Ever wondered what makes the Racing Post a cornerstone in the world of horse racing and sports betting? Launched in 1986 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this British daily publication has grown into a trusted source for racing enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings with Graham Rock as the first editor to its digital expansion in 1997, the Racing Post has continually adapted to meet the needs of its audience. Whether you're looking for expert tips, race previews, or live coverage, the Racing Post has it all. With a dedicated team of around 300 staff members, it offers comprehensive content that keeps fans informed and engaged.
Key Takeaways:
- Racing Post, founded in 1986 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has evolved from a print newspaper to a digital platform, offering expert tips, live race coverage, and tools for comparing odds and managing bets.
- With a rich history and digital transformation, Racing Post provides comprehensive content, expert insights, and exclusive features through its Members’ Club and mobile app, catering to horse racing enthusiasts and sports bettors.
The Origins of Racing Post
The Racing Post has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1980s. Let's dive into its beginnings and early developments.
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Founding and Ownership: Racing Post was launched on April 15, 1986, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and a prominent racehorse owner.
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Initial Editors: The first editor was Graham Rock, who was later replaced by Michael Harris in 1988.
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Sale and Rebranding: In 1998, Sheikh Mohammed sold the license for the paper to Trinity Mirror for £1, retaining ownership of the name. Trinity Mirror donated £10 million to horse racing charities as part of the deal.
Digital Transformation
As technology advanced, Racing Post adapted to the digital age, expanding its reach and services.
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Digital Expansion: Racing Post launched its website, racingpost.co.uk, in 1997. It was relaunched as racingpost.com in 2008.
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Changes in Ownership: In 2007, Trinity Mirror sold the paper to FL Partners for £170 million. Alan Byrne was appointed editor-in-chief and CEO.
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Further Ownership Changes: In 2016, Exponent Private Equity acquired Racing Post, with Richard Segal becoming chairman.
Editorial Evolution
The editorial team has seen several changes over the years, each bringing new perspectives and strategies.
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Editorial Changes: Alan Byrne edited the paper from 1993 to 2002. Chris Smith succeeded him, followed by Bruce Millington in 2007. Tom Kerr took over in 2018.
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Staff and Operations: Racing Post employs around 300 permanent staff. In 2018, it acquired a majority stake in Apsley and ICS Media Group.
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Print Edition Suspension: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the print edition was suspended in March 2020 but resumed in June 2020.
Content and Features
Racing Post offers a variety of content, catering to different aspects of horse racing and sports betting.
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Content and Features: The newspaper blends breaking news, tipping content, race previews, and reports. It includes daily editorials, cards, forms, entries, and results.
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Digital Content: The mobile app (iOS and Android) includes cards, forms, results, and expert tips. RacingPost.com offers both free and premium content.
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Awards and Recognition: Racing Post was highly commended for the Grand Prix award at the Newsawards 2016 for adapting its business model.
Specialist Writers and Ratings
Expert opinions and ratings play a crucial role in Racing Post's offerings.
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Specialist Writers: Alastair Down won the specialist writer category at the SJA Awards in 2016. Edward Whitaker and Steve Palmer have also received multiple awards.
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Racing Post Ratings: These ratings represent the views of Racing Post experts, indicating a horse's potential performance.
Understanding the Racecard
The racecard is an essential tool for racing enthusiasts, providing detailed information about each horse.
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How to Read the Racecard: It includes the silks, age, and weight of each horse. Handicaps and non-handicaps have different weight rules.
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Form Figures: The numbers to the left of a horse's name represent its finishing positions in recent races, read from right to left.
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Accessing Horse Profiles: Clicking on a horse's name reveals its profile, showing past performances and other relevant details.
Betting and Live Coverage
Racing Post makes betting and live race coverage accessible and convenient.
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Betting Through the App: Users can place bets directly through the app, compare odds, and manage multiple bookmaker accounts.
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Live Racing Coverage: Users can watch races live from British and Irish tracks on the app without placing a bet.
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Expert Tips and News: The app features daily tips and predictions from leading experts, along with the latest news and market movers.
Comparing Odds and Managing Accounts
Racing Post ensures users get the best betting experience by offering tools to compare odds and manage accounts.
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Comparing Betting Odds: Users can quickly compare the latest betting odds from seven leading bookmakers.
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Managing Bookmaker Accounts: The app allows users to view open bets, settled bets, available balance, and manage deposits and withdrawals.
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Integrated Betslip: The integrated betslip lets users place bets without leaving the app, supporting multiple bookmaker partners.
Members’ Club and App Features
Racing Post offers exclusive content and features through its Members’ Club and mobile app.
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Members’ Club: This community provides award-winning journalism, expert insight, and tools designed to give users an edge.
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App Features: The app includes horse racing cards, results, expert tips, free bets, and betting offers, along with live racing coverage.
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Version Updates: The latest app version (38.0.3) includes improvements to racecards and new article features.
Understanding Horse Racing Form
Horse racing form provides detailed information about a horse's past performances, crucial for making informed bets.
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Understanding Horse Racing Form: Form figures show a horse's finishing positions in previous races, read from right to left.
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Reading the Columns: The racecard columns include the horse's number, age, weight, trainer, jockey, and allowances.
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Apprentice and Conditional Jockey Claims: Apprentice jockeys can claim different amounts of weight based on their experience, with specific thresholds for each claim.
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TS (Top Speed) Ratings: TS ratings compare a horse's race time to the standard time for that course, adjusted for various factors.
Racing Post: A Legacy in Horse Racing
Racing Post has come a long way since its launch in 1986. From its founding by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to its digital expansion, it remains a go-to source for horse racing enthusiasts. The print edition, expert tips, Racing Post Ratings, and live coverage make it indispensable. The mobile app and website offer a seamless experience, allowing users to place bets, compare odds, and watch races live. With a dedicated team and a rich history, Racing Post continues to adapt and thrive in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a newbie, Racing Post provides the tools and insights needed to make informed decisions. Its blend of news, tips, and live coverage ensures it stays relevant and valuable. Racing Post isn't just a publication; it's a cornerstone of the horse racing community.
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