Dating back to 1839, Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, Flat racing headquarters, hosts the Cambridgeshire Handicap each year. The Cambridgeshire Handicap, a race for horses aged three or older, covers a distance of one mile and one furlong. Interestingly, it was founded in the same year as another major handicap race, the Cesarewitch Handicap. The two races are commonly referred to as the autumn double. Initially, the Cesarewitch race took place before the Cambridgeshire race, but nowadays it is held in October, two weeks after the Cambridgeshire Handicap.

Bet365 sponsor the Cambridgeshire, but there are six other top-class races on the card tomorrow, including two group one contests. At 14:25, the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes, a 6f sprint, will take place. The Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes, established in 1866, is a 6f race for two-year-olds taking place at 15:00.

The Cambridgeshire Handicap History

In 1839, Lanercost won the inaugural race, and in 1876, Rosebery was one of only three horses which completed the Autumn double (Foxhall 1881 and Plaisanterie 1885). Frankie Dettori has three wins to his name in 1994 (Halling), 2018 (Wissahickon) and 2019 (Lord North). Remarkably, these were all trained by John Gosden, who holds the record for the most wins as a trainer with five victories (Pipedreamer (2007) and Tazeez (2008) being the other two winners). in 2023 Astro King, a 20/1 shot beat favourite Greek Order by a neck, despite carrying the heaviest weight (9st 12lb) in the Cambridgeshire’s 184-year history. The beauty of this race is that it can be unpredictable and has long odds winners previously in Spanish Don who won at 100/1 in 2004, and Dolphin Vista, a 50/1 winner in 2004.

Uniquely Newmarket

Newmarket, considered the headquarters of British horse racing, boasts unique heritage and a pocketful of curious facts. The July Course and The Rowley Mile are the only two separate turf racecourses in the world. The RAF previously used Rowley Mile racecourse as a station during World War II. in July 1965 at the Chesterfield Stakes, Newmarket was the first British racecourse to introduce starting stalls. Track Spare ridden by Lester Piggott won that race.

Tattersalls, the largest and oldest bloodstock auctioneers in Europe, has its home in Newmarket. Founded in 1766 at Hyde Park Corner in London, Tattersalls moved in 1965 to Newmarket, where it has had its based at Park Paddocks ever since. It is impossible not to mention the Newmarket Town plate, which first began in 1666. Instigated by King Charles II, who won the first race, the three-and-three-quarter miles course is open to amateur jockeys to test their stamina and nerve.

This year’s race

Oktoberfest comes to Newmarket this Saturday, 28th September. Alongside a fantastic day of horse racing, why not put some oompah in your day with a full 10-piece band following the last race? The Champions Gallery Restaurant on the Rowley Mile offers panoramic breathtaking views and a luxurious dining experience. This Songisforyou, ridden by Colin Keane rockets ahead in the betting for the 35-horse field, a big mover in this week, currently at 11/2 on bet365. An impressive win in the Northfields Handicap at the Irish Champions festival last time out ensures good backing for this horse.

Roi de France, ridden by Oisin Murphy, comes in as a second favourite at 8/1. Narrowly beaten in June, a win in the Thames Novice Stakes at Windsor by almost three lengths in July makes this horse a good mover in the betting this week. A narrow defeat in the Goffs Orby Handicap at Yarmouth showed a convincing performance last time out. Godwinson, a winner last time out at Goodwood, Norwalk Havoc, who the forecast rain may suit, Silver Sword, Balmacara and Bopedro, owned by Brighton and Hove Albion footballer Georginio Rutter, are up there as leading contenders.

Liberty Lane, ridden by Clifford Lee, following a strong second placed finish at Doncaster a few weeks ago, is a contender, although this horse prefers easy conditions.

Coeur D-Or, ridden by Ryan Moore, won’t find a problem with the rain and has had a consistent season. Currently at 12/1, this is a good bet. If you are looking for a surprise winner that the Cambridgeshire Handicap occasionally throws up Toimy Son at 20/1, ridden by William Buick could be a good outside bet. With the British weather’s unpredictability, despite the rain, the current expectation is that the going will be soft.

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