Racing returns to Ludlow Racecourse on Thursday, March 19, with a competitive six-race National Hunt card featuring a mix of maiden hurdles, handicap contests, and steeplechases. With solid prize money on offer and competitive field sizes throughout the afternoon, the meeting promises engaging action for jumps racing enthusiasts.
The 2:20 pm Lycetts Insurance Mares’ Maiden Hurdle at Ludlow Racecourse brings together a field of 12 runners, with Bits Ballou representing Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies carrying 11st 5lbs under Toby McCain-Mitchell. Borna Gem from the same yard is partnered by Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell, while Caterpillar Girl lines up for Tom George after showing promise in previous runs. Dame In Disguise looks to step forward for Max Youna, and Georgias Charm adds further experience to the lineup for Fergal O’Brien. Lady Blackmore and October Hill, the latter rated 105 and trained by David Pipe, also feature among the leading contenders.
The younger fillies add an interesting dynamic to the race, all carrying 10st 9lbs, including Babychino for Alexander Gibbons and Cantcallmethattrev from the Sarah-Jayne Davies yard. Dinkys Rose represents Henry Oliver, while Queen Maeve, trained by Dan Skelton, arrives with encouraging form. Silvereen completes the field for Henry Daly, making this a well-balanced contest between experienced mares and unexposed younger runners.
The 2:50 pm W.R. Partners Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase features six runners, headed by Bond Broker from the Paul Nicholls yard, who carries top weight of 12st and brings consistent recent form alongside a BHA rating of 117. Batwomen, trained by Neil Mulholland, has been running well and carries 11st 10lbs, matching the experienced Gris Majeur who has proven course and distance credentials for Sheila Lewis.
The remaining contenders include The Winslow Boy for Tom Symonds, who looks to return to form, and Sun Art from the Fergal O’Brien stable with a rating of 110 and solid recent efforts. Kay Tara Tara completes the field for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, bringing experience and resilience into what looks a competitive novice handicap chase.
The 3:20 pm Omnia Art Handicap Hurdle sees a compact but competitive lineup, with Uncle Phil carrying top weight of 12st for Chester Williams and holding a BHA rating of 122. Tax For Max, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, is set to be a strong challenger off 11st 7lbs, while Rumoursareflying brings solid winning form and course experience for Pam Sly.
Supreme George, trained by Donald McCain, has been in excellent form and carries 11st 2lbs, making him a key contender in the race. With each runner closely matched on ratings and recent performances, this race promises to be a tactical affair where positioning and pace will prove decisive.
At 3:50 pm, the Bromfield Sand and Gravel Handicap Steeple Chase takes centre stage. This Class 4 contest over 2m 57y offers £10,000 in prize money but has attracted just four runners. With such a small field, the pace and jumping rhythm will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.
The penultimate race at 4:20 pm is the GC Rickards Ltd Handicap Hurdle, a Class 4 race run over a stamina-testing 2m 5f 125y. Nine runners are set to compete for the £9,000 prize, and this race could see a true test of endurance, particularly in the closing stages.
The card concludes at 4:50 pm with the EFG Harris Allday Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase. This Class 4 contest over 2m 4f 76y carries £6,600 in prize money and features nine runners. As a hunters’ chase, it brings a unique dynamic to the meeting, often showcasing experienced horses and amateur riders in competitive conditions.
Overall, the Ludlow meeting offers a balanced programme with a blend of hurdles and chases across varying distances. While some races feature smaller fields, others promise competitive action, ensuring an entertaining afternoon of National Hunt racing.
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