Feature Steeplechase Anchors Well-Contested Chepstow Fixture

By the time Saturday afternoon unfolds over the Welsh countryside, Chepstow Racecourse will stage a competitive seven-race National Hunt programme sponsored throughout by Pertemps Network Group. The action begins at 1:40pm and runs through to 5:18pm, blending emerging novice talent with seasoned handicappers. At the heart of the card stands the £25,000 Pertemps Network Handicap Steeple Chase (Race 4) — the highest prize race of the afternoon and the clear centrepiece of the meeting.

The afternoon opens at 1:40pm with Race 1 – The Pertemps Network Maiden Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest over 2m 16y worth £10,000. Ten runners line up in what promises to be a searching test for lightly raced hurdlers looking to shed their maiden tag. On a track known for placing emphasis on stamina even at shorter trips, fluent jumping and a strong finish will prove decisive.

At 2:17pm, attention switches to fences for Race 2 – The Pertemps Network Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase. Also carrying £10,000 in prize money, this Class 4 event over 2m 3f 98y features ten runners. The extended trip demands both tactical awareness and accurate jumping, particularly for novice chasers still refining their technique over Chepstow’s demanding obstacles.

The tempo rises at 2:55pm with Race 3 – The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 2 staying contest worth £20,000. Run over 2m 7f 131y, this near three-mile test has attracted a field of twelve and is likely to reward proven stamina. As the race unfolds, expect the strongest stayers to come into contention approaching the final flight.

The feature arrives at 3:40pm with Race 4 – The Pertemps Network Handicap Steeple Chase, the highest prize race on the card at £25,000. Though only six runners go to post, quality is concentrated throughout the field. Top weight is carried by Martator, trained by Venetia Williams and partnered by Charlie Deutsch, boasting a BHA rating of 139. Close behind on official figures is Petit Tonnerre from the yard of Jonjo O’Neill, with Kevin Brogan booked to ride, while the experienced Harper’s Brook represents Dan Skelton under Kielan Woods.

Further depth comes from Western General, trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, alongside last year’s winner Dr T J Eckleburg, who landed this contest in 2025 for Evan Williams and returns now partnered by Conor Ring. Completing the field is Jaipaletemps from the stable of David Pipe, with Conor O’Farrell aboard. With tightly matched ratings and proven course form among the contenders, this two-mile Class 2 chase promises a tactically absorbing showdown.

At 4:13pm, the programme continues with Race 5 – The Pertemps Network EMEA Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 3 contest over 2m 16y worth £12,000. Nine runners are declared, and the sharp trip should encourage a lively early pace before the race develops into a sprint for home after the final hurdle.

The penultimate event at 4:48pm is Race 6 – The Pertemps Network EMEA Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 5 event offering £7,000 over 2m 3f 100y. Twelve runners are set to line up, making this one of the more competitive fields numerically. Developing hurdlers will need both stamina and composure as they seek valuable experience in handicap company.

The curtain falls at 5:18pm with Race 7 – The Pertemps Network Maiden National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 5 bumper worth £4,500 over 2m 16y. Ten runners will provide a glimpse into the sport’s future, as these unraced or lightly raced prospects aim to make their mark before progressing to hurdles in the seasons ahead.

With depth across the card, a valuable Class 2 feature, and competitive fields throughout, Chepstow’s 21 February meeting promises an afternoon rich in stamina, tactical intrigue and high-quality National Hunt action.