A Devon Delight in April
There's something rather special about an April afternoon at Newton Abbot. Reminds me of those school holiday trips down to Devon with my father, when we'd stop off at the track if racing was on, him claiming it was 'educational' while my mother rolled her eyes knowingly. Today's card would have had the old man rubbing his hands together – two Listed contests, some cracking novices, and that indefinable Newton Abbot atmosphere that makes you feel like you're watching racing in someone's back garden.
The going description of good to soft, soft in places told its own story after recent showers, but that only added to the authentic jumping experience. This wasn't Cheltenham's manicured perfection – this was proper National Hunt racing, where horses had to show a bit of character alongside their class.
Listed Highlights Steal the Show
The afternoon's centrepiece was undoubtedly the British EBF Gold Castle Novices' Hurdle, a Listed affair over two miles seven furlongs that attracted some serious talent. Kazansky and No Drama This End came into this as the standout performers on ratings, both carrying the expectations that come with being rated in the 140s.
What caught my eye was the presence of Harry Cobden on No Drama This End – when Harry makes the trek down to Newton Abbot for a ride, you know connections fancy their chances. The partnership with James Bowen on Kazansky promised a proper battle, and these two looked head and shoulders above the opposition on paper.
Sept Etoiles represented an interesting each-way angle for the shrewd punter. Sean Bowen's booking suggested Paul Nicholls fancied this one to outrun his 134 rating, and at this level, that sort of stable confidence usually translates into a decent run at the very least.
The Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase provided the other Listed contest, and what a field they assembled. Panic Attack arrived as the class act with her 147 rating, but in a mares' only contest, class doesn't always tell the whole story. These ladies can be wonderfully unpredictable – just ask anyone who's tried to solve the Cheltenham mares' races over the years.
Ones to Follow from the Supporting Cast
While the Listed races grabbed the headlines, the supporting card offered plenty for the notebook. The opening maiden hurdle threw up some intriguing prospects, with Newbrook Diamond and Off The Jury both rated 126 and looking ready to break their duck.
But it was Gee Force Flyer who really caught my attention. Sean Bowen in the saddle, a rating of 120, and that name suggests connections have a sense of humour – always a good sign in my book. Sometimes the horses with the daft names are the ones that surprise you most.
In the novices' limited handicap chase, King Roly looked the pick of the bunch. Course and distance winner already, which at Newton Abbot counts for plenty given the unique challenges this track presents. The tight turns and undulating nature mean horses either love it or loathe it – there's rarely any middle ground.
Find A Fortune represented another Harry Cobden special, and at 121, looked potentially well treated if his jumping held up. These novice handicap chases are often where the future stars announce themselves, and with £15,000 on offer, the connections clearly thought enough of their charges to aim them here.
The Handicap Puzzle
The Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase over two miles promised to be the day's most competitive affair. Jigoro topped the weights but looked to have plenty in hand based on recent form, while Heltenham carried the 'C' symbol indicating a course winner – never underestimate local knowledge at a track like this.
The Other Mozzie provided the Harry Cobden factor once again. When you see Harry's name appearing three or four times on a Newton Abbot racecard, it usually means he's identified some value that others have missed. At 138, this one looked feasibly treated if returning to his best form.
The mares' contests that followed often throw up surprises, and Flying Fortune in the mares' handicap hurdle looked the type to improve for the step back up in trip. Sean Bowen's booking suggested confidence, and at this level, small margins often make big differences.
Amateur Hour Brings Up the Rear
The closing amateur riders' handicap hurdle always provides entertainment, if not always the most reliable betting medium. These races have a wonderful habit of throwing up 20-1 winners ridden by someone's daughter or the local point-to-point champion having their annual track appearance.
Rioja Alta with Miss Becky Smith looked the most professional combination on paper, but in amateur races, you're often better off watching for the horse that jumps and travels rather than worrying too much about the form book.
Looking Ahead
The quality of today's card at Newton Abbot suggests we're hitting that sweet spot in the jumping calendar where the ground is still decent but the summer break hasn't quite kicked in. Many of these horses will likely reappear at the bigger tracks over the coming weeks – the Listed race winners particularly will have Aintree or Punchestown on their radar.
For the handicappers who ran well today, Newton Abbot often serves as a perfect stepping stone to the more valuable prizes at Exeter or Wincanton. The track has a wonderful knack of bringing horses forward, and several of today's performers looked like they'll benefit significantly from this run.
It's days like these that remind you why Newton Abbot remains such a treasured part of the jumping landscape. Not the biggest prizes, perhaps, but proper racing with proper horses and that authentic atmosphere you simply can't manufacture. My father would have loved every minute of it.
