2020 was an extremely challenging year for the horseracing industry1, and 2021 has also left its mark, with many racecourses predicting large financial losses due to Covid-19 restrictions and limited crowds2. However, there are hopes for a more ‘normal’ 2022 and a full calendar year of racing to enjoy. Our equine team has rounded up their top picks for the season ahead, from picturesque racing in the Lake District, to fabulous Point-to-Points, and iconic race events, such as Royal Ascot and The Cheltenham Festival.So where will you be attending?
Point-to-Points
Point-to-Points are a great way to spend time in the countryside, bringing together local communities and families throughout November to June, to watch amateur riders and their horses race over fixed obstacles in an attempt to top the National Championship. Here are our top picks:
- Friarshaugh, Kelso, Scotland – January to March 2022
Choose from three fixtures, between January and March, and enjoy the excitement of Point-to-Point horse racing with spectacular views of the action set within the wonderful countryside of the Scottish borders. - Duke of Beaufort, Didmarton, Gloucestershire – 5 March 2022
Run every year on the first Saturday in March, the Duke of Beaufort is an undulating course on a hillside, complete with country fair, to make a great day out for racegoers and families alike.
Iconic racecourses
From the pinnacle of jump racing to the highlights of the flat season, every avid racegoer should be familiar with these iconic meets:
- Cheltenham Festival – 15-18 March
The highlight of the jump racing calendar, with 28 races across four days including the famous Gold Cup, Cheltenham is a key event for horses, trainers, jockeys and owners.4 Whether you're an annual member or new to the world of horseracing, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all “The Festival” has to offer, from live music and shopping to outstanding grade one racing. - Grand National Festival, Aintree ‒ 7-9 April
Enjoy three days of top-class racing, including our very own ‘Marsh Melling Chase’ the feature race of day two, before culminating with the iconic Grand National steeplechase. A marathon test of four and a quarter miles, which tests the skill, determination and stamina of a racehorse and jockey. - The Derby Festival, Epsom Downs – 3-4 June
Coinciding this year with Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, the Derby Festival 2022 will be an extra special event. Day two of the festival features The Derby, the most prestigious of five classics, run over an undulating course with some of the finest thoroughbred pedigrees on show. - Royal Ascot, Berkshire – 14-18 June
Synonymous with sartorial elegance, superb dining and a magnificent procession by the Royal Family, Royal Ascot attracts many of racing’s finest horses for five days of world-class racing.
Picturesque racecourses
From the oldest racecourse in the world5, to the picturesque backdrop of the Lake District, these racecourses are worth a visit for the scenery alone:
- Cartmel Racecourse, Lake District
Found in wooded parkland in a picturesque valley in the Lake District, Cartmel is a wonderful setting for a day at the races. Hosting nine fixtures from May through to August, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with family and friends at this historic racecourse.6 - Chester Racecourse, Cheshire
Established in 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world.5 Races run from May to September, with seasonal highlights of the prestigious three-day Boodles May Festival and the City Plate Day in July.
International racecourses
With so many international racecourses, it’s difficult to pick a standout, but these two definitely offer something you may not have experienced before:
- White Turf, St Moritz, Switzerland – February
A race like no other, enjoy exciting horseracing, gourmet catering and live music, set on a frozen lake amongst the snow-capped mountains of St Moritz. Sip Champagne or enjoy a hot chocolate whilst taking in this unique event. - Laytown Races, Ireland – 8 September
Occupying an exclusive position in the Irish racing calendar, Layton Races is the only event run on a beach, under the Rules of Racing. A flat event taking place once a year, with six races of between six furlongs and one mile8, and a history dating back to 1868, it’s unsurprising spectators travel from far and wide to watch horses race across the sand.9
Our bloodstock and equine insurance
Whether you love the thrill of racing and eventing, or the precision of dressage, wherever your passion for the equine industry lies, we can help make sure your horses are protected. Our bloodstock solution, underwritten in London, allows us to arrange insurance cover for many aspects of the thoroughbred industry, from foals to racehorses, through to breeding stock.
Our dedicated in-house team of horse owners and former competitors, have a wealth of experience and expertise in designing specialist bloodstock and equine insurance solutions, to suit your individual requirements. To find our more contact our team here or call our equine specialists:
Freddie McBain: +44 (0) 7385 482541
Chessie Rudland: +44 (0) 7385 482557
Please note, at the time of publication the events listed are scheduled to take place as normal – however future Government restrictions brought on by Covid-19, may impact the running of some events.
Sources:
1 https://www.racingpost.com/news/newbury-racecourse-records-238-million-loss-due-to-impact-of-covid-pandemic/487964
2 https://www.racingpost.com/news/ascot-losses-to-exceed-10m-this-year-as-royal-track-aims-to-bounce-back/513465
3 https://www.greatbritishracing.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-yorkshire-ebor-festival/
4 https://www.racingpost.com/news/cheltenham-festival-2021-essential-information-for-jump-racings-biggest-week/475574
5 https://www.chester-races.com
6 https://cartmel-racecourse.co.uk/racecourse-history/
7 https://ripon-races.co.uk/
8 https://www.goracing.ie/racecourses-and-events/racecourses/laytown/information/
9 https://laytownstrandraces.ie/wp2/about-us/
