An evening in which favourite backers would struggle, Summer Social Night proved to be a haven for the shrewdies in July 2025. The feature race came in the Wrexfest Handicap Hurdle at 19:40pm, with ground conditions Good (Good to Firm in places) throughout.
Race 1 – Summer Social Night Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5, 4yo+, 2m 7f)
Scoring for a second time at the track, Present Fair (4/1) ran out a plucky winner of the opening race, leading from the outset and staying on strongly to edge home by a length for William Maggs and Donald McCain. Setting a modest tempo out in front, William Maggs kept his cool aboard Present Fair through the first couple of miles, racing a length clear of Flemen’s Tipple (9/1) in second place and Irish raider Tango Theatre (5/1) in third. Approaching the final three flights, Present Fair soon had a narrower lead than ideal, challenged on his outside by Tango Theatre as the home straight loomed. However, responding nicely when ridden more firmly, Present Fair never looked in too much danger down the straight, easily hopping over the final two flights and sticking on well to provide Williams Maggs with his fifth winner of the season!
Race 2 – Dynamic Wrexham Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
A rather fortunate winner in the end, Dothejive (5/1) made his first start under rules a winning one when taking Race 2 by 1 ¾ lengths, taking full advantage of a late faller to score for Sean Quinlan and Jennie Candlish. Her jumping quite novicey throughout, Dothejive did well to stay in touch with the leaders throughout the second race, held up towards the back of the quartet but rarely more than five lengths behind Herja (4/9F) in front rank. Ridden along and seemingly being left behind around the home turn, Dothejive struggled to keep tabs on the eye-catching Herja with two flights left to jump. However, finding renewed energy after Herja took a crashing fall at the second-last, Dothejive hit full flight in the final furlong, swerving around a hampered Taktique Gagnante (9/2) and staying on strongly to the line. A jockey to be feared in the North, Sean Quinlan also scored in Haydock’s Grand National trial in February aboard Famous Bridge!
Race 3 – Overton Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m ½f)
Rewarded for her consistency, Sharp Glance (4/1) recorded her second victory of the season when successful in the third race, booted clear to score by 2 ½ lengths for Tom Bellamy and Alan King. Midfield throughout the contest, Sharp Glance moved up into third place down the far side of the track, racing a length behind Never Seen Again (8/1) as Lady Buttercup (13/2) set a good pace out in front. Readily cutting back the deficit on the approach to the final couple of obstacles, Sharp Glance travelled smoothly around the home turn, clinging onto the leader’s coattails as recent course winner Barranco (13/8F) struggled to justify his market position back in fourth. Travelling much like the best horse, Sharp Glance proved to be just that in the closing stages, negotiating the final hurdles with ease before being ridden out to score. A fifth winner from seven runners this season, Pitchall Stud also had a winner here in June with Finest View!
Race 4 – Wrexfest Handicap Hurdle (Class 3, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
Causing somewhat of a surprise, Wudya (12/1) returned home a comfortable winner of the fourth race under Peter Kavanagh, coming 3 ¾ lengths clear at the line for trainers Sue Smith & Joel Parkinson. Always prominent, Wudya raced in third place for much of the fourth race, sitting alongside course winner Lipa K (7/4F) as Presentandcounting (100/30) spearheaded the field. Still travelling hard on the bridle over the third-last flight of hurdles, it soon looked to be a foregone conclusion that Wudya would cross the line in front, cantering all over her rivals to take the lead around the final turn. Pushed clear approaching two-out, Wudya quickly had the race settled under a confident Peter Kavanagh, stretching clear of Evenwood Sonofagun (9/1) over the second-last before flicking over the last and running on powerfully to score. Enjoying a strong start to the 2025-26 season, Parkinson & Smith now have 4 wins from 8 runners this year!
Race 5 – Bangor-On-Dee Handicap Hurdle (Class 5, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
Proving that age is but a number, 12-year-old veteran G’Day Aussie (6/5F) recorded his eighth career victory when successful in the fifth race, coming home 3 ¼ lengths to the good under Lee Edwards for trainer Dave Roberts. Racing enthusiastically for much of the contest, G’Day Aussie kept towards the inside rail under Lee Edwards through the opening two miles, saving precious ground as Grey Skies (10/1) held the lead over Land Girl’s Luck (6/5F) in second. Nudged along but still moving well, G’Day Aussie stalked his way into third place around the turn into the straight, sneaking up to the hindquarters of Grey Skies as Land Girl’s Luck was sent for home. Now in the clear and taking the lead over the second-last, G’Day Aussie quickly settled the score in the final furlong, readily stretching clear despite a sticky jump at the last to provide trainer Dave Roberts with his third winner from just five runners this season!
Race 6 – Horseradish Catering & Events Open National Hunt Flat Race (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4-5yo, 2m ½f)
The Bowen brothers held the key to the sixth and final race of the day, with Way Maker (5/2) proving to be a class apart under Sean Bowen, coasting home by 11 lengths to score for the Champion Jockey’s elder brother Mickey Bowen. Racing in second place for the majority of the finale, Way Maker was always in prime position to strike under Sean Bowen, the racecourse debutante just a length behind Donald Jump (5/2) as they entered the final half mile. Travelling ominously well into the straight and taking the lead passing the three-furlong marker, Way Maker soon had the field on strings in the closing stages, ridden along and extending his lead with every stride to eventually cross the line well clear of Elusive Power (9/2) in second. A man on a mission to retain his Jockey’s Championship, Sean Bowen has now made it past the 50 mark for 2025-26, a feat he has now managed to achieve every year since the 2014-15 season!
Race report by Adam Perkins
