The iconic Sandown Park Racecourse situated in the scenic town of Esher, England, came alive on September 12, hosting a lively seven-race card that brought together a perfect blend of competition and atmosphere. The afternoon started with the first flag dropping at 2:00 pm and ran through to the closing contest at 5:25 pm, giving fans a full session of excitement. Every race offered its own story – from promising newcomers making their mark to seasoned contenders showing their class – with thrilling finishes and plenty for racing enthusiasts to cheer about.
Race 1: Madri Excepcional EBF Maiden Stakes (2:00pm, 5f10y)
The afternoon began in style as GENTLE GEORGE powered home in 1m 6.19s, guided confidently by jockey Alistair Rawlinson. Trainer Michael Appleby’s preparation shone through, with breeder and owner Michael Appleby sharing the winning moment. STAR OF ALBION fought hard to stay close, while GREEN DAME kept on well to claim third.
Race 2: Carling Handicap (2:35pm, 5f10y)
The second race added more excitement, with LEQUINTO landing the spoils in 1m 6.62s. Jockey Matthew Lloyd Slater gave a perfectly judged ride, trainer Tony Carroll had the horse in top order, and breeder Danny O’Sullivan with owner Mark Wellbelove & Partner enjoyed the result. GOOD EARTH pressed strongly until the finish, while SO SMART stayed on to secure its place.
Race 3: Pravha EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (3:10pm, 1mile)
In the third event, SEA THE STORM proved too strong, finishing in 1m 52.00s. The teamwork between jockey Silvestre De Sousa and trainer David Menuisier paid off, with breeder Thomas Bretzger & Sunderland Holding and owner Tars Farm Equestrian Stud completing the winning connections. CHERRY BAKER ran with grit in second, while ENCHANTED QUEEN showed determination to stay in the frame.
Race 4:Â Anytime Fitness Nursery Handicap (3:45pm, 1mile)
The fourth contest brought one of the day’s tightest finishes, as SUSPENDED SENTENCE edged home in 1m 52.55s. Jockey Cieren Fallon held composure under pressure, trainer Michael Bell had prepared the runner well, and breeder Elwick Stud and owner G C Myddelton, C F E Hill & Partner shared the glory. ASSARANCA pushed all the way, while RENOVATIO ANGEL was a worthy third.
Race 5: Molson Coors Beverage Company Handicap (4:15pm, 7f)
Momentum carried into the fifth race, where CROWN BOARD asserted dominance in 1m 33.76s. Jockey George Wood’s ride and trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam’s planning were key, with breeder Ballylinch Stud and owner P W Harris’s support was also rewarded. NATIVE AMERICAN stayed competitive, and LEXINGTON BELLE kept on strongly to round off the placings.
Race 6: Rekorderlig Fillies’ Handicap (4:50pm, 7f)
The penultimate race was a lively affair, as SUNLIT UPLANDS took victory in 1m 35.87s. Jockey George Wood judged the run to perfection, while trainer and owner Rae Guest’s conditioning and breeder Prospect Stables all played their part. BINT MOHAATHER chased bravely, and LADY MARIKO gave a game performance to secure third.
Race 7: Aspall Handicap (5:25pm, 1m1f209y)
The closing race provided a fitting finale to the Sandown card, with WHATSGOINGONMARVIN crossing the line in 2m 18.80s. Jockey Daniel Tudhope delivered a polished ride, trainer Sir Mark Prescott Bt  kept the horse spot on, and breeder Lynch Bages Ltd with owner N Boyden and C Harrold celebrated the day’s last success. TIPSY TIGER made a strong late run, while KOKANEE stayed on gamely to end the afternoon on a high note.
With the curtain falling on a thrilling afternoon at Sandown, the seven-race programme left racing fans satisfied and already looking ahead to the next meeting. The combination of competitive fields, strong finishes, and memorable performances made this card one to remember.
Read the full Sandown Park recap and more UK racing news on RaceBuzz.
