Lingfield Park Racecourse

Lingfield Park Racecourse, from a distance, looks rather simple. However, as part of its large all-weather flat-racing track, there’s plenty to do and a fantastic level of detail to every part of the course. This has a real classical feel to it, while still offering an engaging and easy way to take in some pretty important racing events.

One important factor about this racecourse is the fact that it’s using Polytack, different to the typical turf found in most racecourses in the UK. As one of just six all-weather courses in the UK, then, Lingfield stands out as one of its own. With flat racing that takes place on the turf in the summer, National Hunt races take place on the same location.

Having been open since 1890, this is quite a big part of racing history. It was opened by the then-Prince of Wales, with jump racing the primary enjoyment to begin with. This soon changed, and today it’s known as one of the best flat racing tracks in the country.

It’s been through a lot of renovations, from a gold course in the late-80s to the late 2004 grandstand improvement. The most important racing event to take place here, though, tends to be seen as the Matsunosuke race: it became the highest rated horse to win on an all-weather surface.

The horse itself was dubbed the greatest horse for all-weather tournaments of all-time, so it’s quite a feat for the racecourse to see a record owned by this incredible creature. It holds races from February to September, with a fine variety from the Cleves Stakes to the Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes.

3.35 Hamilton, Tuesday, September 5

In the Visit the All New Racing UK.com Handicap (3.35) at Hamilton on Tuesday, Reckless Serenade hasn’t shown much in four starts this season, including over course and distance, but has recorded both wins over the minimum trip at the South Lanarkshire track and is becoming well handicapped. Indeed, the Bushranger filly is just 2lb higher in the weights than when winning a 0-75 nursery handicap, over 5 furlongs, last September, so should be competitive in this lower grade, from a handicapping perspective, at least. Keith Dalgleish’s three-year-old has shown her best form on good to soft, or softer, going but, with outbreaks of rain forecast for Strathclyde on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, she could well have her ideal conditions. Reckless Serenade returns from a three-month break and has to prove, conclusively, that she’s as effective over 6 furlongs as over shorter, but she could go well at a decent price in a run-of-the-mill affair.

Selection: Hamilton 3.35 Reckless Serenade to win

1.55 York, Friday, August 25

In the opening Sky Bet First Race Special Handicap (1.55) at York on Friday, Mukhayyam failed in his hat-trick bid when only fifth of 10, beaten 1¾ lengths, in the Shergar Cup Challenge at Ascot two weeks ago but, faced with a less rigorous test of stamina, may be able to resume winning ways. A course and distance winner in May, the Dark Angel gelding followed up in good style at Ripon eight days later and, although 6lb higher in the weights here, his Ascot run suggested that he remains feasibly weighted. Reunited with winning jockey David Allan, it would be no surprise to see him lead this field a merry dance and, at 16/1 with Ladbrokes, his price is just too generous to resist.

Selection: Mukhayyam to win

Yarmouth Races

I enjoyed a day at the races last week. We do tend to go to Yarmouth race track from time to time, as it's not so far away from us, and of course there's the casino nearby too (and of course the beach too!).

Funnily enough I didn't even have a bet at the track this time around. I did get to witness the impressive performance by 2 year old Mandarin Princess in the 13:40 though (27th June) and the delight of Charlie McBride directly after. Only of course though, there was a mix up and it was actually his other horse Millie’s Kiss that won the race. What a rare sporting mess up to witness in person. There's a William Hill bookie on course and credit to them they decided to pay out to those who bet on the odds on favourite - which came second (and was really the rightful winner, even though the result stands). I'm sure a lot of people will have binned their ticket by the time this error as discussed though, so a gutting day for some.

The above picture was taken by myself as I stood near the parade ring. Someone had scrawled 'fidling twats' on there. Juvenile I know but I couldn't help but smile. All in a day at the races!