Plumpton is set to play a key part in the 2024/25 Jump Trainers’ Championship, with Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins preparing strong squads for the BetGoodwin Easter Festival today and Monday.
Plumpton hosts the 2-day Easter Festival on Sunday and Monday (Pic – Plumpton Races on FB)
The two-day fixture offers £450,000 in prize money across 14 races, providing potential for a significant impact as the championship reaches its conclusion later this month.
Mullins closed the deficit on Skelton dramatically at Aintree and Ayr’s Grand National festivals, although Skelton hit back on Wednesday by taking the feature Gr2 handicap chase at Cheltenham.
Reigning British and Irish champion Mullins has 19 entries across the BetGoodwin Easter Festival, with seven contenders in Sunday’s BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle headed by Cheltenham Festival winner Kargese.
Skelton accounts for 30 of the 257 entries over the two days, including Aintree Grand National Festival scorer She’s A Saint in the same two-mile contest.
Plumpton’s Chief Executive Craig Staddon said: “We are over the moon with Willie’s entries for both Sunday and Monday, which adds another dimension to what was already promising to be a really competitive weekend of racing.
“As a small racecourse, we have put in a lot of effort organising these two days and to be rewarded with 257 entries makes all the hard work worthwhile. There are still tickets available and hopefully everyone who decides to join us will be in for a treat.”
Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: “The fantastic prize money on offer is a real credit to everyone at Plumpton. I enjoyed my visit there last month and we are looking forward to sending a team over this weekend.”
The BetGoodwin Easter Festival has something for everyone, with plenty of activities for the family including face painting, donkey rides, a climbing wall, inflatable games and soft play area to name just a few. Accompanied under 18s do not require a ticket.
