Newbury’s Betfair Super Saturday Set for Spectacular Showdowns with Stellar Entries
As anticipation mounts for Newbury’s Betfair Super Saturday, the stage is set for a thrilling showcase of top-class racing, headlined by a stellar card featuring some of the sport’s finest talents.
Among the highly anticipated events is the £85,000 Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase, which has attracted a competitive field of five contenders. Leading the charge is the multiple Grade 1 winner Shishkin, trained by Nicky Henderson. Despite a setback in the King George VI Chase, Shishkin remains a formidable force, aiming to bounce back with a strong performance. Also vying for glory are Protektorat, Does He Know, Hitman, and the veteran Sam Brown, each bringing their own credentials to the table.
In the £85,000 Grade 2 Betfair Game Spirit Chase, the excitement continues with six entries, including the promising Boothill trained by Harry Fry and Edwardstone from the yard of Alan King. Both horses are primed for a showdown after recent outings, eager to showcase their talent on the prestigious stage of Newbury.
Speaking ahead of the event, Harry Fry expressed his optimism for Boothill’s performance, emphasizing the horse’s resilience and readiness to put past setbacks behind him. Meanwhile, Alan King has high hopes for Edwardstone, a Grade 1 winner looking to return to top form after a recent fourth-place finish.
The stakes are equally high in the Betfair Hurdle, with 26 contenders eyeing the coveted prize. Leading the betting is Ocastle des Mottes, backed by the expertise of Willie Mullins. However, contenders such as Altobelli, Iberico Lord, and Under Control are hot on his heels, promising a fiercely contested race.
Barry Orr, spokesman for Betfair, commented on the competitive nature of the Betfair Hurdle, noting the shifting odds and the enthusiasm of punters for certain contenders.
In addition to the thrilling races, racegoers can look forward to a special parade of legends featuring iconic horses Altior, Native River, and Sceau Royal. These champions will grace the parade ring, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness their greatness once again.
With tickets priced from £33 and U18s admitted free, Betfair Super Saturday promises an unforgettable day of racing action and nostalgia at Newbury Racecourse. Don’t miss out on the excitement as the finest horses and jockeys compete for glory in one of the highlights of the racing calendar.
Full list of entries and weights in 2024 Betfair Hurdle following confirmation stage:
| Horse | Age | Weight | Owner | Trainer |
| Hansard (IRE) | 6 | 12 0 | Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates Hansard | Gary Moore |
| Luccia (GB) | 6 | 11 12 | Pump & Plant Services Ltd | Nicky Henderson |
| Spirit d’Aunou (FR) | 5 | 11 11 | Heart of the South Racing 130 | Gary Moore |
| Faivoir (FR) | 9 | 11 9 | Mrs Suzanne Lawrence | Dan Skelton |
| Knickerbockerglory (IRE) | 8 | 11 9 | Chelsea Thoroughbreds – Knickerbocker | Dan Skelton |
| Lookaway (IRE) | 7 | 11 9 | Peter Beadles | Neil King |
| Under Control (FR) | 5 | 11 9 | Mr John P. McManus | Nicky Henderson |
| Tellherthename (IRE) | 5 | 11 7 | The Megsons | Ben Pauling |
| Brentford Hope (GB) | 7 | 11 6 | The Optimists Syndicate | Harry Derham |
| Iberico Lord (FR) | 6 | 11 6 | Mr John P. McManus | Nicky Henderson |
| Ocastle des Mottes (FR) | 5 | 11 5 | Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede | W. P. Mullins |
| Doddiethegreat (IRE) | 8 | 11 4 | Mr K. Alexander | Nicky Henderson |
| Aurigny Mill (FR) | 7 | 11 4 | Mrs E. Weld | Victor Dartnall |
| Kamsinas (FR) | 7 | 11 4 | Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates Kamsinas | Fergal O’Brien |
| Altobelli (IRE) | 6 | 11 4 | Charlie Walker and Jonny Craib | Harry Fry |
| L’Eau du Sud (FR) | 6 | 11 1 | Sir A Ferguson G Mason J Hales & L Hales | Dan Skelton |
| Go Dante (GB) | 8 | 11 1 | Mrs Barbara Hester | Olly Murphy |
| Norman Fletcher (GB) | 5 | 10 12 | Rushmoor Stud & Mario Stavrou | Nigel Twiston-Davies |
| Jilaijone (FR) | 5 | 10 11 | Mr Samuel Sutton | David Pipe |
| Our Champ (IRE) | 6 | 10 10 | Pearson,Jenner,Hawkings,Dunford&Harding | Chris Gordon |
| Moveit Like Minnie (IRE) | 7 | 10 10 | Mr F. J. Mills | Nigel Twiston-Davies |
| Alvaniy (IRE) | 6 | 10 9 | Mr P. Byrne | W. P. Mullins |
| Yorksea (IRE) | 6 | 10 9 | Aura Racing | Gary Moore |
| Ito Ditto (FR) | 6 | 10 7 | Bradley Partnership | Nicky Martin |
| Donnacha (IRE) | 6 | 10 5 | Mrs Marilyn Jane Martin | Nigel Hawke |
| Onlyamatteroftime (IRE) | 8 | 10 1 | Mr P. Byrne | W. P. Mullins |
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.