Haydock Park brought its year-end programme to a stern and unforgiving close on Tuesday, December 30, with stamina emerging as the decisive currency of the afternoon. The spotlight fell on Race 6, the Handicap Chase, where Egbert outlasted his rivals to secure the feature contest and its £13,007 winner’s share, anchoring a seven-race card defined by endurance, balance, and relentless winter conditions.
The action opened with the Nifty 50 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, where Kiss My Face set an early benchmark. Joe Anderson delivered a composed ride for trainer Alastair Ralph and owner Hugh Bricknell, guiding the Mrs H Steel-bred runner home in 6m 9.91s. Douglas Hyde finished second, with Clondaw Royale completing the placings.
Momentum continued in Race 2, the EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier), as Captain Hugo confirmed his promise. Ridden by Sean Houlihan, the Philip Hobbs & Johnson White-trained novice delivered for owners Scrimgeours, Mighell & White, stopping the clock at 3m 44.02s. Wolf Walker stayed on for second, while The Cistercian took third, with breeding credit to J R Weston.
Class and experience shaped Race 3, The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap Chase, where Grain d’Oudairies produced a professional display. Brian Hughes partnered the Donald McCain-trained chaser to victory for John P McManus, recording 5m 5.77s. Taras Halls filled second, ahead of Ned Tanner, as Comte Michel De Gigou received breeding honours.
Staying power again came to the fore in Race 4, the Jack Berry House Novices’ Handicap Chase, with Paddy O’Mahler digging deep under pressure. Callum Bewley delivered a resolute ride for trainers Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith, rewarding Mcgoldrick Racing with success in 6m 38.31s. Ski Lodge chased on for second, with I Wish You in third, while Elizabeth Gavin was credited as breeder.
Speed briefly returned in Race 5, the EBF Junior ‘National Hunt’ Hurdle, where Diamond Jim travelled smoothly before asserting late. Craig Nichol guided the Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero-trained runner to victory for owner Malcolm B Jones, clocking 3m 47.35s. Lucy The Wire and Pippin’s Legend followed home, with breeding honours going to Godolphin.
The afternoon’s defining moment arrived in Race 6, the Handicap Chase, a searching contest that pushed beyond seven minutes. Egbert, ridden with patience by Jack Tudor, proved strongest in the closing stages for trainer Christian Williams and owners James & Jean Potter Ltd. Bred by Netherfield House Stud, Egbert crossed the line in 7m 31.86s, holding off Jupiter Des Bordes, with Vanillier staying on into third.
The meeting closed with the ‘Happy New Year’ Handicap Hurdle, where Serious Challenge ensured the card ended on a competitive note. Harriet Tucker partnered the Neil Mulholland-trained runner to victory for owners Martin St Quinton & Theyesnowaitsorries, stopping the clock at 3m 44.45s. Bucephalus finished second, ahead of Brentford Hope, with breeding credit to J S Bolger.
Haydock Race Results 30 December offered a race day that delivered substance as well as spectacle. Each race demanded resilience, rhythm, and resolve, and the results reflected that truth throughout. At its centre stood Egbert’s feature-race success, a performance that captured the tone of a meeting shaped by stamina rather than spectacle.
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