The Novice Handicap Pursuit Listed 2m4f, won in 2020 by Imperial Aura, will be withdrawn from the program of Cheltenham Paddy Power will sponsor the new competition
The handicap hunt for Listed 2m4f novices, won in 2020 by Imperial Aura, is no more, because it gives way to a pursuit of mares
The new competition, over the same distance, will take place on Gold Cup day – and will be called the Mrs. Paddy Power Mares Grade 2 Steeplechase
Following its introduction, The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, widely known as Fred Winter, moves on to day one, while the Grand Annual will take place on day two.
Cheltenham Race Director Simon Claisse said: « Deciding which race to replace was not an easy decision and it was important that we take into account all the factors and feedback we received
« But when we assessed the other novice chase opportunities at the festival, as well as the importance of maintaining the current balance of chases and obstacles over the four days, this was seen as the best option. »
Paul Nicholls has revealed he plans to lead his new recruit and Grade 1 winner Laurina in pursuit of mares
« It seems like an obvious race for her, and she already has good form at Cheltenham, so it will definitely be a potential target for her in March, » he said
The plan to introduce a new race was announced in the summer of 2019, as an improvement to the mares program on the most prestigious track of National Hunt Racing
A handicap pursuit for Listed novices will take place at the Imperial Cup meeting in Sandown a few days before Cheltenham, after approval by the BHA jump committee
Director of International Races and Race Development Ruth Quinn said: “The process of selecting which breed to remove to make way for the mare pursuit is good news that we will keep the list. pursuing novice disability as a key target for the relevant sector of the horse population, leading it a few days earlier to Sandown Park «
Steeplechase, Cheltenham Festival, Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase, Novice, Horse Racing, Paddy Power
News from around the world – UK – The Cheltenham Festival 2021 decision on the race abandoned for the pursuit of mares
