The announcement by Arena Racing Company (ARC) surrounding the launch of an exciting new horse racing series for female jockeys has only added to the anticipation of the 2017 season, where the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National are once again set to dominate the UK calendar.
The Silk Series is an initiative designed to provide both professional and amateur jockeys with the opportunity to participate in nine ladies’ days at ARC racecourses throughout 2017. With a prize money for the nine races set at a minimum of £100,000, the first race of the series will take place at Lingfield Park in May, with the final meeting on Ladies Day of the St Leger in September. Such high profile races are set to provide yet more opportunities for punters to win big in the horse racing betting markets among bookmakers.
With the 2016 Cheltenham Festival dominated by the favourites, many of the star names could well hit the headlines once again come March of next year. Reigning champion Faugheen looks set to once again be the horse to beat in the Champions Hurdle, with bookmakers Coral already offering the Willie Mullins eight-year-old as the 7/4 favourite in their horse racing betting market, ahead of the likes of Annie Power and Yanworth.
Despite doubts over her participation at Cheltenham next year, another Mullins mare in the form of Vroum Vroum Mag leads the way in the Mares Hurdle betting at Coral, with odds of 5/2. However, many are suggesting that the World Hurdle will be the preferred race for the champion trainer. Live trackside coverage from Coral’s punters is always an entertaining and useful tool to use for those looking to back a winner.
Meanwhile, having won the Ryanair Chase last time around after rerouting from the Gold Cup, Vautour is currently the favourite for the iconic race on the final day of proceedings in the South West. Horse racing betting odds of 7/1 from Coral could well be enough to convince many to back the seven-year-old.
After finishing second the Rule The World last time around, The Last Samuri is the favourite for the 2017 Grand National at Aintree with Coral, with horse racing betting odds of 20/1 at present. The Gavin Van Zyl trained four-year-old will certainly benefit from the Mouse Morris horse having retired after his famous win back in April.