Highland Chief connections have high hopes after promising run in Chesham
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Highland Chief is to be lightly-raced this season as connections have one eye on next year for the youngster, who put up an eyecatching performance in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The son of Gleneagles, trained by Paul Cole, ran with great promise to take minor honours behind Godolphin’s Pinatubo and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Lope Y Fernandez in the Listed contest over seven furlongs.
It was his second outing following a winning debut over the minimum trip at Newbury in April.
“He ran well. He was a bit green – after the race we felt he could have been a lot closer if he hadn’t been so green,” said Oliver Cole, assistant to his father.
Highland Chief (far side) got involved against two smart horses at Royal Ascot
“He got boxed and then ran all over the place. I think he would have been a lot closer.
“We are going to lightly race him this year. He’ll probably run maybe once more or twice more, and that’s it, and then put him away for next year.
“He’s a very nice horse. He does all the right things at home, he’s a pleasure to train and I think he’s a serious horse in the making.
“He’s still much a frame of a horse physically so he’s going to grow and develop and get better and better.
“We haven’t got an immediate plan. We’ll speak to the owners.”
Cole felt it was a good renewal of the Chesham.
“I think it was above average,” he said.
“The winner is very good and they really fancied the second. We really like ours, but until you run them against the bigger yards then you don’t know, but we think ours is pretty smart too.
“I think he’ll get a mile plus in time.”
Related posts
Saturday ante-post tips: 33-1 shot can spring a surprise
Ryan Moore set to partner Constitution Hill at Kempton on Wednesday
Dave Nevison's Thursday tips: three best bets
Seven Cheltenham runners whose RaceiQ numbers add up
Aidan O'Brien: my team for the 2026 Flat season
Featured offers
£30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Ladbrokes
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + money back if 2nd to SP fav with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved