With the 2023 Lincoln Handicap set to be run this Saturday on April 1st, then the Doncaster race planners might have been thinking it was an early April Fools’ Day joke when they received a record 115 entries for the big early season flat handicap.
However, a large boost in prize money was put down as the reason for the 1m contest attracting its biggest set of entries, with the purse fund increased from £100,000 to £150,000. The entries are now down to 95, with the final runners (max 22) set to be out on Thursday 30th March.
53 More Lincoln Handicap Entries Than This Stage Last Year
Yes, it’s no April Fools’ Day prank as with an extra £50,000 added to the coffers this had been the key for the 2023 Lincoln Handicap getting 115 entries – which is up a massive 53 from last year’s 62 at this same stage.
Doncaster executive director Rachel Harwood said to the Racing Post: “We’ve been able to invest in prize money values across the meeting, especially to the Lincoln and Spring Mile handicaps, and are therefore delighted to see record entries.
“We work hard at Doncaster to provide an excellent experience for racegoers and owners alike, and we look forward to welcoming everyone in April to usher in the new Flat season.”
Lincoln Handicap Field Will Be Limited To 22 Runners Come 1st April
Despite the record entry of 115 Lincoln Handicap runners at this declaration stage, the race will go through several more forfeit stages and will eventually whittle down to the maximum 22 runners (for safety reasons), which will be finalised two days before the race – this Thursday on 30th March 2023.
Top Lincoln Handicap Trainer William Haggas Has Two Early Entries
Newmarket trainer William Haggas, who has won the Lincoln Handicap three times since 2007, with Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb, has two early entries for the 1st April race – Al Mubhir and Montassib.
Both are currently in at 32 and 37, so will need 10 and 15 horses ahead of them to come out to get into the race, but there is every chance of that happening between now and early April.
“It’s a good entry. The prize money certainly helps, although we always try to have a Lincoln horse and we have a couple of entries who are 32 and 37 in the list at the moment but are both intended runners at this very early stage.” Haggas told the Racing Post
DID YOU KNOW? Five of the last 6 Lincoln Handicap winners were aged 4 years-old
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