Juddmonte’s two primary Epsom Classic hopefuls are declared to run at York this week. Legacy Link runs in the Musidora Stakes on Wednesday, with Item representing the famous silks on Thursday. Meanwhile, a Gambling Commission executive has suggested affordability checks can only be judged after a sufficient rollout.
Find out more about today’s racing news in our Wednesday round-up.
Judgement week for Juddmonte’s Classic chances
York’s Dante meeting provides a sliding doors moment for the famous Juddmonte colours this week. Legacy Link runs in the Musidora Stakes on Wednesday, looking to confirm the promise of her juvenile career. She will be followed by Item, who runs in the Dante Stakes on Thursday. Should neither prevail, the owners’ Classic chances at Epsom look to be limited, with Aidan O’Brien dominating the betting for both the Oaks and the Derby. (Sporting Life)
Gambling Commission preparing rollout as BHA launches Bettors Forum
A senior executive at the Gambling Commission has suggested affordability checks can only be judged on their merits once a full rollout has begun. Tim Miller is executive director of research and policy at the commission. Speaking at a conference on Tuesday, Miller said that “you can’t evaluate something until you have implemented it.” A test rollout has drawn significant pushback from punters. (Racing Post)
Also on Tuesday, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) launched its most recent Bettors Forum. The online survey is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in a wide-ranging series of questions aimed at punters on horse racing. The BHA announced that “it is always our aim to represent punters to the best of our ability.” This measure is now very prevalent with affordability checks looming (BHA)
Owners urged to be wary of Equine Flu
A recent outbreak of Equine Influenza has led to 52 cases across Great Britain and Ireland in recent weeks. Plumpton had to abandon their meeting at the weekend due to said outbreak. Earlier this week, the equine infectious disease surveillance (EIDS) team at Cambridge Vet School has urged owners of racehorses to be very wary of equine flu and its potential surge. The disease can affect both thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred horses. (Horse And Hound)
Field Of Gold facing race against time for Royal Ascot
Field Of Gold has already been ruled out of the Lockinge Stakes on Saturday. The grey is now facing a race against time to be fit for Royal Ascot. John & Thady Gosden’s charge was a brilliant winner of the St James’s Palace Stakes in 2025. He is now an intended runner in the Queen Anne Stakes on the straight mile course at the royal meeting. However, the bacterial infection which ruled him out of Newbury may cause too many days off prior to Ascot. (Racing TV)