The Sportsman's Most Memorable Horse-Racing Moments Of 2022

This year has flown by in the sporting world. Here, we take a look back at some of the great contests, unfortunate turn of events and one symbolic day that brought the world to a standstill.

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September is a moment that will live long in the memory. Five days every June are dedicated to the Royal family at Royal Ascot. Highclere, Height Of Fashion and Dunfermline carried the famous scarlet, purple and black silks with gold braids. Estimate landed the 2013 Gold Cup at Ascott.

Gallopin Des Champs' fall at the final fence fall in the 2022 Turners Novices Chase at Cheltenham is one of the most memorable moments of horse racing. The 5/6 favourite was thrown over the horse's head by Paul Townend. Bob Ollinger won the race. Gallopins Des champs made amends at Fairyhouse the following month.

Desert Crown won the Epsom Derby for trainer Sir Michael Stoute. Richard Kingscote rode his second Derby winner. The Sportsman's Most Memorable Horse-Racing Moments of 2022 is published on June 1st. It features the Derby, Breeders Cup, Japan Cup and Dubai World Cup. The winner is listed as Desert Crown. He was the favourite at 5/2. Stout trained his first Derby win in 1981 with Shergar.

Rachel Blackmore became the first female rider to land Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard. She had been denied that history 12 months earlier. Black more recently won the Champion Hurdle and Grand National. A plus tard was just the second horse along with Kauto Star to win a Gold cup having been beaten in a previous version.

Baaeed won the International Race at York by six lengths. He came into this season unbeaten in six races, including a brace of Group 1s. Frankel retired unbeaten after 14 starts a decade ago. Baaed came fourth in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October. The official ratings had Frankeld as a 5lb better horse. Timeform's gap was slightly larger.

Charlie Appleby had a sensational year at home and abroad. Two horses and jockeys were hit by a van in France. It was the first full year of fans back on a racetrack since the pandemic. The sport is facing some tough times ahead. The Sportsman hopes that 2023 can deliver on the track once again.