Plumpton Takes Centre Stage As Racing Royalty Compete For Record Prize Money At Easter Festival

Plumpton Racecourse – one of Britain’s most historic jump racing venues – will take a starring role as the battle for the trainers’ championship nears the finishing post, bringing some of the biggest names to Sussex for its Easter Festival Raceday.

 

In a major coup for one of the smallest courses in the country, top trainers Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton have entered no fewer than 49 runners between them as they battle it out to win the British jumps trainers’ championship - drawn by Plumpton’s significantly boosted prize money and growing reputation for high-quality racing.

Mullins arrives at Plumpton fresh from winning the Grand National earlier this month, sparking emotional scenes when his son Patrick romped home on the winning horse, Nick Rockett.

In what promises to be a headline appearance at the Sussex track as he looks to defend his trainers’ championship crown, Mullins has entered 19 horses across the 2 days, including County Hurdle heroine Kargese in the BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle on Sunday 20 April.

Prior to the Grand National, Dan Skelton, former assistant to the legendary Paul Nicholls, looked set to win the title - which is decided by whoever wins the most prize money in a season. 

He has entered 30 runners across the 2 days, including Aintree winning She’s A Saint. 

Mullins’s Grand National and Scottish National wins means there’s little to separate the two as the season draws to a close, making for a thrilling showdown at Plumpton’s Easter Festival.

 CEO Craig Staddon says this dramatic match-up marks a real turning point for the course:

“To welcome trainers of this calibre – just days after one of them has won the Grand National and Scottish National – is a landmark for Plumpton. It shows that what we’re doing here is being noticed across the industry.

“We’ve invested in prize money and worked tirelessly on providing the best facilities for unforgettable raceday experiences. This weekend proves that top-class racing doesn’t just belong to the big-name tracks – Plumpton is very much part of that conversation.”

Grand National-winning jockey Patrick Mullins, son of Willie, will be among the stars competing at Plumpton this weekend. He said:

“The fantastic prize money on offer is a real credit to the track, and we’re really looking forward to being at Plumpton.”

The Easter Festival (April 20–21) is Plumpton’s biggest meeting of the year, featuring two days of competitive racing and a host of entertainment for race fans and casual racegoers alike.

Located in the beautiful East Sussex countryside between the city of Brighton and the pretty town of Lewes, Plumpton is a small and friendly racecourse in a stunning setting. 

The short mile-long course brings the unique opportunity to witness elite sporting talent up close. 

Only around a one-hour journey from central London, and with the nearest train station just 5 minutes’ walk away, Plumpton Racecourse is easy to reach.

As the eyes of the racing world focus on the title race, Plumpton is poised for one of its biggest moments yet. 

With entertainment laid on for all the family and some of the sport’s biggest stars in action, Plumpton really is the place to be this Easter.

Gates open around midday. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/racing/fixtures/