FIRSTLY: Ensure all horses exported have been done so AFTER the latest patch

Just thought I'd post up a quick reminder on a few points.

1) Group 1 races are open to the top 20 rated horses only. Make sure you get your runs in for the Guineas/Derby.

2) Handicap marks require 3 runs in UKRA and NHC. You can nominate weeks in advance to make sure you don't forget your plans.

3) USRA doesn't have the handicap role and with the draw effect you can pick up a fairly decent prize a bit easier than UKRA. There are also more 7f and 1m1f feature races which are less common in UKRA. Worth a shot with your second choices.

Commentaries will now be done only for major races, they will be bundled with the races as well so you don't have difficulty listening to them. Throughout the season we'll have some guest commentators too.

There will be some bonuses through the season as well:

Gold: £10m and a extra stable slot in all three championships permanently

Silver: £5m and extra stable slot in the championship earned permanently

Bronze: £1m and extra stable slot for the year in the championship earned

NHC

Arkle Bonus: Win the Hennessy, King George and Gold Cup with the same horse

Istabraq Bonus: Win the English & Irish Champion Hurdle with the same horse
Kauto Bonus: Win the King George and Gold Cup with the same horse
Denman Bonus: Win the Hennessy and Gold Cup with the same horse

Grand National Bonus: Win the Grand National
Gold Cup Bonus: Win the Gold Cup

UKRA

Sea The Stars Bonus: Win the Eclipse, International and Irish Champion Stakes with the same horse

Rock of Gibralter Bonus: Win the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas (also applies to 1,000 Guineas) with the same horse
High Chapparal Bonus: Win the English and Irish Derby (also applies to Oaks) with the same horse

Arc Bonus: Win the Arc De Triomphe

USRA

Triple Crown: Win the KY Derby, Preakness and Belmont with the same horse

Cigar Bonus: Win the Dubai World Cup & the Breeders Cup Classic with the same horse
Big Brown Bonus: Win the KY Derby & Preakness with the same horse

If you have any ideas for additional bonuses let me know.

Sounds great, can't wait for the season to start.

Does sound great! Getting worried about the USRA, not many people entering.....I know probably a few people to upload, both of you included but looking desolate!!

USRA probably would be better with small fields due to the draw effect but you're right, would be good to see more people involved. Might have to switch my first choice there and clean up

True, between 8-12 horses prob about right, you sure about that gotta get past mine first!!! want this league to hurry up and start, i'm currrently reduced to watching friday night racing from wolverhampton and dundalk.....I'm so overjoyed!

Had anymore thoughts about the bookmaker situation Rich?

Also, sorry for been a noob but where do you find out results of races and download replays?

Reg,
Liam

Yep, got your email Liam.

Results will be on the same page as the nomination

gherkdfc - u can download races from the yuku forum . go to yuku, type in online racing and then look at the so4 thread and you will see the three racing associations.

on a weds you can download the us races, nhc thurs and uk friday.


bonuses sound good rich, doubt i have a horse who can do it but certainly will be exciting for those who go into the 'final leg' with a shout of winning it.

remember on sat night the tipster challenge for this season will open up over on yuku. 9 races will be chosen, 3 from each league, and you simply have to pick the winner of the race. number of winners are then calculated and the person with the most correct picks each week wins a prize, and the top tipster at the end of the season wins a nice prize also. rich has also said that anyone who picks all nine winners in one week will recieve a bonus which i can only describe as being 'bang tidy'. i hope to see lots of trainers getting involved like last year, and good luck with your picks everyone

Some very nice bonuses there. Doubt I will gain any but will definatley be trying.
Hmm haven`t got any US horses so that`s a no go for me. Could pull a few out of the bag if pushed but to be honest just can`t be arsed. Took me all week to bother adding some 2yos and way too busy looking for a national horse.

I know it`s a lot of work but the suggestions about merging the USRA into the UKRA are looking more valid. The US races are looking more like restricted fields, not that I`m against that kind of thing but... should be in the right place.

just throw some junk in there pal get a few runs into some of your second string.

i think it is a matter of time before it is one jumps league one flat league to be honest

hehe. Maybe your right on both counts. If I get a moment later today I`ll see what I`ve got in the left overs. Probably rubbish though lol, although my rubbish didn`t do too bad last season, even won a race and got better than that sitting around so.. why not?

Rich, might not be a problem this season but just in case what happens when there are several horses with the same rating as say the 18th , 19th & the 20th nominated horse? Who do you eliminate etc?

Prehaps a tie breaker in which the horse with the most first places gets in. If its still the same then the hosre with the most 2nds. Then the 3rd etc.

Just some thoughts.

Cheers

Sounds good John, hopefully that won't come up!

This is the last season for USRA in it's current format. The next season will be mega.

I know its a long way off but will next season be for SO4 or SO5??

I sure it will be so4 scatters