Following the loss of the Grade 2, First National Gold Cup at Ascot on Saturday, November 23rd, the British Horseracing Board is pleased to announce that a new race will be staged at Wincanton on Thursday, December 5th, as a replacement opportunity.

BHB Controller of Programmes Ruth Quinn said today: “This valuable replacement race has been created because we recognise that there are few opportunities like the First National Gold Cup for second-season chasers.

“We always look to owners and trainers to give particular consideration to running in rearranged or replacement races, but in this case we would make a special plea. A small field will provide little incentive for everyone who has worked so hard to put the race on, and contributed funding, to do so in similar circumstances in the future.”

Tote’s PR Director Andy Clifton said “We are pleased to help to support this valuable opportunity for up and coming chasers following the abandonment of Ascot last weekend. I hope that owners and trainers justify our support and the flexibility shown by the rest of the industry by providing an interesting and competitive race.”

Thanks go to the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the Tote and Wincanton Racecourse Executive for their generous financial contributions to this race. Revised running order is as follows:

12:15 51763 The Best South West Racecourse Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class D)
12:45 51762 The Tote Trifecta Hurdle Race (Handicap) (Class D)
01:20 51767 The Tote Exacta Levy Board Intermediate Steeple Chase (Class B)
01:50 51766 The Christmas Party Day Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class E)
02:25 51761 The Hilary Pike 60th Birthday Silver Buck Steeple Chase
(Showcase Handicap) (Class D)
02:55 51764 The See More Business Bar Handicap Steeple Chase (Class E)
03:25 51765 The Cerne Abbas ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race (E)