What Makes My Blood Boil About Racing These Days

By Lewis Barnett 3 June, 2025 5 mins read 74 Views

Look, I've been around this game long enough to have opinions. Strong ones.

Six championships, Derby wins, the Arc, both Guineas – I did it all back when racing felt different. More raw. More honest, maybe? Now I'm 60, working as a gallop rider for Charlie Appleby at Godolphin, and watching races from the sidelines instead of being in the thick of it. And honestly? Some of what I see today drives me absolutely mental.

Audio Summary of the Article

These Bloody False Rails Are Ruining Everything

First thing that gets under my skin – these false rails they stick out there now. God, I hate them.

They've taken the art right out of race-riding. That's what it was for me – an art form. You had to think, had to plan, had to read the race like a book that's being written in real time. Now? Everyone just fans out across the track like they're at a Sunday school picnic.

Don't get me wrong – punters love them because it opens everything up, gives every horse a chance. Your nag stuck in behind? No worries, just swing wide and have a go. But that was the whole point! That was the skill! Finding the gaps, making the right moves at the right time.

I never liked sitting at the back anyway. Always preferred being up with the pace, making sure we had a proper gallop going. Stretch out the field, let the best horse prove it. But even then, you still had to be smart about positioning, about when to make your move.

The Centre-Course Parade

And another thing – this business of everyone charging up the middle of the racecourse like they're leading a cavalry charge.

Where's the strategy in that? Where's the chess match between jockeys? It's all become too easy, too predictable. Sure, it might be "fairer" or whatever, but racing was never supposed to be fair in that way. It was supposed to reward the clever ones, the brave ones, the ones who could thread a needle at 35mph.

My son Cieren's riding now, and I watch him navigate all this modern stuff. He's good – really good – but he's playing by different rules than I did.

Working for Charlie (And His Cheeky Rules)

These days I'm at Moulton Paddocks with Charlie Appleby, and the man's a comedian. Brilliant trainer, mind you – just look at what he did this year with Desert Flower and Ruling Court in the Guineas. That filly's red-hot for the Oaks, and I'd give anything to be the one partnering her at Epsom.

But Charlie's got his little rules. "Once you're over 55, you can't ride the yearlings," he tells me with that smirk of his. Cheeky sod! Here I am with more big-race wins than most jockeys dream of, and he's worried I'll corrupt his babies.

Fair play to him though – he's great to work for. Keeps things fun, which matters more than you'd think in this business.

What We've Lost

Listen, I get it. Racing evolves. Has to, really.

But sometimes I watch these races now and feel like something's been lost in translation. The tactical battles, the split-second decisions that could make or break a race – it's all been smoothed over, made more "accessible."

Back in my day (and yes, I know how that sounds), you lived or died by your positioning. Get it wrong, and you're watching the winner from three lengths back, knowing you had the best horse but couldn't get him there. Get it right, and you're the hero.

That's what made it beautiful. That's what made it an art.

Now? Well, now everyone gets a participation trophy and a clear run to the line.

Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy. But when you've felt what it's like to thread through a gap that barely exists, to time a run to perfection, to win a Derby by pure skill and instinct – well, you notice when that magic starts disappearing.

The horses are still magnificent. The speed, the power, the heart – that never changes.

It's everything else that's gone a bit soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Triple Crown in horseracing?

Triple Crown: This prestigious title is awarded to thoroughbreds that are three years old and have won three major races within a year. In the United States these races are the Kentucky Derby Stakes Preakness Stakes Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown is an impressive and rare achievement, indicating a horse’s extraordinary endurance and capability.

What are major horse races?

Some of the most illustrious events in horse racing include the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States, which comprises the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Dubai World Cup, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Royal Ascot, United Kingdom and Melbourne Cup are all internationally renowned races. These prestigious events attract the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world.

What are the different surfaces that horse races are run on?

Horse races are run on various surfaces, including dirt, turf (grass), and synthetic tracks. Horses can perform differently on different surfaces. Some horses will show preference for a certain surface or have superior abilities. The outcome of the race can be affected by changes in conditions, such as a muddy track caused by rain.

What are the main factors that determine the outcome of horse races?

Numerous factors can influence the outcome a horse race. These include the horse's condition, its breeding, and its training. Additionally, jockey experience and skills, track conditions, weight, and distance are all important factors. The weather can play a big role as well, because some horses do better on specific surfaces and under certain conditions.

What is the role of the jockey in a horserace?

The jockey plays a crucial role in a horserace, as his or her decisions and abilities can affect the outcome. An experienced jockey knows how to pace the horse, when to hold back or push forward, navigate the field, and effectively use their whip to coax maximum effort from the horse in the final stretch of the race. For a successful partnership, the horse-jockey relationship is crucial.

Statistics

The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.
Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
The Thoroughbred industry in the United Kingdom heralds over £3 billion in economic output annually.
Australia hosts more than 19,000 horse races annually, making it home to one of the busiest racing calendars globally.
The Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.

External Links

How To

How To Prepare For A Career as a Professional Rider

To become a professional jockey, you need to be dedicated. You can start by attending a reputable training school where you will learn basic horse racing techniques. Physical fitness is vital; maintain a regimen that builds strength, stamina, and balance. Get an apprentice's license before you start racing professionally. This period is often referred to by the term "bug boy", where you ride with a specific weight allowance. Find a mentor and ride as many different horses as you can to gain as much experience as possible. Maintain a strict diet and weight-management protocol, while also focusing on safety measures and skills improvement.