Newcastle Braced for a Testing Seven-Race Jumps Card on January 27

Winter will settle firmly over Newcastle Racecourse on Tuesday, January 27, as the track prepares to stage a demanding seven-race jumps programme that will reward grit as much as class. From the first flagfall at 12:45pm to the final contest at 4:10pm, the afternoon will unfold as a steady test of stamina and technique, building toward the Handicap Chase (Race 6), the clear focal point of the card. That Class 3 GBB contest, run for a winner’s share of £6,179, will stand as the ultimate examination on the day, asking its runners to cope with a searching trip, a full set of fences, and the pressure that comes with being centre stage.

The action will begin at 12:45pm with Race 1, the Mares’ Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race (Cat 3 Elimination). Run over 2m 56y, the GBB Class 5 contest for 4–6yo runners will feature nine runners, all seeking a foothold in jumping careers for a £2,451 winner’s share. As a bumper, it will place emphasis on raw ability and temperament rather than obstacles.

Hurdling will follow at 1:20pm in Race 2, the Novices’ Hurdle, a GBB Class 4 contest for 4yo+ runners over 2m 4f 62y. With 10 runners negotiating 11 hurdles for £5,446, the race will demand fluency and consistency, offering insight into novices ready to progress through the ranks.

Chasing will take centre stage at 1:50pm with Race 3, the High Gosforth Park Golf Club Novices’ Handicap Chase (Go North Forgive ’N Forget Qualifier). Open to 5yo+ runners, the GBB Class 4 race will be contested over 2m 75y, with five runners facing 12 fences for a £4,700 winner’s share, where precision and pace will be closely linked.

Stamina will be further tested in Race 4, the Get Raceday Ready Handicap Hurdle, scheduled for 2:25pm. The Class 5 contest for 4yo+ runners will span 2m 7f 149y, featuring 11 runners tackling 13 hurdles for £3,248, placing emphasis on rhythm and staying power.

The mares will return to focus at 3:00pm in Race 5, the Mini Golf At High Gosforth Park Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. Run over 2m 4f 62y, the Class 4 event will bring together eight runners facing 11 hurdles, competing for a £4,066 winner’s share, as the meeting edges toward its centrepiece.

That centrepiece will arrive at 3:35pm with Race 6, the Handicap Chase, the feature race of the day. A GBB Class 3 contest for 5yo+ runners, the race will be run over 2m 7f 91y, with eight runners confronting 18 fences for a £6,179 winner’s share. Positioned late in the card, it will demand both stamina and composure, and is expected to define the competitive character of the afternoon.
Contenders: Young Jack, Marown, Rattling Road, Theformismighty, If Not For Dylan, Fenland Tiger, Shighness, The Big Breac

The programme will conclude at 4:10pm with Race 7, the Border Minstrel Sunday Lunch Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle. The Class 5 contest for 4yo+ runners will cover 2m 4f 62y, featuring 13 runners and 11 hurdles, with £3,248 on offer, providing a lively and competitive finish.

Newcastle Racecards 27 January will promise a measured build from bumper to chase, reflecting the demands of mid-winter jumping and offering a thorough examination of emerging and established talent alike.