Friday’s seven-race jumps fixture at Doncaster promises a compelling mix of emerging talent, progressive novices and seasoned staying chasers. Scheduled from 1:50pm to 5:05pm on 27 February, the programme blends competitive handicaps with developmental novice contests — building toward a £20,000 veterans’ steeplechase finale that stands as the day’s defining centrepiece.
With prize money ranging from £6,150 to £20,000, the card offers depth across intermediate and staying distances, ensuring tactical intrigue and stamina tests throughout the afternoon.
The meeting begins at 1:50pm with the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, a Class 5 contest worth £6,150 over 2m 3f 125y. Twelve runners line up in a race where conditional riders’ allowances could prove decisive. Over this intermediate trip, balance between pace and endurance will be key, and the long Doncaster straight often rewards those produced at precisely the right moment.
At 2:20pm, attention switches to fences for the Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 4 event over 2m 3f 47y worth £12,000. Although only four runners go to post, the smaller field heightens the tactical dimension. With lightly raced chasers still refining their jumping technique, rhythm and efficiency over obstacles will likely determine the outcome.
Stamina moves firmly into focus at 2:50pm with the Novices’ Hurdle, a Class 3 staying contest over 3m 142y. Five runners compete for £15,000 in one of the afternoon’s stronger-quality races. Over three miles, proven endurance and measured pacing become vital, particularly if the tempo lifts early. This contest could reveal future staying prospects.
The programme continues at 3:22pm with the Handicap Hurdle, a Class 4 race over 2m 165y for £7,700. Nine runners are declared for this sharper test, where tactical speed and accurate hurdling will be essential. Positioned midway through the card, it provides a competitive bridge between the staying events either side.
At 3:57pm, the Doncaster Handicap Hurdle returns to a three-mile trip in Class 5 company. Ten runners will contest the £6,150 prize over 3m 142y, facing a thorough stamina examination. In such races, patient tactics often pay dividends as the field begins to feel the effects of the sustained gallop in the closing stages.
The penultimate contest at 4:30pm is the Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 5 event over 2m 3f 47y with £8,200 at stake. Six runners tackle Doncaster’s fair but demanding fences, where consistent jumping and racecraft are paramount. The intermediate distance invites a measured early pace before the contest unfolds fully turning for home.
The richest contest on Friday’s card is the £20,000 Veterans’ Handicap Steeple Chase over three miles and 10 yards, bringing together a field of 10 seasoned chasers. Top weight Erne River IRE, an 11-year-old carrying 12st 1lb off a mark of 126, represents Nick Kent and the Crossed Fingers Partnership with Kielan Woods aboard. Close behind in the ratings is Chavez IRE, a 10-year-old set to carry 12st off 125 for Venetia Williams and owner Malcolm C. Denmark, partnered by Charlie Deutsch.
Sainte Doctor FR, a 10-year-old mare rated 123 and carrying 11st 12lb, lines up for Neil Mulholland and owner John P. McManus under Richie McLernon, alongside the equally rated Almazhar Garde FR, an 11-year-old trained by Charlie Longsdon and ridden by David Bass.
Course-and-distance performer Northern Poet IRE, rated 119 and carrying 11st 8lb, carries the hopes of Nick Gifford’s yard with James Davies booked. Magna Sam GB, a 12-year-old rated 118, represents Alastair Ralph under Ciaran Gethings, while fellow 118-rated Ladronne FR runs for Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith with Jack Power claiming 5lb.
Autonomous Cloud IRE, rated 115, lines up for Harry Derham and Paul O’Brien, and If Not For Dylan IRE, rated 112, represents Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore with Alan Doyle claiming 3lb. Completing the line-up is Stratagem FR, rated 107 and carrying 10st 10lb, for Mickey Bowen, partnered by James Bowen.
With proven stayers, course specialists and experienced campaigners in opposition, the veterans’ feature promises a thorough stamina test and a fitting finale to the afternoon’s jumps action at Doncaster.
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