The Warwick Races on 11 December settled firmly into the second category, unfolding with a warmth that felt at odds with the winter air. Even before the first runners circled, the course carried an unmistakable December spirit. Carols drifted across the lawns, mince pies warmed cold hands, and the Christmas market transformed every walkway into a small festive village. Families, regular racing followers and seasonal visitors blended into a lively, cheerful crowd.
As the afternoon developed, the racing matched the mood. Seven contests were decided between 12:25pm and 3:25pm, each bringing its own tempo, story and turning point.
Race 1 – Heat Your Home With Alpha Fillies’ Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (GBB), 12:25pm, 2 miles
CLOAKS OF GOLD lifted the curtain on the card with a punchy, well-timed win in 3m 56.24s under David Bass. Trainer Max Comley had the filly tuned and ready, breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum saw the preparation bear fruit, and owner T Slater picked up a heartening early result. MISS CARBO chased hard for second, while MADE U BLUSH stayed on for third.
Race 2 – Aztec Aerosols Contract Filling Maiden Hurdle (GBB), 12:55pm, 2m5f5yds
MONEYGARROW proved strongest, finishing in 5m 12.39s after a committed ride by Harry Skelton. The Dan Skelton yard had him primed, breeder Stephen Lanigan O’Keeffe added another solid chapter to the pedigree, and owner Stephen Bough watched a confident performance unfold. STEP AHEAD took second, with WARRIORS DESTINY in third.
Race 3 – Aztec Aerosols Spray Some Joy Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB), 1:25pm, 2m54yds
CHUGGY claimed the third race in 4m 7.56s, shaped by another composed ride from Harry Skelton. With Dan Skelton preparing the runner and breeders R D & Mrs J S Chugg alongside owners Simon & Lisa Hobson, the partnership struck cleanly. NORN IRON filled second, OLD COWBOY kept on for third.
Race 4 – Lady Godiva Mares’ Novices’ Chase (Listed), 1:55pm, 2m4f
The feature produced the cleanest piece of clarity all afternoon. Diva Luna, guided with confidence by Ben Jones, travelled as though she understood her moment had arrived. Her jumping down the back brought murmurs from the stands, but it was the second-last where she truly separated herself — quick, balanced and decisive. Trained by Ben Pauling and bred by Kilbarry Farm Enterprises for owner Mrs L Maclennan, she drew away up the run-in to stop the clock at 5m 17.23s. Blue Las kept on for second, while Wyenot held third after racing close to the pace.
Race 5 – SG Fleet In Partnership With Barnardos Handicap Hurdle, 2:25pm, 2m5f5yds
YELLOW STAR took control late, handled smoothly by Caoilin Quinn to win in 5m 14.82s. Trainers Gary & Josh Moore produced a polished preparation, breeder Sas Elevage Du Haras De Bourgeauville saw the horse’s ability shine, and owners Tim Lord Kc and G L Moore gained a rewarding mid-card success. LIBRE DE CHOEUR ran on for second; MARLACOO followed in third.
Race 6 – Larkshill Engineering Ltd Handicap Chase (GBB), 2:55pm, 3 miles
JUPITER DES BORDES delivered one of the more authoritative displays of the day, finishing in 6m 28.10s under Charlie Maggs. Trainer Richard Hobson had the horse in peak order, supported by breeders Mme M Hanquiez, Mr G Hanquiez & Earl L. Owner Greenfield Racing marked a smooth, decisive win. HOUSE OF HABSBURG stayed on for second; STAR OF DIAMONDS took third.
Race 7 – Whites Of Coventry & Jic Logistics Ltd National Hunt Flat Race (GBB), 3:25pm, 2 miles
The finale belonged to OLD CLAYESMORIAN, who completed the card in 3m 49.87s under a patient ride from Callum Pritchard. Trainer Ben Pauling closed the afternoon with a winner, while breeder-owner Mrs Bridget Henley enjoyed a fulfilling finish. CHEAP SANDWICHES and OYKEL BRIDGE rounded out the places.
As the crowd filtered out through the fading light, the festive glow lingered — the choir’s final notes drifting across the paddock, families lingering by the market stalls, and the track settling into the soft quiet of early evening. Warwick’s “Jump Into Christmas” raceday delivered colour, warmth and clean competition, giving the course one of its most spirited afternoons of the season.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.
