A competitive evening of National Hunt racing is set to unfold at Hexham Racecourse on Tuesday, 19 May, with a seven-race programme featuring handicap hurdles, novice contests and steeple chases across a variety of distances.
The fixture begins at 5:50 PM and concludes at 8:50 PM, with several experienced campaigners and developing jump horses expected to take centre stage on one of Britain’s most testing jumps circuits. Hexham’s uphill finish and undulating track traditionally place a strong emphasis on stamina, accurate jumping and tactical riding.
The evening opens with the Tynedale Agricultural Society Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race at 5:50 PM. The Class 5 contest over 2m 7f 63y is open to horses rated 0-100 and carries prize money of £9,100. Conditional jockeys will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a staying hurdle where patience and rhythm are often crucial around Hexham.
The feature race by prize money arrives at 6:20 PM with the Port of Blyth Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 4 event over 1m 7f 133y worth ÂŁ12,850. A competitive field has been declared, including several previous course-and-distance performers with solid chasing credentials.
Among the notable runners is Chapel Green (IRE), trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, who arrives with strong course experience and a rating of 108. The nine-year-old gelding, ridden by Alan Doyle, has previously shown effectiveness at Hexham and could benefit from the conditional jockey’s claim. Diamond Mix (IRE), representing Paul Robson, also boasts winning form at the track and returns following a consistent campaign.
Experienced runner Dream Jet (IRE) for Brian Ellison adds further depth to the contest after several solid performances in competitive company, while Raffles Wonder (FR) carries the hopes of the Sam England yard. Don Occhetti (IRE) and recent course-and-distance scorer Conquer The Breeze (IRE) are also expected to attract attention, with the latter arriving after a recent victory for trainer Adam Nicol. Veteran performer Chumlee (IRE) completes the field and brings valuable experience to the race.
The action continues at 6:50 PM with the Port of Blyth Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 5 race over 2m 4f 15y. Open to novice chasers rated 0-100, the contest offers £10,000 and provides an opportunity for improving horses to gain further experience over fences on a demanding circuit.
At 7:20 PM, runners line up for the Lynn Siddall Memorial Handicap Steeple Chase, another Class 5 event staged over an extended 3m 41y. Staying chases at Hexham are often gruelling examinations of stamina and jumping ability, and the £10,000 contest is expected to reward resilient performers capable of handling the track’s uphill finish.
The hurdles return at 7:50 PM for the Northumberland County Show Novices’ Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest over 2m 4f 28y worth £10,000. Novice hurdle races frequently feature lightly raced horses still learning their trade, and Tuesday’s event may reveal promising performers capable of progressing through the ranks later in the season.
The penultimate race at 8:20 PM is the Port of Blyth Handicap Hurdle Race, another competitive Class 4 contest run over 2m 4f 28y. Carrying prize money of ÂŁ11,150 and open to horses rated 0-120, the race appears one of the strongest handicap hurdles on the card and could attract several seasoned campaigners alongside progressive types.
The meeting concludes at 8:50 PM with the Jason Arnup After Party 6th June Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 5 event over 2m 48y for horses rated 0-100. With £9,100 on offer, the finale is expected to provide an energetic finish to the evening’s action.
Hexham continues to hold a distinctive place in British jump racing, known for its scenic surroundings and demanding layout. Horses with previous form at the venue often hold an advantage due to the course’s unique characteristics, particularly the stiff uphill climb to the finish line.
Tuesday’s programme also highlights continued support from regional sponsors including the Port of Blyth, the Northumberland County Show and the Tynedale Agricultural Society, reflecting the strong local connections that remain central to racing at Hexham.
With competitive fields expected throughout the evening, the meeting promises an entertaining showcase of National Hunt racing featuring experienced stayers, developing novice chasers and established handicap performers.
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