The Huntingdon racecourse in the UK hosted a National Hunt Maiden Hurdle race today, . The event, titled “Visit Irish Bloodstock Sales With ITM EBF Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race),” featured nine runners competing on a heavy turf course over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs 145 yards. The Class 4 race is specifically for four-year-olds and over.
The race attracted a diverse field of mares, each with varying levels of experience. Blue Marvel, a five-year-old carrying 11-6 in weight and ridden by Charlie Hammond, trained by S Edmunds, showed promise in a previous bumper race but hasn’t consistently built on that initial performance. The commentary suggests it’s a longer-term project, but capable of making an impact at this level.
Callmesusie, an eight-year-old also carrying 11-6, and ridden by J M Quinlan, trained by L Allan, has a single win from fourteen starts, achieved in point-to-point races. Her debut in bumpers showed limited promise, and she has exhibited temperament issues over hurdles, including refusing to race at Wetherby and performing poorly at Fakenham.
Don’t Cheddar Tear, a seven-year-old with a weight of 11-6 and jockey Tabitha Worsley(3), trained by G Howell, entered the race without any prior form. Indigo Sky, a six-year-old with the same weight and ridden by Tom Cannon, trained by L Wadham, previously competed in bumpers for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, but with limited success.
Kom Tu Voudrast, a six-year-old carrying 11-6 and ridden by H Cobden, trained by Faye Bramley, has a placing in a French bumper race. However, her recent performances, including a remote third at Tramore and a disappointing showing at Fairyhouse, suggest she may be outmatched. Notably, she has recently transferred from the stable of Willie Mullins.
Polkafacet, a six-year-old with a weight of 11-6 and jockey C Gethings, trained by B I Case, has shown little promise in three previous bumpers and struggled on her hurdling debut. She is returning to racing after an eleven-month absence and will be racing with a tongue strap for the first time.
Run Suzie Run, a seven-year-old mare, completed the field. Details regarding her weight and jockey are available in the racecard.
The race is designated as a ‘GBB Race’, indicating its qualification within the Great British Bonus scheme. This scheme incentivizes owners to race British-bred horses, offering bonus prize money. The ITM EBF Mares’ series specifically focuses on supporting and promoting mares in National Hunt racing.
The heavy ground conditions at Huntingdon likely played a significant role in the race, influencing the performance of the runners. Heavy ground typically favors horses with stamina and experience navigating challenging surfaces. The 2m 4f 145y distance requires a blend of speed and endurance, testing the horses’ ability to maintain pace over a longer course.
The racecard details provided by Sporting Life and other sources offer a snapshot of each horse’s recent form, providing insights into their potential performance. Form analysis, including previous race results and trainer/jockey combinations, is a crucial element of horse racing handicapping. The odds offered by bookmakers, as referenced by Timeform, reflect the perceived chances of each horse winning the race.
The availability of live odds through various bookmakers, as highlighted by Timeform, allows bettors to track changing probabilities and make informed wagering decisions. The platform also offers a bet slip feature, enabling users to build and manage their selections before placing bets with their preferred bookmakers. The integration of Betfair Exchange prices, available to logged-in customers, provides access to a wider range of betting options.
The race represents a stepping stone for these young mares, providing an opportunity to gain valuable experience and potentially progress to higher-level competitions. Maiden hurdles are often seen as a proving ground for future stars, allowing trainers to assess their horses’ capabilities and identify potential strengths. The outcome of this race will likely influence the future racing plans for each of the participating mares.
