What are blinkers?

blinkersIn horse racing, blinkers refers to cowls, or cups – typically made from fabric, leather or plastic and attached to a garment that fits over the head – that are placed next to the eyes of a horse to restrict its field of vision. Blinkers come in several different varieties, ranging from so-called ‘cheaters’, which barely restrict any vision at all, to ‘full cup’ blinkers, which are highly restrictive.

Horses are naturally ‘prey’ animals and, as such, are blessed with a 275°, panoramic view of the world. They also have small blind spots, directly in front and directly behind, so the purpose of blinkers is allow forward vision, but to deny rear and, in some cases, side vision, all or in part. The application of blinkers forces horse to concentrate on forward vision, so that they are less likely to be distracted or upset by anything elsewhere in their natural field of vision.

What Is Totopoly?

If you are a lover of horse racing and board games you may remember Totopoly.

Totopoly was designed by Walter Lee and Roy Palmer in 1938, originally published by Waddingtons, a British manufacturer of card and board games. The dice and card game is based on the lead up and during a horse race. The game is based on double-sided board for two phases of the game:

Number of players: 3 – 6

The game take less than 10 minutes to set up.

Contents: Playing board, 12 horses, money lease cards, trainers’ reports cards, advantage and disadvantage cards, tote pad and 2 dice.

Duration of game: 90 minutes (average)

Banker:

A banker is chosen who looks after the cash, giving each player £700 and collects payments for horses and business before and during the auction of horses. Also, collecting horse entrance fees, the distribution of the prize money although 10% is taken by the tote. The banker and their own money as a player are kept separately.

Side one:

This is the pre-race side of the game. Each player has a selection of horses in one of two stables, Stevedon and Walroy, racing around a loop (racecourse) by way of throwing a dice and drawing cards (advantage or disadvantage cards) which become important in the second phase of the game which used the other side of the board. Each player throws the dice once and this is used to move their horses around the course. This game is based on chance (throwing the dice), negotiation and strategy. Some horses may be eliminated during this first phase of the game.

Side two:

This side of the board sees the race begin. However, before the start of the race you have an opportunity to place bets on your horses. Each player has £700. You may use your advantage cards to help your horse in this part of the game but you also have to use the disadvantage cards too. A disadvantage card can be used to cancel an advantage. This part of the games sees winners and loser of finishing positions 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Also, bets are settled.

Money Problems:

If you lose all your money and on the brink of bankrupt you may sell your horses to other players for a negotiated fee. You may also sell your advantage cards. You are not allowed to borrow from other players. If you have no money or assets, you are out of the game.

Horse Names: The original game horse names are used from the Lincolnshire Handicap dated from 1926 – 37.

The winner is the player with the most money or the winning horse.

Assessing the best title races across Europe at the midpoint of the season

European football fans have been treated to a thrilling season so far, with drama unfolding across the continent. It’s becoming increasingly harder to tell which direction title races will go in, and that’s been reflected in the sports betting odds.

Domestically, the title races in some of Europe’s top leagues are shaping up to be among the most competitive in recent memory. At the same time, the first-ever edition of the revamped Champions League has added another layer of intrigue. The new Swiss-style group stage format has brought unpredictability and excitement to Europe’s premier club competition, demanding more from teams than ever before.

With the pressure mounting on clubs to perform both domestically and on the European stage, finding the right balance is crucial.

A deep run in the Champions League can inspire teams to greater heights or risk derailing their pursuit of league glory. As we approach the season’s midpoint, the battle for supremacy is heating up in several leagues, where fine margins could decide who lifts the trophy in May.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best title races across Europe, exploring the key teams and storylines that have captivated fans so far.

Premier League

We begin close to home as we assess whether or not Arne Slot can capture the Premier League title in his season at Liverpool.

The Dutchman, who took over at Anfield last summer to replace Jurgen Klopp, has enjoyed a flying start to life in the Premier League, but some recent dropped points against Newcastle United, Fulham and Nottingham Forest mean that despite their lead, the job is far from done.

Manchester City’s struggles have all but ruled them out of a fifth straight league title, but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have been denied trophies by City in the last two successive seasons, will be hungry to lead the chasing pack as they look for their first title since 2004.

La Liga

At one point in the season, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona looked as if they would run away with the La Liga title, romping through Real Madrid in the German’s first El Classico and gaining the ascendancy as they chase their first Spanish crown since Xavi’s departure.

That said, some squandered points have allowed the remaining oligarchy of La Liga’s Madrid sides to sneak their way back into the picture.

Atletico Madrid surprisingly lead the table at the time of writing. Still, just one point separates them from Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, who also have one eye on securing Champions League qualification.

Diego Simeone’s side will look to win a third La Liga title in 10 years, but El Cholo’s side know they will need to keep working hard at the back, having just lost one game so far and conceded the fewest goals.

Serie A

Your guess is as good as ours as to who wins Serie A this season. Antonio Conte’s Napoli side have a good chance of making it two league titles in three years, but reigning Scudetto champions Inter Milan, and underdogs Atalanta, have also put together impressive winning runs.

The likes of Milan, Roma, and Juventus have struggled in the early stages of the Italian season, with Milan hoping former Porto boss Sergio Conceição can inject some new life into a depleted squad.

However, it’s hard to look past Conte in his first season at any job. He’s dominated Italy before with the Old Lady and now has the chance to win another league title in Naples, even if he does lose Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, after the Georgian verbally agreed to join Paris Saint Germain.

A Peek At The 2025 Horse Racing Calendar

2025 horse racing calendar

Horse racing fans, get ready to mark your diaries because 2025 is galloping in with a lineup of world-class events that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Let’s see what awaits us in the year of horse racing and what makes each event a must-see.

The Importance of Race Day Tips

Before we go into the specifics of 2025’s events, let’s talk about something that can make or break your race day: tips. Horse racing tips are like secret weapons—they’re released the day before race day for good reason. With a seven-day-a-week schedule, earlier predictions would only create chaos, and let’s face it, who needs more confusion in life? Today’s horse racing tips rely on the latest information available, from jockey and trainer form to weather conditions and course stats. Thanks to cutting-edge AI technology, the best tips are crafted by analyzing every possible factor, ensuring you have the most up-to-date insights before placing your bets.

New Year’s Day Racing at Cheltenham

The year kicked off in spectacular fashion with Cheltenham Racecourse’s annual New Year’s Day Racing event. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Gloucestershire’s rolling hills, it was a day that celebrated fresh beginnings and nail-biting finishes. The crowd’s energy was palpable, with the crisp winter air enhancing the magic of the occasion. From thrilling high-stakes jumps to unexpected underdog victories, this event provided a fitting start to the horse racing calendar, setting the tone for an exhilarating season ahead.

The Prestigious Cheltenham Festival

Running from 11th – 14th March, this iconic event showcases some of the best jumps racing in the world. Whether you’re cheering for the Unibet Champion Hurdle or holding your breath during the Cheltenham Gold Cup, each race is a story of grit, determination, and heart-stopping drama. Plus, with plenty of food, drinks, and hospitality options, you’re in for a spectacular time both on and off the track.

The Grand National

5th April is the date that every horse racing enthusiast eagerly anticipates. The Grand National at Aintree is a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Known for its grueling fences and unpredictable outcomes, this race transforms ordinary horses into legends. This competition is about the camaraderie, the fashion, and the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re watching from the stands or your living room, the Grand National is an event that captivates the nation.

Summer Racing at Ascot

When summer rolls around, Ascot Racecourse becomes the centerpiece of the horse racing world. With events like the King George Weekend in July and the prestigious Royal Ascot in June, it’s where flat racing royalty come to shine. Royal Ascot, in particular, is a spectacle of elegance, with top-tier racing complemented by glamorous outfits and a chance to sip champagne alongside the elite.

Melbourne Cup

While the UK dominates much of the calendar, let’s not forget the global racing scene. The Melbourne Cup in Australia, held on the first Tuesday of November, is a race that stops a nation—literally. Offices close, streets empty, and all eyes turn to Flemington Racecourse. Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is more than just a sporting event; it’s a cultural celebration that blends world-class racing with Aussie charm.

Wrapping Up the Year at Kempton Park

As the year draws to a close, the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton Park is the perfect way to end the season. Taking place on 26th and 27th December , this event features thrilling jump races, including the prestigious King George VI Steeple Chase. The festive atmosphere, combined with the excitement of high-stakes racing, makes it a highlight of the holiday season. It’s the kind of event that leaves you eager for the next year’s racing adventures.

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