By the time Saturday afternoon settles over Gosforth Park, the spotlight will shine firmly on one of Britain’s most demanding staying contests. On 21 February, Newcastle Racecourse stages a seven-race National Hunt programme from 1:05pm to 4:33pm, blending competitive handicaps with the historic centrepiece ,the £80,000 Eider Handicap Steeple Chase.
While depth runs throughout the card, it is Race 4 at 2:43pm that commands attention. Run over a punishing 4m 1f 56y, the Class 2 Eider Chase stands as the highest-prize race of the day and a true examination of endurance, jumping precision and winter resilience.
The afternoon begins at 1:05pm with Race1 ,a Maiden Hurdle, a Class 4 contest over 2m 190y offering £10,000 and attracting 14 runners. As is often the case with maiden hurdles at this stage of the season, improving types will look to stamp their authority early, with Newcastle’s long straight demanding patience from riders.
At 1:35pm,Race2, the Costello’s Cleaning Handicap Hurdle sees a competitive field of 15 tackle 2m 4f 62y for £7,000. Stamina becomes increasingly significant over this extended trip, particularly in winter ground conditions that can test even the most resolute performers.
The first fences of the day arrive at 2:10pm in the Jimmy Hunter 60th Birthday Celebration Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase. Seven runners contest this £10,000 Class 4 event over 2m 75y, where accurate jumping and measured tactics are likely to determine the outcome.
The feature event is Race4, the £80,000 Eider Handicap Chase, a gruelling marathon stretching beyond four miles and standing as the highest-prize race of the afternoon. A field of ten seasoned stayers line up for this Class 2 spectacle, where stamina, accurate jumping and sheer determination will be tested to the limit. Among the contenders are proven performers such as Mr Vango (IRE), who boasts the highest BHA rating in the line-up, alongside experienced campaigners like Anglers Crag (GB) and last year’s winner Knockanore (IRE), adding depth and intrigue to the contest.
The extended trip often turns this race into a true war of attrition, with Newcastle’s long straight placing relentless pressure on tired legs. Horses such as Dom of Mary (FR), Livin On Luco (IRE) and Fortunate Man (IRE) bring solid staying profiles, while younger legs like Red Delta (GB) will aim to outstay their elders. With history, prize money and prestige attached to the Eider, this race is rarely about speed alone , it is about endurance, rhythm and the ability to keep responding long after others have cried enough.
Following the Eider, attention turns back to hurdles at 3:20pm for a Class 3 Handicap Hurdle over 2m 190y worth £12,500, where nine runners promise a tightly run contest.
At 3:58pm, Race 6 ,a Handicap Steeple Chase offers £17,500 to a field of eight over 2m 4f 19y. This mid-distance chase should reward fluency at the obstacles and the ability to conserve energy for Newcastle’s demanding climb to the line.
The card concludes at 4:33pm with Race 7, the Gemini Electrical Short Circuit Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. Seven runners line up over 2m 190y for £7,000, providing emerging riders with an opportunity to showcase tactical awareness in a competitive finale.
As winter racing continues to test stamina and spirit, the Newcastle racecards 21 February deliver a meeting defined by endurance, highlighted by an £80,000 Eider Chase that stands among the toughest staying assignments of the season.
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