A competitive field of six will go to post for the Grade 2 SBK Warfield Mares’ Hurdle worth £45,000 including Grade 1 stars Marie’s Rock and You Wear It Well.
SBK, the sportsbook app powered by Smarkets, have been announced as title sponsors at Doncaster this weekend. The SBK Supreme Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle and the SBK Warfield Mares’ Hurdle have been rearranged from Haydock and Ascot respectively, to give a bumper eight-race card on Town Moor on Saturday and Sunday.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Marie’s Rock steps back up in trip to 3m for just the third time in her career, after she finished runner-up to Bob Olinger in the Relkeel Hurdle (G2) at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
You Wear It Well returns to same sex company after a slightly below-par effort when beaten 14½-length into third in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle (G1) at Sandown at the start of December. The Jamie Snowden mare has never ran over this trip before.
West Balboa had been a model of consistency prior to an extremely below-par run when finishing last of 10 in the Long Walk Hurdle most recently, despite being sent off favourite for the race. A much better showing is expected here from Dan Skelton’s mare.
Nicky Henderson has a strong hand in this Grade 2, with both Theatre Glory and Tweed Skirt also set to represent Seven Barrows. The former took a fall on her latest run at Cheltenham and is another who will need to prove her stamina over this distance.
However, that comment does not apply to Tweed Skirt who was very impressive in winning over the larger obstacles over 3m when last seen. This represents a first hurdles start for the 7yo since April 2022.
The field is completed by dual-purpose mare Coquelicot who is the lowest-rated runner in this field, but did win at ‘Listed’ level on her penultimate start for Anthony Honeyball.
Join us for an electrifying two days of excitement on Town Moor! Experience the thrill of top-quality horse racing amidst a backdrop of Yorkshire pride, as we celebrate the white rose county on SBK Great Yorkshire Chase Weekend. Tickets start from £19. Get yours for Saturday here and Sunday here.
