iRace Media extends partnership with The Hong Kong Jockey Club in Asia

iRace Media has announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) ahead of the new season commencing on 7 September.

The partnership will ensure racing fans can continue to experience uninterrupted access to high-quality Hong Kong racing content across Singapore, Malaysia and the wider Asia region. iRace readers and customers will have access to expert guides, results, tips and trusted analysis from one of the world’s premier racing jurisdictions.

Scott Bailey, Commercial Manager, iRace Media says:

“Hong Kong is a benchmark for racing globally; it’s fast, competitive and deeply followed throughout Asia. iRace has collaborated with the Hong Kong Jockey Club for many years now to deliver a trusted experience for racing enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to build on the accuracy, depth and speed that fans have come to expect.”

iRace Media’s extended partnership with the HKJC will explore new ways to enhance the racing experience through its digital platforms, offering real-time insights and driving fan engagement across the Asia region.

Get set for the new season by visiting the iRace website and register for free to access trusted editorial and data-driven racing coverage.

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Podium expands into Australia with new Picklebet contract

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, has today announced its first Australian contract with online bookmaker Picklebet.

Podium will enhance the experience of Picklebet’s web and app users with fast and accurate data across multiple sports, including tennis, football, cricket, rugby and major US tournaments, reflecting the depth of demand within the Australian market.

The new agreement is a significant step in Podium’s global strategy as it grows its reach in the APAC region, offering tailored data solutions for an increasingly international client base and a broader range of sports that extends beyond horseracing.

Podium’s API-first Premium Live product will give Picklebet access to comprehensive pre-match, live and post-event coverage, including fixtures, line-ups, live scores and results. This allows PickleBet to integrate to-the-minute score updates, player data and competition structures on its platform for dedicated sport fans across Australia.

Josh Sparke, Managing Director at Podium says: “Australia is a sophisticated market with high expectations around integrity, reliability and quality. These values are core to Podium’s approach and are reflected in the high-quality data and innovative products we offer to partners. We are proud that Picklebet is our first Australian client and see this as the beginning of a long-term presence in the region that further strengthens Podium as a leading global sports data provider.”

Rob Annable, Chief Operating Officer at Picklebet says: “Podium’s reputation for speed and accuracy makes them a perfect partner as we continue to invest in our sports product. Their Premium Live coverage gives us the data depth a modern punter expects, and we can’t wait for our customers to see the enhanced experience our new relationship brings, both in the short term and for years to come.”

News

• 4 min read

The 2026 Randox Grand National Weights

What the Handicap Means for 2026

The Grand National weights have been released. This is the moment the race truly begins.

Every runner in the Grand National is allocated a weight by the official handicapper. The aim is simple. To give every horse an equal chance over Aintree’s 4 miles 2½ furlongs and 30 unique fences. But behind those numbers lies performance data, ratings analysis, and months of assessment.

So, what do the weights mean, why does it matter, and how does the weight shape the betting and content cycle in the build up to the race.

The Grand National is a handicap chase, meaning higher rated horses carry more weight than lower rated horses, with the top weight capped at 11st 12lb. The theory is balance and outcome uncertainty, and that uncertainty is what makes the Grand National one of the most compelling betting events in global sport.

The weight matters because it fuels debate. Can a top rated horse defy history? Does a lightly weighted horse have the profile to stay the distance? All these things influence the pricing and market formation, trend analysis & historical comparisons, editorial planning and previews, and whilst the weight is not the only standalone metric, it interacts with going preference, distance performance, jumping accuracy, pace profiles, and trainer form.

The weights announcement marks the beginning of the commercial build up. From this point, each area accelerates conversation and where structured horse racing data comes in. Historical performance and trends for each weight category, impact on age and experience under different burdens, performance of Irish v British, and market movement following final declarations.

Prior to the race, the field will be reduced to a maximum of 34 runners, which is decided through a phased elimination process reducing horse congestion and lowering risk of incident, preserving horse welfare.

The Grand National consistently delivers as one of the highest betting volumes in the racing and sports calendar. Here are the 2026 weights.

No.	Horse	Weight	Official Rating (OR)
1	I Am Maximus	11st 12lb	168
2	Banbridge	11st 11lb	167
3	Nick Rockett	11st 11lb	167
4	Gerri Colombe	11st 10lb	166
5	Grangeclare West	11st 10lb	166
6	Grey Dawning	11st 10lb	166
7	Haiti Couleurs	11st 10lb	166
8	L’Homme Presse	11st 8lb	164
9	Spillane’s Tower	11st 8lb	164
10	Impaire Et Passe	11st 5lb	161
11	Appreciate It	11st 4lb	160
12	Firefox	11st 4lb	160
13	Gentlemansgame	11st 3lb	159
14	Monty’s Star	11st 3lb	159
15	Spanish Harlem	11st 3lb	159
16	Lecky Watson	11st 2lb	158
17	Champ Kiely	11st 1lb	157
18	Favori De Champdou	11st 1lb	157
19	Flooring Porter	11st 1lb	157
20	Iroko	11st 1lb	157
21	Western Fold	11st 1lb	157
22	Three Card Brag	11st 0lb	156
23	Handstands	10st 13lb	155
24	Oscars Brother	10st 13lb	155
25	Mr Vango	10st 12lb	154
26	Beauport	10st 11lb	153
27	Better Days Ahead	10st 11lb	153
28	High Class Hero	10st 11lb	153
29	Ile Atlantique	10st 11lb	153
30	Resplendent Grey	10st 11lb	153
31	Stellar Story	10st 11lb	153
32	Captain Cody	10st 10lb	152
33	French Dynamite	10st 10lb	152
34	Jagwar	10st 10lb	152
35	Gorgeous Tom	10st 9lb	151
36	Perceval Legallois	10st 9lb	151
37	Quai de Bourbon	10st 9lb	151
38	The Real Whacker	10st 9lb	151
39	Answer To Kayf	10st 8lb	150
40	Croke Park	10st 8lb	150
41	Jordans	10st 8lb	150
42	Blizzard of Oz	10st 7lb	149
43	Now Is The Hour	10st 7lb	149
44	Intense Raffles	10st 6lb	148
45	Final Orders	10st 5lb	147
46	Marble Sands	10st 5lb	147
47	Panic Attack	10st 5lb	147
48	Top Of The Bill	10st 5lb	147
49	Blaze The Way	10st 4lb	146
50	Johnnywho	10st 4lb	146
51	Leave of Absence	10st 4lb	146
52	Twig	10st 4lb	146
53	Pied Piper	10st 3lb	145
54	Search For Glory	10st 3lb	145
55	Stolen Silver	10st 3lb	145
56	Ain’t That A Shame	10st 2lb	144
57	Amirite	10st 2lb	144
58	Imperial Saint	10st 2lb	144
59	Harry Des Ongrais	10st 1lb	143
60	Hyland	10st 1lb	143
61	Soul Icon	10st 1lb	143
62	Yeah Man	10st 1lb	143
63	Myretown	10st 0lb	142
64	Deep Cave	9st 13lb	141
65	Monbeg Genius	9st 13lb	141
66	O’Moore Park	9st 13lb	141
67	Pic Roc	9st 13lb	141
68	Buddy One	9st 12lb	140
69	Mister Coffey	9st 12lb	140
70	Anyway	9st 11lb	139
71	The Short Go	9st 10lb	138
72	Shanbally Kid	9st 9lb	137
73	Weveallbeencaught	9st 9lb	137
74	Will Do	9st 9lb	137
75	In D’Or	9st 7lb	135
76	Deafening Silence	9st 6lb	134

News

• 2 min read

Podium grows global reach in new data partnership with Woodbine Racetrack

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, has today announced an international deal with Woodbine Racetrack; one of North America’s top racing venues. The agreement marks the first time Podium’s services will be used to enrich the betting experience of North American audiences and represents a broadening collaboration with global racecourse rights owners.

Under the expansive new deal, Woodbine Racetrack will integrate Podium’s Edge Form content to bolster the digital experience it delivers to passionate racing fans, providing a more consistent experience across international racing.

Edge features comprehensive pre-race insights, including expert comments, selections and runner verdicts. Woodbine will also have access to Podium’s enhanced data services, such as past performance indicators, placement history and silks.

The deal with Woodbine Racetrack builds on Podium’s existing partnerships in North America and reinforces its role as a trusted provider to the global racing landscape.

Josh Sparke, Managing Director at Podium, says:

“I’m proud of Podium’s reputation for fast, engaging data that elevates the racing experience for fans. Woodbine is one of North America’s leading racetracks and the premier location in Canada. This new partnership reflects our commitment to supplying high-quality data that deepens our expanding global network. As we move into new markets, integrity, reliability and quality will remain at the core of our business and the innovative data products we offer partners.”

Klaus Ebner, Director at Woodbine, says:

“Woodbine is committed to delivering a best-in-class digital racing experience for our fans, and partnering with Podium allows us to further enhance the depth and consistency of our racing content. Podium’s Edge will bring high-quality insights and data that align with our standards and supports our ambition to connect Canadian racing with a truly global audience. We’re excited to work with Podium as we continue to evolve how fans engage with our product.”

News

• 2 min read

Podium’s Racing Data to Power Dabble’s Social-led Betting Service in the UK

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, is working with Dabble to help bring its socially driven betting experience to UK audiences.

Dabble combines traditional betting functionality with a social media-style interface to offer the next generation of racing fans a more interactive way to connect and share. The app-based platform is integrated with Betmakers technology, with all UK horse and greyhound racing data delivered by Podium.

Ian Houghton, Commercial Director at Podium says:

“At Podium, we are always excited when we see innovation in the industry, so we are delighted to play a part of Dabble’s expansion into the UK market, particularly at a time when the racing industry needs to retain a younger audience. We look forward to exploring how Podium’s services can continue to support Dabble’s global ambitions.”

The collaboration, which has been in place since the summer, marks an evolution in how racing data is used and experienced, with Podium delivering UK racing content via Betmakers technology to help power Dabble’s social platform.

Tom Rundle, CEO of Dabble, says:

“Dabble’s move into the UK is a natural fit. We’re a challenger brand with an exciting product that we built ourselves from scratch. We’re already seeing that resonate with the UK audience. Yes, you can get a bet on, but essentially, we are placing ourselves as being community driven. We’re creating a richer experience at every touch point.”

The UK is Dabble’s third international market, following rapid growth after launching in its native Australia.

iRace Media extends partnership with The Hong Kong Jockey Club in Asia

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