Fontwell Park presents a distinguished afternoon of National Hunt racing on Sunday, 22 February 2026. The program, spanning from 2:20pm to 4:50pm, centers on the National Spirit Hurdle, a Class 1 fixture boasting an £80,000 prize fund. This marquee race is supported by a diverse schedule of novice and handicap hurdles, concluding with a National Hunt Flat race designed to showcase the circuit’s most promising up-and-coming talent.
The card opens at 2:20pm with The Star Sports Novices’ Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest over 2m3f 53y worth £10,000. Six runners are set to line up in what promises to be an informative early-season test for improving hurdlers. The intermediate trip places equal emphasis on stamina and jumping fluency, while Fontwell’s unique figure-of-eight configuration demands accuracy and balance throughout.
At 2:50pm, the feature National Spirit Hurdle ,a Class 1 contest worth £80,000 takes centre stage at Fontwell Park Racecourse. This year’s renewal brings together a high-quality quintet headed by Potters Charm (IRE), a seven-year-old rated 154, representing Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies and partnered by Sam Twiston-Davies. The strong field also includes the experienced Botox Has (FR), the 2022 winner trained by Gary & Josh Moore and ridden by Caoilin Quinn, alongside former dual scorer Brewin’upastorm (IRE) from Olly Murphy’s yard, with Sean Bowen in the saddle. Proven course performer Phantomofthepoints (IRE), guided by Jack Tudor, adds further depth to a competitive line-up.
Further intrigue is Nurse Susan (FR), the nine-year-old mare trained by Dan Skelton and partnered by Harry Skelton, carrying a BHA rating of 140. With past winners such as Nemean Lion (GER) (2025), Brewin’upastorm (IRE) (2021 & 2023), Botox Has (FR) (2022) and William Henry (IRE) (2020) featuring on the recent roll of honour, the race has consistently attracted high-calibre performers. This year’s edition once again promises a compelling blend of established class and seasoned experience in the afternoon’s highest-value contest.
The 3:20pm Barry Dennis Trophy Handicap Hurdle Race sees four runners compete over 2m5f 188y for £8,700 in prize money. This Class 4 handicap is likely to develop into a steadily run affair before quickening in the latter stages. With such a compact field, race positioning and well-judged rides will be crucial over the extended distance.
At 3:50pm, the largest field of the day takes to the track in The Starsports Handicap Hurdle Race. Eight runners contest this Class 5 event over the same 2m5f 188y trip, with £7,000 on offer. Competitive handicaps of this nature often produce tight finishes, and the combination of stamina and consistent jumping will be essential around Fontwell’s turning layout.
The penultimate race at 4:20pm, The Star Sports Handicap Hurdle Race, is a Class 4 contest over 2m1f 186y with six runners declared. Worth £8,700, the slightly shorter trip may favour those possessing a sharper turn of foot compared to the earlier staying events. The balance between pace and patience could prove decisive in the closing stages.
The afternoon concludes at 4:50pm with The Starsports Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 5 bumper over 2m1f 186y. Four runners will compete for £4,500 in prize money. With no obstacles to negotiate, the emphasis shifts to raw ability and racecraft, often offering valuable insight into horses likely to make an impact over hurdles in the future.
Blending graded quality with competitive handicaps and developmental contests, Sunday’s meeting at Fontwell promises an engaging afternoon of National Hunt racing, highlighted by the prestigious National Spirit Hurdle and supported by a well-balanced programme across varying trips and classes.
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