Mares Only Novices' Steeplechase Series (2007-2008)

The TBA have joined the European Breeders’ Fund in co-sponsoring this series. All horses which start in these races, as defined in the Order and Rules of Racing, will be eligible to enter the £50,000 EBF/TBA Mares’ Only Novices Steeplechase Final (A Handicap) (Listed) Class 1 over 2 miles about 6 1/2 furlongs at Newbury on March 29th, 2008.

Report from the day of the Final:

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.