There’s a certain crackle in the Devon air this morning as Newton Abbot Races 2025 prepares for a bumper day of jumps racing on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The seven-race card has drawn seasoned trainers, ambitious conditional jockeys, and plenty of hopeful punters, all looking forward to a day of high drama, quick fences, and close finishes.
Trainer Olly Murphy was spotted walking the track early, taking in the ground with quiet satisfaction, while jockey Sean Bowen — who partners LORD in the opener — exchanged a confident smile with connections. “It’s riding well,” Bowen said with a nod. “Perfect for speed, perfect for attacking fences.” The crowd, expected to be strong despite the midweek slot, will be hoping for exactly that — a feast of excitement and tight contests.
Fast Start Expected at Newton Abbot Races 2025 in the Juvenile Hurdle
The action kicks off at 1:58 pm with the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Awareness Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4, 2m1f), and the opener has already sparked plenty of paddock chatter.
LORD (Sean Bowen, Olly Murphy) lines up as one of the most talked-about runners, but strong opposition comes from MANCERO (Jack Tudor, David Pipe) and GENBU (Gavin Sheehan, Emma Lavelle). With MANYANA BLUE, PISTRUCCI, and YELLOW CARD completing the field, it’s a tricky one to call. As a GBB bonus race, there’s extra prize money at stake, and connections will be hungry for the £4,489 winner’s cheque.
Darnells Dash Could Light Up the Afternoon
The second race, the Darnells Dash Novices’ Hurdle (2:28 pm, 2m1f), has punters buzzing. It’s another GBB race, with a field stacked with intrigue. Expect JACK HYDE and MAJESTIC MOMENT to set a fierce early pace, while THICKTHORN TOM and the memorably named SHAREYOURBISCUITS could be poised to strike late.
The winner takes home £4,489, but more importantly, this race often sets the tone for the rest of the card — expect rhythm, pace, and bold front-running tactics.
Conditional Jockeys’ Chase Honors Geoff Hobbs
Race three (2:58 pm) — the Happy Birthday Geoff Hobbs Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (Class 5, 2m5f) — offers a different kind of challenge. It’s a stamina test, and with the fences unforgiving, the margin for error is slim.
JUST A MEMORY (Jack Andrews, T. Ellis) and IMPERIAL MEASURE (Ellis Collier, Evan Williams) bring solid form, while LA QUARITE and MASTER MIKEY DEE will be eyeing any slip-ups up front. With a £5,281 winner’s prize, this could turn into one of the more strategic contests of the day.
Big Names Collide in the Axetheracingtax Handicap
The afternoon hits full throttle at 3:28 pm in the Axetheracingtax Handicap Hurdle (Class 4, 3m2½f) — the longest race of the day.
Plenty of eyes will be on HOSTILE HOTELIER (Sean Quinlan, Jennie Candlish), but JULLOU DE GRISSAY and PUDDLESINTHEPARK look equally dangerous over this marathon trip. With deep stamina reserves required, the final two furlongs could decide everything. The winner banks £5,281 — and possibly a rise in the handicap.
Skelton’s West to the Bridge Headlines the Fifth
Race five, the Jim Swales Memorial Handicap Hurdle (3:58 pm, 2m1f, Class 3), is one of the feature contests. Dan Skelton’s WEST TO THE BRIDGE (Tristan Durrell) carries the weight of expectation, but INSIDE MAN (Ciaran Gethings, Jane Williams) and HOPE RISING (Gavin Sheehan, Jamie Snowden) are strong threats.
Add in the progressive LELOOPA (Tom Broughton, Fergal O’Brien) and IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU (Sean Quinlan, Jennie Candlis), and you’ve got one of the deepest fields of the day. With £7,922 to the winner, this could be the pick for punters chasing value.
Speed Meets Strategy in the Murray Group Handicap Chase
The penultimate race at 4:30 pm — the Murray Group Handicap Chase (Class 4, 2m½f, GBB) — brings the sprinters into play. Expect early fireworks as JUGGERNAUT, BARRANCO, JAITROPLACLASSE, and PAPA BARNS battle for supremacy over the shorter trip.
With £5,809 on offer and added GBB incentives, sharp jumping and well-timed rides will prove crucial.
A Grand Finale to Close the Newton Abbot Races 2025
The card concludes with the Open National Hunt Flat Race (5:00 pm, 2m1f, GBB) — a test of speed, balance, and tactics. AXEL BLEUE and BACARDI BLUE headline a competitive lineup, with PEAKY GIRL, ANABIL BLUE, and VICTORS SPIRIT completing the field.
This Category 1 elimination race doubles as a qualifying heat for a future final, meaning victory today carries extra significance beyond the £2,723 prize. Expect a fittingly tense finale to an action-packed afternoon at Newton Abbot.
For more race previews, results, and expert analysis, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
