An exciting afternoon of National Hunt racing is set to unfold at Fontwell Park Racecourse on Saturday, 14 March, where a seven-race card promises competitive contests across hurdles, steeplechases and a National Hunt Flat race. With prize money spread across the afternoon and several races offering ÂŁ10,000 purses, the meeting provides a strong platform for both emerging talents and experienced campaigners. The action begins at 1:25 pm and concludes at 4:55 pm, delivering a full schedule of jump racing for trainers, jockeys and racing fans.
The meeting opens with The Maiden Hurdle Race at 1:25 pm, a Class 4 contest run over 2m 1f 162y for ÂŁ10,000 with eleven runners declared. This race features several promising hurdlers looking to secure their first victory over obstacles. Catch On Me from the yard of Venetia Williams enters the race with the highest official rating in the field at 114. The six-year-old gelding carries 11st 5lbs and will be partnered by Ned Fox.
Having shown consistent form in recent outings, Catch On Me appears to be one of the more experienced runners in the line-up. Handmedownastar, trained by Seamus Mullins, is another six-year-old gelding carrying 11st 5lbs and will be ridden by Callum Pritchard. Though relatively unexposed, the runner represents a stable capable of producing competitive performers in maiden hurdles.
Chris Gordon saddles Jambon, who will be ridden by Tom Cannon. The six-year-old gelding has limited experience but may show improvement as he gains further exposure over hurdles. Jet Steel from the yard of Tim Vaughan, partnered by Rian Corcoran, brings previous race experience into the contest and could attempt to build on earlier runs. Karate Kid, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Patrick, is another runner to note after previously showing potential in hurdle company. Knight Templar, representing trainer Richard Bandey with Harry Bannister in the saddle, is another contender aiming to progress.
Maximum Benefit trained by Jo Davis and ridden by Finn Lambert adds further depth to the field. Padel Bandit from the stable of Gary Moore and Josh Moore will be partnered by Harry Kimber and may attempt to improve on earlier efforts. Yourcardismarked trained by Tim Vaughan and ridden by Lorcan Murtagh enters the race seeking a stronger performance following recent outings.
Completing the field is Cayman Dancer, a four-year-old colt trained by Gary and Josh Moore with Robert Dunne booked to ride. Carrying 10st 9lbs, the younger runner receives a weight allowance and could provide an interesting challenge against the older geldings. With a large and competitive field, the opening race should provide an engaging start to the afternoon’s racing.
The second race on the card is The Handicap Hurdle Race scheduled for 2:00 pm. This Class 5 contest will be run over 2m 3f 29y and carries prize money of ÂŁ7,000. Seven runners are expected to take part in this handicap event where weights and stamina over the intermediate distance could play an important role. Handicap hurdles often produce closely contested finishes, and this race should provide opportunities for improving horses to challenge more established competitors.
Attention then turns to the afternoon’s steeplechasing action with The Handicap Steeple Chase at 2:35 pm. Run over 2m 3f 104y and offering £10,000 in prize money, this Class 4 race features four runners and may develop into a tactical contest. Good Friday Fairy from the stable of Ben Clarke enters the race carrying top weight of 12st 2lbs with a BHA rating of 122. The nine-year-old gelding has shown consistent form in previous outings and will be ridden by Rex Dingle. Hold Up La Colmine, trained by the partnership of Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, carries 11st 12lbs and has a rating of 118. Ridden by Callum Pritchard, the runner has previous chasing experience and could prove competitive.
Mon Champion from the powerful stable of Paul Nicholls lines up under Freddie Gingell carrying 11st 10lbs with a rating of 116. The six-year-old gelding has shown ability in past races and could play a significant role in the outcome of this contest. Completing the field is Rip Wheeler, trained by Gary and Josh Moore and ridden by Robert Dunne. Carrying 11st 2lbs with a rating of 108, the runner has produced notable performances and could challenge the more highly rated rivals. Despite the smaller field, the race promises to be a closely fought steeplechase where jumping accuracy and race tactics will be crucial.
The fourth race at 3:10 pm is The Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 5 contest over 2m 5f 164y with prize money of £7,000. This race provides novice hurdlers the opportunity to compete in a handicap environment and test their stamina over a longer distance. With five runners expected to line up, the contest could develop into a strategic battle as jockeys manage their mounts across the extended trip.
The fifth race of the afternoon takes place at 3:45 pm with The Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race. Run over a demanding distance of 3m 1f 166y, this Class 5 race carries £7,000 in prize money and features six mares. The extended trip will place emphasis on endurance and consistent jumping, making it an intriguing race for stayers within the mares’ division.
Steeplechasing action returns at 4:20 pm with The Handicap Steeple Chase, another Class 4 race offering ÂŁ10,000 over 2m 1f 165y. Four runners will contest the race. Raffles Hermes from the yard of Robert Walford carries top weight of 12st and will be ridden by Harry Kimber. The six-year-old gelding has previous racing experience and enters the contest with a BHA rating of 109. Falco des Pins from the yard of Venetia Williams arrives in strong form after consecutive victories and carries 11st 7lbs under Ned Fox. With a rating of 102, the runner appears to be progressing and could pose a strong challenge.
Sanitiser trained by Gary and Josh Moore will be partnered by Tom Cannon carrying 11st 4lbs. The gelding has shown consistent performances and could play a key role in this chase. The final runner is Valirann Gold, trained by Harriet Brown and ridden by Ben Godfrey. Carrying 10st 2lbs, the nine-year-old gelding may benefit from the lighter weight as the race unfolds. With only four runners, the contest may become tactical, placing importance on jumping precision and timing.
The meeting concludes at 4:55 pm with The Mercedes-Benz of Chichester Open National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 5 bumper run over 2m 1f 162y for ÂŁ4,500. Six runners are expected to participate in this flat race designed for young jump prospects who are yet to compete over hurdles or fences. Bumper races often showcase future National Hunt performers and provide valuable racing experience for developing horses.
Overall, the Saturday meeting at Fontwell Park Racecourse presents a well-balanced programme featuring a combination of maiden contests, handicaps and steeplechases. With competitive fields and several races offering significant prize money, the afternoon promises entertaining jump racing and potential standout performances across the seven-race card.
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