Racing UK - July 2012
Racing highlights
A tremendous month on Racing UK for Flat enthusiasts kicking off with the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown (July, 7). Sir Henry Cecil and Aidan O’Brien have won the last two renewals with Twice Over and So You Think respectively. Both will be attempting to become the sixth horse to win the prestigious 10-furlong event for a second time. O’Brien will be seeking his sixth win in the race since the turn of the century.
On the same afternoon, Haydock Park hosts one of their biggest days of the year with the Lancashire Oaks and Old Newton Cup. The latter is one of the most historic races run at the Merseyside track and is a top-class handicap over a mile and a half. Luca Cumani has won three of the last eight renewals, plus a second in 2011, and the Newmarket-based trainer is expected to have a live contender once again. Look out for either Danadana, Franciscan or Spifer.
Newmarket stages their three-day July Festival (12–14) with the main event on the final day, namely the Darley July Cup over six furlongs. Bated Breath was runner-up 12 months ago and, granted fast ground, Roger Charlton’s colt may prove the one to beat having won on his return to action at Haydock in May over five furlongs.
The John Smith’s Cup at York on Saturday July 14, is a fiercely competitive handicap over a mile and a quarter. Possible contenders for this include the locally-trained Area Fifty One, Gatewood and Media Hype.
If that wasn’t enough, the month ends with the start of five magnificent days at ‘Glorious’ Goodwood. The Gordon Stakes, a recognised St Leger trial, is one of the features on the opening day in Sussex (July 31, 2012).
And don't forget we also endeavour to show ALL Group races from France!
Features
Also look out for the popular weekly Trainer Files and monthly Planet Turf, which are now firmly embedded in the Racing UK schedule, while the new At Home With... offers a more personal insight into some of racing’s most prominent characters, such as the Ann and George Duffield episode which was aired in June and Hayley Turner, which will air in July.
