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William Hill Super Saturday’s Feature Race Weights Announced
Only four winners in the history of the William Hill Hurdle have carried 11st 8lb or more to victory, with the legendary Persian War setting the record when carrying 11st13 to victory in 1968 – the highest winning weight in the history of the race.
Weights have been unveiled for this year’s £155,000 William Hill Super Saturday feature race, which takes place on February 7th at Newbury Racecourse. Just three horses have been allocated 11st 8lb or higher in this year’s renewal.
Heading the weights is Alexei, the Joe Tizzard-trained winner of the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle, who has been allotted top weight of 12st.
The in-form Dan Skelton team is strongly represented with five entries, led by Live Conti, who sits highest among them in the weights on 11st 8lb. Also set to carry 11st8 is Wilful, the recent Ascot Grade 3 Festive Handicap Hurdle winner and top-weighted runner among the five entries from the Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill training partnership. Several of his rivals from the Ascot contest could re-oppose, including stablemate Wreckless Eric (10st6) and Helnwein (10st12) for trainer Alan King.
Others towards the top of the weights include Skelton’s seven-time winner Knickerbockerglory, allocated 11st6. Paul Nicholls’ Listed race winning mare Jubilee Alpha is set to carry 11st5, while his Grade 3 Coral Racing Club Intermediate Handicap Hurdle winner Tutti Quanti has been given 11st4.
Last year’s winner Joyeuse would carry 11st4 for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner J.P. McManus, who also have Khrisma (10st7) entered in the race.
From further afield, Christian Williams may be represented by Williethebuilder, who would carry 11st4 and come into the race on the back of two impressive wins at Kempton.
A maximum field of 24 runners is permitted to line up for the William Hill Hurdle. There is a scratchings deadline on January 20th.
