EBF/TBA Mares' Only Novices' Steeplechase Series

2008 – 2009

This year the successful co-sponsored EBF/TBA Mares’ Only Novice Steeplechase Series, which was extended to 12 qualifying races with a £50,000 Listed Final at Newbury, was won by Aimigayle (Midnight Legend ex Cherrygayle), who has been touted as a Grand National prospect by her trainer Suzy Smith and is owned and bred by TBA member Peter Mercer. The series attracted a total of 50 runners in the qualifiers and 8 in the final. Five of the qualifiers, and the final, were won by mares by British based sires. The series continues to offer the only Black Type opportunity for novice steeplechase mares and, therefore, maintaining its support is vital.

2007 – 2008

All horses which start in these races, as defined in the Order and Rules of Racing, are 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.

Final held at Newbury on March 29th, 2008:
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, and 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 Cliche 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.

2006-2007

EBF/TBA Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase Final held at Newbury Racecourse:
British bred PENNEYROSE BAY, owned and bred by TBA member Sir Christopher Wates, and running for trainer Nick Gifford for the first time, completed a notable double, having won the equivalent EBF sponsored Mares’ Only Hurdle Race Final at Newbury two years ago. The eight year old by KARINGA BAY ex PENNETHORNE PLACE (DEEP RUN) led before two out and forged clear approaching the last, to beat second placed French bred CHAMOSS ROYALE (GARDE ROYALE ex CHAMOSS), owned by TBA member Mrs Kathy Stuart, by eight lengths. Third home was another British bred, HARRINGAY (SIR HARRY LEWIS ex TAMERGALE) owned and bred by TBA member Mrs Rita Vaughan.