Weekly Update 6th Dec
Evening All
The last race of the Surrey Racing year will happen on Tuesday as Surrey Gold was today declared for the 3.25 class 5 maiden stakes over an extended mile at Wolves. Rob Hornby rides, and he’s been drawn stall 6 of the 11 runner race. It is his third race so after this one he’ll get a handicap mark and that will allow us to plan our way through the handicaps next year. He’ll have a break after Tuesday to be allowed to continue to grow and mature, we feel he’s done everything right so far and there’s no doubt he’ll be better as a three year old on turf with some give, over at least 12 furlongs.
The other horses are all in the taking it easy stage so with no real news. We did speak with Nicky this week who said Gran Luna looks fantastic but bored out of her mind with box rest! That has finished now and she’ll at least get out exercising next week. He also spoke with Jane about Surrey Quest, all good there, he’s not rushing either horse and he’s left Quest in Jane’s hands until he’s really had enough and needs a change.
There was a lot of talk in the press this week about the Racing League – a new concept where a few of our trainers are taking part (Nicky, George, Charlie and Hughie). I’ve put the web link below and added a brief synopsis. We will talk to the trainers and get an idea of what they are looking for in their squad, we’re not really sure whether it’s good for Surrey Racing’s horses or not, we’re happy to hear your thoughts and views, however I think the fact that racing is trying to innovate and appeal to a different audience is good for everyone.
Good Luck to the Goldies.
12 teams will participate in the Racing League, which will consist of 36 handicap races, taking place over 6 weeks.
Teams
Each team consists of:
Trainers - minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4
3 jockeys - who will ride exclusively for one team during the competition
A squad of 30 horses - ‘squad reshuffle’ in Week 4 for fresh legs
Team Manager - who will decide team selection for each race
Races
All races are handicap races open to horses 3 years old and above with a handicap rating of 0-90.
A team will enter one runner in each race.
Each race has a guaranteed field of 12 runners.
£50k prize money per race - paid to owners/trainers/jockeys.
Race distances
Each meeting will have 6 races over the following distances:
5 furlongs
6 furlongs
7 furlongs
8 furlongs - The 1 mile race
10 furlongs - The 1 mile and 1/4 race
12 furlongs - The 1 mile and 1/2 race
Prize Money:
£1.8m prize money is up for grabs in total, equalling £50k for each race.
This money is distributed to owners, trainers, jockeys etc as per standard BHA distribution.
Race Day 1 - Newcastle - 29th July
Race Day 2 - Doncaster - 5th August
Race Day 3 - Lingfield Park - 12th August
Race Day 4 - Royal Windsor - 19th August
Race Day 5 - Lingfield Park - 26th August
Race Day 6 - Newcastle - 2nd September
The racecourse infield will be transformed into a day-night festival of food, music, esports and entertainment for all the family. Doors will open at 13.00 for a day filled with great eats, exhibitions from the teams, associated brands and memorable experiences.
The Racing League is passionate about involving the local community in their events. Alongside a resident DJ, they will be offering local acts the chance to perform throughout the day and into the night.