We’re now right in the midst of the 2023 flat racing season, and there have already been some stellar stories so far.
With so many big races and fixtures taking place across the spring, summer, and autumn months, it can be hard to keep track of who the big winners are, but we’ve put together this quick round-up of the winners of some of the biggest races in flat racing this year.
So, as you continue to examine the race odds for the high-profile races still to come in 2023, let’s take a look at how things have unfolded so far.
Dubai World Cup – Ushba Tesoro
The Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race on the planet, boasting a total prize purse of some $12 million. It’s no surprise, then, that it captures the attention of racing fans all over the planet.
The 2023 winner was Japanese thoroughbred Ushba Tesoro, finishing two and three-quarter lengths clear of second-place Algiers. It was a joyous moment for jockey Yuga Kawada and trainer Nobou Takagi.
Kentucky Derby – Mage
One of the most iconic flat races in the world, the Kentucky Derby is always a major occasion on the horse racing calendar.
Mage was the horse who managed to streak clear of the chasing pack to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby. A fine performance by Javier Castellano in the saddle saw Mage win by a length and a half over second-place Two Phil’s
2,000 Guineas – Chaldean
Turning to the UK, the British Classic races are always standout occasions in the flat racing world, and the Guineas Festival got things underway in May, with the 2,000 Guineas contested by three-year-old colts and fillies.
It was won by Chaldean this year, ridden by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori. The 52-year-old is in his final season as a professional rider, and he couldn’t have asked for a better moment to mark it.
1,000 Guineas – Mawj
The 1,000 Guineas is a race contested by three-year-old fillies only, and takes pride of place as another of the British Classics.
Mawj was the 2023 winner, with Oisin Murphy in the saddle for trainer Saeed bin Suroor and the Godolphin stables. It was a poignant moment for Murphy, who only recently returned from a lengthy ban from the sport.
The Oaks – Soul Sister
The Derby Festival at Epsom also brings two British Classic races, the first of which is The Oaks, run over a distance of just over one mile and four furlongs.
There was further glory for Dettori in the 2023 race, who secured yet another Classic victory and brought yet more success for father-son training duo John and Thady Gosden.
The Derby – Auguste Rodin
The second day of the Derby Festival brings us The Derby itself, one of the standout occasions of all the British Classics.
It was trainer Aidan O’Brien’s moment of glory this year, as Auguste Rodin and jockey earned him his 41st British Classic victory, making him the outright most successful trainer in the history of the Classic series.
