The national hunt action began to ramp up the quality as the countdown to the festive period was well and truly underway. The two day meeting took its usual spot in mid December alongside Cheltenham and the national hunt fixture produced many star names over the years. The meeting has suffered the loss of its two pattern class events, the Grade Two December Novice Chase and listed Summit Juvenile Hurdle which deduces from the quality on display, but Friday saw the gain of a listed event for mares which had been transferred from the abandoned Huntingdon meeting the previous weekend.

The eight race extravaganza started early in the morning and also included plenty of well contested handicaps over hurdles and fences as well as interesting novice events with the notebook wide open for future references. 

Race One: The Polypipe Handicap Hurdle - Class Four - 2 Miles - Runners: 14

Winner: RARE MIDDLETON (#1) (Aclaim x Blaise Chorus) - A. Cheleda - P. Nicholls

The opening contest took place before lunchtime and is a qualifying race for the Go North Racing Series in the Sea Pigeon category. The handicap looked to be an open event with plenty of contenders lining up to the tape. The classiest sort in the race would be the top weight Rare Middleton, a recruit from the Flat who won on debut over hurdles last season before finishing third at Grade Two level for Paul Nicholls. The grey Harel du Marais has yet to win a race but has been placed many times in his short career. The mare Midnight Shuffle has developed into a smart and consistent type and made her seasonal debut here. Similar comments applied to the Ben Pauling-trained Mrs Grimley who has plenty of placed finishes on her record while the four year old Imperial Jade improved with each start last season and signed off with a win. The lightly raced Sleeping Satellite landed two novice hurdle races last season and made a satisfactory return to action last month. Iontach Cheval is another to have limited miles on the clock but has a good strike rate of runs to wins. Bonheur de Ballon was a winner in France this time last year but disappointed on his British debut last time out. Call Me Rocky won twice for his former stable before running well in higher level races and switching to the Syd Hosie stable. Lifetime Legend scored his first career win at the start of this year but has shown that he is capable of more victories on many occasions in the past. Homme d'Un Soir was a useful sort in Ireland and made his return to racing under rules for rookie trainer Billy Aprahamian following a spell in the point-to-point field. The fourteen strong field was completed by recent winners Jack The Savage and At A Pinch along with the handicap debutant Deadlock. 

The starter's flag dropped and the tapes were released to signal the start of the day's action and there would a decent pace on offer with a small handful of runners eager to race close to the front. Approaching the first hurdle, the race would be over as soon as it had started for At A Pinch who blundered over the hurdle and sent her rider Harry Bannister to the ground. Homme d'Un Soir held a narrow lead in the opening furlongs as Imperial Jade, Harel du Marais and Midnight Shuffle all contributed to setting the gallop. Just behind the leaders, Rare Middleton settled into a good rhythm alongside the similarly well fancied Sleeping Satellite. As the race progressed and the field rounded the home bend, there would be some with better chances than others. Homme d'Un Soir still travelled well in the lead but the eye was drawn to Sleeping Satellite and Rare Middleton who had moved through the field effortlessly and loomed large approaching the second last. Rare Middleton would nose ahead of Sleeping Satellite on the landing side of the hurdle and only needed to be nudged clear by Angus Cheleda. His class would tell as he bounded clear to score by five lengths from Sleeping Satellite, the bold front running Homme d'Un Soir was rewarded with third ahead of the grey Harel Du Marais.

It would be a return to winning ways for Rare Middleton and he appreciated the drop in grade here. A smart sort on the flat, he moved to the leading Paul Nicholls yard where his aim would be the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Scoring on his hurdling debut, he then finished third in the Grade Two Adonis Hurdle at Kempton in February. A disappointing return to novice company where he finished fourth was followed by a summer's break. Reappearing in a valuable class two handicap at Ascot, he could only manage eighth there. Following wind surgery and an application of a tounge tie to help the horse breathe easier, he still faced the burden of twelve stone on his back. Conditional jockey Angus Cheleda's five pound claim helped to lighten the load, but it was still a very impressive victory. It will be hoped by connections that the key has been found unlock all of the potential going forward. 

Race Two: The At The Races App Form Study Novices' Hurdle - Class Three - 2 Miles, 3 Furlongs - Runners: 17

Winner: LUCKY PLACE (#10) (Pastorius x Luckystar du Frene) - J. Bowen - N. Henderson

The improvement in ground conditions saw a huge number of entries for this highly interesting novice hurdle. The miserable weather had passed through and the ground had recovered to safe conditions which meant trainers were eager to get a run into their youngsters.

Bective Abbey had been a talking horse before the start of the season and the unbeaten point to point graduate made his debut for Nicky Henderson. The Seven Barrows stable would be doubly represented by Lucky Place, runner up on both his starts so far. Inoui Machin landed a bumper on the course earlier in the season and made a second start over hurdles for Neil Mulholland with blinkers added for the first time. Zain Nights was a smart type on the flat and joined the Lucy Wadham stable, but his debut over hurdles came under close scrutiny from the stewards. The small stable of Richard Phillips saddled two runners, the promising but long absent Mattie Ross and fellow mare Lizzie Rey. Onewayortother did his best work at the finish last time out while facing the exciting Willmount. There would be a family occasion with J'Habite En France running for the Ben Case stable with Charlie Case taking over the reins. The Ben Pauling stable is no stranger to novice winners at Doncaster and sent up the once-raced Flash In The Park for this event. Nelson Criq looked to be a longer term prospect for Alan King but looked promising in the process. Cawthorne Banker finished on the premises on three of his four starts in bumpers and made his hurdling debut here for trainer Jonjo O'Neill. Real Rewards and Legostar made the switch from point-to-points for trainers Kevin Frost and Jake Coulson respectively and El Granjero, Cuban Court, Ronaldoreturns and the absentee Athgarvan completed the lineup in this fascinating race.

Plenty of pre-race support for the unexposed Bective Abbey saw him sent off a short priced favourite with a quality performance expected, but it would turn out to be unfulfilled. From the flag fall, Cawthorne Banker and Athgarvan got the best starts and found themselves at the head of affairs as Bective Abbey was smuggled up in the pack on the inside. Stablemate Lucky Place was also in a handy position as the race saw little change in the order until the field made their way home. Kicking on into the third last, the blinkered Inoui Machin appeared to slip the field and travelled powerfully. Jumping the third last hurdle, he held a length's advantage, but James Bowen and Lucky Place had stealthily stalked the leader and the pair made their move at the second last. Bowen had the luxury of standing high in the saddle as his rivals pushed and scrubbed their horses along. Galloping relentlessly to the line, it would be a very impressive win for the four year old and a sign of better things to come. El Granjero had followed the winner's path and ran a stormer into second at huge odds while Inoui Machin retained his useful status in defeat as he held on to third. Zain Nights finished strongly once again and took fourth, suggesting he was ready for a step up in trip. 

The winner was breaking his duck at the third attempt and could rank higher come the end of the season. Outpaced on his debut in May, the son of German sire Pastorius finished runner up once again but was pummelled by the exciting Tellherthename. Lucky Place has announced himself here and will be an interesting horse to follow for the rest of the season. 

Race Three: The Howarth Timber & Building Supplies Novices' Handicap Hurdle - Class Four - 3 Miles - Runners: 7 

Winner:  JAYTEE (#2) (Schiapparelli x Archway Copse) - S. Twiston-Davies - I. Williams

The action flew by and it would be time for the staying sorts with plenty of potential long distance chasers of the future stepping into handicap company. Lepashe remained a maiden over hurdles but had the best form on offer having finished a close second to the recent Ascot winner Midnightreflection. Rookie trainer Toby Lawes had unwrapped his new French recruit Inedit de Mee, but the gelding hadn't raced since mid-2022. Ben Lilly is best known as a multiple winner on the flat and was an ambitious also-ran in the Ascot Gold Cup back in 2021. He joined the David Pipe stable last year and has struck up a good partnership with young rider Gearoid Harney. A similar well oiled duo came in the form of Lucinda Russell's Jen In Em. The five year old represented the Grand National-winning stable and won on his penultimate start under today's rider Conner McCann. Stratton Oakmont had recently returned to Kayley Woollacott's stable following a stint away from the yard, but has plenty of good form at Doncaster in the past. Urban Soldier had proven frustrating in his short career, but stepped up in trip and had joined the up-and-coming yard of Harry Derham in the off season. 

Tactics would be the main focal point of the race and as the group strode towards the starter, they would be five wide. Jaytee took up the early running and was kept occupied by Inedit de Mee throughout the early stages. Approaching the business end of the race, the group was still tightly packed and jumping well in the main. The lack of recent run for Inedit de Mee began to tell and the top weight began to fall backwards through the field. Up front, Jaytee kept galloping merrily on in front and built up a healthy lead approaching the last. Stratton Oakmont and Urban Soldier were next to challenge and after a last hurdle blunder by Stratton Oakmont, the race was sealed. Sam Twiston-Davies's positive front running ride on Jaytee was rewarded with a return to the winners' enclosure.

The Ian Williams-trained eight year old has run well during a busy year in which he was on the go since January. Racing over fences, Jaytee landed a quickfire brace of wins at Southwell before running respectively in the Summer Cup Chase at Uttoxeter. Following a break, Jaytee found himself back over hurdles where the lack of fitness saw him pull up on his latest start. This was much better and it crowned off a productive year for the son of Schiapparelli.

Race Four: The At The Races App Market Movers Handicap Chase - Class Four - 2 Miles, 4 Furlongs - Runners: 12
Winner: PRAIRIE WOLF (#3) (Sageburg x Applause For Amy) - C. Bewley - S. Smith 

It would be time for action over the larger obstacles as this competitive handicap chase featured plenty of up and coming chasers. There would be a variety of age and experience in this contest with veterans such as eleven year old Shanelough and ten year old The Paddy Pie both been there and bought the t-shirt. The promising six-year-old Sageburg County was back to his best last time out with an impressive win at Southwell while Prairie Wolf was a decent sort over hurdles before making a promising start over fences last time out. Sporting Mike had previously shown potential to rank higher than this grade and made his first start since having wind surgery. Deborah Cole has made waves this season with her small string and was represented by the in-form Imac Wood, a two time winner already this year. Ritson has an in and out profile but made his seasonal debut for the Rebecca Menzies who have been firing in the winners recently. Pearly Island would have a leading chance on the pick of his old form for Lucy Wadham and the six year olds Maclaine, Zestful Hope and Family Business have all run respectively in recent weeks without threatening the judge. Kap Auteuil was a five time winner during 2021 but has struggled in the battle against the handicapper in recent times. He would be another to make his debut for the Toby Lawes yard. 

The twelve horses and riders were evidently keen to get on with things and approached the starter at an unacceptable pace, the starter refused to let them go and a false start was indicated. Luckily, no horses broke the tape and a quick turn around saw the field try again. The second attempt was much more organised and the starter sent them on their way. The veteran The Paddy Pie would lead early and had Kap Auteuil and Maclaine on his heels in the early stages. The well fancied Imac Wood, Prairie Wolf and Sageburg Country were all ridden quietly as they hoped to creep into contention later on. Rounding the home bend, Kap Auteuill held a slender lead as The Paddy Pie was briefly headed. Maclaine was another to make a forward move with the black and red silks of Prairie Wolf arriving on the scene. Callum Bewley squeezed a little more out of Prairie Wolf and the six year old responded well, drawing clear and jumping beautifully. Maclaine attempted to make a race out of it but he would be chasing shadows along with the staying on Imac Wood. Another assured leap at the last saw the Sue Smith inmate hold a clear lead and Callum Bewley could afford the luxury of heavily easing his mount down to win by an official distance of a length. 

It was only the second win of Prairie Wolf's career, but the signs suggest he will make a good chaser. The six year old already had plenty of placed form over hurdles and built on an encouraging debut over the bigger obstacles when third at Market Rasen last month. It will be interesting to see how far he can go in this discipline.

Race Five: The Yates Drywall Ltd Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle -  Class Four - 2 Miles, 3 Furlongs - Runners: 12

Winner: WHOLEOFTHEMOON (#8) (Zoffany x Shared Experience) - T. Gillard - D. McCain.

The novices' handicap hurdle looked a very difficult puzzle to solve with a whole host of potential improvers and some who had yet to deliver on their reputation. 
At the top of the racecard, Bold Reaction represented the leading stable of Nicky Henderson and looked to have star quality at the beginning of his career. However, he has been disappointing over hurdles and looked to one of the lesser lights of the famous yard. The juvenile Two Past Eight has been kept very busy this year with the three year old mixing flat and hurdling assignments for the Alan King stable. The Harry Derham-trained Il Va De Soi made a very pleasing debut in a bumper back in February and has caught the eye in novice events at Grade One tracks this season. He entered handicap company on a very generous rating. Mikhailovich held the most recent winning form for trainer Kim Bailey after a wide margin victory in October. The services of seven pound claimer Kai Lenihan were enlisted to negate his welter weight. The Rebecca Menzies-trained Boomslang was heading the right way in the summer until pulling up last time out, he would make his return to action for the first time since June. Towards the bottom of the weights, Eric Carmen benefitted from a spell in the point-to-point scene and made a return to racing under rules for new trainer Gary Hanmer. Spot On Soph has been largely consistent through the year for the Sam England yard and made appeal along with Brian's Jet and handicap debutant Wholeofthemoon. Jonjo O'Neill's bumper winner Soldierofthestorm stepped up in distance and joined Jumping Jupiter in making his handicap bow. The field would be completed by Sea Village who needed to overcome a disappointing return to action last time out. 

Jumping Jupiter would get off to the perfect start by gaining a couple of lengths on his rival passing the point of departure. As the race progressed and settled down, the lead would become a narrow one as Sea Village and Two Past Eight would stick close to the leader. With little change in the order, the ones who began to struggle were Boomslang, Eric Carmen, Brian's Jet and the previously prominent Sea Village who was already on the back foot following a mistake at the second hurdle. The lead remained with Jumping Jupiter but the chasing pack loomed large. The well backed Bold Reaction made his challenge on the outside of the pack with Soldierofthestorm trying his best to force his nose through. The yellow and black silks of Wholeofthemoon were easy to spot given the way he travelled effortlessly into contention. It was almost as if he had been dropped into the race by a hand in the sky. Jumping the third last, there would be little in it. Bold Reaction found issues with getting his feet organised and skittled through the hurdle as the Donald McCain-trained Wholeofthemoon began to move forward. He gained a half length's advantage and he began to pull clear with Bold Reaction. The two geldings had their own private battle down the Doncaster home straight but it would be the four year old Wholeofthemoon who kept on best of all to win at odds of 80-1. Bold Reaction's third last hurdle blunder possibly cost him the race and the pair pulled well clear of early leader Jumping Jupiter back in third. 

It would be a first win over hurdles for the flat-bred gelding but he had run consistently well throughout his light career. Developing into a useful type on the flat up to two miles, he has never finished lower than fifth in his career. A disappointing return to hurdles on his last start came at Sedgefield where it was possible the highly undualting course didn't suit him. The first time headgear opened a bucketful of improvement and punters were left to rue the missed opportunity that was his starting price.

Race Six: The Sky Sports Racing 415 Novices' Limited Handicap Chase - Class Three - 3 Miles - Runners: 9

Winner: TWINJETS (#2) (Jet Away x Shenamar) - B. Frost - P. Nicholls 

A very interesting novice event featured a mix of horses who were looking to rebuild their reputation over fences alongside others who had made a pleasing start to this discipline. 

The class three handicap saw plenty of leading stables represented with runners, with the Henderson, Nicholls, King and Twiston-Davies all looking to take home the first prize.  Twinjets looked a potential star for trainer Milton Harris as a novice hurdler but was found out in stronger company. The six year old has now joined the Paul Nicholls yard on the back of a decent debut effort over fences.  Alan King's youngster Egbert looked a nice sort over hurdles but made an electric winning debut over fences at Kempton and had the potential to rate highly in this sphere. Scrum Diddly looked limited at the start of the year but found a tonne of improvement through the remainder of 2023. Winning a pair of hurdle races, he has bettered his form even further over fences and pushed the exciting Chianti Classico all the way to the line at Ascot. Ben Pauling's Storminhome picked up the pieces in a dramatic novice hurdle race here in January and has switched to fences. He made a promising debut over the larger obstacles and finished tired last time out in a strong looking event for the grade. The five year old The Kniphand landed a quick double of hurdle races at Doncaster and rounded out a useful first season with a second at Cheltenham in April. Nigel Twiston-Davies' gelding showed promise on his chasing debut where he finished ahead of a subsequent winner. The rapidly up and coming stable of James Owen sent up recent purchase Grozni, who ran to a high level in Ireland previously. Abuffalosoldier looked to be a high class horse in his youth but has been inconsistent in recent times. The Warren Greatrex-trained six year old should come into his own as a staying chaser. Ree Okka has often appeared to be a smart horse but regularly finds little off the bridle. The Harry Fry inmate remains a maiden over fences and was looking for his first chasing win. Scottish raider Brandy McQueen ran to a very high level hurdle and finished seventh in this year's Pertemps Final Hurdle at the Festival. The mare made a sparkling winning debut over fences before bumping into the equally talented Trelawne. 

The pace would be an even one in this classy contest so excuses would be at a minimum post race. The former Doncaster winner Storminhome made the running in the early stages and was joined by Brandy McQueen. Plenty of jockeys were keen to get a sighter of the fences and six of the nine runners were all close to the pace. The likes of Egbert, The Kniphand and Scrum Diddly all kept the leaders in close quarters. At the rear, Twinjets raced a shade keenly but travelled well enough throughout and kept Grozni and Abuffalosoldier company at the rear of the group. As the race began to heat up on the final circuit, Egbert and Ree Okka began to feel the pinch. Descending the Rose Hill section of the course, the pair began to receive reminders and the warning lights were flashing. Storminhome yielded the lead to the improving Twinjets rounding the bend into the home straight and he would be joined by Grozni, who followed the same path. Bryony Frost continued to ramp up the pressure and her mount responded brilliantly with some impressive jumps. A safe jump at the last fence saw Twinjets bound away from the chasing Grozni and cross the line over seven lengths clear. Scrum Diddly would post another likable effort with a third place ahead of the tiring Storminhome.

It would be a sixth career win for Twinjets and a return to his very best. A five time winner in bumpers and hurdles, he was an exciting prospect until his bubble burst slightly at the end of last season. He made his chasing bow at Ascot where he disappointed many. On that occasion, he continually jumped to his left and lost ground at each fence. Running on a left handed track here at Doncaster saw a much happier horse and Twinjets made a thrilling debut for his new trainer Paul Nicholls. Given the firepower of his new stablemates, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Twinjets feature in a valuable race before the end of the season. 

Race Seven: The Bet365 Mares' Open National Hunt Flat Race - Listed Race - 2 Miles - Runners: 11

Winner: AVAKATE (#1) (Affinisea x Slani) - D. Jacob - A. King

This listed bumper race for fillies and mares would be Doncaster's gain following the abandonment of Huntingdon's meeting five days earlier in which this race was scheduled to take place on. The authorities recognised the value of the race for the breeding side and quickly shuffled it up north and a talented field took to the start. 

The most obvious starting point in the race would be the Dan Skelton-trained Listentoyourheart, who made a perfect start to her career. She was a rare runner for the stable at Sedgefield and outbattled another debutant who went on to compete at listed level on her next start. Magical Annie made a winning debut for her previous trainer in Ireland and arrived at the start with a 100% record. The Newmarket stable of Rae Guest trains predominantly on the flat, but his filly One Colour has looked smart by winning twice in bumpers. The legendary Sir Mark Prescott would also represent the flat trainers with his last time out runner up Solid Silver. The four year old Rula Bula did the job nicely when winning on her second start and would need to back that run up on better ground. Avakate made her debut in this classy race for the Alan King stable having won last time in a modest Irish event. The likes of Looking As You Are, Of Course You Can, Marooned and Woolberry all finished placed last time out and rated as highly rated maidens. The field was completed by Neil King's San Choix under Bryony Frost, Alan King's second string Irish Chorus and Rialannah who was making her racing debut in this tough contest for in form trainer Sue Smith. 

The sun made its first appearance of the day and cast a nice golden backdrop to the action. The grey Solid Silver took up the early lead and dictated at only a modest pace under James Davies. The group raced contently within themselves and little change in the order took place. Approaching the final two furlongs, the complexion of the race began to change. Solid Silver began to look vulnerable but James Davies attempted to kick clear of his rivals who were looming large. Sir Mark Prescott's mare responded with a brief burst of acceleration but it would be soon all in vain. In behind the leader, Avakate was spotted travelling very strongly under Daryl Jacob alongside Listentoyourheart. It would appear to be a case of "how far" as Avakate found plenty when asked the question and left her rivals standing to win in impressive fashion. Listentoyourheart would take a respectable second with early leader Solid Silver and Rula Bula the next two to cross the line. 
It would be an impressive debut for the five year old mare who joined the Alan King stable recently. The daughter of Affinisea showed a hint of promise on her debut for Irish trainer Andy Slattery and then gained a first win on her latest start back in July. That race may not have been the strongest in the world, but she did the job in smooth style. Moving to Britain, she has the scope to rate higher in the category and her future broodmare profile has already been boosted with this pattern level win. Her sire Affinisea is enjoying a growing reputation in the national hunt breeding program and this winning display paid him a good compliment.

Race Eight: The Download At The Races App Conditonal Jockeys Veterans Handicap Chase - Class Four - 3 Miles - Runners: 7 

Winner: INNISFREE LAD (#3) (Yeats x Tasmani) - F. Gillard - D. Dennis

The closing contest would be a popular one for racing fans as it would be another race exclusively for horses in their veteran stage. These sort of races can often see horses who have performed at a much higher level in the past before losing their way. The easier nature of these veteran races can see them roll back the years. In contrast to the wealth of racing experience for the horses, they would be the perfect teachers for the next generation of riders in this conditional jockeys only handicap. The young jockeys should be able to learn plenty from their seasoned pro as they continue their rise through the ranks. 

Top weight Fidux finished second in a similar race here in February and has been fairly consistent in recent times. Young jockey Oscar Palmer would be making his racing debut with the former Scottish National placed gelding as his partner. Eleven year old Innisfree Lad has been a brilliant sort over the years and found a burst of life earlier in the year when winning at Hereford and running well in stronger races. His form has dipped slightly once again but he remains a legend of the David Dennis stable. Tango Boy has only fifteen career runs to his name which is very light for a ten year old such as himself. He won twice last season including on the undercard of the Charlie Hall Chase meeting at Wetherby.. The Richard Newland and Jamie Insole-trained Whatsdastory has been running very consistently with a majority of placed finishes in recent seasons. The now ten year old Informateur missed last season with injury but made a very pleasing return to action when fourth at Wetherby last month, Sandy Thomson's The Ferry Master was once placed in a Scottish Grand National but in recent times has become frustrating. Despite winning in May, he has pulled up on a regular basis. The field was completed by Light Flicker for Old Roan Chase-winning trainer Ryan Potter. The eleven year old ran respectably in competitive handicaps, most recently at Cheltenham in October. 

As the group of seven competitors took to the start, Whatsdastory and The Ferry Master were the first two to lead with Innisfree Lad and Fidux racing prominently and Informateur, Tango Boy and Light Flicker all held up. Despite the amount of racing experience within the field, jumping errors still featured in the race. At the second fence, Tango Boy blundered his way through the fence with his rider Jack Hogan doing well to remain seated. At the very next fence, Informateur performed a copy of Tango Boy's mistake and the pair were already on the back foot. Passing the stands for the first time, Innisfree Lad took over in front and led the field out into the country. He jumped well throughout and held a comfortable margin in the lead. The race was reduced to four as the mistakes by Tango Boy and Informateur took their toll as they were both pulled up before the race warmed up. Light Flicker soon joined them as non finishers as he pulled up before the home bend. That would leave Innisfree Lad to bowl along happily and the eleven year old galloped on relentlessly down the home straight. Jockey Fergus Gillard had the pleasure of sitting quietly on his horse and they pulled clear with little effort. Fidux would be flat out in his pursuit of the leader, but Innisfree Lad was already gearing down at the finish. The four finishers would finish at long intervals with The Ferry Master taking a lonely third and Whatsdastory completing in his own time.
It would be a ninth win for Innisfree Lad on his forty-ninth career start. His highlights would include winning at class two level at Haydock in 2021 and also finishing third over four miles in the Eider Chase at Newcastle in 2022. Winning a very similar race under the same rider back in February, the son of Yeats had seen his rating drop by ten pounds for this race. He capitalised on the lenient mark and would Fergus Gillard a memorable day as he rode out his claim and is a conditional rider no more. He would also join his brother Theo on the winners of the day sheet following Wholeofthemoon's victory earlier in the day.