A whole host of top-class entries have been received for the opening day of the three-day Berkshire Winter Million which kicks off with a seven-race card at Royal Windsor this Friday.
119 horses have been entered on a card where there is £400,000 in prize money up for grabs.
The raceday is proudly sponsored by Fitzdares at Royal Windsor this Friday with the seven race card including the Grade 2 Fitzdares Lightning Novices’ Steeplechase where eight entries have been made. The exciting L’Eau Du Sud is the standout name among those entered after his runaway win at Sandown Park last time.
Gidleigh Park could make his comeback in this 2m contest after being pulled-up on chase debut in November. Expensive purchase Caldwell Potter is another potential runner as well as the likes of former Cheltenham Festival winner You Wear It Well.
The most valuable contest on the card is the Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle worth £110,000 where 21 entries have been received. Kabral Du Mathan only just failed in his bid to win the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle at Ascot last month and would be a major player if declared.
Altobelli made a respectable return to action when runner-up at Doncaster last month and should have more to offer in this sphere, while the consistent and lightly raced Wreckless Eric is another name to note among those entered.
18 horses have been entered in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle worth £100,000.
One of those is the Willie Mullins-trained Kitzbuhel who made a winning stable debut recently and is ante-post favourite for the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Talented mare Kateira was fifth in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle (G1) when last seen and Gowel Road produced another excellent effort in defeat when runner-up in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (G2) on New Year’s Day.
The action will kick off at 12:40pm with the Fitzdares Berkshire Winter Million Novices’ Hurdle set to be run over 3m. Racing will conclude at 4:10pm with the Berkshire Winter Million Supports Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Chase over 2m6f. The going is currently described as Soft.
About Royal Windsor Racecourse
Set on the banks of the River Thames and in the shadow of Windsor Castle, the Royal Racecourse is famed for its beautiful settings, immaculate lawns and friendly, intimate atmosphere.
For further information please contact: Sam Cone, Arena Racing Company on 07920 404296 or SCone@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
