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The Flat season in the UK has produced some special moments this year. Not only have the latest crop of three-year-olds proved their class, but the big meetings, such as Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, have provided some exceptional performances.

Here is a look at the standout horses of the summer so far.

Baaeed

Champion miler Baaeed has firmly established himself as the leading racehorse in the world rankings. He has picked up from where he left off this year, with wins coming in the Lockinge Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes and Sussex Stakes. William Haggas’ runner has been dominant in the 1m division.

The options for Baaeed at the end of the season include the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Breeders’ Cup. He is 25/1 in the horse racing betting for the former, if connections choose to take the trip to Paris for the premier middle-distance race in Europe.

Baaeed’s next assignment will come in the International Stakes at the Ebor Festival where he is 2/5 in the York races betting. That will be his first test at 1m2f, and how he fares in that race could determine the path for the rest of his career.

Desert Crown

The Derby is the biggest race of the season for three-year-olds, and it was won in impressive style by Desert Crown back in June. The son of Nathaniel has ensured Sir Michael Stoute has a very exciting horse on his hands for the future.

The form of this year’s Derby has worked out very well. Westover, who finished third, went on to win the Irish Derby, while Nations Pride, who came home in eighth place, prevailed in the Grade One Saratoga Derby.

Unfortunately, a setback has ruled Desert Crown out for the rest of the season, but the good news is, connections of the colt have confirmed they plan to keep the horse in train as a four-year-old.

Kyprios

Irish raider Kyprios is at the top of the stayers’ division, following wins in the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup. Aidan O’Brien’s runner went into the royal meeting without an appearance over 2m, but he proved he had the stamina, with a success in the day three feature.

At the age of four, Kyprios could have many more Gold Cup wins in him. Yeats prevailed in the race four times for O’Brien, and the 2022 winner has shown he has the potential to match what the great stayer achieved.

Little Big Bear

Arguably the most impressive two-year-old performance of the season came in Ireland in the Group One Phoenix Stakes. Little Big Bear prevailed in the race at the Curragh by a margin of seven lengths.

O’Brien has had some exceptional horses in his Ballydoyle facility over the last few decades, and he looks to have a new superstar on his hands. The colt looks capable of winning multiple Classics next season.

With so much of the Flat season left to go, we could see many more great performances before the campaign comes to a close.

Look at the results below for the 2022 Cox Plate, as soon as it is completed and won.

The Cox Plate has total prizemoney of $5 million, with the 1st place being paid in cash at $3 million.

Racenet provides details about past Cox Plate results. View the Cox Plate results for the past decade. You can also watch the replay videos of the Cox Plate to relive the winning moments.

Look at the previous winners of the Cox Plate, as they are now online!

Cox Plate Results 2021

State Of Rest ($7.50), has won the G1 Cox Plate (2040m), by half-head after a protest from Anamoe ($3.50).

The protest hearing was long and there was no interaction between the two on the track.

Anamoe and State Of Rest won the race with a thrilling finish. Verry Elleegant ($3.60 out wide) was in second place, with the pair making contact at the halfway point.

John Allen rode State Of Rest. He appeared to roll in pressure and make slight contact with Anamoe, who came through on his inner.

Williams claimed that contact with the mount cost him the race. However, the objection was eventually rejected by the stewards.

Zaaki, who was the original favorite for the race, was scratched the morning of race. Completely changing the race.

The race finished at 2:06.97.

Cox Plate Results 2020

Sir Dragonet, an Irish galloper, won the 2020 Cox Plate (2040m), ahead of Armory, and Russian Camelot, a race favorite.

Sir Dragonet was the subject of a sensational late fall, transforming from $11 to $7. He shared second-favouritism in this race with WA mare Arcadia queen.

Three-year-old Grandslam was the winner in a well-run race. Probabeel, Russian Camelot, and Russian Camelot were second and third, respectively.

Russian Camelot was able to share the lead with Probabeel as the leader hit the brick wall far from home. The runners then fanned out wide around the home turn, Cox Plate style.

Glen Boss, a rider who is always ready for the big stage was able to cut between Russian Camelot & Armory to sprint to the lead on Sir Dragonet at 100m.

Armory fought hard to take second, but could not match the Maher or Eustace import. Race time was 2:08.46.

Cox Plate Results 2019

Lys Gracieux, a Japanese mare, won the 2019 Cox Plate with a stunning win. With the win, the Japanese took home the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup with the chance of adding a Melbourne Cup. Damien Lane, Jockey, has won the Golden Slipper and the Caulfield Cup in 2019 and will be vying for the Cox Plate.

The Yoshito Yahagi-trained mare was defeated in the betting late and traded at $2.50. Lane set his horse at the tail of the field from Barrier 11. A strong pace was maintained. Three-year-old Castelvecchio, who was not weighed, surged away from the field to the 600m and appeared to be the clear winner. After being trapped in a difficult spot earlier, Lys Graceiux spun around the corner seven wide to take chase.

Lys Gracieux dominated the Richard Litt-trained three year-old, despite her being balanced. It was a 1.5-length win. For third place, the Jamie Richards Te Akau Shark came home strong. Race time was 2:04.21.

2018 Cox Plate Results

The 2018 Cox Plate was a historic event. No horse has ever won the race four-times in the almost 100-year history Australia’s most important weight-for-age contest. Only a handful of horses won two races, while Kingston Town won three. However, four Cox Plates were still unachievable. Until 2018.

Hugh Bowman rode Winx and Chris Waller trained her. Her win was almost without any major hassles or scares. Godolphin’s European import Benbatl came in second place, while Humidor by Darren Weir was third.

Cox Plate Results 2017

After almost 100 years of Australia’s most weight-for-age race the Cox Plate only one horse has managed to win it three more times: The great Kingston Town in 1980. 1981. 1982. 2017 saw a change when the King and Queen were joined by their Queen.

Winx had already blown the field in the 2016 Cox Plate to win it back-toback. In 2017, Winx was widely expected to repeat the feat for the hat trick. Humidor was not told… The Darren Weir gelding gave Winx a great deal of fear, and she lost half a length. But the champion was just too good. Folkswood, an import from Godolphin, came in third.

Cox Plate Results 2016

The 2016 Cox Plate was described as the ultimate clash of Australia’s best horses, Winx, the reigning winner, and Godolphin star galloper Humidor. There were many opinions about how the clash would turn out in the lead-up. Although Winx was the clear favourite, Hartnell won the match after an impressive campaign.

The race progressed and it seemed that we might just win the match race we wanted. At the 500 meter mark, the two racers drew level. It was amazing… Winx winning by six lengths with unbelievable power.

Often dubbed a “horse nation,” horse racing is an integral part of Irish culture and economy. Ireland is a major contributor to the sport, as Irish thoroughbred horses are known to be some of the best horse breeds in the world for racing.

Ireland is a small nation but full of racing activities. Horse racing is the most popular, while other races happen all around the year. As a result, most citizens throng the best Ireland betting sites to try their luck at winning some rewards.

In fact, horse racing has a long history on the island of Ireland. It has been mentioned in some of the ancient texts and has now become the passion of the nation. There are regular horse racing events around the year, with betting being a common hobby.

Today, over 1.3 million people travel to the country yearly as spectators for horse racing events. In addition, horse breeders contribute greatly to the nation’s economy generating up to  €400 million annually from the sale of race horses.

Brief History of Horse Racing in Ireland

This sport continues to be one of the most popular spectator sports in Ireland, despite being prevalent in the country since the 15th century. Ancient Celtic texts referencing back to 110 BCE mention the occurrence of horse racing. However, this sport was formalized during the reign of Charles II, who was known to be a great lover of horse races.

Top Horse Races in Ireland  

Today, you can witness this sport on some of the most iconic racetracks in the UK. The following horse races represent Ireland at its historic best.

1. Curragh Racecourse, County Kildare

With its first race dating back to 1727, this racecourse is one of Ireland’s most iconic tracks. Known for its thoroughbred races, the Curragh is a right-handed racetrack. It hosts all five Irish Flat Classics, including

• Irish 1000 Guineas
• Irish 2000 Guineas
• Irish Oaks
• Irish St.Ledger
• Irish Derby

There are some exciting horse races at Curragh in both August and September that you can look forward to, including the Flying Five Stakes on September 11.

Transport to Curragh on race days is easy as you can find shuttles running from Kildare Railway station. Special coaches also run from Dublin during these days.

2. Leopardstown Racecourse, County Dublin

Located 8 kn south of Dublin City Centre, Leopardstown Racecourse hosts more than 35 major races from January to December. Despite hosting national hunt racing and flat races throughout most of the year, September is the most exciting time to visit.

In fact, the 2022 Irish Championship Stakes is slated to be held on September 10, 2022.

The Irish Champion Stakes is always held during this period and is one of the most important horse racing events of the year. Over the years, Leopardstown has produced notable winners like Tom Dreaper and Vincent O Brian.

For leisure, you can also visit the Leopardstown golf course and clubhouse in the middle of the racetrack. You’ll find facilities like luxury boutiques, high-end pubs and restaurants, and even a music festival hosted between June and August.

3. Laytown Racecourse, County Meath

Taking place for just one day in September, the race at Laytown Racecourse is one of the most unique racing events in the world. Jockeys race over a near-straight line of the beach for a distance of 6 to 7 furlongs before making a U-turn and returning.

At Laytown, spectators can watch from a close, but safe distance as the horses compete on the sandy beach. This year, on September 8, the racecourse will feature the Laytown Strand races.

4. Punchestown Racecourse, County Kildare

April is the best time to visit this racecourse as the Punchestown Racecourse Festival is typically held around this time. This year, you will also find some horse racing events in October and November. The Mid-week winter racing event is scheduled for November 29.

Hosting over ten racing events, the most notable races of this festival include

• Growise Champion Novice Chase
• Punchestown Gold Cup
• Punchestown Championchase
• Punchestown Champion Hurdle

Aside from horse racing, This racetrack has hosted some of the biggest musical acts in the world. Over the years, musicians like U2, Eminem, and AC/DC have appeared at Puchestwon’s festivals. Between 2004 to 2011, the racetrack was home to the Oxegen event, touted as the greenest musical festival in the world with 100% carbon neutral emissions.

5. Ballybrit Racecourse, County Galway

The 7-Day Galway Races Festival is a highlight of the Ballybrit racecourse. Held every August, this right-handed track hosts the following races.  This year, the Galway Races are scheduled to be held on October 29.

Some of the other races you can look forward to in this racecourse are:

• Galway Plate
• Galway Hurdle

In October, you can also again witness the Ballybrit Novice Chase.

Horse Racing in Ireland

From national hunts to flat racing, the range of spotting events prove that Ireland is indeed a “horse state.” And with the centuries of history behind these races, visiting one of these historic Irish races is an unforgettable experience.

Horse racing is a popular sport that is enjoyed by millions around the globe. If you are a horse racing fan then you have reached the right place.