Sandown Park has announced that their bet365 Jump Finale fixture has been moved forward to ensure that all races can be shown on ITV. All eyes are expected to be on the seven-race card, with the British Trainers’ Championship set to conclude at the iconic venue.
Dan Skelton heads into the meeting with the lead, but there is plenty of prize money on offer at Sandown which defending champion Willie Mullins will be hoping to land before action concludes.
The first race on Saturday was set to start at 1.50pm, but it has been brought forward by 30 minutes to allow for other changes. As a result, the final race of the card can now be shown on ITV.
The bet365 Handicap Hurdle was due to take place at 5.20pm, which is after coverage concludes. However, it is now scheduled for 4.45pm so that the outcome of the championship can be crowned on air.
Mullins has made it no secret that he is keen to retain his crown, with his incredible successes at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree Grand National Festival putting him back in contention. The Irishman sent a strong hand to Plumpton over the Easter weekend.
Skelton will be hoping to extend his lead before Sandown arrives, especially after learning of Mullins’ entries. The Irishman has entered seven – including Gaelic Warrior – for the Oaksey Chase, four in the Celebration Chase and 15 in the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
Explaining the decision to alter the race times for broadcasting purposes, Richard Willoughby, ITV Racing Programme Editor, explained: “The quest for the trainers’ title looks set to go down to the wire and provides us with a fantastic narrative on Jump Finale day.
“A huge thank you to Andrew Cooper, Clerk of the Course at Sandown Park, Jockey Club Racecourses, the BHA and RMG for reworking the order of running and for allowing us to show the six races that could prove decisive in deciding who wins this coveted prize.”
1.20pm – bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle
1.50pm – bet365 Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase
2.25pm – bet365 Oaksey Chase
3pm – bet365 Select Hurdle
3.35pm – bet 365 Celebration Chase
4.10pm – bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase
4.45pm – bet365 Handicap Hurdle