Beverley Racecourse brought the curtain down for the season in late September following another fantastic year at the East Riding of Yorkshire-based racecourse. Here is a look back at some of the highlights of 2024.
Democracy Dilemma shows his class in bullet sprint
With an official rating of 106, Democracy Dilemma ended the season in group company. The highlight of his campaign came at Beverley when he landed the Beverley Bullet for trainer Robert Cowell.
Under the hands of Tom Eaves, Democracy Dilemma made all in the Listed race, eventually scoring by a nose in a tight finish with Albasheer and Emaraaty Ana. It was a record-extending fourth victory for Eaves in the race, as he also prevailed in 2004, 2005 and 2011.
Cowell’s talented sprinter will likely head to Dubai again in January for the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The experienced horse could also return to Beverley in 2025 where he will be bidding to become just the fourth runner in history to defend their crown in the contest.
Perfect Part causes upset in Hilary Needler Trophy
The Hilary Needler Trophy is the leading two-year-old race run at Beverley each season. This year, Perfect Part caused a huge upset in the race, prevailing on her debut at odds of 125/1.
Brian Ellison’s filly was in the rear of the field for most of the contest, but she produced a strong surge of pace in the final furlong to get up in the final strides of the race, beating the favourite Maw Lam, who had to settle for the runner-up spot.
The Beverley winner later went on to feature in the Group Two Lowther Stakes at York in August. She did not disgrace herself in that sprint contest, finishing fifth of nine runners.
Easterby and Hart Top the respective standings
Trainer duo Michael and David Easterby topped the standings at Beverley at the end of the 2024 season with seven winners. This Years Love played a big part in helping the brothers finish at the top of the table, as the gelding won three times in three starts during the year.
With just one less winner than the Easterby brothers, Charlie Johnston was in second place with six triumphs at the course in 2024. It has been another impressive season for the Scotsman, who took over the licence from his father Mark in 2022. Johnston is a trainer who is popular with horse racing owners, including syndicates such as RaceShare. You can buy a share in a racehorse with Johnston today for as little as £34, as he trains La Pulga for the syndicate. The six-year-old may feature at Beverley in 2025 when the Flat season returns.
Rider Jason Hart will also be delighted with the season he had at Beverley in 2024. The Northern-based jockey had eight winners across the year at the course. Ludo’s Landing was one of the horses he rode to victory for Johnston. The four-year-old was successful back in June in a handicap over 1m2f.
The opening fixture of the 2025 season at Beverley takes place on the 16th of April. The racecourse team will be doing all they can in the off-season to ensure the racecourse is in pristine condition for the opening meeting.