KEMPTON PARK comes alive this Monday, 10th November, as the air turns crisp and the turf trembles under the rhythm of seven exhilarating jumps from 12:30pm to 3:40pm. This isn’t just a race day—it’s a heartbeat in The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Series, where every leap, every surge, carries dreams toward the grand stage of Cheltenham Festival 2026.
Backed by Pertemps Network, the UK’s largest privately-owned recruitment agency, the series has stood tall since 2002—an enduring celebration of stamina, spirit, and second chances. Its final, run over three gruelling miles for horses aged four and above, is the moment where endurance becomes glory. Starting in 2025, winners of each qualifying race will earn a guaranteed ticket to that finale, making every stop—especially Kempton’s—a test of nerve and destiny.
At the heart of the card lies Monday’s crown jewel, the fifth race—the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle—offering not just a handsome purse but a promise of what could come. Many greats have galloped this path before: Presenting Percy, Delta Work, Sire Du Berlais—names that turned humble qualifiers into legends.
With under-18s welcomed free, laughter will mingle with the thud of hooves, and the November chill will meet the warmth of racing hearts. Kempton Park is ready to tell its story once more—a story of courage, rhythm, and the endless pursuit of the finish line that leads to Cheltenham dreams.
Race 1: JCB ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginners’ Chase (GBB Race) (12:30pm, 3 miles)
The day begins with a genuine test of nerve and skill as fresh chasers line up for the opening Class 3 Beginners’ Chase. For many, it’s their first big leap into the chasing ranks—a race that separates raw promise from true potential. One Big Bang will look to settle quickly into rhythm, while Secret Trix could rise above the rest if their jumping holds together. Expect early drama, honest mistakes, and flashes of brilliance as new names try to carve their place among future stars. Winner’s purse: £9,803
Race 2: JCB Hydrogen Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (1:00pm, 2 miles)
The energy continues to build with the first of two Novice Hurdles, where emerging talent takes its chance over timber. Ice In The Veins, Golden Circet and Jimbo Sport brings strong schooling form into this, while Kool Kid, Reteti and Solanna might use their turn of foot to outpace rivals late on. These races often give a glimpse into tomorrow’s contenders—young, bold, and learning with every stride. It’s about control meeting courage, and the crowd knows it. Winner’s purse: £4,901
Race 3: JCB Fastrac Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (1:30pm, 2m5f)
Another Novice Hurdle follows, and the learning curve steepens. BREEZETHROUGHLIFE, BACK IT UP, ALAN BRESIL and FRESH KICKS looks ready to prove consistency, while KASINO DES MOTTES, LOCKED ON and TALK TO THE MAN could thrive if the ground plays in their favor. This second leg is more than a repeat—it’s a reckoning for those chasing confidence and composure. Each hurdle cleared feels like a step closer to the kind of maturity that wins the big ones later in the season. Winner’s purse: £4,901
Race 4: JCB Handicap Hurdle (2:00pm, 2m5f)
By mid-card, the atmosphere tightens as the more seasoned runners step up in the Class 4 Handicap Hurdle. BERTIE WOOSTER, BLOCK ROCKIN BEATS and NIGHT STALKER will aim to make experience count, but JET OF DREAMS, TURNDLIGHTSDOWNLOW and CUBAN COURT carries the air of a dark horse ready to surprise. This is where tactics take center stage—pace, patience, and precision. For some, it’s a chance to redeem past runs; for others, it’s the moment to announce that they belong among the stronger company. Winner’s purse: £4,753
Race 5: Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race) (2:30pm, 2m5f)
All eyes turn to the day’s headline act—the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle, a Class 2 highlight that carries not just a handsome purse but enormous weight in the qualification trail. Run over three testing miles for horses aged four and above, it’s a race built on endurance and willpower. BUSY BEING BUSY, SAINT ANAPOLINO and IDY WOOD enters with form that demands respect, while SIXTY PLUS, BELOW THE RADAR, EYED and SUPREME YEATS could play spoiler if timing and tactics align. For those chasing Cheltenham dreams, this is where the story could truly begin. Winner’s purse: £10,926
Race 6: Budds & Weatherbys Horseracing Memorabilia Mares’ Handicap Chase (Challenger Mares’ Qualifier) (GBB) (3:05pm, 2m4f110y)
Then come the mares, taking to the fences with their trademark heart and grit. The Class 3 Mares’ Chase promises no shortage of flair — POPOVA, SHANTWOPOINTFIVE and GEORGI GIRL may thrive on the longer trip, while ILOVETHENIGHTLIFE, SHE IS FOR ME BOYS and IT’S EASY will be eager to assert herself in the closing stages. These contests rarely disappoint; they celebrate resilience, skill, and quiet determination. The crowd will watch in awe as these powerful mares battle for every inch of turf. Winner’s purse: ÂŁ10,562
Race 7: JCB Hydradig Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (3:40pm, 3m121y)
The afternoon draws to a close with the Class 5 Handicap Hurdle, the perfect finish to a thrilling card. It may be the lowest grade of the day, but never the least in drama. FINAL STRAW, AVADA KEDAVRA and BOLLIN THOU could try to dominate from the front, though BEBSIDE BANTER, GLORIOUS MIST and NEEDTOKNOW might prefer to strike late when others tire. Expect an honest, hard-fought finale—where form, faith, and fatigue collide in a blur of courage and heart. Winner’s purse: £3,697
As the crowd filters out and the November sun fades behind Kempton’s grandstand, the echoes of hooves and cheers linger in the cool air. From bright-eyed novices to hardened hurdlers, every runner left a trace of story behind. The Pertemps Network Series thrives on such moments—where local victories can spark Festival dreams and every gallop is a step closer to glory. For racing fans, trainers, and dreamers alike, Kempton once again reminded everyone why jump racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a feeling.
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