The lovely Sussex countryside surrounding PLUMPTON RACECOURSE welcomed a lively afternoon on 20th October, with a seven-race card running from 2:10pm to 5:17pm. As part of the 2025/26 jumps season, each contest carried real significance — trainers tuning their charges for the campaign ahead, connections buoyed by autumn optimism, and racegoers enjoying racing with a countryside backdrop in full effect.
Race 1: Betty Chantler And Trevor Downing Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (2:10pm, 1m7f195yds)
The opening race set the tone for the afternoon. DIAMOND HUNTER crossed the line in 3m 53.00s, with jockey FREDDIE GORDON delivering a confident ride. Trainer CHRIS GORDON had the horse primed, breeder MS E MALLON saw their efforts rewarded, and owner D S DENNIS savoured the moment. KAJIKIA ran on strongly for second, while DAYZEE kept up the pressure to claim third.
Race 2: SIS Chase Handicap Chase (For The Josh Gifford Memorial Trophy) (2:40pm, 2m3f166yds)
In race two, NOAH’S LIGHT produced a sharp late burst to prevail in 5m 27.90s. Under jockey HARRY KIMBER’s timing and trainer RICHENDA FORD’s preparation, the horse delivered for breeder BRIAN KIELY and owner MR & MRS K B SNOOK. GONE IN SIXTY made a bold challenge, and BERTIE WOOSTER stayed on well to fill the frame.
Race 3: Peter Gander Memorial Handicap Hurdle (3:10pm, 1m7f195yds)
The third contest tested stamina and accuracy, and EZ TIGER showed both to win in 3m 57.00s. Jockey BRYAN CARVER kept the mount balanced through the obstacles, trainer ALEX HALES’s game-plan came together, breeder JOSEPH SMIDDY got the reward, and owner N RODWAY & PARTNER enjoyed the result. SUPERSTYLIN chased valiantly to the line, and LADY CARO held on for a respectable third.
Race 4: Sir Christopher Wates Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (3:40pm, 2m3f166yds)
As the card reached the halfway mark, ALIEN STORM asserted themselves in 5m 21.28s. With jockey DAVID BASS producing a measured ride, trainer CHARLIE LONGSDON had the horse spot on, breeder RAILSIDE FARM’s investment paid off, and owner THE ALIEN STORM PARTNERSHIP celebrated the win. HECOULDBETHEONE stayed close until late, while JUGGERNAUT stayed in contention to round out the three.
Race 5: Goodwin Handicap Hurdle (4:10pm, 1m7f195yds)
Race five brought perhaps the most competitive field of the day, and NARDARAN stepped up when it counted, finishing in 3m 52.07s. Jockey HARRY COBDEN and trainer PAUL NICHOLLS combined impressively, breeder S A AGA KHAN saw quality shine, and owner MARTIN BROUGHTON & FRIENDS 2 shared the moment. TURN AND FINISH pressed hard till the end, and TAPLEY ran on well for third.
Race 6: Nick And Valda Embiricos Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (4:42pm, 3m1f157yds)
The penultimate event featured another strong display as KEN ROY crossed in 7m 22.95s. Jockey LORCAN WILLIAMS delivered under pressure, trainer PAUL NICHOLLS’s preparation held firm, breeder VAMBECK BLOODSTOCK LTD took delight, and owner GRAEME BROOKS was rewarded. BLACKACRE kept the pace, while MASTERDREAM finished strongly for a place.
Race 7: Back British Farming Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (5:17pm, 3m217yds)
The finale wrapped the afternoon neatly: PRINCESSE MILANIA surged home in 6m 32.22s, with jockey SEAN BOWEN guiding the finish expertly. Trainer OLLY MURPHY ended the card on a high, breeder NOEL DOYLE added another success, and owner GRACEHILL UK LIMITED left with pride. STAMINA CHOPE made a late effort for second, while LUNA RUN completed the top three with a gallant run.
Plumpton once again proved why it’s such a special venue for jump racing: intimate, spirited, and full of genuine moments of competition and connection. With the 2025/26 season now underway, many of today’s winners and performers are likely to re-emerge as the campaign builds. Stay tuned — the next race days at Plumpton are already just around the corner, and the hills of Sussex will echo to the sound of hooves again soon.
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