Uttoxeter Racecourse staged an entertaining afternoon of summer jumps racing on Sunday, 26 July, with eight competitive contests showcasing emerging talent, experienced campaigners and memorable performances across hurdles and steeplechases. The meeting featured races ranging from juvenile hurdles to quality Class 2 handicaps, producing several notable victories that highlighted the depth of competition during the summer jumping season.
Uttoxeter race results 26 July 2026
The card opened with the Quintet Daily Free Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 4) over two miles, where Hello Garda (IRE) produced a polished display under Paddy Hanlon. The youngster travelled comfortably throughout the contest before asserting authority in the closing stages. The victory marked an encouraging performance in the juvenile division and suggested that Hello Garda has the potential to continue progressing during the remainder of the season.
The second race, the Roys Ices Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5), saw Northern Rose (IRE) deliver a determined effort under James Davies. The mare settled well during the early stages before responding strongly to pressure on the run towards the finish. Her success rewarded consistent recent form and demonstrated her ability to perform effectively in competitive handicap company.
The CL Cleaning Services Ken Boulton Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) followed and produced another impressive display, this time from Emerald Time, partnered by Tom Bellamy. Racing prominently throughout, Emerald Time maintained a strong rhythm and produced a decisive finishing effort to secure victory. Bellamy judged the pace expertly, ensuring his mount remained in contention before pulling clear in the closing stages. The performance underlined the horse’s growing confidence over hurdles.
One of the afternoon’s highlights came in the Sheila and Wayne Golden Wedding Anniversary Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 2), one of the feature races on the programme. Covering nearly three miles, the contest demanded stamina, accurate jumping and tactical awareness. Hold Your Fort (IRE), ridden by Tom Bellamy, produced a polished all-round performance to land the prestigious event.
Throughout the race, Hold Your Fort jumped fluently and travelled strongly among the leading contenders. Bellamy timed his challenge perfectly, allowing the gelding to gradually move into a commanding position before producing an assured finish. The victory in one of the day’s highest-class contests represented a significant success for both horse and rider, with the combination displaying consistency and composure from start to finish. It was a fitting performance in one of the meeting’s most valuable races and one that will be remembered as the standout effort of the afternoon.
The second Class 2 event, the Gary and Mavis Bird Family Raceday Handicap Hurdle, also attracted a competitive field over nearly three miles. Idaho Fire (IRE), partnered by Jonathan Burke, delivered a powerful staying performance to claim top honours. Burke positioned his mount patiently before asking for a sustained effort approaching the final flights. Idaho Fire responded impressively, finding plenty of energy late on to secure a deserved victory after an excellent display of stamina and determination.
Attention then turned to the Sun Racing Summer Jumps Championship Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), an ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier. The contest featured several experienced chasers, but At The Oche (IRE) emerged as the standout performer under champion jockey Harry Skelton. Producing accurate jumping throughout, At The Oche travelled smoothly before quickening clear after the final fence. The victory strengthened the horse’s position within the Summer Chase Series and added another notable success to Skelton’s excellent campaign.
The final two races divided the Quintet Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) into separate divisions, ensuring more opportunities for runners over two and a half miles.
Division One was won by Warner’s Cross (IRE) under Harry Reed, who produced a composed front-running ride. Maintaining a steady rhythm over each obstacle, Warner’s Cross stayed on strongly to finish the race in convincing style. The performance reflected both the horse’s stamina and Reed’s well-measured tactics.
The concluding contest, Division Two, saw Tommy Cullen (IRE) provide Jack Quinlan with the final winner of the afternoon. Tommy Cullen travelled comfortably throughout before producing a determined finishing effort to secure victory. Quinlan’s patient approach allowed the gelding to conserve energy before delivering a decisive challenge in the closing stages, bringing the meeting to a satisfying conclusion.
Several jockeys enjoyed productive afternoons, with Tom Bellamy recording a notable double courtesy of Emerald Time and the feature race winner Hold Your Fort. His confident rides across both contests demonstrated excellent race judgement and highlighted his effectiveness during the summer jumps campaign. Harry Skelton also added another important success to his season through At The Oche, while Jonathan Burke, James Davies, Harry Reed, Jack Quinlan and Paddy Hanlon all celebrated victories on a competitive card.
Uttoxeter once again delivered an enjoyable day of National Hunt racing despite being in the heart of the summer calendar. The programme featured a balanced mix of developing juveniles, experienced handicappers and quality staying performers, giving racegoers plenty of memorable moments throughout the afternoon.
As the summer jumps season continues, several of Sunday’s winners appear capable of building on these performances in upcoming engagements. Hello Garda announced himself as an exciting juvenile prospect, Hold Your Fort enhanced his credentials with a polished feature-race success, while Idaho Fire and At The Oche demonstrated the qualities needed to remain competitive in higher-grade company. With strong performances across every race, the Uttoxeter meeting served as another reminder of the depth and competitiveness of British summer jumps racing.
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