Against the scenic backdrop of Cartmel Racecourse, Monday’s seven-race National Hunt meeting produced a competitive afternoon of maiden hurdles, handicap hurdles and steeple chases across a range of classes. The card featured several decisive performances from both experienced and emerging performers, while trainer Mickey Bowen emerged as the day’s only double scorer after saddling two winners.
Opening the afternoon, The Cumbria Grand Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 4) (GBB Race) saw GAMBINO produce an authoritative display for trainer Dan Skelton. Ridden by Harry Skelton for owner Mr Des Grech, the winner finished 11 lengths ahead of SPEED FOR FUN, while MASEKELA completed the first three after staying on well.
The opening division of the handicap hurdle went to DRUMLEE MYTH in The Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) (Div I). Trained and owned by Sean McParlan and partnered by Mr N. McParlan, the winner defeated BORN LIKE ME by 1¼ lengths, with SECRET SECRET taking third after a consistent effort.
Another convincing performance followed in The Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) (Div II), where FAIRLAWN SKIPPER provided trainer Mickey Bowen with his first success of the meeting. Under Shane Fenelon, the winner scored by 6½ lengths from MASTERMINDING, while LELANTOS filled third place with a respectable finish.
Midway through the programme, The Furness Building Society Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) was claimed by ZAMOND for trainer Donald McCain. Guided by Theo Gillard, the winner crossed the line 3½ lengths clear of SCOTS POET, with RAFFLES NOBU finishing third after keeping on steadily.
The principal handicap chase of the card belonged to STRATAGEM in The RF Miller & Co Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) (GBB Race). Trained by Mickey Bowen and ridden by Mr James Murray, the winner recorded a comfortable three-length victory over SLANEY OPERA, while LE MALIN completed the placings to seal Bowen’s impressive training double.
Attention then turned to the novice chase, where PASSING DIAMOND landed The Weatherbys Design & Print Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3) (GBB Race). Trainer Ben Haslam and jockey Richie McLernon combined for a convincing 4¾-length success over DUNKERQUE, with KRAK taking third after another solid performance.
Bringing the meeting to a close, The Old Park Wood Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) produced the tightest finish of the afternoon. AILL DUBH, trained by Micky Hammond and ridden by Joshua Thompson, prevailed by a neck over BLAZING COURT, while JACK SPRAT secured third place after a determined late effort.
The seven-race programme featured a mixture of commanding victories and closely contested finishes throughout the afternoon. Mickey Bowen stood out with a notable training double through Fairlawn Skipper and Stratagem, while Dan Skelton, Donald McCain, Sean McParlan, Ben Haslam, and Micky Hammond each recorded one winner during a productive afternoon at Cartmel. These performances ensured every race was won by a different stable apart from Bowen’s successful pair.
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