Introducing the Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival, three days of racing at Chepstow this October, headlined by the return of the Dragonbet Welsh Champion Hurdle.
Today features some top-quality racing with the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle which has an impressive roll of honour including Silviniaco Conti (2x King George VI Chase Winner at Ascot), Blaklion (Brown Advisory Winner at Cheltenham) , Thyme Hill (Challow Hurdle Winner at Newbury), and Flying Fortune for the Bowen Family. Trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen, ridden by James Bowen, and Last year's winner, Sticktotheplan, was ridden by Sean Bowen and trained by Olly Murphy.
The Welsh Champion Hurdle is normally the Sunday highlight, but this year it moves to Friday and opens the festival. Last year's winner was Celtic Dino, trained by Sam Thomas and ridden by Dylan Johnston. The 6/4 favourite defied top weight to win by two and a quarter lengths and gave owner Dai Walters back-to-back wins in the race.
It’s time for a super Saturday!
Saturday's feature race is the Wasdell Group Silver Trophy, a competitive two and a half mile handicap hurdle first run in 1989. Past winners include Bradbury Star and Don't Push It, who later won the Grand National, and it's a great way to see the jump season get properly under way.
Last year's winner was Rambo T, a 12/1 shot trained by Olly Murphy and ridden by Sean Bowen.
Seven races of jump racing see plenty of hurdlers flying over the flights right in front of the grandstand. Gates open at 11:35, so grab a drink (up to 50% off for the first hour!) and enjoy live music from The Gentlemen before racing gets under way at 13:35. Stay on after the last race at 17:10 for a set from Festival Kings. Bring the whole family too, as children aged 17 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.
The Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival closes with a family-friendly finale of seven jump races, with gates opening at 11:27, the first race at 13:27 and the last at 16:57. Racegoers can enjoy good food and drink, and plenty is going on for all ages. Children aged 17 and under go free when accompanied by an adult. Whether you're joining us in the grandstand or with a hospitality package, it's a great way to round off the weekend and kick the jump season off in style.
