A significant revelation from Ascot racecourse on Monday has left racing in a state of flux. The royal course will leave the Racecourse Association at the end of 2026. The announcement followed a blockbuster pair of Classic at Newmarket at the weekend.
Here is today’s racing news round-up after the Bank Holiday weekend.
Ascot to leave Racecourse Association
Ascot racecourse has taken the substantial step to leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of 2026. The RCA represents 58 member tracks across the United Kingdom. Ascot was one of five racecourses which signed a letter in March urging an urgent review of the RCA’s governing practices. Although a thorough 12-week review is underway in the RCA, Ascot chief executive Felicity Barnard felt leaving was “in the interests of the long-term health of the sport.” (Racing Post)
2000 Guineas: Brilliant Bow Echo set Royal Ascot target
The 2000 Guineas was won in splendid fashion by Bow Echo for George Boughey and Billy Loughnane. The long-term favourite for the race drifted to 9/2 before the off as Ballydoyle and Godolphin’s representatives, Gstaad and Distant Storm, were well-backed into joint favouritism. However, under a cool Loughnane ride, Bow Echo emerged from the pack with a powerful turn-of-foot. He and Gstaad pulled eight lengths clear of the third, but Bow Echo had nearly three lengths in hand himself. The St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot is next on the agenda. (Mirror)
1000 Guineas: True Love lasts to end O’Brien drought
Having gone five years without a Guineas trophy at Newmarket, Aidan O’Brien finally ended the drought. It was not with favourite Precise though, as True Love, backed down to second favourite, won under Wayne Lordan. Seemingly the Ballydoyle second string, True Love showed the benefit of race fitness having won on her comeback. Precise, making her reappearance, could finish only seventh, as the winner beat Evolutionist by a little under two lengths. (BBC)
Minnie Hauk headlines Bank Holiday winners
Monday’s racing revolved around the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh. The contest was won in fitting fashion by its star attraction as Minnie Hauk swept her rivals aside. The 2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up had her work cut out to catch pacemaker Edward Hamilton. She ultimately accomplished that task with ease though as she began her 2026 campaign in good style. (Racing TV)
Chester trials aim to be as informative as 2025
Last year, the winners of the Cheshire Oaks and Chester Vase went on to Epsom glory. If there are any Minnie Hauks or Lambourns in this year’s card, it will be another success for the Roodee. Those two trials both take place on the opening day on Wednesday. The well-regarded I’m The One takes the stand for the Gosdens in the fillies’ race. 40 minutes later, Benvenuto Cellini, who is currently ante-post favourite for the Derby, will contest the Chester Vase. (At The Races)