The infamous “Durham National Handicap Steeplechase Race” will return to Sedgefield Racecourse this Sunday, 21 October.
It has been part of Sedgefield’s heritage since 1955 and is the biggest race of the year with a total prize fund of £30,000.
Sean Magee, horse racing journalist and author of ‘The Arkle’ sponsors the Durham National and names the race “The Racing App Sedgefielders Durham National” as he gathers his local and national friends together for the fifth consecutive year.
The Class 2 race now boasts the highest prize fund of the season and is complemented at this meeting with a class three race. This year the race sees seventeen entered horses and includes entered horses from previous Durham National winning trainers Peter Bowen, who won the Durham National three times in 1996, 2007 & 2016 and Donald McCain who won back in 2012.
Amongst others entered includes Exxaro, trained by 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Colin Tizzard and Dell’ Arca trained by the very successful National Hunt trainer David Pipe. Local Sedgefield trainer Chris Grant enters ACDC who placed first at Kelso in April over a shorter distance and Simon Waugh enters Boric again after placing second in the race in 2017.
This year the Racecourse sees a new partnership with Northern Ireland’s leafing bookmakers Toals.com. Toals.com have 50 ultra-modern offices across Northern Ireland and website the boasts the most generous offers on the market.
Managing Director, Gary Toal said “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Durham National Raceday at Sedgefield, being one of the most important dates in the calendar for many racegoers and it will make a great addition to our already prestigious sponsorship portfolio which includes the Ulster and Leinster Nationals.”
David Williamson, Executive Director at Segdefield Racecourse said “The event is looking to be a promising day with some real quality trainers entering this year who have had success in some of the country’s most significant racing events including the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival. With increased entries year on year teamed with top class trainers, we’re hoping to have more viewers visiting a local track.
We’re also thrilled to be partnering with Toals.com bookmakers which we hope will be a long and prosperous relationship for both business and the racing industry, particularly within the Northern region.”
Grandstand & Paddock tickets are available to purchase for the Raceday from only £15pp when booked in advance and Hospitality Packages from £72pp. These can be purchased online at www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk or by contacting the racecourse office on 01740 621925
