Horse racing and greyhound fans have enjoyed some spectacular events in 2024, especially over the summer, with the Derby, Greyhound Derby and Racing Ascot all living up to expectations.
There remain some big racing events in and around the capital later this year. Here is a look at some of those.
Champion Stakes (Romford)
The Champion Stakes is one of the major middle distance races on the greyhound calendar. It takes place over the distance of 575 metres at Romford in the middle of October and it attracts the best greyhounds from the UK and Ireland.
Whoever comes out on top in the Champion Stakes will likely feature in the Greyhound Derby in 2025. The greyhound betting for the race at Towcester is currently headed by Bockos Diamond and March On Freddie, who are the 14/1 joint favourites.
If you tend to bet on sports, the 2025 Greyhound Derby includes a few talented greyhounds from Ireland that have decent odds, including De Lahdedah at 25/1. The Champion Stakes at Romford is the chance for those dogs to get some experience in the UK before their shot at the English Classic next May.
British Champions Day (Ascot)
The 2024 Flat season will end at Ascot Racecourse with British Champions Day in mid-October. This meeting is one of the most prestigious race fixtures in the world. It includes the Champions Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and British Champion Sprint.
At the end of British Champions Day, trophies will be handed out to the Champion Jockey and Champion Trainer. Oisin Murphy is on course to lift the jockeys’ trophy for a fourth time in his career as he leads the Jockeys’ Championship, while Irishman Aidan O’Brien could win his first British Flat Racing Trainers’ Championship since 2017.
The opening race on British Champions Day takes place at 1.20pm (British Champions Long Distance Cup) and the card runs through to the Balmoral Handicap at 4.35pm. The feature contest is the Champions Stakes where unbeaten three-year-old Economics is set to appear following his victory in the Irish Champion Stakes earlier in the season. The last horse to complete that double was Magical in 2019.
King George VI Chase (Kempton Park)
The highlight of the festive period in horse racing is the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Only the Cheltenham Gold Cup is more prestigious in the 3m chase division. The winner of this race often goes on to compete in the Blue Riband event at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer Paul Nicholls holds the record for the most victories in the King George VI Chase as he has been successful 13 times. His latest success came in 2022 when Bravemansgame was too good for his rivals. 12 months ago, Ireland won the race with Hewick, who caused an upset on Boxing Day.
This year’s field is likely to include Punchestown Gold Cup winner Fastorslow. The three-time Grade One winner will be making his debut in the race as he bids to give his trainer Martin Brassil a first victory in the Kempton showpiece event.
Have a great day if you are heading to one of the above three events, and as ever, do check out the venue’s official website for all you need to know regarding ticketing and dress code.
