PLUMPTON closed the curtain on its Festive Raceday on Monday, December 15, with a winter afternoon that blended seasonal warmth with resolute National Hunt competition. Beneath crisp Sussex skies and a crowd still carrying Christmas cheer, the seven-race card unfolded with purpose from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. At the heart of the meeting stood JUBILANT, whose success in the feature staying chase provided the defining moment of a day shaped by stamina, rhythm, and quiet resolve. It was a fitting finale to Plumpton’s festive chapter, where developing talent and seasoned performers shared the stage before racing resumes in the new year.
Race 1 — Royal Arch Racing Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
In the opener, Adonedeal struck in 4m 1.90s, guided by a confident ride from Sean Bowen. Trainer Olly Murphy introduced the horse effectively to hurdling, with breeder John Redmond and owner Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate seeing early promise realised. Reteti shaped with encouragement in defeat, while Yasmina stayed on steadily to finish third.
Race 2 – The G.E. White & Sons Agricultural Buildings Handicap Steeple Chase
In the feature contest, Jubilant delivered a decisive performance to land the day’s marquee prize in 6m 52.66s. Jockey Jonathan Burke judged the tempo with assurance, allowing the gelding to settle into a fluent rhythm before asserting late on. Trainer James Owen had the horse tuned for the demands of three miles, while breeder Francois-Marie Cottin and owners Mr & Mrs R Sage were rewarded for their patience and placement.
Illegal d’Ainay stayed on with determination to chase the winner home, while Morfee completed the frame after a sound round of jumping in testing conditions.
Race 3 — Maria & Nick’s Perfect Wedding Gift Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)
The maiden hurdle saw The Boss Bear breakthrough in 5m 26.38s, responding well to pressure under Tom Cannon. Gary & Josh Moore had the horse well-prepared for the step up in trip, breeder Liam Flannery enjoyed a deserved result, and owners Mark & Maria Adams celebrated a first success. Manigod ran with credit, with Masked Mistress closing late for minor honours.
Race 4 — Handicap Hurdle
Stamina came to the fore as Avada Kedavra prevailed in 6m 42.09s, showing resilience under Brendan Powell. The victory reflected careful conditioning from David Bridgwater, while breeder William J Noonan and owner Premier Plastering (uk) Limited were rewarded for persistence. Enjoy d’Allen battled gamely throughout, with Drumheller never far away.
Race 5 — Handicap Steeple Chase
Over fences, Lady Pretender produced a neat round to score in 5m 17.79s. Charlie Deutsch kept things tidy throughout, with Venetia Williams clearly targeting this contest. Breeders Jean-Arthir Contou Carrere & Yves Broca and owners Charles & Sarah De Rohan watched on as Summer In Milan stayed on strongly, followed by Kitsilano in third.
Race 6 — Dawson Hart Solicitors Handicap Hurdle
The penultimate race belonged to Grand Conqueror, who found later on to claim victory in 5m 27.42s. Conor O’Farrell timed the challenge well, complementing the preparation of Neil Mulholland. Breeder Robert B Hodgins and owners Colony Stables, Williams, Dicks, Bunch marked another solid result. Eliza Dolittle finished with purpose, while Kool Kid held on for third.
Race 7 — Staddon Send-Off Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race
The afternoon concluded with Joan’s Choice making a promising impression in 4m 34.94s. Conor O’Farrell allowed the mare to find her stride smoothly, reflecting the patience of Neil Mulholland. Breeder Michael Creed and owner M Creed were left with plenty to look forward to. Secret Des Lune shaped attractively on debut, with Flying Pimpernel staying on well.
As the last runners returned and the light faded over Plumpton, the meeting drew a measured and fitting close to the course’s Festive Racedays. With JUBILANT providing the afternoon’s centrepiece and solid performances spread across the card, Plumpton signed off 2025 with substance and seasonal spirit in equal measure. Racing now pauses at the Sussex track, set to return on January 4, 2026, when winter jumping resumes its steady march into the new year.
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