Club News

The latest news from the Club

Elgin lines up for the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday

16 February 2018

Alan King has declared to run Elgin to run in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle on Saturday, which is very exciting for Club Members. The homebred hurdler has won two races already this season, including a Listed hurdle at Ascot and the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, which is a day many Members will never forget. After finishing a gallant sixth in the Racing Welfare Hurdle at Ascot before Christmas, Alan has kept him fresh and ready for this big assignment.

Elgin sadly has to carry a penalty for his Greatwood win, which means he is 'wrong' at the weights with both Call Me Lord (6lbs) and Ch'Tibello (10lbs), taking into account their superior ratings and Elgin's 4lb-penalty. Given Elgin is such a fresh horse, compared to Ch'Tibello, who had a gruelling race in deep ground three weeks ago, we hope he has a sound each way chance against some decent opposition. The race is screened live on ITV4, allowing many of our Members the chance to see our best National Hunt star in action.

Just ten minutes later, Man Of Harlech runs in the 2.55 at Lingfield in a 1m2f handicap. He will come up against some in-form opposition, but is dropping down the handicap and will appreciate having two furlongs extra to race over, compared to the mile races he has contested this season. We are looking forward to the prospect of seeing this horse returning to form, as he finished fourth in the 2015 Cambridgeshire Handicap and fifth in the Lincoln the following year, so has plenty of ability.