As the final meeting of the racing season at Newmarket Racecourse, the Dubai Future Champions Festival 9th – 10th October 2020 is a special showcase of horses kickstarting their careers and a must for all racing fans. The Wine Tipster’s favourite race, Saturday’s Cesarewitch, is a spectacle to behold, and he especially loves the chance to see the top two-year-olds in The Fillies Mile and The Darley Dewhurst Stakes. The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing these top performers return next year in The Classics. Here, The Wine Tipster guides you through this great meeting and how to enjoy it safely.

The Gold Season – The Wine Tipster’s favourite time in the racing calendar – is off to a flying start and should be a great weekend of racing.

Dubai Future Champions Festival Friday – 9th October

As the final festival of the racing season at Newmarket, the first day of the Dubai Future Champions Festival features thrilling racing. The Wine Tipster is excited for a great Friday card with 5 impressive Group Races, and the historic Old Rowley Cup. The Fillies’ Mile is a hugely important race, with the two year olds going on to race in the 1000 Guineas – The Wine Tipster loves following them through their racing careers.

The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing how Indigo Girl, Isabella Giles, Shale and Pretty Gorgeous perform in a fascinating Fillies’ Mile, while Luncies looks very interesting in the Old Rowley Cup Handicap.

Dubai Future Champions Day – 10th October

The seven race card hosts three Group races including the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes. Often used by trainers to kick start a horses career, previous champions include: Frankel, considered the finest race horse of all time, 2000 Guineas winners Dawn Approach and Churchill, and 2018 July Cup winner US Navy Flag.

The Wine Tipster loves the Rowley Mile and especially the top class Cesarewitch which starts in Cambridgeshire and finishes in Suffolk showcasing over 30 horses thundering along the 2 mile 2 furlong course. The other Group races of the day host top class horses, and The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing the two year olds in The Darley Dewhurst Stakes before they return for the 2000 Guineas next year.

A cracking Saturday of racing and look out for my selections in my Unibet Blog.

Races will be broadcast on ITV and Racing TV which is available on Freeview, YouView, Virgin Media, BT TV, Talk Talk TV, Plusnet TV and Apple TV. Racing Replays are available 20 minutes after winners cross the line so you’ll never miss out on the action.

At Home

The Wine Tipster would normally be presenting with Michelin Star Chef of Midsummer House, Daniel Clifford, at the Champs Gallery Restaurant. Although this won’t be possible this year, it’s a great chance for The Wine Tipster to try making Daniel’s recipes at home! He’s especially excited to try making Cottage Pie with Celeriac Mash and Kale, and a Watercress and Spinach Soup with Poached Hen’s Egg, Smoked Oil and Seeds for Starters. For more Autumnal food inspiration from Midsummer House, find all the recipes here.

For wine pairings with this fantastic Cottage Pie, The Wine Tipster recommends Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018, Rhône, France available from Waitrose, or the Rioja ‘Selección Especial’ 2017, Ramón Bilbao, Spain available from Majestic.

For wine pairings with Daniel’s lovely soup dish, The Wine Tipster recommends Macon Charnay Les Chenes Domaine Manciat-Poncet 2017, Burgundy, France – a super white burgundy to enjoy as an aperitif and with the Watercress and Spinach Soup. Or why not try a lovely easy drinking Freixenet Pinot Grigio DOC 2019, Veneto, Italy

At Home – To Do

There are a number of interactive and fun activities to get involved with at home during the Dubai Future Champions Festival. Don’t forget to follow all the Social Media for Newmarket Racecourse and The Wine Tipster to share your celebrations! Use #GoldSeason to stay involved in the action.

• Calling friends and family to enjoy the day with? Why not use a Gold Season Video Background from The Jockey Club and feel as though you’re really there.
• The Raceday App is a must for the At Home experience. Get your own digital racecard, exclusive content, and access to the Raceday 5 Game with a chance to win a bottle of Coates & Seely Rosé NV and £10,000!
• Decorate your home with The Jockey Club Bunting which can be used throughout The Gold Season At Home.
• Need to brush up on your racing knowledge and jargon? Check out Racing Explained for all the confusing terms!
• Colour and fill in your own Sweepstake Sheet for each of the races.
• Put your knowledge of racing to the test with Raceday Quizzes.
• Don’t forget to keep up to date with the fantastic Competitions available.
• Set the scene for the Meeting with your very own Spotify Playlist.
• Get inspiration from others’ At Home Celebration creations here!

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