A full Saturday programme of National Hunt racing was staged at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring a mix of novice contests, competitive handicaps, and several Grade 2 races across hurdles and fences. The Cheltenham Race Results 24 January reflected a high-quality afternoon, with clear winners emerging in testing conditions on the New Course.
The meeting opened at 12:05pm with the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 2 contest that was won by Jordans Cross. Trained by Anthony Honeyball and ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, the gelding travelled strongly throughout before asserting after the final fence. He crossed the line decisively in a time of 5m 22.09s for owners The Steeple Chasers.
At 12:40pm, the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle was claimed by Maestro Conti, who continued his progressive profile. Dan Skelton’s runner, partnered by Harry Skelton, moved into contention approaching the home turn and quickened clear on the run-in, recording a time of 4m 11.06s for the Hales, Speelman, Mason and Hogarth partnership.
The Class 1 handicap steeple chase at 1:15pm saw Donnacha produce a determined staying effort. Ridden by James Davies for trainer Nigel Hawke, the gelding was produced late and stayed on strongly after the last to win in 5m 18.11s for owner Mrs Marilyn Jane Martin.
Cross-country specialists took centre stage at 1:50pm in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase. Favori de Champdou, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, handled the unique course with assurance and gradually drew clear in the closing stages, stopping the clock at 8m 08.72s for Gigginstown House Stud.
The Grade 2 Cotswold Steeple Chase at 2:25pm developed into a searching test of stamina and jumping, with Spillane’s Tower emerging on top. Jack Kennedy completed a double on the afternoon as he guided the James Joseph Mangan-trained runner into the lead after the final fence. The gelding stayed on resolutely to score in 6m 50.24s for owner John P. McManus.
At 3:00pm, the Grade 2 hurdle produced another polished performance from the Skelton team, as The New Lion justified his reputation. Harry Skelton delivered a confident ride, allowing the gelding to travel comfortably before asserting between the final two flights. He recorded a winning time of 4m 24.88s, once again carrying the colours of John P. McManus.
The staying Grade 2 hurdle at 3:35pm went to Ma Shantou, who showed considerable determination under Ben Jones. Trained by Emma Lavelle, the gelding maintained a strong gallop up the hill to prevail in 6m 03.08s for Mighty Acorn Stables.
The card concluded at 4:10pm with the AIS Novices’ Hurdle, another Grade 2 contest that was taken by Kripticjim. Trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, the gelding delivered a sustained challenge after the last flight and pulled clear close home, winning in 5m 09.27s for Brocade Racing.
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