Monmore planning already ahead of Judgement Night in June
Although the Trainers Judgement Night meeting is not until June 18 at Monmore, the track are already making plans to make it a huge success once more.
Picture from Monmore X feed
Monmore looking forward to Judgement Night
Monmore is gearing up - already - for what promises to be one of the nights of the year with Trainers Judgement Night on Thursday, June 18.
Staged in memory and respect to the late Lord David Lipsey, the six-trainer shootout was staged last year at Perry Barr and saw now 16-time champion trainer Mark Wallis edge out Nathan Hunt and Tom Heilbron in a points-make-prizes competition which went right to the wire - and Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson believes this year’s unique one-off team event could again be a close call.
He said: “We’re delighted to be hosting Trainers Judgement Night for the David Lipsey Trophy here at Monmore, paying tribute to a real gentleman, as we welcome the top six trainers for what should be a thrilling battle on the night.
“It has the potential to go right down to the wire, while the ‘joker’ option for double points always adds extra intrigue, so we can’t wait for it to come round in June.
“Of course, Mark Wallis won the event last year with our own Nathan Hunt doing brilliantly to finish as runner-up. Each trainer is there on merit and we expect there to be some proper top-class racing.”
As it stands the top six handlers in the 2025 Trainer of the Year standings who automatically qualify for Trainers Judgement Night are Mark Wallis, Patrick Janssens, Kevin Hutton, Maxine Locke, Nathan Hunt and Tom Heilbron. All are expected to take up the opportunity, with seventh-placed Paul Young standing by should any trainer step aside.
Monmore general manager Paul Mason is also looking forward to another night of top-class action at the Wolverhampton venue - especially with current investment from owners Entain seeing various improvements in and around the stadium.
“It’ll be Monmore’s second time hosting Trainers Judgement Night in recent years and the format delivers real excitement for both those involved and the crowd in attendance. It’s always a highlight on the racing calendar and an honour to host, especially this year for the Lipsey Trophy.
“And there’s plenty going on here, too!
“Our general admission area is undergoing a six-figure revamp, with works having commenced this week. The lighting, ceiling, flooring, walls and woodwork are all being given a refresh to provide an improved customer experience and give the room a more modern look.
“We’re keeping disruption to a minimum during the works as, while the general admission area is closed, customers who pay on the door for race meetings on Thursday and Saturday nights are welcome to use the downstairs Party Pack room.
“Our viewing restaurant is also open as normal so we look forward to welcoming crowds throughout January, albeit in a slightly different way, for some exciting race nights including a good one this Thursday as three Category Three events get under way.”
