Proschema and Knappers Hill top 10 declarations for the Wasdell Group Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle
6th October 2022 – A field of 10 will go to post at Chepstow’s Unibet Jump Season Opener meeting on Saturday for the Wasdell Group Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle, where the 145-rated Proschema will carry top-weight of 12st.
Proschema, whose stablemate West To The Bridge has also been declared by Dan Skelton, was fifth in this contest last year in a campaign where he was lightly-raced. His nearest rival comes in the shape of Knappers Hill who progressed well as a novice last season and bids to become the first horse to win this race for Paul Nicholls since Taranis in 2006.
Just over £39,000 is on offer to the winner of the feature race on Saturday’s seven-race card, which means a competitive field has assembled. Philip Hobbs won this last year with Orbys Legend who defeated Didtheyleaveuoutto. Hobbs will rely on Masters Legacy in a race he has won four times. Chris Gordon joins Dan Skelton in being double handed after he declared both Unanswered Prayers and Lord Baddesley. Second-season novices Broomfield Burg forNicky Henderson and Zabeel Champion for Jonjo O’Neil complete the line-up.
The Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow 4-Y-O Hurdle follows the feature race and is set to take place at 4.37pm. Nicky Henderson won this last year with Progressive, and will attempt to win back-to-back renewals of the race with Impulsive One who makes up a field of 10 declarations.
Sawbuck makes the trip across the Irish sea for Irish handler Conor O’Dwyer,while the hat-trick seeking Bagheera Ginge is set for a drop in trip after winning his last two races over 2m5f for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. Dan Skelton is well-represented across both days of the Unibet Jumps Season Opener at Chepstow, and has declared Too Friendly who carries the familiar silks of The Gredley Family. The son of Camelot ran well at both the Cheltenham & Aintree Festivals at the end of last season.
Jane Williams has declared Saint Segal who is set to have his first start since wind surgery, while the talented duo of Silver Shade and Appreciate will look to start Milton Harris’ season off in the same way he finished it after the Wiltshire-based trainer enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2021/22.
The field is completed by Mothill who recently shed his maiden over hurdles, the Harry Fry-trained Winterwatch and Ascot winner Krypton Gold.
Earlier on the card, the Dunraven Windows Novices' Chase (Listed) has attracted a field of four runners with McFabulous declared to make his eagerly anticipated chasing debut for Paul Nicholls.
This should be a good test for the former Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle winner, with the experienced Sebastopol also confirmed for Tom Lacey. Victorias Peak and Interne De Sivola both receive weight from the aforementioned pair which means racegoers should be treated to an intriguing contest.
The action kicks off at 1.42pm with the seven-race card drawing to a close with the Chepstow Construction Equipment Open National Hunt Flat Race at 5.12pm.
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
