The course is just over a mile and a half around. It is very undulating with a steep climb into the home straight which makes it a thorough test of stamina. The fences do not look that tough but are not easy. There is a water jump which is the second on the home straight although the run in is on a separate a chute which brings the runners very close to the spectators. This course is not for the faint-hearted and it takes a lot of courage to make all here.
To call it Hexham is stretching things a bit. It is over two miles from the mainline railway station and the walk from there to the course is up some pretty testing hills and the lanes are quite twisty making it slightly on the hazardous side. As such most racegoers either arrive via car, coach or cab. However it is still technically Hexham in the Hexhamshire area of the sprawling rural town. As such it is not in the Bath or Exeter school so no Ryanair award.
The paddock is quite small and access to view the horses is not very easy but offers great views out over the course from a high vantage position. The paddock did not have any trees, there was no incline and there was no pre parade ring that I could see as the horse went from horsebox to saddling stables and then into the ring
The going today was described as soft after the bit of rainfall we have had recently. There was a very healthy covering of grass and to my eye they were not going in too deep and only tiring when the pace of the race was frenetic. My view is that it was absolutely perfect jumping ground and as such I would say it was good to soft. Well done to the groundsman.
The entry to the course was non descript and none of the buildings stood out as interesting. The main members building looked like an old border fort which was a bit different but hardly eyecatching for anything other than its perfunctory nature. There were bits of objet d’art to comment on although some hedges in the home straight appeared to have been hacked into some kind of abstract shape to convey the random nature of life or else a pitiful attempt as forming the outline of a horse in the manner of a shovel handed navvy in the early stages of a night-school class in topiary.
The stands at Hexham afford little in the way of shelter and most view the racing from the grassy banks. These look to be suffering a bit as they begin to cut up. Because of the stands you are well advised to bring ample protection from the elements. Hexham is close to the massive reservoir at Kielder Water and you do not build a reservoir in dry parts of the country if you can get away with it so yes Hexham is prone to the odd shower but luckily not today and when it is dry this is a great racecourse to visit. Looking at the stands you have to say that the results of a structural survey would be interesting as this course appears to be on the configuration of where lack of investment charm meets run down shabby. In fact I would not recommend licking the paint here as even the most recently tarted up is likely to have been completed some decades before lead was outlawed. I would not say it is dilapidated in the same way I felt Plumpton appears but I would say it is heading into that territory. There was a very healthy crowd and they were extremely enthusiastic. The level of decorum ranged from the very polite applause afforded to the easy winner of the seller to the airoplane weaving in triumph teenager en route to tell his father ‘Danny fecking John’ after the gamble of the day was landed. His father must of been proud but from my vantage point I thought you poor bugger you’re hooked.
The entry today was £10 into the grandstand which was good value as we had a nice varied card. There were two novice events, a seller and four handicaps over a variety of distances from 2mi to 3m1. All in all a good day out. There was little distinction with good areas demarcated for the normal level, a £8 surcharge to get into the members and no silver ring. In fact the previous silver ring is now derelict with the old tote building pretty run down and out of operation. The car parking was free and adjacent to the entrance but was likely to get a bit mudlocked so you might expect the odd car needing a tow when we have some deep boggy condition. The racecard was only £2. It may have been a bit lacking in features but was full colour and as such was worth the money. This should be the standard level price and any increase must be matched with significant extra value. The communication bonus was further matched by Thommo on the mike as he adds plenty of colour and gives an opinion which is not always positive and as not ultra sycophantic is exactly what punters want to hear. So good communication but not at the Towcester level I am affraid
The catering was very good. There was a decent restaurant for grandstand punters. However I wasn’t that hungry. The tea available was very reasonable at £1.50, was hot and good flavour plus fresh milk. So a plus. The food was also good. For example a decent sized steak and kidney pie plus mushies for £3.50 was worth the money and the steak sandwich with onions for £4.50 was very tasty and the beef was very good flavour. At both places for eat out food the women serving were very polite and happy. So catering at Hexham a big good value plus.
All in all a good value day out and Hexham as a place to visit is a great historic market town. However the lack of cover and standard of the infrastructure detracted a bit from the day and as such Hexham having made a great effort to replace Chester as top northern track has not quite made it.
Hexham has been a major settlement for millennia. It lies just upstream from where the north and south Tyne meet and as such was an important communication point with a crossing point. It lies close to major Roman settlements such as Corbridge and is along the line of Hadrians Wall. It was a principle area of early Christianity with a famous Abbey in the centre of the town. This part of England was a major area of pilgrimage and religious administration. Wollsingham is close by and Saint Bede and Saint Cuthbert are amongst many philosophers as visitors to the town. This area has a real mix of roots but there is significant Viking blood around here with many surnames having links to Scandinavia. The place has loads of great places to visit and there are plenty of nice places to chill out along the banks of the Tyne around here, in fact you can just about ford it four miles downstream of Hexham at Corbridge.
Hexham Racecourse is now Northumberland's only racecourse. Perched on Yarridge Heights high above the historic market town, Hexham Racecourse has been the home of National Hunt racing in Northumberland for well over a century. The site takes full advantage of a natural amphitheatre of sloping grass below the stands to provide superb viewing of the racecourse as well as the magnificent surrounding countryside.
Other sites of race meetings including Rothbury, Belford, Elsdon, Wark and Morpeth have come and gone. Gosforth has changed counties.
Racing in the district was first recorded on Tyne Green, Hexham in the 1720s. Articles for a specific meeting on 3rd May 1738 on Tyne Green are in existence. By 1793 articles were showing racing to be taking place on Hexham Race Ground and there is little doubt that meetings held from then onwards were held at Yarridge.
After 1850 Wark Races took much of Hexham's custom; this combined with farming taking place on the site, sent Hexham into decline and by 1880 racing had ceased altogether.
However, in 1890 racing was restarted under National Hunt Rules by a great local enthusiast, Charles William Chipchase Henderson of the Riding.
At a meeting of county gentry, he was asked to take on the task which he did with enthusiasm, and assumed full responsibility for both management and finance.
Between 1890 and 1900, permanent buildings were erected, a few of which survive to this day, painted white but with the blue and yellow of the Henderson racing colours on gutters and doors. He planted the natural beech wings and, in 1907 bought the land off the Bywell Estate. Everything was done at his personal expense.
In 1907 the "town and trade of Hexham" presented the Heart of All England Cup and the Heart of All England Steeplechase which is still the best known and most popular race to be ridden on the course. The name so often associated with the district was supposed to have been given by James I of England who, whilst riding just south of Hexham on his way to assume the English crown said: "verily this is the heart of all England".
Mr. Henderson died in 1914 and ownership of the racecourse passed on to his son Captain Stephen Henderson, who in 1926 turned the racecourse into a private limited company in which several local families had shares although the Henderson family has kept the controlling shareholding.
The course and Buildings were requisitioned as an ammunition site during the 1939-1945 war.
Racing started again at Whitsuntide 1946 under the direction of Mr. C.D. Patterson and has continued without a break until the present day.
1990 New weighing room, sponsors rooms and officials boxes completed.
1993 The Federation Brewery financed the Buchanan Rooms (3 Boxes).
1997 Watering system installed and lake constructed. 1998 Ramshaw stand built with help from the Horserace Betting Levy Board, European Community, Federation Brewery and the Tote.
1998 (October) Tote Betting Shop completed
The Racing
We kicked off with a fraction over two and a half mile class 5 selling hurdle run at a fairly slow pace which left it open to hold ups who may not have stayed the trip at such a testing track, to have the advantage. It was won in emphatic style by the Ferdy Murphy trained Ockey De Neulliac. Was held up in mid division until produced from a mile out to lead coming to the last and then extended to soon assert pulling well clear. Has a tendency to break blood vessels so is not one to trust implicitly but looked a decent prospect when winning over fences at Catterick last season. Attracted no dib which as a nine year old you would have to be hugely optimistic to think there are many more wins for this one despite this easy win. Second home was Hoar Forest stayed on well but could never land a blow into the winner. This was a fair run in this class but this six year old mare was only racing off 10-11 but on the bare bones of it her current mark of 85 looks attractive. She is a consistent sort so this indicated more that the higher rated either ran particularly badly or are hopelessly burdened in handicaps. She is then a decent benchmark in this theatre but not one to stick in as a positive. These two were miles clear. Of the remainder the odds on favourite Palomar had nearly two stone on this lot if it were a handicap so was pretty well thrown in plus was not disgraces when racing in this autumn’s Cesarawich. He was held up and when produced came through smoothly to take every chance three out. But he went out like a light soon after and quickly weakened. He is rated 135 but was nowhere near that level today and he is clearly over-rated so I would have him as a negative as I cannot see him winning a handicap off this mark. The long distance traveller Khorun from Bridgend was a bit of a disappointment being another that quickly weakened once in the lead. Probably better over a less testing course. Top weight and previous CD Kempski was soon beaten from a prominent position. Probably needed the run judging by running and his condition in the paddock beforehand as has shown ability to handle the going and course in the past. At eleven though his future is very much in the past. Saga Surprise tried to make all but wasn’t up to much again.
Race 2 was run at a fair pace and was a class 5 handicap chase which was raced just over the two and a half mile confined to conditional jockeys. It was won by Domoly to complete a quick double for Ferdy Murphy. Stayed the trip well but won this with some great jumping in comparison to his competitors. I thought he was coming to the end of his tether late on and probably needed the run. So he could very well win again if the 77 is not stretched too far. The second was Banoge who looks an awkward ride and seemed to not be entirely resolute when having a good chance to get back at Domoly. On the basis of this I have him down as a negative. Super Baby finished third having led for most until headed three out. He jumped a bit too bit and extravagantly but it was a fair run off this 97 mark. Twice Lucky was fancied in the market as favourite but we never saw how good he is as unseated his rider at the first ditch.
Race 3 was a class 5 handicap hurdle raced over just over the two miles for which there was a generous pace. The battle finished up as a good three way fight with Sydney Cove prevailing by less than a length over Lyrical Intent and Waltham Abbey who were only separated by a short head the trio being more than ten lengths clear of the remainder. Sydney Cove was showing first form for two years and his ability to outstay the rest at this tough course was probably the key aspect for him today. The second Lyrical Intent was one of the youngsters today at five and had previously been of a decent standard on the flat being able to win three times. As such if being able to transfer some of that ability to timber would hold respect off this mark of 74. Ran and battled well today and must have a very good chance of winning in this sphere so rates a positive. Waltham Abbey had every chance but just couldn’t quite quicken.on seasonal reappearance. However at ten there cannot be too much improvement in him. Of the rest the favourite Sheriff Hall looked in good nick despite being off six months but weakened quickly having made most to abut halfway. Looks a frustrating sort. His stablemate Ice Image was on his toes beforehand and didn’t hurdle too fluently.
Race 4 was the feature race of the afternoon being a class 4 novice chase over three miles one and they raced at a good pace making this a real test of stamina. It was a great tussle between Rolecarr and Lively Baron with the former just prevailing. The winner Rolecarr was highlighted as one to follow when running well in a hurdle race at Newcastle and did not disappoint. Now over fences the big things noticeable was that he jumps fences very well and looks to be a better prospect jumping than hurdling. Barely put a foot wrong and driven up to lead from about 4 out he battled on very well. I think he needs to drop a furlong or two and would like to see him concentrate on 20f. However this was a good run and it augers well for his future and can win under a penalty so is marked as a positive again. The runner up was Lively Baron who definitely stays this trip well. He may well have won today if his jumping was better and it was this area of the game that was the head difference between the pair. As such and on the basis that Donald McCain has the talent to improve his jumping, I have him as a positive going forward. Beware that this is the second race where fluency let him down but on review of the Kelso debut today was a step in the right direction. The remainder was thrashed although I think Eyre Apparent would have been in the mix for third if not for clattering three out
Race 5 was a class 4 novice hurdle over a touch over two and a half miles which was run at a sedate pace. The odds on favourite Aland Islands prevailed by just under two lengths but was made to battle for his win by the game runner up Ebony River. The pair were a similar distance ahead of the staying on at one pace Gorey Lane and the first three were over five lengths to the good over the rest. On the face of a robust challenge the winner looked a classy sort and is likely to be able to shoulder a penalty having previously won a bumper at Exeter. Well suited by tough courses as is a thorough stayer. A lot to like about this performance and I have him as a positive. The more experienced Ebony River was running his best race to date and the son of the great Alderbrook looks to have a future as this was a step up now racing over not sapping trips and courses. One to bear in mind as would not be winning out of turn The third Gorey Lane ran very nicely on hurdle debut and has some nice Irish points form. Expected to see out this sort of trip and in fact gave the impression today that would suit further say three miles. There was no early gallop and I think this did not suit the thorough stayers that much but I suppose it gave them all the chance to get their hurdling eye in.
Race 6 was a proper test over three mile one furlong and was a handicap set at class 5. There were two gambled horse and a strongly supported favourite and it was no shock that three of the first four home were these three runners. The winner was the springer of the field backed from 20/1 down to 10/1 in the form of Danny John Boy. The jockey Lucy Alexander rode a fine race today holding the clearly highly thought of handicapper up in the face of a strong pace and bought through to wear the long term leader down until asserting between the final two obstacles for a win on merit. This is the second time sprung a surprise when lady ridden which may be the key. However it is the runner up Riskier (well backed 10/1 to 6/1)who makes the grade as the positive form the race. Jumped well and tried to make most was just lacking in stamina and a race over two and a half is maybe what this six year old with plenty of improvement needs. The 86 mark in the right condition looks highly open to exploitation and on the right track over the 20f he can make all. Third home by just a short head was the plugging on gamely Billsgrey and for a pipeopener it was very encouraging. Favourite Cloudy Dawn weakened a bit on the run in to be fourth. Clobbered by the handicapper now on 78 having won recently off 89. Best left till on an attractive mark.
Race 7 and the final effort of the day was a class 5 handicap chase over the three miles. It was won by a head in a thrilling finish by bottom weight Panthers Run who was seven pounds out of the handicap. Inconsistent sort who had no right based on the book in winning today. The head separated him from the runner up Tipsy Indian is a more consistent horse and is probably no better than current mark of 83. Third and beaten ten lengths was Why Are You Asking who was another a mile out of the handicap so on the face of this it was a poor basis for the race as may on the basis of the book raced worse than normal. So there is nothing positive to take out of this race and even the apparently well treated CD favourite Frith was out with the washing. As such there was little to be categorical about from this race. Of anything I would say the current expectation that Firth is close to victory again is far fetched.
Notebook
Palomar (N)
Banoge (N) up £10
4
Well beaten next run and remains a negative
Lyrical Intent (P) down £10
P
Forget about this next run as was 20lbs higher due to overweight so now back off 79 and if racing off that mark has a pretty good chance.
Rolecarr (P) down £10
U
Still positive about his chances going forward and I will keep backing
Lively Baron (P) up £3
1 1/3
Easy win next but still a positive
Aland Islands (P)
Riskier (P) down £10
2
Good second in thight race at Sedgefield and remains a positive