At KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE, the 2025/26 National Hunt season got underway in earnest on Sunday 19th October. The “Jump Sunday” card featured seven thrilling races, starting at 1:46pm and concluding by 5:00pm, as fans gathered for a festive, competitive afternoon of jumps action. With novices, chases, listed hurdles and seasoned jumpers all in attendance, the day served as both entertainment and serious form-tester — a signal that the campaign ahead is full of promise.
Race 1: Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (1:46pm, 2 miles)
The opener set the tone: AS FAST AS WIND crossed first in 3m 44.00s, under the steady hand of jockey ROBBIE DAVID. Trainer DAISY HITCHINS prepared the horse to peak, breeder TALLY-HO STUD saw their investment pay off, and owner SIMONELL RACING celebrated the early success. GRAECIA ran on bravely to take second, while JET OF DREAMS held on for the frame.
Race 2: Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (2:16pm, 2m2f)
In race two, BLUEY showed sharp finishing ability to claim the win in 4m 21.00s. Jockey BEN JONES judged the run perfectly, trainer EMMA LAVELLE had the horse primed, breeder H CARTER & I HATTON took pride, and owner J R LAVELLE & DAVID COTTAM enjoyed the reward. OBSESSEDWITHYOU chased hard, and BLACK HAWK EAGLE closed well for third.
Race 3: Hurdle (GBB Race) (2:46pm, 2m)
The third contest brought depth and drama as ONE HORSE TOWN prevailed in 3m 50.00s. With jockey PAUL O’BRIEN delivering a composed performance and trainer HARRY DERHAM getting the strategy right, breeder ALMOST ALWAYS PARTNERSHIP and owner THE JO COOL SYNDICATE shared the moment. PREMIER pressed strong until the line, while BANKSMAN held on for third.
Race 4: Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (3:16pm, 2m2f)
Mid-card, the stakes and attention were bigger. BAD impressed in 4m 25.10s, riding a wave of momentum. Jockey BEN JONES made the decisive move; trainer BEN PAULING had timed the plan; breeder HUGUES ROUSSEAU and owner D P HOWDEN were rewarded. GABRIEL’S GETAWAY stayed competitive until late, and BOURBALI completed the top three with credit.
Race 5: Hurdle (Listed Race) (GBB Race) (3:50pm, 2 miles)
Race five featured a listed hurdle and carried high profile. RUBAUD delivered when it mattered, finishing in 3m 43.53s. Jockey HARRY COBDEN showcased skill under pressure, trainer PAUL NICHOLLS had everything in place, breeders B DECOUZ & S C E A DU BAS BUGEY saw the pedigree shine, and owner BRENDAN MCMANUS celebrated accordingly. BURDETT ROAD gave a strong challenge, while KIHAVAH ran on for the third placing.
Race 6: Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (4:25pm, 3 miles)
With the day pressed on, VILLAGE MASTER produced a polished performance to win in 6m 1.10s. Jockey JAMES BOWEN handled the test smartly, trainer WARREN GREATREX’s preparation stood up, breeder MRS MARY F GRIFFIN added to their tally, and owner BRYCE & EYNON took the moment. SAFE DESTINATION stayed close until late, and JUBILANT anchored the frame with strong running.
Race 7: Handicap Hurdle (5:00pm, 2m5f)
The finale closed a strong afternoon of jumps racing as TURNDLIGHTSDOWNLOW surged home in 4m 59.00s. Jockey FREDDIE KEIGHLEY kept composure under finish-line pressure, trainer MARTIN KEIGHLEY sealed the day’s success, breeder A N MCINTYRE got the reward, and owner MATTHEW CAPP left delighted. LUNAR POWER ran on bravely for second, while HIM MALAYA held on for third.
Today’s “Jump Sunday” at Kempton signalled not just a card of seven races, but the official launch of the 2025/26 jumps season in fine style. With fresh stories, new blood and familiar names all in the mix, this afternoon offered plenty of promise for the campaign ahead. Stay tuned — Kempton’s next jump fixtures are already on the calendar and many of today’s winners will aim higher as the season unfolds.
Read more race results and updates at RaceBuzz.
