An exciting afternoon of National Hunt racing awaits at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Sunday, 24 May, as the popular Staffordshire venue stages a competitive seven-race programme featuring valuable handicap contests, talented novice hurdlers, and experienced steeplechasers.

The meeting opens at 2:22 PM with the Wrights Rolling In The Dough Derby Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Race, a Class 3 event run over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 207 yards for a prize fund of £15,000. The contest is expected to showcase several improving mares aiming to continue their progress during the summer jumping campaign. With GBB Race status attached, the race offers an important opportunity for connections seeking valuable prize money and recognition.

At 2:52 PM, attention turns to the staying novices in the Wrights Great British Bake Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. Run over nearly three miles, the Class 5 contest is designed for developing hurdlers rated up to 105. The demanding distance at Uttoxeter often tests stamina and jumping accuracy, making it a fascinating race for younger horses still learning their craft over obstacles.

One of the afternoon’s major attractions comes at 3:28 PM with the Wrights Centenary Gold Cup Handicap Hurdle, a prestigious Class 2 contest worth £30,000. The race over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 207 yards is expected to feature a highly competitive field of established handicap hurdlers alongside progressive performers hoping to rise through the ranks. Uttoxeter’s long finishing straight regularly produces dramatic conclusions, and the Centenary Gold Cup could once again deliver a thrilling finish.

The feature event of the day follows at 4:03 PM with the Clarke Chase, a Class 2 handicap steeple chase run over 2 miles and 4 furlongs for the Sir Stanley and Lady Clarke Challenge Trophy. Carrying the highest prize fund on the card at £50,000, the contest has assembled an experienced and talented field of staying chasers. Olly Murphy saddles the top-weight nine-year-old gelding rated 145, who carries 12st into the prestigious feature. Harry Skelton teams up with the course-and-distance winner Riskintheground for trainer Dan Skelton, with the pair expected to play a major role after arriving in strong recent form.

The Clarke Chase also includes the experienced Gunsight Ridge for trainer Mike Sowersby and jockey Jonathan Burke, while Glengouly represents Faye Bramley as connections search for a return to form. Veteran runner Vintage Fizz lines up for trainer Jedd O’Keeffe with Sam Twiston-Davies booked to ride, bringing valuable stamina and experience to the race. Ukantango, another representative from the Olly Murphy yard, enters the contest following an encouraging recent effort and may prove dangerous from a lighter weight, while A Dublin Job completes the field for Sarah-Jayne Davies looking to bounce back with a strong performance.

Following the feature chase, the action continues at 4:37 PM with the Wrights Sausage Roll Sprint Handicap Hurdle, a fast-paced Class 4 event over just under two miles. Despite the light-hearted race title, the contest promises to be fiercely competitive as speedier hurdlers battle for position around the sharp Uttoxeter turns before tackling the uphill finish.

The penultimate race at 5:12 PM is the Wrights Always Tasty Classic Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 4 staying contest over three miles and 10 yards. As part of the ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier, the race is expected to place a strong emphasis on stamina and jumping rhythm. Long-distance chases at Uttoxeter often reward patience and consistency, particularly in the closing stages where tired horses can quickly lose momentum.

The meeting concludes at 5:47 PM with the Wrights 100 Year Dash Open National Hunt Flat Race, a bumper contest for four and five-year-olds. Such races frequently provide the first glimpse of future stars of the jumping scene, with several promising young horses expected to make their racecourse debuts before embarking on hurdling careers next season.

Uttoxeter continues to maintain its reputation as one of Britain’s most respected summer jumping venues, regularly producing competitive racing and enthusiastic crowds. Sunday’s card blends valuable feature races with opportunities for emerging talent, creating an entertaining afternoon for racing followers and casual spectators alike.

With strong prize funds, competitive fields, and a mix of hurdles, chases, and bumper action, the Uttoxeter meeting promises another memorable day in the British National Hunt calendar.

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