God, I've been covering racing for nearly two decades now, and I've never seen John Gosden look this quietly confident before a Guineas. The man's won practically everything else under the sun, but somehow the 2,000 Guineas has slipped through his fingers like sand since 1990. Thirty-five bloody years!
I bumped into an old colleague at Newmarket last week who bet me £50 that Field Of Gold would flop. Typical pessimist. But you can't blame him after watching Kingman get pipped at the post back in 2014. That one still hurts to think about.
The Grey Wonder Making Everyone Sit Up
Field Of Gold absolutely demolished the Craven field last month. I was standing near the rail when he thundered past, and the collective gasp from the crowd told you everything. This wasn't just a win - it was a statement.
The bookies immediately slashed his odds to 7-4 for Saturday's Classic. And when Aidan O'Brien's Twain got pulled out? Well, let's just say a lot of punters were reaching for their wallets.
Gosden himself seems... weirdly calm about the whole thing? When I spoke to him at the yard last Tuesday, he just shrugged off the whole "never won a Guineas" thing.
"It has never weighed on my mind. It seems to be glaring to everyone else but not to me!" he told me with that characteristic half-smile. Easy for him to say. I've had money on his Guineas runners four times over the years. Painful memories.
From Father to Son - The Clarehaven Dynasty
At 74, Gosden now shares the license with his son Thady, who's only 30 and already showing teh same tactical brilliance. (Sorry, typing too fast there - hazard of filing copy on deadline).
What's fascinating is how Field Of Gold reminds the elder Gosden of his sire.
"He's probably quite like his father, Kingman, but his father was a different 'make' of horse, a powerful bull of a horse but very relaxed and Kingman's favourite habit was eating and sleeping."
Listen. I watched Kingman's career closely. If Field Of Gold has even 90% of his father's ability, Saturday could finally be Gosden's day.
Why this time might actually be different
Back in 2018, I was convinced Roaring Lion would do it for Gosden. Ended up fifth. Spent £200 on that bet adn still regret it.
But there's something different about Field Of Gold. The way he travels. How he quickened in the Craven. That effortless stride.
Gosden thinks there's more to come too.
"I think he was 85 per cent fit in the Craven and there's no doubt that that first race just tightened and sharpened him."
Scary thought for the opposition.
The race that got away
Six-time champion trainer. Royal Ascot winners galore. Derby victories. Arc triumphs. Yet somehow, the 2,000 Guineas has remained Gosden's white whale since Anshan finished third way back in 1990.
I remember interviewing him after Kingman's heartbreaking defeat. He was philosophical, but his eyes told a different story. Some losses cut deeper than others.
What happens after Saturday?
Gosden's already thinking ahead - typical trainer mind never stops working.
"I think he's a horse who will probably be comfortable in a race like the Eclipse in future if we ever got there at that time. I think a mile and a quarter would be something well within his comfort."
But he quickly catches himself: "But Saturday is a big day, so let's get that out of the way first."
Wise words. One race at a time.
I'll be trackside on Saturday, probably clutching a betting slip with Field Of Gold's name on it. Old habits die hard. My editor thinks I'm jinxing Gosden by backing his horses. His response: "Then please bet on someone else's horse this time."
Not a chance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do racehorses breed and select for racing?
The goal of breeding racehorses is to produce horses that excel on the racing track. Breeders select sires and dams with proven racing pedigrees, aiming to produce offspring with optimal characteristics for speed, endurance, and temperament. Thoroughbreds, which are the most common breeds associated with racing in Britain, are closely tracked. Prior to racing, racehorses undergo a thorough selection process, which includes pedigree evaluation, conformation assessment and performance during training.
Do different horse races take place in the UK?
There are several types of horse race in the UK. These include Flat racing, National Hunt racing (or jump racing), and other races. Flat racing does not include obstacles and is run on flat tracks from 5 feet to more than 2 miles. National Hunt racing focuses on both the horse’s jumping and speed. Races like steeplechases and hurdles feature obstacles. There are variations within these two broad categories such as handicaps and maidens races. Each has its own entry criteria and rules.
What is meant by the jockeys silks and why?
The jockeys’ silks consist of colorful and patterned clothes worn by the jockeys in a race. Each set is unique and registered to the horse's owner, allowing spectators and officials to identify the horses during the race easily. The silks' design can have sentimental meaning or be part of a family tradition. It may include different colors, patterns, or emblems.
How are horses and their riders kept safe during a racing event?
In UK horse racing, the safety of horses and riders are of paramount importance. There are strict regulations in place that ensure racecourses adhere to high safety standards. Horses are subjected to health checks both before and following races. Jockeys also wear safety gear, such as helmets and protective body armor. Rapid response teams and veterinarians are also on hand to deal with any incident.
What does it mean when a horse is described as a 'stayer' in racing terms?
In racing terms, a 'stayer' is a horse that excels in racing over long distances. Typically, these distances are beyond one mile and four furlongs. Stayers have to be able to run fast over long distances. Renowned Stayers compete often in long-distance racing such as Ascot Gold Cup.
How does handicapping work in UK horseracing?
In UK horseracing, the handicap system gives every horse an equally good chance of winning. In essence, the weights that horses carry in a race are determined by their previous performances. The heavier the weight, the better for horses that have a good past performance. The British Horseracing Authority in the UK is responsible to update ratings after the race results.
Statistics
- The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
- The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
- There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
- Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
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How To
How to join a horse racing syndicate in the UK
By joining a UK horse racing syndicate, individuals can collectively own and race a racehorse while sharing the associated costs and experiences. For more information, you can research different syndicates and find the one that best suits your interests and budget. Syndicate managers handle the horse's training and care, organizing visits to the trainer's yard and the races. Decide the level of involvement that you feel comfortable with. The financial commitment can vary greatly from syndicates to syndicates. Always ensure thorough paperwork, including agreements on ownership shares, liabilities, and decisions regarding the horse's racing career and welfare.
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