A competitive seven-race National Hunt programme takes centre stage at Hereford Racecourse on Saturday, 21 February 2026, with action running from 2:10pm through to 5:10pm. The afternoon blends juvenile promise, experienced veterans and progressive novices across hurdles, chases and a concluding bumper. The highest prize on the card comes in the £11,000 opener, setting the tone for a well-balanced Class 4-dominated fixture.
The 2:10pm opener at Hereford Racecourse, The Congratulations Farmer Sams Walk Of Hope EBF Junior ‘National Hunt’ Hurdle Race, Race 1, brings together a competitive field of four-year-olds for the afternoon’s highest prize of £11,000. Apollon Forlonge (FR) sets a solid standard with a BHA rating of 113, carrying 11st 7lbs under James Bowen for trainer Warren Greatrex. With consistent recent form figures of 3-1-2 and experience already under Rules, he looks one of the more established contenders in the line-up. No Boundaries (FR), partnered by Ciaran Gethings for Jane Williams, also brings hurdle experience to the table and could improve further on just his early outings.
Elsewhere, Campfield Flyer (GB) takes off valuable weight with conditional Luke Scott claiming 3lb, while Captain Nigel (IRE), ridden by Beau Morgan, represents connections who will be hoping for a breakthrough performance. The Punter (IRE) adds further depth to the geldings’ challenge, while the fillies Cantcallmethattrev (GB) and Queen Maeve (IRE) receive a handy weight allowance at 10st 7lbs. The latter, trained by Dan Skelton, comes from a powerful yard and could attract attention despite limited form. With a mix of rated and unexposed runners, the extended two-mile contest promises an intriguing start to proceedings.
At 2:40pm, attention turns to The Roar Before Is Coming Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Race. Although only three runners go to post, the £10,000 prize fund ensures competitive intent. Run over the same extended two-mile trip, the race is likely to unfold as a tactical affair, where positioning and pace judgement could prove decisive in such a compact field.
The stamina test of the afternoon arrives at 3:10pm with The Roar Before Cheltenham Awaits Veterans’ Handicap Steeple Chase. Seven seasoned chasers tackle 3m 1f 76y for £10,000 in this Class 4 contest. Experience counts heavily in veterans’ events, and over this demanding trip, rhythm and resilience over fences will be crucial. With Cheltenham on the horizon, a bold showing here could signal that an older campaigner is peaking at the right time.
Race four at 3:40pm, Cheltenham InfernoBoosts Back For Roar Maiden Hurdle Race, sees another field of seven compete for £10,000 over nearly two and a half miles (2m 4f 57y). The step up in distance adds a new dimension for maiden hurdlers still learning their craft. This intermediate trip often exposes weaknesses in stamina or jumping fluency, making it a pivotal race for those aiming to progress beyond novice company later in the season.
The fifth contest at 4:10pm is The Claim Welcome Offer Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 5 event over 2m 6f 88y with £7,000 on offer. Seven runners are declared for what shapes as a thorough stamina examination. As the distances increase, energy conservation and precise jumping become ever more significant, particularly in the closing stages.
At 4:40pm, five runners go to post in Supports Safer Handicap Steeple Chase, a £10,000 Class 4 race over 2m 3f 13y. The smaller field could produce a steadily run contest early on, with the tempo likely to lift approaching the home straight. Over this intermediate chasing distance, balance and efficiency at the fences will be decisive factors.
The card concludes at 5:10pm with The Blackmore Building Contractors “Junior” National Hunt Flat Race. Ten runners contest the £7,200 bumper over 2m 159y, providing a glimpse of potential future hurdlers. Such races often showcase raw talent, and with a full field assembled, the finale promises an intriguing end to a varied and competitive afternoon of jump racing at Hereford.
In conclusion, the £11,000 Junior National Hunt Hurdle at Hereford Racecourse shapes as a compelling curtain-raiser, blending proven form with untapped potential. With Apollon Forlonge setting the benchmark on ratings and several unexposed rivals eager to progress, the extended two-mile contest promises both quality and intrigue. As the highest prize race on the card, it provides the perfect stage for a young hurdler to announce himself or herself as one to follow in the weeks ahead.
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