FIRST RACE 1.20

for six yrs old and upwards

Total prize fund £7000

THE JOHN HEWITT MEMORIAL OPEN HUNTERS’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4)

3M 5Y

Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £3476 to the winning horse The second to receive £1739, the third £868, the fourth £435 and the fifth £217 for six yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, February 4th and pay £35 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. February 8th. Weights: 11st 12lb each Mares allowed 7lb Penalties, after 2020, a winner of a steeple chase 4lb Of 2 steeple chases or of a Class 1 to Class 3 steeple chase 8lb (Half penalties for wins achieved in Novices’ and Maiden Hunters’ Steeple Chases in Great Britain or Ireland) NB: With reference to the 8lb penalty for at least two Chase wins, a horse may only claim a half penalty if all wins were in Novice or Maiden Hunters’ Steeple Chases. To be ridden by Amateur Jockeys. Golden Sunset Holidays has kindly sponsored this race and will present mementos to the winning owner trainer and jockey. Along with the presentation of the John Hewitt Memorial Trophy to be returned to the racecourse by 1st February 2024 In addition, £50 will be awarded to the person responsible for the best turned out horse in this race 15 entries at £35. - Closed February 4th, 2023 Owners Prize Money. Winner £3022; Second £1511; Third £755; Fourth £378; Fifth £189. (Penalty Value £3476.90) HC

1

Secret

INVESTOR

B g Kayf Tara - Silver Charmer

Owner: Mr C. J. Hitchings

Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat

(GB) (69) 11 12 6

Hunt: Blackmore & Sparkford Vale

Sponsor: Morson Group

Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE spots. Form: 02/101/-6 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart chaser who shaped as if he retains plenty of ability when sixth at Chepstow on reappearance. Should have no trouble landing this.

2 Dieu

VIVANT

(FR) (76) 10 12 2

B g Network (GER) - Panique Pas (FR)

Owner: Mr P. Chesters

Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero, Malpas

Hunt: Sir W.W. Wynn’s

Sponsor: Swansway

Colours: BROWN, GREY cap. Form: 313-040 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Ended losing run stretching back 2 years in hunter chase company at Southwell last season. Not at best so far this term and a couple of others make much more appeal.

3 CHERIF DE L’ISLE (FR) (26) 11 11 12

Gr g Fragrant Mix (IRE) - Quelle Surprise (FR)

Owner: Mr C Sage

Trainer: Miss H. Brookshaw, Stoke Heath

Hunt: Sir W.W. Wynn’s

Colours: WHITE, DARK GREEN stars, DARK GREEN sleeves, WHITE stars, WHITE cap, DARK GREEN star Form: 433/0-04

TIMEFORM VIEW Modest start over fences for Gordon Elliott and only fourth in a point recently Up against it.

4

MISTER WHITAKER (IRE) (308) 11 11 12

B g Court Cave (IRE) - Benbradagh Vard (IRE)

Owner: Mr T. G. Leslie

Trainer: Donald McCain, Cholmondeley

Hunt: Cheshire

Sponsor: Proactive Personnel Limited

Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE seams, GREY sleeves, ROYAL BLUE seams, ROYAL BLUE cap

Form: 21234P-

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful handicap chaser for Mick Channon. Landed a novice at Kelso over hurdles last season but below form over fences last 3 outings. Something to prove after 10 months off but a classy sort for hunters if recapturing his form.

5

WHEESHT (IRE) (26) 9 11 9

Br m Scorpion (IRE) - Retain That Magic (IRE)

Owner: Ms A. Sargeant

Trainer: Miss H. Brookshaw, Stoke Heath

Hunt: North Shropshire

Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE stars, chevrons on sleeves. Form: 51-2532 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair chaser who has won between the flags and placed the last twice in that sphere. Needs to up her game. Star Rating

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 5

Tongue Strap worn by No 1, 2, 4.

Rating 104

The Result

Betting

40-1 Wheesht (IRE)

Race Summary:

This is a thin hunter and SECRET INVESTOR should have too much class for his rivals Mister Whitaker is the likeliest to capitalise if the selection fluffs his lines

1-2-3:

1.SECRET INVESTOR 2.MISTER WHITAKER (IRE) 3.DIEU VIVANT (FR)

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Don’t forget to bet with the Tote on the 1:30 at KEMPTON PARK and 1:40 at SOUTHWELL.