Seven races produced seven clear results as a full National Hunt programme was conducted at Sandown Park on Saturday, 7 March, with all contests staged as GBB races. The afternoon fixture unfolded through a structured card comprising hurdle races, steeplechases and a concluding mares’ National Hunt Flat contest, bringing together a varied field of runners representing several established training yards.
The opening contest, the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Class 3), was won by BIBE MUS, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden for owner Mr Colm Donlon. Travelling comfortably through the early stages, the gelding advanced approaching the latter part of the race and maintained a steady gallop to the finish. ONLY ONE BLUE finished second, 3 lengths behind the winner after keeping on in the straight, while THE BELLHOP secured third position.
The European Breeders’ Fund National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final (Class 1) followed, bringing together a competitive field of emerging hurdlers. SCORPIO RISING, trained by Olly Murphy and partnered by Sean Bowen for Premier Plastering (UK) Limited, delivered a composed performance to claim the victory. The winner moved into a clear advantage in the closing stages and finished 2¾ lengths ahead of GET ON GEORGE, who secured second place, while GEE FORCE FLYER completed the leading three.
The Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (Class 2), one of the principal races on the programme, was captured by MONDO MAN, representing the training partnership of Gary and Josh Moore. Ridden by Caoilin Quinn for owners John and Yvonne Stone, the runner produced a well-timed effort approaching the final hurdle and maintained the advantage to the finish. WRECKLESS ERIC finished second, 1½ lengths behind the winner after staying on strongly in the straight, while WE’RE RED AND BLUE secured third.
In the British Stallion Studs EBF Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1), TI’MAMZEL provided another success for the Moore yard, again under the guidance of Caoilin Quinn and owned by Mr Paul Hunt. The mare travelled prominently before quickening in the closing stages to establish a clear margin of 6½ lengths over MILLSTATT ABBEY, who finished second, while LENNON GROVE completed the placings in third.
Steeplechasing action continued with the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3), where CALIMYSTIC, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville for James & Jean Potter Ltd, produced a steady and efficient round of jumping. Moving into the lead after the final fence, the gelding maintained a consistent gallop to finish 1¾ lengths ahead of TUNE IN A BOX, while CERTAINLY RED secured third place.
The Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3) was won by SOLDIEROFTHESTORM, trained by Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill and ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr. for owner Mr Tom Bond. Travelling prominently throughout the race, the winner produced a sustained effort in the closing stages. GLEN ROAD finished second, 3¼ lengths behind the winner, while JUST OVER LAND secured third position.
The concluding Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3) was captured by NORN IRON, trained by Harry Derham and partnered by Paul O’Brien for owner Dr. Paul Kelly. Remaining in contention through the early stages, the gelding advanced approaching the final obstacle and stayed on strongly to the line. The winner finished 4½ lengths ahead of TOOTHLESS, who took second place, while HERE COMES GEORGIE completed the leading trio in the final race of the meeting.
The Sandown Park Race Results 7 March highlighted a complete seven-race National Hunt programme that delivered clear outcomes across hurdles, steeplechases and the concluding mares’ National Hunt Flat contest. The meeting unfolded with competitive performances throughout the afternoon, bringing the Saturday fixture at Sandown Park to an orderly and well-contested conclusion.
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