No weather worries for O'Brien as temperatures rise at Ascot
And the master of Ballydoyle also allayed any fears the equine athletes on show would find conditions unduly oppressive, despite the mercury rising.
O'Brien said: 'Horses love heat, it's in their nature and when you are training horses they thrive in the heat and in the cold they don't always try, they don't like the cold weather.
'Heat is always an advantage for horses and as long as there is plenty of water at hand, you would prefer it to be warm – if you asked the horse what weather he would like, I would know what he would say.
'Ascot do an incredible job and we've had beautiful weather this week. I promise you, if you are training horses you would see the difference. When it's warm horses train better and get bigger and stronger, they eat better and drink better. When it's cold they put all their energy into keeping warm, so it's better it is warm any day.'
Ascot's clerk of the course Chris Stickels underlined the amount of water that is readily available at the track.
He said: 'We've got plenty of water available and there is over 3,000 litres in the unsaddling enclosures.
'We also ice the water and there is a 1,000-litre water bowser which sits on the finishing line of the jumps course and is able to be towed anywhere on the racecourse it is needed.
'There is also 800 litres at the winning line and pull-out area to be dished out by the dedicated team, who are not only there to top up the buckets but help out stable staff as required.
'We've got the misting fans and there are a lot of resources available. Horses get used to the heat and they do get acclimatised and it's worse if it suddenly gets hot, but the key thing is just to have a team on hand to keep on top of the resources.'
Dr Sally Taylor, head of equine regulation, safety and welfare for the British Horseracing Authority, told ITV Racing: 'The most important thing to realise is horses are very able to acclimatise to hot weather. When horses sweat it is their primary mechanism of losing heat, as the sweat evaporates it takes with it the heat so that is what you see when a horse sweats at the start.
'When they finish racing we are able to mimic that process by applying cold water and creating a breeze. Ascot does a fantastic job, there is iced water available, horses are supervised by vets at all stages of their journey across the racecourse and they have state-of-the-art fans here to create a breeze.'
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Royal Ascot Day 5 tips: ITV Racing selections
Saturday – the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot 2025 – features a Group 1 for the sprinters and there is also the Wokingham handicap for the speedsters. Ron Wood has a selection and verdict for all seven races, and it is all live on ITV1 (1.30-6pm) and ITV4 (5.50-6.35pm), as well as Sky Sports Racing. Also, check out these Lucky 15 and each-way suggestions for day four. If you already have a Betano account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use on this week's racing, check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts Royal Ascot Day 5 tips – Ron Wood's selections Nap Saracen (4.20, Ascot) 1pt each-way @ 7/1 with Betano (⅕ odds, 4 places) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Next best Treanmor (2.30, Ascot) 1pt win @ 13/8 with Betano ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Others Rebel's Romance (3.05, Ascot) 1pt win @ 5/2 with Betano ⭐⭐ Topgear (3.40, Ascot) 1pt win @ 8/1 with Betano ⭐⭐ Grand Grey (3.40, Ascot) 0.5pt each-way @ 66/1 with Betano (⅕ odds, 4 places) ⭐⭐ Jarraaf (5.00, Ascot) 1pt each-way @ 8/1 with Betano (⅕ odds, 5 places) ⭐⭐⭐ Zoum Zoum (5.00, Ascot) 1pt win @ 16/1 with Betano ⭐⭐ Seraph Gabriel (5.35, Ascot) 1pt win @ 3/1 with Betano ⭐⭐⭐ El Burhan (5.35, Ascot) 1pt win @ 12/1 with Betano ⭐⭐⭐ Sober (6.10, Ascot) 1pt win @ 10/11 with Betano ⭐⭐⭐ Odds provided by Betano and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (maximum five). 2.30, Ascot – Chesham Stakes (Listed, 7f) An interesting two-year-old event featuring a filly for Aidan O'Brien, Moments Of Joy, who won the same Leopardstown maiden on her debut as last year's highly impressive winner of this race, Bedtime Story. Charlie Appleby's TREANMOR (next best) is a promising colt. Moments Of Joy had to work hard on her debut – and while she is open to a lot of improvement, preference is for the Godolphin runner. Treanmor won so easily in a 6f Newmarket novice on his debut. The form has been let down, but there is no doubt at all that this is a smart horse, as he should be for €2m as a yearling. The worry is that Moments Of Joy could outstay him, as her debut win came over 7f and Treanmor evidently has a lot of speed. But the selection is by Frankel out of a 7f Listed winner, so the trip should be fine for him, and he just looks really good. Selection: Treanmor 1pt win @ 13/8 with Betano Go to site > 3.05, Ascot – Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2, 1m 4f) REBEL'S ROMANCE, a seven-time winner at the highest level, could be on the downgrade now, but he most recently won the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup narrowly from Epic Poet, who was getting 5lb, and now meets that horse off level weights. This Charlie Appelby-trained seven-year-old will not mind the drop back in trip and he is taken to have too much for his rivals in what is an ordinary running of the Hardwicke. 3.40, Ascot – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1, 6f) This is a cracking race featuring form lines from around the world and maybe TOPGEAR, from France, can take it. He improved last season, his first campaign with trainer Christopher Head, with the drop to 7f seeing him win two lesser Group races, notably the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket – by five-and-a-half lengths – on his only previous start in Britain. He resumed with a 7f Group 3 success at Longchamp in May, defeating Sajir, who reopposes. Third-placed King Gold won a 7f Longchamp Group 3 on Thursday and fourth-placed Lake Forest was fifth in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Ascot on Tuesday. Topgear has to prove he is fast enough, now down in trip, but he won his three starts over 6f to 6½f as a two-year-old, including a Group 3, and this is a stiff 6f. A small each-way bet on GRAND GREY is also suggested. This lightly raced ex-French runner did well for second behind Sajir in the 6f Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket, on his British debut, considering the race did not unfold to suit his off-the-pace style, and he had no chance after blowing the start at the Curragh in his previous outing. This test should suit him. Selection: Grand Grey 0.5pt each-way @ 66/1 with Betano (⅕ odds, 4 places) 4.20, Ascot – Jersey Stakes (Group 3, 7f) There is still better to come from SARACEN (nap). He won a 6f Curragh maiden by four lengths on his sole juvenile start and was still raw when third in the 7f Group 3 Greenham at Newbury on his reappearance. That race did not unfold to suit and he was beaten by two horses with Group 1 form. Saracen ran at Newbury so his connections could see whether he was one for the French 2,000 Guineas or the Jersey, and he turns up in the latter race with strong-looking claims, looking a fair wager to at least place. Selection: Saracen 1pt each-way @ 7/1 with Betano (⅕ odds, 4 places) Go to site > 5.00, Ascot – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap, 6f) JARRAAF won a couple of handicaps over course and distance on good and quick ground last year and there was nothing wrong with his reappearance fourth in a Salisbury Listed race. Khaadem was third in the same Salisbury race before winning the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in 2023. And this year's Salisbury third, Annaf, runs in the QEII Jubilee. Jarraaf finished two places behind ZOUM ZOUM at Salisbury, but went through the race like the better horse and, having done his running and probably being in need of the outing, just faded a little late. Still, an interest in Zoum Zoum is also advised, as he is a significantly bigger price and the Salisbury race just looks worth buying into. Selection: Jarraaf 1pt each-way @ 8/1 with Betano (⅕ odds, 5 places) 5.35, Ascot – Golden Gates Handicap (Class 2, 1m 2f) There are also a couple of horses of interest in this one, starting with EL BURHAN. He did well to win a competitive Chester handicap over just 7½f on his reappearance and is open to improvement over this longer trip for trainer George Boughey, who had the winner of this race in 2022. The other is SERAPH GABRIEL, who shaped well when second in a mile handicap at Sandown on his seasonal return. The Sandown winner, Fifth Column, 'won' his race on the wrong side of the track in the Britannia at Ascot on Thursday, and Seraph Gabriel has been saved for this meeting since Sandown. 6.10, Ascot – Queen Alexandra Stakes (Class 2, 2m 5 ½f) The final selection of Royal Ascot 2025 is SOBER. He was a dual Group 2-winning stayer on the Flat in France in 2023 and most recently won over hurdles – over 2m 4f – on his debut for Willie Mullins. He has never tried as far as this trip (2m 5½f), but he looks like having too much for his rivals. Selection: Sober 1pt win @ 10/11 with Betano Today's UK and Irish racing (Flat unless stated) Redcar 1.10-4.45 Limerick 1.50-5.20 Newmarket 2.03-5.05 Down Royal 2.08-5.40 Ascot 2.30-6.10 Bangor (NH) 3.55-7.30 Ayr 4.10-8.08 Lingfield 5.45-8.55 Haydock 6.00-8.45 Ascot course guide Ascot is a right-handed circuit of roughly one mile six furlongs in length that joins a mile-long straight track. The two share a home straight and the round circuit is used for longer races such as the Gold Cup, which is run over 2m 4f. A good tactical position can be key on the round course, because once the field makes the final turn into the home straight, runners will want to be well placed for the final dash. There can be draw biases on the vast straight track, which is used for all the sprint races, because one part of the course may be quicker than another, or, if the runners split into different groups, there may be more pace in one of the bunches than another. What does nap mean? Nap is a word used in betting circles to describe a prediction that a tipster thinks has a particularly strong chance of winning. Many horse racing tipsters pick out a 'nap of the day', which is their favoured selection from all the races across the different meetings. The term nap derives from the French card game Napoleon. When players of this game thought they had a particularly strong hand that they would win with they would shout 'Napoleon'. Ron Wood 2025 horse racing P/L (up to and including Thursday June 19) Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Royal Ascot each-way and Lucky 15 tips: Day 5
Ron Wood has picked out a Lucky 15 for Royal Ascot day five on Saturday, as well as an each-way bet. Royal Ascot Day 5 Lucky 15 tips The first runner in this Lucky 15 bet is TREANMOR in the opening race on the card, the Listed Chesham Stakes (2.30). This horse won so easily in a 6f Newmarket novice on his debut. The form has been let down, but there is no doubt at all that he is a smart colt. He is fast and bred to stay. The second leg of the Lucky 15 is SARACEN in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes (4.20). Read more about him in the each-way bet below – he is a strong fancy. Next up is JARRAAF in the Wokingham (5.00). He won a couple of handicaps over course and distance on good and quick ground last year and there was nothing wrong with his reappearance fourth in a Salisbury Listed race. The final selection is SOBER in the closing Queen Alexandra Stakes (6.10). He was a dual Group 2-winning stayer on the Flat in France in 2023 and most recently won over hurdles – over 2m 4f – on his debut for Willie Mullins. He has never tried as far as this trip (2m 5½f), but he looks like having too much for his rivals. Treanmor (2.30, Ascot) @ 6/4 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 3 places) Saracen (4.20, Ascot) @ 5/1 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 5 places) Jarraaf (5.00, Ascot) @ 13/2 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 7 places) Sober (6.10, Ascot) @ 10/11 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 3 places) A £0.10p each-way Lucky 15 – for a total stake of £3 – on these four horses offers a potential return of £83.32. Royal Ascot Day 5 each-way tip There is still better to come from SARACEN (4.20). He won a 6f Curragh maiden by four lengths on his sole juvenile start and was still raw when third in the 7f Greenham at Newbury on his reappearance. That race did not unfold to suit and he was beaten by two horses with Group 1 form. Saracen ran at Newbury so his connections could see whether he was one for the French 2,000 Guineas or the Jersey, and he turns up in the latter contest with strong-looking claims, especially of making the first five places, for which Sky Bet pays out. Odds provided by Sky Bet and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (maximum five). Check out the best Royal Ascot free bets and betting offers Lucky 15 explained There are 'multiple' bet options that can be a good way of still getting paid out even if certain runners let you down, and a Lucky 15 is one of the classics. This bet is made up of four selections, with single bets on each of them (four bets), six doubles (all the combinations of the four selections), as well as four trebles and one four-fold accumulator. Clue's in the name, that's 15 bets in total. That might seem like a lot of bets but you can stake accordingly and, as the odds build, these options can return substantial payouts even to a relatively small lay-out. What is an each-way bet? An each-way bet is a popular type of wager, particularly with horse racing fans. It is essentially two bets, both of which have the same size stake. An each-way bet features one bet on the selection to win and the other bet on the selection to place. So a £10 each-way bet will cost you a total of £20. There will be one £10 bet on the selection to win and another £10 on the selection to place. It's a popular bet because it offers punters the chance of a return, even if the horse in question fails to win. Bookmakers will pay out at a stated percentage of the odds for a place finish, for example one-fifth of the SP for finishing in the first three. The more runners there are in a horse race, the more places will be on offer. In races that feature lots of runners, the horses will be available at bigger odds, making an each-way bet a wise choice. Ron Wood 2025 horse racing P/L (up to and including Thursday June 19) Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence If you want to find more odds and offers, take a look at our list of the best betting sites and free bets Check out our list of the best casino bonuses in the UK
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Time For Sandals springs 25-1 shock at Royal Ascot
Time For Sandals was a surprise 25-1 winner of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot as favourite Shadow Of Light could only finish Kingscote rode the victor, who is nicknamed 'Flip Flop' at her stables, from stall one for in-form trainer Harry was celebrating a top-level Group One double, having won Tuesday's opening Queen Anne Stakes with Docklands."It's the hardest place on earth, but the horses have turned up in great shape," said Of Light was last year's champion juvenile and had finished third in the 2,000 Guineas behind his victorious stablemate Ruling Court, but trainer Charlie Appleby said he was unsuited by the good to firm Commonwealth Cup is one of two top-level Group One races on Friday, alongside the Coronation Stakes (16:20 BST).Jockey Warren Fentiman, 17, rides for King Charles on Purple Rainbow in the following Sandringham Ascot day four results Venetian Sun, trained by Karl Burke, won the Albany Stakes to end Aidan O'Brien's stranglehold on this week's juvenile drawn high had fared well on Thursday but the 7-1 victor also broke from stall one on Friday under Clifford Lee and comfortably saw off his rivals, with O'Brien's favourite Signora back in ninth place."I think she's very special, the best two-year-old filly I've trained," said Sun is part-owned by Brighton and Hove Albion supremo Tony Bloom, who hopes she will be a contender in next year's 1,000 Guineas.
