RacingSilks

How to Play: Newmarket Guineas Festival with Racing Silks Dream Yard

The Newmarket Guineas Festival signals the start of the British Flat season in style—and you can be part of the action with Racing Silks Dream Yard. This unique fantasy racing competition puts your racing instincts to the test across one of the sport’s most prestigious weekends.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to the game, Dream Yard is easy to enter and full of strategic depth. Unlike traditional fantasy formats, you score points for every runner—not just the winners—so every pick counts.


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Build Your Dream Yard

To play, submit your selections across six key categories. Each one contributes to your overall score, so finding the right balance of reliability and risk is key.

The Six Key Categories:

Stable Trainer
Score points from every runner sent out by your chosen yard. Bigger stables offer more chances—but can be harder to predict.

No.1 Jockey
Your primary rider—earn points from each of their rides across the card.

The Horses
Pick one runner in each race. Every finishing position can add to your score.

Assistant Trainer
Choose a yard with just one runner. Get it right here and you could have a game-changer.

No.2 Jockey
Select a jockey with only one ride. A winner here often separates the top entries from the rest.

Stable Star
Your headline act. This horse scores double points, so choose your star wisely—it often decides the outcome.



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How Points Are Scored

Each horse, jockey, and trainer is awarded base points according to finishing position:

1st = 100 points

2nd = 50 points

3rd = 25 points

4th = 10 points


But here’s the twist: these points are adjusted to reflect market expectations.

For example, a horse that wins earns 100 base points—but we subtract an RS value based on their starting price (SP). A favourite might have an RS of 34, meaning:

100 (1st place) – 34 (RS value) = 66 points.

This means a well-backed favourite must win to score well, while an outsider finishing strongly can deliver serious value. The same applies to jockey and trainer selections across their respective rides or runners.

This scoring system rewards both performance and insight—recognising standout runs while keeping every race competitive in the game.


How to Enter
Visit racingsilks.co.uk

To enter, just complete the entry form for the Guineas Festival competition. Your entry includes:

Full racecards with up-to-date jockey bookings

Recent results to help guide your picks

A live leaderboard so you can follow your progress throughout the day


Ready to test your eye for talent and deliver a winning stable?

Entries are open now—pick your Dream Yard and take on the Guineas Festival challenge!

Sandown Celebration Chase and Jumps Season Finale Preview

As the jumps season draws to a close, Sandown’s Celebration Chase and Jumps Season Finale promise to deliver thrilling action, with some of the sport's top trainers and jockeys competing in the spotlight. Here’s a look at the runners to watch, trainers with horses to follow, and the key jockeys who could make an impact on the day.

Trainers to Follow
W P Mullins is the trainer to watch at Sandown. With a wealth of runners across the card, Mullins’ horses are always well-prepared and a serious threat in any race they enter. Expect them to be competitive in multiple contests, as his runners typically deliver in top-class events.

Dan Skelton will have a strong presence as well, with horses that are regularly well-backed and perform with great determination. His team should be a big factor, especially in races where they are primed to challenge at the front.

Paul Nicholls brings his usual expertise, with a stable full of capable runners, ready to shine on the big stage. His strategic planning and race-day management often set his horses up for success in competitive fields.

Nicky Henderson may not have as many runners, but his horses consistently feature at the top level. Despite a smaller team, expect his entries to challenge the frontrunners and perform admirably in the competitive contests of the day.

Gary & Josh Moore have been on the rise, with promising performances from their team. With the right conditions, their runners could certainly make their mark and be involved in the action throughout the meeting.

These trainers, with a mix of experience and form, are set to feature prominently at Sandown, making them key figures to follow for punters and racing fans alike.

Jockeys to Follow
Paul Townend remains a leading jockey to follow, particularly with his mounts for W P Mullins. His consistency, skill, and ability to deliver in high-pressure races make him a strong contender on the day.

Harry Cobden for Paul Nicholls will be one to keep an eye on. With a sharp strike rate and a competitive edge, Cobden often finds himself in the mix for the win, making him a reliable option for punters.

Harry Skelton is in great form, and his partnership with his brother’s team, particularly in races where his horses are well-placed, makes him a serious threat.

Jonathan Burke is another jockey capable of securing key rides for top trainers. His consistency could see him play a pivotal role in several races on the card.

James Bowen continues to impress, and his ride for Nicky Henderson could see him make a big impact in the day’s competitive fields.

Danny Mullins is another jockey expected to feature prominently. His experience and tactical race riding make him a key player, especially with his mounts for W P Mullins and other leading trainers.

With a talented mix of jockeys, it’s sure to be a highly competitive day, with each rider bringing their own strengths to the races.

Race 1 – bet365 Novices' Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (2m)
The bet365 Novices' Championship Final Handicap Hurdle kicks off with a competitive field. Serious Challenge arrives with solid form and a progressive profile, setting the standard here. Give It To Me Oj shouldn’t be overlooked, as their form suggests they can challenge strongly. Nardaran has shown enough to be a contender, while St Pancras and Wolf Moon are also in the mix. This looks like an exciting opener with plenty of potential challengers to watch.

Race 2 – bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase (2m4f)
In the bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase, Eyed stands out on form and figures and could be the one to beat. Mahons Glory also looks like a serious threat, with a strong profile and good recent form. Riskintheground and Classic Anthem are both capable of getting involved, while Mark Of Gold and Pic Roc could be value picks if jumping cleanly. This race could see Eyed take the win, but expect Mahons Glory to push them close.

Race 3 – bet365 Oaksey Chase (2m6½f)[b]
The bet365 Oaksey Chase features [b]Gaelic Warrior, who sets a strong standard and will be tough to beat if reproducing their best form. Gentleman De Mee is a solid challenger and could make a race of it if conditions suit. Pic D’orhy and Appreciate It are capable of stepping up if the favourite falters, while Classic Getaway and Le Patron may also surprise at bigger odds. Gaelic Warrior is the one to watch, but the race has several potential spoilers.

Race 4 – bet365 Select Hurdle (2m5½f)
The bet365 Select Hurdle sees Lucky Place and Kitzbuhel as the leading contenders. Both bring excellent form and have solid reputations, with Lucky Place particularly hard to ignore. Take No Chances also brings a progressive profile and could have more to give. Salver is a solid each-way option, while Gwennie May Boy should not be underestimated. Expect a closely fought contest, with Lucky Place holding the edge but Kitzbuhel and Take No Chances keeping it interesting.

Race 5 – bet365 Celebration Chase (1m7½f)
The bet365 Celebration Chase features Jonbon, who looks the one to beat with proven class and solid credentials at this level. Il Etait Temps should keep things interesting, especially if they handle the sharper test. Edwardstone is a reliable performer and won’t be far away. Unexpected Party and Master Chewy are capable of better than recent performances suggest, while Harper’s Brook is stepping up in grade but has potential. This looks like a competitive field, but Jonbon is likely to prove tough to beat.

Race 6 – bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (3m4½f)
The bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase is a stamina-sapping test, and Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner bring strong staying form that could see them dominate the finish. Dancing City has been consistent in competitive races and could be involved in the final stages. Collectors Item is another progressive type to watch, while Victtorino and High Class Hero offer each-way potential. The race will be a battle of stamina, and Grangeclare West looks to have the edge.

Race 7 – bet365 Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)
The final race of the day, the bet365 Handicap Hurdle, sees Ike Sport as the standout, with impressive form and recent performances that suggest they will be tough to beat. Push The Button could be a solid challenger, while Jump Allen has the potential to make a big impact. Bunting and Dr Eggman could surprise, while Electric Mason and Peacenik may feature for places. Ike Sport is the one to beat, but the race looks open for those looking to challenge.

You can play Racing Silks Dream Yard and get involved with all the action at racingsilks.co.uk.

Fairyhouse Easter Festival – Day 3 Preview
With Day 2 behind us, Day 3 at Fairyhouse promises another thrilling day of action, with a deep field of runners and plenty of chances for upsets. The trainers and jockeys heading to the track have all the tools to make this an exciting finale to the festival.

Trainer Insight – Day 3 Highlights
Gordon Elliott dominates the day with a strong team of runners, and his entries are bound to make an impact across the card. Willie Mullins might have fewer entries, but with his strike rate remaining high, his runners are sure to be a force. Henry de Bromhead continues to provide quality and efficiency, and Gavin Cromwell, with 10 runners, could offer plenty of value—his horses should be ones to watch on a day known for upsets.

AJ Martin’s five runners are looking well primed, and Edward Cawley and Rebecca Curtis are bringing intriguing types to the table that could surprise. Supporting trainers like Paul Nolan, Noel Meade, and Conor O’Dwyer are all well represented, and they’ll be hoping to fly under the radar. As ever, Fairyhouse offers a mix of familiar names and hungry challengers looking to make their mark.

Jockey Insight – Day 3 Key Riders
Rachael Blackmore comes into Day 3 with a strong book of rides, and several of her mounts look well placed to feature prominently. Mark Walsh remains a key player, especially for JP McManus, and will look to add to his tally. Sam Ewing, with six rides on the day, will be looking to make an impact, while Conor Stone-Walsh and Paul Townend could both be well placed to have a winning day based on their sharp form.

Darragh O’Keeffe and Kevin Sexton offer a solid mix of experience and opportunity, and both could play a key role. Danny Gilligan and Sean O’Keeffe come into the day with momentum, and Daniel King and Cian Quirke are on interesting types who might be worth watching for value. It’s a competitive day in the saddle, and jockeys with tactical nous will be crucial in deciding the outcome.

Race-by-Race Snapshot
Race 1 – Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle (2m)
Arch Empire has been in great form and looks like the one to beat here, with conditions likely to suit. Catchabird comes from deeper company and could challenge if things go their way. Whimsy and King In Love are both on an upward trajectory and should be competitive. Solsbury Hill could make the frame if they step forward from recent efforts, while Weston is an outsider worth considering for each-way players. Arch Empire should be tough to beat, but expect competition throughout the field.

Race 2 – O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m)
Messerschmitt looks like a potential surprise package, with plenty of eye-catching form. Preparations arrives with a progressive profile and should be involved if they continue improving. Blue Lemons and Its Bilbo bring consistency to the table and are solid at the top of the market, while Wendrock could take another step forward. Ephesus and Holy See need to show more to contend but could improve. Messerschmitt could be the value pick in a tight contest.

Race 3 – Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle (2m6f)
Come Walk With Me is in good form and looks like a strong contender in an open race. Farmers Lodge is consistent and should stay competitive, especially stepping up in trip. Oscars Brother and Mywayofthinkin have the ability to challenge, depending on tactics. At bigger prices, Arion Soldier and Eagles Reign could be worth each-way consideration. Come Walk With Me stands out, but plenty of rivals can make a play.

Race 4 – Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m4f)
Kopeck De Mee has shown steady progress and looks the solid option here. Maxxum arrives with momentum and has the stamina to make an impact late on. Lantry Lady has scope to improve, while Colonel Mustard could still have more to offer if he finds his best form. Sandor Clegane is another with a chance in a well-matched field. Kopeck De Mee is the one to beat, but there are a few with talent close behind.

Race 5 – Jack McInerney Memorial Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2, 2m4f)
Heart Wood looks like the one to beat on form, with a solid run behind them and the potential to take another big step forward. Journey With Me has strong graded form and could challenge if they bounce back to their best. Saint Sam should appreciate the return to this trip and could feature. Found A Fifty and Blood Destiny are both capable but might need more in this company. Heart Wood holds the edge in this competitive chase.

Race 6 – **** Irish Grand National Chase (Grade 3, 3m5f)
Haiti Couleurs has been in solid form and looks well placed for the feature race of the day. Kinturk Kalanisi is capable but will need to find more to match the favourite. Now Is The Hour could be a major threat if stepping forward from previous runs. Bioluminescence might appreciate the trip but needs to improve. Johnnywho and Will Do are both consistent and could sneak into contention. Haiti Couleurs seems to have the edge here.

Race 7 – Envirogreen Building Services Handicap Chase (3m½f)
Sunshineway and Union Station are the standouts, both coming into this with consistent form. Better Times Ahead could challenge, especially if they carry their recent performances into the race. Lord Tobin has solid potential and could outperform expectations, while Folly Master is worth considering if they can build on previous runs. Rolly Bowley Boy and Where’s Frankie may need to improve, but they can feature if the race unfolds in their favour. Sunshineway has the advantage, but Union Station could prove difficult to shake off.

Summary: Day 3 is shaping up to be a cracker with plenty of runners in form and capable of delivering across the board. From the competitive handicaps to the Grade 2 contests, there's value to be found, and with a deep field of jockeys, the tactical battle could be just as important as the talent on display.

Fairyhouse Easter Festival – Day 2 Preview
After the frustration of Day 1 being abandoned, attention now turns to an excellent second-day card packed with depth, intrigue, and a mix of proven talent and potential improvers.

Trainer Insight – Big Guns and Live Outsiders

Willie Mullins dominates the entries, sending 16 runners to battle across the card. There’s a blend of established class and unexposed talent, particularly in the maidens and bumpers.

Gavin Cromwell’s team looks sharp and competitive, and he’s likely to be well represented on the board by the end of the day. Henry de Bromhead also fields a strong squad, with plenty of interest in the mares’ Grade 1.

A few of the smaller yards are hitting well above average too—J.P. Dempsey, Patrick Magee, and Margaret Mullins among them. Dermot McLoughlin and Ian Donoghue look to have placed their runners smartly. With so many yards in form, there’s value to be found beyond the headline names.

Jockey Insight – Opportunities Across the Board

Eoin Walsh has a couple of interesting rides and could go close if things click. Rachael Blackmore, Darragh O’Keeffe, and Jordan Gainford all have well-fancied mounts and bring solid recent form.

Danny Mullins has four good chances, and his momentum shouldn’t be underestimated. In the amateur division, Derek McGill and Patrick Williamson are riding with confidence and could land a blow despite limited rides.

Mark Walsh and Keith Donoghue add further strength for the bigger stables, while Paul Townend’s pair will attract plenty of attention despite a lighter book than usual.

Race-by-Race Snapshot

Race 1 – Novice Handicap Chase (Listed, 2m½f)
Spinning Web is the one to beat based on recent efforts. Jasko Des Dames and Conyers Hill are viable threats, while Drumgill and Miss Pronunciation could figure at prices.

Race 2 – WillowWarm Gold Cup (Grade 1, 2m4f)
Spindleberry brings strong novice form and should be hard to beat. Champ Kiely has a touch of class and could bounce back, while Ile Atlantique and Firefox bring potential if they put it all together.

Race 3 – Sherry Fitzgerald Sherry Rated Novice Chase (2m4f)
Linden Arden sets the standard and looks the one to aim at. Broomfield Bijou and Ballysax Hank are progressing well, while Lightkeeper and Antrim Coast bring decent credentials.

Race 4 – Ryan's Cleaning Maiden Hurdle (2m)
Good Deal looks ready to get off the mark, with Icare d’Aubrelle and Son Of Anarchy not far behind. Bear Profit is interesting if putting it together, while Emily Love could outrun her odds.

Race 5 – Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m4f)
The Big Westerner has been eye-catching and looks the one to beat. Air Of Entitlement might be the danger, with Aurora Vega and Maughreen needing a step forward but not ruled out.

Race 6 – Paddy Kehoe Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)
Quornofamonday ticks plenty of boxes and makes solid appeal. Imadpour and Magic Day arrive in form, while Joya Del Mar and Queen Nel could be players in a deep handicap.

Race 7 – Tattersalls Sales Bumper (2m)
Intosomethinggood made a big impression on debut and sets the bar. I’m Slippy could be the one to give most to think about, while Healys Pub and Eternal Reward are lively each-way angles.

Summary: With a packed day of competitive action ahead and plenty of stables in flying form, this card offers value across the board—especially in the handicaps and novice divisions. Plenty to play for if you’re willing to dig beyond the obvious.