Newmarket Racecourse is set to stage an outstanding afternoon of Flat racing on Saturday, 4 July, with a seven-race programme featuring competitive handicaps and top-level Pattern action. The meeting offers more than £470,000 in total prize money and is highlighted by the prestigious Lancashire Oaks (Group 2), the richest race of the day.
Newmarket racecards 4 julyÂ
The action begins at 1:30pm with the Sprint Handicap Stakes (Class 4) over five furlongs for three-year-olds. With a prize fund of £12,000, the opening contest is expected to provide an exciting start as a field of improving young sprinters tests their speed on Newmarket’s renowned July Course.
At 2:05pm, the focus shifts to the Class 2 Handicap Stakes over one mile and six furlongs. Carrying a valuable £100,000 prize fund, this staying contest for three-year-olds offers an important opportunity for progressive horses to demonstrate their stamina and continue their development over longer distances.
The feature race takes place at 2:40pm with the Lancashire Oaks (Group 2) over one mile and four furlongs. Offering £165,000 in prize money, the contest has attracted a high-quality field of fillies and mares.
Among the leading runners is Lava Stream (IRE) from the John & Thady Gosden stable. The consistent filly has earned an official rating of 101 and arrives after several strong performances in quality company. Miss Justice (GB), trained by Brian Meehan, brings valuable experience and consistency, while Sharpen (IRE) represents George Boughey after competing at a good level during the previous campaign.
Tattycoram (GB), trained by Ralph Beckett, returns after an impressive winning performance and looks to continue her progress. The experienced Tiffany (IRE) from Sir Mark Prescott’s stable boasts the highest official rating in the field at 112 and adds significant quality to the contest.
The younger generation is represented by Caught U Sleeping (IRE) from Noel Meade’s stable, alongside George Boughey’s Lady Dora Mae (IRE) and Ralph Beckett’s Lady Roisia (GB). Their presence adds further depth to what promises to be the highlight of the afternoon.
At 3:15pm, attention turns to the historic Old Newton Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2) over one mile and four furlongs. Worth £125,000, this valuable handicap has built a reputation as one of the summer’s most competitive middle-distance contests, regularly attracting experienced and progressive performers.
The programme continues at 3:50pm with the Six-Furlong Handicap Stakes (Class 4) for horses aged four years and older. Run for £12,000, the race is expected to produce another closely fought contest as experienced sprinters compete over one of the sport’s most demanding straight courses.
At 4:25pm, the Seven-Furlong Handicap Stakes (Class 2) takes centre stage. With £45,000 on offer, the race brings together quality performers rated between 86 and 105. The seven-furlong distance often rewards horses capable of combining tactical speed with a strong finish.
The meeting concludes at 5:00pm with the Three-Year-Old Handicap Stakes (Class 3) over seven furlongs. Carrying a prize fund of £15,000, the finale provides another opportunity for emerging talent to build on recent performances in competitive company.
Newmarket’s July Course remains one of Britain’s most iconic racing venues, celebrated for its rich history, picturesque surroundings and fair racing surface. The undulating track presents a thorough examination of speed, stamina and balance, rewarding horses capable of maintaining their rhythm from start to finish.
With the prestigious Lancashire Oaks leading an outstanding programme and strong supporting contests across sprinting, middle-distance and staying divisions, Saturday’s meeting promises an afternoon of high-quality Flat racing. Established performers and promising young horses will share the spotlight, ensuring another memorable chapter at one of British racing’s most historic racecourses.
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