Super Saturday: Kempton's big February fixture gets large prize-money increase

Prize-money levels for Kempton's prestigious Saturday fixture on February 26 has been significantly increased, with the feature 3m Grade 3 handicap chase now worth £150,000.

The race, formerly sponsored by the Racing Post, has been renamed the Coral Trophy, with greats such as Desert Orchid and Pendil as well as last year's winner Clondaw Castle on its roll of honour. Prize-money has increased by £50,000 from last year's running, which was worth £100,000.

Clondaw Castle wins the Grade 3 handicap chase at Kempton last year: the race will now be worth £150,000 and known as the Coral TrophyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Two of the Grade 2s on the card, the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle and the Pendil Novices' Chase, have also had their prize-money upped to £60,000 from £30,000 and £32,000 respectively, with the total prize-money on Coral Trophy day set to stand at £366,800.

Kempton's clerk of the course Barney Clifford said: "This handicap chase has always been an important part of the racing calendar and has been won by some wonderful horses down the years.

"By providing record prize-money and renaming it the Coral Trophy, we hope that both the industry and racing fans alike will see that we are serious about reinvigorating the day and maintaining the prestige of this fantastic race."

The track's Lanzarote Hurdle card earlier in January also saw significantly increased prize-money levels as part of a new partnership between Coral and The Jockey Club.

Coral PR director Simon Clare said: "The Coral team are passionate about horseracing and want to make a real difference to the sport, so we are thrilled to be partnering with The Jockey Club on this project of reinvigorating and strengthening Kempton Park's marquee jumps meetings."

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