Horse racing has accelerated in popularity in recent years, with millions of viewers from around the world wanting to witness some incredible moments of dramatic racing and, in some cases, unpredictable outcomes. The experience of visiting a racecourse can vary depending on numerous factors; however, what can be guaranteed is the action that is unparalleled in any other sport. Horse racing is an extremely unpredictable sport in which absolutely anything can happen, affecting those on sports and UK casino betting platforms.
Frank Hayes
Frank Hayes, an Irish jockey, has gone down in history as being one of the most unfortunate winners of a race. Hayes was a young jockey who had never won a race until 1923 in Elmont, New York. The 22 year old trainer and stableman was just beginning his career as a professional jockey when he took part in the race in New York. In the latter period of the race, Hayes suffered a heart attack and passed away, but he maintained his position on the saddle of the horse, which managed to win the race. To this day, Hayes remains the first and only jockey to have won a race after their death.
Devon Loch’s Dive
Devon Loch has become a well known name in sport as a result of the unfortunate loss at Cheltenham in the 1956 Grand National. The moment has gone down in history as one of the biggest losses in the sport as a result of the dramatic collapse in the final section of the race. Despite having a massive lead, the horse owned by The Queen Mother dramatically dove in the air, landing on its stomach, allowing others to overtake. There are many theories as to why the horse did this, but nobody knows to this day exactly why the horse behaved in this way.
The Disappearance of Shergar
One of the darkest and fascinating moments in horse racing history occurred off the track in 1983. Shergar was a British record breaking horse that dominated in many races, even breaking the record for the Epsom Derby in 1981. Shockwaves were sent around the horse racing world when the horse was kidnapped in Ireland in 1983 by the IRA. The purpose of the kidnapping was an attempt at fundraising, with a £2 million ransom being discussed, which eventually broke down. The event shocked the world and is still spoken about today, with people still theorising on what actually happened after no sightings or a body being recovered.
Cheltenham Fog
At Cheltenham in 1841, one of the most interesting horse races unfolded as a result of the remaining horses deciding to compete, having no vision of the track, with spectators unable to witness the action. This was the result of a thick layer of fog blocking the view for both riders and onlookers. While several jockeys pulled out due to safety concerns, some of the jockeys continued, with the leader of the race slowing down after being deceived by the fog, allowing another jockey to win, making it one of the strangest races in the history of the sport.
The Retired Grand National Winner
Despite being the first North American horse to win the Grand National, Rubio will also be remembered as the horse that came out of retirement to dominate in one of the world’s most intense and prestigious races. Before the 1908 Grand National, Rubio had retired following an injury, ending what had been a highly successful career. During this time, the horse became a means of transportation for a train station, before returning to the racecourse. After months of training, Rubio ran at the Grand National, and, to everybody’s surprise, took home first place.
The 100/1 Winner
The favourite to win in a race is typically backed up by previous finishes and performances of recent times, which is why Tipperary Tim was assigned 100/1 odds of winning the Grand National in 1928. The track conditions were extremely poor for the year’s instalment of the Grand National, with heavy ground and fog lining the track. It gave a more even playing field for even some of the lower-ranked horses, which is exactly how Tipperary Tim stood a chance. Bizarrely, it was the only 1 of 42 horses to not fall and finish the circuit, meaning that amateur jockey William Dutton was able to take him to his first major win and write a story so shocking that it is still spoken about almost 100 years on.
To Conclude
Horse Racing is a sport full of twists and turns, with unexpected moments occurring all year round. This is why millions of people watch each year, with visiting a racecourse often being regarded as a bucket list experience. There have been plenty of moments over the years, with many more to come in the future.