you go to the races. However, especially in the summer months with the flat turf racing, a lot of the racegoers tend to dig out their best attires and look good whilst enjoying a day out. Nine times out of ten most men will wear at least a shirt and smart trousers when heading to a summer flat meeting, but depending on the weather could also depend if they go fully suited and booted. During the hot summer months suits may not be comfortable, but you can still look very smart with a shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes.  

One of the main meetings that tends to attract the full piece suits is Royal Ascot, where depending on which enclosure you go into will depend on what you have to wear, but the minimum is usually a traditional suit of some kind. However, that is all on the Ascot website, who offer thorough guides on what to wear and what not to wear.

Jumps Racing (Winter Months)     

For the jumps meetings, because they are usually set in the winter months of the UK, it does make things a little more tricky. However, most racecourse policies tend to be dress accordingly for the weather forecast. That doesn't mean you can’t dress up nicely, it just suggests that you take a waterproof coat or umbrella when visiting to keep yourselves dry and comfortable.

Tweed suits are very popular among men when going to a jumps meeting, they tend to be a little heavier than normal suits as well, so they do give you that extra warmth. As well as waistcoats and tweed flat caps, which are very popular at any top jumps meeting, which once again give you that extra bit of protection from the unpredictable UK weather without having to wear a waterproof raincoat or carry an umbrella around.

As mentioned this is not compulsory, and we would strongly advise checking the weather forecast before attending, as that can be a huge help for the winter months racing. 

Tips To Enhance Your Race Day Attire

Footwear - A day at the races can be full on, and it tends to take up the whole day, so a nice comfortable pair of shoes will be the most important item of clothing you can invest in. Make sure they are comfortable, fit in with your full attire and if new are broken in, as there would be nothing worse than rubbing shoes whilst you are trying to enjoy your day.

Coats/Jackets - Depending on what meeting you are planning to attend and which time of year it might be, if it is the winter months at a National Hunt meeting then a raincoat will be crucial as you never know what the weather might be. It doesn't have to be waterproof, but just anything that fits with your attire and will help keep you dry should it rain. If you are attending a flat summer meeting, then jackets are not a necessity - however, if you are going suited and booted, the jacket tends to be the main focus point of the suit, so it is always good to take one.

Hats - Again, this one will only really be needed if attending a National Hunt meeting, if you can’t take a raincoat, then a hat, most likely a tweed flat cap could be your best friend. It will keep your head dry from any rain that there might be, as well as keep you warm should the temperature drop while you are there. Top hats can be a necessity if going to certain enclosures at Royal Ascot, but all that information is on the racecourse website. Panama or Fedora hats can be popular at the summer meetings also, especially Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, which is another way to protect yourself from the sun should there be any. 

Sunglasses - For the summer months, some race meetings can really attract the sun, and if you are reading racecards, betting slips or the bookies boards then the sun might cause some issues. A pair of sunglasses can be your best friend as it will save you squinting constantly which might cause headaches, whilst they can also adding a bit of style to your look.   

Ties - These aren't absolutely needed when attending the races, but they can accompany your look very nicely, especially if you are going all dressed up suited and booted. Be sure they match the look, as they can be the feature point of your outfit.  

Betting on the horses for the very first time can be a daunting task, as there are plenty of risks involved, as it's your hard-earned money. However, if done right, there can be plenty of rewards, provided it is only done as a hobby. Here is our beginner's guide on how to make the most of having a flutter.

Where To Bet  

First and foremost, you will need to find a bookmaker, either down your local high street, online via the bookie's apps or on-course when attending a race meeting in person. The on-course bookmakers can usually be found at the front of the stands near the home straight so they can see who passes the post first. When it comes to the local street bookies or the online apps, be sure to use reputable companies like William Hill and Ladbrokes for the in-person bookies or the online ones such as Bet365, SkyBet and various others.

How The Betting Odds Work  

In the UK, the odds are typically shown in fraction form. However, in Europe, at betting exchanges and potentially other international countries they are usually done in a decimal format.  

An example of what happens when you put a bet on. If you put £1 on a horse at the odds of 3/1 in the market, you make £3 profit, BUT you also get your £1 stake back, therefore altogether you will get £4 back as a complete winning stake.

Now going back to how other countries may use a decimal format for their odds, in the fraction format of 3/1 that would look like 4.00 as a decimal. There is no difference whatsoever in terms of what you get back, as the decimal odds specify how much you will get back from the bookmaker based on a £1 bet including your stake, while the fractional odds say what profit you will make, so the number will be minus the stake. 

It can get a little confusing at first, as there are various different looking odds, for example we have 7/2 or 10/3, which does make it a little trickier to work out yourself. However, if you were to put £1 on a horse at 7/2, you get £3.50 back in profit (£4.50 altogether, including the stake), meaning the 7/2 odds are actually 3.5/1 in a simplified manner. Anything with a 2 in it means you half the first number, therefore 15/2 would be 7.5/1, or 13/2 would be 6.5/1 and so on.   

If a horse was to be described as an “odds-on shot” or “very short in the market” etc, that would usually mean the odds could look like 1/10 as opposed to 10/1, which means if you were to bet £10 on a horse at 1/10 you would have got £11 back, a profit of just £1. So for every £10 you were to put on at that price, would mean you get £11 back (Just £1 more). 

Different Types Of Bets

Win - This is simply a bet that you place for the horse to win. Therefore, if the horse comes 2nd or 3rd, you get nothing back. It has to solely win the race. 

Each Way - A bet for the horse to either win or to place (either 2nd and 3rd, and sometimes 4th onwards, depending on the number of runners in the race). The place portion of your bet pays out at a fraction of the main odds and again this varies but is usually 1/5. Each-way bets are usually best placed on horses at longer odds - for example, if you put a £1 each-way bet on a horse (which means you put £2 on, every each-way bet is double) each way at 2/1 and it places, you get £1.50 back, therefore a 50p loss - however if you back a horse with £1 (£2 stake) each way at 12/1 and it places you get £4 back, meaning you get a £2 profit.  

Doubles - A bet consisting of two selections, with both needing to win in order to guarantee a return.  

Trebles - A bet that includes three selections, and requires all three selections to win in order to guarantee a return.  

Accumulators - A bet that includes four or more selections, and requires all the selections to win to guarantee a return.  

Trixie - A bet consisting of four bets involving three selections. A trixie is made up of three doubles and a treble, so a minimum of two selections must win to guarantee a return. 

Patent - A bet consisting of seven bets involving three selections. A patent is made up of three single bets, three doubles and one treble. It is essentially a trixie bet but adds in the three single bets too, so if one selection wins you will get a return. 

Yankee - A bet consisting of 11 bets involving four selections - six doubles, four trebles and a fourfold. This means a minimum of two selections must win in order to guarantee a return. 

Lucky15 - One of the more popular betting options. A lucky 15 consists of 15 bets over four selections - four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a fourfold. It is essentially a yankee but with the addition of four singles, so only one selection needs to win in order to guarantee a return. 

Lucky31 - A bet consisting of 31 bets across five selections - five singles, ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds and a five-fold accumulator. You only need one selection to win to guarantee a return. 

Lucky63 - A bet consisting of 63 bets across six selections - six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds and a six-fold accumulator. You only need one selection to win to guarantee a return. 

Canadian - A bet consisting of 26 bets that involves five selections - 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five four-folds and a five-fold accumulator. It is also known as a super yankee bet. 

Heinz - A bet consisting of 57 bets across six selections - 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds and a six-fold accumulator. 

SuperHeinz - A bet consisting of 120 bets across seven selections - 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, seven six-folds and a seven-fold accumulator. 

Goliath - A bet consisting of 247 bets across eight selections - 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, eight seven-folds and an eight-fold accumulator. 

Straight forecast - This is a type of bet that requires you to pick the first two finishers in the race, in the exact 1st and 2nd order.

Reverse forecast - Similar to a straight forecast, except the two horses selected can finish either 1st or 2nd in any order. 

Tricast - This bet is where you pick the first three finishers in the exact order of 1st, 2nd and 3rd

Placepot - One of the most popular bets for racegoers. You choose a minimum of one horse in each of the first six races on the card to finish in the places. If they all place, you win a share of the total prize money in pool. If one selection fails to finish in the places, your bet loses. 

Jackpot - Similar to a placepot, but instead of backing the horses to finish in the places, they all need to win. If one fails to win, the bet will lose. 

Every active racehorse has to have a trainer to keep them fit and look after them whilst at home. The trainers are one of the most important people within the sport, as they dedicate all their time to making sure the horses are perfectly looked after at home and are ready to race whenever the time comes. By doing so, they follow strict plans to ensure their horses are fit and schooled perfectly, giving them the best chance of winning when they race. 

What Does A Racehorse Trainer Actually Do

The trainer's job is an important one, as they are there to make sure the horse is fit and healthy, ready to race as well as managing each horse they have to be at that level all the way through a season. Each trainer’s number of horses will differ - some only have 20 and others may have anything up to 100+, so it takes a certain level of dedication, knowledge and skill to look after each individual horse, making sure all is ok whilst they are in training and at home. But arguably a trainer’s main role is to make up exercise schedules for horses, keeping an eye on the horses diets and schooling which is key to teaching the horse, especially the younger horses with less experience. 

Another key aspect of being a trainer is to deal with their horses owners - this is a very important task as ultimately it's the owners that pay the bills. A trainer’s duties towards an owner are to make sure their horses are safe whilst in their care, they are fit and schooled well when ready to run and finally provide detailed updates on their horses on a regular basis. A trainer will usually also determine what race a horse will run in/be aimed for, which is another key factor that needs to be relayed and discussed back to the owners.

A Typical Trainers' Day At The Races

Some trainers travel with their horses, but ultimately the least the trainers will do is make sure the horses are ready to travel to the racecourse, ensuring everything is safe before doing so.

When at the racecourse, trainers will most of the time walk the course themselves before racing, to make their own assessments of the track. This will help them gauge what sort of tactics might benefit their horses, as certain horses will prefer going around a certain direction, or like certain ground types etc. Walking the track beforehand can be key for a trainer in making up their minds on what tactics to relay back to the jockey riding the horse. Trainers will sometimes also walk the track with their jockeys if they are available, as this can help with tactics for the race or races.

Once the track has been walked, the final preparations will be made for their horses. They will get saddled up, usually by the trainer before they do their final checks before the horse heads into the parade ring. Once the horse is in the parade ring, the trainers will usually meet up with any owners or representatives who are in attendance to discuss the tactics and how the horse is. Once the race has concluded, they will speak to the jockeys about how their horse got on, before relaying that back to the owners or representatives. What we are seeing quite a bit more of these days is trainers or jockeys recording small videos talking about how the horse got on - this can be valuable for both the trainer and the owners.

The horses will then get all the equipment removed, before heading back home to be fed and earn a well-earned rest. Over the next few days after the horse has run, the trainer will keep an eye on their horses to make sure all is ok, they have eaten up, are not sore or stiff, before giving them a little break to freshen them up, and then essentially the process will be repeated until the horse runs again.     

Trainers And Jockeys   

Most of the time Jockeys will be decided by the owners, before being booked via the trainer with the Jockeys agents involved. However, some trainers will have their own retained yard jockey,  which means the trainer’s horses will most likely be ridden by the same retained jockey when they are running, or at least if the yard has runners all around the country. The retained rider will ride the main chances, giving them a better chance of riding winners for their boss. The right jockey can prove invaluable as the trainer and jockey have a respected working relationship, meaning more chance of success, better feedback and more of an understanding how the horses are expected to be ridden etc.

Examples Of Trainers Who Currently Have Retained Jockeys

• Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore
• Willie Mullins and Paul Townend
• Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden
• Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton   
• Charlie Appleby and William Buick
• Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville
• Jonjo O’Neill and Jonjo O’Neill Jr
• Donald McCain and Brian Hughes
• Joe Tizzard and Brendan Powell
• Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox
• Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch
• Alan King and Tom Cannon

Behind the horses, Jockeys are the stars of the show in the sport of horse racing. They are true athletes who dedicate their lives to riding horses on a daily basis, at home/racing yards, and on track when the horses are running. They have to maintain an incredible level of fitness, which puts them on par with other athletes from various sports. This article will highlight everything you need to know about jockeys, from the differences in size, to the clothing they will wear for a race. 

Jump Jockeys vs Flat Jockeys - The Difference

Although all jockeys train and seemingly ride the same during races, there is a difference in stature with jockeys who ride flat or jumps horses, as described below… 

Flat Jockey - Jockeys who ride flat horses tend to be shorter and weigh less, due to the flat horses running with less weight on their backs during races. The horses are usually quicker and younger. 

Jumps Jockey - Jockeys who ride jumps horses tend to be taller and weigh a little more, as the horses who jump over obstacles carry more weight around when racing, due to being bigger and more pronounced than flat horses. We have seen instances of jumps jockeys being 6 feet tall and even taller.

Jockey Procedure - Before The Race

One of the most important things a jockey can do before a race when at the racecourse is “weigh out” - this ensures that the horse they are riding during the race carries the correct weight stated. If the Jockey is ever so slightly under the weight needed, which includes their saddle, small weights are added to the saddle cloth to get them to the correct weight declared. Once the weight has been recorded, the saddle will then go to the trainer for them to saddle up the horse in the pre parade ring. 

Jockey Procedure - After The Race  

Once the race has reached its conclusion, the winning and placed jockeys will unsaddle in the winners' enclosure, giving the punters, racegoers and owners a chance to clap and celebrate their victorious horses. The jockeys tend to unsaddle swiftly in the winners' enclosure, and have a picture with winning connections before heading into the weighing room to “weigh in”. This process is important as it makes sure the correct weight was carried around on the horse when they won, placed or ran in the race. Jockeys have to weigh in by a certain time to ensure they don’t lose the race or get bans/fines etc. This would be the reason why you might see a jockey in a rush when leaving the winners' enclosure/parade ring. 

What Jockey’s Wear During A Race

Helmet - Arguably the most important piece of equipment a jockey has to wear, it is mandatory and is there to protect them if they should unfortunately fall off their horse during a race. Jockeys tend to wear a cover over their helmet which is a part of the racing silks/colours.  

Goggles - Jockeys wear goggles to protect their eyes from dirt, bugs or gravel that might flick up during the race. If they didn’t wear goggles, the slightest bit of dirt could ruin the race for them or cause injury. 

Silks - One of the most important parts of a jockey's attire, not for safety reasons but for visual reasons - they are there so the punter, racegoer, trainer and commentator can recognise the horse during a race. The colours of the silks are usually determined by the owner of the horse. 

Skivvies - Underneath the silks jockeys will wear skivvies. A skivvy is a mesh or microfiber piece of clothing that is very light and stretchable.

Vests - Another mandatory item, a vest protects the jockeys in case they fall off the horse during a race, thanks to the padding around the vest. This protects the ribs and chest area of the jockeys, as well as all the vital organs. 

Gloves - A lot of jockeys say that wearing gloves gives them an edge in their races as they give them extra grip when trying to control the horse. Controlling and manoeuvring a horse at 40mph is already difficult enough as it is, so the extra grip and a little extra protection are a huge help for the jockeys.

Breeches - Riding breeches are athletically inspired “trousers” or “leggings” that are designed to fit snugly and reduce chafing. They can also help improve the rider's seat and stability in the saddle when riding a horse during a race. 

Boots - One of the most important things for the jockey during a race is the position of the feet and legs. The boots (specifically made for jockeys) ensure the jockey’s feet are locked into place. Riding boots go higher up on the leg of the jockey to avoid the saddle pinching the rider’s leg. 

Apprentice & Conditional Jockeys

Before a Jockey becomes a professional, they have to start as either an Apprentice or Conditional Jockeys.

They can both claim a weight allowance, which is 7 lbs when they first start to give the horse a slight advantage when having an inexperienced rider onboard. This helps to even it out and make it more competitive.

In Jumps racing, they are described as Conditional Jockeys. Their weight allowances can be reduced to 5 lbs after they’ve ridden 20 winners and then to 3 lbs after 40 winners. Once they have ridden 75 winners with the 3 lbs weight allowance, they lose their claim and become a fully-fledged professional jockey with no weight allowances.  

In flat racing, they are described as Apprentice Jockeys. They have the same weight allowances of 7, 5 and 3 lbs - but the winning milestones lie at 20 (they go down to 5 lbs), 50 (they go down to 3 lbs) and 95 winners respectively. Once they hit the 95-winner mark, they are a fully-fledged professional with no weight allowances.

There are certain Conditional or Apprentice races during a season, which only they can contest in. However, they tend to ride against the professionals in races most of the time.

There are also Amateur Jockeys, who juggle riding horses in races with other career paths, usually within racing. Once again there are certain races where the amateurs take on each other, but like Conditionals and Apprentices, they will compete against the professionals.

Jockeys Being Athletes    

It is a common misconception with how fit jockeys actually are, as jockeys are amongst the fittest of athletes in the world. When you look at their diets and exercise routines, it is very clear to see how dedicated they are to their profession and doing well within it.

Successful jockeys like Sir Anthony McCoy have been known to have only four main meals a week, with a number of sugar boosts on race days for energy. This is because they ride to a very strict weight day in, day out when going to the races and riding the horses.  

When they are not riding out at the yards or riding in races they are usually in the gym, keeping fit with various exercise routines. Their exercise routines include gym sessions and running to maintain cardiovascular health for the challenge of riding the world's best racehorses.   

Going to the races for the very first time can be a daunting task, as there is the question of what to wear, the best places to view the horses when on course and what horses I put your hard-earned cash on to get even more back. This article's aim to help put your mind at ease, and give you an understanding of what to expect when you head to the races. 

What To Wear

Depending on the code of racing will essentially depends on weather and what's best to wear. If it is a summer flat meeting there is no real compulsory measure to go fully suited and booted, but it is common procedure for men to wear a shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes - usually trainers and shorts are not allowed, or at least in certain enclosures, but be sure to check out the dress code which will be on every racecourse website. 

For ladies attending a Flat race meeting in the summer, it tends to be the perfect day to dress up in all their glitz and glamour. Although this is not compulsory in many areas, it is becoming increasingly popular that racecourses put on best-dressed competitions. But again, be sure to check out the dress code, which will be on every racecourse website. 

Jump meetings tend to adopt a dress-for-the-weather approach rather than a strict dress code like some flat meetings. Although it’s still nice to dress up for the jumps racing, remember we are in the UK, so the weather can be very temperamental. Dig out your best coat and hat, and you will be perfectly fine, as long as you keep warm and dry.

Arriving At The Racecourse And Before The Racing Starts 

This is usually the perfect time to check out the surroundings, which is especially important if it’s a first-time visit to the racecourse. Have a look around, grab yourself a drink or food and most importantly, get a racecard and the perfect spot to watch the racing unfold for the afternoon/evening. This will also be the perfect time to check out the runners in each race if you haven't already, study the form shown in the racecard and get your bets ready. Having a good look at the runners in advance is very important and can certainly help you win a little bit of money whilst there.

Watching And Betting On The Races  

Now, the horses are starting to get ready and head to the parade ring for the first race on the card; this could be one of the most important times to get the perfect place at the parade ring. Even if you don’t know too much about the horses themselves, you can get plenty of useful information just by watching them walk around the ring:

•  Are the horses moving nicely? 
• Are they behaving with their handlers? 
• How do they look whilst going around? 

Going to watch the horses in the parade ring before each race can be very important and will help you with all your betting needs throughout the afternoon/evening. Even if they are all behaving and there are no bad signs, you might just see a horse that catches your eye and you might want to back solely on that; many people, even avid racing fans, do that regularly.

Once the races are off, be sure to find out the best viewing area possible, there are plenty around the racecourses as they are specifically made for the punter to watch the jockeys and horses battle it out to try and win. Between each of the races, be sure to check out the course amenities with various different food and drink stations available. The on course bookies will usually be in view of the racing, so be sure to pick up and put on any bets you want in between each race. And remember do not lose your betting slip, especially if it’s a winning one!  

Once Racing Finishes

When the racing has concluded, be sure to pick up any winnings with the on-course bookmakers if needed, as they don’t mess around when it comes to packing up after racing. Be sure to check out any local bars, pubs or restaurants, especially if you are leaving with plenty of winnings, as that is most definitely the perfect excuse to spend the profit you made. There are usually plenty of amenities around the racecourses themselves, if not there is almost certainly a local town or city that you could venture into. 

Conclusion   

A good day out at the races is the perfect excuse to get together with family and friends, and although it could be more expensive than a football match or other sporting event, you make a whole day out of it. You don’t have to be an avid fan of horse racing, it is still a very nice day and can be made better with the company that you go with. 

A common misconception in the sport of horse racing is that it will cost you thousands of pounds a year to own a racehorse. However, in this day and age you can be involved in a horse for as little as £25 for a one-off payment for the duration of the syndicate term (typically 12 months from when the syndicate term begins). It is a common theme that the lower the price, the more shares are available in the horse. However, a lot of the time you will still receive the same benefits as an owner still.  

What Are Syndicates?

Syndicates are an affordable option of racehorse ownership, where you own a percentage in the horse, for example most syndicates tend to offer 1%, 2.5%, 5% and even anything up to 25% shares in their horses. Obviously, the higher the share percentage, the more you will have to pay to get involved. 

There are two different payment options for syndicates:

• One-off payment - These require a simple one-off payment at the beginning, which is the only fee you will pay for the duration of the syndicate term, which is typically 12 months. These are extremely popular as they come with no hidden payments or further costs for the duration of the syndicate term. The only time you will need to pay more is if you wish to renew your share for the next syndicate term. A good example of a syndicate that adopts this payment method is Racing Club, who offer shares from just £25, making it one of the best value syndicates around currently. 
• Monthly payments - The other option with syndicates that tends to be for those who are looking to have a larger investment in the horse. Typically, you would pay an initial upfront payment, which is then followed by monthly payments spread across the duration of the syndicate term. These monthly payments contribute to training fee's, vet bills, entry fees etc. 

Another thing to note is that some syndicates may require an up-front payment, which is usually a percentage of the syndicate costs, to cover their backs if mishaps happen. From there, monthly payments for the training fees will be substantially cheaper than the up-front payment. 

Do not fear if you are unable to pay the up-front payments, be sure to get in touch with the Syndicate first and they might be able to offer packages to incorporate some of the payments into the monthly training fees - never be too scared to ask the question! 

Benefits Of Joining A Syndicate

• Owners badges when your horse runs (sometimes Syndicates can offer more than one if you have family or friends who also want to attend, but that is down to which course the horse will run at)

• Regular updates via videos and/or photos of your horse, usually when they are working or just after their exercises have been completed

• Updates directly from the trainer, usually about how the horse is getting on with its training or the plans for the future

• One or two stable visits during the year to visit your horse and any other stable stars the yards might have

• Sometimes Syndicates offer you to join WhatsApp Groups with the rest of the owners, which can be great fun and even an opportunity to make new friends with common interests

• And finally, your share in the prize money won if your horse has managed to pick some up by winning/placing in races 

In conclusion, Syndicates are an affordable way of getting into racehorse ownership that offers the perfect blend of fun, thrills and chances to make new acquaintances through the ownership game.

Why Should I Get Involved In A Syndicate

• Affordable - Outright racehorse ownership is a very expensive game to get into these days, and with the ever growing prices and bills that you would have to pay, joining a syndicate and paying a fraction of the price is just simply an incredible idea. You get to be fully involved in the horse, along with like minded owners watching your horse grow, mature and improve with racing, and all of this is done with just the same monthly payment. This is much more affordable than trying to buy your own horse, register it with the BHA and finally pay the monthly training fees outright, which tends to be around the £2000 per month mark.

• Experience the thrill of ownership - There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing your horse compete on the track. By joining a racehorse syndicate, you can experience the excitement of ownership without having to bear the full cost or responsibility, as the monthly payment costs will cover all of this.

• Join A Community - You will get to meet the other syndicate members involved in the horse at the races and other various social events that the syndicates put on. Getting the opportunity to share your passion with like-minded individuals who are in the same shoes as you and taking in the experiences of syndicate racehorse ownership.

In summary, Racing Syndicates are an affordable and fun way to get you closer to the sport you love and will render some incredible moments on and off the track. So, if racehorse ownership is something you would want to get involved in but you don’t want to pay the extortionate fees of owning a horse outright, then look no further than syndicates.    

If you're looking for a syndicate to join, we can recommend Racing Club, who offer some fantastic perks to their members and they have various horses to choose from, with shares starting at just £25. You can view their available horses by clicking HERE. 

Horse racing Syndicates are a huge part of Horse Racing in this day and age, and they are becoming even more popular within the sport still. It offers people the chance to experience racehorse ownership at a fraction of the cost compared to owning a horse outright. Although at first, they weren't exactly that loved within the sport due to the big owners around, now they are a huge part of it and can prove valuable for trainers as we are seeing syndicates start to purchase better horses and win those major races. The ever-growing costs to outright own your own horses are increasing year by year. Therefore, Syndicates appear to be the thing of the future that can play a crucial role in keeping the sport flowing. 

When Did Horse Racing Syndicates Originate

The tradition of British horse racing dates back to the days of the Roman Empire, when Roman Soldiers invading the isle organised the first tournaments on horseback around 200 AD. Now, obviously, the sport has had to grow into the phenomenon it is now, as horse racing is firmly one of the most popular sports around. In fact, it is the second most popular spectator sport in the UK, only behind football, and with the ever-growing presence of syndicates, it will only increase year by year as more and more people will be able to get involved. 

Syndicates within horse racing have been around since the late 20th century but have really taken off over the last 10 to 15 years or so due to the ever-growing popularity amongst the younger generations. Horse racing ownership was always seen as a rich man's game, the sport is often referred to as the sport of kings, and that might still be the case amongst people who don’t know too much about the sport. However, the invention of Syndicates into the sport has opened new opportunities for the average working person to get involved with a racehorse in an ownership capacity, something they might never have dreamed could be a reality. 

The Impact Of Syndicates Within Horse Racing

You get to be fully involved in everything the horse does, for just a fraction of the cost, whether that being up-front payments (which is a bulk payment of the share) or the monthly training fees, which are substantially cheaper than if you were to pay the fees for a racehorse outright by yourself. Syndicate horses winning big races is getting more and more popular, with some owners having to pay £80 all in to watch their horse go and win at the Cheltenham Festival, or to watch them win a Group/Grade 1 race (the highest level of race that can be won). To just have a runner at these big meetings is an incentive in itself, but to have winners would be incredible. With the growing popularity of Syndicates, we are starting to see this happen much more frequently within the sport.

The most recent Syndicate successes have been Pentland Hills winning the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019 and another Grade 1 race at the Grand National meeting a month later. 

Another superb Syndicate story to come in recent years is the owners of Corach Rambler, who paid around £3000 each (this is around the higher mark of what you would pay, there are many cheaper options to join a syndicate) and have since gone onto Cheltenham Festival glory twice, as well as being Grand National winning owners. A race that even some of the very best and most recognisable figures in racing have not won before, whether that being owners or trainers. 

The most recent success of syndicates involves Racing Club's Farceur Du Large, who won both the Grand Military Gold Cup and Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown in 2024 for trainer Jamie Snowden. 

The recent success of Syndicates within the sport is incredible to see, and as mentioned we are seeing syndicates with some of the very best races that the sport has to offer, meaning they get to celebrate with the rest of the syndicate crew. It inspires the younger generation to get into the sport, as it is made more affordable for them and their friends. Inspiring the new generation into the sport is key to keeping horse racing afloat and ensuring it continues to be successful as the years go by. And with the emergence of syndicates, they are a huge step in helping with that.   

Advantages Of Joining A Racehorse Syndicate

Ownership benefits

• Regular updates via photos and videos on your horse/horses

• Most Syndicates offer framed pictures and other merchandise when you take shares in their horses. For example, scarves, key rings or cuff links with the syndicate's colours on

• A hands-on experience watching your horse grow and mature as they embark on their racing careers.

• Chances to speak with personnel within racing, for example, the trainer who will look after your horse and the jockeys who will ride them at the races

Social and camaraderie 

• Arguably the most important advantage of joining a Syndicate is the fact that they are a much more affordable way to live your dream and become an owner of a racehorse.
  

Our Syndicate Recommendation

If you are looking to join a Racing Syndicate, we recommend joining Racing Club, who have shares available from just £25 and includes plenty of benefits to joining, including:

• Regular stable visits to see the horse, and the yards' other stable stars (most yards have an open policy, therefore if you get a yard visit pencilled in then you can also check out the rest of the horses whilst you are there)

• Regular Updates on your horse

• Join a community WhatsApp group

• Regular opportunities to attend stable visits

• The chance to see your horse race as an owner

• The opportunity to enter ballots to win hospitality tickets at O2 Arena London, Wembley Stadium, various racecourses and football stadiums. 
   

You can view more about Racing Club by clicking HERE.