With the flat racing season slowly drawing towards a close, it’ll soon be time for National Hunt racing to take centre-stage once again, and the 2021-22 campaign looks set to be hugely exciting. Following the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions, we’re set to see a much greater crowd presence at meetings moving forward, and it’ll be great to see the stands and concourses packed with spectators at all of the biggest events this season.
There is so much to look forward to, but as usual, the most prestigious races will be the focus of all the horses’ connections. Read on, as we take you through some of the biggest races to get excited about for the new jump racing season.
King George VI Chase – December, Kempton
The Christmas Festival at Kempton is always one of the highlights of the jump racing season, and the King George VI Chase is the showpiece race, taking place on Boxing Day each year. Run over a distance of four miles, the race separates the best from the rest, and is always a good indication of which horses are at the top of their game.
Last year’s edition of the race was a memorable one, with Frodon landing the win at odds of 20/1, with Bryony Frost on board. There were plenty of shorter-priced horses in the field, but an outstanding performance from Frost and Frodon secured a memorable triumph. Early favourites for this year’s race, according to the horse racing betting, include Clan Des Obeaux, Chantry House and Allaho.
Clarence House Chase – January, Ascot
The Clarence House Chase, held at Ascot every January, is seen as one of the most important warm-up events for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Raced over two miles and one furlong, the race always gives an indication of which horse could land victory in the day two showpiece at the Cheltenham Festival. It is a relatively new race on the calendar, but still carries plenty of prestige.
Last season, First Flow triumphed for trainer Kim Bailey, putting on a fine display to beat the likes of Politologue, Waiting Patiently and Fanion D’Estruval. Unfortunately for Bailey and co, First Flow could only deliver a sixth-place finish in the Cheltenham Champion Chase a couple of months later, as Put The Kettle On claimed top spot.
Cheltenham Gold Cup – March, Cheltenham
There are few events in horse racing more prestigious than the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is the blue-riband event of the Cheltenham Festival each March. At a distance of three miles, two furlongs and 70 yards, it’s a race which requires a superb performance on the day to claim victory, and no horse ever wins the Gold Cup on reputation alone.
Henry De Bromhead was the trainer earning the plaudits in 2021, after Minella Indo emerged triumphant, with jockey Jack Kennedy on board. It was a one-two for De Bromhead, as Rachael Blackmore rode A Plus Tard to a second-place finish. The early favourites for the 2022 edition include Monkfish and Envoi Allen.
