Before Nijinsky, which was the last horse to win the British Triple Crown?

It has been well chronicled how, on September 12, 1970, the hitherto unbeaten Nijinksy coasted to victory, under hands and heels riding by the legendary Lester Piggott, in the St. Leger at Doncaster to become the fifteenth, and last, winner of the British Triple Crown. In five-and-a-bit decades since, only Camelot, in 2012, has attempted to repeat the feat; despite being sent off at prohibitive odss of 2/5, the Montjeu colt never really looked like overhauling the largely unconsidered 25/1 outsider Encke in the closing stages of the St. Leger and was eventually beaten three-quarters of a length.

Before Nijinsky, though, the last horse to win the British Triple Crown was Bahram, bred and owned by Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, and trained by Frank Butters at Fitzroy House Stables in Newmarket, in 1935. Champion Two-Year-Old, having won all five starts as a juvenile, including the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, Bahram comfortably won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, by 1½ lengths from Theft, in the same ownership, on his three-year-old debut.

The Blandford colt was subsequently sent off 5/4 favourite for the Derby and duly justified his short odds with a comfortable, 2-length victory over Robin Goodfellow. Bahram extended his winning sequence to eight in the St. James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot later the same month, landing odds of 1/8 and, despite being held up in his work by a bout of coughing, headed to Doncaster as the overwhelming favourite for the St. Leger.

His regular jockey, Freddie Fox, suffered a serious head injury in a fall the day before the final Classic of the season but, in the hands of the deputising Charlie Smirke, Bahram made short work of his seven rivals, winning by five lengths at odds of 4/11. Smirke said afterwards, ‘He could have won with 12 stone and two men on his back!’

5 Best Horse-Themed Slots to Kill time Between Races

There’s something about the thunder of hooves and the thrill of the race that gets the heart racing. But what do you do when the last horse trots off the track and you’re left craving more equine excitement? Well, did you know that many top live casinos offer themed games, particularly those that whisk you away to the racetrack anytime, anywhere? Horse-themed slots combine the thrill of betting with the fun of online gaming, and they’re the perfect pastime for any horse racing aficionado waiting for the next race to begin.

Ride along with these amazing horse-themed slots

Imagine the lush green of the racetrack and the vibrant buzz of the crowd compacted into an online game just for you. Horse-themed slots have surged in popularity, and it’s not just because of their spirited aesthetic. These games are designed with racing fans in mind, featuring symbols like trophy cups, betting slips and, of course, majestic horses. They capture the essence of the sport in every spin. Plus, they come packed with bonus features and free spins that can keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of thoroughbreds or simply enjoy the aesthetics of the racetrack, horse-themed slots offer a wide array of games to choose from. You can experience the glitz of prestigious race meets or the rugged charm of country horse fairs. Some slots may even allow you to manage your stable of virtual racehorses, adding an extra layer of engagement. The versatility and creativity of these games are sure to keep you entertained as each spin fires the starting gun on a new race to victory.

Galloping graphics and sounds that bring the track to you

What really pulls these games ahead of the pack are the galloping graphics and immersive sounds. It’s as if you can hear the crowd cheering and feel the excitement that comes with live racing. The developers of these slots understand that it’s not just about betting; it’s about the experience. The attention to detail in these games often rivals that of a day at the races, with horses neighing, starting bells ringing and reels that spin like rolling hooves kicking up turf.

Bonus rounds and jackpots in a horse racing setting

And then there’s the pulsing heart of the game: the bonus rounds. With features that often mimic the betting and unpredictability of horse racing, these slots engage players in more ways than one. Some offer a virtual race within the game where the outcome can boost your winnings, while others might have a jackpot worthy of the Grand National itself. Every bonus round brings a piece of the track to your screen, daring you to bet on the winning horse.

Slots where strategy meets luck on the racetrack

While slot games are largely based on luck, there’s a sprinkle of strategy involved as well. It’s a nod to the racing enthusiasts who study the form and track conditions before placing a wager. These games often feature betting options that affect the game’s volatility, allowing players to tailor their approach just as they might when picking a horse to win, place, or show. It’s a delightful blend that both gaming and racing fans can appreciate as they decide how many lines to play and when to bet it all for the win.

Unbridled fun across devices

One of the best parts about these horse-themed slot games is that they are often designed to perform across devices. You might start one on your desktop and then, as you head out to the track, pick up right where you left off on your mobile device. This flexibility allows for an unbridled gaming experience you can carry in your pocket, ensuring that the thrill of the race is never more than a tap away—a fantastic way to kill time and keep the day’s excitement going between actual races.

And there you have it, a rundown of why horse-themed slot games have become a go-to for racing fans around the world. They encapsulate the joy of the track, the anticipation of the bet, and the elation of a win, all in one online experience. Whether you’re new to the racetrack or a seasoned bettor, these slots offer a fun and relaxing way to enjoy your passion for horses with a chance to score a win from anywhere. So the next time the horses are cooling down, boot up one of these slots and keep the race day spirit alive.

 

Who was Liam Treadwell?

Liam Treadwell was a Grand National winning national hunt jockey born in the market town of Arundel, West Sussex. During his prolific career he won more than 300 races during a ten year period (and 308 wins total). His education and indeed career in horse racing was closely tied with trainer Venetia Williams, who gave him the ride on 2009 Grand National winning Mon Mome after her principle jockey turned down the chance to ride it. The unlikely 100-1 win made Williams only the second ever female trainer to claim victory in the race (after Jenny Pitman). It was Treadwell’s debut in the race and yet his triumph resulted in an memorable achievement – and only the 5th time in the history of the Grand National a horse of those odds had won the race.

He was famously, and jokingly, mocked for his gap-toothed appearance directly after the 2009 Grand National race by interviewer Clare Balding, which resulted in a free dental makeover by a promotion savvy dentist.

The ambitious jockey’s successes in 2009 didn’t end there though. He also won the United House Gold Cup in Ascot that very same year. In 2013 he was still impressing, with a win at the Cheltenham Festival on Carrick boy. In 2015 Liam Treadwell placed third in the Grand National on Monbeg Dude and had a further success in the Grand Sefton Steeplechase. Unfortunately the following year, 2016, was a year that will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons. Following a fall at Bangor, Treadmill was unconscious for several minutes after sustaining a head injury. The concussion resulted in a lasting impact. He spoke of the mental health toll of what he described as the ‘big bang’ in ‘Jockey Matters’.

He spoke candidly about the indicent at the time, “The symptoms of concussion probably wore off after six weeks or two months, but I was mentally not very well and my brain was still a bit fragile when I exercised… I didn’t want to ride a horse as I felt so grim, so disillusioned, and I was shutting myself away, not talking to anyone; I wasn’t diagnosed with depression, but in my own head, sitting on the sofa at home, I felt depressed.”

He officially retired from professional riding in 2018, before recovering enough to make a comeback possible in 2019, and he rode some 20 winners in the 2019-2020 season. Treadmill died on 23rd June 2020, at just 34 years old. His family describe him as “polite, funny, kind and brave“. From Grand National highs on Mon Mome, to this sad time 11 years on, Liam Treadwell had his struggles but also, in his own jovial yet determined fashion, made his mark in the sport of racing.

 

The Pegasus Cup 2024: Unveiling the Exciting Lineup of Entries

As the 2024 Pegasus is fast approaching, fans and bettors are thrilled to dive into the heart of the action and are anticipating the lineup of entries for the race this year.

The Pegasus World Cup is a thrilling ensemble of speed, skill, and pure equine athleticism that promises to deliver a racing event like no other. That’s why it’s one of the world’s most anticipated horse racing events.

To help you prepare for this thrilling event, we will go through the list of the invitees to the race below for a brief sneak peek of their backgrounds and to know how much chance each of them has of winning the title this year.

First Mission

First Mission is the first name you will see on the list of Pegasus Cup 2024 entries. His last race was the 2023 Clark Stakes G2, where he finished second. It’s also worth noting that First Mission is one of the most talked-about horses for the upcoming Pegasus race.

National Treasure

National Treasure, which has a rating of 6.53, is coming in on the list of invitees. This thoroughbred is trained by Bob Baffert, who finished second in his last race, which is the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile G1.

NY Traffic

NY Traffic is the third invitee we expect to see at Gulfstream Park. He will be running the Pegasus World Cup this year with a rating of 6.53. The last race he participated in was the 2023 Harlan’s Holiday, a Grade 3 race that crossed the finish line third.

Hoist the Gold

Hoist the Gold won’t back down as he captured the attention of the horse racing fans on his 2023 Cigar Mile G2 race, where he ended up victorious. His trainer, Dallas Stewart, was so proud, especially when the racehorse got invited to run for the Pegasus Cup.

Senor Buscador

Next on the list of invitees is Senor Buscador. Trainer Todd Fincher ensures that this thoroughbred will undergo as much experience as he can to unleash the champion underneath. That said, Senor Buscador was noticed and invited to be part of the 2024 Pegasus World Cup. This racehorse currently has a 6.11 rating.

Skippylongstocking

Since his racing debut, Skippylongstocking has run several races, making him one of the most experienced runners on the list. Under the guidance of trainer Saffie A. Joseph, JR, this thoroughbred showcased talent and determination that can help him grab the Pegasus title this year.

O’Connor

With a rating of 5.27, O’Connor successfully made it to the Pegasus invitee list. He is the second thoroughbred under the guidance of Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., who will be entering the race. O’Connor won his last race, the 2023 Harlan’s Holiday G3.

Il Miracolo

Horse racing fans will see trainer Antonio Sano on the racetrack during the Pegasus World Cup 2024 race day as his trainee Il Miracolo is one of the invitees to the event. That said, it’s also worth watching this racehorse as he will be showing great prowess on the racetrack that day.

Saudi Crown

Trainer Brad Cox isn’t joining the 2024 Pegasus World Cup with only one entry. Aside from his horse First Mission, Cox’s other racehorse, Saudi Crown, will also showcase his talents on the racetrack as he attempts to grab the title and go against his stablemate.

Dynamic One

The 2024 Pegasus World Cup won’t be completed without a Todd Pletcher horse on the invitee list. That said, Dynamic One, the trainer’s horse, is expected to run and dominate the Pegasus race this year. Despite finishing 6th in his last race, which was the 2022 Jockey Club Gold Cup G1, with the help of his experienced trainer, Dynamic One has a huge potential to win the race.

Trademark

This next invitee proves that horse racing isn’t only a man’s domain. With Trademark on the list, his trainer, Vitoria Oliver, will show the world that even a woman can do the job. So far, Oliver has done a great job with Trademark, as he just won the 2023 Clark Stakes G2. It was Trademark’s last race before he got invited to the 2024 Pegasus World Cup.

Grand Aspen

Last but not least is Grand Aspen. Grand Aspen is another Todd Pletcher entry that freshly came from the 2023 Harlan’s Holiday G3 race, where he crossed the finish line second. Looking through this thoroughbred race record, bettors and fans will watch this contender closely.

Final Words

The Pegasus Cup 2024 promises a heady mix of thrilling competition and unmatched equestrian talent. This year’s entry list is shaping up to be one of the most exciting, featuring a blend of up-and-coming stars and seasoned veterans. With such a myriad of diverse styles and strengths, the 2024 event is set to be a veritable feast for equestrian enthusiasts across the globe.

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