Hexham Racecourse hosts an engaging afternoon of National Hunt racing on Sunday, June 21, with seven races scheduled across hurdles and steeplechases. The Northumberland venue, renowned for its demanding undulating circuit and testing uphill finish, will welcome a competitive field of runners competing for more than ÂŁ82,000 in prize money.
Hexham racecards 21 juneÂ
The card opens at 2:13 PM with the L & R Pest Control Services Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, a Class 5 contest over two miles and 128 yards worth £9,150. Restricted to horses rated between 0 and 100, the race provides an excellent opportunity for emerging conditional jockeys to showcase their talents. The combination of a sharp trip and Hexham’s challenging terrain should make for an intriguing tactical affair.
At 2:43 PM, attention turns to the Chris Lowther & Brian Ellison 28 Years Maiden Hurdle, a Class 4 event over two miles, four furlongs and 108 yards. With a prize fund of ÂŁ10,000, the race offers inexperienced hurdlers the chance to secure a first victory over obstacles. Maiden hurdles often reveal future stars, and several lightly raced runners will be aiming to take a significant step forward in their careers.
The feature race of the afternoon arrives at 3:13 PM with the Matfen Hall Hotel Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 3 contest and the richest race on the card with prize money of ÂŁ16,500. Run over one mile, seven furlongs and 213 yards, the race has attracted a competitive field headed by several accomplished chasers.
Top weight Paddy The Horse represents the powerful Nicky Richards yard and enters the contest with a rating of 125. Despite carrying 12st, his experience and proven class make him a major contender.
Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore saddle Cossack Chach, a talented gelding rated 122. Although returning from a lengthy absence, he possesses quality form and could prove dangerous if fully tuned up.
The Ben Haslam-trained Kientzheim, ridden by Harry Cobden, arrives after a respectable effort earlier in the season and remains one of the more progressive runners in the field. The French-bred mare’s consistency could serve her well in this company.
Veteran campaigner Glory And Honour comes into the race following a recent victory and boasts proven course-and-distance credentials. Trained by Sam England, the ten-year-old’s experience around Hexham could prove invaluable.
Dan Skelton’s Cobbler’s Boy has been in excellent form, finishing first and second in his last two starts. With Harry Skelton aboard, he appears one of the leading challengers for the feature prize.
The mare Herja, representing Patrick Griffin and ridden by champion jockey Brian Hughes, has shown encouraging recent form and looks capable of being competitive from her current mark.
Completing the principal contenders is Conquer The Breeze, trained by Adam Nicol. A previous course-and-distance winner, he arrives following two victories from his last three starts and could relish conditions at a venue where he has already demonstrated his effectiveness.
The competitive nature of the field suggests the feature chase could produce one of the highlights of the afternoon.
At 3:43 PM, the Jethro’s Cafe of Haltwhistle Handicap Hurdle takes centre stage. The Class 3 contest offers £15,250 and is run over two miles and 128 yards. Open to horses rated up to 130, it promises another fiercely contested battle among established handicappers and improving performers.
The action continues at 4:13 PM with the Tynedale Function Suite Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 4 event worth £12,850 over two miles and four furlongs. The race places a premium on stamina and accurate jumping, qualities often rewarded around Hexham’s demanding layout.
Staying power will be tested in the 4:43 PM Sun Racing Summer Jumps Championship Handicap Hurdle, a Class 5 contest over nearly three miles. Carrying a prize fund of ÂŁ9,250, the race is expected to produce a compelling finish as runners battle the extended distance and challenging uphill climb to the line.
Hexham’s reputation as one of Britain’s most distinctive jumping venues ensures every meeting presents unique challenges. The track’s gradients frequently reward resilience, fitness and determination, making it a favourite among National Hunt enthusiasts.
Sunday’s programme offers a balanced mix of races for developing talent and seasoned campaigners alike. From conditional jockeys seeking valuable success to experienced chasers targeting the day’s richest prize, the fixture promises competitive racing from start to finish.
With quality fields, strong prize money and the traditional charm of summer jumping in Northumberland, Hexham’s June 21 meeting is set to deliver an entertaining afternoon for racing followers and connections alike.
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