The winter National Hunt season moves on to Fakenham on 21 December, where the race cards outline a seven-race programme designed to challenge novices, maidens, and experienced chasers. The afternoon opens at 12:15 PM with the Acca Freeze Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5), run over 2m 93y for £6,500. Alvesta, Keep It Cool, Yanka Blue, Our Nel, Crackerjack Queen, and Noble Miss line up to offer an early look at promising mares over a moderate trip.
At 12:45 PM, attention turns to the Extra Places Handicap Hurdle (Class 4), also over 2m 93y, with prize money of £8,500. Sleeping Late, Zenato, Merely A Detail, Snapius, Codetalker, and Miss Maxfort are set to compete in a contest where both proven form and untapped potential are likely to be tested.
The 1:15 PM slot features the Queen Boudicca Series Qualifier Mares’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), run over 2m 6f 9y for £8,500. Tankardstown Diva, I Am The Moon, Settle Down Jill, Jacks Touch, Gazette Bourgeoise, and Overabottleofred are expected to take on the fences in this important qualifying race for the series.
At 1:45 PM, the Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 4) over 2m 4f 114y and worth £6,500 brings together High Point, Kilbakanto, Kings Order, Lawsky, Tony Joe, and Jonquilla. This contest is aimed at uncovering future talent among emerging hurdlers.
The feature at 2:15 PM is the Super Sub Female Jockeys’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3), run over 2m 6f 9y with prize money of £15,000. Frere d’Armes, Shantou Lucky, No But I Will, Moon Hunter, and Bolsover Bill line up in a race that highlights the skill and strength of female jockeys over an intermediate-distance chase.
Stamina comes to the fore at 2:45 PM in the Club Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), a staying test over 3m 6f 62y for £8,500. Enjoy d’Allen, Fern Hill, Shadows In The Sky, Safe Destination, To Be Sure, and He Is A Cracker will be tasked with negotiating both distance and fences.
The card concludes at 3:15 PM with the For The Fans Handicap Hurdle (Class 5), run over 3m 11y and worth £6,500. Girl of Gold, Pooroldmackley, Isabel de Clare, Doublethetrouble, Lady Harriett, and Annie Nail bring the afternoon to a close in a long-distance hurdle that promises a competitive finish.
Overall, the Fakenham Race Cards 21 December present a well-structured programme appealing to a wide range of competitors. Particular attention is likely to fall on the mares’ series qualifier and the female jockeys’ steeple chase as early indicators of emerging talent.
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