Clonmel will host a focused winter afternoon of National Hunt racing on Thursday, January 8, as a seven-race card unfolds between 12:20pm and 3:20pm, built around stamina, accuracy, and jumping discipline. The programme will carry clear structure and purpose, anchored by two feature contests that will shape the Irish-venue meeting across both chase and hurdle divisions.
The afternoon will revolve around the Jossestown Handicap Chase and the Munster Hurdle, each offering a winner’s share of €6,785. One will demand fluent fencing at speed, the other sharp hurdling and tactical control. Beyond those two focal points, the remaining five races will move on even financial ground, with each winner set to collect €5,900, ensuring the spotlight stays firmly on performance, consistency, and execution rather than prize money gaps.
Action will begin at 12:20pm with the Jossestown Handicap Chase, a two-mile contest for horses aged five and older. Ten runners will face ten fences, making early rhythm and clean jumping essential. The opening feature is expected to be run at a strong, honest tempo, setting the competitive edge for the afternoon.
Contenders: Toofareastiswest, The Big Cloud, Lake Chad, Quinn The Eskimo, Knockbrack Rambler, Halsafari, Kilbrin Rocco, Doyen Magic, Love Like This, Added Bonus
At 12:50pm, the Rathronan Maiden Hunters Chase will stretch the test to 2m4f63y. Thirteen runners are set to line up, and stamina will come into play far more decisively. The extended distance and €5,900 winner’s share will place emphasis on staying power and jumping efficiency rather than speed alone.
The second feature of the meeting arrives at 1:20pm with the Munster Hurdle. Run over 2m202y, this contest will draw just five runners, but the reduced field will sharpen the tactical aspect. Nine hurdles will need to be negotiated with precision, and positioning is likely to prove decisive as the race develops.
Contenders: Charlus, Icare Desbois, Marlpark, Santo Sospir, Baby Kate
Numbers will rise sharply at 1:50pm for the Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle. Eighteen runners will contest the same 2m202y trip, turning this into one of the most demanding races on the card. Traffic management, patience, and accurate hurdling will be critical in a contest where margins are expected to be tight.
The Monroe Maiden Hurdle follows at 2:20pm, with 15 runners again facing 2m202y and nine hurdles. As the afternoon progresses, this race is likely to expose both fitness and temperament, rewarding those capable of sustaining effort through the closing stages.
At 2:50pm, the Lisronagh Handicap Hurdle will introduce a ratings-based challenge for horses rated 0–100. Sixteen runners will line up over 2m202y, adding a layer of handicapping intrigue to a race that often favours consistency and well-judged rides.
The meeting will conclude at 3:20pm with the Tipperary Handicap Hurdle. Over 2m3f219y and 12 hurdles, this finale will place the heaviest emphasis on stamina. With 15 runners set to compete, it will serve as a thorough final examination and a fitting close to a demanding card.
From the opening chase to the closing hurdle, Clonmel Racecards 8 January will prioritise substance over spectacle. With two clear feature races and depth throughout the supporting card, the meeting is set to deliver a decisive and well-structured afternoon of winter jumping.
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