A competitive afternoon of National Hunt racing awaits at Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse this Sunday, April 19, with a seven-race card that blends promising maidens, testing handicaps, and a high-value novice chase. With varied race distances and field sizes, the meeting offers something for every jumps racing enthusiast.
The action begins at 1:58 PM with The George Wood Years of Service Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 4). A field of 13 runners will contest this £10,000 opener over 2m 70y, where lightly raced mares look to shed their maiden tags. Early potential and improving profiles make this an intriguing starting point.
At 2:33 PM, stamina comes into play in The Green 4 Motor Company 30th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle (Class 5). Ten runners line up for this 3m 2f 83y test worth ÂŁ6,650, where patience and race positioning are likely to prove decisive over the extended trip.
The mares return at 3:08 PM in The Mid Warwickshire Cleaning Supplies Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 4). Run over 2m 70y for £8,650, this 10-runner contest should provide a balance of speed and jumping fluency, with several in-form contenders expected to feature.
Chasing action takes over at 3:43 PM with The Racecourse Streams on Racing TV Extra Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5). Seven runners tackle a demanding 3m 3f 119y trip for ÂŁ7,150, making it one of the toughest endurance tests on the card.
The most crowded race arrives at 4:18 PM with The Racing TV Handicap Hurdle (Class 5). A field of 15 runners will compete over 2m 2f 148y for ÂŁ6,650, setting up a wide-open contest where pace and tactical awareness could be key factors.
The feature race of the day comes at 4:53 PM with The Geely Leamington Spa Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), offering the highest prize of £12,000. Though only four runners go to post over 2m 213y, the race boasts quality. Leading the lineup is a consistent 7-year-old gelding from the powerful Paul Nicholls yard, representing the Paul Nicholls Owners Group 118, carrying 11st 8lbs off a BHA rating of 122. His recent form figures (2-22421) suggest he arrives in peak condition and could set the standard.
He is joined by Mister Cessna (FR), trained by Fergal O’Brien, another runner rated 122 and carrying identical weight, with capable recent form. Pure Carbon (GB), from the Harry Derham stable, brings solid consistency with form figures of 21U123 and a rating of 118, while Park Annonciade (FR), trained by Sarah Humphrey, arrives in winning form (24P321) and could pose a serious challenge despite a slightly lower mark of 116. With all four closely matched, this small-field contest promises to be tactically fascinating and highly competitive.
The meeting concludes at 5:25 PM with The Racing TV “Grassroots” Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 5). Five runners will line up over 2m 6f 125y for £4,600, rounding off the day with a traditional hunters’ contest that often delivers spirited finishes.
With a strong supporting card and a competitive feature race, Stratford-on-Avon’s Sunday meeting looks set to provide an entertaining and high-quality afternoon of jumps racing.
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