A hard northern winter feel clung to Catterick on Wednesday afternoon as seven races between 12:47pm and 3:50pm demanded honesty, stamina, and sound jumping from start to finish. The card unfolded as a proper midweek examination, where veterans dug deep, novices learned their trade, and staying chasers were pushed to their limits. The tone was set early by the Racing To School Conditional Jockeys’ Veterans’ Handicap Chase, a searching opener that underlined the endurance-heavy nature of the afternoon and shaped the rhythm of what followed.
Experience came to the fore immediately in Race 1 – Racing To School Conditional Jockeys’ Veterans’ Handicap Chase. Ladronne, a 12-year-old bay gelding trained by Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith, rolled back the years under Oscar Palmer to land the opener in a demanding 6m 42.06s. Racing for the T C Racing Syndicate and bred by Gheorghe Codre and Roxan Popescu, Ladronne outstayed Gold Emery, with My Bobby Dazzler completing the frame after a truly testing contest.
Momentum carried into novice company in Race 2 – Novices’ Hurdle (Go North Night Nurse Hurdle Qualifier) (GBB). Jamie Snowden’s six-year-old chestnut gelding Kosac d’Oudairies showed composure and resilience, travelling strongly before asserting late under Gavin Sheehan. The Sheep As A Lamb Syndicate-owned runner stopped the clock at 4m 45.77s, proving too strong for Red Oak, while Noonetellsmenothin stayed on for third.
Class and timing defined Race 3 – Novices’ Handicap Chase (Go North Forgive ‘N Forget Series Qualifier). Marty McFly, an eight-year-old bay gelding from Sandy Thomson’s yard, delivered a polished round of jumping under Brian Hughes. Owned by Mrs Wilma Duffus and bred by Peter Greaney, he recorded a solid 4m 59.98s success, holding off Diamand De Vindecy, with Huit Reflets in third.
The hurdles action remained competitive in Race 4 – Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier). Bathgate, trained by Philip Kirby, responded gamely to Joe Williamson’s urging to score in 4m 48.45s. Racing for The Bathgate Partnership and bred by Mill House Stud (Shropshire) Ltd, he edged out Inferno Sacree, with Gardener following home.
Stamina was again the decisive factor in Race 5 – Handicap Chase. Sam England’s seven-year-old brown gelding Defence Witness stayed on relentlessly under Jamie Hamilton to claim victory in 6m 44.65s for Ursa Major – England. I See The Sea chased with purpose, while Wolfburg filled third.
Sharper tempo returned in Race 6 – Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier). Vampire Slayer, a six-year-old bay gelding trained by Daragh Bourke, travelled with authority before striking decisively under Callum Bewley. Owned by Mrs Michelle Charlton and bred by Noel and Jack Finegan, he posted a brisk 3m 55.73s, drawing clear of Rukaana and Scots Poet with authority after tracking the pace smoothly.
The afternoon closed with youthful promise in Race 7 – National Hunt Flat Race (GBB Race). Brian Hughes completed a double aboard Nightflyer, a four-year-old chestnut gelding trained by Adrian Paul Keatley. Owned by Roger J Marley and bred by Gestut Etzean, Nightflyer secured the finale in 3m 50.13s, holding off Campfield Flyer and Luna Lux.
As daylight faded, Catterick Race Results 21 January delivered exactly what the track is known for: uncompromising racing, honest performances, and victories earned through resolve rather than ease.
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