Britain’s historic Sandown Park Racecourse will host a competitive seven-race Flat programme on Thursday, 23 July, with the opening race scheduled for 1:55pm and the finale at 5:17pm. The afternoon fixture will feature a blend of handicaps, a British EBF maiden and a Listed contest, catering for sprinters, middle-distance performers and stayers. Prize money will range from £8,500 to £55,000, while race distances will stretch from 5 furlongs 10 yards to 1 mile 6 furlongs 22 yards, providing a varied programme throughout the meeting.
The meeting will begin with THE TONY LINNETT MEMORIAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) at 1:55pm. The seven-runner sprint will be contested over 5f 10y for £11,500. Smart Vision, Brave Nation, Nogo’s Dream, Havana Smile, Arry Up and Correspondence are among the expected runners. The opening contest will provide a fast start to the afternoon with an evenly matched field over the minimum trip.
At 2:25pm, THE MARTIN DENSHAM & PETER DEAL MEMORIAL BRITISH EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 3) (GBB Race) will bring together nine runners over 7f 22y for a purse of £13,000. Harbour Prince, Jinman, New Oxford, On Target, Somerton and Thunder Home are among those expected to line up. The maiden event will offer several promising young horses an opportunity to make their mark over seven furlongs.
The feature event of the afternoon will arrive at 2:55pm with THE EUROPEAN BLOODSTOCK NEWS EBF STAR STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race). The eight-runner Listed contest will carry prize money of £55,000 and will be run over 7f 22y. Aperoll, Bayside View, Celestia, Grey Tamam, Guadalevin and Lady Caroline Lamb are expected to feature in the highest-class race on the programme. The Listed contest will headline the meeting and is likely to attract significant attention.
Racing will continue at 3:30pm with THE SOMPO INSURANCE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4). The six-runner contest will offer £11,500 over 1m 2f 11y, with Londoner, Tawajjah, Percival, Assail, Morcar and Kamaway expected to contest the middle-distance handicap. The race will provide another competitive opportunity for experienced handicappers.
The fifth race on the card, THE GEORGE LINDON-TRAVERS MEMORIAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) (GBBPLUS Race), will be run at 4:07pm. The three-runner staying handicap will cover 1m 6f 22y and will be worth £25,000. My Ballyquinn, Alma Latina and Probation are expected to take their places. Despite the small field, the extended distance will present a different challenge from the earlier races.
Attention will then switch to THE WEATHERBYS RACING BANK FILLIES’ HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) at 4:42pm. The seven-runner contest will be staged over 1m 2f 11y for £8,500. Huggable, Pershalla, Talitha Rouge, Aravalli, Shirakawa and Albertini Star are among the expected runners. The race will be restricted to fillies and will add further variety to the afternoon programme.
The meeting will conclude with THE BILLY OCEAN LIVE AT SANDOWN PARK 29 JULY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) at 5:17pm. The closing 12-runner handicap will be contested over 1m 22y for £8,500. Billy Mill, Lodge, Double Time, Ararat, Prodigal Son and Amused are expected to feature among the runners. The final race will bring the curtain down on a varied day of Flat racing at the Surrey venue.
Thursday’s fixture will offer a balanced programme featuring sprint, middle-distance and staying races across seven contests. The Listed Star Stakes will serve as the highlight of the afternoon, while the supporting handicaps and maiden event will provide competitive opportunities for horses across different grades. With a mixture of experienced campaigners and emerging talent expected to take part, the meeting will present another varied day of British Flat racing.
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