Exeter Racecourse hosts an intriguing six-race National Hunt card on Sunday, March 22, combining staying chases, competitive handicap hurdles, and a bumper contest to close proceedings. With varied field sizes and a strong emphasis on stamina, the meeting promises engaging action for jump racing followers.
The afternoon begins at 2:32 pm with The Guildhall Shopping Celebrating 5 Decades Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) over 2m 5f 137y. Although only three runners line up, the race presents a fascinating tactical contest where jumping precision and pace judgement will be crucial. With £10,000 in prize money, it offers a solid opportunity for a maiden to break through.
At 3:02 pm, The Guildhall Shopping Exeter 50th Anniversary Handicap Steeple Chase at Exeter Racecourse features a competitive field led by a Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill-trained gelding carrying top weight of 12st with a BHA rating of 135, representing the Hemmings Racing team. Close behind is Egbert, partnered by Harry Cobden, who comes into the race with a rating of 132 and carries 11st 11lbs for trainer Christian Williams. Rivers Corner, trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, lines up off 127 with 11st 6lbs, while Livin On Luco from the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White yard also competes off the same mark and weight under Callum Pritchard.
Further depth is added by Escaria Ten, trained by Martin Keighley, who carries 11st 4lbs with a rating of 125 and has shown experience over staying trips. Chavez, representing Venetia Williams and ridden by Charlie Deutsch, enters with a rating of 120 and 10st 13lbs, while Sporting Ace completes the lineup for trainer Neil King, arriving on the back of a recent success and carrying 10st 8lbs off a mark of 115. With a mix of seasoned stayers and in-form contenders, the race promises to be a true test of endurance and jumping ability over the extended distance.
The 3:37 pm race, The Barry Johnson Memorial Mares’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5), sees five runners tackle 3m 54y. This contest provides a platform for mares to showcase their staying ability, with consistency and jumping expected to play a key role in determining the outcome.
Race four at 4:12 pm, The Guildhall Exeter, Shop, Eat, Play EBF Junior ‘National Hunt’ Hurdle (Class 4), features the largest field of the day with ten runners over 2m 161y. This race often highlights emerging talent, and with £10,000 on offer, it could produce a future prospect worth noting.
The card continues at 4:47 pm with The Guildhall Exeter Style, Flavour, Fun Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) over 2m 7f 25y. Eight runners are set to compete in what looks a well-balanced contest, where tactical positioning and stamina will again be decisive factors.
The meeting concludes at 5:22 pm with The Greendale Farm Shop Point-to-Point Bumper Maiden National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5). Seven runners go to post over 2m 161y in this £4,000 contest, typically a race that introduces lightly raced or debuting horses, offering valuable insight into future jumping prospects.
Overall, Exeter’s Sunday fixture delivers a well-rounded programme blending experienced stayers with emerging talent, ensuring a compelling afternoon of National Hunt racing.
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