Fontwell Park will command a competitive seven-race programme on Sunday, 11 January, with a varied schedule featuring hurdles and steeplechases across multiple classes. The afternoon is expected to showcase promising novices alongside experienced performers tackling handicaps over middle and extended distances.
The meeting will open with the Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 4) (GBB Race) at 1:00 PM over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 131 yards. Twelve runners are set to line up, including Legendary Luke, The Cistercian, Contacto, For Old Times Sake, and Herbygoesbananas, competing for a total prize fund of £10,000. The contest promises an early test of stamina and jumping for emerging talent.
At 1:30 PM, the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 3 miles 2 furlongs and 17 yards will feature ten runners such as Roe And Co, The Scorpion King, Record High, Animal, and Cooleenymore, all vying for £7,000 in prize money. This race will examine both endurance and tactical speed over the longer distance.
The Mares’ Novice Hurdles (Class 4) are split into two divisions, beginning at 2:00 PM with the first division over 2 miles 2 furlongs and 44 yards. Queen’s Theatre, Aj’s Diamond, Bunny Bee, Cast’s Georgie, and Ephyra are all expected to compete for £10,000 in prize money. The second division follows at 2:30 PM with Park Princess, Blue Marvel, Cushendall, Don’t Cheddar Tear, and Holetown among the ten runners, also contesting the same prize. Both divisions will provide insight into promising female hurdlers developing over the course.
The afternoon continues with the Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) at 3:00 PM over 3 miles 2 furlongs and 99 yards. Twelve runners, including Woodythewoodpecker, Bobalot, Fox Cottage, Mr Griffiths, and Jour d’Orage, will compete for £7,000 in prize money in a stamina-demanding test.
The Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) at 3:30 PM features seven runners, with Alright Dai, Sanitiser, Summer In Milan, Roxhill, and Angel’s Dream battling over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 122 yards for £7,000. The shorter but sharp test will likely favor agile and tactical jumpers.
The meeting concludes with a 4:00 PM Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) over 2 miles 3 furlongs and 131 yards, featuring 15 runners including I Play County, Cast’s Tasha, Kajikia, Activist, and Northanger Abbey, all contesting £8,700 in prize money. The race is expected to provide a competitive showcase for handicappers targeting a strong finish to the day.
Sunday’s programme at Fontwell Park offers a balanced mix of novice hurdles and handicap contests, providing a platform for emerging hurdlers and seasoned jumpers alike. Attention will likely focus on mares’ novice hurdles for future potential and the longer-distance handicap contests for established performers.
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