Ladies Day at Bangor-On-Dee proved to be the perfect blend of fashion and racing in June 2025. The feature race of the day came in the Rachel Jones Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase, with ground conditions Good (Good to Firm in place) throughout the afternoon.
Race 1 – Rachel Jones Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 4, 5yo+, 2m 1 ½f)
Pulling out all the stops in a power-packed finish, James Bowen was at his brilliant best aboard Tactical Affair (7/4) in Race 1, stealing the contest by ¾ of a length for trainer Warren Greatrex. Nearly always in pole position throughout, Tactical Affair led the way for the most part, setting a steady tempo out in front ahead of previous course winners Bareback Jack (7/2), Barranco (11/8F) and Collingham (14/1). Overtaken shortly after the third-last obstacle, it briefly looked like it could be a struggle for Tactical Affair entering the final quarter mile, ridden along firmly as Bareback Jack hit the front. However, responding well for pressure, Tactical Affair rallied strongly in the closing stages, powering home in the final 100 yards to win going away. A trainer worth respecting, Warren Greatrex recently scored at the Punchestown Festival with Bill Baxter!
Race 2 – Forrest Recruitment Mares’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 4, 5yo+, 2m 4 ½f)
A mare in form, Obsessedwithyou (2/1JF) proved her liking for Welsh tracks when backing up her recent win at Ffos Las with an 8-length victory in Race 2, relentless from the front under Gavin Sheehan for the Jamie Snowden yard. Prominent from the outset, Obsessedwithyou occupied the lead for a large portion of the contest, headed by Calli Back (100/30) entering the final mile but still maintaining close tabs on the leader. Travelling strongly and sneaking through on the inside, Obsessedwithyou soon stole the lead back around the home turn, edging clear of Calli Back as Lost Connections (28/1) began to stay on. In prime position and jumping well, Obsessedwithyou came alight in the final furlong, kicking clear without fuss to score tidily. A top team, Snowden and Sheehan also took a Grade 1 at Aintree in April with Julius Des Pictons!
Race 3 – Wrexham Lager Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 4, 5yo+, 3m)
Patiently ridden but delivered to perfection, Heroique De Maulde (100/30) ran out a smooth winner of the third race under Henry Brooke, pushed clear to win by 2 ¼ lengths for the local Greenall-Guerriero team. Racing in last place, Heroique De Maulde was made to bide his time for most of the way, still in touch with the chasing pack as Cap Du Nord (5/1) led the way on his final run before retirement. Gradually making progress as the runners entered the final half mile, Heroique De Maulde raced widest of all over three-out, challenging for the lead as the final two fences came into view. Travelling smoothly to the lead approaching two-out, Heroique De Maulde finished off nicely in the closing stages, jumping smartly before careering away towards the line. Enjoying the best period of his career, Henry Brooke rode a tidy 62 winners last season!
Race 4 – Bangor-On-Dee Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m ½f)
Following up his recent course victory in May, Solent Gateway (4/9F) repeated the trick in some style when successful in Race 4, storming clear by 10 lengths at the line for Brian Hughes and Donald McCain. Always in the lead, Solent Gateway set a fair tempo despite jumping to his left throughout the contest, followed closest of all by One Cool Dreamer (9/2) for much of the way with Cal Ok (11/1) further behind. Joined for the lead approaching the home turn, Solent Gateway continued to race along the inside rail upon entering the straight, bumped along to maintain the lead as One Cool Dreamer made a challenge. Not to be denied, Solent Gateway soon found more over the final two flights, extending away readily in the closing stages to win in the style of an improver. Winning owners more associated with the flat, Derek Passant & Hefin Williams also had Fitzella finish 4th in the Albany Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot this week!
Race 5 – Wrexham Lager Handicap Hurdle (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m ½f)
A quickfire double for trainer and jockey, Donald McCain and Brian Hughes struck again when Bellbird (11/4) returned a stylish 4 ¾ length winner of the fifth race, making all from pillar to post. Nudged forward to lead over the first obstacle, Bellbird set a middling tempo through the early stages, travelling strongly at the head of affairs as market leader Dog Fox (15/8F) fought for his head in behind. Only a length ahead crossing the third-last, Bellbird still dictated the well-grouped field around the final turn, stalked all the while by Dog Fox who caught the eye moving sweetly on the bridle. Coming under a strong drive heading towards two-out, it looked as though Bellbird may be booked for second on the run down to the last. However, staying on resolutely, Bellbird was plucky in the final furlong, toughing it out to score for Dalwhinnie Bloodstock Limited, winning owners who also scored here in 2023 with McCain’s stable star Chti Balko!
Race 6 – Going Is Good Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
Backing up a fortuitous win at Southwell, there was no doubting the performance Land Girl’s Luck (15/2) put in to take the sixth race, clearing away to score by 6 lengths for Freddie Mitchell and Max Comley. Racing towards the back for much of the way, Land Girl’s Luck sat a long way behind runaway leader Karakoy (8/1) through the opening mile, only being brought back into it when the leader was given a breather down the far side. Pushed along on the approach to the third-last, Land Girl’s Luck still had a fair bit to find on the leaders, ridden firmly in fifth place as Independent Jimmy (9/2) led them into the straight. However, staying on strongly through beaten horses, Land Girl’s Luck found her second wind in the closing stages, kicking home best of all to lead at the last and provide trainer Max Comley with just his fourth victory under rules!
Race 7 – Summer Social On Friday 4th July Open National Hunt Flat Race (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4-5yo, 2m ½f)
Springing a surprise in the finale, Ballylicky Bay (18/1) returned a determined winner under Paul O’Brien, lasting home by a head for trainer Kevin Pickard. A winner of a point on his latest start, Ballylicky Bay raced up with the pace for much of the seventh and final race, sitting in amongst horses as the well-backed Donald Jump (7/2) led the way from Flying Pimpernel (7/2). Moving up into a share of fourth place around the home turn, Ballylicky Bay looked likely to encounter traffic problems if sticking to her current path. However, cleverly switched out wide by his rider, Ballylicky Bay soon found her stride in the final quarter mile, circling the field before staying on stoutly in the final 100 yards to get up in the shadows of the post. Fresh from a career-best season, Paul O’Brien also scored at the Punchestown Festival recently aboard Ascending Lark!
Race report by Adam Perkins
