Perth Racecourse hosts an exciting eight-race National Hunt card on Thursday, 23 April, featuring a strong blend of novice hurdles, competitive handicaps, and quality steeple chases. The afternoon kicks off at 1:40 pm with The Stonepack Mares’ National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 35 yards. With nine runners and £10,000 on offer, the opener provides a platform for progressive mares to make their mark. The action continues at 2:10 pm with a Class 4 handicap hurdle over a similar distance, followed by another competitive handicap hurdle at 2:40 pm, both carrying £9,000 in prize money and attracting fields of ten runners each.
The highlight of the day comes at 3:10 pm with The River Tay Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 2 feature worth £25,000. Eight runners go to post over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 20 yards, with the top weight rated 144 carrying 12 stone and bringing strong overall form into the contest. Slanagaibhgoleir, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Harry Cobden, adds further depth with a rating of 131, while Whistleinthedark, a course and distance winner, returns with solid credentials despite carrying 11 stone. Classic Maestro and King Roly both arrive with consistent profiles, the latter also proven at the track, while Toothless represents a powerful yard and has been knocking on the door with recent efforts.
Inox Allen, another course and distance performer, looks to bounce back from below-par runs, while Westerninthepark completes the line-up with experience and stamina for the trip. The field combines proven performers with those capable of improvement, making it one of the most competitive races on the card. With quality spread across the weights, the feature promises a strong test of jumping and racecraft.
The action continues at 3:40 pm with The Join Racing TV Now Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 3 event over 2 miles 7 furlongs and 180 yards. Seven runners will compete for £15,000, with stamina expected to play a decisive role over the longer trip. At 4:10 pm, The Scone International Horse Trials Handicap Hurdle brings together 12 runners over 2 miles and 47 yards, also offering £15,000, and is likely to favour runners with a strong turn of foot.
A large field of 16 lines up at 4:40 pm for The One Place. Every Race. Racing TV Handicap Hurdle, a Class 5 contest over 2 miles and 47 yards worth £8,000. With such a competitive line-up, race positioning and pace judgement will be crucial. The card concludes at 5:15 pm with The Every Race Live on Racing TV Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Steeple Chase, where 11 runners tackle 2 miles 7 furlongs and 180 yards for a £10,000 prize.
Overall, Perth’s Thursday meeting offers a well-structured programme with competitive racing throughout the afternoon. The River Tay Handicap Steeple Chase stands out as the feature, but strong fields across all races ensure an engaging day of jump racing, with opportunities for both emerging talents and established performers to shine.
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