Key contests to watch at Chepstow as the Welsh Racing Festival continues
The jumps programme at Chepstow moves through its middle day with a strong supporting card that features a competitive handicap hurdle as the headline event. Trainers and riders with good recent form are well represented, while a number of promising novices and established performers provide depth across the afternoon.
DragonBet Cefnogi Rasio Ceffylau Cymreig Handicap Hurdle (3.47)
The feature handicap hurdle brings together a pair of recent winners who will be expected to go prominently in a lively renewal. Leader Crik, prepared by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, bid to make an impact on his first start in handicap company after striking in a Doncaster maiden hurdle earlier in the season. The step up in trip and the services of Sam Twiston-Davies mark him out as a horse of interest.
Service Minimum arrives having scored at Newton Abbot last month. Although she climbs six pounds for that success, connections appear content to give her a chance over a longer trip where she may find further improvement.
Also in the mix is Matty’s Getaway, who finished last season with a win at Haydock and could be competitive if reproducing that form. The race shapes as a test of current fitness and progression for those stepping up in distance or tackling handicap company for the first time.
DragonBet Born In Wales Seniors’ Handicap Hurdle (4.22)
The seniors’ handicap features Haas Boy, a nine‑year‑old trained by Chester Williams, who arrives in good form having won at Wincanton and followed up at Ascot in spring. Now back from a summer break and racing off a reduced hurdles mark, he carries obvious claims on his recent sequence of form.
Ooh Betty is the principal danger for trainer Ben Clarke and rider Ben Jones. Her season included a success in the Grade Two Warfield Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot in January, and she has performed creditably at both Cheltenham and Ayr since. Dropping back in grade, she is expected to be competitive.
Other likely performers include the consistent pair Norn Iron and Gower Prince, while Glengouly merits mention if switched back to hurdles after recent runs in other company.
DragonBet / EBF Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1.27)
The opener showcases a trio of promising mares making the early‑season transition to hurdling. Princess Day, unbeaten in two bumpers prior to being beaten at Aintree in a Grade Two event, holds an attractive profile and is one to follow over obstacles this term.
Divine Diva, a point‑to‑point winner, produced a notable effort when third in Listed company at Cheltenham last November and, despite a below‑par run at Aintree, remains a useful prospect who can give a good account of herself.
Connells Cross makes her hurdling debut for Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls after two bumper wins when trained by Jennie Candlish. She wears a tongue‑tie for her first start over obstacles and carries the promise of above‑average ability.
Notable supporting entries
- The Skeltons’ Old Coast Road looks to follow up after a recent victory when contesting the 4.57.
- Harbour Light, progressive and entering a competitive 3.12 heat, faces a dozen rivals.
- Chepstow’s international flavour is underlined by connections sending horses to France for Auteuil’s feature days later in the card.
The programme at Chepstow combines a number of established performers returning from summer breaks with several novices stepping up to hurdles. With trainers who have enjoyed recent success represented and a few high‑profile Ascot winners among the entries, the card provides a balance of experience and emerging talent for racegoers and followers of the autumn jumping season.
This article may have been prepared in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
