Racing returns to Hexham Racecourse on Thursday, 12 March, where the scenic northern venue stages a competitive seven-race National Hunt programme from 1:05pm through to 5:00pm. The meeting combines maiden hurdles, handicap hurdles and steeple chases across distances ranging from just over two miles to an extended three miles and seven furlongs, ensuring a varied afternoon for jump racing enthusiasts.
The card begins at 1:05pm with The ogledigital.co.uk Accountant Said Cheltenham’s Too Expensive Maiden Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest run over two miles and 48 yards. With a prize fund of £10,000 and a field of 13 runners, the opener offers several lightly raced types an opportunity to break their maiden over hurdles and set the tone for the afternoon’s racing.
Race two at 1:42pm features The Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle Race, another contest over two miles and 48 yards. This Class 5 event carries prize money of £9,100 and has attracted nine runners, with novice hurdlers stepping into handicap company in what promises to be a competitive early-afternoon test.
The third race at 2:22pm switches to chasing with The Paxton’s Are Case IH’s No.1 Dealer Handicap Steeple Chase. Run over two miles, four furlongs and 15 yards, the Class 5 contest offers £10,000 in prize money and brings together a field of 12 runners looking to make their mark over fences.
One of the most notable races on the card arrives at 3:02pm with The BK Racing Hexham Marathon Handicap Steeple Chase. This stamina-sapping Class 4 contest at Hexham Racecourse stretches over three miles, seven furlongs and 199 yards and carries a prize fund of £14,500. De Legislator IRE is set to be ridden by Jack Power claiming five pounds. The nine-year-old gelding has form figures of 51-130P and carries 12st 0lbs with a BHA rating of 115. He is trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore for J Sword, Russell and Bristol Boys.
Breeze of Wind IRE will be partnered by Sean Quinlan. The nine-year-old gelding has form figures of 514-52P and carries 11st 10lbs with a BHA rating of 111 for trainer Stuart Coltherd and owners Graeme Howard and S Coltherd. President Scottie IRE, ridden by Danny McMenamin, arrives with form figures of 3P-4066 and carries 11st 9lbs for trainer Nicky Richards representing Hargrove, Parker and Rafferty.
Also lining up is Planned Paradise IRE, a ten-year-old gelding ridden by Charlie Maggs claiming three pounds. With recent form of 054361, he carries 11st 6lbs and holds a BHA rating of 107 for trainer Christian Williams and owners The Paradise Mob. Shighness GB, partnered by Callum Bewley, is a nine-year-old mare with form figures of 2P-5663 carrying 11st 2lbs and a BHA rating of 103 for trainer Micky Hammond and owners The Golden Cuckoo. Rob Roy Macgregor IRE will be ridden by William Maggs claiming five pounds.
The eight-year-old gelding has form figures of 400242 and carries 10st 2lbs with a BHA rating of 83 for trainer Sandy Thomson and owner Mr Ken McGarrity. Don Brocco GB, a ten-year-old gelding ridden by Bruce Lynn, completes the line-up with form figures of 1P3-POP, carrying 10st 2lbs and holding a BHA rating of 83 for trainer Gary Rutherford and owner Mr Gary Jon Rutherford.
At 3:42pm the action returns to hurdles with The Davey Liddle 80th Birthday Handicap Hurdle Race. Run over two miles, four furlongs and 28 yards, the Class 4 event has eight runners competing for £10,900 in prize money and could prove a tactical middle-distance hurdle.
The penultimate race at 4:22pm is The Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 5 staying chase over three miles and 41 yards. Eleven runners are declared for the £10,000 contest, with stamina again likely to be a key factor in the closing stages.
The meeting concludes at 5:00pm with The Angela Your Wish Is My Command Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race. Run over two miles, seven furlongs and 63 yards, the Class 5 finale features seven runners battling for a prize fund of £9,100 and gives conditional jockeys the chance to showcase their riding skills in the last race of the day.
With a mixture of competitive handicaps, a testing marathon chase and opportunities for developing jumpers, Thursday’s meeting at Hexham promises an engaging afternoon of National Hunt racing in the north of England.
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