An entertaining evening of jumps racing at Fontwell Park Racecourse on Wednesday, 14 May produced several memorable performances, with strong displays across hurdles, steeplechases and the concluding National Hunt Flat Race.
The action began at 5:34pm with The Mercedes-Benz of Chichester Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 4) over 2m 1f 180y, where Hidden Fortune (IRE) delivered a polished performance under Harry Skelton. Travelling smoothly throughout the contest, the mare showed plenty of composure before asserting herself in the closing stages to secure an impressive success. The victory continued another productive spell for the Skelton team, with Hidden Fortune looking a promising recruit for future mares’ hurdle contests.
The 6:10pm feature, The KSR Lighting Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) over 2m 3f 46y, went the way of Belgarum (IRE) partnered by young rider Freddie Gingell. Producing a determined effort from midfield, Belgarum stayed on strongly after the final hurdle and found extra momentum on the run-in. The victory highlighted the gelding’s stamina and consistency in competitive handicap company.
At 6:40pm, the runners lined up for The Fontwell Park Half Year Membership Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 2m 3f 121y. Lunar Ocean (IRE), ridden confidently by Gavin Sheehan, put in a fluent round of jumping to claim top honours. Accurate at his fences throughout, Lunar Ocean moved into contention turning for home before quickening clear approaching the final obstacle. The victory suggested the gelding is progressing well in novice chase company.
The 7:10pm contest, The Southern Cranes and Access Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) over 2m 5f 181y, saw Gone Country (IRE) and James Davies combine for a staying success. In a race that tested endurance, Gone Country responded gamely in the latter stages and kept finding under pressure to seal victory. The performance demonstrated the horse’s ability to handle longer distances and maintain a strong gallop late on.
Steeplechase action returned at 7:40pm in The V2 Radio Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 2m 1f 183y, where Holy Legend emerged victorious under James Best. The pair produced a composed display, travelling prominently before edging ahead after the final fence. Holy Legend’s accurate jumping proved decisive as rivals attempted to challenge in the closing stages.
The evening concluded with The Best of British Events Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5) over 2m 1f 180y. French-bred Cameron de Fiacre (FR) gave another polished display for Gavin Sheehan, who secured his second success of the evening. Showing good pace and professionalism in the bumper contest, Cameron de Fiacre travelled strongly before pulling clear approaching the finish. The performance marked the horse as one to follow in future National Hunt assignments.
The 14 May meeting at Fontwell Park Racecourse delivered competitive racing and several promising performances, with jockeys Harry Skelton and Gavin Sheehan among those to enjoy notable evenings on the Sussex track.
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