Following the latest scratchings deadline, 22 three-year-old colts remain entered for the 2026 Betfred Derby. The £2,000,000 race is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday 6 June at Epsom Downs racecourse.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has the largest representation with 10 runners, including ante-post favourite Benvenuto Cellini. His son Joseph O’Brien trains two additional contenders in the field.
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Twenty-nine horses passed the first trot-up at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event on April 22, marking the start of the five-star competition in Kentucky. No horses were referred to the holding box despite minor spooks from two entries. The cross-country course, designed by Derek di Grazia, features 28 fences over 6312 meters with an optimum time of 11 minutes 5 seconds.
Two-time winner Galopin Des Champs has been ruled out of the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup due to a setback, opening the market. Fact To File now leads ante-post betting at 9/2, with Jango Baie and Jukebox Man at 11/2. The blue riband race is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Cheltenham Racecourse.
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British horse racing experienced several positive developments in 2025, including increases in total prize money and racecourse attendances. The British Horseracing Authority highlighted strong performances at major events while noting challenges in field sizes and betting turnover. The annual report outlines key statistics and future initiatives for the sport.
Two horses faced scrutiny during the opening trot-up for the Mars Badminton Horse Trials on May 6 but both passed inspection after re-presentation. All 61 entries advanced to dressage as a result. The event marks the start of the five-star competition in Gloucestershire.
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Undefeated filly Bella Ballerina leads the nominations for the 152nd running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks, set for May 1, 2026, at Churchill Downs. The three-year-old earned her status with wins in the Golden Rod Stakes and Rachel Alexandra Stakes. Labwah has risen to second on the leaderboard after a dominant victory in the UAE Oaks.
Entries for the 2026 Mars Badminton Horse Trials were published on March 23, with two-time champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo topping the list. The event is scheduled for May 6-10 and offers a top prize of £125,000. Several former winners and world-ranked riders are among the entrants.
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Day 3 of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, set for Thursday, March 12, features seven races including three Grade 1 events. Expert predictions highlight Teahupoo as the NAP in the Stayers’ Hurdle, with Bambino Fever tipped as the most likely winner overall. Irish-trained horses are expected to dominate key contests.