Hexham Racecourse staged a competitive six-race National Hunt programme on Saturday, 6 June, bringing together amateur riders, juvenile hurdlers, handicap chasers and established hurdle performers. The meeting featured races across Classes 4 and 5 and offered a varied afternoon of action over hurdles and fences. Several contests were decided by narrow margins, while others produced more decisive outcomes. Trainers Sam England, Dan Skelton, Mickey Bowen, Nicky Richards and John Wainwright all enjoyed success during the meeting, while Jonathan England recorded a notable riding double.
Setting the tone for the afternoon, the Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) went to FOLLOW THE LEADER, who produced a commanding performance under Mr James Murray. Trained by John Wainwright for owner Mr Anthony Ross, the winner drew well clear in the closing stages to defeat MALANGEN by 12 lengths, with FINE POINT finishing third.
Juvenile hurdlers then took centre stage in the Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4) (GBB Race), where TINY RIOT continued his progression with an impressive success. Tristan Durrell guided the Dan Skelton-trained runner to victory for owners Susan Johnson and Rachel Wilson. SUDBURY HILL finished second, beaten 4½ lengths, while MOUNT EDEN completed the placings in third.
One of the closest finishes of the day came in the Marrill Group Stamping Futures Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5). PASSENGERONTHESHIP, representing trainer Sam England and owners John Birtles and Bill Allan, battled on strongly under Jonathan England to score by a neck. HALPHA SOLEIL filled the runner-up position after a determined effort, with MANHATTAN VALLEY taking third.
The Hexham Racecourse Holiday Home & Caravan Park Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) (GBB Race) saw SIR CARNEGIE provide trainer Mickey Bowen with success. Ridden by Shane Fenelon and carrying the colours of owner Mr Mickey Bowen, the winner finished 1¼ lengths ahead of NO REGRETS. FOXINTHEBOX claimed third place.
Another tight finish followed in the Handicap Hurdle (Class 4), where GLORY AND HONOUR edged out WELL EDUCATED by a head. The success gave Jonathan England his second winner of the afternoon and completed a double for trainer Sam England. Racing for owners Ursa Ellerby & Partner, the winner held on narrowly, while STAY IN THE GAME finished third.
The programme concluded with the Tricia Hughes Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Class 4), where ABBEY SCOPE secured victory for trainer Nicky Richards and owner The Roper Family. Danny McMenamin delivered a well-timed ride as the winner finished 2¾ lengths clear of STYLISH RECRUIT. DINONS completed the first three home.
The meeting featured a balanced combination of comfortable victories and closely fought contests, with several stables enjoying productive afternoons. A riding double for Jonathan England and training successes for a number of leading National Hunt yards ensured a memorable six-race programme at the Northumberland venue.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz