Who was the only reigning British monarch to own a Derby winner?

In short, the only reigning British monarch to own a Derby winner was King Edward VII. He did so on May 26, 1909, courtesy of Minoru, trained by Richard Marsh at Egerton House Stables in Newmarket and ridden by Herbert Jones.

Having won the both the Greenham Stakes and the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket en route to Epsom, Minoru was sent off as marginal second-favourite for the Derby. In an eventful renewal, which saw the favourite, Sir Martin, stumble badly and unseat his jockey rounding Tattenham Corner, Minoru fought a ding-dong battle with Louviers throughout the last quarter of a mile and the pair flashed past the winning post together. In the days before the photo-finish camera, an agonising waited ensued, before the judge eventually declared Minoru the winner by a short-head.

Prior to his succession to the British throne, following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, on January 22, 1901, Albert Edward had already bred and owned two Derby winners during his lengthy tenure as Prince of Wales. The first of them was Persimmon in 1896 and the second Diamond Jubilee in 1900. Both horses were trained, like Minoru, by Richard Marsh.

For the record, the late Queen Elizabeth II won all the British Classics bar the Derby and came close to winning the ‘Blue Riband’ event more than once. On June 6, 1953, just four days after her coronation, Her Majesty witnessed her first runner in the Derby, Aureole, ridden by Harry Carr, finish second of 27, beaten four lengths, behind the favourite, Pinza, ridden by Sir Gordon Richards. On June 4, 2011, Carlton House, ridden by Ryan Moore, was sent off favourite for the Derby, but could find no extra in the closing stages and eventually finished third, beaten a head and thee-quarters of a length, behind Pour Moi and Treasure Beach.

Which four horses have completed a hat-trick in the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

At the time of writing, Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins, stands on the cusp of Cheltenham Festival immortality as he attempts to become just the fifth horse in history to complete a hat-trick in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Currently trading at odds of 4/7, few could argue that the nine-year-old does not have an outstanding chance of doing so. Indeed, Henrietta Knight, who saddled Best Mate to consecutive wins in the ‘Blue Riband’ event in 2002, 2003 and 2004, has described Galopin Des Champs as “a certainty”.

Mullins, in fact, narrowly missed out on a hat-trick in 2021, when Al Boum Photo, who was sent off favourite after back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2020, but could manage only third behind Minella Indo and A Plus Tard. Nevertheless, since the Cheltenham Gold Cup was inaugurated, as a steeplechase, in 1924, the aforementioned Best Mate aside, three other horses have achieved the feat.

The first of them was, of course, was the legendary Golden Miller, who not only completed a hat-trick in 1932, 1933 and 1934, but won twice more, in 1935 and 1936, and won the Grand National in 1934, too, just for good measure. Next up came Cottage Rake, trained by the original ‘Master of Ballydoyle’, Vincent O’Brien, who prevailed in 1948, 1949 and 1950. The Cheltenham Gold Cup was transferred to the New Course at Prestbury Park in 1959 and the first horse to complete a hat-trick in the modern era was Arkle, trained by Tom Dreaper, in 1964, 1965 and 1966.

Slot Machines with a Racing Twist: 5 Best Picks for Horse Racing Fans

 

The feeling of excitement that horse racing brings for most fans is unmatched. There’s no better feeling than the sound of hooves pounding and the adrenaline rush as the finish line draws closer. Now imagine experiencing some of this joy in the comfort of your own home. This is where racing-themed slot machines come into play. Nothing represents the speed and excitement of horse racing like automated spinning reels! Whether you’re a fan of classic tracks or modern virtual racecourses, there’s a game out just for you!

The Rise of Horse Racing Slots

In case you’re wondering why racing-themed slots are such a hit, it’s because horse racing has always been part of the betting and gaming culture. As online slots have evolved, developers have looked to popular sports for inspiration. Racing-themed slots are particularly appealing because they offer familiar imagery like jockeys, horses, and racetracks; bonus rounds and features inspired by real races; and finally, sound effects and animations that simulate race day atmosphere. This combination makes for a unique gaming experience—one that horse racing fans find especially rewarding.

According to gambling experts, many modern players now prefer gambling not on GamStop as these sites cater to enthusiasts who prefer fewer restrictions, better privacy, and a range of niche perks like instant payouts. They also include games from a range of popular studios and come with expansive gaming libraries.

Among the huge array of themed slot games, horse racing slots have a special place in the hearts of racing fans. Let’s dive into a list of the five best slot games that should be on every horse racing enthusiast’s radar (if not already).

1. Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven

This slot was developed by Playtech and inspired by the legendary jockey. The game celebrates his iconic win at Ascot in 1996 when he won all seven races in one day. The game features a 5-reel 25-payline setup, free spins with a Magic Seven Bonus Game, and real footage from Dettori’s many historic races and iconic wins. How’s that for commemorating the greatest sports moments in racing history?

2. Scudamore’s Super Stakes

This NetEnt slot honours Peter Scudamore, another legendary jockey. What gives this game the best racing theme is its Bet Slip feature that allows players to wager on symbols appearing during spins which resembles betting on a real race!

Highlights of this slot include 5 reels with 20 paylines, random Wilds and a “Peter’s Classic Cup” bonus game, and lastly, an interactive race across the reels with realistic sound effects.
What a thrilling experience that brings the feel of being at the track into a traditional slot game!

3. Racing for Pinks

If you’re into both drag and horse racing, Racing for Pinks designed by Microgaming meets you in the middle! While not strictly equestrian, its racing format appeals to fans of any kind of race. Features include a 243-ways-to-win structure, multiple free spin rounds, and a race bonus where players pick a driver to win. The slot has a sleek design and dynamic gameplay that’ll without a doubt make it to your favourites list!

4. Derby Dollars

Who doesn’t love a vintage theme that adds a nostalgic touch? Derby Dollars by RealTime Gaming has ticked these boxes with a classic racecourse backdrop and elegant design! Features include 5 reels and 20 paylines, wild and scatter symbols, and free spins and multipliers.

If this sounds like your vibe, go ahead and give this easy gameplay slot a spin!

5. Sure Win

Sure Win designed by Microgaming is a gem that fulfills your love for animation with a cartoonish approach to horse racing, delivering great fun and excitement! This slot is popular for its engaging graphics and lighthearted humor, 5 reels and 25 paylines, and free spins with a 2x multiplier and stacked wilds.

This game would be a fun choice for casual players with a love for horse racing who want to enjoy a light-hearted gaming experience.

Unique Racing-Themed Slot Features

What sets racing-themed slots apart from other genres are the special features that mirror the intensity of the sport. For instance, players can often choose their own horses or jockeys in bonus rounds to enhance player interaction. Some other features include themed animations such as galloping horses, cheering crowds, and footage of actual races.

Finally, these slots connect fans emotionally through real-life inspiration from real jockeys, horses, and famous races. These elements not only make gameplay more enjoyable but also bring a sense of realism that other slots may lack.

How to Get the Best Experience

If you’re looking to dive into racing-themed slots, there are a few tips to maximise your enjoyment – Play at reputable casinos that offer games from renowned developers, try demo versions first to understand its features, look out for Return to Player (RTP) rates, and most importantly, set a budget to encourage responsible gambling and spending limits.

A Thrilling Ride for Horse Racing Fans

Slot machines with a racing twist have definitely brought a fresh perspective to the world of online gaming. Merging the thrill of horse racing and slot machines offers a uniquely entertaining experience to all players. Whether you’re into classic horses and jockeys or want a modern, animated take on the races, there’s a racing-themed slot machine waiting to be discovered.

So saddle up, pick your favourite slot, and enjoy the ride, because the next spin might just take you to the winner’s circle.

Who is the only jockey to have won the Derby and the Kentucky Derby?

The Derby is run over a mile and a half, on turf, at Epsom Downs, Surrey on the first Saturday in June, while the Kentucky Derby is run over a mile and a quarter, on dirt, at Churchill Downs, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. Both races are open to three-year-old colts and fillies – and geldings, in the case of the ‘Run for the Roses’ – but granted their proximity, the different surfaces involved and the necessity for a transatlantic flight, it should come as no surprise to learn that no horse has ever won both races.

That said, two have tried; in 1986, Bold Arrangement, trained by Clive Brittain, finished second at Churchill Downs and fourteenth at Epsom while, in 1992, Dr. Devious, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, finished seventh at Churchill Downs, but recovered sufficiently to collect the then-£355,000 first prize money at Epsom a month later. According to Chapple-Hyam, “He [Dr. Devious] wasn’t going to run in the Derby after that, but he was so well when he got home [from Kentucky] that he got loose a couple of days later. “

Likewise, several jockeys have attempted to complete the Kentucky Derby – Derby double, but so far just one has succeeded. Steve Cauthen, nicknamed the ‘Kentucky Kid’ as a teenager, rode Affirmed, trained by Lazaro ‘Laz’ Barrera, to victory in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in 1978, thereby becoming the youngest-ever jockey to win the American Triple Crown.

Cauthen was still only 19 when he moved to Britain and, having subsequently succeeded Lester Piggott as stable jockey to Henry (later Sir Henry) Cecil, went on to win 10 British Classics. He won the Derby twice, on Slip Anchor, owned by Lord Howard de Walden, in 1985 and Reference Point, owned by Louis Freedman, in 1987.

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