Plumpton Racecourse will stage an exciting seven-race National Hunt meeting on Monday, March 16, featuring a competitive mix of maiden hurdles, handicap hurdles, steeple chases, and a concluding National Hunt Flat race. The afternoon card runs from 2:15 pm to 5:15 pm, with prize money spread across the programme and races ranging from intermediate distances to a stamina-testing three-mile chase.
The meeting begins with The More Radio Maiden Hurdle Race at 2:15 pm, a Class 4 contest over 2m 4f 203y with a prize fund of ÂŁ10,000 and eight runners declared. Maiden hurdles often feature promising young jumpers and lightly raced types aiming to break their maiden under National Hunt rules.
The highest prize race of the afternoon comes at 2:45 pm with The Southern Cranes & Access Ltd Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 4 contest worth ÂŁ11,000 run over 2m 1f 54y at Plumpton Racecourse. The race has attracted five runners, setting up a competitive chase where jumping accuracy and tactical pace will play key roles over the intermediate trip.
Among the contenders is Park Annonciade, an eight-year-old gelding ridden by Richie McLernon and trained by Sarah Humphrey for The Friday Lunch Club. Carrying 12st 0lbs and rated 109, he arrives with recent form figures of 00-24P3 and has recorded hurdle ratings of 132 along with notable figures in intermediate and novice events. Another strong runner is Delpotro, a six-year-old gelding partnered by David Bass and trained by Charlie Longsdon for Jon’s Birthday. Also rated 109 and carrying 12st 0lbs, he comes into the race with form figures of 2-1P124 and solid chase statistics.
Alto Alto, ridden by Freddie Gordon for trainer Chris Gordon and owner Mrs C. New, carries 11st 13lbs and brings experience including a course and distance victory, with recent form of 14-5024. Kool Kid, a six-year-old trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, also carries 11st 13lbs and arrives in winning form after a recent success, holding a BHA rating of 108. Completing the field is Angel’s Dream, partnered by Caoilin Quinn for the training duo Gary and Josh Moore, who carries 10st 2lbs and represents Five Star Racing Group, hoping to bounce back to form in this competitive handicap chase.
The third race at 3:15 pm is The William Henry Robinson Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 5 event over 2m 41y with £7,250 in prize money. A field of nine runners is set to line up, with novice hurdlers stepping into handicap company in what could prove one of the most competitive races on the card.
At 3:45 pm, the spotlight turns to The Southern Cranes & Access Ltd Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race, a Class 4 contest worth £10,000 over 2m 2f 36y. With four mares declared, the race could develop into a tactical affair where positioning and stamina will be key factors.
Race five at 4:15 pm is The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Handicap Steeple Chase, a staying Class 5 chase run over 3m 2f 46y. Carrying £8,000 in prize money and featuring seven runners, this contest will test the endurance and jumping ability of the field over Plumpton’s demanding staying trip.
The penultimate race at 4:45 pm is The Kalm Club Handicap Hurdle Race, another Class 5 event worth ÂŁ7,250. Run over 2m 4f 203y, the race features seven runners and should provide competitive mid-distance handicap action.
The meeting concludes at 5:15 pm with The Hop On Down To The Easter Festival Open National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 5 bumper over 2m 2f 36y. With five runners declared and ÂŁ4,999 in prize money on offer, the race offers a platform for young and inexperienced horses to showcase their potential before progressing to hurdles in the future.
Overall, Monday’s meeting at Plumpton promises an engaging afternoon of National Hunt racing, combining developing young horses with seasoned handicap performers across a varied seven-race programme.
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