May 23, 2016

Newton Abbot Preview Wednesday 25 May

Join us for the first evening meeting of the year at Newton Abbot this Wednesday, with the £12,000 At The Races Sky 415 Handicap Hurdle the feature event on the six-race card that gets underway at 18.10.

Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have sent out a host of runners in the early weeks of the new season and both have two entries in the race. With The Outlaw having run at Stratford on Saturday, it looks like Beau Phil, who has yet to win a race, will be the Nicholls representative.

Henderson’s Nicolas Chauvin has not been seen out since finishing second behind Ittirad in a chase here last October, but this course winner could run well on his return to hurdles. Neil King’s Fort Carson ran a blinder at Warwick a week ago when runner-up to Don Padeja and Handy Andy, a facile winner over fences at the last meeting for Colin Tizzard, is another worth considering back over the smaller obstacles.

Rejaah heads the 17 entries in the opening Independent Racecourses Limited (IRL) Mares´ Novices´ Hurdle over an extended two miles and five furlongs, having won her last three starts, including a £40,000 handicap off top weight at Warwick last time out.
Point-to-point winner Aunty Ann made a successful debut under Rules over the course and could pose a threat to Rejaah at the weights. Mia’s Storm got off the mark at Wetherby and Miss Estela will be more at home here than when down the field at Punchestown on her previous run.

The trip is just short of three and a quarter miles for the Racecourse Welcomes Sherwell Valley School Novices´ Handicap Chase, for which the weights are headed by Easy Street, runner up over hurdles at Worcester two weeks ago. Another of interest is point-to-point winner Gardiners Hill, who looks handily weighted for his chasing debut.

There are 27 entries in the Fred Champion Groundworks Handicap Chase, including the Nicholls-trained Ruddy Article, a course winner over hurdles and last seen out when runner-up in a point-to-point. He looks to have plenty to do off a rating of 120 and Native Robin, who has won his last two races for Dulverton trainer Jeremy Scott, may be a better bet.

Another big field looks in prospect for the Newton Abbot Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Hurdle, in which local trainers Jimmy Frost, Martin Hill and Katie Stephens all have entries.

The SIS Live Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race rounds off the evening and David Pipe has entered Ramses De Teillee and The Two Amigos, who are both point-to-point winners, as is Ballymountain Boy, now trained by Martin Keighley, who won his only start at Ballinaboola in November.

So come along on Wednesday 25 May to see all the action for yourself: first race at 18.10 and gates open at 16.10… to book your tickets now click here or tickets available on the gates on the day or from our office – call 01626 353235