Christina McElhinney is a racing producer for Racing TV who has used the 2020 Lockdown to finally give her second passion a platform in the form of The Food Waffle blog – a place where the musings of an amateur home gardener and resourceful cook result in delicious recipes and accessible tips. Here, she debuts on The Wine Tipster Blog with a pasta recipe to solve your courgette cravings and perhaps your abundance of Lockdown garden produce. Tuck in…

It’s fair to say 2020 has been a learning curve; all the things we’ve had to adjust and adapt to, plus a lot of us have had some downtime to work on things that we have perhaps meant to for some time. In my case, this was finally launching The Food Waffle in which to spread a bit of happiness, focussing on fresh produce, varieties of plants, great producers and ingredients, healthy options as well as indulgent ones, and a general love of food, wine and everything that comes with them.

Things have been very difficult for us all, but equally if you’re determined to see the positives, there are things to celebrate. Some of us have spent more – or less! – time with family. Some of us have spent more time in the garden and probably, like me, been very grateful for it. More time to cook, think about our health, seasonality, local producers. I’m certainly not trying to trivialise the overall experience and the trauma it’s caused so many, but it is important to find individual positives.

For me, the garden was a lifesaver for a couple of months. Nurturing young plants, preparing their ultimate homes, indeed enjoying giving some away to people who were trying their first season of growing vegetables like my neighbours or whoever was passing the driveway and helped themselves to a free plant…thinking of all the fresh produce I’d be cooking in the coming weeks and months was a calming mental influence and made me feel that I wasn’t wasting time spent in lockdown, but also that I was producing something that was not only good for me physically, in terms of both food and exercise, but also mentally.

But of course I over-seeded plants as I always do in case nothing germinated, and everything did. So then the courgettes arrived.

So. Many. Courgettes.

They get a bad reputation. The allotment joke every summer. For being a glut of bland, dull things that sit on the side and go to waste and that even if you do use them don’t taste of anything.

Nonsense.

First of all, there are some great varieties out there that just don’t hit the supermarkets. But secondly, treated with a bit of care, or creativity, or both, they’re delicious, they’re not exactly bad for you and they’re a celebration of good old British summer time – along with wasps and either having too much or too little rain – so they’re actually coming out on top.

And I currently have dozens of the things (there’s only so much you can offload to a neighbour), so there have been a few recipes of the more creative variety going on. Courgette fritters currently on foodwaffle.co.uk, a work-in-progress courgette bread that’s really good, but I also wanted to do something that simply, elegantly and lightly showcased the pure, good old courgette for what it can carry on its own. And the obvious plate-fellow for me had to be basil pesto (my recipe will be landing on foodwaffle.co.uk soon).

Not a huge hit of it though – and coupled with double cream to make a light sauce. Just enough of that lovely bright summery basil flavour to still let the courgettes be the star – whatever variety you end up using.

Two of the best ingredients summer throw at you, combined with the incomparable flavours you can only get with goats cheese, toasted pine nuts to enhance that light hit of pesto brought down to a mellow softness with double cream, pumpkin seeds for an earthy texture hit and carried together with a sauce-grabbing pasta. Light enough that it’ll be enough for a hot summer day but equally could be doubled up for a bigger serving on a cooler evening, this is my favourite way to celebrate these gorgeous courgettes that are currently rampaging into the kitchen.

And any meal that can do that needs some beautiful wine with it – and I’ll let Neil do the talking on that front because I’m sure he’ll come up with something ideal.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES TWO AS A LIGHT MEAL)

• 3 tbsp double cream
• 2 tbsp traditional basil pesto – ideally fresh made although store-bought would work fine
• Small squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Sea salt and olive oil to season pasta water
• 1 x medium courgette, sliced 5mm thick and cut into crescents, lightly oiled
• 200g pasta of choice – I used tortiglioni
• 50g goats cheese, sliced / crumbled
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• Grated Parmesan or Grana Padano, about ten grams
• Small basil leaves, to serve
• 20g each of pine nuts and pumpkin seeds, lightly toasted, to serve

METHOD

Gently heat the double cream over a low heat. When warmed, add the pesto and the grated cheese. Keep an eye on the mix and keep warm.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to instructions depending on what you choose – something ideal for catching sauces is best here. Make sure the water is generous and well salted – if it doesn’t taste like the sea, it’s not salty enough. Remember, you’re not going to eat it – but what cooking water you reserve is going to help season your final dish. Also add generous olive oil to stop the pasta sticking.

Heat a griddle pan over a medium-high heat. Take the lightly oiled, crescented courgette slices and, when the pasta is near al dente, add to the pan in a clockwise pattern so you know when to turn each one – look for light charring, but leaving the flesh firm and fresh.

Retain a cup of pasta water, drain and add the pasta to the cream, season well with fresh black pepper, loosen with a little of the water as needed.

Serve straight away, scattering with goats cheese, basil leaves and the toasted pine nuts and seeds (lightly toast them on a low heat while the pasta is cooking to have them warm, although cooled is fine – the texture they bring is as key as their temperature and flavour).

Drizzle with a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a last hit of summer flavour and enjoy the subtle blend of just-there pesto, soft and mellow goats cheese, sweet courgettes and pungent basil against the crunch of the nuts and seeds for a beautiful and light small plate dish.

With Christina’s delicious seasonal dish The Wine Tipster has selected a couple of fabulous whites to enjoy. The Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11.59 in Waitrose has the pure fruit flavours, important crisp acidity and mineral character to pair with the courgettes, goats cheese – a great pairing with Sauvignon Blanc – and the pesto too. Given, white wines work more harmousily with the pesto and the rest of the ingredients in Christina’s lovely dish The Wine Tipster has also chosen another high class white, this time from Lugana in northern Italy, with the fresh and Sauvignon Blanc like Buglioni Musa Lugana 2018, Italy £14.95. Enjoy making Christina’s dish and the wines too. Cheers!

You can find Christina on Twitter and Instagram as well as checking out The Food Waffle for more great recipes.

The Doncaster St Leger Festival, from the 9th-12th September, is home to some of the most prestigious races of the British calendar and is certainly a meeting to look out for. Chosen as one of the pilot events to welcome crowds back to with racegoers being safely welcomed to the course on the first day under government guidelines, with stringent safety measures in place. However, the Government’s announcement on the 9th September put a stop to Doncaster’s carefully planned return to racing for the remaining three days. Plans will undoubtedly change for the other racecourses chosen to host crowds over the coming months. With the safety of the public in mind, Doncaster have done well to make changes at the last minute to ensure audiences can watch safely from home. Below, The Wine Tipster details his key races of the week and the significance of the meeting.

The Doncaster St Leger is one of the most prestigious race weeks of the British horse racing calendar. The St Leger on Saturday is the oldest of Britain’s five classics (the other four being the 2,000 & 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Epsom Oaks and Epsom Derby) and is the highlight of the four days of top racing. The meeting kicks off on Day 1 with the Leger Legends Day, with the Mondialiste Leger Legends Classified Stakes over a straight mile raising money for important charities with Jack Berry House, the Injured Jockeys Fund and the National Horseracing College. Ladies Day Thursday 10th September features two Group Two races and the female jockeys’ Silk Series final, created by the Arena Racing Company. The penultimate day of the festival, Gentleman’s Day, includes the Doncaster Cup, the oldest race currently run under the rules of horse racing, taking centre stage. St Leger Day brings the meeting to a dramatic close on the Saturday, with the showpiece race, the St Leger Stakes, in what is a fascinating renewal. Certainly not a meeting to be missed, celebrate the 2020 Doncaster St Leger Festival!

Look out for The Wine Tipster’s key races of the week on ITV 3:

Wednesday 9th September

2:10 Scarbrough Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo+)

2:40 Leger Legends Classified Stakes (Class 5) (3yo+ 0-70)

3:15 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Thursday 10th September

2:10 May Hill Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo)

2:40 Weatherbys Racing Bank £200,000 2-Y-O Stakes (Class 2) (2yo)

3:15 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Friday 11th September

2:40 Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2yo)

3:15 Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+)

3:45 Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo)

Saturday 12th September

1:50 Champagne Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (2yo)

2:25 Portland Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+)

3:30 Park Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+)

3:35 Pertemps St Leger Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo)

The Wine Tipster will be active on social media throughout the meeting, and will be providing his tips in his Unibet Racing Blog. Subscribe to The Wine Tipster Blog here to get the latest posts straight to your inbox.

All eyes will be on the wonderful mare Enable in the Unibet September Stakes at Kempton today and we look forward to seeing her win easily in what is probably her last race in the UK. Remember though, this is a really good Saturday of racing, with a cracking renewal of the Group 1 Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock and one of my favourites races the Old Borough Handicap. At Ascot there is a plenty of good racing as ever and I’m particularly looking forward to the Ascot Wine Club Handicap at 1.55.

Have a great day.

Cheers

The Wine Tipster.

2.00 Kempton – Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Sirenia Stakes Group 3 (6f)

Mystery Smiles looks a cut above these and still improving. A ready winner at Chester and lost nothing in defeat in the Gimcrack, doing best of those racing prominently. Needs to show he goes on the surface but that goes for all of them. Unibet 7/2 win

2.50 Haydock – Old Borough Cup Handicap (1m 6f)

Euchen Glen for the inform Jim Goldie yard has been steadily brought along this year and no doubt the Ebor at York was his main target. This didn’t quite pan out, but he ran best of those drawn single figures and he ran more than creditably to finish fifth. The trip and ground is ideal and it is worth remembering how well he travelled in soft ground here in June (tired, wasn’t fit) Unibet 18/1 each way

This useful handicap hurdler Brandon Castle, who has won his last two hurdle starts, will think he’s been let loose with 8st-8lbs on his back here in a flat race. He headed off in front at Newmarket on his only Flat start this year before getting tired and has since improved over hurdles. Could go clear of these and with Hollie Doyle to steer, they might not pick him up. Unibet 9/1 each way.

3.05 Ascot – Lavazza Stakes Handicap (1m 4f)

Noble Masquerade has been brought along quietly and interesting connections went for the maiden last time rather than chuck him into a handicap, which they could have done. He was fourth at Newbury to another rival today Coconut and is better off at the weights. A good pace here looks likely, which will suit and this progressive type is a smart each way bet. Unibet 18/1 each way

3.25 Haydock – Sprint Cup Stakes Group 1 (6f)

Dream Of Dreams (nap) delivered a stunning performance to take the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last time out by seven lengths on good to soft. On his previous start he had been second to a serious rival today in Hello Youmzain in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, however I think this six-year-old for Sir Michael Stoute will reverse places today as Dream Of Dreams is stepping up all the time. Unibet 100/30 win.

4.15 Ascot – Porsche Handicap (7f)

Willie John for the Roger Varian yard has been difficult to read but it was definitely a better effort after being gelded last time, travelled really well but didn’t see it out. Drops back another furlong and with the yard flying along he is very interesting. Unibet 15/2 each way

This six-year old mare will race her last UK race on Saturday 5th September in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton Park, before bidding to win an historic third Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe on October 4th following her narrow defeat last year by Waldgeist in really testing conditions. Let’s celebrate the incredible career of the Queen of the Turf before cheering her on to make history!

Enable has had a fantastic six-year-old season, running what trainer John Gosden described as a “gorgeous race” in the 2020 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park where she finished second behind the mighty Ghaiyyath, despite not being at peak fitness. Enable then became the first horse to gain a third victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on 25th July, winning in truly impressive style. She is of course a red hot odds on favourite at 1/8 to take the September Stakes at Kempton Park today and will draw huge media interest. Having been set to retire last season, her performances this year have been hugely impressive and it has been a joy to watch her enthusiasm, spirit and talent continue to shine through in her races. The admiration from her brilliant jockey, Frankie Detorri, is evident in interviews where he describes his deep connection with the spectacular horse, “She’s an amazing horse in every way: ability, courageous, uncomplicated.”

As a two time winner of the Cartier Awards ‘Horse of the Year’ and ‘Champion Older Horse,’ as well as holding 13 Group 1 wins to her name, Enable truly is the Queen of the Turf. Some of her major wins include as a three-year-old, the Investec Oaks at Epsom, the 2017 Darley Yorkshire Oaks, which she won again in 2019, her two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe wins, and her incredible versatility to win the Breeder’s Cup Turf in America in 2018. Her 2019 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes win was an incredible victory against Crystal Ocean, and The Wine Tipster reminisces that being on the finish line and experiencing the public engagement from everyone at the course for her win was electric. The Wine Tipster was also privileged enough to see Enable run what was thought to be her last UK appearance in 2019 at the Darley Yorkshire Oaks. A horse like Enable brings all types of people together to share in her glory and her talent. The Wine Tipster says that seeing Frankie Dettori become emotional highlights all Enable has done for racing and how special she is.

Frankie Dettori, on winning the 2020 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes for a record-equalling seventh time said, “We tried a variety of things to get the fire back, and that’s why John Gosden is a great trainer, he does things outside the box, and we got her back. She’s not getting better, but her enthusiasm throughout the race today was plain to see and she’s thriving with racing… I love her so much. I’ve become friends with her, she’s got tremendous presence and she knows she’s good”.

John Gosden commenting on the 2019 Darley Yorkshire Oaks said, “This was a lovely prep for her, a gorgeous race in its own right and we couldn’t be more pleased with her… She has this amazingly competitive mind. She’s just a great filly with a great constitution.”

Enable became the third female to win the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park in 2019 and the first five-year-old mare to take the prize. Frankie Dettori said, “I’m as ecstatic as when I won my first race on her… Her longevity has been incredible. I never stop getting excited when I ride her in the morning. She’s very special. I really love her… She’s got so many gears and the unbelievable will to win. She’s got everything.”

Racing at Kempton Park on Saturday 5th September will remain behind closed doors, with ITV and Racing TV broadcasting the feature race, The September Stakes, at 2:35pm.

The Wine Tipster will be active on social media throughout the meeting, and will be providing his tips in his Unibet Racing Blog. Subscribe to The Wine Tipster Blog here to get the latest posts straight to your inbox.

The testing conditions have changed the picture for today’s racing and there are already plenty of non-runners. Selections today are of course ground dependent on a Saturday of terrific racing at Goodwood with the feature the Group 2 Celebration Mile at 3.35. At Newmarket there is a very good card too with their Listed contest featuring Unibet Stewards’ Cup winner Summerghand at 2.05.

Enjoy this Saturday of top racing and have a great Bank Holiday.

Cheers

The Wine Tipster.

12.55 Newmarket – Fillies’ Handicap (7f)

Hunni didn’t appear to get a mile here last time out but her previous effort in a better class race than this over C&D the time before was solid, and gives here every chance here. Excellent young pilot Ray Dawson takes 5lb off and ground should be ideal. Unibet 10/1 each way

2.25 Goodwood – Handicap (7f)

Battered for Ralph Beckett has run well from moderate draws both times this season, and again hasn’t fared well with it here but on what should be soft ground, it is less of an issue. Now 4lb lower than a course and distance win in soft ground last year and ought to be bang fit after those two runs. Unibet 11/2 each way

3.20 Newmarket – Handicap (1m 6f)

Amazing Red might not be the most consistent type; however, he is a course and distance winner in the soft and ran a terrific race here over this trip at the July meeting when third at 66/1 in soft conditions too. Has to be each way play here. Unibet 12/1 each way

3.35 Goodwood – Celebration Mile Group 2 (1m)

Sir Busker (nap) is one of the unluckiest horses in racing and when he ran here at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, he finished unplaced with nowhere to go and surely would have won. At the Ebor Festival at York he was runner-up, challenging a little too late, just failing to peg back Monthatham. Sir Busker usually races in big handicaps and whilst this is a small field and a step up to Group company, he can come out on top here with Benbati a non-runner. Ground is fine. Unibet 4/1 win

4.10 Goodwood – Handicap (1m 6f)

Frontispiece has been second on his two starts this season and can go one better today. I could not believe he was sent off at 11/1 at Newbury last time when second to Rhythmic Intent at Newbury, as he drifted in the betting that day. That was a good follow up run from his Newmarket seasonal debut. Today’s trip of one mile six furlongs looks ideal. Back in September 2016 I tipped up Frontispiece on his career debut at Ascot! Unibet 4/1 win

4.45 Goodwood – Handicap (1m 1f)

Junkanoo is effectively only 1lb higher than his win here last month at 50/1 at the Qatar Goodwood Festival as was 3lb out of the handicap that day. He handles soft ground just as well as quicker and although second Zabeel Champion ran poorly last week at York Junkanoo is improving and should win again. Unibet 5/2 win  

The York Ebor Festival is an historic four day racing festival and one of the last major race meetings of the flat season. Here, The Wine Tipster guides you through how to celebrate this momentous festival at home. Cheers!

Where to watch

The many highlights of the four days will be available to view from the comfort of your home with ITV1 showing five races a day and Racing TV showing all twenty-eight races. See the race programme for more details on races, as well as The Wine Tipster’s History of York Ebor Festival Blog for some interesting facts about the festival.

Did you know? The course’s Ebor Stand played Denton International Airport in a recording of the ITV detective drama A Touch of Frost. The BBC has also hosted features from the course, with former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon learning to ride here.

Ones to Watch

The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing how the following top horses do at this year’s Ebor Festival:

Wednesday 19th August 2020: The Juddmonte International Stakes – Ghaiyyath (nap) still doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves and he has shown in 2020 what a mighty performer he is with his stunning performance in Meydan in February, then his Coronation Cup success, followed by his best performance beating Enable in the Eclipse

Thursday 20th August 2020: The Darley Yorkshire Oaks – Love is a winner of the 1,000 Guineas and the Investec Oaks, which she won in the most emphatic style. She is simply well ahead of some smart opposition here.

Friday 21st August 2020: The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes – Battaash has really settled down as an individual and is much more relaxed these days. He can strike with his third major success of the season and follow up last year’s success.

Saturday 22nd August 2020: The Ebor Handicap looks as competitive as ever, however Ranch Hand for the Andrew Balding team looks a good each way play.

Celebrating at Home

Even though racing continues to remain behind closed doors, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate some wins and the excitement of the festival from your own home! Brush up on your racing jargon with York’s handy guide here, learn about who’s who at the races here and, most importantly, read how to bet at York this year!

The Wine Tipster has been enjoying the #EborAtHome experience with some great Yorkshire products including the fantastic pork pies from Ged Bell Butcher and Pie Maker, Ainsty Ales from York including Ainsty Angel and wines from the excellent Ryedale Vineyards, who are based in Westow just outside of Malton.

Why not dress to impress and gather your friends to watch at home and evoke the feeling of the races from your sofa. Ladies’ Day (Thursday 20th Aug) is typically the social highlight and fashion-centred day of the festival, and can still celebrated this year!

Don’t forget to share pictures of yourselves enjoying the week’s races on Social Media, tagging York Races and The Wine Tipster and using the hashtag #Eborathome.

Food and Drink

Celebrating the races wouldn’t be the same without a cold glass of fizz and some canapés. The Wine Tipster recommends Mercier, as it is Champagne of the Meeting, as well as Moët & Chandon for those special wins. For a popular choice, a great bottle of Astoria Galié Prosecco DOC Treviso will go down a treat with a selection of blinis and Anti Pasti.

Did you know? The Wine List at the track won a national Award for its variety and value. Responding to customer requests for a high quality, affordable rosé wine, a member of the team visited the vineyards to help blend a rosé for the popular Duc de Richelieu range of house wines.

During the week, the amazing York Racecourse chefs will be welcoming Owners for a special three course menu including Jerusalem Artichoke & White Truffle Soup, 28 day Matured Sirloin of Peppered Beef, Braised Beef Pressing, Cháteau Potato, Yorkshire Pudding, Meat Jus and for dessert Rich Dark Chocolate Torte, Blackberry Compote, Vanilla Cream.

There’s also an impressive 35 bottle wine list for the Ebor Festival and a full list of another 35 wines too! Always impressive, there are lots of great still wine choices too, including the popular Gavi de Gavi, San Silvestro, Piedmont, Italy, a fabulous red Château La Tour De By 2010 Cru Bourgeois, Médoc, France, as well as Love by Léoube Rosé, Château Léoube, Provence, France.

The Wine Tipster wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable #Eborathome, and looks forward to seeing how you’re celebrating on social media. Cheers!

To receive The Wine Tipster’s blogs directly to your inbox, subscribe here.

The York Ebor Festival is an historic four day racing festival and one of the major race meetings of the flat season. Here, The Wine Tipster gives you a potted history of the racing at York to get you clued up and ready for the 2020 Ebor Festival.

Racing in York

The York Ebor Festival was first established in 1843 and takes its name from the shortened form of Eboracum, the Roman name for York. York racecourse is one of the premier tracks in Europe with the city’s history dating back to Roman and Viking times. Racing is known to have officially taken place in York in 1607 when horses would race on the frozen river Ouse between Micklegate Tower and Skeldergate Postern. However, it was not until 1709 that the first detailed records of a race meeting were recorded at Clifton Ings. Despite building work to this area to prevent flooding, the ground proved too soft and in 1730 racing transferred to Knavesmire where today’s course remains. Since then, horse racing at York Racecourse has changed considerably, and the York Ebor Festival is the highlight of the course’s year.

Yorkshire as a county is renowned for its racing prowess, with nine fabulous racing events across the North East. Go Racing Yorkshire provides all the updates and marketing coverage of the nine racecourses to promote racing throughout the county.

Did you know? York has boasted many distinguished visitors, including Pope John Paul II, who said open-air mass for more than 200,000 pilgrims during his visit to Britain on May 31, 1982. York also hosted a visit from both the Olympic Torch and Paralympic Lantern. Former Olympian Harvey Smith carried the torch down the home straight in partnership with Paddy in front of over 20,000 spectators.

Below are lists of the races featured on each day, and details of the history behind them:

Wednesday 19^th August 2020 – Juddmonte International Day

1:45PM THE SYMPHONY GROUP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 5f 89y 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

2:15PM THE TATTERSALLS ACOMB STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 3)  (CL 1) 7f 2YO £40,000.00 – The event is named after Acomb, an area of York located to the north-west of the racecourse. It was given Listed status in 1998, and promoted to Group 3 level in 2006. It is currently held on the opening day of the four-day Ebor Festival meeting.

2:45PM THE GREAT VOLTIGEUR STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2)  (CL 1) 1m 3f 188y 3YO £75,000.00 – The event is named after Voltigeur, the Yorkshire-trained winner of the Derby and St Leger in 1850. It was established in 1950, and it was initially called the Voltigeur Stakes. The word “Great” was added to the title in 1957.

3:15PM THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES (CLASS 1) (British Champions Series) (Group 1)  (CL 1) 1m 2f 56y 3YO+ £275,000.00 – First run in 1972, the Juddmonte International Stakes is York’s richest race and the highlight of the opening day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. It was independently ranked as the best race in Great Britain by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities last season.

3:45PM THE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 2m 56y 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

4:20PM THE SPRINT FILLIES’ HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 5f 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 81-100

4:55PM THE NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 6f 2YO £30,000.00

Thursday 20^th August 2020 – Ladies’ Day

1:45PM LOWTHER STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2) (CL 1) 6f 2YO £75,000.00 – The present version is named in memory of Hugh Lowther (1857–1944), the 5th Earl of Lonsdale. It was established in 1946, and the inaugural running was won by Southernwood.

2:15PM THE GOFFS UK PREMIER YEARLING STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 6f 2YO £180,000.00

2:45PM THE CLIPPER LOGISTICS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (Heritage Handicap)  (CL 2) 7f 192y 3YO+ £75,000.00

3:15PM THE DARLEY YORKSHIRE OAKS (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series)  (CL 1) 1m 3f 188y 3YO+ £250,000.00 – The race has been sponsored by Darley Stud since 2006, The event was established in 1849

3:45PM THE BRITISH EBF & SIR HENRY CECIL GALTRES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race)  (CL 1) 1m 3f 188y 3YO+ £35,500.00

4:20PM THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 7f 2YO £30,000.00

4:50PM THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF FILLIES’ HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 7f 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

Friday 21^st August 2020 – Nunthorpe Day

1:45PM HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 1m 3f 188y 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

2:15PM THE WEATHERBYS HAMILTON LONSDALE CUP STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2) (British Champions Series)  (CL 1) 2m 56y 3YO+ £100,000.00 – The event used to be called the Lonsdale Stakes, and for a period its original distance was 1 mile, 7 furlongs and 198 yards (1.9875 miles or 3198m). It was classed as a Listed race for several years, and it was promoted to Group 3 level in 1998. The race was renamed the Lonsdale Cup and given Group 2 status in 2004. It was extended by 78 yards in 2007 to its current distance.

2:45PM THE AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI GIMCRACK STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2)  (CL 1) 6f 2YO £100,000.00 – The event is named after Gimcrack, a successful racehorse in the 18th century. Gimcrack won twenty-seven times in a career of thirty-six races, but none of his victories were achieved at York. The Gimcrack Stakes was established in 1846, and it was originally open to horses of either gender. It was restricted to male horses in 1987.

3:15PM THE COOLMORE NUNTHORPE STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series)  (CL 1) 5f 2YO+ £250,000.00 – The event is named after Nunthorpe, an area of York. The first version, a low-grade selling race, was established in 1903. The present version began in 1922, and the inaugural running was won by Two Step.

3:45PM THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF CONVIVIAL MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 2) (PLUS 10 RACE)  (CL 2) 7f 2YO £30,000.00

4:20PM THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF FILLIES’ HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 1m 2f 56y 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 81-100

4:50PM THE NATIONWIDE ACCIDENT REPAIR SERVICES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 7f 192y 3YO £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

Saturday 22^nd August 2020 – Ebor Day

1:50PM THE STRENSALL STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 3)  (CL 1) 1m 177y 3YO+ £50,000.00 – The event is named after Strensall, a village located several miles to the north of York. It was formerly restricted to fillies, and it used to be contested over 7 furlongs. For a period it was classed at Listed level, and it was usually staged in early September.

2:25PM MELROSE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (Heritage Handicap)  (CL 2) 1m 5f 188y 3YO £65,000.00 Rating 0-105

3:00PM CITY OF YORK STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2)  (CL 1) 7f 3YO+ £105,000.00

3:35PM EBOR HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (Heritage Handicap)  (CL 2) 1m 5f 188y 4YO+ £250,000.00 – The event was first run in 1843, and it was originally known as the Great Ebor Handicap. The race was introduced by John Orton, a newly appointed Clerk of the Course at York. It was initially contested over 2 miles, but its distance was later cut by 2 furlongs. The race is now held on the final day of York’s four-day Ebor Festival meeting. It is currently the most valuable flat handicap in Europe. The prize money was increased to £500,000 from the 2018 running and then to £1,000,000 from 2019, making it the first British handicap race worth £1,000,000. In connection with the prize money increase three-year-olds were excluded from the race from the 2019 running.

4:10PM THE JULIA GRAVES ROSES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race)  (CL 1) 5f 2YO £30,000.00

4:40PM HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 1m 2f 56y 3YO+ £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

5:10PM APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)  (CL 2) 5f 3YO £30,000.00 Rating 0-105

Did you know? York’s highest attendance for a race meeting was recorded in 1851, when a crowd estimated at 150,000 saw The Flying Dutchman, winner of the Derby and St Leger in 1849, beat Voltigeur, who took both races the following year, in the so-called Great Match. The modern era record is the 42,586 who attended one July Saturday in 2010.

The Wine Tipster hopes you enjoy the York Ebor Festival #Eborathome this year, and looks forward to providing you with tips and coverage throughout the festival. Follow him on Social Media and his Unibet Racing Blog to keep up with him! Cheers! To get The Wine Tipster’s latest blog posts straight to your inbox, subscribe here.

The weather has been a dominated factor this week and it certainly can dominant proceedings today, with Newbury forecasting thundery showers, whilst at Newmarket only light rain is expected.

Most importantly, there is cracking racing at Newbury, with the Unibet Hungerford Stakes Group 2 headlining an excellent card. For the feature race, each yard was asked which tune they would like to hear if their horse wins and as an ex punk rocker, I have to say Blue Monday for the Charlie Appleby team was the only one that I would put on the turntable! The Sir Michael Stoute team have gone for Dreams by Fleetwood Mac for my nap of the day Dream Of Dreams.

At Newmarket they have the Grey Horse Handicap, which is a great spectacle and it would be great to see Case Key score for a third time.

Enjoy!

Cheers

The Wine Tipster

2.05 Newmarket Handicap (1m 4f)

Knowing is a very interesting contender here and can strike for the first time this season. His third at Sandown last time out over two furlongs shorter was eye-catching, as he kept trying to find a clear run and then stayed on well at the finish. Last season he was second over half a furlong shorter than today’s distance and he has kept on improving on each of his three starts this season. Unibet 6/1 each way  

2.25 Newbury Unibet You’re On Handicap (1m)  

Tempus makes his first appearance of 2020 for the inform Roger Charlton yard and this four-year-old colt can make it a winning won. Tempus won comfortably on the heavy last June at Haydock, when still looking very green ahead of finishing fourth at Wolverhampton (won on debut) on his last start. Tempus is potentially a very exciting prospect for today and the remainder of the season. Unibet 7/2 win

3.15 Newmarket Grey Horse Handicap (6f)

Case Key can win the Grey Horse Handicap for the third time and follow up last year’s success. He won at Leicester in June and then ran a good second last time out behind the smart Aristocratic Lady at Yarmouth. The forecast is for light rain and whilst Case Key has won on good to firm this season, he is certainly ground versatile, having won all types of going. Unibet 5/1 win

3.35 Newbury Unibet Hungerford Stakes Group 2 (7f)

Dream Of Dreams (nap) bounced right back to form on his first start of 2020 when second to Hello Youmzain in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot. This was his first start since being gelded and whilst he mainly runs over six furlongs, he was second here in 2018 and won over seven furlongs back in 2017. He beat his main rival Glorious Journey at Windsor last year and has shown his ground versatility too, winning on good to soft and soft. Unibet 2/1 win

5.55 Newbury Unibet Instant Roulette Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap (1m 4f)

Gas Monkey can take this contest for the second year in succession, having looked in really form on his last start over two furlongs shorter at Sandown when a good second to Blue Cap (Knowing 2.05 Newmarket third) on good to firm. That will have put him spot on for today and he is very importantly ground versatile, winning last year’s renewal on soft. Unibet 9/4 win

The Wine Tipster has enjoyed working with Chadlington Brewery to provide food pairings for their classic Oxford Beers as well as their latest releases. Read on for tasting notes and where to enjoy this great range of beers.

Chadlington Brewery is The Wine Tipster’s local brewery. A small team brewing bespoke bottles of beer in the heart of the Cotswolds, the team at Chadlington Brewery have created an impressive line of refreshing and satisfying beers that do not skimp on quality. They have also worked hard to minimise their impact on the environment, by employing the use of solar and biomass renewable energy sources, using nearby natural spring water and recycling the spent grains from the brew process to feed local farm animals. The brewery is currently closed for tours of the tap room but bottles, kegs and gift boxes are still available to buy from the website and and you can enjoy in The Black Prince in Woodstock, The Black Horse in Standlake, The Isis Farmhouse in Oxford, Whistler’s Restaurant in Chipping Norton, and The White Horse in Wolvercote.

Some great work, now bring on the beer! – Chadlington Brewery takes inspiration from the nearby city of Oxford, with its dreaming spires and sports history. Their labels and names reflect the traditions of Oxford sports and the University colour Blue, and are firm favourites amongst Oxford University Colleges and local sports clubs, including rowing clubs and Chadlington Cricket Club, Tiddington CC, Aston Rowant CC, Combe CC, Charlbury CC, and Bicester CC. It is hard to beat a weekend afternoon watching a game of local cricket with a pint brewed by the Chadlington Brewery.  We have so many super cricket grounds and The Wine Tipster highly recommends Aston Rowant Cricket Club. A few months ago The Wine Tipster was involved in a virtual tasting and music event with the excellent team at Aston Rowant Cricket Club to raise money for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, resulting in a very successful day for this important charity.

Oxford IPA

The Oxford IPA is a classic golden English IPA which is made the traditional way – not to be confused with the USA interpretation of an IPA which has a huge ABV and hoppier taste. The Oxford IPA is a genuine session IPA that can be enjoyed all year round. Its refreshing citrus and spice notes work well with many food pairings, such as BBQs, salads, red meat or game, and The Wine Tipster recommends accompanying a glass of the Oxford IPA with some pork scratchings from your local butchers like Slatters in Chadlington or Beadle’s Butchers in Chipping Norton. At a moderate 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), it’s available to buy in 500ml bottles and 9-gallon firkins in local pubs.

Oxford Blue Ale

The Oxford Blue pale ale takes its name from the official colour of Oxford University and its sports teams. This superbly balanced and clean pale ale is golden in colour and slightly fruity in aroma. Its all natural, English ingredients highlight the simple and honest flavour of the hops, and its versatility makes it great as an accompaniment to pretty much anything – fish, chicken, salads or red meat. The Wine Tipster especially likes it with a local cheese like the excellent Rollright from the King Stone Dairy . A balanced and time-honoured pale ale well worth a try, and at 4.2% ABV it’s available in 500ml bottles and 9-gallon firkins. This is a cracking pint!

Oxford Old Blue

The Oxford Old Blue is a recent addition to the Chadlington Brewery family – making an entrance during May and managing to establish itself as a firm favourite amongst drinkers. It is an English style copper-coloured ale which delivers on taste and drinking experience. A refreshingly warm malt aroma makes this beer a classic and its clean and hoppy bitterness make it a perfect accompaniment to a great pizza – surely one of the most underrated food pairings!

It’s 4.0% ABV and available in 500ml bottles and 9-gallon firkins.

Boat Race Lager

The Boat Race Lager pays homage to the great Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races, and has been spotted on banners adorning boat houses along the Thames during the Men’s and Women’s Lightweight Races in past years, maybe having something to do with some Oxford wins! It’s an old school pilsner, not Euro Fizz! It has the same refreshing qualities of a great pilsner with a well-balanced hop aroma and pale straw colour. The Wine Tipster enjoys the crisp, bitter finish of the lager, and pairs it with any number of classic Summer dishes – BBQs and burgers  and salads – and thinks it is perfect for watching the rowing from the riverbank with a picnic. It has a slightly higher ABV of 5.0% and is available in smaller 330ml bottles, and 30-litre kegs in pubs.

Oxford Light Ale

The Oxford Light Ale is special as it has a low ABV of 2.5% and the team at Chadlington Brewery have done a great here, as producing a quality and balanced lower abv ale needs plenty of craft. This straw coloured ale stills pack the punch of a standard beer and the crisp refreshment of a premium lager, whilst maintaining a much lower alcohol content. This is a huge achievement for Chadlington Brewery especially with its recent release during the May Lockdown. Oxford Light Ale’s citrus aroma is perfect for the summer months and particularly well paired with fish or sausages – check out the Butchers in Chadlington! 

2.5% ABV, 1.3 UK Units and available 500ml bottles and 30-litre kegs.

Oxford Blonde Ale

The Oxford Blonde Ale is light in both colour and body, bringing a clean and crisp drinking experience. It hints of fruit in the aroma which makes it a great palate cleanser for most dishes,  while its refreshing finish make it a great accompaniment to a Roast Lunch or Dinner.

At 4.0%, this is a great ale that can be enjoyed in 500ml bottles, 30-litre kegs and 9-gallon firkins.

Oxford Pale Ale

The Oxford Pale Ale is not too dissimilar to the Oxford IPA but is more malty than the hoppier IPA. Pale Ales originated in England as early as 1703 and encompass several styles of beer, including IPA. Oxford Pale Ale has a modern hop ratio balanced with a complementary malt base – it is light in colour and crisp and fruity to the taste. Like the Oxford IPA, it also goes down well with chips, cheese, spicy foods and Taste of Game crisps.  The Wine Tipster is a massive fan of pale ale and this is his choice for watching #RacingatHome.

At a lower 3.8% ABV, this is also available in 500ml bottles, and 9-gallon firkins in pubs.

Oxford Best

The Oxford Best is a traditional English bitter that reminds one of sitting in the pub on a winter’s night by the fire. Its rich toffee and caramel malt tones and traditional hopping work superbly with red meat or game, which is why The Wine Tipster loves an Oxford Best with some fabulous  Taste of Game Crisps.  Bitter has been described as the national drink of England, and you can see why when you experience the well established and hearty spice notes of Oxford Best. 4.0% ABV available in 500ml bottles and 9-gallon firkins.

Golden Ale

The Golden Ale is a wonderfully deep gold colour with a slightly sweet taste. The Wine Tipster loves the refreshing nature of this ale with its citrus notes that go well with most dishes, especially picnic food and light lunches. The perfect bottle for a long Summer’s evening in the garden. It has been rightly described Cotswold sunshine in a bottle!

Its ABV is 4.0% and it’s available in 500ml bottles and 9-gallon firkins.

The Wine Tipster is hugely appreciative to live so close to such a great brewery, with admirable sustainable habits and a range of high quality beers. For the latest updates, follow Chadlington Brewery on social media and visit their website to find out how to purchase your favourites for the summer.

Cheers!

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A competitive Saturday of racing ahead with the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes, the feature at Haydock and where I would normally be presenting on this Saturday. Haydock has one of the prettiest parade rings in the country and I’m a massive fan of this dual-purpose course. Elsewhere, we have another Group 3, the Sweet Solera Stakes, at Newmarket, the home of flat racing and some very tricky and competitive handicaps at Ascot on what would have been Shergar Cup day.

Let’s hope we continue to get the strong TV viewing figures, and everyone keeps engaging with racing at home.

Have a fabulous Saturday.

Cheers

The Wine Tipster 

2.05 Haydock Listed Race (1m) Final Song, who ran a stormer when fourth in the 1,000 Guineas, has a good each way chance back on some good ground for the first time since the Guineas. She looked really impressive at Newmarket, so ignore her last start here at Haydock when the ground didn’t suit, and she didn’t get a clear run at all. She was due to run at Goodwood in the Oak Tree yet had a self-certificate. On the ratings she is the second best in this race and could easily strike here. 

Unibet 13/2 each way

2.25 Ascot Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Celebration Handicap (1m) Kasbaan ran a stormer from a low draw in Blue Mist’s race here fortnight ago, The step up to a mile is a positive and he is definitely coming back to form.  Unibet 9/2 each way

2.40 Haydock Rose of Lancaster Group 3 (1m 2f) Whilst the lack of pace is a concern for the John Gosden trained favourite Global Giant, who needs to be ridden patiently, he still looks sure to oblige as favourite here, scoring his third win from four starts this season. Last time out he won well at Newbury, when always looking in command, having previously been denied a clear run at Sandown, when finishing fourth to Magny Cours. Frankie Dettori is in the plate.

Unibet 5/6 win 

3.00 Ascot Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Handicap (2m) Kaloor for the inform David Menuisier team is having his fourth start of the season and his fourth over a different trip.  Last time out over one mile six furlongs he came from an impossible position at Sandown to grab third (form already had a boost, Hochfeld 4th winner at Goodwood) and looks ready for a crack at 2m. The yard is flying.

Unibet 100/30 win

3.20 Newmarket Sweet Solera Stakes Group 3 (7f) Mere Green will benefit from stepping up to seven furlongs in this Group 3. Last time out she was outpaced throughout at Newbury over six furlongs, staying on well late. The form of her debut here is working out okay and I expect a big step up today. 

Unibet 40/1 each way

3.35 Ascot Thomas Hospice Handicap (1m 4f)  Look Closely (nap) for Roger Varian is still improving and this four-year-old is still unexposed. Last month, Look Closely was a ready course and distance winner by two lengths on similar ground last time, with the trainer stating he enjoyed the track. He is 8lb higher but surely capable of better. His main rival Omnivega comes from the David Simcock yard, who are struggling to find a winner. Unibet 9/2 win

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