The infamous “Durham National Handicap Steeplechase Race” will return to Sedgefield Racecourse on Thursday, 29th October.
It has been part of Sedgefield’s heritage since 1955 and is the biggest race of the year with an increased total prize fund of £20,000 this year.
Sean Magee, horse racing journalist and author of ‘The Arkle’ sponsors the Durham National and names the race “The Sean Magee Sedgefielders” as he gathers his local and national friends together for the fourth consecutive year.
The decision to move the once April fixture to a later time of the year, when the track is at its best, proved to be a popular decision with another year of many entries. Amongst these include last year’s winning horse Royale Knight trained and ridden by 2014 Grand National winning combination Dr Richard Newland and Daryl Jacobs; and 2013 Durham National winning horse Lackamon trained by Sue Smith looking to once again compete for the 2015 National title.
Other entries to look out for include Carruthers, who in his racing career won the Hennessy Gold Cup, a Class 1 race, back in 2011 for Mark Bradstock; Twirling Magnet trained by Jonjo O’Neill, a Class 2 race winner and most recently placing 6th in a field of 17 racing a Class 1 race back in June at Uttoxeter; plus underdog Any Currency with his ability to perform on a variety of grounds and experience of the National fences.
Jill Williamson, Executive Director at Sedgefield Racecourse said; “We are delighted to see that last year’s winner of The Durham National, Royale Knight, entering this year to possibly win his third National! The Durham National is the highlight of our racing calendar and the race is proving exciting with 19 entered runners and we are hoping this encourages more viewers to attend this event.”
For more information about this raceday or to buy tickets visit www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk or call 01740 621925.
