Southwell Racecourse, the ever-reliable evening venue where floodlights tend to sharpen both pace and competition, will stage an eight-race programme on Thursday, 23 April. The fixture will present a well-balanced card of sprint contests, middle-distance handicaps, stamina tests, and a strong novice event. Distances will range from 4f 215y to 1m 6f 21y, while total prize money across the card will vary between £7,000 and £30,000, ensuring depth and competitiveness throughout the evening.
The opening contest, Race 1 – The Southwell Cardinal Conditions Stakes (Class 2) (GBB) at 4:57pm, will be run over 1m 14y for a £30,000 prize fund. Golden View, Intense Vision, and Yazin will form a compact but competitive trio. With limited runners, the contest is expected to develop tactically, where early control of pace and positioning around the bend will likely determine the finishing outcome.
Kicking off the sprint section, Race 2 – The Celebrate With Sponsorship at Southwell Racecourse Stakes (Class 5) at 5:30pm will take place over 4f 215y for £8,500. Believeinmenow, Blue Deveron, Beach Partee, Life After Love, and Sands of Seve will go to post in a sharp-speed contest. Early break and immediate acceleration will be crucial, as sprint races at this venue often reward those quickest into stride.
Stepping up significantly in distance, Race 3 – The Dog Friendly Raceday Stakes (Class 5) at 6:00pm will be staged over 1m 6f 21y for £8,500. Vaguely Royal, John Galt, Swinging London, The Truant, and Captain Brett will contest a stamina-driven race. The longer trip will demand patience in the early stages before a sustained finishing effort is required down the home straight.
At 6:30pm, Race 4 – The Book The Bistro in Sherwood Restaurant Stakes (Class 4) (GBB Plus Race) will be run over 1m 3f 24y for £10,000. Marnier, New York Minute, Desert Shadow, Lady Ridgewood, Yaa Min, and Elsass will line up in a closely matched field. The race is expected to unfold at a steady tempo before turning into a tactical battle in the final two furlongs.
At 7:00pm, Race 5 – The Come Racing For Free Stakes (Class 6) will be staged over 1m 14y for £7,000. Raspoutine, Aneirin’s Sword, Lexington Express, Clear Above, Action Reaction, and Cobalt Comet will take part in a tightly rated handicap. The mile contest is likely to remain closely packed throughout, with small margins expected to separate the field at the finish.
Race 6 – The Conference & Events at Southwell Racecourse Restricted Novice Stakes (Class 5) (GBB) at 7:30pm will feature ten runners over 7f 15y for £8,500. Ice To Meet You, MarquessofAnglesey, Beau Chevalier, Red Spells Danger, Ay Up Duck, Turton, Got The Booty, and Katie’s Song will all compete. The race will focus on developing horses, where progression and racecraft will be closely observed.
At 8:00pm, Race 7 – The Ladies Day Sunday 16th August Stakes (Class 6) will also be run over 7f 15y for £7,000. Searchingtheblues, Enpassant, Mereside Madness, Mwafaq, Fools Rush In, Bomb Squad, and Louie The Legend will contest a competitive handicap where late acceleration and efficient positioning will play a key role.
Bringing the evening to a close, Race 8 – The Summer Social Events at Southwell Racecourse Stakes (Class 6) at 8:30pm will be run over 6f 17y for £7,000. Moostar, Raft Up, Blackjack, Megaphone, Valsharah, and Fircombe Hall will line up in a fast-paced sprint where early speed and maintaining position into the final furlong will be decisive.
The Southwell Race Cards 23 April fixture will deliver a varied and competitive eight-race programme featuring a £30,000 feature contest alongside sprints, handicaps, and a strong novice race, providing a well-rounded evening of racing action.
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