By the time Sunday afternoon unfolds at Chepstow Racecourse, the Welsh track will stage a competitive seven-race National Hunt programme on March 15, running from 2:10pm to 5:40pm. The meeting combines mares’ hurdles, maiden contests, handicap chases and a National Hunt Flat race, offering opportunities for emerging prospects and seasoned jumpers alike. With prize money ranging from £4,500 to £12,000, the card promises a steady blend of developing talent and competitive racing across a variety of distances.
The afternoon begins at 2:10pm with The Beware The Brides Of March Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest over 2m 3f 116y worth £10,000. Eleven runners are set to line up in what should prove an intriguing opening event, as lightly raced mares aim to secure their first success over hurdles. With the trip demanding both stamina and fluent jumping, the race could highlight one or two promising performers ready to progress through the ranks.
At 2:45pm, attention turns to The BBS Memorial Maiden Hurdle Race, another Class 4 contest but over the longer journey of 2m 7f 156y. Eight runners will take on the extended distance for ÂŁ10,000, making stamina the defining factor. Such staying maiden hurdles often reveal horses capable of developing into future staying performers.
The programme then moves to fences at 3:20pm with The Celebrating Tricia And Paul’s Wedding Handicap Steeple Chase. Twelve runners are declared for this Class 4 contest over 2m 7f 161y, also worth £10,000. With a large and competitive field, the race is likely to demand accurate jumping and strong finishing stamina as experienced chasers and improving types compete.
At 3:55pm, the quality rises with The georgebakerracing.com – Have Horse Will Travel Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 3 contest over 2m 3f 116y carrying the day’s highest purse of £12,000. Nine runners are declared for this valuable mares’ handicap at Chepstow Racecourse, and the field brings together a mix of consistent performers and experienced campaigners.
Flying Fortune, a seven-year-old trained by Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen, heads the weights with a BHA rating of 127 after a sequence of strong recent efforts. Close behind on ratings is Siog Geal, also a seven-year-old, who represents trainer Fergal O’Brien with Fern O’Brien in the saddle and carries a mark of 126. Rula Bula, trained by Jonjo O’Neill Jr. for the Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill yard, brings a rating of 123, while the five-year-old Analiese from the stable of Mel Rowley lines up with a mark of 117 under Charlie Deutsch.
The remainder of the field adds further depth to the contest. Tour Ovalie, a seven-year-old trained by Mrs C. Williams and partnered by Isabel Williams, competes from a rating of 117. Sunday Soldier, an eight-year-old representing the team of David Killahena and Graeme McPherson, will be ridden by Kielan Woods from a mark of 113. Springs A Girl lines up for trainer Martin Keighley with Freddie Keighley claiming five pounds and racing from a rating of 110.
Cast’s Tasha, a nine-year-old trained by Ben Clarke and ridden by Ben Jones, carries a mark of 106, while Country Mouse completes the line-up for trainer Alastair Ralph with Ciaran Gethings aboard from a rating of 104. With proven handicap performers and improving mares in the line-up, the feature race promises to be one of the most competitive contests on the card.
The card continues at 4:30pm with The Celebrating Helen & Sharon’s 60th Birthdays Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase. Run over 2m 32y, this Class 4 contest has attracted five runners competing for £10,000. Although the field is smaller, novice chases often produce tactical contests where careful jumping and race positioning can prove decisive.
Another chase follows at 5:05pm with The Sorry Kids – Mum’s Gone Racing Handicap Steeple Chase. Seven runners will contest this Class 4 race over 2m 3f 114y, again for £10,000. The intermediate trip should favour horses capable of maintaining a strong rhythm over fences while still finishing with stamina.
The meeting concludes at 5:40pm with The Whatever Happened To Captain Tatman National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 5 bumper run over 2m 32y for ÂŁ4,500. Ten runners are set to line up, many likely making their racecourse debut. Bumpers traditionally offer a first glimpse of young horses before they progress to hurdling careers, making the finale an intriguing contest for future prospects.
As the final race draws the meeting to a close, the Chepstow racecards 15 March will reflect a well-balanced National Hunt programme featuring seven races, competitive fields and a mix of hurdles, chases and a bumper. With developing talent and experienced campaigners sharing the stage, the afternoon promises a compelling chapter of jumps racing at one of Britain’s most distinctive tracks.
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