Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse hosted an entertaining afternoon of summer jump racing on Sunday, 12 July, with seven competitive contests featuring juveniles, novice hurdlers, steeplechasers, and mares. The Family Day fixture combined quality racing with a festive atmosphere, attracting racegoers for an action-packed programme across hurdles and fences.
Stratford-on-Avon race results 12 July 2026
The meeting began with the Welcome to Family Day Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 4) over 2 miles and 106 yards. The opening contest showcased promising young hurdlers adapting to obstacles in the early stages of their careers. Lucky Sevens, partnered by Jonathan Burke, produced an assured display to secure victory. The youngster travelled comfortably throughout before quickening clear in the closing stages, suggesting there could be further improvement as the season progresses. The performance highlighted both the horse’s balance over hurdles and Burke’s measured ride from start to finish.
Attention then shifted to the Next Sunday Is Ladies Day Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) over 2 miles, 6 furlongs and 61 yards. The longer distance tested stamina as several runners looked to establish themselves in handicap company. French Diablo (FR), ridden by David Bass, handled the challenge impressively. Settled in a favourable position during the early exchanges, the gelding responded strongly when asked for an effort after the final hurdle and stayed on well to take top honours. The success marked another encouraging performance for the progressive novice.
The feature steeplechase of the afternoon arrived in the third race, the Gary Hubball’s 60th Celebration Year Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 2 miles, 6 furlongs and 179 yards. The race demanded accurate jumping and consistent rhythm around Stratford’s unique course. Artiste d’Ainay (FR), with James Bowen in the saddle, delivered exactly that. Producing fluent jumping throughout, the French-bred runner travelled smoothly before moving into contention approaching the home straight. A strong finish over the final fences sealed an impressive victory and underlined the horse’s growing confidence over larger obstacles.
The fourth contest, the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 4) over 2 miles and 106 yards, introduced several lightly raced performers hoping to record a breakthrough success. Genealogy, partnered by champion jockey Harry Cobden, justified the confidence shown in the gelding with a polished performance. Racing prominently throughout, Genealogy displayed maturity beyond expectations, maintaining a steady tempo before finding another gear in the closing stages. The victory provided an important milestone and suggested the horse has the ability to progress into stronger company in future assignments.
The afternoon’s fifth race, the Visit Zoolab in the Centre Course Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 2 miles, 3 furlongs and 143 yards, offered another competitive spectacle over fences. Thickthorn Tom (IRE), ridden by Harry Skelton, combined accurate jumping with determined finishing speed to claim victory. The Irish-bred runner travelled confidently behind the leaders before moving through approaching the final circuit. A clean jump at the last fence allowed Thickthorn Tom to extend the advantage and complete a convincing success for the Skelton team.
The penultimate race, the Try Our Picnic Package Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4), run for the Stratford Summer Salver, covered 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 193 yards. This valuable handicap attracted a competitive field with several experienced campaigners lining up. Getmetothemoon, partnered by Chad Bament, produced a determined display to lift the Summer Salver. Remaining within striking distance throughout, the gelding responded gamely after the final hurdle to edge clear during the run-in. The victory represented a memorable success in one of the meeting’s headline contests and demonstrated the horse’s consistency during the summer jumping campaign.
The meeting concluded with the Sun Racing The Favourite Pullout Every Day Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) over the same distance. The closing race featured a competitive field of mares seeking valuable success before the conclusion of the afternoon. Basilette (IRE), ridden by Daniel Sansom, produced a composed performance to finish the day on a high note. After settling comfortably through the early stages, the mare improved steadily before taking command after the final hurdle and maintaining her advantage to the finish. Her victory rounded off an enjoyable day’s racing at Stratford-on-Avon.
Sunday’s Family Day fixture once again demonstrated why Stratford-on-Avon remains one of Britain’s most popular summer jumping venues. The racecourse’s picturesque setting, enthusiastic crowd, and well-balanced programme combined to produce a memorable afternoon featuring emerging young talent, experienced campaigners, and competitive finishes across every division.
From Lucky Sevens’ promising juvenile success to Basilette’s composed performance in the concluding mares’ handicap, every race contributed to an engaging programme. Victories for French Diablo, Artiste d’Ainay, Genealogy, Thickthorn Tom, and Getmetothemoon further highlighted the depth of talent on display.
As the summer jump racing calendar continues, several winners from Sunday’s meeting appear capable of building on their performances in the weeks ahead. Stratford-on-Avon once again provided an excellent stage for competitive National Hunt racing, delivering quality contests that entertained racegoers throughout the afternoon while celebrating another successful Family Day fixture.
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