Today’s racing
The Grade 1 Clarence House Chase (2m1f) is Ascot’s feature today with the five runners – Defi Du Seuil, Un De Sceaux, Janika, Marracudja and Capeland – set to encounter heavy ground following 11mm of rain on Thursday night.
Over at Haydock, the card features four Grade 2 races including The New One Unibet Hurdle (1m7½f) where shock Fighting Fifth winner Cornerstone Lad is out to enhance his Champion Hurdle credentials for trainer Micky Hammond.
The Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase (3m1½f) has attracted a field of ten featuring Brian Ellison’s Definitly Red, the Evan Williams-trained Prime Venture and Sandy Thomson’s Geronimo, who will be ridden by in-form jockey Ryan Mania.
Taunton and Navan also race over jumps today while Chelmsford and Lingfield host all-weather meetings.
Nick Bannister named new Chairman of Haydock
The Jockey Club announced on Friday that Nick Bannister has been appointed as the new Chairman of Haydock Park.
Bannister will take over the role from Lord Daresbury, who has held the position since 2015.
The 60-year-old has owned several racehorses including Hussard Collonges, who carried Bannister’s colours to victory in the Grade 1 Royal and SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2002. His eldest son is jump jockey Harry Bannister.
Bannister said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking over the Chairmanship of Haydock Park from Lord Daresbury.
“Racing faces many challenges as we move into a new decade and I am much looking forward to working with Dickon White, Regional Director North West, and the rest of his executive team, in taking Haydock Park racecourse forward in this important time for Haydock Park, the Jockey Club, and for the racing industry generally.”
First foal for Saxon Warrior
Saxon Warrior, winner of the 2018 2,000 Guineas, had his first foal born at Haras de l’Hotellerie in France on Thursday.
The new arrival, a colt, is the first foal out of the Galileo mare Gloriously. Guillaume Garcon of the stud described him as “a correct colt with size, bone and quality.”
Additional jumps fixture at Plumpton on Monday
The BHA announced on Friday that Plumpton will stage an extra jumps fixture on Monday.
It will be a six-race card with entries closing by noon today and declarations being required by 10am on Sunday.
Race conditions, race times and further fixture information are available via the BHA Racing Admin site www2.racingadmin.co.uk
