Parliamentary time has been secured for MPs to discuss the future of Kempton Park. The racecourse, which hosts the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, is under threat of a sale from the Jockey Club to a housing developer. Goodwood and York, meanwhile, have combined to lay out an independent plan to operate racing.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Tuesday.
Kempton’s future to be discussed in parliament
The MP for Spelthorne, Lincoln Jopp, has earned time to debate the future of Kempton Park in parliament. The racecourse, situated in Sunbury-On-Thames in Surrey, is under threat of closure, with the Jockey Club exploring the possibility of a sale to housing developers. A new government regulation known as the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 enables the release of Green belt land and the acceleration of planning processes and permissions. That makes Kempton an attractive site for purchase. (Guardian)
Goodwood and York unveil combined racing vision
Two of British racing’s largest independent racecourses have unveiled their mutual vision for the future. Their suggestions would replace the all-encompassing committee of the British Horseracing Authority with three separate wings: one for elite flat racing, one for everyday flat racing, and one for jumps racing. Both Goodwood and York only host flat racing at their tracks. York chief William Derby said their plans are “about giving a strategy for each of those three stands of the sport.” (Sporting Life)
Karl Burke confident Venetian Sun can pass sternest test
Karl Burke is relishing the upcoming July Cup at Newmarket as he sends favourite Venetian Sun to HQ. The three-year-old filly gutsily won the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last time out. receiving weight from her rivals, she is the favourite in a strong field containing three other Royal Ascot Group 1 winners, as well as Japanese star Satono Reve. Burke reports that “she did a lovely piece of work last week and we’re all set to go.” (Racing TV)
Constitution River on course for Ombudsman clash in Juddmonte International
Coral-Eclipse hero Constitution River is on course to meet Ombudsman at York in August. The three-year-old is unbeaten this term with notable wins in the Eclipse and French Derby. However, Ombudsman is now the highest-rated racehorse in the world after a devastating display in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at the royal meeting. Ombudsman won the Juddmonte International, the aim for both horses, last year, beating Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix. (Racing Post)
Sky’s purchase of ITV streaming could enhance racing product
A deal was struck on Monday for Sky to purchase all of ITV’s TV and streaming services. The £1.6 billion deal could provide a boost for horse racing coverage too. ITV Racing’s current deal to bring free-to-air coverage expires in 2030. With plenty of room left on that deal, there could be introductions to enhance the product in the meantime. Sky’s purchase could bring increased data and detail to the broadcast, while Sky chief executive Dana Strong has said “we want to put more sport into free” TV. (Racing Post)