At the historic Warwick Racecourse, a competitive six-race National Hunt meeting was staged on Monday, 4 May, presenting a varied card of maiden hurdles, handicap hurdles, and steeplechases across Class 4 and Class 5 levels. The fixture delivered a steady flow of performances, with several runners asserting their authority in the closing stages, while others secured victories through sustained pace and well-judged rides across the afternoon’s programme.
The opening Mares’ Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 4) was won by Crystal Days, ridden by Ben Jones and trained by Ben Pauling for owners Mrs S. Lee and Mr E. Lee. The mare travelled comfortably before taking control approaching the final phase, ultimately scoring by 4½ lengths over Great Dance. Elated finished third, keeping on at one pace but unable to close the gap on the leading pair.
In the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), Neigh Botha produced a composed and tactically sound performance under jockey Toby Wynne for trainers Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero, representing That’s Fine Syndicate. The runner maintained a smooth rhythm throughout and responded well when asked for effort, pulling clear to win by 4 lengths from Irish Chorus, with Yes Indeed staying on to secure third position.
The Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) saw Cinderello record a determined victory under Jack Hogan for trainer Alex Hales and owner Miss Susannah M L Parden. The runner showed consistency and balance through the middle section of the race before edging ahead in the final stretch to win by 2Âľ lengths over Half Pint Daisy. Spitalfield followed in third after a steady but non-threatening finish.
Full Force Gale delivered one of the more decisive wins of the meeting in the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4), guided by Charlie Deutsch for trainer Tom George and owner Mr Ray Connolly. The gelding settled well, travelled strongly, and asserted clear superiority in the closing stages to score by 4ÂĽ lengths over Theonlywayiswessex. Dj Pete finished third after maintaining a consistent pace without making significant late progress.
The Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) was claimed by Wondering Why, providing jockey Ben Jones and trainer Ben Pauling with another success for Basher Watts Racing NH Syndicates 2. The runner was produced with precision timing to take control late on and secure a 2-length victory over Nap Hand. Seraphic completed the top three, running on steadily but unable to threaten the principals.
The concluding Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) provided the most closely fought finish of the day, as Shesonnet edged out Jessie Jump Jet by Âľ length under Harry Bannister for trainer Ben Case and owners Matthews Moore Murray Oxley. The winner showed determination in the final strides to prevail in a tightly contested finish, while Hello Cello took third after staying on at a consistent pace.
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