With us getting well and truly into the nitty-gritty of the National Hunt season, we take a look back on what was a great weekend of racing from Sandown Park and Exeter. What’s more, it was the first weekend of racing since March when crowds have been welcomed back through the doors of racecourses, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Here are some great shots, taken by Bill Selwyn, which capture some up-and-coming superstars and well-established favourites battling it out over the past few days…
Politolgue and Harry Skelton are springheeled on their way to winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown Park. The nine-year-old Champion Chase winner is owned by John Hales and trained by Paul Nicholls.
Politolgue and Harry Skelton, 1st are springheeled on their way to winning the Tingle Creek pic Bill Selwyn 5-12-20
(Image credit: BillSELWYN)
Allmankind and Harry Skelton fly two out to win well in the Henry VIII Novice Chase. This Grade One win came in the same hour Harry won the Tingle Creek, marking a very successful afternoon for him. Allmankind is owned by former showjumping family Bill and Tim Gredley, and is a very exciting prospect for Dan Skelton’s stable.
Allmankind and Harry Skelton fly two out to win well 5-12-20
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)
Doing Fine (far side) and a cool Millie Wonnacott join Crosspark and Harry Skelton at the second last as the sun sets over Sandown in the London National Handicap Chase. Millie, who recently returned to the saddle after breaking vertebrae, got up to win this race on the 12-year-old, trained by Neil Mulholland and owned by the Neil Mulholland Racing Club.
Doing Fine (far side) 1st and a cool Millie Wonnacott join Crosspark and Harry Skelton 2nd at the 2nd last as the sun sets over Sandown 7-12-20
(Image credit: BillSELWYN)
The field pass small crowds at Exeter on Friday (4 December) for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic set in.
Huntsmans Jog and Paddy Brennan (centre, green and red at halfway) 1st in front of a small crowd at Exeter pic Bill Selwyn 4-12-20
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)
Findusatgorcombe and Bryony Frost en-route to winning the Devon Marathon at Exeter. This eight-year-old is owned by Phill Meaden and trained by Bryony’s father, Jimmy Frost.
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Findusatgorcombe and Bryony Frost on way to winning the marathon pic Bill Selwyn 4-12-20
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)
Bold Plan and Sean Bowen (blue colours) at the open ditch on their way to winning the novices’ chase at Exeter, a shock result considering he beat the odds on favourite and much talked about The Big Breakaway. Bold Plan is owned by Mr and Mrs. William Rucker and trained by Evan Williams.
Bold Plan and Sean Bowen at the open ditch on the far side on way to winning 4-12-20
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)
Continued below…
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Fifty Ball and Neil Houlihan are clear at the last to win easily in the novices’ handicap hurdle at Sandown. This five-year-old is owned by Steven Packham and is trained by Gary Moore.
Fifty Ball and Neil Houlihan are clear at the last to win easily 5-12-20
(Image credit: BillSELWYN)
Just one more of Politologue in full flight in the Tingle Creek…
Politolgue and Harry Skelton, 1st are springheeled on their way to winning the Tingle Creek pic Bill Selwyn 5-12-20
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
