April Meeting Day Two – Thursday 15th April 2027

If Day One of the April Meeting is mainly about the Grade 2 race on offer, filled either side by Class 2 and 3 racing that might be more for the purist, then Day Two is surely for those that love the idea of progression in the industry. That’s because it’s a day for the girls, dominated as it is by races for fillies and mares. April is the start of the wind-down for jump racing before flat racing takes over, so bear that in mind when you’re looking at the races.

It’s your penultimate chance to watch both your favourites from the season that is coming to an end and to keep an eye out for other horses that might come into their own when jump racing returns later in the year. It’s all about girl power on Day Two, with challenging races that add their own excitement to proceedings thanks to hurdles and jumps that ensure the horses are really tested. A quick look through the race card here will tell you all of the important points to keep in your head before placing any bets.

Important Notice: The 2026 April Meeting has been cancelled due to drainage issues at the course requiring urgent work.  You can read more about it in our blog.

April Meeting Day Two Race Card

In 2018 the second day of the April Meeting became the first in racing history to boast a mare’s only racecard. All seven races that were run across the day were only for those that enjoy a Ladies Day, so to speak, with the contest boasting four mares-only races in 2017.

That led the organisers to think about furthering their efforts and the all-mares race day was born. Sadly that means you’ll have been unable to bet on a mare winning one of the races, as you might have been able to do at a normal meeting!

What To Expect

Spring is in the air during the April Meeting, so the question that might cause you more trouble than which horses to bet on will be about what you should wear. Go too lightweight and it might be a bit nippy, but layer up too much and you’ll be roasting when the sun comes out. That’s to say nothing of needing to think about the April showers that might show their face! In 2018 one of the races had to be cancelled because it was so hot, but that sort of weather is never guaranteed in April.

On the field, of course, you should expect some thrilling racing from some of the best mares and fillies in the business. The Premier Handicap European Breeders Fund/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase Finale is a chance to keep an eye on the horses that are best-in-class, whilst the Junior Jumpers 4-Y-O Fillies’ Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race is an opportunity to see the horses that are on their way to becoming challengers for the racing season ahead. It’s a Ladies Day of sorts, but one where the girls are on the field and the ones in the paddock don’t need to worry too much about the fashion stakes.

Conclusion

Day Two of the April Meeting is one that is all about learning. You’re being presented with an opportunity to learn about younger horses, as well as with the chance to learn about which mares and fillies will be on the ‘ones to watch’ list for the season to come at the end of the year. On top of that, of course, you’re getting a chance to bid farewell to some of the mares that have performed the best during the previous few months.

If you’ve always wanted to experience Cheltenham but fear that the Festival will be a bit too busy and populated by people that have a big investment on the outcome of events then the April Meeting might be for you, with the second day especially worth looking out for. Given that it’s during the week and is especially for female horses it’s an ideal day to bring the kids to, given that the more ‘merry’ revellers are less likely to attend. That doesn’t mean it’s not a day full of betting opportunities, though, so do your research and hope for the best.