The cheers rolled across Newton Abbot on Tuesday afternoon as the crowd rose to salute a string of brave performances over jumps and hurdles. From the opening juvenile contest to the closing bumper, there was no shortage of drama, with seven races that highlighted both horsemanship and heart. It was a fine showcase of Newton Abbot jump racing, with both established runners and emerging talent on display.
It was a day where every win carried its own story. Trainers were quick to embrace their charges, jockeys punched the air in relief, and owners and breeders beamed from the winners’ enclosure. Newton Abbot once again showed why it remains such a popular stage for National Hunt action in Devon.
Lord sets the tone in Juvenile opener
The card began with the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Awareness Juvenile Hurdle, where Lord, well-handled by Sean Bowen, showed composure beyond his years to strike in 4m 0.23s. Prepared by Olly Murphy, he held off the late thrust of Manyana Blue, while Genbu kept on gamely for third. The opener set the crowd buzzing for what lay ahead.
Jack Hyde prevails in spirited Novices’ Hurdle
The second race, the Darnells Dash Novices’ Hurdle, belonged to Jack Hyde, who dug deep in the closing strides. Tom Broughton kept his mount balanced throughout, with Fergal O’Brien’s training touch evident. Jaminska pressed bravely, while Nana Noodleman added further interest in third.
Just A Memory holds on in Conditional Chase
The third contest — the Happy Birthday Geoff Hobbs Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase — saw Just A Memory produce a polished round of jumping under Jack Andrews, timed at 5m 20.64s. La Quarite gave everything in pursuit, while Imperial Measure fought to keep its place in the frame.
Hostile Hotelier storms to Handicap Hurdle glory
One of the afternoon’s highlights came in the long Axetheracingtax Handicap Hurdle. Hostile Hotelier galloped on powerfully under Sean Quinlan, drawing appreciative applause after a determined display that stopped the clock at 6m 41.79s. Faded Fantasy battled in vain, with Jack’s Jury securing third.
Inside Man shows dominance in Memorial Hurdle
Inside Man stamped authority on the Jim Swales Memorial Handicap Hurdle, with Ciaran Gethings’s well-judged ride ensuring success in 4m 5.22s. Hope Rising made a late bid, while Leloopa added credit with another consistent run.
Jaitroplaclasse delights in Handicap Chase
The penultimate Murray Group Handicap Chase went the way of Jaitroplaclasse, piloted confidently by Charlie Price in 4m 1.77s. Juggernaut and Papa Barns completed the placings after a spirited battle, to the crowd’s delight.
Axel Bleue closes the show in bumper
The finale, the Open National Hunt Flat Race, belonged to Axel Bleue, who surged clear late under James Bowen, timed at 4m 11.89s. Victors Spirit and Peaky Girl kept the tempo high to round off a memorable day of Newton Abbot jump racing, leaving spectators already looking forward to the next fixture.
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