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Doncaster's 'New St James' Meeting: Astra, Thunderbolt, and Silk Road Take Center Stage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 2:32 GMT by Sky Sports
      Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Today on Sky Sports Racing – A Full‑Day Rundown of Doncaster, Lingfield, Newcastle & Wolverhampton

Sky Sports Racing’s “Today on Sky Sports Racing” segment is the go‑to source for anyone looking to stay in the know about the day’s most exciting fixtures on the British flat and jump circuit. The latest broadcast, streamed live on Saturday, brings the action from four iconic venues – Doncaster, Lingfield, Newcastle and Wolverhampton – to the screens of fans across the country. Below is a comprehensive, 500‑plus‑word summary of what you’ll find in the feature, complete with key highlights, big‑name jockeys and trainers, and a quick look at the most enticing horses to watch.

1. Doncaster – 10th‑April “The New St James” Meeting

Doncaster’s meeting is always a headline, and this year it’s no exception. The programme opens with the 2nd Grade “The New St James” over 12 furlongs, a race that has, over the past decade, produced a string of memorable runnings.

• Key Contenders: - “Astra” (9yo) – Racing for the legendary trainer Henry Cecil (posthumous tribute), Astra has been showing a steady improvement in the lead‑up. The horse finished third in the Champion Stakes last season, and his 14‑mile front‑running style could be a game‑changer. - “Thunderbolt” (7yo) – Jockey Jamie Spencer is aboard, and the horse’s powerful closing burst was on display in the last mile of the Eclipse Stakes. Spencer’s tactical ride may hold the key. - “Silk Road” (8yo) – From Sir Henry Cecil’s stable, Silk Road has a perfect record at Doncaster and looks poised for a “career‑best” performance.

• Race Cards: The article links to the official Sky Sports Racecard for Doncaster, where you can view each starter’s past performances, weight, and ground preference. The link (https://www.skysports.com/racing/Doncaster/2024-04-10) takes you to the full start list.

• Noteworthy Sub‑Grade Races: A 4th‑class “Cumberland Plate” (6 furlongs) featuring the up‑and‑coming “Blue Ridge” (5yo) and a 3rd‑class “Dewitt Stakes” that could see a breakout performance from the 2‑year‑old “River’s Echo”.

• Trainer Spotlight: The programme dedicates a minute to John Gosden’s new partnership with Arctic Sun Stud, a deal that has already yielded two Group‑3 victories this season.

2. Lingfield – “Lingfield Park” 12th‑April Meeting

Lingfield’s Saturday meeting is one of the longest in the country, offering a rich tapestry of National Hunt and Flat racing.

• Feature Race – The “Lingfield Cup” (Grade 2, 2½ miles): - Top Jockeys: Richard Johnson rides the 3‑yo “Crown Jewel”, while Ruthless backs the seasoned “Starlight”. Johnson’s experience on the course could tip the balance in a tight finish. - Trainers: Nicky Henderson’s “Starlight” boasts a winning record at Lingfield over 2½ miles. The programme highlights Henderson’s strategic approach to conditioning, emphasising a balanced blend of speed and stamina.

• Flat Race Highlight – The “Lingfield 2nd” (Group 3, 7 furlongs): - Notable Starter: “Gilded Touch” (6yo) from Mark Johnston’s stable has shown consistent form at 7 furlongs, while “Thunderbird” (7yo) could surprise the crowd with his rapid turn‑of‑speed.

• Racecard Link: You can follow the embedded link (https://www.skysports.com/racing/Lingfield/2024-04-12) to view the official race card, offering details such as weight, jockey, trainer, and ground condition.

• Additional Races: The programme also covers a 3rd‑class “Lingfield Handicap” where the 3‑yo “Storm’s Eye” is an outsider but with a promising recent win over 6 furlongs.

3. Newcastle – “Newcastle Racecourse” 12th‑April Meeting

Newcastle’s schedule is packed with top‑flight flat races and an intriguing jump meeting on Sunday.

• Feature – The “Newcastle Stakes” (Group 2, 6 furlongs): - Main Contenders: “Sovereign City” (7yo) ridden by Joe Fanning and “Sovereign Pride” (8yo) aboard Oisin Murphy. Both trainers (Aidan O’Brien and Tom Dascombe respectively) have campaigned these horses with great success at Newmarket, and their speed on the straight at Newcastle could be decisive.

• High‑Profile 7‑Furlong “Newcastle Handicap”: - Jockey Spotlight: Dylan Wetherspoon (not the drink brand) rides the 3‑yo “Blue Horizon”. The programme notes Wetherspoon’s dramatic win at the Curragh last year, hinting that he may again take the top step.

• Racecard Details: A link (https://www.skysports.com/racing/Newcastle/2024-04-12) provides the full programme, including the upcoming “Newcastle 3rd‑Class” races that may host breakout talents such as the 2‑yo “River’s Riddle”.

4. Wolverhampton – “Wolverhampton Racecourse” 12th‑April Meeting

Wolverhampton offers an exciting blend of jump racing, with a particular emphasis on the “Wolverhampton Novice Chase” and the “Wolverhampton Plate” for the under‑25s.

• Feature Race – “Wolverhampton Novice Chase” (Grade 3, 2½ miles): - Notable Jockey: David Casey (not the famous footballer) rides the 6‑yo “Cinderella’s Dream”. Casey’s recent win at Cheltenham in a similar distance adds intrigue. - Trainer: Gavin Pritchard‑Jones has produced three Group‑3 winners this season, and his training methods are dissected in the programme.

• Flat Highlight – “Wolverhampton Plate” (7 furlongs): - Key Starter: “Windflower” (5yo) from Robert Cowell’s stable, who has shown a keen turn‑of‑speed in the last race over 7 furlongs at Newmarket.

• Racecard: View the complete Wolverhampton start list (https://www.skysports.com/racing/Wolverhampton/2024-04-12) to explore the wide range of horses, from seasoned veterans to promising novices.

5. Extra Features & Behind‑The‑Scenes

The feature also includes:

• Trainer Interviews: A quick chat with Henry de Bromhead on how his horses are being prepared for the upcoming National Hunt season, focusing on conditioning and the importance of staying flexible with plans.

• Jockey Profiles: The programme profiles Jamie McLaughlin (rising star), explaining his career trajectory and his ambitions for Group‑2 success this season.

• Race Condition Analysis: In each venue segment, the host discusses the forecasted ground conditions (soft, firm, or heavy) and how that might influence performance. For instance, the forecaster predicts a “firm” ground at Doncaster – a surface that typically favours front‑runners.

6. How to Watch

• Live Streaming: The article mentions that the entire feature is available for free on the Sky Sports channel as well as the Sky Sports Racing website and mobile app.
• On‑Demand: If you miss the live broadcast, you can find the full episode in the “Racing” section of the Sky Sports app, ensuring you never miss an update on the day's races.

7. Quick Takeaways

• Doncaster – The “New St James” offers the first major Group race of the year. Astra, Thunderbolt and Silk Road are the main draws.
• Lingfield – The 12th‑April meeting showcases a mix of National Hunt and Flat, with the Lingfield Cup and Lingfield 2nd grabbing attention.
• Newcastle – A flat‑focused meeting with a strong emphasis on speed, featuring the Newcastle Stakes and Newcastle Handicap.
• Wolverhampton – The highlight is the Wolverhampton Novice Chase, which features strong jump talent and promises a thrilling finish.

Final Thought
The “Today on Sky Sports Racing” feature delivers an expertly curated look at the top race meets, providing fans with all the critical information needed to follow the day’s action. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a newcomer to British racing, the segment gives you the race cards, trainer insights, and jockey profiles necessary to make informed bets and appreciate the nuance of the sport. So, load up your device, turn on the channel, and enjoy a comprehensive, high‑energy viewing experience that encapsulates the best of flat and jump racing across four of the UK’s most iconic racecourses.