The Jockey Club is set to leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of 2026. The organisation, which operates 15 racecourses across the country, will work independently after the break, a move Ascot racecourse pursued earlier this year too. In upcoming racing action, Ryan Moore is a surprise name on the teamsheet for the Shergar Cup this weekend.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Tuesday.
The Jockey Club departs the Racecourse Association (RCA)
In a statement on Monday, the Jockey Club has announced it will leave the RCA at the end of 2026. Jockey Club Chief Executive Jim Mullen suggested political differences enforced a change for the good of the sport. Mullen’s statement says that “the RCA’s proposals (for review) fail to address our fundamental concern that the RCA can continue to act to stifle the necessary changes needed in the industry,” and that the Jockey Club will now “pursue a vision based on the long-term sustainability of the sport.” (The Jockey Club)
Ryan Moore & Dylan Browne McMonagle to ride in Shergar Cup
Ascot’s Shergar Cup card received an enormous boost on Monday. Both Ryan Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle will ride in the event on Saturday. The team event has changed in recent years to a purely geographic team competition in terms of its competitors in the saddle. Moore and McMonagle will join Saffie Osborne on the Great Britain & Ireland team. It is the first time Moore will have ridden at the Shergar Cup for 20 years, with him having won the silver saddle award for best rider with two wins in the event in 2006. (Sporting Life)
Haydock to host first meeting since May
Haydock Park will host horse racing for the first time in three months on Friday. The Lancashire track has not hosted any meetings since its Temple Stakes card was marred by the discovery of a hole in the ground on their home straight. Since then, work has been undertaken to ensure the safety of equine and human competitors. A fissure in the ground, related to former mining works at the location, was ultimately to blame for the sinking turf, but all issues have now been resolved. (Racing Post)
Trainer Patrick Griffin dies aged 84
Irish trainer Patrick Griffin has died at the age of 84. Griffin has enjoyed success with the hugely admirable Roi Mage in recent years. His stable star won Listed honours in France at the age of 13 last September. he also finished in the top ten in two successive Grand Nationals in 2023 and 2024. Griffin passed away on Sunday, five days after sending out his final runner, Herja, who finished second at Galway. Among Griffin’s biggest training successes was Feltrim Hill Lad’s win in the Thyestes Chase. (Racing Post)
French jockey banned after hospitality incident at Longchamp
French jockey Jerome Claudic has received a one-month ban following his behaviour at a Longchamp meeting in July. Cluadic was reported to have insulted guests in hospitality at the track, as well as headbutting a France Galop official. On being escorted away, Claudic also launched a tirade of insults and racist abuse. The rider has previously served a six-month ban for a positive narcotics test. Claudic suggested he had simply had a small glass of wine and was seeking somewhere to watch the World Cup. (Mirror)