With two Hunter Chases still to come before the end of the year, the 2021 Hunter Chase programme has been unveiled, with 15 races scheduled between January 7 and April 30.
The showpiece spring events once again remain the Tetretema Cup, Joseph O’Reilly and Punchestown Champion, with the latter pair being held for the first time since 2019 following the Covid-19 enforced shutdown of racing earlier this year.
The Tetretema Cup takes place at Gowran Park on March 13, the Joseph O’Reilly moves to the opening day of the Boylesports Irish Grand National fixture following a reshuffle of the Fairyhouse Festival programme, with the Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase on Friday April 30.
It is one of three Hunter Chases at the Punchestown Festival following the Ladies Cup and Bishopscourt Cup.
The Easter Monday fixture at Cork features three Hunter Chases, with the maiden hunter chase on the card now being included in the inaugural season of the John Thomas McNamara Qualified Riders Series.
That card also features two point-to-point bumpers, with the other point-to-point bumper in the January to April period set to take place on the Tetretema Cup card at Gowran Park on March 13.
Thu 07/01/21 Clonmel U 5+ 9,000 21 Hunter Steeplechase 5yo and up (Maiden)
Sun 31/01/21 Naas U 5+ 13,500 24 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Not won under Rules since 1/3/20) (Open to G.B. Runners)
Thu 25/02/21 Thurles U 5+ 9,000 25 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Not won under Rules since 1/3/19)
Thu 11/03/21 Thurles U 5+ 9,000 21 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Maiden)
Sat 13/03/21 Gowran Park U 5+ 13,500 25 Hunters Steeplechase (Tetratema) 5yo and up (Not won under Rules since 1/3/20) (Open to GB runners)
Wed 17/03/21 Down Royal U 5+ 9,000 20 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Wnrs of 1)
Sun 21/03/21 Downpatrick U 5+ 9,000 23 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Maiden)
Sat 03/04/21 Fairyhouse U 5+ 13,500 25 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Not won under Rules since 1/3/20) (open to G.B. runners)
Mon 05/04/21 Cork U 5+ 9,000 24 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Mares) (Maiden) F
Mon 05/04/21 Cork U 5+ 10,000 24 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Maiden) (John Thomas McNamara QR Series)
Mon 05/04/21 Cork U 5+ 9,000 20 Hunter Steeplechase 5yo and up (Not won under Rules since 1/3/20) (Open to G.B. Runners)
Mon 19/04/21 Tramore U 5+ 9,000 21 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Winners of one) (7lb penalty)
Tue 27/04/21 Punchestown U 5+ 9,000 25 Hunters Steeplechase 5yo and up (Banks) (Wnr of 2) (Ladies Cup)
Fri 30/04/21 Punchestown U 4+ 9,000 20 Hunters Steeplechase (Kildare Farmers)
Fri 30/04/21 Puncehstown U 4+ 13,500 25 Hunters Steeplechase (Not won under Rules since 1/3/20) (Open to G.B. Runners)
