A competitive seven-race programme awaits racing fans at Fontwell Park Racecourse on Sunday, 24 May, as the summer jumps season continues with a mixture of novice hurdles, staying contests, handicap chases and a concluding mares’ bumper. The fixture promises an entertaining afternoon with experienced campaigners and progressive young runners set to tackle Fontwell’s unique figure-of-eight circuit.
The meeting opens at 2:00 PM with the KSR Lighting Novices’ Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest over 2m 3f 137y worth £10,000, making it the highest-value race on the card. Several lightly raced runners arrive with potential, including Harry Cobden’s mount Handmedownastar, who showed promise when finishing runner-up on hurdles debut and now returns with further improvement expected for trainer Seamus Mullins. Flash Man also commands attention after a strong recent second-place finish for trainer Toby Lawes, with the gelding carrying one of the better ratings in the field.
The race also features runners such as Snowski, Thepassingcyclone and Western George, all aiming to improve on earlier efforts over hurdles. Emma Lavelle saddles both Grey Gamble and Midnight Pass, adding depth to the contest, while Neil Mulholland introduces another runner from his in-form stable. The opening event could provide clues for the remainder of the summer jumping campaign as several of these novices continue their development.
At 2:35 PM, the V2 Radio Handicap Hurdle takes centre stage over 2m 2f 50y. The Class 5 contest for horses rated 0-100 is expected to produce a tightly fought battle between experienced handicappers seeking consistency during the summer months. Fontwell’s sharp bends and emphasis on accurate jumping often reward runners that travel smoothly throughout the race.
The 3:10 PM Sun Racing Summer Jumps Championship Handicap Steeple Chase is one of the afternoon’s key staying events. Run over 3m 1f 210y, the Class 5 contest also serves as an ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier. The extended distance is likely to test stamina and jumping precision, with riders needing to conserve energy before the demanding closing stages. Staying chases around Fontwell regularly produce dramatic finishes as runners battle the track’s unique layout.
Attention then turns to the 3:45 PM Mercedes-Benz of Chichester Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, a Class 4 race over 2m 6f 52y carrying prize money of £8,700. Several competitive mares line up for this feature event, headed by an in-form runner from the yard of Sara Bradstock, whose mare arrives after strong recent form that included a victory before falling on her latest outing. Queens Venture, trained by Dean Summersby, also brings solid credentials after winning twice earlier in her campaign and returning with a respectable effort on seasonal reappearance.
Fresh As A Daisy represents the powerful stable of Nicky Henderson and could improve returning to a competitive handicap setting. Miss Goldfire enters the race following a confidence-boosting course-and-distance victory for trainer Harry Fry, while Shutfrontdoor has shown consistency with several placed performances and may again be involved in the finish for the Gary and Josh Moore stable. The mares’ hurdle appears one of the strongest races on the programme and should attract considerable attention.
The Southcoast Homecare Excellence in Care Handicap Hurdle follows at 4:20 PM over a marathon distance of 3m 2f 108y. The Class 5 contest offers another stern stamina examination for runners rated 0-100. Long-distance hurdle races often place emphasis on patience and measured tactics, particularly around Fontwell where maintaining rhythm can prove crucial over extended trips.
At 4:55 PM, the A.W. Jeffreys (Southampton) Ltd Handicap Steeple Chase provides another opportunity for experienced chasers to compete in an ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier. Run over 2m 3f 104y, the race is expected to be run at a stronger pace than the earlier staying chase, placing additional pressure on jumping fluency and tactical awareness.
The card concludes at 5:30 PM with the Land & Power Mares’ Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race. The bumper event for four and five-year-old mares gives younger horses a valuable introduction to racecourse conditions before future hurdling careers. Such contests frequently showcase promising talent for the upcoming National Hunt seasons.
Sunday’s meeting highlights the continued popularity of summer jump racing in Britain. While the winter months traditionally dominate the National Hunt calendar, fixtures such as Fontwell’s provide trainers and owners with opportunities to keep horses active on quicker ground in warmer conditions.
Fontwell Park remains one of the country’s most recognisable jump tracks due to its distinctive figure-of-eight design. The course demands balance, accurate jumping and tactical discipline from both horses and jockeys, particularly in longer-distance contests where positioning becomes increasingly important.
With competitive fields, valuable summer chase qualifiers and several improving novice performers in action, Sunday’s fixture promises an engaging afternoon of National Hunt racing from start to finish at Fontwell Park Racecourse.
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