Racing has now finally returned across both the US and around Europe and has already proven to be a great success. Several racecourses across the US had continued to stay open despite the current pandemic, with racing going ahead but without spectators in attendance. This process has now been implemented around the world, with the likes of France and the UK both following suit.
The UK really kickstarted their racing return with Royal Ascot, that was finally given the green light to go ahead. This took place behind closed doors and without spectators, with owners also not allowed to attend. Despite this, it was another memorable week with the US also having success through Wesley Ward. The latter always travels over to the UK for the event each year and 2020 was no different. He had a number of close misses before finally getting a winner through Campanelle in the Queen Mary. She was a popular selection for many punters, who also supported her using the Unibet promotional code that was on offer, as she was eventually sent off as the second favourite. It meant yet another winner in the race for the successful trainer. His other winners including the likes of Acapulco in 2015 and of course Lady Aurelia in 2016.
Following this, both the Derby and the Oaks have taken place, which always draws attention from US racing fans. Serpentine ran out a surprise winner but very impressive in the process as he made all and cleared away from the rest of the field to win easily in the Derby. Time will tell if he got an easy lead from the front or if he is just a very very good horse. The former looking the most likely, with the prices of the horses finishing in the frame.
The Oaks was a completely different story and there is certainly no doubting the winner in Love. She ran out a very impressive winner, as she made effortless ground from the back to clear away and win by nine lengths. That meant she also followed up her Guineas victory and is now the most exciting young horse in training. Could she now follow up in the Arc at the end of the season?
For many fans, the key fixture of the season is the Breeders Cup, which is still set to take place in the early period of November at Keeneland race course in Lexington, Kentucky. There will be over $30 million in prize money on offer and this will hopefully provide a stunning and memorable event for racing fans, as we round out what has been such a difficult year.
