Start the festive season with a bang this year with the highlight of Sandown’s jump racing – the Tingle Creek Festival. For the first Friday and Saturday of December, Sandown hosts two days of superb jump racing, which this year can be celebrated in person by a limited number of spectators. Don’t worry if you didn’t manage to get tickets, they sold out in 17 minutes! However you’re celebrating this year, read on for The Wine Tipster’s Sandown tips.

Friday 4th December

Tingle Creek Friday opens the festival with a top line up of races.

The Wine Tipster is especially excited to see his My Racing Manager Friends runner Funambule Sivola in the 1.50 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase! Funambule Sivola won impressively at Wetherby on chasing debut last week and is carrying a seven pound penalty for that success today. This is much more competitive contest and his slick jumping will need to come to the fore this afternoon.

My Racing Manager was created by Elli Morgan, and The Wine Tipster is delighted to be involved. My Racing Manager has had two Cheltenham Festival winners with Coo Star Sivola and Flying Tiger.

The race card for Friday:

12:45 – 3m (3m37y) Sandown Park Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-130)

1:15 – 1m7½f (1m7f119y) Handicap Chase (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-125)

1:50 – 2m4f (2m4f10y) Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-135)

2:25 – 2m4f (2m3f173y) Ballymore Winter Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)

3:00 – 2m7½f (2m7f98y) Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+)

3:35 – 2m4f (2m3f173y) Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Mares’ Series Qualifier) (Class 3) (3yo+ 0-130)

Saturday 5th December

Tingle Creek Saturday hosts two top class Grade 1 races – the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and The Tingle Creek Chase. With a history of over 40 years and named after a Jumps racehorse of the 1970s, The Tingle Creek Chase is one of the key races of the season with a purse of over £68,000. Here’s the line up:

12:05 – 2m (1m7f216y) The 1.50 Introductory Juvenile Hurdle (Gbb Race) (Class 2) (3yo)

12:40 – 2m (1m7f216y) “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Gbb Race) (Class 3) (4yo+)

1:15 – 2m (1m7f216y) Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Gbb Race) (Class 4) (3yo+ 0-120)

1:50 – 1m7½f (1m7f119y)  Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)

2:25 – 1m7½f (1m7f119y) Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)

3:00 – 3m5f (3m4f166y) National Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+)

3:35 – 2m (1m7f216y) December Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)

Look out for The Wine Tipster’s Unibet Blog on Saturday.

At Home

• Don’t miss a thing – catch every race live on Racing TV and ITV, and even rewatch highlights from racing history via Racing Replays (available 20 minutes after the winner crosses the line!).
• 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!
• Get inspiration from others’ At Home Celebration creations here, don’t forget to share yours with The Wine Tipster, Sandown Park and The Jockey Club.
• Need to brush up on your racing knowledge and jargon? Check out Racing Explained for all the confusing terms.
• Keep up to date with all the entertainment events from The Jockey Club with their Content Hub.

Food & Drink

Taking inspiration from The Jockey Club, The Wine Tipster is looking forward to making this week’s featured dish, Braised Shank of Herdwick Lamb with Root Veg, Red Onion Jam and Greens. See the recipe from Senior Sous Chef Lawrie Jeffries here.

For something sweet, why not try a Vegan Lemon Cheesecake from Head Chef Warren O’Connor – a real winner with vegans and non-vegans alike.

To accompany a hearty winter dish this Festival, The Wine Tipster’s Top 5 Red Wines are a must for the cooler months. In particular, Don David Blend of Terroirs Malbec 2019, Calchaqui Valley, Argentina (Co-op £9) has a great autumnal flavours of blackberries and blueberries, with sweet spicy notes and silky tannins.

For another classic red, St. Hallett ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2018, Barossa Valley, Australia (Majestic £16.99 and £14.99 mixed case of six) is a must try, full of bold flavours of pepper and plums – perfect for a roast.

For a true celebration, pop open some bubbly this weekend. Moët & Chandon, official Champagne of The Jockey Club, is always a treat. The Wine Tipster especially loves their Moët Impérial, with its iconic fruitiness and elegant maturity.

Coates and Seely, official sparkling wine sponsors, is also perfect for Jump season. Pop open a bottle of their wonderful English Sparkling Brut Reserve NV for a hit of green apple freshness and a rounded palate.

Lastly, Rosé – a great all-rounder. Château Léoube’s Rosé de Léoube (Daylesford £18.99) is an elegant and dry wine with a perfect combination of minerals and fruit.

The Wine Tipster hopes that whether you are attending The Tingle Creek Festival in person or enjoying it at home, that you have a most wonderful weekend and some wins! Look out for his Unibet Blog on Saturday for tips.

Jump Season is well underway, and as we await the return of The Festival at Cheltenham in the Spring, The November Meeting is where the magic really starts. As the biggest Jump racing fixture before Christmas, the November Meeting is unmissable. Celebrate this three day meeting with The Wine Tipster from the comfort of your own home this year.

Kick off the November Meeting with Wednesday night’s Preview Evening hosted by Tom Nugent featuring Ruby Walsh, Paddy Power, ITV Racing, Mick Fitzgerald and Emma Lavelle. Join the panel at 8pm via Zoom as they chat through the racecards and horses to watch out for.

Countryside Day – Friday 13th Nov

Starting the Meeting in style, Countryside Day features 6 amazing races including The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase at 3:00 – a must see for all Cross Country fans, and a great excuse for a Glenfarclas Whiskey to accompany it! The 1:50 Handicap Chase is another great Class 2 race. For the full race schedule check out the Cheltenham Website here, and for a line up of horses, see Racing Post here.

Saturday 14th November

Featuring the iconic 2:15 Gold Cup Steeple Chase and 6 other quality races, Saturday’s racecard is spectacular. The Wine Tipster is looking forward to the 12:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial and the 1:40 Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices Steeple Chase, both of which highlight the top racing talent who will go on to The Festival in March.

Tune in to races live on ITV Racing across all three days, or on Racing TV. Race Replays are also available 20 minutes after the winner crosses the line, and is a great way to watch racing highlights from over the years. Check the November Meeting results here!

Sunday 15th November

The final day of the meeting, and the last chance to see the thrilling races such as the 1:15 Novices’ Steeple Chase, the 2:25 Shloer Steeplechase (another great excuse for a drink with a Shloer mixer!), the unmissable Unibet Greatwood Hurdle Race at 3:00, the 3:35 Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle Race and the 4:05 Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race which is a great quality flat race this time of year.

November Meeting At Home

With racing remaining behind closed doors, The Jockey Club and the Wine Tipster have an array of ways to celebrate the meeting in style from the Jump Season Hub.

• See Claisse’s Corner for all course updates and the Going video ahead of racing each morning.
• Read Kalendar Magazine from The Jockey Club South West, full of great interviews with top jockeys such as Jonjo O’Neill Jr and his father Jonjo O’Neill Snr and Cheltenham Racecourse Director Zara Tindall MBE.
• Why not train like a jockey with an online Barre Class from Torre Barre, starting 15th November.
• You could host a Cheltenham Countryside Raceday Lunch at home on Friday 13th November whilst making a donation to the Countryside Alliance for The Great British Get Together. Share your pics with the hashtags #Chelfie and #gbgettogether with @CheltenhamRaces.
• Got kids to entertain? Why not include them in the raceday fun with an activity pack! Full of wordsearches, colouring pages and facts, you might even find yourself tempted to print one too!

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV, Sussex (Waitrose £36.99, Majestic)

To celebrate a winner or two enjoy a glass of bubbly from Nyetimber, who produce Grade 1 English Sparkling. Their dry, Classic Cuvée MV is a beautiful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a lovely balance of intensity and elegance. Winemaker Cherie Spriggs is making wonderful wines so look to try to try their Nyetimber Rosé NV too from Waitrose at £39.99.

Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2018, Rhône, France (£8.00 in Asda and Tesco)

This blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier is great value and so versatile. Les Dauphins made by leading Rhône producer Cellier des Dauphins has fruity notes of apricot and peach, complemented by ripe fruitiness and lovely smoothness. Great as an aperitif, with salads, seafood and chicken in a creamy sauce.  

Château Léoube Rosé 2019, Provence, France, (Daylesford shop £17.95) 

Provence in Southern France is the obvious place to go for classic pale pink, lighter styles of rosé. Château Léoube is very delicate and elegant and this dry organic rosé is lovely on its own or with some salmon, seafood or cheese. Château Léoube has the most fantastic location and they also produce beautiful olive oil available at Daylesford too.  Lord and Lady Bamford, owners of Château Léoube and Daylesford, are big horse racing fans and owners.  

St. Hallett ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2018, Barossa Valley, Australia (£16.99 and £14.99 mixed case of six Stockist: Majestic)

This is classic Barossa Valley Shiraz with bold flavours of pepper, plums with herbaceous and savoury character too, whilst never being too heavy on the palate this is a wine to savour. Great with a roast or full flavoured vegetarian dishes.

The Wine Tipster will be celebrating the day by pairing these bottles with a delicious local cheese, Rollright, pork pies from his local Butchers, and some top quality Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon.

As the Meeting ends on Sunday, why not celebrate with a classic Roast Dinner. Looking for some inspiration for your Sunday Roast? The Jockey Club’s Head Chef, Warren O’Connor, suggests Roast Sirloin and Crunchy Roast Potatoes here. This would go down a treat with any of the Red Wines mentioned above or in The Wine Tipster’s Autumnal Reds suggestions for The Jockey Club, available here.

The Wine Tipster hopes The November Meeting bring some much needed fun this Winter, and that you can enjoy it safely at home. Share how you celebrate with him on Social Media, and subscribe to his latest blogs here.

On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2020, the racing world’s most talented thoroughbreds, coupled with top international jockeys, will do battle on Paris Longchamp racecourse in the 99th edition of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Here, The Wine Tipster guides you through how to celebrate Arc At Home this year, discusses the Queen of the Turf, Enable and other top horses to look out for.

Ever since it was created in 1920, the “Arc” has been recognised as the Holy Grail for flat racing professionals, boasting a purse of €5 Million and the winner being crowned the year’s best racehorse. It is generally considered to be Europe’s second most prestigious horse race, after Epsom Derby, and is currently the world’s second richest turf behind The Everest.

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was first run on Sunday 3 October 1920. Coming in the wake of World War I, it was decided that the race would be named after the Arc de Triomphe, a famous monument which had been the scene of a victory parade by the Allies in 1919. The inaugural running was won by Comrade, a three-year-old colt owned by Evremond de Saint-Alary. The winner’s prize was 150,000 francs.

Since then, this legendary race is broadcast in 50 countries and brings together normally 45,000 spectators inside the racecourse. Due to the restrictions connected with the Covid-19 crisis, Paris Longchamp racecourse is unable to welcome spectators for the 2020 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Instead, fans can celebrate Arc At Home via Social Media and racing broadcasters.

Remember, this is a fantastic two-day meeting at Longchamp, with 17 races over the weekend, including eight that have Group 1 status. The Saturday card has Group 1 and Group 2 races, which is top class racing, featuring many UK horses with who can strike here. Sunday sees the centre piece with the Arc on an eight race card that has six Group 1 races and there many chances for foreign raiders as well as Enable, with Glass Slippers in the Prix de l’Abbaye and Safe Voyage in the Prix de la Foret.

Enable – The 2020 race will mark the second historic triple attempt by Queen Enable

In 2019, Enable went for an historic third win of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe yet faced a tough run and was pipped to the post by Waldgeist, who relished the very soft conditions. While it made for a thrilling show of elite racing stars, Enable returns to Longchamp this weekend to have another chance at claiming her crown with Frankie Dettori, and will hopefully break the Arc record. “Ground conditions are heavy and this is going to be really testing for all the runners and it is hard to see a Waldgeist coming with a late charge to deny her victory this year, as the 2019 Arc was run in very soft conditions and nowhere near as testing as this year’s renewal. From a form perspective, with Love’s defection because of the ground, Enable is rightly a strong favourite and a draw in stall 5 was well received by connections”.

The Wine Tipster watched her run her ‘last’ race in the UK at the 2019 York Ebor Festival in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (before her triumphant return in 2020) and recalls just how special she is: “This success summed up what Enable meant to everyone as the stands, paddock and rails were packed with racegoers, who had come to celebrate her career and charisma. Her jockey Frankie Dettori was understandably very emotional on what he thought was her last UK appearance. It was a beautiful and memorable day at a wonderful racecourse.”

The Arc is a showcase of the best racing talent, and it’s great to see so many good horses from France and abroad that have featured in The Wine Tipster’s previous 2020 tips making the race. He’s excited to see the English Derby winner Serpentine, who is drawn in stall 15 and In Swoop, who won the German Derby. These two finished behind another runner Mogul at Longchamp last month and yet I see these two runners as the main each way dangers.

ARC AT HOME – Get Involved

Follow this exceptional weekend of racing action, watch the world’s greatest horse race and access a whole host of exclusive and immersive content on the @FranceGalop Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages with the hashtag #QPAT and #EnableChallenge.

Equidia.fr is also offering its viewers a special “Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe” package that includes all the videos and information relevant to this year’s potential runners.

The Wine Tipster will be watching Sunday’s three feature races including the Arc on ITV Racing, with all races available on Sky Sport Racing.

The Wine Tipster’s selections for unmissable Longchamp’s two-day meeting are in his Unibet blog.

He’ll also be celebrating this world-class meeting with a bottle or two of Les Dauphins Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2019, which is especially great with a light lunch and the races. The weather is very autumnal so red wine fans should try a super, complex vin rouge from the Languedoc Hegarty Chamans Le Matelas No.2 2014. For those looking for some bubbles, the La Gioiosa 63 Kcal Prosecco DOC is a must try and adds to this important occasion. Coincidentally, La Gioiosa the racehorse, runs at Longchamp on Sunday in the 1.50 Prix Marcel Boussac with Frankie Dettori in the plate!

Share how you’ll be celebrating this fantastic meeting with The Wine Tipster on Social Media.

Arc Quick Fire Stats

1ST – Named Longines World’s Best Horse Race in 2019, the fourth time in five years.
99TH EDITION Of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2020, a legendary sporting event created in 1920.
1 ½ miles – The distance run in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which pits the world’s very best thoroughbreds against each other in a race that demands both speed and stamina.  
2’24’’49 – The record time for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on the ParisLongchamp course (held by German mare Danedream since 2011), which equates to an average speed of 60 km/h with a peak speed of 65 km/h at the finish!

9.7 MILLION EUROS – The total purse for the 16 races run over the weekend, nine of which have Group 1 status, the highest category of horse race.
5 MILLION EUROS – The prize money for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe alone, making it the most richly-rewarded horse race in France.
62 MILLION EUROS – Of bets on the Arc alone, of which 45 million euros are wagered abroad.
TRICAST – Irish trainer Aidan Patrick O’Brien had a fantastic race in 2016, when his three runners took the first three places!  
FIRST ARC – Waldgeist deprives Enable of a third win in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as André Fabre hits the « Arc » target for the eighth time.
TRIUMPHANT TRAINERS – Christiane Head-Maarek is the only female trainer to have won the race, and she  did it on three occasions (two of which were with Trêve)! But André  Fabre, a Chantilly-based trainer, takes the top spot with eight Arc victories!
ILLUSTRIOUS JOCKEYS – The Arc is an opportunity for the world’s best jockeys to measure up to one  another. Lanfranco Dettori is the only jockey, to date, to have won this exceptional race six times.

45,000 SPECTATORS – Usually present in the stands at ParisLongchamp racecourse for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
500 JOURNALISTS – From all over the globe cover the event.

The Wine Tipster hopes that you have a safe Qatar Arc Weekend, and enjoy The Arc At Home. To keep up to date with The Wine Tipster’s blog, subscribe here, and don’t forget to follow him on Social Media for updates and coverage.

As one of the major highlights of The Newmarket Gold Season, The Cambridgeshire Meeting is 3 days (September 24th, 25th and 26th) of superb horseracing on the Rowley Mile. Unfortunately, racing will remain behind closed doors so let The Wine Tipster guide you through the history of The Cambridgeshire Meeting and his tips for celebrating at home.

Coming up as part of The Gold Season will be the Dubai Future Champions Festival on 9th and 10th October. The Wine Tipster is hugely empathetic to the wonderful team at Newmarket who have dealt with the changing restrictions for The Cambridgeshire Meeting but will no doubt have a fabulous meeting in spite of it all.

Cambridgeshire Thursday – Thursday 24th September 2020

For the first day of the Meeting, Cambridgeshire Thursday sees a range of impressive stakes to get things going. The Wine Tipster is especially looking forward to:

3:00 TATTERSALLS STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE SOMERVILLE TATTERSALL STAKES) (COLTS & GELDINGS) (GROUP 3) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4

• The Wine Tipster is watching La Barrossa from trainer Charlie Appleby who has a great chance today

3:35 JOCKEY CLUB ROSE BOWL STAKES (LISTED RACE) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4

• The Wine Tipster is excited by the 7 year old Withhold who has leading claims to take the race today

Shadwell Day – Friday 25th September 2020

Friday, also known as Shadwell Day, boasts two Group contests, the Group 2 Shadwell Rockfel Stakes and Shadwell Joel Stakes (both on ITV4). It’s a hot card for the day, so check out all of the races featured:

1:15 DERRINSTOWN IRISH EBF MAIDEN STAKES (COLTS & GELDINGS) (PLUS 10 RACE) (Class 4) (2yo) Racing TV

1:50 TASLEET BRITISH EBF ROSEMARY STAKES (LISTED RACE) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

• Previous Newmarket winner Alnaseem will be having her 13th horse race with her 13th different jockey aboard! Jockey Adam Kirby is having a go today. (Courtesy of Andy Stephens of Racing TV)

2:25 PRINCESS ROYAL MUHAARAR STAKES (GROUP 3) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

3:00 SHADWELL ROCKFEL STAKES (GROUP 2) (FILLIES) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

• The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing Isabella Giles in this race, trained by Clive Cox who’s been having a great year with his 2 year old.

3:35 SHADWELL JOEL STAKES (GROUP 2) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

• This is a belter of a race because we have Benbatl against Kameko who are the top two in the market and should make for a cracking race. Kameko has finished 4th in his last three starts in big races following a lot of bad luck, so things will be interesting between the runners.

4:10 EQTIDAAR GODOLPHIN STAKES (LISTED RACE) (Class 1) (3yo+) Racing TV

4:45 SHADWELL FARM HANDICAP (Class 3) (3yo+ 0-90) Racing TV

Juddmonte Day – Saturday 26th September 2020

The finale to The Cambridgeshire Meeting is Juddmonte Day on Saturday – a true spectacle to behold with some top races and great horses to look forward to in all races:

1:15 BLANDFORD BLOODSTOCK MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES (PLUS 10/GBB RACE) (Class 4) (2yo) Racing TV

1:50 JUDDMONTE ROYAL LODGE STAKES (GROUP 2) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

2:25 JUDDMONTE CHEVELEY PARK STAKES (GROUP 1) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

• An interesting race – Alcohol Free for an each way bet, and Happy Romance should make this race interesting having previously raced in this race with trainer Richard Hannan

3:00 JUDDMONTE MIDDLE PARK STAKES (GROUP 1) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

• The Wine Tipster likes the look of Method with Frankie Dettori

3:35 CAMBRIDGESHIRE HANDICAP (HERITAGE HANDICAP) (Class 2) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

• The famous Cambridgeshire Heritage Handicap was established in 1839 at the same time as The Cesarewitch. The two races are known as the historic Autumn Double, with the second leg of this pair being run at the Dubai Future Champions Festival (9th and 10th October). The Wine Tipster can’t wait to watch around 30 horses thunder up The Rowley Mile!
• The Wine Tipster’s excited for his old friend Sir Busker who he’s been tipping up endlessly – they won at Royal Ascot but have been unlucky in other races. Sir Busker is a really good each way selection.

4:10 BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF ‘JERSEY LILY’ FILLIES’ NURSERY HANDICAP (Class 2) (2yo) Racing TV

4:40 BENTLEY MOTORS HANDICAP (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105) Racing TV

At Home – Where To Watch

Racing TV will be showing every race live which you can watch on your TV, tablet or mobile. Race Replays will also be available 20 minutes after the winner crosses the line. ITV Racing and ITV4 will be showing a number of races too, with details of the fixtures and broadcasters being available on The Cambridgeshire Meeting website.

At Home – To Do

There are a number of interactive and fun activities to get involved with at home during The Cambridgeshire, don’t forget to follow all the Social Media for Newmarket Racecourse and The Wine Tipster to share your #AtHome celebrations!

• Calling friends and family to enjoy the day with? Why not use a 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 Newmarket 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!

At Home – What To Wear

Feel like you’re spending a day at the races but from the comfort of your own home. Why not put on a fancy dress or a three piece suit and enjoy the day safely at home.

Racing At Home Inspiration Gallery to inspire your creativity and fashion for the meeting. Don’t forget to share your raceday outfits with us on Social Media – Newmarket Racecourse, The Wine Tipster.

At Home – What To Drink

The UK is the biggest market for Prosecco DOC, so what better wine to pop when you celebrate The Cambridgeshire Meeting At Home? The Wine Tipster recommends Ruggeri Argeo Prosecco DOC Brut from Treviso which is available across The Jockey Club Racecourses and from The Great Wine Co. It is a Gold Medal winning bottle with vibrant lemon aromas making this a refreshingly crisp bottle. Prosecco DOCG La Gioiosa Valdobbiadene is seriously elegant and bursting with apple notes – definitely worth a try, available from Majestic.

Why not try Prosecco DOC in a simple cocktail – an Aperol Spritz or Bellini, depending on what you have in the cupboard, go down a treat with these bottles. Don’t forget to check for the Prosecco DOC Certification by looking for the sticker on the neck of your bottles – you’ll be sure to have a quality bottle of Prosecco that way.

For a touch of class at The Cambridgeshire, Coates and Seely’s delightful English Sparkling Wines are a must. The Wine Tipster especially loves their Brut Reserve NV which is a Gold Medal winner and full of depth and complexity.

For those on a budget, The Wine Tipster also recommends 6 wines under £10 as The Jockey Club Catering’s resident wine and food pairings expert. All 6 are smashing on a sunny day and with picnic food.

Fancy a gin? The Wine Tipster enjoys Salcombe Distillery’s multi-award winning ‘Start Point’ Gin with Fever-Tree’s Premium Indian Tonic Water over ice. Delicious.

For a non-alcoholic option, why not enjoy a Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer which really packs a punch worthy of The Cambridgeshire.

At Home – What To Eat

The weather has been spectacular, and what better way to enjoy the racing and the late sunshine than with a picnic at home? Gather your favourite picnic treats such as scones (jam or cream first?), sausage rolls, sandwiches, sweet treats such as flapjacks and lemon drizzle and snacks such as Taste of Game Crisps and local Pork Pies from the Butcher’s. If you’re looking to impress with your picnic, why not try The Jockey Club Catering’s moreish Rosemary Focaccia and Baked Camembert. The Wine Tipster sees this At Home Meeting as another great opportunity to support local and stay safe.

The Wine Tipster is looking forward to enjoying the Powters Original Newmarket Pig Sausages in a delicious casserole, or for a Full English Breakfast to get the raceday off to a cracking start. Dating back to the 1880s, the family run business are still producing their distinctly peppery sausages with a blend of secret spices in small batches for punters.

Did you know? The Newmarket Sausage is a protected food name and has to be made in the vicinity of the town!

For more food inspiration, check out The Jockey Club’s Autumn Inspired Recipes from Midsummer House.

The Wine Tipster hopes that you and your families can stay safe this meeting, and enjoy The Cambridgeshire Meeting At Home. To keep up to date with The Wine Tipster’s blog, subscribe here, and don’t forget to follow him on Social Media for updates and coverage.

The two day Racing TV Grand Season Opener at Warwick Racecourse (21st and 22nd September) marks the start of the new jumps season at this excellent course, which certainly draws a high level of horses, trainers and jockeys. The first stand at Warwick was built in 1808, and this racecourse is steeped in history as a National Hunt racing or Jump, course with a programme usually of 25 meetings throughout the year. For a detailed history of this popular course then The Wine Tipster highly recommends Chris Pitt’s recently published book, ‘Chandler’s Leap: and other stories from Warwick Racecourse’. Chris is a super guy to have a chat with and previously we have presented together.

Despite being one of the original racecourses planned to hold crowds again post-lockdown, the news of the Government’s decision to restrict large groups further meant changes to Warwick Racecourse’s Pilot Meeting plans for today’s meeting. As a result, after discussions with Public Health England the decision was made to reduce capacity to just under 500 for today’s meeting with owners, an agreed amount of annual members and agreed number in hospitality. Andre Klein, General Manager at Warwick Racecourse and all his team including Clerk of the Course Jane Hedley, Tommy Williams and Charlotte Parkins have worked relentlessly and enthusiastically as ever to have everything in place to trail all the health and safety procedures which have had to be put in place for this very important pilot meeting.

The Wine Tipster is excited to be attending The Racing TV Grand Season Opener Pilot Raceday and will be reading in detail the new Spectator Code of Conduct. He will also be providing tips on social media.

Here are explanations of the two types of National Hunt racing to be seen at the Racing TV Grand Season Opener:

Chase – or Steeplechase originated in Ireland in the 18th Century in which horses ran from church to church over fences and ditches of the countryside. Collectively, Great Britain and Ireland account for over 50% of all jump races worldwide. Chases are run over distances of 2–4 ¹⁄₂ miles (3–7 km) over obstacles called fences that are a minimum of 4 ¹⁄₂ feet (1.4 m) high.

Hurdle – Hurdling involves horses jumping over obstacles called hurdles or flights that are a minimum of 3 ¹⁄₂ feet (1.1 m) high and typically made of flexible panels of brush. They are run over run over distances of 2–3 ¹⁄₂ miles (3–5.5 km) and always include a minimum of 8 hurdles. Hurdle races tend to be faster than Chases as they have lower fence heights and horses can maintain momentum.

To watch the Chase and Hurdle races this meeting, check out the racecards below –

Racecard for Day 1:

START TIMES	RACE	DISTANCE	TYPE
12:45	The Wigley Group Novices’ Hurdle Race	2m 3f	Hurdle
1:15	Join Racing TV Now  Novices’ Handicap Chase	3m	Chase
1.45	Biffa Waste Services Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div 1)	2m	Hurdle
2.15	Biffa Waste Services Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div 11)	2m	Hurdle
2:45	The racingtv.com Handicap Chase	2m 4f	Chase
3.15	The Agetur UK Handicap Hurdle	2m 5f	Hurdle
3:45	The Bet At Racing TV Handicap Chase	2m	Chase
4.20	Get Daily Tips at Racing TV.com Handicap Hurdle	3m 1f	Hurdle

Racecard for Day 2:

START TIMES	RACE	DISTANCE	TYPE
12:45	The Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle Race	2m 3f	Hurdle
1:15	The Racing TV Club Days Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase	abt 3m	Chase
1:45	The racingtv.com Novice Handicap Hurdle	2m	Hurdle
2:15	The racingtv.com Handicap Chase	2m 4f	Chase
2:45	The OVER 40 FREE Racing TV Club Days Handicap Hurdle	2m 5f	Hurdle
3:15	The Join Racing TV And Go Racing Free Handicap Chase	2m	Chase
3:45	The Free Entry With Racing TV Club Days Handicap Hurdle	3m 1f	Hurdle
4.15	Follow @racingtv On Twitter Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race	2m	Bumper

Racing TV will be showing every race live which you can watch on your TV, tablet, or mobile. 

If you miss any of the action, Racing Replays are available 20 minutes after winners cross the line!

To join in on the race day action, download The Jockey Club App for free, full of exclusive content, digital racecard tips and the chance to win prizes in the Raceday 5 Game. The Wine Tipster is especially excited to see the wonderful Coates & Seely, one of The Jockey Club‘s partners, featured as a prize on the app. The top scorer on the Raceday 5 Game leaderboard can win a bottle of Coates & Seely Rosé NV and potentially £10,000! This beautifully pale pink sparkling wine is made wholly from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes and lees-aged for 2 to 2 ½ years. It has won Coates & Seely numerous awards and is the perfect accompaniment to the races. Definitely worth a go to win a bottle – info and rules here.

The Wine Tipster hopes you have a fantastic Racing TV Grand Season Opener and stay safe this season. Sign up to his blog here and follow him on Social Media here.

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.

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.

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.

To subscribe to The Wine Tipster’s blogs and get them delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here.

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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