Wetherby stages a quality seven-race programme on Saturday (February 3)starting at 1-20 p.m. the highlights being a pair of Grade 2 races for potential stars of the future over Jumps - The totepool Towton Novices' Chase and The Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle, along with the north’s first Hunter Chase of the year, The Wilmot-Smith Memorial Cup.
Supported for the second time by totepool, The Towton Chase was won last year by Halcon Geneladais, who has distinguished himself this season by winning The Welsh National at Chepstow, while the roll-call of the other previous winners include horses of the calibre of Ollie Magern, Royal Emperor, Keen Leader, Arctic Camper, Kadou Nonantais, Escartifigue and Mr. Mulligan (who went on to be the 1997 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner). Totepool also put their name to a Handicap Hurdle contest over two miles and seven furlongs, while The totesport 0800 221 221 Handicap Chase is held over the extended two and a half miles. These races complement the pair of top races supported by them during the afternoon at Sandown Park, including the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase.
The Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle – formerly The River Don Novices’ Hurdle - is transferred for the second year from Doncaster while the South Yorkshire venue undergoes a major redevelopment. Last season’s winner, Neptune Collonges, has made a highly-successful progression to competing over fences; indeed, he was runner-up in the prestigious bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in October, before winning the Listed Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle the following month.
Brothers Nick and Pat Wilmot-Smith – long-standing directors of the Wetherby Steeplechase Committee - are commemorated in The Wilmot-Smith Memorial Cup, a Hunter Chase over three miles and one furlong. In fact, the late Nick Wilmot-Smith served on the racecourse committee for 59 years and was chairman between 1968 and 1996.
The giant totesport screen, situated opposite the main stands, will enable racegoers to enjoy even more of the action, including the card from Sandown Park. Musical entertainment is provided by ‘Brass 85’.
The Wetherby Trainers’ Challenge, now in its third season, offers bonuses totalling £10,000 for trainers and stable staff, depending upon winners and placed horses obtained throughout the campaign which ends on May 10. The competition continues to be led by the current holder, County Durham-based trainer Howard Johnson with an impressive tally of 449 points, followed by the inaugural winner, Sue Smith on 201 points, Ferdy Murphy (194), Keith Reveley (181) and Tim Easterby (152).
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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