Racing returns to Newton Abbot Racecourse

The action returns to Newton Abbot on Friday 12th June for the racecourse’s next fixture of the season, which will be followed by live music from local band Station Road.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has made two entries for Friday’s feature race at Newton Abbot, as he looks to add to his already impressive record at the course.

Nicholls notched a treble at the last meeting to take his tally at the course over the last five seasons to 36 wins. Not only is his winning total well ahead of nearest rivals Philip Hobbs and Jonjo O’Neill, but his strike rate of 33% sets him apart from most other trainers here.

He has Atlantic Roller and Vesperal Dream in the day’s big race, the £10,000 Weatherbys Printing Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs although, with the latter winning at Perth on Sunday, it looks as if Atlantic Roller, owned by Graham Roach, could be his representative.

Atlantic Roller hasn’t won for two and a half years and is also entered at Worcester tomorrow, so it’s a case of wait and see if he runs. He will have his work cut out against the likes of the progressive Brody Bleu, who won his fourth race in a row at Exeter last month, and Falcarragh, whose trainer Tim Vaughan is in good form at the moment.

The action gets underway at 13:50 with the Happy 60th Birthday Phil McGrath Novices´ Handicap Hurdle over two and a quarter miles and David Pipe’s Good Value, a beaten favourite at Uttoxeter last time, and top-weight Staff Sergeant look possible winners.

Vaughan has three entries in the At The Par Inn, Still Not Married Novices´ Handicap Chase, but it is course winner No No Cardinal, trained by Mark Gillard at Holwell in Dorset, who could be the one to be on.

Dry Ol’ Party was sent off favourite to score her first win over hurdles at the last meeting for the Hobbs stable and she is an interesting possibility in the "Station Road" Playing After Racing Mares´ Novices´ Hurdle. Stable companion Kayf Willow would have to carry a penalty for her Wetherby win, but could well be up to the task.

Runners will need stamina in abundance in the Belated Birthday Greeting Sean Dooner Handicap Hurdle over an extended three and a quarter miles and one that fits the bill is course and distance winner Finish The Story.

Amongst the other entries are Ffos Las chase winner Celtic Intrigue and Towcester scorer Interpleader who are both also engaged in the following Weatherbys Hamilton Handicap Chase.

The concluding Weatherbys Bloodstock Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Hurdle has attracted 25 entries including Sunblazer, successful in a similar race at the course in April, and the in-form Cruise In Style, who would be looking to follow up her win at the last meeting.

As an added treat, racegoers can listen to live music from popular local band Station Road, who will be playing a number of well-known tracks after the last race of the evening in the betting hall.

Tickets are available priced at £12 for the Course Enclosure and £18 for the Paddock Enclosure and can be bought online until 17:00 on Thursday 11th June. Tickets will also be available at the gates on the day.

Children aged 16 and under and students with a valid photographic student ID / NUS card can enjoy free entry. The racecourse also offers entry to disabled racegoers and one carer for just £12 each with a free transfer to the Paddock Enclosure.

Racing for the afternoon starts at 13:50 with gates opening at 11:50. The last race is at 17:05.

For more information, visit www.newtonabbotracing.com.