Southwell Racecourse is set for an action-packed day of National Hunt racing on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, with six competitive races scheduled from mid-afternoon through the early evening. Racegoers and racing enthusiasts can look forward to a mix of chases, hurdles, and National Hunt flat races, featuring talented horses, leading jockeys, and promising trainers across all events.
The card kicks off at 2:20 PM with the At The Races App Handicap Chase (Class 5), covering a distance of 3 miles 60 yards. This £3,248 prize money contest for horses aged five and older rated 0-100 promises a thrilling start to the day. Competitors will tackle the soft, heavy-in-places track, with jockeys aiming to guide their mounts to early glory in a highly competitive handicap chase.
At 2:55 PM, attention turns to the Sherwood Restaurant Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 4), run over 2 miles 4 furlongs 88 yards with a prize pot of £4,700. Open to five-year-olds and upwards rated 0-120, this race is expected to see some of the card’s top chasers vying for victory under the soft going. Race fans can anticipate a tactical battle as runners look to establish their rhythm over the intermediate distance.
The action continues at 3:25 PM with the Southwell Racecourse Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB) (Class 5). Covering 1 mile 7 furlongs 182 yards, this £2,451 race is designed for four to six-year-olds making their mark on the National Hunt scene. With a mixture of unexposed talent and early-season form, the flat race promises an exciting showcase of emerging stars aiming to impress trainers and racing fans alike.
The Gleeds Data Center Derby Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4) follows at 3:55 PM, over 2 miles 4 furlongs 88 yards, carrying prize money of £5,446. Open to four-year-olds and upwards, this race represents a key opportunity for novice hurdlers to stake their claim in the competitive maiden ranks. With a strong field, including several horses with potential to progress through the season, the contest is expected to be both tactical and thrilling.
Next up at 4:25 PM, the Ladies Day Sunday 16th August Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) tests the stamina and skill of four-year-olds and upwards over 2 miles 4 furlongs 88 yards, with £3,248 in prize money on offer. Competitors will navigate the soft, testing conditions, making it a crucial test of jumping ability and strategic positioning as horses and riders look to perform at their best in the latter stages of the day.
The card concludes at 4:55 PM with the Golf And Gallop Package Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5), a 3 miles 60 yards contest exclusively for fillies and mares rated 0-100. With a £3,248 prize, this race highlights some of the season’s most promising female hurdlers, offering a fitting finale for a packed day at Southwell.
Overall, the Southwell card promises a thrilling blend of stamina, speed, and tactical racing, offering racegoers an exciting day from start to finish. With competitive fields across all six events, jockeys and trainers will be eager to make their mark as the season continues to unfold.
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