Derby Drama: Weather Could Sideline Star Horse at Last Second

By Lewis Barnett 6 June, 2025 5 mins read 52 Views

Well, this is just perfect.

Here I am, less than 24 hours before the biggest race in British flat racing, and Mother Nature decides to throw a proper tantrum. Ruling Court – the 2,000 Guineas winner who's been sitting pretty at 9-2 for tomorrow's Derby – might not even make it to the starting gates. Charlie Appleby's having second thoughts, and honestly? I don't blame him one bit.

Hear the Summary

When Weather Warnings Actually Matter

The Met Office slapped a yellow weather warning across Epsom for Saturday. We're talking thunderstorms, hail, the whole nine yards. Plus there's supposed to be a deluge overnight that'll turn the track into something resembling a swamp. I've seen Epsom in rough conditions before – back in 2019, I watched horses sliding around like they were on ice. Not pretty.

Ed Chamberlin broke the news on ITV Racing, and you could almost hear the collective groan from punters across the country. Appleby's already gun-shy after watching his red-hot Oaks favourite Desert Flower get turned over by Minnie Hauk yesterday. Poor guy probably feels like he's cursed right now.

The Godolphin Dilemma

Chamberlin quoted Appleby directly: "Charlie felt it was the track rather than the trip that hindered Desert Flower." Makes sense. Desert Flower was supposed to be a banker – I had £200 on her at 6-4 and watched it disappear faster than free drinks at a wedding.

Now Appleby's looking at the weather forecast and basically saying if the ground turns into a complete mess, Ruling Court stays in his stable. Smart move, actually. Why risk a genuine Group 1 horse on conditions that could ruin his entire season?

Meanwhile, O'Brien's Laughing

Aidan O'Brien must be feeling pretty smug right about now. His Delacroix has been backed down to 5-2 favourite after yesterday's Oaks triumph, and the Irish maestro seems to have the magic touch again this year. Ryan Moore showed on Friday he's still got that uncanny ability to judge pace on the Downs – watching him thread through traffic was like watching a master class.

The market's been all over the place. Delacroix drifted when he drew stall 14 (nobody wants the wide draw at Epsom), but punters have piled back in after seeing O'Brien's string in such good form.

Pride of Arras: The People's Champion

Can we talk about Pride of Arras for a second? Ralph Beckett's Dante winner is owned by an 80-year-old grandmother who's basically giving the finger to all the billionaire owners in racing. I love everything about this story. She's taking on the Coolmore and Godolphin empires with her pension money and a dream.

The horse is trading at similar odds to Ruling Court for second-favourite, and honestly, wouldn't it be something if the gran beats the big boys?

What Happens Next?

We've got a full field of 19 declared for the £1.5 million contest. That's assuming everyone actually shows up. If Ruling Court gets pulled, it'll send shockwaves through the betting markets – and probably hand Delacroix an even stronger position as favourite.

I'll be watching the weather radar like a hawk tonight. Every drop of rain that falls could be worth thousands to punters who've already placed their bets.

Sometimes I think racing would be easier if horses could run with umbrellas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you maintain the mental health of a racehorse?

Maintaining a racehorse’s mental health as well as their physical condition is crucial. Diverse routines are important for a racehorse’s mental well-being. It is important to ensure that the horse interacts with other horses, and maintain a calm and stable environment. This will help prevent behavioral problems and stress.

How do I condition a horse for racing?

The process of conditioning a racehorse involves a gradual progression that includes both long, slow distances for building stamina, and shorter, more intense workouts to increase speed. The cardiovascular system, muscle structure, and bone structure of the horse must be developed over time with a specially designed exercise regime that mimics race conditions without injury or stress.

Do different breeds of horses require different training methods?

The race training methods used for different breeds of horses can vary because the breed characteristics as well as racing distances are different. Thoroughbreds that are usually associated with long-distance racing on flat surfaces receive different training from Quarter Horses. Each breed has unique physical and behavioral traits that require a tailored training approach.

When can a horse be expected to start racing training?

Horses can start their basic training as yearlings, but most begin their more rigorous race training and conditioning when they are around two years old. The horses' bodies will be mature enough to withstand the strain of racing, while still young and adaptable. However, timing will vary depending upon the horse's individual temperament and developmental stage.

What's the best kind of diet for racing horses to follow?

A racehorse diet must be of the highest quality and balanced precisely to meet their energetic requirements for training and racing. The diet is usually a mixture of high-quality hay, grains like oats and barley, as well as commercially prepared racehorse feed. The diet should also be supplemented by essential vitamins and mineral to promote overall health and performance.

What is the importance of a horse's pedigree to racing success?

Although pedigree may be a sign of potential, it does not determine a racehorse’s success. While a horse's pedigree may indicate a inherited talent for speed and endurance, other factors such as training, health, or temperament also play a role. A horse's natural ability can be maximized by good training, and it may even outperform horses with impressive pedigrees.

Statistics

The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.
Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.

External Links

How To

How to Create an Effective Racehorse Training Schedule

An effective racehorse training program will balance strenuous exercise with the necessary rest. Include a variety of workouts, including walking, trotting and galloping. Vary the intensity throughout the week to improve fitness. Designate rest days to allow for muscle repair and mental recuperation. Seasonal training cycles based on the horse's racing schedule, tapering activities before a competition to ensure peak performances on race day.