[I]t is ‘Superhero Day’ at Carlisle Racecourse on Saturday and the course’s leading trainer will be looking to continue his own super run of form over the jumps.
Northern Ireland’s Stuart Crawford has no fewer than five runners at Carlisle’s annual Easter Family Fun Day.
With a superhero theme, there will be a host of fun activities for all the family in the paddock, including a zip slide, climbing wall and arts and crafts.
And there will be plenty of not-to-be-missed action on the track as many leading trainers and jockeys – who have displayed their very own super powers at Carlisle this season – return seeking more glory.
None more so than Crawford who leads the way at Cumbria’s premier racecourse this season with four wins from seven runners, including a double at Carlisle last Sunday.
Among his hopes will be Elusive Theatre who boasts two places in his last three outings, including a win at Cheltenham in December.
The seven-year-old will be ridden by JJ Slevin in the 2m4f Novices Chase. Slevin also takes charge of the Crawford-saddled Our Valentina, who won by a head at Carlisle back in December, and Verona’s Opera who similarly tasted victory at Carlisle when romping home by five lengths at October’s Red Rum Day meeting.
Crawford’s young mare Lilys Gem is entered for only her second race and will be under the command of Brian Hughes – Carlisle’s leading jump jockey of 2017/18.
Hughes scored a double at the course last Sunday, to take his tally to nine winners this season, and he has a runner in all seven races on Saturday.
No fewer than three of those – the Sandy Thomson-saddled Donna’s Delight, Donald McCain’s nine-year-old Volcanic and the Ian Duncan-trained Finaghy Ayr – have all won at Carlisle in the past. Finaghy Ayr is on a great run having placed in all three races since his Carlisle triumph.
McCain has three runners including Princess Mononoke in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. The promising seven-year-old is again under the command of McCain’s daughter Abbie who rode her to victory over the same 2m1f distance at Sedgefield in January.
Molly Dingwall, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “We have another brilliant day of jumps racing here at Carlisle with seven races and no fewer than 67 runners. It should be a cracking Easter Saturday meeting.
“Together with the action on the track – and it will be wonderful to see so many leading trainers and jockeys here again – we have a whole host of family-themed activities for all ages.
“We have chosen a superhero theme this year and we look forward to seeing many young superheroes in fancy dress. We are also supporting Jigsaw – Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. There will be volunteers out around the course so please support this vital charity in any way you can.”
Gates open on Saturday at 11.40am. First race is 1.40pm and the last race is 5.10pm. Adult tickets are £15 (in advance) or £18 (on the day). All under 18s get in free when accompanied by an adult.
