What's On This Week?

Features | 10^th January 2023

It might only be the second week of the year but there is some superb racing to warm the chilliest of
winter days

Warwick Takes Centre Stage

The Wigley Group Classic Chase is the highlight at Warwick.

The 3m5f contest was won by One For Arthur in 2017. Just three months later he gave Scotland based trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox Grand National glory at Aintree. This year, Threeunderthrufive will attempt to give in-form champion trainer Paul Nicholls his fourth victory in the staying handicap.

Last year’s Welsh Grand National hero Iwilldoit, recent Newbury winner Grumpy Charley and popular veteran Lord Du Mesnil are other possible contenders.

Top Irish trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have also entered horses and could make the trip. The supporting races include two Grade 2 races.

The entries for the Ballymore Leamington Novices’ Hurdle contain some of the most exciting young hurdlers in the country.

Nicholls will attempt to win the 2m5f prize for just the second time – 16 years after the first – with Knowsley Road. Recent hurdles winners Grey Dawning, Givega, Moon Hunter and Twinjets are among those who could line up in opposition.

Landrake and Santonito, both trained by Elliott, could represent Ireland in the contest, which was won in the past by star staying hurdler Inglis Drever and Cheltenham Festival winner The New One.

The eventmaster.co.uk Hampton Novices’ Chase has also attracted some superb entries. Stage Star and Complete Unknown could give Nicholls a third straight victory in the 3m race. The champion trainer has won this prize a total of four times but he could face stiff opposition from Elliott’s possible runners Minella Crooner and The Goffer.

Top Trainers at Kempton

At Kempton, the Coral Lanzarote Hurdle takes centre stage.

It’s one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the season and many of the top trainers are likely to be represented in the 2m5f race.

It is supported by the Grade 2 Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase. The race is run in honour of the dual King George hero, trained by Nicholls, so it’s no surprise to see the champion trainer enter both PicD’Orhy and Saint Calvados.

Midweek Yorkshire Action

It’s not all about the weekend as Catterick holds the Vickers Bet North Yorkshire Grand National on Thursday.

This historic course has been staging racing for 240 years and the 3m6f chase is the track’s big jumps race of the year. The course is situated just off the A1(M) to the north of the village that lies between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

It makes for an action packed week of racing.