As the Cheltenham Festival begins to loom ever closer, the next month contains several key trials meetings. Those races are excellent contests in their own right and are likely to feature some of Britain’s star jumps horses. Here’s what to expect as the Jumps Season rolls into February!
Sandown Park
Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Saturday, Saturday 1 February
There’s Grade 1 action in the shape of the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase to kick off the month. This prestigious contest has helped launch the careers of top chasers Bristol De Mai, L’Homme Presse and Gerri Colombe in recent years.
There’s an excellent supporting card of competitive action to supplement the big race, including the £100,000 Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle.
Musselburgh
Bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend, Saturday 1 February and Sunday 2 February
The two-day bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials meeting is the highlight of the month’s racing north of the border.
The £100,000 Scottish Champion Chase heads the opening day, with the bet365 Triumph Hurdle and the Scottish County Hurdle among the supporting races.The Edinburgh National tops the bill on the Sunday, with the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle offering runners the chance to qualify for the series final at the Cheltenham Festival.
Newbury
Super Saturday, Saturday 8 February
There will be plenty of Cheltenham contenders putting the final touches to their Festival preparations on William Hill Super Saturday.
The Denman Chase and the Game Spirit Chase – both Grade 2 contests – will feature hopefuls for the championship races at Cheltenham, while the £155,000 William Hill Newbury Hurdle is one of the most competitive handicaps of the season.
Warwick
Kingmaker Chase Day, Saturday 8 February
The FGD Kingmaker – often won by a future star – takes centre stage on one of Warwick’s biggest meetings in the calendar.
Past winners of the Grade 2 novices’ chase include top two-mile chasers Jonbon and Edwardstone. Further back, Champion Chase winner Finian’s Rainbow and Gold Cup hero Long Run are on the roll of honour.
Exeter
Super Sunday, Sunday 9 February
It’s no mystery why Exeter’s Super Sunday card has been given Premier Racing status despite the title of the big race.
With more than £200,000 in prize money up for grabs, there’s sure to be some excellent racing with the Agatha Christie Mares’ Novices’ Chase one of the feature contests.
Ascot
Betfair Ascot Chase Raceday, Saturday 15 February
The Royal track will host a superb day of jump racing with the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase topping the bill. The 2m5f contest has been won by some of the greats of the sport, including One Man, Kauto Star and Cue Card.
There is a stellar supporting card featuring the Grade 2 Ebony Horse Club Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase.
Haydock Park
Grand National Trial Day, Saturday 15 February
Focus turns to the world’s most famous race when Aintree hopefuls get to push their claims in the Haydock Park Grand National Trial.
The £100,000 chase is supported by the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle – a significant trial for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – and the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle.
Kempton Park
Ladbrokes Trophy Day, Saturday 22 February
The last significant Cheltenham trials play out at Kempton.
The Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle and Pendil Novices’ Chase – all Grade 2 contests – will feature a number of Festival hopefuls.
They form a superb list of supporting races to the £150,000 Ladbrokes Trophy. The main event is one of the most prestigious handicap chases in the calendar.
Southwell
Bet UK Winter Derby Raceday, Saturday 22 February
The spotlight also lands on the cream of the Flat all-weather stars. The Group 3 BetUK Winter Derby tops the bill on a valuable card. The race was run at Southwell for the first time last year, having switched from its original venue at Lingfield.
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