Many class the UK as the home of horse racing. With royal connections and a public in love with big races like the Grand National (founded in 1839), the British racing calendar is full of action week in week out. Many enjoy heading to one of the many racecourses spread across the country, with courses such as Aintree, Ascot, Cheltenham, Goodwood and Newmarket drawing in huge crowds.
Memorable moments in racing are frequently made at racing festivals or big events, and often in group one races. Some of the big races held over the flat include the 1000 and 2000 guineas, the Epsom Derby, the Oaks and St Leger. Together these are known as the five British Classics and all are covered on FestivalFocus.co.uk . Over the jumps (also known as National Hunt racing) we have what many class as jewel in the crown events, namely the Grand National and the four day Cheltenham Festival. The Cheltenham Festival includes races steeped in history and achievement such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Festival Trophy and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. We analyse these races on the site, offering horse racing tips and a look into the history of these races and those that made their names there.
Many of the most loved horses such as Kauto Star, Best Mate and Desert Orchid in part have their Cheltenham Gold Cup wins to thank for creating such an enduring legacy for them. Others like Red Rum made their name in the Grand National (by winning it an impressive three times!). Even horses making a lasting impression recently did so in the big group One events. This is certainly true of unbeaten Frankel, who won the 2000 Guineas and Champion Stakes on his road to retiring unbeaten after 14 races.
On FestivalFocus.co.uk we cover the Grand National by year, the Cheltenham races in detail, and cast an eye upon other festival events on a regular basis.
