Friday Racing Preview

Hi all,

Before my Friday racing preview inside today’s main piece, you can read my thoughts on the Charlotte Dujardin affair.

Charlotte Dujardin Controversy Sparks Debate on Horses in Sport

The recent controversy involving top dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has reignited debates about the use of horses in sport, with far-reaching implications for horse racing. The incident, which has garnered widespread public attention, raises significant questions about animal welfare and the future of equine sports.

The Incident and Public Outcry

A video showing Dujardin using a whip excessively on her horse has circulated widely, provoking strong reactions from the public and animal welfare advocates. In the footage, Dujardin strikes the horse over twenty times, leading to widespread condemnation. This behaviour, perceived as routine rather than an isolated lapse, has sparked outrage and concern among those outside the equestrian community.

Totally unacceptable behaviour. You must think by her demeanour when administering the whip, it was just another day at the office for Dujardin and she looked like she wouldn’t have been out of place in the heyday of Billy Smart’s circus. A couple of hits of the whip and you might be able to put it down as a moment of madness, but this suggests it’s not an isolated incident.

Implications for Horse Racing

While the incident occurred in a dressage context, it has broader implications for horse racing and other equine sports. The public's reaction underscores a growing sensitivity towards the treatment of animals in sports and entertainment. As a result, horse racing will find itself under increased scrutiny, as people draw parallels between the differing disciplines.

Defending the Indefensible?

Alice Plunkett's appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain to defend Dujardin wasn’t helpful to the sport. Although Plunkett acknowledged that Dujardin deserved punishment, her defence can be perceived as an attempt to minimize the incident's severity.

ITV Racing shouldn’t have allowed her to comment on the matter and Alice herself should have refused to do it, but she couldn’t resist defending her pal.

This misstep highlights the difficulty of addressing public concerns while protecting the sport's image.

Yes, the public will quickly forget the matter. However, it stays deep in the memory bank and think of horses in sport and what pops up in people's head will be Charlotte Dujardin and that shameful video.

The Future of the Whip in Horse Racing

The Dujardin incident will accelerate discussions about banning the use of whips in horse racing. Previously, many in the industry believed, myself included, such a ban was a decade away. However, this controversy has brought the issue to the forefront, potentially reducing that timeline significantly.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Charlotte Dujardin has cast a spotlight on equine sports, raising critical questions about animal welfare. As public sentiment shifts, the horse racing community must navigate these challenges carefully, balancing tradition with the need for humane practices. The industry’s response will shape the future of equestrian sports, potentially leading to significant reforms and a rethinking of what is acceptable in the treatment of animals.

Friday Racing Preview

The excitement is building as Ascot's King George meeting kicks off on Friday, accompanied by a notable card at York, featuring the Listed Lyric Fillies' Stakes (7:50). Let's delve into the standout handicaps at Ascot in the Friday racing preview.

Ascot

2:25 – John Guest Racing Brown Jack Handicap (Class 3) – 2m

Tactician: Coming off a close 2nd over this course and distance 14 days ago, this 3-year-old is the favourite. A 3lb rise in the weights is manageable, and with just four career starts, there's potential for further improvement.

True Legend: A respectable 5th in the Northumberland Plate, he returns to turf unexposed at this distance, making him a strong contender.

Atilla The Honey: After two all-weather wins in the spring, she broke her turf maiden at Newbury last week. Up 6lb in a more competitive field, but unexposed over staying distances.

Zoran: A consistent performer over two miles, he enjoys good ground. Despite moving up in class, he should go well.

3:35 – John Guest Racing Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

A field of nine lines up for this competitive looking handicap:

Alfred Boucher: Winner of this race in 2021 and a short-head runner-up in the 2022 Ebor Handicap. Despite a long layoff (671 days), he’s on a fair mark, if fit.

Mutaawid: Impressive novice winner at Kempton 16 days ago, now on a potentially favourable mark for his handicap debut. A strong contender.

Wonder Kid: Returned in June with two wins, narrowly missing a hat trick recently. Consistency is his strong suit.

Hosaamm: Winner of Newbury maiden two starts back, improved again when runner-up under a penalty last time. Making his handicap debut for a trainer in good form, he’s worth noting.

Chasing Aphrodite: Bounced back at Sandown (1m 2f) with a win last month. A 4lb rise poses a challenge and his stamina for 1m 4f has to be taken on trust, If he stays, he's in the mix.

Mount Atlas: Finished a 6 ¼ length 3rd to Mutaawid at Kempton but is better off at the weights here. Handicap debutant with potential for improvement. The yard won this race last year.

That’s my Friday racing preview completed. A thrilling week of racing lies ahead, and for those interested in my Goodwood & Galway previews, they're available for just £10 here.

Good luck with your Friday bets!

John