The Corner with Garry Chittick

Many years ago, Mary and I attended the Annual Time Form dinner, staged the night before the races at York. It was an unusual format with spouses separated, not a bad idea so long as you were compatible with your mixed table.

On my left, my new companion had a command of the English language seldom experienced in the colonies. Whilst challenging to interpret, along with her vast knowledge of everything, it was clear I was in for a long night.

When I had a chance, I ventured the opinion that she obviously was involved in a horse or two. “My husband has 40 in work.” – “Goodness, that must be interesting with the current level of Stakes.” – “Stakes? Stakes, we don’t race for the Stakes.” Duly put in my place, I calculated the then annual cost to race a horse; they were relaxed about a £3 million spend to maintain their weekend activities. Mind you, I doubt their interests were confined to racing only, a casual glance at the adornments she was showing would have more than paid my equity in Waikato Stud.

The point, well, racing is a sport for all – the challenge for the super-rich is results to match their egos.

And so, we have just witnessed Royal Ascot, marketed as the greatest meeting in the world, a week of the world’s best horses. I am certainly not going to get into a debate as to the voracity of their self-belief. They stage 13 Group 1 races over the meeting from the King’s Stand 1000m to the 4000m Gold Cup. It is a testing track first raced on in 1711. It would be interesting to know what major track improvements have occurred since. So, are they justified in their claim of such elite status? If you are a Netflix subscriber, take the time to watch the highly entertaining ‘Race for the Crown’.

Not only entertaining but very informative. This series is focused on the American Triple Crown of 2024. There are no Top Hats, very few neckties, probably as much wealth displayed in a very different style, and the horses it is a different style of racing with the pace on right from the start.

Do these athletes deserve a supreme accolade? Of course they do. I dare you to challenge their colourful owners with the view they are inferior.

What about Australasia? We may not package up five consecutive days, but from 4/10/25 to 8/11/25, Racing Victoria will stage 15 Group 1 races, Stakes of A$40 million. Now, that does not include NSW who, just for the fun of it to keep VRC on their toes, run six Group 1 races over a month for A$23 million.

Are our competitors racing for this largesse inferior to other racing jurisdictions? Of course not.

I believe the beauty of the events is the joy and excitement needed to encourage new participants; Group 1 races showcase the best EVERYWHERE.

G