Warwick Racecourse hosted an exciting afternoon of National Hunt racing on Thursday, 26 March, featuring a mix of novice hurdlers, stayers, and talented mares. From the opening hurdles to the final National Hunt flat race, the card offered plenty of drama and showcased several promising performers.
The day began with the Feldon Dunsmore Proudly Employee-Owned Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4, GBB Race) over 2 miles 5 furlongs and 10 yards. La Vish (FR), ridden by Robert Dunne, delivered a composed performance. Settling behind the early leaders, La Vish made a smooth move approaching the final flight and pulled clear to record a convincing victory. Dunne’s tactful ride highlighted the horse’s potential for future novice hurdle events.
Next on the card, the JCB Mini-Excavator Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) over 3 miles 2 furlongs 3 yards saw Kampari (FR) claim the honours under Kevin Brogan. Tracking the front-runners throughout, Kampari produced a strong late surge to secure the win. Brogan’s patient handling allowed Kampari to conserve energy early while navigating the Warwick hurdles, marking the horse as a contender for staying hurdle contests.
The Best Odds Guaranteed at Betano Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 2 miles 4 furlongs 43 yards produced a competitive finish, with El Rojo Grande (IRE) and Shane Quinlan emerging victorious. Maintaining a steady rhythm and displaying accurate jumping over the fences, El Rojo Grande held off late challengers, signaling a promising future in novice chases.
In the mares’ division, the Betano Boosted Odds Every UK Race Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) over 2 miles 5 yards was won by Aj’s Diamond (IRE) with Freddie Gordon in the saddle. The mare settled near the front and delivered a powerful finish approaching the final hurdles, pulling clear to record a decisive victory. Gordon timed the effort perfectly, highlighting Aj’s Diamond’s speed, stamina, and composure under pressure.
The JCB Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 2) – Challenger Staying Chase Series Final (GBB Race) over 3 miles 66 yards saw Fever Dream (IRE), guided by Jack Tudor, dominate the staying chase. Positioned prominently throughout, Fever Dream unleashed a strong finishing effort in the final furlong, leaving rivals behind. The win not only secured the series final but also reinforced Fever Dream’s reputation as a top-class stayer in longer-distance chases.
The card concluded with the JCB Tele-Handler “Junior” National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5, GBB Race) over 2 miles 5 yards. Saint Argente (IRE), ridden by James Bowen, displayed early speed and tenacity, quickly establishing a lead and maintaining it to the finish. Bowen’s confident ride ensured a decisive victory, giving Saint Argente a memorable start to a National Hunt career.
Thursday’s meeting at Warwick highlighted emerging talent across a variety of races. Notable performers included La Vish, Fever Dream, and Saint Argente, each showing promise in their respective categories. With strong finishes, tactical riding, and displays of stamina and jumping ability, the day offered plenty of excitement for National Hunt fans and set the stage for the upcoming spring season.
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