The Exeter Race Cards 9 January bring together a well-structured seven-race National Hunt programme scheduled for Friday, 9 January, featuring a balanced mix of staying hurdles, competitive handicap chases, and developmental contests for emerging talent. Set on Exeter’s demanding jumps track, the afternoon card tests stamina, jumping accuracy, and racecraft across varying distances and classes.
With races spanning distances from just over two miles to extended staying trips, the card provides opportunities for both developing horses and more experienced campaigners, supported by a varied prize structure across the meeting.
The programme gets underway at 1:02 PM with the Stayers’ Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle (Class 4), which carries £9,000 in prize money. Run over 2 miles 7 furlongs and 25 yards, the race is open to horses aged four and above and features nine runners. The extended trip places a clear emphasis on stamina and tactical judgement, particularly for conditional jockeys managing pace over a demanding hurdle distance.
At 1:32 PM, attention turns to emerging talent in the National Hunt Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) (GBB Race), contested for £10,000. Fifteen runners aged four and older line up over 2 miles and 161 yards, with the maiden hurdle format offering an important platform for inexperienced hurdlers to gain racecourse experience.
Steeplechasing takes centre stage at 2:02 PM with the Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3) (GBB Race), the most valuable contest on the card with £15,500 in prize money. Eight runners aged five and above contest the 3-mile 54-yard distance, where stamina and fluent jumping are tested in equal measure.
The fourth race at 2:32 PM is the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3), worth £15,300. Run over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 48 yards, the race brings together ten runners aged five and older, placing emphasis on accuracy over fences and sustained pace at an intermediate chasing trip.
At 3:02 PM, a large field assembles for the Handicap Hurdle (Class 5), which carries £7,000 in prize money. Eighteen runners aged four and above compete over 2 miles 5 furlongs and 137 yards, with the combination of field size and distance demanding adaptability and strong finishing effort.
The penultimate contest at 3:35 PM is the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) (GBB Race), run for £10,250. Eleven runners aged five and older tackle 2 miles 1 furlong and 109 yards, a sharper chase that rewards efficient jumping and tactical positioning.
The meeting concludes at 4:05 PM with the Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5), which offers £4,000 in prize money. Fourteen runners aged four to six contest the 2-mile 161-yard bumper, designed to introduce young horses to racecourse conditions before progressing to hurdling careers.
Overall, the Exeter Race Cards 9 January deliver a thoughtfully structured Friday programme that highlights the depth and variety of National Hunt racing. From stamina-demanding hurdles to tactical steeplechases and developmental flat races, the card reinforces Exeter’s reputation for producing demanding and informative jumping contests.
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