18 GO TO POST FOR ULTRA COMPETITVE WASDELL GROUP SILVER TROPHY HANDICAP HURDLE
10th October 2024 – The £75,000 Wasdell Group Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle has attracted a maximum field of 18 runners this Saturday as part of the two-day Unibet Jumps Season opener which is now in its sixth year. The feature race on Saturday sees an ultra-competitive renewal of the race with a whole host of improving horses set to face each other.
Paul Nicholls has a big squad of horses ready for Chepstow this weekend, a meeting he has had plenty of success at in the past, and he will be doubly represented in the Wasdell Group Silver Trophy Handicap. Afadil ran well in a number of highly competitive races last season, including when finishing fifth in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Afadil will be joined by stablemate Irish Hill who will also be making his first start of the season having last been seen finishing runner up at Wincanton in April. Paul Nicholls has twice tasted success in the race, most recently with Knappers Hill in 2022.
Crebilly will carry top weight for trainers Jonjo and AJ O’Neil and owner JP McManus. The Seven-year-old finished second over fences at the Cheltenham Festival in March behind Shakem Up'arry.
The Tom Lacey trained, Tune In A Box, was last seen winning at the Punchestown Festival in April, whilst Jipcot finished third in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on his final start of the season for Ben Pauling.
Dan Skelton has enjoyed a brilliant start to the 24/25 Jump racing season, having just missed out on the trainers championship last term. Doyen Quest looks to be his leading hope for the Wasdell Group Silver Trophy Handicap, having won back to back races at Newbury and Cheltenham to end last season. He won a total of four races during the 2023/24 campaign. Skelton also has Forever William and Take No Chances in the race.
Phillip Hobbs has won the race on three occasions, most recently with Orby's Legend in 2021. Hobbs and training partner Johnson White will have two entered for the feature race on Saturday. Lowry’s Bar won four of his five starts last season but hasn’t been seen since February. Into The Park won consecutive races at Newbury and Taunton last season and will be ridden by Michael Nolan.
Elsewhere on the card, the Native River Handicap Chase sees a field of 12 go to post. Just over £26,000 is on offer to the winner of the 2m7½f contest, and racegoers will be thrilled to see popular stayer Kitty’s Light line up for trainer Christian Williams. Kitty’s Light finished fifth in lasts season’s Grand National and connections will be hoping Saturday’s race will be the first step on his way back to Aintree in April. Also lining up, is Welsh Grand National winner Nassalam for Gary and Josh Moore.
About Chepstow Racecourse
Chepstow Racecourse opened its gates in the early 1920's and has since blossomed into a bustling track that is home to the Welsh Grand National. From just a pretty park, this venue is now home to racing fixtures and music events throughout the year, as well as being available to hire for weddings, conferences and events.
For further information please contact:
Sam Cone, Arena Racing Company on 07920 404296 or SCone@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Hugo Barran, JSC Communications on 07786 913215 or hugo@jsccomms.co.uk
