NTF issues warning over forged racecourse badges

A number of forged National Trainers Federation metal badges have been identified in recent weeks at several tracks, including Newmarket.

Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the NTF, said: “A few racecourses have picked up forged badges and we have alerted trainers.

“The RCA has requested additional checks to be made at racecourses across the country as there is obviously the potential for an integrity issue.

“It would be extremely helpful if people would notify racecourse officials if they notice someone wearing a badge that looks different.”

Aintree to stage 2018 RCA Showcase awards

The annual RCA Showcase awards will be held on Thursday, November 8 at Aintree racecourse, the reigning champion racecourse.

The ceremony highlights the work of racecourses in Britain, with awards focusing on areas such as owners' experience, groundstaff and food and beverages, all leading up to the 'champion racecourse' prize.

There is also the Racing Post readers' award, which will give readers the chance to vote for their racecourse of the year. Last year's winner was Fontwell and voting opens in late August.

Fontwell: winner of the Racing Post readers' award last yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Louise Agran, chief marketing officer at the Racing Post, said: "We are proud to be supporting the Racing Post readers' award at the RCA Showcase awards for the sixth consecutive year.

"The award enables our readers and social media followers to share their accounts of outstanding customer service at British racecourses and we look forward to recognising those held in particularly high regard."

Award for O'Brien and Magnier family

After last year's record-breaking 28 Group 1 wins, Aidan O'Brien and the Magnier family have won the Longines and IFHA International Award of Merit, which celebrates lifelong contributions to the thoroughbred industry.

They will receive their prize at the launch of Irish Champions Weekend on Tuesday, August 14.

Wolverhampton and Lingfield to host additional meetings

Due to the extended dry spell, all-weather venues Lingfield and Wolverhampton will stage additional seven-race meetings.

Wolverhampton will hold racing on Sunday, July 29, while Lingfield is set to race on Monday, July 30.

Entries for both meetings need to be made by noon on Wednesday, July 25.

Sky Sports sign Triple Crown deal

Sky Sports Racing – the channel that replaces At The Races next year – has signed a new long-term deal with NBCUniversal, meaning it will show all three legs of the US Triple Crown.

The announcement maintains the status quo, with ATR having this year exclusively shown in Britain and Ireland the historic Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont triumphs of Justify.

Sky Sports Racing will show the US Triple Crown, won by Justify this yearCredit: Al Bello

ATR chief executive Matthew Imi said: "This agreement reinforces our long-term commitment to the biggest racing events on the international stage and we will help raise the profile of these great fixtures even further in the UK and Ireland with coverage and cross-promotion across Sky Sports.

"The Kentucky Derby is an institution in the US and in recent years the achievements of American Pharoah and Justify have brought the Triple Crown series to mainstream attention around the world."

Race run in honour of Laura Barry

The Dingle races, the pinnacle of the Irish pony racing season, will honour jockey Laura Barry, who died of cancer this month aged just 25, by staging the Laura Barry Ladies Derby next month.

A message on Dingle Races' Facebook page read: "With Laura's brave battle with illness and sad passing at a young age, the entire horse and pony racing community would like to honour her memory."

The €2,000 race will be the seventh on the August 11 card, at 5.30pm, and is over a mile and a quarter.

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