In a move to secure racing at Ascot on Friday, 22nd January The British Horseracing Board has decided that it will, if required, sanction an all Steeple Chase five race-card.
The Victor Chandler Chase has already been carried forward but with the hurdle course reported as the wetter of the two National Hunt tracks at Ascot a further steeple chase is now to be offered to provide the option of a 5 race all chase card. Thus Ascot will either consist of a full 8 race card including the Victor Chandler Chase and the new chase, or a 5 race chase card.
The new chase will close tomorrow, Tuesday January 18th and details are as follows:-
THE DURHAM RANGER HANDICAP CHASE (CLASS D)
for five yrs old and upwards-Rated 0-120
TWO MILES ABOUT THREE AND A HALF FURLONGS
£35 Stake,
£7000 added to stakes
Distributed in accordance with Order 194 (iv)(a)
Penalties, after January 17th, a winner of a steeple
chase…………………..5lb
18 SNC BP
The revised order or running on Friday, January 22nd would be as follows:-
If Hurdle course is raceable:
“”0″” CELLSPACING=””2″” CELLPADDING=””1″”>
12.30 The Durham Ranger Handicap Steeple Chase (Class D)
1.00 The European Breeders Fund ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle Race (Qualifier)
(Class D)
1.30 The Bucktail Handicap Steeple Chase (Class C)
2.05 The Silver Doctor Open Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race (Class C)
2.40 The P.M.L. Lightning Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class A)(Grade 2) BBC
3.10 The Victor Chandler Chase (Handicap Steeple Chase (Class A)(Grade 2) BBC
3.40 The Rosling King Hurdle Race (Showcase Handicap) (Class B) BBC
4.10 The Mar Lodge Handicap Steeple Chase (Class B)
If Hurdle course is unraceable:
1.30 The Durham Ranger Handicap Steeple Chase (Class D)
2.05 The Bucktail Handicap Steeple Chase (Class C)
2.40 The P.M.L. Lightning Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class A)(Grade 2) BBC
3.10 The Victor Chandler Chase (Handicap Steeple Chase (Class A)(Grade 2) BBC
3.40 The Mar Lodge Handicap Steeple Chase (Class B)
Further details concerning the timing of the decision over the final content of the racecard for the day will be announced in due course.
The British Horseracing Board would like to thank the Ascot Authority, the Horserace Betting Levy Board and all other parties concerned for their help in making these contingency arrangements possible.
