[D]onald McCain and Brian Hughes will be looking to continue their winning streaks at Carlisle’s final Jumps meeting of the season on Thursday night (May 11).
Leading trainer McCain has saddled 10 winners at Cumbria’s premier racecourse in the 2016/17 National Hunt season while jockey Brian Hughes has posted 10 winners from 44 rides over Carlisle’s jumps and hurdles.
Both will return to Carlisle on Thursday evening for this season’s National Hunt finale at the Cumbrian track.
McCain has five runners featured in the all-hurdles race card with Heaven Scent, Cousin Oscar, Cadellin, Fit For Fifty and Rockalzaro, while Hughes will ride Idder, Final Countdown and Skip.
Hughes has stiff competition to end the season as Carlisle’s top jockey with Will Kennedy, who has nine winners at the course to his name in 2016/17, riding four of McCain’s mounts.
Joining them on the card will be Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell, who has Morning Time entered in the 2m 1f Amazing Monday Here 7th August Handicap Hurdle, and Michael Scudamore who has Oriental Fixer going in the 3m 1f Watch Racing Uk In Hd “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.
It has been another fantastic season of National Hunt racing at Carlisle, and one which has produced many highlights.
Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “We have seen some great Jumps racing here over the last six months – from our Red Rum Day back in October to the many great horses who have raced here before featuring in the sport’s blue riband events.
“Donald and Brian have led the way and it will be intriguing to see if they can finish the season as our top trainer and jockey.
“Preparations are now well underway for our flat season which starts on May 22.
“We have some fantastic events and racing coming this summer, from our historic Bell and Plate meeting on June 28, to our racing and music night with chart-topper Jess Glynne on July 8 and, of course, our famous #AmazingMonday ladies day on August 7.
“So, come along and enjoy first class racing at this wonderful venue. And remember, as with all our race meetings, under17s get in absolutely free!”
Tickets for Thursday’s meeting are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). Under-17s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Gates open 4.20pm. First race 5.55pm, last race 8.55pm.
