A crisp November afternoon at Sedgefield on 13 November brings together the true spirit of the National Hunt season — soft ground, honest jumping, and a card that rewards patience and courage. From 12:50 PM to 3:40 PM, six engaging contests shape a day that could highlight both emerging prospects and durable veterans.
The Opening Hurdle: 12:50 PM
The action begins with THE CANINE PREMIER FLEX PLUS JOINT SUPPLEMENT CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 5), run over 2 miles and 139 yards for horses aged three and older. Prize Money: £6,150.
Among the field, EXPELLIARMUS (Fern O’Brien / Ben Haslam) seeks to cast a spell after some promising efforts, while BODYGROOVE (Joshua Thompson / Micky Hammond) looks a strong northern contender with steady handicap form. CLEAN GETAWAY (Joe Williamson / Philip Kirby) carries quiet confidence, and DUDLEY’S BAR (Peter Kavanagh / Paula Smith) has been edging closer to the frame in recent runs. BERRY EDGE (Ellis Collier / David Thompson) could spring a surprise if he travels smoothly into the straight.
Juvenile Promise: 1:24 PM
The MICHAEL WATSON CIVILS & GROUNDWORKS JUVENILE HURDLE (CLASS 4) also spans 2 miles and 139 yards, offering £7,700 for the three-year-olds making early jumps careers.
GENBU (Charlie Maggs / Sam England) carries progressive form, while LIGHTS GO DOWN (Jamie Hamilton / Michael & David Easterby) brings experience and local familiarity. LUNAR ORBIT (James Bowen / Warren Greatrex) looks well-schooled and composed, with STARDROP (Alex Chadwick / James Owen) offering a touch of flair. Watch too for THAT LUCAS FELLA (Sean Quinlan / Iain Jardine), whose recent schooling reports suggest he may adapt well to Sedgefield’s turns.
Novices’ Chase Drama: 1:59 PM
The third race, THE FAIRLIGHT STUDIOS NOVICES’ HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5), covers 2 miles and 101 yards for horses aged four and up, carrying a purse of £6,150.
The lightly raced BELLE MONTROSE (Benjamin Macey / Samuel Drinkwater) should handle conditions, while INDEPENDENT JIMMY (Charlie Maggs / Donald McCain) looks an improving type who thrives on tight left-handed tracks. CONQUER THE BREEZE (Charlie Price / Maurice Barnes) steps up in trip, PLATENIUM (Jonathan England / Sam England) represents consistent northern form, and BELLE NA BANN (Alice Stevens / Micky Hammond) is capable of hitting the frame with a clear round.
Mares’ Maiden Hurdle: 2:34 PM
The spotlight shifts to the mares in THE SPRAYCLADUK NE LTD MARES’ MAIDEN HURDLE (CLASS 4) over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 143 yards. Prize money of £7,700 adds incentive for these improving types.
A PLEASANT SUPRISE (Paddy Hanlon / Patrick Neville) brings useful bumper form into her hurdles debut, while BLUE TOPAZ (James Bowen / Fergal O’Brien) has already hinted at promise under rules. LA ZOUBIDA (Sean Quinlan / Nicky Richards) appears well-bred for this test, ROSES ALL THE WAY (Brian Hughes / Donald McCain) looks the most experienced, and TANTIVY VAVOOM (Jamie Hamilton / Ruth Jefferson) could relish the extra distance.
Staying Power on Show: 3:09 PM
The feature staying contest arrives with THE RESOLVE GROUP UK HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) over 3 miles 2 furlongs and 99 yards. The £6,150 prize should go to a genuine stayer who can handle Sedgefield’s undulations late in the afternoon.
COOPER’S CROSS (Ross Chapman / Stuart Coltherd) brings proven stamina credentials, while SKYHILL (Jamie Hamilton / Alison Hamilton) remains a familiar name in northern handicaps. UPFORDEBATE (Brian Hughes / Patrick Neville) has been shaping well of late and should stay the trip, BALLYLINCH (Conor O’Farrell / Micky Hammond) offers steady jumping, and EMOTIONAL ROLLER (Peter Kavanagh / Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith) could provide the story of the day if finding rhythm early.
Closing Notes: 3:40 PM
The afternoon concludes with THE THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK MICHAEL NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 5), run over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 143 yards for horses aged three and older. Prize money again stands at £6,150.
VAMPIRE SLAYER (Callum Bewley / Daragh Bourke) will look to draw first blood for connections, while BALALLY PARK (Ross Chapman / Rebecca Menzies) has hinted at progress in similar conditions. NEWPORT (Sean Quinlan / Iain Jardine) is consistent and adaptable, KILNACARRA (Joshua Thompson / Jessica Bedi) steps up in trip with quiet optimism, and DEVON SKIES (Joe Williamson / Philip Kirby) could appreciate the extra ground.
The Sedgefield Race Preview delivers an authentic slice of autumn racing — no glamour, just grit. From the conditional jockeys’ opener to the closing novices’ hurdle, every event carries the hallmarks of a northern meeting: tough horses, honest rides, and an audience that knows the value of staying power.
For further context on northern jump form, readers can explore RaceBuzz.
