The Ascot is one of England’s most notable horse racing events. The days-long festival is not just an English phenomenon. Men and women from all over the world book flights to the United Kingdom in order to attend what might be the most notable horse racing tournament in the world.
The Ascot is the gathering place for some of the most notable athletes and jockeys, as well as fans of one of the oldest sports in the world. It isn’t just horse racing that we celebrate at the Ascot. It is the entire culture and community that has built around it.
And of course, you can’t talk about the culture of horse racing, without bringing up betting. Ascot draws in huge crowds of punters from all over Great Britain, and even broader. And it isn’t just the Ascot that brings in big wagers. Quite a few bookies have recently published Cheltenham 2023 ante-post markets, as the 4-day festival is quickly approaching.
Yet, despite the popularity of the Ascot, the most recent iteration of the event is drawing some perplexed reactions. The reason behind this puzzlement is the fact that Ascot has been with very few runners.
Paul Nicholls Surprised by Non-Runners
Paul Frank Nicholls is one of Britain’s most notable horse trainers. In his early-years, Paul Nicholls was a semi-successful jockey. However, it was his career as a horse trainer that truly propelled him to super-star status in the horse racing world. His stables have produced over 3000 winners, some of whom have won notable events, like the 2012 Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cups, and similar notable awards.
A few days ago, Paul Nicholls talked about his bewilderment at the fact that the Ascot has been left with only few runners. The stated reason behind the withdrawals are conditions with the fields. Though even Nicholls himself pulled Quel Dustin out of the field. However, in doing so, Milan Bridge, Nicholls’ other horse was the only one left to win the Ebony Horse Club Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
After the race, Paul Nicholls was asked about the situation. He said that he was planning to let both of his horses race. However, he had to withdraw Quel Dustin in the last minute. He went on to state that even though he can understand the people’s worries, he didn’t believe that the track was as dangerous as many are saying. Although, the trainer did acknowledge that he can understand the people’s worries and that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Ascot’s Response
For anyone who is not aware, the problem with the Ascot course was the fact it had become too dry, and a bit stiff. So, horses that prefer softer ground could not race, and were in danger of injury. Chris Stickels, the clerk of the course at Ascot had watered the designated track during the previous night. However, the weather conditions were not favorable, and the grounds dried faster than expected.
In an interview, Mr. Stickels explained that they did not expect that the grounds would dry so quickly, as the weather had delivered quite a bit of rain throughout the last couple of months. But, as we all know, English weather is rather unpredictable. If you want to know how to deal with England’s tough weather, there are some recommendations for you if needed.
Chris Stickles went on to say that he hopes the grounds will improve as the season comes to a close. He also said that they are deeply saddened and disappointed that the venue did not work out, and he also issued an apology to any fans who might have been disappointed by the turn of events. For his part, Paul Nicholls got another award. However, it seems to be a hollow victory, and we certainly understand why it might have left the notable trainer unsatisfied.
Final Thoughts
The disappointment experienced by fans, jockeys, and trainers alike is immeasurable. However, it is understandable. It is a horse trainer’s job to keep the animal safe. Meaning that if there is even the slight danger of injury or worse, it is better to pull the racer off the track, rather than risking the horse’s health.
