Newcastle will once again host its popular stand-alone meeting this weekend, featuring a strong 10-race program headlined by the Group 2 The Hunter.
The $1 million feature has drawn a full field of 16 runners plus two emergencies, ensuring another highly competitive edition of the provincial showpiece.
Trainer Joe Pride, who claimed the 2023 running of The Hunter, will saddle up a trio of contenders this year — Coal Crusher, Estadio Mestalla and Accredited — as he looks to repeat his success.
Local horseman Kris Lees, who is yet to capture the race since its 2019 inception, will be represented by Brudenell and Infancy in the 2025 renewal.
Meanwhile, jockey Tyler Schiller will be out to secure his third consecutive win in the feature event, this time partnering talented runner Clear Thinking.
If you’re planning to have a bet on The Hunter, make sure to check the latest odds and compare sports betting and online betting options to get the best value on race day.
The Hunter Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IOWNA MERC | Bjorn Baker | Ashley Morgan | 14 | 59kg |
| 2 | ROBUSTO | Bjorn Baker | Joshua Parr | 2 | 59kg |
| 3 | COAL CRUSHER | Joseph Pride | Chad Schofield | 4 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | ESTADIO MESTALLA (IRE) | Joseph Pride | Adam Hyeronimus | 18 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | AIRMAN | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 8 | 57.5kg |
| 6 | GOLDEN MILE | Joseph Pride | 6 | 57.5kg | |
| 7 | OSTRAKA | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Jason Collett | 10 | 57kg |
| 8 | BRUDENELL | Kris Lees | Tim Clark | 1 | 56kg |
| 9 | DARNATION (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Reece Jones | 16 | 55kg |
| 10 | CIFRADO | Rex Lipp | 11 | 55kg | |
| 11 | ACCREDITED | Joseph Pride | Andrew Adkins | 3 | 54.5kg |
| 12 | KONASANA | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 5 | 54kg |
| 13 | PHEARSON | Brad Widdup | 15 | 54kg | |
| 14 | YORKSHIRE | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | Zac Lloyd | 13 | 53.5kg |
| 15 | INFANCY | Kris Lees | Dylan Gibbons | 17 | 53kg |
| 16 | CLEAR THINKING (GB) | Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | Tyler Schiller | 9 | 53kg |
| 17e | FELIX MAJESTIC | Gary Nickson | Ms Molly Bourke (a) | 7 | 53kg |
| 18e | ROMEO’S CHOICE | Richard Litt | Jay Ford | 12 | 53kg |