Friday, 6th January 2017 – Wincanton’s first January fixture on Saturday 7th has attracted 66 runners for its six racecard which is sponsored by loyal supporters, Bathwick Tyres.
Gates open at 10:30am with the first race at 12.55pm – the Bathwick Tyres Salisbury Novices’ Handicap Hurdle in which seven run including top weight duo, Lillington for Colin Tizzard and Dr Dunraven for Philip Hobbs. Both trainers are sensibly recruiting claiming jockeys to reduce the 11:12 set weight on good that is currently good to soft, soft in places.
The Class 2, 2:05 Bathwick Tyres Handicap Chase has eight runners declared. Orbasa represents Ditcheat Thoroughbreds and will be looking for a return to form having finished a disappointing eighth last time out. While, trainer Emma Lavelle runs 10-year-old Fox Appeal carrying top weight but a perfomer on Wincanton conditions.
Live on ITV4 is the 2:40 Novices Chase in which Third Act for Colin Tizzard completes an eight runner field. Carrying only 10st after a 3lb allowance from jockey Harry Cobden, this is surely the horse to beat.
13 horses line up in the 3:15 Handicap Hurdle in which the famous colour of JP McManus will be worn by Richie McLernon riding the six-year-old gelding Above Board. Noticeably trainer, Kim Bailey, sends his only runner - Milord – for this two mile five furlong contest.
ITV Racing will be represented by Rishi Persad on-course and will broadcast live three races (2.05, 2.40 and 3.15) on ITV4.
Saturday’s fixture also celebrates Newcomer’s Day and is offering a complimentary weighing room and course tour starting at 11:30am, plus a variety of parade ring interviews with sporting folk from a trainer and jockey; to a valet and a betting explained insight.
Tickets are available on the gate, alternatively visit wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk for full details of the season ahead.
NEXT RACEDAY:
Wincanton’s second January meeting on Thursday, 19th sees the return of the Higos Insurance Services Somerset National. This feature race is run over three miles and two furlongs and is a nice pointer for future staying chasers with the Grand National in their long-term sights.
The Thursday fixture also sees Wincanton welcome their one enclosure entry price of £12 per person (advance booking) and £14 on the day entry for six competitive contests that will be supported by the country’s best trainers from Paul Nicholls to Colin Tizzard.
Gates open at 11:30am with tickets available on 0344 579 3014 or visit wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk
About Wincanton Racecourse:
Wincanton Racecourse is situated in the heart of Somerset – home to rural jump racing. Wincanton stages 18 meetings each season. Please find more details at wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk and through Twitter (@WincantonRaces) and Facebook facebook.com/WincantonRaces
Wincanton Racecourse is part of The Jockey Club, which has been at the heart of British racing for more than 260 years. Today the largest commercial group in the sport, The Jockey Club runs the largest racecourse group in the UK by turnover (2015: £174.2m), attendances (2015: 1.95m), total prize money (2015: £43.9m), contribution to prize money (2015: £19.9m) and quality racing (Group and Graded races); more than 3,000 acres of world-class training grounds in Newmarket, Lambourn and Epsom Downs; The National Stud breeding enterprise and education provider; and the charity for racing's people in need, Racing Welfare. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny The Jockey Club makes it puts back into British racing. More information is available at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
For further information please contact:
Hannah Walker, Wincanton Racecourse on 07971 598287 or hannahwalker@localdial.com
