The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Horseracing Excellence
Raceclubs.com is proud to announce the introduction of the most prestigious award in the world of virtual horseracing.
“The virtual horseracing community has enjoyed a proud and noble history of horseracing on Raceclubs; it is a history that deserves to be recorded for future generations while honoring the great men and women who have contributed to Raceclubs’s reputation for continuously raising the bar in virtual horseracing excellence.” Explaimed Raceclubs’s race Programmer as a reception held for launching The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Horses and Owners.
The Raceclubs Equus Award will be presented to the members of the community committed to the tireless pursuit of virtual horseracing excellence. These are the men, women and horses that inspire and achieve the highest ideals of virtual horseracing and who’s efforts deserve to be recognized for posterity as an inspiration for future generations of virtual horse racers on Raceclubs and throughout the world.
Raceclubs .com’s Race Programmer initially suggested an award in recognition of the best horse of the season but the suggestion soon took on a life on its own as further categories were suggested that reflected the dynamic and diverse accomplishments of the virtual horseracing community. The categories recognize the best colt and filly amongst the juveniles, crowns and seniors; additional awards acknowledge exceptional performance, service, and accomplishment; including a lifetime achievement award.
The current list of “Equus” awards includes:
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Juvenile Filly
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Juvenile Colt
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Crown Filly
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Crown Colt
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Senior Filly
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Senior Colt
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Sports Personality of the Season
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Most Outstanding Owner of the Season
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Most Accomplished Newbie of the Season
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Colt of the Season
The Raceclubs Equus Award for Virtual Filly of the Season
The Raceclubs Equus for Lifetime Achievement (Owners)
The Raceclubs Equus for Lifetime Achievement (Horses)
The Writers Association Newsmaker of the Year Award
The Member Support Award for Service to the Community
People’s Choice Award: Best Trainer Voted by Members (TBC)
People’s Choice Award: Best Horse Voted by Members (TBC)
The first recipients of the Raceclubs Equus Award announced at a virtual gala in the first week of the 26th virtual horseracing season.
The Raceclubs Team
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
View From The Stands by Graham Clifford
Biography: Graham is the sports editor of the Irish Post newspaper in London and has
been a broadcast and print journalist for the last eight years working in the U.K.,
Australia and in his native Ireland. He presents a show on local BBC radio in the South
East of England and claims to have Psychic powers. He once convinced Shane McGowan to
drink milk in a pub instead of all the top shelf products and is said to be 853rd in line to
be King of Spain.
Papal knees up for Bonnybrook farm
Thinking outside the box – that’s what we like on View from the stands though the phrase ‘thinking
outside the box’ must be the most annoying in the world of modern business…anyway I digress.
This week’s competition winner is Bonnybrook farm who said the world leader he’d most like to
have a pint with is Pope Benedict XVI! Why? Well as Bonnybrook said “A brewery in Stuttgart, so I
read, once sent a truck with 700 litres of beer to him. He loves the stuff and so do I, so lots to talk
about. Might even get a few human confessions out of the man when we're dancing round the
altar.” I don’t know when you were last at a roman catholic mass Bonnybrook but dancing around
the altar is strictly forbidden! Anyway congratulations, ten crisp pounds worth of bonus credits will
be winging their way to you my friend. Other top answers include this one from Henry’s stable
“Obama because when he his drunk I can do his misses hmmmmmmmmmmmmm nice” – tut,tut
and from slowstables “Gordon Brown so that I can give him a pint of sulphuric acid!”
Handy Andy’s off the mark
From little acorns…….. Last week heralded a bright day for the Andy Copley yard when the first of
what we hope will be many winners crossed the winning post in a stakes race. A delighted Andy
reacted by writing the following post “WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO! first of many I’m sure!” Indeed
Andy’s OTT reactions to success have already seen him get into hot water. At a race meet in
Australia yesterday he was physically removed from the track after his 2 year old colt named Igniti
won in a small field of three. Now racecourses across the globe are on high alert since it’s now
inevitable that Andy will have more and bigger winners in the weeks and months ahead!
I wonder………….
I see where Al from the Al mighty yard put’s Paul Gascoigne’s 30-yard screamer against Scotland
down as one of his favourite childhood memories…..I wonder if Gazza himself can remember it?!
Robbie Williams is a massive Raceclubs fan
It’s obvious – ‘Let me entertain you’ was penned after the singer watched Ken Allen land another
challenge final win. ‘Win some lose some’ sums up the career of a raceclubs owner. And it was
revealed this week that the split which ended Robbie’s connection with Take that came after Gary
Barlow suggested the band should spend less time playing raceclubs and more time eating chip butties.
Atkins diet is just the ticket!
Whatever Atkins is eating its working. At the time of writing the stable sit on 496 wins just four off
the magic 500. With us since May 2005 the stable have perhaps the most impressive profile picture
of any on raceclubs though I have a sneaking feeling it is not a true representation of the stable
owner. If it is then roll on the raceclubs Christmas party! With just seven horses in the stable it’s a
tight and highly successful yard which over the past four years or so has amassed over 17k in prize
money. It’s now only a matter of time before the brilliant Montsegur signs off her raceclubs career
with that 500th win!
Irish jeweller moved to secure location
After the recent high profile robbery of 40 million pounds worth of jewellery from the Graff
Diamonds store in London the raceclubs jockey ‘Irish jeweller’ has been moved to a safe house.
While the location of the safe house is a state secret BigBoySteve did give a clue to the owner’s
place of hiding when he told journalists from the Sun – “he’s in my spare room’.
So how bad is the UK Economy?
• I got a pre-declined credit card offer in the post.
• Parents in Notting Hill are considering raising their own children.
• I saw the CEO of Asda shopping at Asda.
• A prostitute asked me if she could borrow £20 until she can get back on her back.
• I saw a van full of legal immigrants illegally crossing the border into Scotland.
• I saw four CEOs playing miniature golf.
• Even people who aren’t in Gordon Brown’s cabinet aren’t paying taxes.
been a broadcast and print journalist for the last eight years working in the U.K.,
Australia and in his native Ireland. He presents a show on local BBC radio in the South
East of England and claims to have Psychic powers. He once convinced Shane McGowan to
drink milk in a pub instead of all the top shelf products and is said to be 853rd in line to
be King of Spain.
Papal knees up for Bonnybrook farm
Thinking outside the box – that’s what we like on View from the stands though the phrase ‘thinking
outside the box’ must be the most annoying in the world of modern business…anyway I digress.
This week’s competition winner is Bonnybrook farm who said the world leader he’d most like to
have a pint with is Pope Benedict XVI! Why? Well as Bonnybrook said “A brewery in Stuttgart, so I
read, once sent a truck with 700 litres of beer to him. He loves the stuff and so do I, so lots to talk
about. Might even get a few human confessions out of the man when we're dancing round the
altar.” I don’t know when you were last at a roman catholic mass Bonnybrook but dancing around
the altar is strictly forbidden! Anyway congratulations, ten crisp pounds worth of bonus credits will
be winging their way to you my friend. Other top answers include this one from Henry’s stable
“Obama because when he his drunk I can do his misses hmmmmmmmmmmmmm nice” – tut,tut
and from slowstables “Gordon Brown so that I can give him a pint of sulphuric acid!”
Handy Andy’s off the mark
From little acorns…….. Last week heralded a bright day for the Andy Copley yard when the first of
what we hope will be many winners crossed the winning post in a stakes race. A delighted Andy
reacted by writing the following post “WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO! first of many I’m sure!” Indeed
Andy’s OTT reactions to success have already seen him get into hot water. At a race meet in
Australia yesterday he was physically removed from the track after his 2 year old colt named Igniti
won in a small field of three. Now racecourses across the globe are on high alert since it’s now
inevitable that Andy will have more and bigger winners in the weeks and months ahead!
I wonder………….
I see where Al from the Al mighty yard put’s Paul Gascoigne’s 30-yard screamer against Scotland
down as one of his favourite childhood memories…..I wonder if Gazza himself can remember it?!
Robbie Williams is a massive Raceclubs fan
It’s obvious – ‘Let me entertain you’ was penned after the singer watched Ken Allen land another
challenge final win. ‘Win some lose some’ sums up the career of a raceclubs owner. And it was
revealed this week that the split which ended Robbie’s connection with Take that came after Gary
Barlow suggested the band should spend less time playing raceclubs and more time eating chip butties.
Atkins diet is just the ticket!
Whatever Atkins is eating its working. At the time of writing the stable sit on 496 wins just four off
the magic 500. With us since May 2005 the stable have perhaps the most impressive profile picture
of any on raceclubs though I have a sneaking feeling it is not a true representation of the stable
owner. If it is then roll on the raceclubs Christmas party! With just seven horses in the stable it’s a
tight and highly successful yard which over the past four years or so has amassed over 17k in prize
money. It’s now only a matter of time before the brilliant Montsegur signs off her raceclubs career
with that 500th win!
Irish jeweller moved to secure location
After the recent high profile robbery of 40 million pounds worth of jewellery from the Graff
Diamonds store in London the raceclubs jockey ‘Irish jeweller’ has been moved to a safe house.
While the location of the safe house is a state secret BigBoySteve did give a clue to the owner’s
place of hiding when he told journalists from the Sun – “he’s in my spare room’.
So how bad is the UK Economy?
• I got a pre-declined credit card offer in the post.
• Parents in Notting Hill are considering raising their own children.
• I saw the CEO of Asda shopping at Asda.
• A prostitute asked me if she could borrow £20 until she can get back on her back.
• I saw a van full of legal immigrants illegally crossing the border into Scotland.
• I saw four CEOs playing miniature golf.
• Even people who aren’t in Gordon Brown’s cabinet aren’t paying taxes.
A Word In Jest - Jesters
A Word In Jest - Jesters
Today we pay tribute to top tipsters and New stables, as well as looking at the recent votes and amusing forum activities.
Tribute To Raven’s Castle
The Talking Horse Racing section which can be a gold mine to anyone who likes to have a punt on the GGs. Gamblers are always dropping in there with their tips for the horse racing and some even throw down their opinions on the football or rugby. One of the most dedicated of which is Raven’s Castle who does a very painstaking, in-depth review on many upcoming handicap races. This stable clearly knows what they are talking about and their concise and detailed reviews are well worth a read.
Just a couple of days ago they gave mention to a 25/1 horse down at Haydock, marking him as “as a great each way bet” and he went on to win the race and please many of the trainers who follow the advice of this tipster. Raven’s Castle did tell me that they were “going to have lots of free time when the flat season ends” and I’m sure many stables will miss them as some of these following statements of gratitude imply:
“You are numero uno” - Joe, Calahonda
“Interesting read as always”, “very nice shout” - Neil, Pablo P
“Keep these coming, good read” - Mike, Dolphish Stable
“Great reviews mate” - Graz
“I always read too Raven's and find them very good. Well done” - Darren, Irish Jeweller.
“A good read and informative too” - Shandyman
There are many trainers out there who read these great Handicap reviews, written by a committed punter who unselfishly takes time out of their day to write them and help us all out with our betting, so if you ever feel the need to have a flutter on the horses then pop over to the Talking Horse Racing section of the forum and see if Raven’s Castle has any advice for you first; it could prove priceless.
Robbie - Back And Then Gone Again
Former Take That prancer Robbie Williams found himself the subject of a heated debate on Raceclubs recently when MS announced that races would be created in “honour” of this topless, egocentric millionaire. As we covered in last weeks A Word In Jest, this wasn’t met with any initial joy as many trainers insisted there were better icons to name the races after. We did have some fun as dance fan Quinton explained why Robbie was about to make it onto the RC scene.
“I was actually at his concert when he was in South Africa” Quinton said after admitting he was the one who had suggested they run the Robbie races “not by choice but rather by request”. Which conjures images of Q, our friend from MS, being dragged to one of these female filled, screaming concerts, most likely by his girlfriend (we feel for you mate), but he didn’t seem to hate the occasion, prompting Steve from the Bigboysteve stable to wonder if he was “there to throw [his] pants at him”. Quinton managed to regain his respect though when suggesting that Mr Williams had advanced Dance Music across the world, saving us from picturing Q as a pigtailed teenybopper with pictures of half-naked pop-stars on his bedroom walls; but only just:)
These races were then cancelled not so long after they had been announced though “If Robbie William's wants to join Raceclubs he can stand in line like everybody else does, register an account with a legitimate email address, select his newbie package and start training his horses to ascertain their preferences” Edward told us, showing us that MS do listen to us. The Race Programmers are now open to ideas of other Icons and Legends we would like races named after, with comments ranging from pop/rock legends to the two recently deceased apprentice jockeys who died after an arson attack in North Yorkshire.
Long Gone Legend Ken Allan Winning His Final Race - Does He Deserve A Place On The RP?
Changing The Game
In recent weeks we have been handed a lot of hints that the game is changing with comments recently coming from Simon to suggest that although the B Rated Racing may be dying, something is being done behind the scenes to resurrect it and bring sleeping Bs back to the race track again. We were not given too much information on this though but we were told that “The changes are based on member suggestions, so should be beneficial to your stable”.
Even more immediate issues have since arisen though. After we voted to split the sexes (and the sponsorship) in Grade One races we were then called to vote on whether there should be a change in the four to seven year old Challenge series. This came off the back of a very heated and popular thread where many trainers vented their frustrations and their suggestions at the current 4-7 series, RC listened to the comments on this thread and opened up a poll through the week to allow the trainers to vote whether they wanted to see a change or not.
So far the vote is leaning the way of a change, although we have yet to be told what the change will be. Suggestions seemed to be in favour of raising the minimum win count from one and two to five, with the majority of trainers agreeing. If you want to place your vote on this big issue then click here to head over to the thread which can be found on the Race Programming section of the forum.
The Jester
Today we pay tribute to top tipsters and New stables, as well as looking at the recent votes and amusing forum activities.
Tribute To Raven’s Castle
The Talking Horse Racing section which can be a gold mine to anyone who likes to have a punt on the GGs. Gamblers are always dropping in there with their tips for the horse racing and some even throw down their opinions on the football or rugby. One of the most dedicated of which is Raven’s Castle who does a very painstaking, in-depth review on many upcoming handicap races. This stable clearly knows what they are talking about and their concise and detailed reviews are well worth a read.
Just a couple of days ago they gave mention to a 25/1 horse down at Haydock, marking him as “as a great each way bet” and he went on to win the race and please many of the trainers who follow the advice of this tipster. Raven’s Castle did tell me that they were “going to have lots of free time when the flat season ends” and I’m sure many stables will miss them as some of these following statements of gratitude imply:
“You are numero uno” - Joe, Calahonda
“Interesting read as always”, “very nice shout” - Neil, Pablo P
“Keep these coming, good read” - Mike, Dolphish Stable
“Great reviews mate” - Graz
“I always read too Raven's and find them very good. Well done” - Darren, Irish Jeweller.
“A good read and informative too” - Shandyman
There are many trainers out there who read these great Handicap reviews, written by a committed punter who unselfishly takes time out of their day to write them and help us all out with our betting, so if you ever feel the need to have a flutter on the horses then pop over to the Talking Horse Racing section of the forum and see if Raven’s Castle has any advice for you first; it could prove priceless.
Robbie - Back And Then Gone Again
Former Take That prancer Robbie Williams found himself the subject of a heated debate on Raceclubs recently when MS announced that races would be created in “honour” of this topless, egocentric millionaire. As we covered in last weeks A Word In Jest, this wasn’t met with any initial joy as many trainers insisted there were better icons to name the races after. We did have some fun as dance fan Quinton explained why Robbie was about to make it onto the RC scene.
“I was actually at his concert when he was in South Africa” Quinton said after admitting he was the one who had suggested they run the Robbie races “not by choice but rather by request”. Which conjures images of Q, our friend from MS, being dragged to one of these female filled, screaming concerts, most likely by his girlfriend (we feel for you mate), but he didn’t seem to hate the occasion, prompting Steve from the Bigboysteve stable to wonder if he was “there to throw [his] pants at him”. Quinton managed to regain his respect though when suggesting that Mr Williams had advanced Dance Music across the world, saving us from picturing Q as a pigtailed teenybopper with pictures of half-naked pop-stars on his bedroom walls; but only just:)
These races were then cancelled not so long after they had been announced though “If Robbie William's wants to join Raceclubs he can stand in line like everybody else does, register an account with a legitimate email address, select his newbie package and start training his horses to ascertain their preferences” Edward told us, showing us that MS do listen to us. The Race Programmers are now open to ideas of other Icons and Legends we would like races named after, with comments ranging from pop/rock legends to the two recently deceased apprentice jockeys who died after an arson attack in North Yorkshire.
Long Gone Legend Ken Allan Winning His Final Race - Does He Deserve A Place On The RP?
Changing The Game
In recent weeks we have been handed a lot of hints that the game is changing with comments recently coming from Simon to suggest that although the B Rated Racing may be dying, something is being done behind the scenes to resurrect it and bring sleeping Bs back to the race track again. We were not given too much information on this though but we were told that “The changes are based on member suggestions, so should be beneficial to your stable”.
Even more immediate issues have since arisen though. After we voted to split the sexes (and the sponsorship) in Grade One races we were then called to vote on whether there should be a change in the four to seven year old Challenge series. This came off the back of a very heated and popular thread where many trainers vented their frustrations and their suggestions at the current 4-7 series, RC listened to the comments on this thread and opened up a poll through the week to allow the trainers to vote whether they wanted to see a change or not.
So far the vote is leaning the way of a change, although we have yet to be told what the change will be. Suggestions seemed to be in favour of raising the minimum win count from one and two to five, with the majority of trainers agreeing. If you want to place your vote on this big issue then click here to head over to the thread which can be found on the Race Programming section of the forum.
The Jester
Friday, September 4, 2009
Enter The Iconic Filly WFA Races
Enter The Iconic Filly WFA Races
The filly might be the weaker sex for some but when it comes to ambition, perseverance and tenacity most men will readily agree they'll do your colts in every time.
Look at a filly, she’s slightly smaller, a little more docile and her reticent hoof stomping is so endearing. If it weren’t for your daughters or nieces you would be buying those little ponies for yourself to play with. You find yourself looking or for the little fillies with the longest tails and manes that you’ll spend all day grooming. You’ll name her something especially sweet like Strawberry Milkshake or Cherry Blossoms or just refer to her as “my little pony”. Fillies are so cute! Cute! Cute! Cute! And then they bite. And we don’t just mean your wallet!
Iconic fillies on Raceclubs don’t come in colours, they come to run. They don’t need grooming, they need to be gelded. And they don’t respond to cute little names that would make us blush, they come with more attitude than a weightlifter on steroids. Their names are strong, determined and English- none of that Auroborealis La Gazza Ladra when you could be the Angel of Death or Lady Killer.
Angel of Death Won 38% of her races, placed in another 36% while scooping over $11,000 for blues. She was pumped for the Challenge Series six times- winning The Oaks 3Y F in 2005. You’d never meet Angel of death over a Stayers distance, but you said your prayers when your horses were competing against her over a sprint or classic distance.
Dream Catcher ran the races dreams are made of, she was always at the track a qualifying for a Challenge Series. Her career peaked in 2005, when she took the Queen Elizabeth Classic Challenge Final 4-7Y. It was a grand moment but the last time she’d ever win or place in Challenge Series but she was always a crowd pleaser. Even more pleasing for Big Billy was selling Dream Catcher to Ken Allan`s Stable for $818.
Eternal Spirit won or placed in 22 of her 28 qualifiers throughout her carreer. Dubbed the ‘Queen of the Qualifers’ her presence was always welcomed by the crowds. Butlers Yard bought her from Racingslim for $895 in 2008. Although she never placed in a Challenge Series, her stakes earnings place her at #7 in the Hall of fame.
Lady Killer worth an estimated $15,741 retired the second wealthiest filly in the history of Raceclubs, plus she shares the distinction of being Ken Allans’s secret weapon in 434 races- placing in 70% of them. Her legendary preference for quick races limited her to sprint distances but she wasn’t too shabby over a classic track- but we all know Ken never did shabby!
Lyric Fantasy whistled through her races racking up titles every step of the way. Your trainer has you on the right track when you can add the Newbury Fillies Sprint Challenge Final twice and the Queen Elizabeth Classic Challenge Final s to your credit. Placing in The Oaks 3Y F, Newbury Fillies Sprint Challenge Final and Queen Elizabeth Classic Challenge Final. Davey’s fantasy filly only cost him $15 but retiring with earnings in excess of $16,000, and the wealthiest filly in the Hall of Fame makes her priceless.
Magical Obsidian’s life story reads like the Elizabeth Taylor of virtual horseracing, Renowned for her magical beauty, affinity for gemstones ands temperamental men she also garnered considerable applause and praise for her 58 qualifiers. Her iconic reputation was cemented when she won the The Oaks 3Y F. Her auction tag reached $869.50 in 2006 when Dallas1 flogged her to Andy Hargie Stables.
Seven Seven Seven came as a saving grace to Diablo Racing but her divine number didn’t stop her from running like she was demonically possessed. 335 races, 126 places, 84 wins and $15,153 banked. If you had seen her running in the Sprinters Challenge Final Juvenile, The Oaks 3Y F, Queen Elizabeth Classic Challenge Final and those two Cesarewitch Challenge Final you’d know there wasn’
With collective earnings exceeding $93,000 and 600 wins, you might want to look these ladies of the races up sometime. You may even want to race some of your horses in Raceclubs’ Iconic Filly Races. IT may be the first time your horses are associated with an icon- but hopefully not the last. The race P{rogrammer is always on the lookout for new icons.
The Iconic Filly Races pay homage to filly fury from 6 -19 September under the WFA 2 – 7 F Gr 1 category.
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