Warwick Races preview
AS the countdown begins to the Cheltenham Festival next week, there is some good racing action in prospect locally on Sunday when Warwick stages its Horse and Hound Warwickshire Air Ambulance Raceday.
Prior to racing, Crabbie’s Grand National winning jockey Jason Maguire, Warwick ambassador Dan Skelton and Racing UK presenter Niall Hannity are hosting a Cheltenham preview lunch in aid of the Air Ambulance Service. In addition to the six races, the off course entertainment will include farrier and falconry displays, along with the Warwickshire Hunt with their hounds and horses.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting the Air Ambulance Service and really looking forward to helping raise the profile of the charity at the next raceday and throughout the rest of this year” said general manager Andre Klein.
“Sunday will be a great way for the charity to promote the fantastic work it does, as it should be a terrific day of racing on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival.”
There are 27 entries for the opening Watch The Cheltenham Festival On RacingUK Novices´ Hurdle over two miles at 2.00pm in which Skelton’s Meet The Legend, an emphatic winner from odds-on favourite Emerging Talent at Newbury, would have a good chance.
But, he is also entered at the re-arranged Kelso meeting and, in his absence, the race could go to trainer Evan Williams, who has three entries, all with winning form.
Cresswell Breeze, who jumped left-handed at Wincanton last time, should be more at home on this track and can give weight away to her rivals in the EBF/TBA Mares´ Novices´ Limited Handicap Chase from a 1lb lower mark.
There is another big entry in the Racing UK In Glorious HD Handicap Hurdle and, although Western Miller was beaten a long way on testing going at Cheltenham last time, he could put up an improved showing on this better ground for Over Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon.
Longest race of the day is the All 28 Cheltenham Races On RacingUK Handicap Chase over three miles and five furlongs and one horse who should stay the trip is Cheat The Cheater, who brought up jockey Richard Johnson’s 200th winner of the season at the last meeting. He has been raised to a mark of 101 by the handicapper as a result of that win, but has scored off a career high of 115 over hurdles, so can’t be ruled out.
Loughalder won this race two years ago, although this looks like shaping up into a more competitive affair. He disappointed on his last run here, but is on the same handicap mark of 108 and would be another for the short-list.
Worcestershire trainer Tony Carroll has two entries in the Colin E Mander Bricklayers 75th Birthday Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Hurdle, but has sent out just two winners at a strike-rate of 5% at the course over the last five years.
Like most of his runners in the last three weeks, Vedani has been operating on the Flat, but he has traces of form that could see him go close if putting his best foot forward.
The best bet of the afternoon could come in the concluding Air Wedding Open Hunters´ Chase (for the Air Wedding Challenge Trophy), as former useful chaser His Excellency, who is rated at 143, should appreciate this shorter trip after fading badly at Stratford in May and win for jockey Claire Hart.
Tracy Grunwell, Fundraising Manager for the Air Ambulance added: “It’s fantastic to see Warwick Racecourse getting involved and helping to raise money for this incredibly worthy cause.
“The Air Ambulance is a vital service in this area and is especially needed in the equestrian world. The support that we have from Warwick Racecourse will make a huge difference, not just to the charity but to the lives of the people we save. I am very much looking forward to our partnership this year.”
Tickets to the Cheltenham preview with the expert panel cost £70 per person and also includes viewing from a private marquee, drinks reception, a two course lunch and a light afternoon tea. To book email tracy.grunwell@theairambulance.org.uk or call 07825 634103.
