Racegoers flock to Fakenham for final meeting of season

Racegoers flocked to Fakenham racecourse in their thousands for the track’s final meeting of the jumps season, held in bright sunshine.

Ladies Day has always been one of its most popular attractions and with seven races on the card, the day was set fair.

The afternoon began quietly enough with just three runners in the opening Queens’s Dragoon Guards Prince of Wales Cup Chase over three miles.

Warm favourite Mystic Man ridden by Ben Bromley for trainer Oliver Sherwood continued his good form after winning his last race at Stratford to hold off his two rivals from first to last over the 18 fences.

The result was never in doubt up the home straight, with second-placed Rebel Leader never a threat.

The Female Jockeys Hurdle over two miles and four furlongs was keenly contested.

Biding her time in the leading bunch, Fern O’Brien riding Sermando for Alexandra Dunn produced a fine finish to win from long-time leader Never No Trouble under Abbie McCain by two lengths.

Making a rare appearance at Fakenham, top jockey Harry Cobden landed a double in the fifth and seventh races.

Riding favourite Quoi De Neuf for Evan Williams in the feature Jarrold Chase over two miles and five furlongs, he produced a smart finish to just overhaul Hatcher under Tristan Durrell by a neck.

His double came in the last race of the afternoon, the Novices Hurdle over almost three miles.

This was more convincing on If Karl’s Berg Did, beating For Gina ridden by Tom Cannon.

Another double was posted by Jack Quinlan riding for Neil King.

This combination won the Jarrold Chase over two miles when Go Fox, always up with the leading bunch, stormed home by just over seven lengths from Uncle O.

In the next race, the Sworders Property Maiden Hurdle over two miles, Quinlan led the way convincingly from first to last on favourite State Of Bliss.

Best ride of the day came from claiming jockey Alex Chadwick who took an early lead in the Racing TV Hurdle, also over two miles, on favourite Too Friendly for Newmarket trainer James Owen.

Building up a big lead he was challenged over the final mile but kept finding more to romp home by more than six lengths.

Racing at Fakenham now takes its summer break with the first meeting of the 2023/24 season due on Friday, October 20.