A round-up of the major stories from the 2024 flat season
The 2024 flat racing season has delivered another thrilling chapter in the sport’s history, filled with unforgettable moments and standout performances. From record-breaking victories to unexpected upsets in the horse racing betting odds, pundits and punters alike have been captivated by the drama on the turf.
As the dust settles later this month following British Champions Day at Ascot, it's time to reflect on the most significant stories that shaped this year’s flat racing campaign.
Notable Speech stuns in the 2000 Guineas
Guineas weekend at Newmarket is the curtain raiser for a new flat season, and all eyes were on HQ as the highly-rated City Of Troy made his seasonal reappearance in the first British Classic of the season.
However, the Aidan O’Brien-trained horse flattered to deceive in the one-mile contest—finishing toward the back of the field as Notable Speech landed the spoils for Charlie Appleby and William Buick from 16/1.
Many experts were of the impression that, while the Godolphin horse was unbeaten on the all-weather going into the horse, he wouldn’t be able to transfer that form to the turf in such a hotly-contested race.
Well, he proved everyone wrong!
City Of Troy bounces back
City Of Troy’s 2000 Guineas flop divided opinion, with many claiming the Coolmore horse was overhyped while others believed he just wasn’t well enough prepared for his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket.
He proved just how good he really is when storming to enthralling victory in the Derby at Epsom the following month, storming to an almost three-length victory over his nearest rival, Ambiente Friendly, to leave onlookers in awe.
City Of Troy has gone on to win the top-level Sandown Eclipse and International Stakes at York since, and is on course to try and lift O’Brien’s curse in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar in California next month.
Dermot Weld lands second Oaks success over 40 years after first Epsom triumph
Veteran Irish trainer Dermot Weld has secured numerous major victories in Britain over the course of his distinguished career, including multiple wins at Royal Ascot and Classic triumphs in the Derby and 2000 Guineas.
One of Weld's early landmark achievements in the UK came with Blue Wind’s victory in the 1981 Oaks. Remarkably, 43 years later, the 76-year-old claimed his second win in the Classic this June with Ezeliya.
The rise of Wathnan Racing
Wathnan Racing might still be in its infancy, but the Qatari operation is already proving a force to be reckoned with in British racing—winning numerous high-profile contests this season, most notably at Royal Ascot.
Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir Of Qatar, went on a spending spree before the prestigious summer festival, acquiring some of the UK’s top performers ahead of Royal Ascot—including Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Haatem.
As a result, Wathnan Racing left its mark in Berkshire—finishing second to Coolmore in the Leading Owner standings with four wins, four seconds and three thirds. It was an incredible week for the Middle Eastern outfit, and they could dominate proceedings in the years to come.
Oisin Murphy regains Champion Jockey crown
A three-time winner of the British flat jockey Championship between 2019-2021, Oisin Murphy went through something of a dark period over the last couple of years, and a subsequent ban for the 2022 campaign meant that William Buick was left to pick up the award with little challenge.
The Godolphin rider retained his title last season, holding off a resurgent Murphy. However, the Irish rider has won back his crown before the campaign is even over—streaking clear of his nearest rivals with over 140 victories at the time of writing.
