LEOMINSTER RACES START THIS SATURDAY!

The huge undertaking of building a new point-to-point course and applying for an early fixture unfortunately did not attract a huge entry for Leominster Races at Eaton Hall this Saturday (24th) but most who have entered are expected to run, and a good day’s sport is anticipated.

The flat, oval circuit fitting snugly between the A49 Leominster by-pass and the River Lugg is well-established river-meadow turf and should be a joy to gallop on. There are 3 fences in each straight, jumped 3 times in all races but the two-and-a-half mile ‘Young Horse’ Maiden.

The 7-race card begins at 11.30 am with a Members Race, with Wychwoods Brook as one of the 3 runners, trained by Vici Morse (nee Price), whose father, Richard, trained Flakey Dove to win the 1994 Champion Hurdle on the very turf  that the races will be run on.

The Mixed Open will be the Feature Race of the day, with 10 classy entries. Champions of last season, Phillip Rowley and Alex Edwards will be hoping to get an early victory on the board with Bears Affair, but Claire Hardwick’s Western Diva may well be suited by the course, while Heidi Brookshaw’s Ballyrath is wonderfully consistent.

Martin Oliver’s ex-Irish five year-old, Cavs Girl, trained by Max Young, looks the pick of the 3 entered for The Jockey Club Mares & Fillies Open Maiden as she has the most experience.

Due to the convenient position of the Eaton Hall course (HR6 0NA) at the junction of the A44 and A49, just outside Leominster, a decent crowd is predicted for this inaugural fixture. Entrance to the course is £10 per person, under 16’s and car parking free.

There will also be a schooling session at the course on Sunday morning (25th) between 10 am -12pm at £30 per horse.