THE CHARLOTTE SAVILL MEMORIAL RACEDAY returns in PLUMPTON RACECOURSE on Monday, November 17, blending seven competitive jumps contests with a cause that sits far deeper than the formbook. At the heart of the afternoon stands the OLD GOLD RACING HANDICAP HURDLE (Class 2), the richest event on the card with a winning purse of £22,503, giving the meeting its sporting centrepiece. But the real soul of the day lies in honouring Charlotte Savill — a bright, compassionate young woman whose fight against Fibrolamellar Liver Cancer continues to inspire the fundraising efforts that define this fixture. The atmosphere is warm, reflective and united, creating a raceday where sporting competition and human purpose move side by side.
Key Stories Shaping the Afternoon
- A race day rooted in remembrance and hope
The entire meeting stands as a tribute to Charlotte Savill’s courage and generosity, turning every race into a moment that strengthens awareness around Fibrolamellar Liver Cancer and the need for deeper research.
- A feature race that lifts the sporting profile of the afternoon
The Old Gold Racing Handicap Hurdle brings competitive depth, proven handicappers and the highest winning purse of the day – £22,503, giving the card a natural peak.
- A blend of hurdles and chases that keeps the rhythm fresh
Class 4 hurdles, Class 5 handicaps and sharper Class 4 handicap chases create a card that never settles into one tempo, allowing the day to rise and fall with natural pacing.
- A strong community presence trackside
Fundraisers, awareness booths and supporters of the foundation give the meeting a warm, communal feel, turning the racecourse into a space of solidarity as much as sport.
- A card shaped as much by spirit as by competition
Across the afternoon, the racing stands tall — but the purpose behind the day is what gives it its identity, its energy and its emotional weight.
The programme settles into a steady arc across seven races from 12:50pm to 3:50pm, moving from developing hurdlers to confident chasers before rising toward the Class 2 feature in the middle of the afternoon. The pacing feels natural, the emotion behind the raceday gives every contest a different kind of weight, and each race adds its own thread to the story being told in Charlotte’s memory.
RACE 1: Gredley Charitable Trust Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (12:50pm, 2m4f116y)
The opening race sets the tone with a Class 4 hurdle that invites developing hurdlers to make an early statement. EL GALACTICO and FOUNTAINS BLENHEIN look capable of settling into the front group quickly, while CALVINO and MANIGOD may produce their best work once the race begins to stretch. It’s a clean, honest start to the afternoon, offering early clues about how the track and tempo might play. Winner’s gain: £4,955
RACE 2: BPL Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (1:20pm, 2m4f116y)
The second race deepens the competitive feel, drawing handicappers who know how to fight for position and pace. WASHINGTON SINGER, IT’S A BREEZE and ROCKVIEW ROMAN bring the kind of steady profile that suits this grade, though HIDOR DE BERSY, DREAMWEAVER and HIGHWAY HERO could be waiting to pounce if the rhythm turns in their favour. It’s the sort of race that can quietly shape the momentum of the early card. Winner’s gain: £4,967
RACE 3: Arc Supports Charlotte Savill Memorial Foundation Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (1:50pm, 2m219y)
The switch to fences sharpens the atmosphere as experienced chasers take centre stage. NO RISK WITH LOU, BOND BROKER and ALTO ALTO should travel smoothly through the early jumps, but SYNCHRONIST and SIAM PARK may grow more dangerous once the field tightens around the far turn. It’s a mid-card contest built on accuracy, balance and well-timed aggression. Winner’s gain: £7,393
RACE 4: Old Gold Racing Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (2:20pm, 2m4f116y)
The feature race arrives with a richer purse and a deeper field, giving the afternoon its competitive heartbeat. NARDARAN, STREAM OF STARS and LISTENTOYOURHEART carry the form to command attention from the outset, while GOBLET OF FIRE, GEEZER ROCKSTAR and GOLD FOR ALEC could emerge late if the tempo becomes demanding. With the day’s biggest prize on the line, this race should lift the energy of the card and sharpen every decision. Winner’s gain: £22,503
RACE 5: Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle (2:50pm, 3m217y)
The fifth race returns to Class 5 company, but the field looks tightly packed with possibilities. FINAL STRAW, MINELLA KAISER and I LOOK HOW I LOOK may try to take control early to avoid traffic, while DRUMHELLER, DANCE IN THE PARK and HE’LLSTOPATTHETOP could thrive if the race becomes a late grind. It’s a contest where determination often counts more than flair. Winner’s gain: £5,281
RACE 6: Arc Supports Charlotte Savill Memorial Raceday Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (3:19pm, 3m1f157y)
Race six revisits the chasing division, offering another tactical, rhythm-driven contest over fences. BALLYFINN and BALLYNAHEER have the profile to stay balanced through the early stages, yet ONE LAST GLANCE and UNSPEAKABLE might deliver their strongest surge once the final bend opens up. It’s a steady build toward the final act of the day. Winner’s gain: £7,393
RACE 7: Visit Woburn Safari Park Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (3:50pm, 1m7f195y)
The afternoon closes with a wide-open Class 5 handicap hurdle where fresh legs and timely positioning become crucial. BELCAMO, GREGORIANS STAR and UNDER THE SUN look well suited to shaping the early pattern, but PORTCAMMON, BIRTHDAY ANGEL and HILL STATION could ignite the finale with a strong late run. It’s a fitting way to finish a heartfelt raceday — competitive, unpredictable and full of small stories waiting to unfold. Winner’s gain: £5,281
As the afternoon winds down, the Charlotte Savill Memorial Raceday leaves more than just results behind. The racing provides its moments — tight finishes, brave jumpers, unexpected surges — but it’s the purpose beneath the card that lingers the longest. The atmosphere, the fundraising, the shared stories, and the quiet resilience that Charlotte embodied all come together to give the fixture a depth no ordinary meeting can replicate. Long after the final hurdle is cleared, the day’s message continues to travel: that awareness matters, that research must grow, and that her spirit still moves through every stride taken in her name.
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