Surviving the worst of a UK heatwave, Bangor-On-Dee was the place to be for a sunny edition of Wrexham Evening in June 2026. A six-race card saw yet another successful raid for the seemingly unstoppable Skelton team, with ground conditions described as Good (Good to Firm in places) throughout the evening.
Race 1 – Pentraeth Subaru Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 4, 5yo+, 2m 4 ½f)
A previous winner of a point-to-point, Country Park (16/5) once again showed a liking for the larger obstacles by taking the opening race of the day, keeping on well by half a length to score for the O’Neill team. Sitting in second place for much of the way, Country Park was always to the fore throughout the first race, and despite being passed by the strong travelling Le Gentleman (EvsF) before the second last, Country Park had enough in the tank so stay on smartly in the closing stages to steal the victory. Another winner for Mrs Gay Smith and the O’Neills, connections also combined for many Graded victories over the years with the likes of Black Jack Ketchum and Holywell!
Race 2 – Wrexham Evening Handicap Chase (Class 5, 5yo+, 3m)
Another point winner, Glenmalure Flyer (100/30 JF) marked her chase debut with a taking success in the second race, comfortably seeing off the opposition by 2 ¼ lengths for the Skeltons. Kept towards the back for much of the way, Glenmalure Flyer only really got competitive down the far side for the final time, sneaking into fourth place on the approach to three-out. Jumping boldly and readily usurping Friends Don’t Ask (15/2) down the home straight, Glenmalure Flyer bounded away after the last, going on to secure a fourth winner of the season for owners in the Hools & Forces Partnership!
Race 3 – Wrexfest Lager Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
At the double in next to no time, the Skeltons took their second victory of the day in Race 3, where Colegram (4/5F) justified his odds to score by a stylish 3 lengths for the Foxtrot Racing Syndicate. Taking the lead from an early stage, Colegram was not for passing in the third race, holding the advantage despite a couple of cumbersome leaps down the far side of the track. Kicking on under firm pressure, Colegram quickened around the turn, and although Moonshine River (13/2) looked a brief threat, Colegram was always doing enough to score under Harry Skelton; our current Leading Jockey!
Race 4 – Bangor-On-Dee Handicap Hurdle (Class 3, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
In relentless pursuit of Martin Pipe’s winners record, the Skeltons wrapped up a quickfire treble when Supreme Yeats (13/2) landed the fourth race, holding on by a length under a well-timed ride. Ridden patiently throughout, Supreme Yeats raced in last place for most of the intermediate trip, only making a forward move as Il Va De Soi (5/2) led them towards the final half mile. Hard pressed to make further inroads, Supreme Yeats came into her own in the home straight, staying on stoutly for her rider’s urgings before just doing enough to hold off Il Va De Soi in the closing stages. Now with more than 50 winners for the season, Dan Skelton is operating at a huge 40% strike-rate!
Race 5 – Rachel Jones Memorial Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m ½f)
Off the mark under rules in smooth fashion, Into Battle (5/2) readily landed the spoils for Robert Stephens and Robbie Dunne in Race 5, kicking on smartly to score by 3 ¾ lengths. Making all from the outset, it was fairly straightforward for Into Battle in the penultimate race, setting a steady tempo ahead of market leader Centurion’s Sister (13/8F), American Empire (11/2) and Prettylady (5/2). Extending his lead to a couple of lengths, Into Battle was firmly in command through the final two furlongs, jumping nicely on his way to securing a very stylish victory for owner Alison Mossop and trainer Robert Stephens, who also won a Grade 2 bumper at Cheltenham in 2015 with Beltor!
Race 6 – Tom Jones Live At Chester Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5, 4yo+, 2m 7f)
A regular at Bangor-On-Dee, Rock Hurley (2/1F) put all his experience to good use when taking the finale by 2 ¼ lengths under William Maggs, securing yet another course victory for trainer Donald McCain. Another to make all, it wasn’t quite as straightforward for Rock Hurley, the experienced 8-year-old quite clumsy throughout the final race despite maintaining the advantage. Clear of Athena’s Dream (9/2) in second place as they reached the final turn, Rock Hurley was hard ridden out in front, his lead slowly diminishing as Roxboro River (17/2) made ground. However, although a bad jump at the last could have denied him the win, Rock Hurley was game enough to keep plugging away in the closing stages, holding on grimly to secure his second course victory!
Race report by Adam Perkins
