Few jockeys are lucky enough to win a Guineas, but QIPCO British Champions Series has teamed up with ex-jockey and dual winner of the 1,000 Guineas, John Reid, to find out what it takes to win a Newmarket Classic.
Using, for the first time, three real-time camera angles whilst riding the famous track, John explains to would be winners of this weekend’s QIPCO 1000 and 2000 Guineas how to conquer the course, overcome the opposition and pick up the coveted prize.
Whether you’re on a sprinter or stayer, Reid talks through the importance of doing your homework before the race, getting into a good rhythm from the off and effectively judging the pace. And, whilst he argues that class will ultimately prevail, knowing whether to kick for home at the famous Bushes and when to take on your rivals is key to being able to claim one of racing’s most prestigious races.
This year’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas (Saturday 3rd May) has attracted a strong cast of international raiders including the first ever Spanish runner in the race, Noozhoh Canarias who is up against the cream of British horses including Kingman, Toormore and Kingston Hill. They will be looking to emulate recent stars of the turf, including Camelot and the imperious Frankel who won in 2011. The field on Sunday for the fillies’ QIPCO 1000 Guineas looks just as strong with local trainer Clive Brittain hoping to pick up the spoils with Rizeena, thirty years after last winning the race with Pebbles.
John Reid first won the 1000 Guineas in 1982 with On the House, before picking up a second title in 1994 on Las Meninas.
The QIPCO Guineas Festival takes place this weekend (3–4 May) at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile.
You can watch the footage here.
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
