Ascot Racecourse News 2023 Highlights and Insights
Reflecting on 2023 and Gazing into the Crystal Ball for 2024: Experts Weigh In on Horse Racing’s Highlights
As the curtain falls on another thrilling year in horse racing, our top team at Mail Sport – Racing Editor MARCUS TOWNEND and Racing Correspondent DOMINIC KING – reflect on the highlights of 2023 and gaze into the crystal ball for the season ahead.
Standout Moments of 2023
TOWNEND highlighted Corach Rambler’s Grand National triumph as one of the standout moments of the year. The gelding, trained by Lucinda Russell with assistance from our columnist Peter Scudamore, stormed to a comfortable victory, leaving jockey Derek Fox sitting pretty as they cruised over the final fence.
KING was in awe of Frankie Dettori’s emotional farewell ride aboard King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes at Royal Ascot. “To hear the crowd cheering and chanting his name in the aftermath was unique in racing,” he marveled.
Individual Performances of the Year
Both experts were in agreement when it came to individual performances. TOWNEND praised Sean Kirrane’s masterful ride on Live In The Dream in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, while KING tipped his hat to Ryan Moore’s breathtaking effort on Auguste Rodin in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Expectations for 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, the experts are confident that the legendary Frankie Dettori will make a return to Royal Ascot, with his affinity for the prestigious meeting being a key draw. They also shared their excitement for the prospects of Marine Nationale in the Arkle Novices’ Chase and Burdett Road in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
As for horses to follow in the new year, TOWNEND highlighted the promising Rosallion, while KING tipped the well-bred Henry Longfellow to make waves on the Flat. When it comes to certainties, the duo offered differing views, with TOWNEND backing Sean Bowen to clinch the jump jockeys’ title, and KING predicting victories for Stay Away Fay in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and Inspiral in the Juddmonte International at York.
“To hear the crowd cheering and chanting his name in the aftermath was unique in racing,” – DOMINIC KING on Frankie Dettori’s emotional farewell ride at Royal Ascot.
As the new season approaches, Royal Ascot 2023, Royal Ascot 2023 dates, Royal Ascot, Royal Ascot 2024, and Royal Ascot dress code will undoubtedly feature prominently in the minds of racing enthusiasts. The expert insights provided by TOWNEND and KING promise to keep readers well-informed and eager for the thrilling action that lies ahead.
🔗 Source
