Perth Racecourse hosted an exciting afternoon of National Hunt racing on April 24, with a competitive eight-race card that showcased emerging talent, seasoned campaigners, and impressive staying performances. Under fair racing conditions, runners across hurdles, chases, and the bumper delivered memorable moments, keeping racing enthusiasts engaged from start to finish.
The opening race at 1:30 PM, the GS Group Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4), set the tone for the day. Run over 2 miles and 69 yards, it saw Misterdoc (FR) produce a composed and confident performance under Harry Skelton. The French-bred gelding travelled smoothly throughout the contest and showed a sharp turn of foot after the final hurdle to pull clear of his rivals. Skelton judged the pace perfectly, ensuring Misterdoc conserved enough energy for a decisive finish, marking him as one to watch in upcoming novice events.
At 2:05 PM, the feature race of the day, the QuinnBet Highland National Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3), tested stamina over a demanding 3 miles, 6 furlongs, and 140 yards. In a race dedicated to the Julian Llewellen Palmer Memorial Trophy, El Granjero (IRE) delivered a gutsy and determined performance under James Bowen. The gelding handled the extended trip exceptionally well, staying on powerfully in the closing stages. Bowen kept him in contention throughout, gradually building momentum before asserting dominance late on. It was a performance that highlighted both endurance and tactical patience.
The 2:40 PM race, the Perth Racecourse Racing & Events Handicap Hurdle (Class 3), stretched over 3 miles, 2 furlongs, and 164 yards. Here, Jupiter des Mottes (FR), ridden by Danny McMenamin, proved too strong for the field. Demonstrating excellent staying ability, the French import maintained a steady rhythm before surging ahead in the final stretch. McMenamin’s confident ride ensured the horse remained well-positioned throughout, ultimately securing a convincing victory in a race that demanded both stamina and composure.
The action continued at 3:12 PM with the Join Racing TV Now Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), run over nearly 3 miles. Dixie Mafia (IRE), under Jack Tudor, emerged victorious after a well-fought contest. The gelding jumped fluently and maintained a consistent pace, which proved crucial as others began to fade. Tudor timed his challenge effectively, pushing ahead in the latter stages to secure a well-earned win that reflected both horse and rider’s strong partnership.
At 3:47 PM, the Follow @racingtv On Instagram Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) offered another competitive contest over 2 miles, 4 furlongs. The Dog Thief (IRE), ridden by Miss Gina Andrews, delivered one of the standout rides of the day. Andrews displayed excellent control and awareness, guiding the horse through traffic before making a decisive move approaching the final hurdle. The Dog Thief responded brilliantly, quickening clear to claim victory in style, underlining the effectiveness of a well-timed challenge.
The 4:25 PM race, the first division of the One Place. Every Race. Racing TV Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5), saw Berkenshtaaap (IRE) take top honors under Sean Bowen. Over the 2-mile, 4-furlong trip, the gelding showed steady improvement throughout the race. Bowen maintained a patient approach, allowing the horse to settle before asking for effort at the right moment. The response was immediate, with Berkenshtaaap finishing strongly to secure the win.
Division II of the same race at 5:00 PM brought another exciting finish, with Dublinofficecallin emerging victorious under Peter Kavanagh. The race followed a similar pattern, with the winner conserving energy early before producing a strong late surge. Kavanagh’s ride ensured the horse remained within striking distance, and the final push proved decisive as Dublinofficecallin edged ahead in the closing stages.
The day concluded with the 5:35 PM Every Race Live on Racing TV Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 4), a bumper event over 2 miles and 69 yards. Fiskardo (IRE), ridden by Shane Fenelon, delivered an eye-catching performance to close the card. Showing promise and potential, Fiskardo travelled comfortably before accelerating impressively in the final furlong. Fenelon’s confident handling allowed the horse to showcase its natural ability, suggesting a bright future ahead in National Hunt racing.
Overall, the Perth meeting on April 24 was marked by strong performances across all races, with several horses demonstrating potential for higher-level competition. From Misterdoc’s smooth opener to Fiskardo’s promising finish, the card offered a blend of tactical riding, stamina-driven victories, and emerging talent.
The event once again reinforced Perth Racecourse’s reputation as a venue for competitive and entertaining racing. With a mix of experienced runners and rising stars, the meeting provided valuable insights into horses likely to make an impact in the coming weeks of the National Hunt season.
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