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.

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.

With the historic Qatar Goodwood Festival round the corner, The Wine Tipster looks back on the history of the festival as well as the stunning setting of the races.

The Goodwood Estate

The picturesque setting of Goodwood Racecourse is also home to Goodwood House, which is now restored to its former Regency glory; a motor circuit which has resounded to the roar of historic racing cars since 1998; a hotel and country club, aerodrome, golf club, organic farm and restaurants, and more. Covering 11,500 acres, the Goodwood Estate has a unique ambiance and air of understated glamour which has drawn people to it for three centuries of ownership by the Dukes of Richmond.

As a day out, it offers a great array of activities for all the family, but why not extend your visit and stay in The Goodwood Hotel? A stone’s throw from the cultural city of Chichester, The Goodwood Hotel offers responsible dining options from their fully sustainable farm, stunning leisure facilities, modern and beautiful rooms, and the chance to participate in the amazing activities on offer at the estate. Facilities are now open with safe distancing measures in place.

For hospitality, The Wine Tipster especially likes The Kennels – the modern central clubhouse for all of the Estate’s sporting and social members – and Farmer, Butcher, Chef, Goodwood’s onsite sustainable flagship restaurant. The unique collaboration of these three professions results in imaginative, well thought through and beautiful dishes which showcase the meat on offer and highlight the different cuts. As one of Europe’s only self-sustaining organic farms, customers will end up travelling further than the food!

Glorious Goodwood History

The Qatar Goodwood Festival – Glorious Goodwood – runs every year at the end of July to early August, with a range of top class racing taking place every day. The racecourse celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2002 and the occasion was marked by the publication of the Glorious Goodwood book and video. At the end of 2014, Goodwood Racecourse announced the biggest sponsorship deal ever in British racing involving a 10-year agreement with Qatar. The partnership, which commenced in 2015, resulted in over £2 million extra being invested into prize money for eight key races during the Qatar Goodwood Festival as well as a commitment to increase this year-on-year. Total prize money on offer for the week in 2019 came to approaching £5.6 million, with Qatar continuing to demonstrate passion and support for British racing.

The five days are filled with a number of historic races to enjoy, and a huge array of talented horses. Here are the featured races for each day of the meeting and The Glorious Five horses to watch in the 2020 festival:

Tuesday 28th July – Goodwood Cup Day

The Goodwood Cup, promoted to Group One status for the first time in 2017, is the highlight of the opening day and carries a prize fund of £500,000. First run in May of 1812, this is a British Champions Series featuring three+ year olds over two miles. The Goodwood Cup has been won by a long list of impressive and popular horses, often multiple times, including Yeats, who was without doubt one of the greatest stayers of the modern era with an unprecedented four Ascot Gold Cup triumphs to his name, and the Aidan O’Brien-trained champion was imperious in winning a second Goodwood Cup in 2008, having first triumphed in 2006.

Stradivarius won an unprecedented third consecutive title in 2019, and is one of 2020’s Glorious Five to watch. Will he make it four wins on the trot?

• 1.50pm Unibet Handicap 1m 1f 197y 4y+ £75,000
• 2.25pm Qatar Vintage Stakes (Group 2) 7f 2y £200,000
• 3.00pm Qatar Lennox Stakes (Group 2) 7f 3y+ £300,000
• 3.35pm Qatar Goodwood Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 2m 3y+ £500,000
• 4.10pm European Breeders Fund EBF Maiden 6f 2y c&g £25,000
• 4.45pm Chelsea Barracks Handicap (86-105) 5f 4y+ £30,000
• 5.15pm Unibet Fillies’ Handicap (76-95) 1m 3y+ f&m £25,000
• Day’s prize money £1,155,000

Wednesday 29th July – Sussex Stakes Day

The Group One Qatar Sussex Stakes has a prize fund of £1 million, guaranteeing its position as one of the most valuable mile races in the world. The Sussex Stakes was first run as a race for two-year-olds in 1841 and remained so for 37 years, during which it was uncontested on 25 occasions, with 14 walkovers. The unbeaten three-year-old Frankel created history in 2012 by becoming the first horse to win the Qatar Sussex Stakes twice. Starting at odds of 1-20, the hottest-ever favourite in the race’s long history, the amazing colt had little difficulty in going away from his closest rival Farhh by six lengths – a joint record winning distance. The Sussex Stakes has also been won by the French sensation Solow and Too Darn Hot.

Sir Gordon Richards, with eight victories, has been the most successful jockey in the Sussex Stakes history, enjoying his first win on Marconigram in 1928 and final one on Agitator in 1952. Richards, who was knighted in 1953, made the Sussex Stakes almost his own from 1946 through to 1952, winning the mile contest five times in seven runnings.

Goodwood has played host to some equally impressive horses, jockeys and races since then, and this year is looking forward to seeing how two of The Glorious Five fare in The Qatar Sussex Stakes: Kameko and Siskin.

• 1.50pm Unibet Goodwood Handicap (0-105) 2m 4f 134y 3y+ £50,000
• 2.25pm Unibet Handicap (0-105) 1m 3f 218y 3y £75,000
• 3.00pm Markel Insurance Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) 5f 2y £75,000
• 3.35pm Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) (BCS) 1m 3y+ £1,000,000
• 4.10pm Alice Keppel EBF Fillies’ Conditions Race 5f 2y £50,000
• 4.45pm British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (86-105) 1m 1f 197y 3y+ f&m £30,000
• 5.20pm Qatar International Stakes for Purebred Arabians (Group 1 PA) 1m 4y+ £400,000
• 5.55pm New & Lingwood Handicap (76-95) 7f 3y+ £25,000
• Day’s prize money £1,705,000

Thursday 30th July – Ladies’ Day

The most glamorous day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival is Ladies’ Day, where horseracing and fashion collide. The ladies’ amateur jockey race, the Magnolia Cup, will get the day off to an impressive start featuring 12 fearless women, and has previously        supported charities dedicated to helping women and children.

The prestigious Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes is the highlight of the eight-race card, worth £600,000. It was first run in 1840 and was named in recognition of the friendship between the fifth Duke of Richmond and the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange and Nassau. Previous winners include Ouija Board, Midday and Minding.

This year, Deirdre is one of The Glorious Five to watch in the Qatar Nassau Stakes.

• 1.15pm Magnolia Cup in Support of Wellbeing of Women 5f 110y – charity race
• 1.50pm Unibet Handicap 1m 1f 197y 3y £75,000
• 2.25pm Gordon Stakes (Group 3) 1m 3f 218y 3y £175,000
• 3.00pm Qatar Richmond Stakes (Group 2) 6f 2y c&g £200,000
• 3.35pm Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) 1m 1f 197y 3y+ f&m £600,000
• 4.10pm Telegraph Nursery 7f 2y £25,000
• 4.45pm Markel Insurance British EBF Fillies’ Maiden 7f 2y f £25,000
• 5.20pm Tatler Handicap (76-95) 5f 3y £25,000
• Day’s prize money £1,125,000

Friday 31st July – King George Day

The £300,000 Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes is one of the highlights of the year – taken in 2019 by the hugely progressive Battaash. Battaash is one of The Glorious Five to watch in this year’s race.

A showcase for raw speed, this prestigious sprint was introduced in 1911 to mark the previous year’s succession of King George V to the British throne. The G2 King George Qatar Stakes is Goodwood’s top sprint and in 2002 was named the King George 200th Anniversary Stakes to celebrate 200 years of racing at Goodwood.

• 1.50pm Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) 7f 3y+ f&m £80,00
• 2.25pm Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (Group 3) 1m 3y £100,000
• 3.00pm Unibet Golden Mile Handicap 1m 3y+ £150,000
• 3.35pm King George Qatar Stakes (Group 2) 5f 3y+ £300,000
• 4.10pm Unibet Nursery 6f 2y £25,000
• 4.40pm L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Glorious Stakes (Group 3) 1m 3f 218y 4y+ £100,000
• 5.15pm Goodwood Handicap (71-90) 1m 3f 44y 3y £25,000
• Day’s prize money £780,000

Saturday 1st August – Unibet Stewards Cup Day

The £250,000 Unibet Stewards’ Cup takes centre stage for the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Previous winners of this iconic sprint include Lochsong, Dancing Star and 2019’s winner Khaadem. The six-furlong cavalry charge of the Unibet Stewards Cup is a sight to behold, with over 20 sprinters thundering down the Goodwood straight. The Wine Tipster is looking forward to this hugely competitive race on the final day of the festival.

The first official staging of the Stewards’ Cup took place in 1840, but the name actually dates back to 1834 when the senior of the two stewards officiating at Goodwood awarded a cup worth about £100 to any race of his choosing. The chosen race varied year on year, with the Cup being contested over distances ranging from six furlongs to a mile and a half.

• 1.50pm Qatar Stewards’ Sprint Handicap (Stewards’ Cup Consolation) 6f 3y+ £75,000
• 2.25pm Qatar Summer Handicap 1m 6f 3y+ £100,000
• 3.00pm Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2) 1m 6f 3y+ f&m £300,000
• 3.40pm Unibet Stewards’ Cup Heritage Handicap 6f 3y+ £250,000
• 4.15pm Qatar EBF Stallions Maiden 7f 2y c&g £30,000
• 4.50pm Qatar Handicap (86-105) 7f 3y £30,000
• 5.25pm Qatar Apprentice Handicap (76-95) 1m 1f 11y 3y+ £25,000
• Day’s prize money £810,000

If you’re looking for ideas on how to celebrate Glorious Goodwood, why not read The Wine Tipster’s blog on #GloriousAtHome here.

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The QIPCO King George Diamond Racing Weekend is Ascot’s midsummer showpiece, celebrating the best of British summertime as one of the most prestigious race meetings outside of the Royal Meeting. Combining world-class Flat racing with a quintessential English garden party experience, it is an unmissable event steeped in history and synonymous with style. Here, The Wine Tipster shares his tips for enjoying the weekend at home with food, drink and ideas to celebrate safely. 

Races

An enhanced 17 races will take place at Ascot for the weekend, with a nine-race card on the Saturday and eight races on the Sunday. The pinnacle of the weekend’s races  is Saturday’s 03:35 PM The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) 3+ with prize money totalling £400,000 and being run over one mile about four furlongs. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes was first run almost 70 years ago in 1951, in tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s parents, and has long been recognised as Europe’s premier, mid-season, middle distance race for all age groups. Since then has had three two-time winners in Dahlia, Swain and most recently Enable, whilst Lester Piggott and Sir Michael Stoute hold the positions of the race’s winning-most jockey and trainer with 7 and 6 wins respectively.

For a full list of the weekend’s races, visit the Ascot and the Unibet websites.

This year, much loved defending champion, Enable, is welcomed back to the Ascot turf as she goes in search of a record third win in The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes.

Where to Watch

The weekend will be broadcast live on ITV & Sky Sports Racing. ITV will broadcast five races on the Saturday on ITV1, including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, and four races on the Sunday on ITV4. Sky Sports Racing will show every race of the weekend live.

Throughout the weekend, The Wine Tipster will be on Social Media connecting with audiences and commenting on the live action. Follow him here.

What to Drink

The Ascot Wine Club is Ascot’s new online wine shop, in partnership with Official Wine Supplier, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, and Official Champagne, Moët & Chandon. They are stocked with a range of bottles for every budget to order online in time for the weekend’s races. To help celebrate this great weekend of racing, The Ascot Wine Club are delighted to offer the chance to win a Methuselah (6litres!) of the fabulous Whispering Angel Rosé. This is a wonderful Rosé, and all you have to do to be in with a chance is place an order from The Ascot Wine Club before 2nd August 2020 and you’ll be entered into the prize draw. For more information on this great opportunity, read here. 

Moët & Chandon are the official partner of Ascot and the perfect taste of luxury to celebrate some wins. The QIPCO King George Diamond Racing Weekend is introducing a Golden Ticket Prize Draw for 2020 in association with the iconic Champagne House. To be in with a chance of winning hospitality at Ascot for up to six people, download a ticket and see if it turns gold at 17:43 on Saturday 25th July 2020 (to celebrate the year Maison Moët was founded). Apply here and read T&Cs here.

Why not make yourself a Harrogate Fruit Cup, brought to you by Harrogate Water – Official Water of Ascot. This non-alcoholic fruit cup is perfect for sipping at home during the weekend, and kids will be able to enjoy it too! You’ll need: Harrogate Spring Water, 1 tsp sugar free lemon syrup, 1/2 Teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar, 6 strawberries, 8 raspberries, mint leaves, lemon and orange slices – recipe here.

What to Eat

Test your knowledge of King George winners in this 10-1 quiz. The categories are as follows:

Enable – Queen of the Turf – is one of the greatest horses ever to have graced the turf. The only European-based filly or mare to have earned over £10m in prize money, she has beaten many of the best horses in training on some of the biggest stages in world racing, compiling one of the most decorated CVs in the sport’s history. For fans looking to support this amazing horse or for activities to do over the weekend, check out the Enable Fan Activity Pack which includes bunting, wordsearches and games, flags to wave, and a quiz to do with the family!

Connect with The Wine Tipster on Social Media to share how you are celebrating the weekend, and however you choose to enjoy The QIPCO King George Diamond Racing Weekend, here’s to some wins and some good memories! Cheers! 

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One of the highlights of the British flat racing calendar and the summer season, The Qatar Goodwood Festival, or Glorious Goodwood, is an exceptional meeting of horse racing talent and a wonderful five days of events and hospitality. With the current restrictions, racing will primarily be behind closed doors, and Goodwood are encouraging punters to celebrate #GloriousAtHome! Join The Wine Tipster in getting ready for this unforgettable racing event with his range of tips and insider information.

#GloriousAtHome

For most of the festival’s punters, watching and celebrating from home will be the order of the day, and luckily The Wine Tipster has a range of ways to enjoy from the comfort of your home. The races will be covered on ITV and Racing TV and The Wine Tipster will be active across his Social Media and Unibet Racing Blog to engage with audiences about the festival.

 

 

The Glorious Five are the ones to watch this year. Stradivarius will be racing in Tuesday’s Qatar Goodwood Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 2m 3y+ £500,000, Kameko and Siskin in Wednesday’s Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) (BCS) 1m 3y+ £1,000,000, Deirdre in Thursday’s Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) 1m 1f 197y 3y+ f&m £600,000, and Battaash in Friday’s King George Qatar Stakes (Group 2) 5f 3y+ £300,000.

 

 

 

 

 

Hampers

As a drinks specialist, The Wine Tipster is particularly excited about the Glorious Goodwood Hampers on sale to make celebrating the races even easier and more luxurious. Choose one of three hampers to be delivered for a day of the festival – the last day to order being Saturday 25th July to arrive in time for the fifth day of the races. Each wicker hamper, tied with a Goodwood ribbon, is filled with five-courses of delicious local and artisan foods from award-winning British producers, as well as the option to choose a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine or Mirabeau Rosé. See below for a list of menus to choose from.

 

 

 

 

 

Racing recommenced behind closed doors in France on Monday for the first time since March, with a stellar card, attracting interest not only in France but internationally too. There were four Group races and lots of surprises, with plenty of rain overnight, leaving the ground very soft.
The Wine Tipster kicked off in style in his Unibet Racing blog with his nap Batwan obliging at 10/1 in the Prix De Saint-Georges Group 3. Way To Paris at 28/1, looked overpriced in the Prix d’Harcourt, given he had finished second to Arc winner Waldgeist last September and was going to thrive in the ground. He finished second to reward each way backers in style in his Unibet Racing blog.
Thursday’s card at Longchamp has two Group races and three Listed contests on a ten-race card, with plenty of quality on show this meeting has been overlooked. Unlike Monday’s meeting, conditions, whilst soft, look likely to provide results nearer to the top of the market, hence my selections.
Have a good day.
Cheers!

10.40 Longchamp Prix La Force (Group 3) 1m 1f
Both Pao Alto and Ocean Atlantique have the potential to do much better as 3yos, but the former isn’t proven on the forecast very soft ground and the latter’s yard (Andre Fabre) have been slow to start the season. That comment applies to Freddie Head as well, so his once-raced winner Another Sky may be best watched too. With no stamina or ground doubts about MKFANCY, take him to make all in this small field.
Unibet 5/2 win

11.10 Longchamp Prix Vanteaux (Group 3) 1m 1f
Emoji is unbeaten in two starts and could be a tough nut to crack if fit, and the fact she has had a run before the lockdown started can only help in that regard. However, FLIGHTY LADY’s third in last year’s G1 Prix Marcel Boussac is form right out of the top drawer and given her pedigree she can only improve for this extra furlong. Proven on ground with plenty of cut too, she can come out on top.
Unibet 6/4 win

11.40 Longchamp Prix Zarkava (Listed) 1m 2½f
This looks quite open. Wonderment never really went on from his Group 1 win at Saint-Cloud in 2018 but would be a big threat if returning to that sort of form, but he may want better ground regardless. Queen did nothing but improve throughout last year and her close second to Fanny Logan at Newmarket on her final start reads well enough, but the trip here is a concern. Grand Glory’s third in the G1 Prix De Diane is the best bit of form on show but preference is for BOLLEVILLE, who relishes soft ground, is a proven stayer and rounded off last year with a 4½l thrashing of Dariyma (reopposes here) at Saint-Cloud.
Unibet 9/2 each way

At this year’s Qatar Goodwood Festival, The Wine Tipster spent the five days presenting for Goodwood TV and Radio, and Racing UK. As well as sharing his tips for the Festival, The Wine Tipster was also involved with the Stewards’ Cup draw on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s big race. He represented Mick Easterby, who had Hoof It and Perfect Pasture running, and managed to draw good numbers for both horses – Hoof It in Stall 4 and Perfect Pasture in Stall 17.

The 10 year old Hoof It, a former winner of the Stewards’ Cup, ran a fantastic race and finished 6^th, while Perfect Pasture didn’t run as well as expected given some of his recent form, but given his listed win earlier in the season, he is well worth supporting on his next appearance.  

Overall, it was an amazing five day festival of racing which demonstrates the depth of the racing, and which The Wine Tipster believes will only continue to grow in terms of racing quality throughout the five days. The spectacle and setting of the Festival make this an exciting and unique racing occasion, and a must for true racing fans and those looking for their first racing experience.

The Wine Tipster’s personal highlights included Expert Eye in the Qatar Vintage Stakes on the Tuesday, who ran a great race and has a good chance for the Guineas Festival next May. On Ladies’ Day, Winter showed what a brilliant filly she is by winning the Nassau Stakes in ground that was far too soft for her to show her real class, but she is undoubtedly an outstanding three year old.

In the Qatar King George Stakes on Saturday, Battaash showed that his Sandown performances had been no fluke as he always travelled like the winner to beat a very strong field, showing that he really is a top class sprinter.

The Wine Tipster had a great time broadcasting with Lee McKenzie and Anthony Kemp on Goodwood Radio, as well as doing exciting features on Course TV with Rupert Bell and Hayley Moore. Racing UK also broadcast The Wine Tipster and his regular partners in food and drink crime, Tom Stanley, Rishi Persad and Niall Hannity.

Food and drink highlights included the Gin Garden, featuring Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks and Goodwood’s own gin. The Secret Garden offered a great buffet experience with wonderfully presented food and a great ambience – a must-go at the course.

Coates and Seely were a great feature with their Sparkling English Wines which have deservedly won numerous awards, rightly so given that the wines are Group 1 performers.

It has to be said that the Goodwood team did an amazing job when faced with such a mixed week of weather, coping with 35ml of rain on the Wednesday. Seamus Buckley, the retiring clerk of Goodwood described the day as the most difficult he has had to deal with in 23 years of working at the racecourse. Despite the weather, the team coped brilliantly and Buckley can certainly retire on a high.

The Wine Tipster enjoyed a wonderful few days of racing, and is looking forward to presenting more at the Haydock Rose of Lancaster Stakes Day this Saturday.

Three days of top class racing, luxury dining and Champagne: it must be Newmarket. This year’s racing culminated in the July Cup on the Saturday – won by Harry Angel who was given a great ride by Adam Kirby, beating the favourite, Caravaggio.

The Wine Tipster spent the festival presenting on Newmarket Course TV and ITV, as well as showcasing some wonderful wines in the Summer House Restaurant and at the daily Moët and Chandon Champagne paired lunches alongside a fabulous menu.

The 2017 Festival marked the launch of this Champagne and Dining experience by The Jockey Club, which was a huge success. It was a great example of how well Champagne can be paired, with dishes such as the Fish Duo of Trout Mousse and Lemon Cured Salmon.

It was great to see so many familiar faces in the Summer House this year, as well as amazing support for English Wines, especially Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Pinot Gris, Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV and Chapel Down English Rosé.

The Wine Tipster also did well on the tipping front this year, with Tangled at 8:1 on the Friday, and Medahim at 12:1 on the Saturday, both trained by Richard Hannon.

Overall, the 2017 Moët and Chandon July festival was a massive success, with attendances up on last year. The Wine Tipster will be returning next year – don’t miss him!

This weekend saw the 2017 QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket: the first two features of the five Classics for the three year old racehorses. The Wine Tipster attended both the 2000 Guineas on Saturday for the colts, and the 1000 Guineas on Sunday for the fillies, and enjoyed, like the other spectators, the excitement around this festival and the chance to discover the talent of the three year olds. After a fabulous weekend of racing, we are sure to have true champions for the 2017 season.

Saturday 6^th May: The first day of the festival highlighted that Churchill, trained by Aidan O’Brien, has carried on from his two year old days and justified favouritism by winning the 2000 Guineas in impressive style. There were also strong form lines from this race with Barney Roy, Al Wukair and Eminent chasing him home. This leaves Churchill 7-4 favourite for the Derby, and we’ll have to hope he takes his place at Epsom.

Sunday 7^th May: This race saw the favourite, Rhododendron, have a troubled passage, and failing to collar her impressive stable mate, Winter, who travelled superbly throughout the race, showing the potential to be a real champion. Despite her difficult run, Rhododendron showed a fantastic turn of foot and will definitely be winning races in 2017. The Wine Tipster fancied her to win not only for her amazing performance at Newmarket last year, but because, as Alan Titchmarsh says, May is the best month for Rhododendrons. The 1000 Guineas race day also saw good performances from Frontiersman and race debutant, Way of Wisdom.

The Wine Tipster spent the weekend presenting in the Chez Roux Restaurant with fantastic dishes prepared by the legendary Albert Roux. Popular wines throughout the Guineas Festival included Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Pinot Gris, and Prophet’s Rock Dry Riesling.

The Wine Tipster also presented on the course TV, promoting the ‘racecourse experience’ featuring the Purely Prosecco Bar with high quality and stylish Proseccos from the famous producer Bisol. As well as enjoying some bubbles, there were some very tasty Powter Sausages from Newmarket, who were established in 1881 and have been associated with the racecourse for 50 years; A delicious way to celebrate the Guineas.

 

The other three Classics coming up are Oaks and the Derby at Epsom in June, and the final Classic, The St Leger at Doncaster in September. The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing how the runners from the Guineas perform in the coming months.

On, Friday 10^th March, Chadlington Village Memorial Hall welcomed back The Wine Tipster for an evening of tips, tasting and tipsiness, all in the name of charity.

After the success of his last Whose Wine is it Anyway event in Chadlington 4 years ago, The Wine Tipster returned to raise funds for the Village Hall Project and entertain in an evening of information and merriment. There was breath-taking yet comic Opera performed by Claire Bradshaw (mezzo-soprano) and Richard Coxon (tenor), advice on how to bet on horses at Cheltenham and to taste and choose the best wines, as well as a much better than average raffle, with prizes including hampers from Chadlington Quality Foods and a Moët Magnum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the host of the evening, The Wine Tipster led his audience through a taste exploration of 8 different wines, including Proseccos, rosés, whites and reds, much to everyone’s enjoyment. The insider knowledge shared on which wines to look out for and cheapest places to buy them was invaluable, and well received.

Throughout the evening, the audience were treated to delicious mini pizzas from Café de la Post, and chocolate tarts from Chadlington Quality Foods that went down well with the wines and San Pellegrino on offer. With the pouring of the Beronia Rioja Crianza from magnum came the donning of berets and fake moustaches by The Wine Tipster and his team, much to everyone’s amusement!

A 70^th birthday was also celebrated on the evening, with a serenade from Claire and Richard and a delicious cake made by Susan Myatt which was shared around – what better way to celebrate a birthday than with The Wine Tipster in a beret and fake moustache.

As the evening progressed, so did the amount of alcohol consumed, which possibly contributed to the impressive total funds raised for the Village Hall Project: around £850. This wouldn’t have been possible without the sponsors of the evening, who kindly supplied the Hall with wine. Thanks go to Zonin for Prosecco Cuvée 1821 Brut and Prosecco Zonin Grey Edition Glera & Pinot Grigio Brut, Kleine Zalze from South Africa for Zalze Chenin Blanc , Esk Valley with their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rosé, Beronia (for the wine, berets and Rioja Crianza magnums), Château Léoube Rouge de Léoube from the Côtes de Provence  and Tim Adams for Clare Valley, Australia with The Fergus as well as San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna for keeping everyone hydrated throughout the night. Ticket sales and food from Chadlington Quality Foods and Café de la Post also made the night possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, The Wine Tipster did not disappoint, and everyone who attended said what a wonderfully fun event it was, as well as a success in regards to the fundraising for such a worthy cause. Since the 10^th, the Paulings who attended the evening had a success to celebrate at Cheltenham with Willoughby Court (14-1), who was trained by their son Ben Pauling winning on the Wednesday. There were other success stories thanks to The Wine Tipster’s advice and knowledge including Buveur D’Air, who would win the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday. Successes all round!

 

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