100 runners were declared for this afternoon’s racing at Bath in a bumper all sprint card.
Following heavy rainfall during March, which resulted in three races being abandoned during the Bath Racecourse season opener, the decision was made to run an all sprint card on Friday 20 April in order to complete essential work on the long track.
The feature race is a Class 1 Listed British EBF Lansdown Stakes which has 15 horses declared including a star of 2016, MRS DANVERS trained by Jonathan Portman – ridden by Richard Kingstone today.
Eyes will also be on Franny Norton following his success at Bath on Good Friday, riding through the card for a four timer. Franny has 5 rides today including UNDER THE COVERS, ALASKA, GRANDMA TILLY, THE DALEY EXPRESS and CORAL CAYE.
Clerk of the Course, Katie Stephens said “It is great to have plentiful runners on a really competitive card, especially given that all races are sprints.
“We see a great renewal of the Listed race the Whitsbury Manor Stud/EBF Lansdown Fillies Race where 15 go to post for this valuable £40,000 contest. MABS CROSS has won her last 4 starts and goes into the race in real solid form, but can the previously consistent speed queen, MRS DANVERS bounce back to form and lift the Lansdown prize?
“Whichever way it goes, it promises to be a great race. Well populated fields are definitely the order of the day and right through to the end of the card where a maximum field of 20 go to post for the closing heat at 7.45.”
Gates open at 2.30pm with the first race at 4.40pm. Grandstand tickets are available on the gate for £21.
Pictured: Mrs Danvers.
