Welcome back to Running Loose!

Fresh from another week in British racing, Vanessa unpacks the unique atmosphere that makes Chester one of the maddest weeks in the calendar and how Michael Owen has helped boost its popularity, while Francesca questions some of the stranger things people do before heading to the track.

Plus: Your questions, would Vanessa rather have feet for hands or hands for feet?! And whether social media gets racing people completely wrong.

What are your race day rituals? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

This episode is sponsored by Old Gold Racing.

00:00 – Rugby Shirts & First Impressions

02:48 – “Do You Ever Do Anything Other Than Horses?”

05:27 – Cutting Back On Social Media & Racing Content

08:00 – Why Horse Racing Isn’t Treated Like Mainstream Sport

10:46 – Life Outside Racing & Daily Routine

13:18 – Racing In California & Growing The Sport

15:50 – Syndicates, Stable Visits & Racing Ownership

18:41 – Michael Owen, Chester & Celebrity Owners

21:04 – Pre-Race Atmosphere & Getting Horses Ready

23:30 – Weird Horse Racing Rituals

26:14 – Rules & Racing Politics

29:04 – Listener Questions & Francesca’s Hair

31:46 – Final Thoughts & Quickfire Topics

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Francesca Cumani and Vanessa Ryle preview the 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, share the story of Vanessa's epic point-to-point win with Cap Du Mathan, and break down what top stallions (and not just the likes of Frankel and Night of Thunder) really earn at stud.

ITV Racing presenter Francesca Cumani and Sky Sports host Vanessa Ryle are back with another episode of Running Loose—bringing you behind the scenes of horse racing with insight, stories, and plenty of personality.

Ahead of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Newmarket Racecourse, the pair break down the key contenders, storylines, and what these races mean for the future of breeding in the sport.

They also dig into the economics of racing, discussing what top stallions can earn at stud—using examples like Frankel and Night of Thunder to highlight just how lucrative winning the Guineas can be.

Vanessa shares the story of her own “Gold Cup” moment in grassroots racing, winning a point-to-point with Cap Du Mathan—a brilliant look at the amateur side of the sport and why it still matters.

Meanwhile, Francesca relives a memorable winner at Wetherby Racecourse and her experience with Old Gold Racing, giving insight into ownership and life inside a racing syndicate.

There’s also plenty of racing chat and debate—from whether strong opinions are needed in the sport, to a light-hearted discussion on the most likeable personalities in racing, featuring names like Aidan O'Brien, Charlie Fellowes, Ben Pauling and Kieran Fallon.

Whether you're a hardcore racing fan or just enjoy great sporting stories, this episode blends expert insight with behind-the-scenes access and plenty of humour.

00:00 Intro & chaos to kick things off

00:20 Welcome to Running Loose

01:50 Cap Du Mathan point-to-point win story

08:00 Why grassroots racing still matters

11:40 Wetherby winner & Old Gold ownership experience

16:00 Why winning in horse racing is so hard

18:30 Guineas preview & racing insights

22:30 Racing personalities & controversy chat

27:00 1000 Guineas discussion

30:00 Travel stories & behind-the-scenes chat

31:00 Most likeable people in horse racing

Sponsored by Old Gold Racing.

horse racing podcast, Guineas preview, Newmarket racing, Frankel stud fee, Night of Thunder stallion, point to point racing, Cap Du Mathan, Francesca Cumani, Vanessa Ryle, Old Gold Racing, UK horse racing podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.