Saturday 29th March - EBF/TBA Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase Final (A Handicap) (Listed) Class 1 at Newbury

Visitors to Newbury were treated to an exciting afternoon’s racing, despite the inclement weather, and guests of the EBF and TBA enjoyed the excellent hospitality laid on for them.

From the original entry of 19, the 15 mare race, which was the largest field since the launch of the Series and included five winners from the qualifiers, was run at a good pace considering the rain and high winds.

Trained by Seamus Mullins, the eventual winner, STRAWBERRY (Beneficial ex Ravaleen), who is owned by TBA member Dr Roger Jowett and was bred by Mrs Hazel Hatton, made all the running and jumped fluently. British Bred CLASSIC FIDDLE (Classic Cliché ex Fiddling the Facts) trained by Nicky Henderson and who, incidentally, collected the TBA’s Best Turned Out prize, finished strongly in second place, diminishing the winning margin.

Entries: 19
Runners: 15
British Bred Runners: 4
Condition: Soft

1 Strawberry (IRE) (Beneficial – Ravaleen(IRE))

Owner: Dr R Jowett
Breeder: Mrs Hazel Hatton
Trainer: J W Mullins

2 Classic Fiddle (Classic Cliche(IRE) – Fiddling The Facts(IRE)) British Bred

Owner: Mrs E Roberts
Breeder: Mrs E C Roberts
Trainer: N J Henderson

3 Back On Line (IRE) (Bob Back(USA) – Ballyvooney)

Owner: Roa Arkle Partnership
Breeder: Pat Tobin
Trainer: Miss Venetia Williams