Horse Racing: Upcoming Feature Races
As we enter into the second quarter of 2024, Horse Racing punters can look forward to a whole host of feature races from around the world. We take a look at races taking place in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Here are a few markets to consider adding to your bet slip...
UPCOMING FEATURE RACES
30th March 2024
DUBAI GOLD CUP (antepost) (AE)
Horse Racing is relatively young in the United Arab Emirates, with the first official race being hosted in October of 1981. On a dusty Canal track in Dubai. Three races were run - a sprint, a 8 furlongs and 4 furlongs, organised by the office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. A decade later in the 1992 the Dubai Racing Club, was established under the chairmanship of Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, a UAE Air Force commander. In March 1992 came the official opening at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, where the highlight was the appearance of some of horseracing's biggest stars at the time - jockeys Lester Piggott and Willie Carson.
There 90s would see a lot of advances in Horse Racing in Dubai, 1996 would see the first ever Dubai World Cup take place.
6th April 2024
PREMIERS CHAMPION CHALLENGE (antepost) (SA)
Previously won by Puerto Manzano in spectacular fashion, the Champion Challenge in a feature race you do not want to miss. Running on the 6th of April 2024. This years ante post field features, promising runners like, Cousin Casey, Puerto Manzano, Winchester Mansion, Dave the King, and Safe Passage to name a few. Which ever horse you choose to back in this years race, one thing is for sure, we will have your back on the day with specials and promotions to stretch your bet a little bit further.
EMPRESS CLUB STAKES (antepost) (SA)
Ran over 1600m, Last years race saw Desert Miracle walk away with the win. This years Antepost field features Gimme A Mother, Mrs Geriatrix, Humdinger, White Pearl, and Gilded Butterfly. Punters can look forward to a spirited race over 1600m under the Turffontein grand stand.
SA Derby, formerly known as the South African Derby is a race steeped in Heritage and rich in history. This race dates back to 1885 when it was ran in Port Elizabeth . This would change in 1906 when the race was ran for the last time in the city we call today Gqeberha. In 1907 the race took place in Turffontein for the first time and, from that point in time until 1969, the race was run in December. 1970 became the only calendar year in which this race was not run, with 1971 being the first year to host the race in the month of April. 53 years later, the race is scheduled to take place in April of 2024. The Ante-post field is full of runners itching to etch their names into the history books. Purple Pitcher is the first Favourite, with Pure Predator and Marauding Horde all pegged to impress in this race. Whether you will be enjoying this race from the race track or from the comfort of your home. Make sure to make the most the ante post pricing available on our website.
13th April 2024
GRAND NATIONAL (antepost) (UK)
The Grand National is a British Horse Racing held annually over the Aintree course in Liverpool. Held in late March or Early April, it attracts the attention of horse racing lovers from around the world. This race was first instituted in 1839 by William Lynn, a Liverpool Innkeeper and its present name was adopted in 1847. The race is ran over 7200m and a total of 30 jumps. For those new to horse racing, they can look for three days of horse racing, with the opening day on the 11th of April, ladies day on the 12th of April and the Grand National Day on the 13th of April.
31st May 2024
THE BETFRED OAKS (antepost) (UK)
The Betfred Oaks is a fillies-only Classic, run at the Epsom Downs in June over 2400m. Which is the same distance as the Betfred Derby. The Oaks was established in 1779, one year before the Derby, and was named after a house near Epsom, Leased by the 12th Earl of Derby. 202 saw another performance for the Oaks record Books. Aidan O'Brien-trained love was dominant and ruthless in a 9L victory in the Fillies Classic. Enjoy the oaks with Betfred exclusive specials on the race day. visit our website for more information.
1st June 2024
THE BETFRED DERBY (antepost) (UK)
Often referred to as the 'Blue Riband' of the turf, the Betfred Derby is run a t the Epsom Downs over 2400m. The race is open to Three-year-old colts and fillies. The Derby was first run in 1780, a year after the inaugural Oaks. The 12th Earl of Derby and Sri Chales Bunbury, the senior steward of the jockey club are said to have tossed a coin to decide who the race should be name after, although Bunbury probably deferred to his host.
