The opening day of Chester‘s May meeting saw Aidan O’Brien once again win both key Epsom trials. Amelia Earhart won the Cheshire Oaks with Benvenuto Cellini scoring in the Chester Vase. Both are favourites for the Oaks and Derby respectively.
GG rounds up the racing news today for Thursday below.
Chester: Amelia Earhart flies and Benvenuto Cellini sculpts winning model
Aidan O’Brien blooded two of his most prominent Epsom Classic hopes at Chester on Wednesday. The first of those was Amelia Earhart, who soared to success in the Cheshire Oaks. The daughter of Camelot took five races to get off the mark at two. However, a seven-length victory to conclude her juvenile career hinted at what was to come. The strapping three-year-old beat previous Epsom Oaks favourite I’m The One. The Ballydoyle filly was strong in the market at Chester and now heads the betting herself for the Oaks. (Racing Post)
Within 45 minutes, O’Brien strengthened his stance at the top of the Derby betting too. Benvenuto Cellini was already favourite for Epsom’s most famous race. However, in delivering a power-packed finish in the Chester Vase, he is now as short as 9/4 for glory in one month’s time. A son of Frankel and Newspaperofrecord, the chestnut with a flashy white blaze galloped well clear to win at odds of 2/9. Bred in the purple, he is sure to be popular to make it four Derbies in a row for O’Brien. (Sky Sports)
Gosden yard hopeful Water To Wine can make Epsom
While it may not take the miracle of his name, Water To Wine faces a race against time to make the Epsom Derby. John & Thady Gosden’s charge was a late non runner for the Chester Vase on Wednesday. The three-year-old has raced just once in his career so far, comfortably winning a Newbury maiden. John Gosden described him as “a bit off colour, but we’ll get him back and see where we are,” in regard to his potential Derby participation. (Racing TV)
Racecourse Association review backed by “rebel” courses
Chester, along with Goodwood, were one of five tracks which penned a letter to the Racecourse Association (RCA) asking for radical change to their leadership and governance. Ascot have already announced that they will leave the RCA at the end of 2026. Chester and Goodwood, meanwhile, have backed a review into the RCA’s governance over 12 weeks. Said review is likely to be “extensive” into the role of the RCA. (Racing Post)
Doncaster Central MP urges affordability check delay
The Gambling Commission is reportedly poised to move forward with affordability checks imminently. However, Labour MP for Doncaster Central, Sally Jameson, has expressed her concern about the measures. Under Labour’s government, the Gambling Commission have trialled affordability checks with mixed results. Despite this, they are likely to be rolled out more widely in the near future. Jameson has said that “intrusive and unreliable checks” will see “some turn to the illegal online black market.” (Sporting Life)