Wincanton delivered a demanding and memorable afternoon on Thursday, January 15, as Somerset National Day unfolded across eight races from 12:07pm to 4:10pm, testing stamina, technique, and resolve in equal measure. The spotlight naturally fell on the Somerset National Handicap Chase, where endurance and accuracy over fences proved decisive, but the supporting card ensured the day carried depth, variety, and genuine narrative from start to finish.
The feature Race 7 – the Somerset National Handicap Chase, with a winner’s share of £15,843, lived up to its billing as a true staying test. Over an exacting 3m2f162y and 22 fences, Rivers Corner, the 8yo bay gelding, produced a determined performance to land the prize. Ridden with patience by Brendan Powell and trained by Joe Tizzard, the winner gradually asserted control late in the race to record a winning time of 7m 20.20s. The staying effort was backed by solid ownership representation from J P Romans & Nick Case, while Distillery Stud was credited as breeder. Isaac Des Obeaux stayed on for second, with Destroytheevidence filling third after a gruelling contest that defined the afternoon.
The meeting began with the Flaked Oats Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase in Race 1, where stamina was immediately called upon. Major Fortune, an 8yo bay gelding, set the tone with a commanding success under Harry Skelton for trainer Dan Skelton. Racing for the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate – Major Fortu, and bred by Noel O’Brien, the winner completed the course in 6m 46.56s, holding off Not A Light and Maximum Offers.
Hurdling action followed in Race 2, the Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I). Gaelic Pride, a 6yo bay gelding, justified support with a composed performance, guided home by Sean Bowen for trainer Warren Greatrex. Owned by Franklin & Gurney and bred by Dehesa De Milargo S L, the winner stopped the clock at 3m 52.39s, ahead of Unknown Entity and One Island.
Division II in Race 3 saw Sinchi Roca, a 6yo chestnut gelding, edge a competitive field. Callum Pritchard delivered a confident ride for trainer Syd Hosie, with ownership shared by Cahill & Van Der Horst. Bred by D W Macauley, the winner recorded a time of 3m 51.26s, narrowly ahead of Wolf Walker and Liam Mera Kai.
Experience told in Race 4, the Handicap Hurdle, as Mr Zee, a seasoned 9yo bay gelding, capitalised under Harry Reed. Trained by Michael Blake and racing for the Staverton Owners Group, the gelding clocked 3m 52.67s, with Postponed Legacy and Morning Mayhem completing the frame.
In Race 5, another Handicap Hurdle, Lucky Bere, a 5yo bay gelding, showcased resilience over a testing trip. Harry Cobden partnered the winner for trainer Kayley Woollacott, with B Marsh listed as owner. Bred by Haras De La Haie Neuve, Sas Regnier, the winner posted a time of 5m 10.94s, beating Le Soleil Reve and Meatloaf.
Staying hurdlers returned in Race 6, the Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier), where Champagne Chic, a 6yo bay gelding, delivered a strong performance. Lorcan Williams rode for trainer Jeremy Scott, with ownership credited to The BM Partnership. Bred by Michael O’Donovan, the gelding finished in 6m 38.85s, ahead of Turndlightsdownlow and A Perfect Day.
The card concluded with the ‘Newcomers’ National Hunt Flat Race in Race 8, where Trojan Tale, a 5yo bay gelding, emerged best. Jack Tudor partnered the winner for trainer Dan Horsford, racing in the colours of R H J Martin and Anna Harris. Bred by Richard Eustace, the gelding recorded 4m 1.82s, with Fine Tuning and Elusive PB rounding out the placings.
Overall, Wincanton Race Results 15 January delivered a testing, honest, and richly competitive afternoon, crowned by a feature chase that rewarded stamina and composure while underlining the depth of talent across the entire card.
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