Jumps Network: exclusive updates, horses to follow, tips and more
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 14 Jan 2026
Introducing the Jumps Network!
Welcome to the Jumps Network, an exciting new blog on racingtv.com that will feature exclusive updates and news, horses to follow, expert analysis and much more throughout the 2025-26 Jumps season!
This page will be updated daily by Andrew Blair White (ABW), Joshua Stacey (JS), Jake Price (JP) and Ash Symonds (AS), four jump racing experts who will aim to provide unmissable snippets of information for all jump racing fans.
The top team have their heads in the Jumps formbook 24/7, so will also be providing a tip or two along the way.
Not following them on X yet? Make sure you follow @ablairwhite13, @TheRacingJosh, @JakePriceRacing and @ASymondsJourno as they will all be posting when this page is updated, and ensuring you never miss any of the information provided.
We hope you enjoy the content on the Jumps Network over the coming months, and feel free to get in touch with Andrew, Josh, Jake or Ash with any feedback or extra content you would like to be included.
LUMP SUM ruled out for the season
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday January 14
Sam Thomas confirmed at Newbury on Wednesday that promising chaser LUMP SUM will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 National Hunt season after sustaining an injury during his run at Kempton on December 27.
Having made an impressive start to life over fences with a 16 length victory at Uttoxeter, he backed that effort up with a good third place finish in the Henry VIII Novice Chase at Sandown. He disappointed when sent off 6/5f for the Wayward Lad at Kempton however, and this news helps to explain that below par effort.
Harry Cobden set to ride JONBON at Ascot
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday January 14
Having been appointed as JP McManus' retained rider from May 1, Harry Cobden will be able to get an early taste of life as the number one jockey for the green and gold at Ascot on Saturday.
With Nico de Boinville going to Haydock to ride OLD PARK STARin the Rossington Main Novice Hurdle, Cobden has been drafted in for the ride on JONBON in the Grade One Clarence House Chase.
Entries made for the Champion Hurdle, Mares Hurdle and Stayers Hurdle
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday January 13
Entries were made on Tuesday for the three Championship Grade One Hurdle races for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
16 were entered for the Champion Hurdle, with reigning Champion GOLDEN ACE among them. Ante-Post favourite SIR GINO also received an entry for Nicky Henderson, whilst Willie Mullins has given the option to LOSSIEMOUTH.
A larger number of 25 were put in the Mares Hurdle, headed by last year's winner LOSSIEMOUTH who will keep us guessing as to which race she will end up running in. Gordon Elliott will hope she goes to the Champion Hurdle for the sake of WODHOOH, whilst BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD and JADE DE GRUGY are also in the mix.
Finally, 29 were entered in the Stayers Hurdle, including the well fancied Gordon Elliott duo of TEAHUPOO and HONESTY POLICY. Last year's winner BOB OLINGER looks set to defend his crown, whilst IMPOSE TOI could well be the best of the British trained by Nicky Henderson.
Harry Cobden to be retained rider for JP McManus
Published by Jake Price, Monday January 12
JP McManus has announced that Harry Cobden will be his retained rider in both Britain and Ireland from May 1.
Boxing Day 2025: Ash Symonds’ five best bets
(pic: Healy Racing)
Published by Ash Symonds, Thursday December 25
Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas, one and all. I hope this Christmas period has, so far, been very enjoyable.
For us racing fans, Christmas Day is obvious enjoyable, but the eagerness for the day to finish so we can get to Boxing Day is palpable. That King George is as good of a present as I could ever have.
To try and share a bit of Christmas spirit, I will share my five best bets for Boxing Day in the hope that at least one of them provides a some more festive cheer.
Naturally, limiting myself to five will invariably see the sixth, seventh, and eighth best bet oblige in a canter, but let’s still take that chance.
12:30 AINTREE – JOSH THE BOSS
As much as JOSH THE BOSS has yet to be really tested over fences so far in his career, I fancy him to land the second race at Aintree.
In three starts over the larger obstacles, he has finished second at Warwick, won a walkover, and won at four-runner race at Doncaster. That’s solid form, right?
His first run saw him run Go West close at Warwick, and he’s gone on to give Jordans Cross a good race at Doncaster to frank the form.
When Josh The Boss next raced against other horses, his jumping improved markedly to my eye, and he put away the strong travelling Southoftheborder with fair ease.
Up 7lbs for the effort, I can see him obliging again here at a track he is 1/2 at.
12:45 KEMPTON PARK – TAPLEY
The opener at Kempton Park is actually a race I quite like two horses in, so I’m slightly cheating here.
EPIC WEST is one, as I think he is still very unexposed off 118 for Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan, and I can’t put anyone off backing him at 9/1 (as I will be doing the same).
However, at the prices, TAPLEY is one I have to back at anywhere near 25/1. He obliged very easily off 110 at Wincanton two starts ago, and I was really impressed by his jumping. For a horse who has spent plenty of time hurdling, he seems to jump fences nicely on his second spell over the larger obstacles.
He actually ran in this race last year, and the form of the race has worked out. Leader In The Park won, with Asta La Pasta, El Rio, and First Street immediately behind. Tapley finished ahead of Es Perfecto, and all of them have won races since.
He was only beaten by six lengths on that occasion, and he arrives here off a 3lb lower mark with Charlie Deautsch returning to the saddle for the first time since last year’s renewal.
All the signs suggest that he has been targeted back towards here, and in what looks a winnable race, he looks well-weighted to go close.
12:53 WINCANTON – ALFIE’S PRINCESS
If ALFIE’S PRINCESS is ready and raring to go on her first start for 439 days, I think she could take a fair bit of whacking in the Wincanton opener.
This is a long lay-off, admittedly, but she is a horse full of talent, as shown by her two novice hurdle wins in late-2023.
She started her chasing career at Ffos Las in October 2024 after a 204-day break, and she gave Smiling Getaway a great race to finish second. She really jumped her obstacles with speed and accuracy, and she looked like a horse who would turn into a better horse than her 119 rating suggests.
I’m hopeful that Sam Thomas has her ready for this seasonal reappearance, and his yard are in super form so far this year. She could really blow this field apart.
13:40 AINTREE – INDEEVAR BLUE
INDEEVAR BLUE seemed to run into a well-handicapped Tutti Quanti at Newbury in the Gerry Feilden, and even with a 3lb penalty to shoulder, I think he can take down this contest at Aintree.
Olly Murphy has always held this horse in high regard, but he’s probably failed to kick on since his impressive Wetherby bumper win in March 2023.
Still, in handicaps, he is still very unexposed with one win and one second, and a mark of 129 does still seem a little lenient for a horse of his ability.
The Gerry Feilden form with Tutti Quanti and Indemnity is one I’m particularly fond of, and while he is short, Indeevar Blue will be hard to beat.
14:15 AINTREE – KELCE
KELCE is a horse I’ve followed all of this season, and this looks like a race he can win.
For a first start of the season, I though he shaped really nicely at the Cheltenham October Meeting, and he probably just lacked for fitness when it mattered most. His November Meeting run can be forgiven as it was a heavy ground race, and he seemed to give up a little easily.
He certainly didn’t look like the same horse who won nicely at Wetherby in March, and the booking of five-pound claimer Toby McCain-Mitchell looks like a good move.
He’s ready to win a race like this, and I hope that Boxing Day is the time to do so.
KING GEORGE VI CHASE: JANGO BAIE
As for my fancy in the big one, the King George VI Chase, JANGO BAIE gets my vote of confidence.
While I have a lot of respect for Gaelic Warrior, Fact To File, and The Jukebox Man, Jango Baie is the horse I’ve fancied for this race ever since his novice chasing days. Three miles looks like a trip that should really suit him, and he showed at Ascot that going right-handed around a track like that suits his way of racing.
His jumping is his biggest asset, and I’m hopeful that he can sit behind the pace, save energy, and pick them off over the final two.
It’s one of the best King Georges we’ve seen in a long time, but he is a very unexposed horse in this company, and I am in the Jango Baie camp.
BETFAIR CHASE WEEKEND REVIEW: 20-1 Stayers’ Hurdle prospect worth considering
Kabral Du Mathan pings the last at Haydock (pic: focusonracing.com)
Published by Ash Symonds, Thursday November 27
What a weekend of racing we have just had. Grey Dawning served up a brilliant performance in the Betfair Chase, that John Durkan has gone down as one of the best races of the season, and numerous King George contenders enhanced their claims ahead of their date with destiny on Boxing Day.
Saturday and Sunday were exactly what a Grade 1 weekend should be in the National Hunt season, which, honestly, is so welcome to see.
Unfortunately, I’ve gone and ruined my perspective on this weekend by placing my first ante-post bet for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
But seriously, I was very impressed by one horse this weekend, and I have parted ways with some hard-earned cash to back him at 20-1 for Prestbury Park in March.
Read below to find out who this, as well as my biggest eye-catchers from the last seven days and the main things I learned from Betfair Chase Weekend.
Who takes on Wodhooh in the Mares’ Hurdle?
I have to say, WODHOOH was rather impressive in the Ascot Hurdle.
Turning for home, Potters Charm and Celtic Dino looked to have the Aintree Hurdle runner-up in a spot of bother, and both horses are classy operators. Giving them three lengths, and the run of the race, was a bold move that could have backfired. Ultimately, it didn’t, and Gordon Elliott’s eight-time-winning mare scooted clear with authority.
Based on his form with Alexei, Celtic Dino sets a good standard of form for the race. Potters Charm, Kateira, and Altobelli finishing third, fourth, and fifth in that order also makes a lot of sense.
I’m not saying anything new by suggesting that Wodhooh was impressive on Saturday, however, her performance did get me thinking about her potential opponents in the Mares’ Hurdle division going forward, and it’s an interesting topic.
Lossiemouth’s end-goal at the Cheltenham Festival could rely on what Anzadam does in Newcastle this weekend, but away from her, it’s hard to know which mares will remain over hurdles this season.
Jade De Grugy, Brighterdaysahead, Aston Martini, The Big Westerner, Diva Luna, and Joyeuse have all either run over fences or are planning to do so at some stage this season. Kargese was entered for a beginners’ chase this week, but she did not take up that engagement, and I just wonder if connections have taken one look at the Mares’ Hurdle division and decided to keep her to the smaller obstacles for now.
Either that, or the same connections may want to bring Jade De Grugy back over hurdles after her slightly lacklustre display at Cork earlier this month. I imagine one will go over fences, and the other will stay over hurdles.
Then the likes of Fleet Of A Dancer, Murcia, Galileo Dame, Kateria, Golden Ace, and Sixandahalf are potentials for the Mares’ Hurdle, but they are much bigger prices and would probably need to improve, if they are all staying over hurdles.
At this stage, the division does look like a bit of a puzzle, but the solid one seems to be Wodhooh, and that’s represented by her 5-2 ante-post price. One would have to think that the fresh 2m5f test of the New Course could also play to her strengths, and while Gordon Elliott did suggest that both the Stayers’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle are still options, I would be quite surprised if they deviated away from the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Of course, there’s plenty of water to go under the bridge until the Festival. I don’t want to put the Cheltenham blinkers on too early, do I?
Kabral Du Mathan can make the jump to Stayers’ Hurdle company
In a complete change of topic to the previous section, the horse I’ve backed for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is KABRAL DU MATHAN at a nice 20-1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Admittedly, winning a Class Two handicap hurdle over 2m3f is a fair difference to winning a Grade One contest over three miles at the Festival, but this Dan Skelton-trained five-year-old is a rapidly improving hurdler who will contest Graded company on his next start.
Specifically, the Relkeel Hurdle on New Year’s Day is likely to be his next race, which serves as a nice stepping stone to potentially the Stayers’ Hurdle. If he wins that, he’s a single-figure price for the Stayers’. If he loses, then I can file my docket away into the growing pile of losers.
Why do I like Kabral Du Mathan as a potential Stayers’ Hurdle horse? Firstly, I’ve always had him in mind for staying trips, ever since he won his first race for Paul Nicholls at Kempton last year. As he did throughout last season, he struck me as a relentless galloper who was getting away with two-mile races because of his class, of which he has plenty.
Therefore, it is very notable that on the first try at 2m3f, he has bolted up by 12 lengths on his seasonal reappearance, and the handicapper has made the judgment that he is a 14lb better horse than his previous rating suggested.
Across his whole career (seven races), he has yet to finish out of the top two, so the ceiling on his potential is still quite unknown, and there was a lot to like with the way he jumped and travelled on Saturday.
He’s by no means a certainty for the Stayers’ Hurdle, and there is the possibility that he could go to Aintree for the Aintree Hurdle rather than the Stayers’, but Dan Skelton has already mentioned Cheltenham for him, and I’m willing to take a chance at a nice price.
King George looks like a cracker, and Jango Baie can serve it up to Gaelic Warrior
I hope I’m not the only one that has a big ‘Road to the King George’ counter hanging up on the wall after this weekend.
It’s sure to be a fascinating contest at Kempton on Boxing Day, and after this weekend, my love for JANGO BAIE has grown.
His finishing effort reminded me a lot of his chasing debut at Cheltenham last season. His jumping was economical on the whole, though he was prone to a mistake, which can hopefully be ironed out. When the pace ramped up, his jumping actually improved, and that move around the home turn looked effortless, which, after review, is impressive considering Nico de Boinville seemed to ask him a few questions before that.
He would be the top British challenge in the King George to my eye, despite The Jukebox Man impressing plenty at Haydock. Both official ratings (165 vs 156) and Timeform ratings (167p vs 159p) would also indicate that Jango Baie is Britain’s number one.
That being said, Gaelic Warrior will be a tough opponent, if he comes across the water. I don’t see a viable reason as to why they wouldn’t come over for the King George with him because he loves going right-handed, and a track like Kempton should really suit him.
Jango Baie is obviously untested at three miles, but he showed on Saturday that he has an epic finishing effort, and he also displayed this in the Arkle. Don’t be surprised if he comes off the bridle earlier than Gaelic Warrior in the King George and flies home, very Hewick-esc.
Eye-catchers
Finally, let’s finish up with a few eye-catchers who should be ready to go well off their new/current handicap mark.
Going to Catterick on Thursday, SLEEPING SATELLITE won cosily for Fergal O’Brien and Jack Hogan, and he has a new handicap rating of 108, which is just 4lbs higher than Thursday’s winning rating. I don’t think 4lbs would have stopped him last Thursday, and I’m fairly sure this won’t prevent him from winning more this season. Furthermore, if he tidies up his jumping, he should unlock a bit more improvement.
I was quite taken by how PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS ran in the Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock, even if the handicapper has given him 2lbs for finishing third. He pinged every hurdle down the home straight, and it looked like both the second and the third had to work very hard to get t him after the last. I imagine he suited this sharper hurdle track, and this is the second time he’s finished third in this specific race. He is now on a career-high mark, but he has a nice race in him when the conditions suit.
Top Of The Bill finished the action off at Haydock on Saturday with a facile handicap chase success, and he handed a tasty 9lbs from the handicapper for his efforts. It’s probably worth keeping the runner-up, SALADINS SON, on side going forward, as he shaped well for the master Anthony Honeyball. He was the only one to make progress away from the field, and the handicapper has left him alone on a mark of 122. That rating looks attractive.
Finally, I think LAVIDA ADVIA is running herself into a nice streak of form, even if her handicap mark of 130 looks a bit tough. She should get dropped for her run at Market Rasen on Tuesday, but she shaped really well up until the last hurdle where she faded. Potentially a return to 2m4f could suit her, as she doesn’t lack speed, and she may just come on for the run once more.
20 entered for the King George VI Chase
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday November 25
A very healthy entry of 20 are in contention for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The potential cast is headed by Sunday's John Durkan hero GAELIC WARRIOR, and Willie Mullins has also given an entry to the gallant second FACT TO FILE in a possible team of three for the champion trainer.
Other notable entries include Saturday's 1965 Chase winner JANGO BAIE for Nicky Henderson, while Ben Pauling has entered one of his stable stars in THE JUKEBOX MAN, who also made a winning return to action over the weekend at Haydock.
The enigma that is IL EST FRANCAIS has received an entry despite disappointing at Ascot on Saturday, while France could be represented by KOLOKICO, who finished second in a Grade 1Oneat Auteuil this month for trainer Emmanuel Clayeux.
Find all 20 entries for the King George above.
Five confirmed for the Fighting Fifth after supplementary entry
Published by Jake Price, Monday November 24
Five horses have been confirmed for the eagerly anticipated Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday. Amongst those to hold their ground is Ante-Post favourite THE NEW LION, who will step into open company for the first time for the Dan Skelton team. Nicky Henderson sends what he will hope is a rejuvenated CONSTITUTION HILL, whilst Willie Mullins will take aim with ANZADAM, who missed the Morgiana at Punchestown last weekend in favour of this.
Reigning Champion Hurdle winner GOLDEN ACE has also stood her ground despite scoping dirty after her reappearance at Wetherby, but perhaps the most interesting entry is NEMEAN LION - who connections have paid a fee of £2,430 in order to supplement for the race.
Find all 5 entries for the Fighting Fifth above.
Cheltenham November Meeting Review
Published by Ash Symonds, Thursday November 20
There’s something about the Cheltenham November Meeting that makes it a great early-season meeting in the National Hunt season. Scratch that, there are lots of things.
The weekend starts off relatively hot with two Grade 2s, it continues with the feature Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday, and then it ends with a usually ultra-competitive Greatwood Hurdle on Sunday.
Add a handful of spicy handicaps across the three days, and the end result is a delightful event to watch.
This year’s meeting was no different, and I’ve come away with a few new opinions that are quite unexpected. After a few extra days of careful consideration (and some time spent in the lovely Northumberland), here is my Cheltenham November Meeting review.
FRIDAY: L’Eau Du Sud can be a serious player in the Champion Chase
Pic: Dan Abraham (focusonracing.com)
L’EAU DU SUD has told us on four separate occasions that he absolutely loves Cheltenham.
The two most notable ones to mention include last year’s Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase (RPR of 153) and this weekend’s Shloer Chase (RPR of 170). He also ran a very solid race in the Arkle itself last March (RPR of 157), and it took a very well-handicapped Absurde (and a great ride from Paul Townend) to down him in the 2024 County Hurdle (RPR of 140).
Dan Skelton thinks he got last season a little bit wrong by running him at Warwick in February, and he believes this cost him at the Cheltenham Festival. Whether this is the case is up to you, but he certainly looked like the winner jumping the final two fences, and he maybe just stopped a little bit in front.
As for his performance on Saturday, it was hard not to be really impressed. Jonbon needed the run, of course, but that didn’t stop L’Eau Du Sud from looking vastly superior. Maybe it was a case of him being trained to the absolute minute, but what’s stopping Skelton from doing this again for the Champion Chase?
He’s 8-1 for the Queen Mother now, but I do think there’s a chance he could drift through the season. Jonbon could reverse the form in the Tingle Creek, which would see his price pushed out, or if Skelton keeps him away from the track until March, he could be the forgotten horse by the time spring rolls around.
I was thoroughly impressed by L’Eau Du Sud, and his effort shouldn’t just be passed by as a ‘right horse, right time’ kind of performance.
The other notable winner at Cheltenham on Friday was NO DRAMA THIS END, and like a few in the racing community, I am a fully paid-up member of the fan club.
Both in this weekend’s success and his Warwick bumper debut, I thought his demeanour was exemplary. On Friday, he had the perfect conditions to spit the dummy out and not fancy it. Heads Up set a decent pace, the ground was deteriorating, and it was his hurdling debut.
But he didn’t. He instead travelled with class, pinged the last, and went clear readily. Maybe the race wasn’t overly deep, but those close to Heads Up think they have a nice one, and it took a nice horse to get past him on that ground.
No Drama This End is off to the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury next month, and if the same horse that ran at Cheltenham turns up, he could be quite hard to beat. You know what, with his infamous Barber Family silks, he does remind me of a former Nicholls-trained staying chaser, but his name escapes me.
Never mind.
Finally for Friday, just a few losing eye-catchers. The handicapper dropped CAN YOU CALL in the handicap to 118 after his third in the two-mile four-furlong veterans’ handicap chase. He shaped like a horse that could do with one more run before he is properly race-fit, and he ran with plenty of credit. He looks well-treated on old form.
In the last race, Fergal O’Brien collected second and third-place prize money with JACK HYDE and SERIOUS CHALLENGE. The handicapper has given the former 3lbs and the latter 1lb for their efforts, which shouldn’t stop them later this season. They will be winning races this year.
SATURDAY: Skelton could have his first Festival handicap horse
Saturday brought about two notable performances from the Dan Skelton yard, and I’m not telling you anything knew when I say this.
That’s because the horses to highlight are PRECIOUS MAN, second in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle, and PANIC ATTACK, an impressive winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Let start with Precious Man, and before we start, I need to give a quick shout out to fellow Jumps Network contributor Jake Price. Why? Well, he put the idea of Precious Man being a potential Fred Winter horse into head, and unfortunately for my sanity, that idea has not left my brain.
The Almanzor gelding had two runs over in France before coming to the UK. If connections really wanted to, the horse could be put nicely way until March, and he would be allowed to run in the Fred Winter. To be honest, if they did this, he would probably go off a single-figure price.
After his run at Cheltenham on Saturday, Skelton was very positive about the run, and who can blame him? He may not have won, but for a first run in this country, there were lots of positives to take out of the performance. Ultimately, One Horse Town’s tactics were superior on the day, but he still travelled like a horse who deserves plenty of respect during this season, and Skelton’s post-race quotes were rather interesting.
He said:
“I thought our horse ran really well, he just landed in a hole at the last, pulled both shoes off, and has given himself an overreach. There’s a good deal to come from him - there’s a big future in him. Perhaps I’ll wait for a bit better ground before I returned here. I doubt you would see him back here until March for whichever race would be most appropriate then - we’ll have a look. I’ll probably search for some better ground.”
To my eye, this would look like one more run in the new year (perhaps the Triumph Trial on Cheltenham Trials Day) and then back to Prestbury Park in March.
Unless he produces a serious performance on his next start, surely a campaign like this would lend itself to running him in the Fred Winter. The handicapper gave him an opening mark of 135, which is maybe on the harsh side, but it could still see him be competitive if they do decide to go down this route.
Of course, we don’t want to talk about Cheltenham too much, especially as we are only in November, but it’s just worth highlighting this horse while it’s still relevant.
As for Panic Attack, Skelton interestingly suggested that the Paddy Power Gold Cup heroine could reappear quickly in the Coral Gold Cup if she is showing all the right signs at home.
He said:
"I'm more than tempted by the Coral Gold Cup. I said Doncaster on Saturday and I still think Doncaster, but you never know. If she's bucking and squealing and says to us let's have a go. She's nine years old and isn't going to be around for three more years. She'll have a four-pound penalty and Harry [Skelton] can't ride her because he'll be at Newcastle, but Tristan [Durrell] would ride her, meaning she'd actually only carry one pound more."
If she were to run in the Coral Gold Cup, she would run off a 4lb higher mark, but Tristan Durrell would more than likely be her jockey, and he would be able to claim 3lbs back.
With just a 1lb rise, she has to be of serious interest if she showed up to Newbury. Three and a quarter miles is an unknown, but was she stopping in the Paddy Power? I don’t think so.
Elsewhere, the two horses I’ll be keeping on side from the mares’ bumper are DIVINE DIVA and ROCK SENSATION. They both shaped really nicely to finish fourth and third respectively, and the former is one who David Crosse thinks very highly of, so much so that they could go over hurdles this season with the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in mind.
SUNDAY: Anthony Honeyball is still the king
Pic: focusonracing
Thankfully for those who like analysis pieces that are shorter than a standard novel, I don’t have too much to discuss from the final day of the Cheltenham November Meeting.
The horses who caught my eye, for obvious reasons, were JORDANS CROSS and the bumper winner, SAINT CLOVIS. The latter has been working alongside fellow Cheltenham bumper winner Celestial Tune, and it seems like connections are going to keep the dream alive by targeting the Champion Bumper in March.
While he may not be good enough for that, he is a smart horse to make all in a competitive Cheltenham bumper.
As for Jordans Cross, I’m convinced he would have won the 2m4f novices’ limited handicap chase, and he probably would have won quite snugly. He won’t get a new handicap mark until next Tuesday, but he has some really solid form in the book (his win over the well-fancied Spadestep at Aintree in October shouldn’t be understated), and he should continue to improve.
He is only five, after all, and Anthony Honeyball is a great trainer for placing his horses in the correct races.
Seven confirmed for the Betfair Chase
Published by Jake Price, Monday November 17
Seven horses have been confirmed for the first Grade One of the season at Haydock on Saturday. Amongst those to hold their ground is Ante-Post favourite GREY DAWNING, who will bid to continue the great form of the Dan Skelton team, and go one better than last year when runner-up to ROYALE PAGAILLE, who also remains in contention.
Newcomers to the race are likely to be HAITI COULEURSfor Rebecca Curtis, as well as HANDSTANDS for Ben Pauling.
Find all 7 entries for the Betfair Chase above.
STATE MAN ruled out for the season
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday November 12
Willie Mullins has confirmed this morning that former Champion Hurdle winner STATE MAN will miss the 2025/26 National Hunt season after sustaining an injury on the gallops on Wednesday morning.
Cheltenham favourites KOPEK DES BORDES and FINAL DEMAND entered over fences
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday November 11
Supreme winner KOPEK DES BORDES has been entered to make his debut over fences in the 2m1f Beginners Chase at Navan on Saturday. Willie Mullins reported to Racing TV on the weekend that he has schooled well, and connections will very much be looking forward to the campaign ahead.
There are some very interesting horses entered in opposition however, headed by Gordon Elliott's star mare BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD, who could make the race - won by the likes of Facile Vega in the past - a fantastic early season clash.
If the mare doesn't take on the Arkle favourite, then she could instead take on the Brown Advisory favourite, as Willie Mullins has also entered the exciting FINAL DEMAND in the 2m4f Beginners Chase on Sunday.
Twelve entered for the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday November 11
Twelve entries have been made for the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 29. Amongst the headliners is Ante-Post favourite THE NEW LION, who will bid to follow up his Cheltenham Festival success for Dan and Harry Skelton.
Some of his potential rivals could make this race a cracker however, as Nicky Henderson has also entered CONSTITUTION HILLfor the Newcastle feature. Willie Mullins is not shying away from the battle either, and he could be represented by the highly promising ANZADAM. Reigning Champion Hurdler GOLDEN ACE is also entered despite disappointing at Wetherby.
Find all 12 entries for the Fighting Fifth above.
A WEEKEND ON THE ROAD
Published by Josh Stacey, Tuesday, November 11
It’s been a busy few days - plenty of miles, plenty of talking, and, thankfully, plenty of horses worth talking about. Exeter on Friday, studio duty Saturday, Sandown Park Sunday, and Kempton Park Monday. The notebook is full, and a few whispers have been added along the way.
Exeter – Friday
Kalif Du Berlais was the disappointment in the Haldon Gold Cup, but he’s far from one to give up on. It’s easy to forget Greaneteen was beaten by a similar margin in this very race back in 2021 - before bolting up in the Tingle Creek next time out. Paul Nicholls knows when he’s got a good one, and I’m happy to trust him here.
There’s been talk of stepping Kalif Du Berlais up in trip - perhaps following Clan Des Obeaux’s route and running in the December Gold Cup as a five-year-old. I’m not sure. Personally, I’d like to see him again over two miles before they make that move. And if anyone’s still citing his Scilly Isles flop as proof he doesn’t stay - it was heavy that day, and he’s clearly better on a sounder surface.
Saturday – Studio Shift
A Racing Replay voiceover shift - the dream setup for any form obsessive. No distractions, just pure focus and the occasional “that’s a nice one” muttered under your breath.
Performance of the day? Impose Toi, without a doubt. Despite stamina doubts, Nico de Boinville gave him a masterclass of patience, delaying the button press until the last. When he finally did, the response was instant - he quickened like a proper horse. Winning off 148 like that screams graded class. With the Stayers’ Hurdle division crying out for new faces, I hope connections aim high - Long Distance Hurdle, Long Walk, take your pick.
Good to see Chasing Fire qualify for the Pertemps Final too. That’s another one for Olly Murphy after Long Draw in October - he might have three or four lined up for the Festival as he chases his first winner there as a trainer.
Sunday – Sandown Park
Sandown didn’t quite hit the heights, truth be told. The pick of the bunch was Hurricane Pat, who won the 2m maiden hurdle nicely - definitely a nice one.
Over in Ireland, though, Only By Night was much more exciting to watch at Naas on the box. From an ante-post point of view, I just hope Robcour and Gavin Cromwell resist the temptation of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Come on lads, everyone wants to win a Mares’ Chase!
Monday – Kempton Park
Idy Wood landed the Pertemps qualifier in good style, but after chatting with Jamie Snowden, it sounds like the final isn’t the target. The Lanzarote back at Kempton in January is Plan A.
Below The Radar shaped with promise in the same race - looks one they might send chasing next.
Kasino Des Mottes was all heart. He’s crying out for three miles and could easily reappear in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Trial at the December Meeting.
And it was another memorable day for the Keighley yard, as Martin Keighley teamed up with son Freddie for another family success. I asked Martin about De Temps En Temps, the Showcase Meeting scorer, and he’s leaning towards the 2m Novices’ Handicap Hurdle on Friday of the November Meeting, with Freddie’s 7lb claim coming in handy. If that doesn’t come off, they’ll pick a different handicaps at the meeting rather than take on graded company.
SATURDAY: AINTREE & WINCANTON REVIEWED
Published by Ash Symonds, Saturday November 8
Having watched almost all of the racing at Aintree and Wincanton on Saturday, there are more pieces of information that I have taken out of the day than I expected to.
Racing is a game of opinions, and whilst I still have relevant thoughts on Saturday’s contests, here are five key points that I took out of yesterday's action.
AINTREE
HOLD YOUR HORSES BEFORE LABELLING IMPOSE TOI A STAYERS’ HURDLE HORSE
Objectively, IMPOSE TOI was quite good in the Pertemps Qualifier. He carried top weight to success, and some of his rivals were race-fit.
He will have to be campaigned as a Graded horse now having won off 148, and I would imagine that the Long Walk Hurdle could be a place to do that. Because the Stayers’ Hurdle sphere is a bit weak, I also think he will go off a relatively short price if he does line up in a Long Walk (between 7-2 and 5-1).
He deserves his chance, but I don’t want to crown him ‘king of the staying division’ just yet. They went pretty slow early on, and it turned into a bit of a sprint with the omitted hurdles. He would be deemed a speedy horse in yesterday’s field, even if Henderson thinks he is “as slow as we have in the whole place”.
Post-race, Henderson also said (via the Racing Post) that he would be “surprised if he is a Graded horse”, which is interesting. He is a horse that’s been beaten off 131, 134, 141, 145, and 143 before.
MORE TO COME FROM HIDDEN HISTORY AND MAMBONUMBERFIVE
This is an obvious statement, but I think HIDDEN HISTORY and MAMBONUMBERFIVE can continue to win races this season. Quite simply, I was very impressed with Mambonumberfive’s mannerisms over a fence for an inexperienced four-year-old, and Hidden History was apparently as big as a bull in the prelims.
Furthermore, I was keen on Hidden History at the start of Saturday, but after I listened to Dan Skelton’s initial interview on Racing TV after Only Way Is Up won, I lowered my stake on the horse. He was fairly pessimistic, and he said he would definitely need the run. It looked like that was the case, in fairness, as he took plenty of stoking by Harry Skelton, but he still won. The handicapper surely can’t raise him by anything more than 5lbs for a half-a-length win, right?
As for Mambonumberfive, I will probably be quite keen on the horse if he runs in the two-mile limited novices’ handicap chase at Newbury in two weeks’ time, but I would obviously need to see the final field. If not, he’s the type of horse who could turn up to that Grade 2 Noel Novices’ Chase at Ascot and go very close.
WHAT HAS JANE WILLIAMS GOT ON HER HANDS?
Quite what Jane Williams unleased in the Aintree bumper, I don’t know. MERLIN ALLEN hosed up under Ciaran Gethings, and the Devon-based trainer didn’t expect quite that performance for a horse who is a three-mile chasing type all over.
I assume they will have a ‘slowly-slowly’ season with him, as he is only three, but he seems quite smart based on the limited evidence we have. It was a pretty freaky performance, which does make me wonder what the form of the race is worth, but Fridaysman didn’t shape badly despite looking an awkward ride, and the third, Berkshire woody, has a proper Flat pedigree.
WINCANTON
PAUL NICHOLLS HAS TWO NOVICES WHO WILL BE WINNING PLENTY THIS SEASON
The opener at Wincanton was a Paul Nicholls procession, but it was FASOL and Olive Nicholls who got the better of MISS ALTEA BLUE and Harry Cobden.
The winner has been tried in decent races, notably the Ascot handicap won by Alexei and the novices’ handicap won by Give It To Me Oj on Sandown Finale Day, but he still has a rating of 115. I think he is starting to mature nicely, and he can probably string a few handicaps together.
As for Miss Altea Blue, she ran with plenty of credit on ground that was probably a touch too quick for her. It was also her first start of the season, and Nicholls alluded to the fact that there is a race for her at Newbury in three weeks’ time, which I think is the two-mile mares’ novices’ hurdle won by Listentoyourheart last year.
FASOL shone under Olive Nicholls
ALL FINGERS CROSSED AHEAD OF TUESDAY FOR HAMLET’S NIGHT
What will the handicapper do with HAMLET’S NIGHT after his run in the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle? On adjusted figures, he got to within a neck of the 149-rated Rubaud when 14lbs wrong at the weights.
The general consensus is that Rubaud underperformed, but by just how much? Tax For Max, rated 126, was just under eight lengths away when getting 6lbs from Rubaud. So, maybe 10lbs?
I imagine Hamlet’s Night will probably be rated somewhere in the region of 139 by the time Tuesday rolls around, which will be a bit of a shame, but he probably deserves the mark. I thought he was very impressive behind Rubaud, and if not for clattering the last, he might have just won.
A speedy two miles is right up his street. He may even come back for the Kingwell Hurdle in February, even though Wincanton probably isn’t an out-and-out speed track.
Nine in contention for the Shloer Chase on Friday
Published by Jake Price, Saturday November 8
Nine entries have been made for the Grade Two Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on Friday. Amongst the leading names is dual winner JONBON, who will bid to complete a November meeting hat-trick for Nicky Henderson and JP McManus.
His potential rivals could include last year's runner-up BOOTHILL, whilst the Skelton team look set to start L'EAU DU SUD off in this contest.
Find all 9 entries for the Shloer Chase above.
RESPLENDENT GREY handed a mark of 153 for the Coral Gold Cup
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday November 4
Coral Gold Cup hopeful RESPLENDENT GREY has been handed an official rating of 153 for the Newbury feature race on November 29, following his victory in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle on Sunday (above).
That win means the BHA Handicapper has raised the Olly Murphy charge by 6lb, whilst the second placed HANDSTANDS - who was giving the winner weight on Sunday - has seen his mark fall 2lb to 153. Ben Pauling has also entered his six-year-old for the Betfair Chase today.
Elsewhere in the field, the ratings of the Irish contingent were also revealed, with Willie Mullins' leading contender BLIZZARD OF OZ also handed mark of 153.
Resplendent Grey is a general 8-1 chance for the Coral Gold Cup.
Ben Pauling provides update on exciting novice hurdlers
Published by Ash Symonds, Tuesday November 4
Ben Pauling says he won't ask "too many questions" of KALKBRENNER and TAURUS BAY this season after their impressive hurdling debut victories last week.
Kalkbrenner, a £120,000 purchases form the 2024 Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale, won what looked like a warm 2m4f maiden hurdle at Ffos Las on October 28, and Taurus Bay, owned by Harry Redknapp and Geoff Hill, followed suit with an impressive success at Stratford two days later.
The Gloucestershire-based trainer also had DIG DEEP, bought for £120,000 at the Goffs UK Aintree Sale in April 2025, finish a good second to the exciting Starzand on the same Ffos Las card as Kalkbrenner.
We exclusively caught up with Pauling regarding these three unexposed novice hurdlers:
“Kalkbrenner was probably a very good performance. It was a good race, they went a good gallop, and he did it nicely. I couldn’t be any happier with him; he was very professional. Again, he’ll improve, and I think these horses will tell us where they are at. We’re still in October, and he’s a big, strong chasing type like Dig Deep. Taurus Bay would have a bit more speed, for sure, and he’d be more of an athletic type.”
Regarding Taurus Bay, he said:
“He’s always been a horse that we’ve liked, but they wouldn’t be fully tuned up yet, so I thought he could be vulnerable. What the race will turn out to be, I’m not sure, but he couldn’t have done it any better and it was a nice start. He’s definitely weak enough at the moment, so he wouldn’t want too many runs this season. He’s a nice individual, so hopefully he can go forward. It’ll be another novice hurdle next, and I don’t see any reason to do anything different. We’re very early in the season, so we’ve got plenty of time on our hands, and if he’s good enough, there might be something more exciting for him around Christmas.”
As for Dig Deep, the Grade One-winning trainer said:
“He was good, and he probably wasn’t suited by them not going overly quick early doors. He wants every yard of two-and-a-half miles, and he probably wants some softer ground as well.”
Finally, on the potential plans for all three this season, Pauling added:
“If all three come out of these races well, we’ve got time to find them just another novice and then see where we are. They’re definitely lovely horses for the future, and if they have a big day in them this year, there won’t be more than one I would have thought. I don’t think I’m going to ask too many questions of them all.”
Sixteen entered for the Betfair Chase
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday November 4
Sixteen entries have been made for the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday November 22. Among the names is last year's winner ROYALE PAGAILLE, while current ante-post favourite GREY DAWNING is also entered up for the Skelton team.
Irish trainers have entered four in the race, and recent Down Royal non-runner SPILLANE'S TOWER could be an intriguing contender should connections decide to go down this route.
Find all 16 entries for the Betfair Chase above.
CALDWELL POTTER out for the season
Published by Jake Price, Friday October 31
Paul Nicholls has confirmed on X this afternoon that CALDWELL POTTER will be out for the remainder of the season, having sustained a small injury in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Monday. Nicholls said:
"After consultation with the vets and his owners, it will mean that he will miss the rest of this season."
It is a huge blow for Ditcheat as Caldwell Potter was one of their leading lights for the campaign ahead. He was a general 4-1 chance for the Betfair Chase at Haydock before this news broke.
BLIZZARD OF OZ will be aimed at the Coral Gold Cup, and INTENSE RAFFLES could join him
(pic: Healy Racing Photographers)
Published by Ash Symonds, Wednesday October 29
BLIZZARD OF OZ, an impressive winner at Wexford on Monday, will be aimed at the Coral Gold Cup, Daryl Jacob confirms.
Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old beat Rocky's Diamond, fourth in last season's Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, on his seasonal reappearance earlier this week.
Connections handed Blizzard Of Oz and INTENSE RAFFLES, the 2024 Irish Grand National winner, an entry for Newbury's feature £250,000 contest on Tuesday, and it seems like both could head over the water next month.
Jacob, assistant racing manager to Munir and Souede, exclusively told us:
"He’s going to come over for the Coral Gold Cup with potentially Intense Raffles as well, if the ground is soft enough. There are lots to look forward to with Blizzard Of Oz this season, and hopefully, he’ll develop into a Graded horse towards the end of the year."
Monday's success in the Michael Hickey Memorial Chase was a first career win over fences for Blizzard Of Oz, which means he is a second-season novice.
The Grade 1-winning rider was impressed by his performance under Paul Townend, and he's hopeful for a big season.
Jacob continued:
"I was very happy with him the other day at Wexford. Usually, he needs his first run, and he was a little bit careful over his fences last season. But he actually jumped very well the other day, and he beat a good yardstick in Rocky’s Diamond, who I thought would suit the track very well. All in all, we’re extremely happy with him, and we think he’s in a great place."
Blizzard Of Oz is 10/1 for the Coral Gold Cup, while Intense Raffles is 25/1.
CELTIC DINO next target will be ground dependent
Published by Andrew Blair White, Wednesday October 29
Welsh Champion Hurdle winner CELTIC DINO has a couple of options open for his next racecourse start. Having only been raised 4lb by the assessor, the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 16 could certainly be an option. An alternative plan would be the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle on November 22.
Trainer Sam Thomas exclusively told us:
"He has come out of Chepstow really well. His next target will be dependent on quicker ground, as he is a light framed horse."
Elsewhere in the yard, ROCKING MAN is back in training following a spell on the sidelines last season. He amassed some smart form as a bumper horse, and connections are looking forward to him going novice hurdling in the next couple of weeks.
"He suffered with some niggly issues last season. We aim to run at Chepstow next Wednesday or Aintree next Saturday."
Celtic Dino is currently a general 10-1 chance for the Greatwood.
Joe Tizzard readying a strong team for Ascot on Saturday
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday October 29
South West trainer Joe Tizzard is gearing up for a big Saturday at Ascot, where he is well represented across the card. The first of those big names to be unleashed is FIRST CONFESSION in the 1.10, who is set to make his Chase debut at a track where he won twice last season.
Another set to be popular in the betting is Welsh Champion Hurdle runner-up ALEXEI, who will bid to go one better in the 3.10. Surprisingly the BHA Handicapper did not increase his official rating despite finishing so close to Celtic Dino at Chepstow, and as such he looks to have outstanding claims.
A third high profile name set to run in Berkshire is THE CHANGING MAN, who has his sights set on the feature Sodexo Gold Cup at 3.45. Another horse who seems to love Ascot having bolted up in the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novice Chase in February, his last start in a Handicap saw him finish second in the Ultima at Cheltenham.
Tizzard exclusively told us:
"All three will run as it stands."
TELEPATHIQUE set for return at Carlisle
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday October 29
Lucy Wadham's exciting Mare TELEPATHIQUE is set to return to action at Carlisle on Sunday, when contesting the Listed Houghton Mares Chase over 2m4f.
Last season she was a very impressive winner of the Lady Protectress at Huntingdon in February, but despite being well backed, she unfortunately missed her intended engagement in the Paddy Power Mares Chase at the Cheltenham Festival due to injury. Trainer Lucy Wadham exclusively told us:
"The Mares Chase at Cheltenham is the ultimate goal, but we are looking forward to starting her off at Carlisle on Sunday."
Telepathique is a general 33-1 chance for the Paddy Power Mares Chase.
HAITI COULEURS unlikely to run this weekend
Published by Andrew Blair White, Tuesday October 28
Rebecca Curtis' stable star HAITI COULEURS is unlikely to take up his engagements at Ascot and Carlisle this weekend, with the preference to wait for softer ground. His early season target is the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on November 29.
Entries made for Paddy Power Gold Cup and Unibet Greatwood Hurdle
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday October 28
30 have been entered for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 15, including the Ante-Post favourite JAGWAR, who won the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March when last seen. Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell has also entered THECOMPANYSERGEANT, who was runner-up at The Festival.
cheltenham
33 have been entered for the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle on November 16, including recent Welsh Champion Hurdle winner CELTIC DINO. Gordon Elliott has entered a duo of runners including CASHELDALE LAD, whilst Olly Murphy has entered the Persian War winner STICKTOTHEPLAN.
Ten entered for the Charlie Hall at Wetherby
Published by Jake Price, Monday October 27
Ten entries have been made for the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday. Amongst the names in contention is last year's winner THE REAL WHACKER, who is set to retain his crown for Patrick Neville.
There are some very notable names in opposition however, including PROTEKTORAT for the Skelton team, PIC D'ORHY for Paul Nicholls, and 2023 King George winner HEWICK.
Click above to find all 10 entries for the Charlie Hall
ASH’S EYE-CATCHERS: Anthony Honeyball has plenty to look forward to after promising performances at Cheltenham
(pic: focusonracing.com)
Published by Ash Symonds, Sunday October 22
This weekend felt like the first few ‘big days’ for the 2025-26 jumps season. Chepstow kicked off the season proper two weeks ago, but Friday and Saturday at Cheltenham were a great watch, and Sunday at Aintree picked up where Prestbury Park left off.
So, with this week now at an end, here are my top eye-catchers of the last seven days.
THURSDAY – SNATCH A GLANCE, LUDLOW
Starting on Thursday, SNATCH A GLANCE made a nice start to his hurdling career, and he should be winning races very soon.
He was ridden like winning was out of the question in a bumper at Ludlow in early October, and he duly obliged comfortably. As for his hurdling debut, he was given an educational ride by Johnny Burke towards the rear of the field, but he made stealthy progress through the field to finish a good third.
As they turned for home, it looked like winning was a tall order, but he gave himself a chance after the second-last, which was impressive. He’s gone into my Racing TV tracker.
FRIDAY – RELIEVED OF DUTIES, CHELTENHAM
The two-mile Holland Cooper ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on Friday was a bit of a weirdly run contest, which does mean I’ll be proceeding with caution regarding this piece of form going forward, but I think the first two could be quite smart novice chasers.
Alnilam set a decent tempo from the front, and he was able to pick up nicely after he had a breather. However, RELIEVED OF DUTIES is the horse that’s entered my Racing TV tracker.
He was given plenty to do by Danny Gilligan, but his penultimate furlong was the fastest in the field, and his fourth-last, third-last, and last furlong were the second-fastest, according to RaceIQ data.
Furthermore, he gained 7.5 lengths jumping, and 6.3 of that occurred over the last three jumps when he was allowed to stretch out. He was jumping fine in the first half of the race, but maybe the quick nature of the race caught him out a few times.
With this in mind, I would like to see him over 2m4f eventually. A step up in trip would suit his fast-finishing nature, and the slower pace of a race could further improve his jumping.
FRIDAY – BROOKIE, CHELTENHAM
Anthony Honeyball is one of my favourite National Hunt trainers, and he had a good weekend with two winners and two eye-catchers.
The first eye-catcher was BROOKIE, who was having his first run of the season and his first run in a handicap with this new mark of 149.
Like Relieved Of Duties, he had a bit of an uphill battle to win from where he was positioned coming down the hill, and, honestly, no horse was beating Calico on Saturday as this was his Gold Cup.
Honeyball’s progressive eight-year-old gained 7.48 lengths jumping, and he kept on up the home straight. The handicapper will find it hard to raise him for being beaten by seven-and-three-quarter lengths, and he can probably do some damage this season.
SATURDAY – CREST OF FORTUNE & MAJOR FORTUNE, CHELTENHAM
Two from the 2m4f novices’ limited handicap chase on Saturday have entered my Racing TV tracker, and they are CREST OF FORTUNE and MAJOR FORTUNE.
Starting with CREST OF FORTUNE, he is just five, yet he raced like an experienced handicap chaser on Saturday, and his jumping followed suit. He gained 3.79 lengths and achieved a jumping index rating of 8.4 with RaceIQ, which is impressive.
Honeyball thinks he could be a potential horse for the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase later this season, and he will surely be stepping back up to three miles soon enough. Saturday’s effort was a nice start to the season, and he can really build on this.
As for MAJOR FORTUNE, he made a notable move with five and four furlongs to go, but he seemed to just lack a bit of fitness after the last fence. He could well drop in the handicap after this weekend, and his last winning mark was 118, which is just 2lbs below his current handicap rating.
He is starting to look well-handicapped, and he should come on for this run.
Jamie Snowden upbeat despite chasing debut defeat for WENDIGO
(Pic: focusonracing.com)
Published by Ash Symonds, Wednesday October 22
It wasn't to be for WENDIGO on his chasing debut at Worcester, though trainer Jamie Snowden is still prepared to send him into Graded company on his next start.
Last season's Challow Novices' Hurdle runner-up produced a good performance on his first outing over fences on Wednesday afternoon, but WADE OUT and Sean Bowen ran him down in the final half-a-furlong to win the 2m4f beginners' chase.
Despite the loss, Snowden took plenty of positives out of the race, as he said: "It was a lovely start to chasing. He looked like the best horse in the race, he travelled like the best horse, he jumped like the best horse, but he didn’t win."Win, lose, or draw, it’s not the end of the world. We want to win in March, not necessarily October. He was beaten on his bumper debut and on his hurdling debut, and he progressed from both of those to be the horse that he is.
"I'm delighted with his jumping and I'm delighted with how he travelled through the race. Gavin [Sheehan, jockey] is obviously kicking himself a little bit, but it's not the be-all and end-all."
The Lambourn-based trainer had highlighted the John Francome Novices' Chase as a potential early-season target in previous interviews, and this Grade Two contest is still on the radar.
He continued: "Obviously, we've talked about stepping into Graded company, and we’ve got the John Francome at Newbury, which is a possibility."Although, he was beaten today, so you could go back for a beginners’ chase somewhere and get a bit more experience.
"He definitely wants three miles, but he's got the class to travel away over shorter.
"The thinking at the start of the season was to go to Chepstow for the Listed race, and we were then going to think about the John Francome before perhaps the Kauto Star, but we'll see.
"It's very well having a plan, but you’ve got to think outside the box a little bit, as well."
EXCLUSIVE: Chepstow bumper winner BLACK EDDY joins team Bowen
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday October 22
Recent impressive Chepstow bumper victor BLACK EDDY has been sold privately by Toby Bulgin, to go into training with Mickey Bowen.
His eased down two-and-a-quarter length success in Wales on October 12 caught many an eye, but it was the Welsh handler who positioned himself to secure the 4yo's services. He will run in the colours of Mr Martin Gowing, who also part-owns Peejaybee with Mickey Bowen.
Graded company next for WADE OUT after success over Grade 1-placed Wendigo
Wade Out wins at Worcester on chasing debut
Published by Ash Symonds, Wednesday October 22
Olly Murphy will now look towards Graded races for WADE OUT after his narrow success over Wendigo at Worcester on Wednesday afternoon.
Owned by Ferguson, Mason, Hales and Done, the six-year-old was one of the first horses off the bridle in the 2m4f beginners’ chase, but he pinged the last under champion jockey Sean Bowen and just got up to win by a head.
The Shantou gelding has always been highly thought of by Murphy, and the Warwickshire-based trainer is hopeful he can have a better season over fences than he did last year over hurdles.
“I chucked him out in the field in the spring as I was a bit disappointed with last season, albeit he won three novice hurdles, said Murphy. “I just thought he was going to be a proper Graded novice hurdler.
“I then really fancied him in a handicap at Aintree last season, but he was flat out all the way.
“Today didn’t surprise me, though we were a long way wrong at the weights with Wendigo. I thought he jumped well, and he had to jump well today as he was under the cosh from a long way out.”
Murphy saddled Kingston Pride, another exciting novice chaser for Warren Chase Stables, to win at Perth yesterday, and he is on course for the John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury in late November.
Sean Bowen on KINGSTON PRIDE following Tuesday's Perth debut chasing success.
Although no specific race was mentioned for Wade Out, he will contest a Graded race next, as Murphy continued: “Where we go next, I don’t know. He’ll want a month now as he’s had a hard race.
“The way we run our racing over here now, you’ve got to have four runs before you can stay contesting good money, so I imagine whatever mark he was going to get up to, he was going to get there anyway without winning good prize money.
“I’d imagine he’s going to have to go down the Graded novice chase route now. I reckon there will be a lot of improvement to come when he goes up to three miles, and even in the spring with a set of cheekpieces.”
Exciting UN SENS A LA VIE to tackle Cheltenham test on Friday
Published by Ash Symonds, Tuesday October 21
UN SENS A LA VIE is an intended runner at Cheltenham on Friday, co-trainer Willy Twiston-Davies confirms.
The exciting five-year-old is unbeaten in two starts for the Gloucestershire-based yard, and he holds an entry for the Grade Two Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park.
The £180,000 purchase was labelled as a potential horse for the Formby Novices’ Hurdle later this year by Sam Twiston-Davies after his wide-margin Market Rasen hurdles debut last week.
UN SENS A LA VIE could follow the POTTERS CHARM route, Sam Twiston-Davies says
He is currently the general 7-4 ante-post favourite for Friday’s contest, with FORTUNE DE MER (5-2) and JACK HYDE (6-1) among likely rivals.
Ten entered for the Old Roan at Aintree
Published by Jake Price, Monday October 20
Ten entries have been made for the Grade Two Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Aintree on Sunday. Amongst the names in contention are last year's 1-2-3 in MINELLA DRAMA for Donald McCain, HITMAN for Paul Nicholls, and AHOY SENOR for Lucinda Russell.
Three-times course winner IMPERIAL SAINT is a very interesting entry for the Philip Hobbs & Johnson White team, whilst MASTER CHEWY could drop back into handicap company for the first time in a while.
Click above to find all 10 entries for the Old Roan
JULY FLOWER sparkles on chasing debut
Published by Jake Price, Sunday October 19
We may well have seen our first proper Cheltenham Festival clue today, as JULY FLOWER was an impressive winner on her chase debut at Limerick. Already rated as high as 148 over hurdles, she jumped with aplomb and beat talented stablemate Tareze by an easy 11 lengths.
Trainer Henry de Bromhead was equally as impressed and said:
"She was a high-rated mare and looked brilliant there. We might aim for Cheltenham in November next."
It may well be that we next see her in the Grade Two Arkle Trial Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on November 15, as the intimation from her trainer was that they are thinking about dropping in trip, rather than moving up to three miles.
Her price for the Paddy Power Mares Chase at the Festival in March was cut to a general 12-1.
Chester Williams saddles first runners as a trainer
Published by Jake Price, Friday October 17
Saturday will be a big day for Chester Williams, who saddles his first runners in his own name at Newton Abbot. Gaining his license in July, he has taken 10 boxes at the yard run by his mother in North Devon. Williams told us:
"it has been a long build up, so it will be great to get those first runners on track."
His second runner comes in the Bumper (5.55), where GREAT DANCE looks like an extremely exciting prospect. She is a Doctor Dino Filly out of Let's Dance - who won the Mares Novices' Hurdle for Willie Mullins back in 2017. She will be ridden by Harry Cobden, which is certainly an eye-catching booking.
"She was physically immature last season. She's developed well over the summer though, and is ready for her first run."
His other runner on the card is HAAS BOY (5.25), who joins from the Emma Lavelle stable.
Mares Hurdle moved from Tuesday to Thursday
Published by Jake Price, Friday October 17
Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that the Grade One Mares Hurdle will be moved from its usual Tuesday spot at the Festival, to St Patrick's Thursday in 2026. As a result, the Plate Handicap Chase will switch to the Tuesday card.
NEW: Rich Ricci adds another French recruit to the Willie Mullins team
Published by Jake Price, Thursday October 16
Winner of the Prix Video Rock on the flat at Moulins in August, MISTER YVES has been purchased and was today registered in Ireland to run in the famous pink and green colours of Rich and Susannah Ricci.
He was made to dig deep that day when just about hanging on over 2400m, and he is yet another Juvenile for the season ahead to be joining the Willie Mullins stable.
King George VI Chase and Savills Chase mentioned for HEART WOOD
Published by Ash Symonds, Wednesday October 15
HEART WOOD, second in last season's Ryanair Chase to Fact To File, could be heading to the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. The Robcour-owned seven-year-old kicked off his season at Punchestown today with a one-and-three-quarter length success in the BetVictor Chase at short odds.
He wasn't at his best, but for his first run of the new campaign, that was expected, and the way he rallied past a valiant Monbeg Park after the last was quite commendable.Today's performance was his second win at 2m7f, and trainer Henry de Bromhead has his eyes on some high-profile staying contests later this year.
"I hope we’d improve a fair bit for the run," De Bromhead told Gary O'Brien on Racing TV. "It looked like a good opportunity, and a nice way to start his season.
"Down Royal (Ladbrokes Champion Chase, November 1) could come soon enough, but he’s in, and we have the option.
"Obviously, he was second in the Ryanair last season, but I’d love to see him over three miles again. So, you’ve got Kempton at Christmas or the Savills Chase.
"We’ll see. I haven’t spoken to the lads yet, so I want to see what everyone is thinking. There are plenty of places we could go."
Heart Wood was trimmed into 20/1 from 40/1 for the King George VI Chase after today's win.
35 entered for the Grand Sefton at Aintree
Published by Jake Price, Wednesday October 15
Early closing entries for the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree on the 8th November were made this week. This race provides the first spectacle of the season over the Grand National fences, and last year was won by KING TURGEON. Entered again to defend his crown, his trainer David Pipe exclusively told us:
"He is in good form at home, and currently the plan is to go straight to Aintree with him for the Grand Sefton."
Elsewhere in the field Kim Muir second JOHNNYWHO is an interesting entry for the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White team, whilst Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has entered a trio of runners, including THREE CARD BRAG. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have hinted that WHITE RHINO could also start his campaign here.
Click above to find all 35 entries for the Grand Sefton
STICKTOTHEPLAN to run in the Greatwood Hurdle or Newton Novices' Hurdle next
Published by Ash Symonds, Tuesday October 14
(Pic: focusonracing.com)
STICKTOTHEPLAN will next run in either the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (November 16) or the Newton Novices' Hurdle on Betfair Chase Day (November 22), Olly Murphy confirms.
Friday's impressive Persian War Novices' Hurdle winner has come out of Chepstow in good shape, the Warwickshire-based trainer confirmed on Tuesday evening, and the five-year-old looks set to step down in trip to two miles for his next assignment.
If he were to line up in the Greatwood Hurdle next month, he would race off a new handicap mark of 143, 8lb higher than at Chepstow last week.
As for the Newton Novices' Hurdle, he would have to shoulder a 5lb penalty because he has already won a Class One weight-for-age hurdle race.
UN SENS A LA VIE impresses on hurdles debut
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday October 14
Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies are no stranger to having a good novice, and in the same colours as Potters Charm, UN SENS A LA VIE made a taking hurdles debut at Market Rasen this afternoon.
Jumping well in the main, he made a mistake at the second last when still cruising. Coming down to the last however he certainly made amends, before stretching away under hands and heels. After the race Sam Twiston-Davies nominated the Formby Novice Hurdle as a potential future target, with the Cheltenham October meeting also not ruled out. Either way, he is certainly one to keep on side.
Listen to Sam Twiston-Davies on UN SENS A LA VIE at Market Rasen
Irish trio set to run in the American Grand National
Published by Jake Price, Tuesday October 14
A facile winner of the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in June, Gavin Cromwell and Paul Byrne have once again made some ambitious plans BALLYSAX HANK- who is set for a tilt at the American Grand National at Far Hills on Saturday.
Last seen winning a 1m6f maiden at Gowran Park in September, the third in that race FIL DOR is also being aimed at the showpiece event in American Jumps Racing - where he will be joined by stablemate ZANAHIYR. Gordon Elliott, who trains the pair, was only narrowly denied in the race 12 months ago when Galvin finished second.
Watch how BALLYSAX HANK beat FIL DOR on the Flat at Gowran last month
Last year's winner SNAP DECISION will also bid to retain his crown. The race is due off at 20:45 on Saturday 18 October.
WEEKEND EYE-CATCHERS: Luckless Tom Lacey novice hurdler is worth following
Published by Ash Symonds, Monday October 13
What’s better than an eye-catcher to follow at the start of a new jumps season? Well, two of them!
Below, I have listed a couple of horses who I think can go on to better things, and one of them really made a strong impression on Friday.
UNJEU ROYAL - 13:22 CHEPSTOW, FRIDAY
(Pic: focusonracing.com)
Having been on track at Chepstow on Friday, there was one horse who I couldn’t stop thinking about, and all he did was finish ninth in the opening two-mile novices’ hurdle. Beautiful.
UNJEU ROYAL, trained by Tom Lacey, is the horse in question.
He was quite keen throughout the race, and yet he still arrived at the third-last tanking in the hands of Stan Sheppard. Unfortunately, it was reported by the stewards that he was hampered at this hurdle, and this became quite noticeable after the flight, as he seemingly lost a fair few lengths.
There was a good chance he would have at least placed on Friday, which is notable considering his slightly exuberant jumping and keenness on seasonal debut, and yet he might go under a few people’s radars because of his finishing position.
Connections ran him in a top-quality bumper at the Aintree Grand National Festival last season, so he must have been showing good things, and there’s a fair chance he has improved over the summer.
I’d be quite hopeful he can win a novice or maiden hurdle on his next start, and it’ll be interesting to see what the handicapper does with him eventually.
TAKE NO CHANCES – 15:20 CHEPSTOW, SATURDAY
(Pic: focusonracing.com)
How TAKE NO CHANCES is campaigned this season will be interesting.
She’s officially rated 146, but I’d be hopeful that the handicapper drops her by a couple of pounds on Tuesday as she was beaten by seven-and-a-half lengths with Harry Atkins taking off seven pounds in the saddle.
If she does start to drop in the handicap, she will be worth keeping one eye on throughout the season. After all, she did finish a good second to Wodhooh, the subsequent Martin Pipe winner, at last year’s Cheltenham December Meeting with a handicap mark of 137.
As for her performance on Saturday, it was pleasing for a seasonal reappearance. She travelled nicely towards the rear of the field, her jumping was slick, and she stayed on towards the line.
Her next run could be the Wetherby Mares’ Hurdle that she won last year, or connections may stick to handicaps for the time being. If they chose the former, she would have to be on the shortlist immediately, and if it’s the latter, her handicap mark could creep down to a place that makes her attractive.
CALDWELL POTTER handed Newton Abbot option
Published by Jake Price, Monday October 13
The 2025 Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival and subsequent Mildmay Novices' Chase winner at Aintree, CALDWELL POTTER - has been entered for the 2m5f Class 2 Intermediate Chase at Newton Abbot on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls has won this race with Pic D'orhy and Bravemansgame in recent years, and his latest entry has similar Grade One ambitions this season, with the likes of a Betfair Chase potentially on the agenda.
Watch how CALDWELL POTTER won the Mildmay Novices' Chase last season
Other entries for the race on Saturday include BLUEKING D'OROUX, LOOKAWAY, and RISKINTHEGROUND. The ground is currently described as Good to Soft.
GWENNIE MAY BOY joins Olly Murphy
Published by Jake Price, Saturday October 11
Olly Murphy has been the benefactor of a few stable switchers this season, but the latest to arrive at Warren Chase is the talented GWENNIE MAY BOY.
Last season, when trained by Dan Skelton, this seven-year-old won the Grade Two Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock by 7½ lengths - so he is already rated 148 over Hurdles. Plans remain open as to whether he stays over Hurdles, or goes chasing this season.
Watch how GWENNIE MAY BOY won the WKD Rendlesham Hurdle last season
Exclusive: MAESTRO CONTI joins the Skelton team
Published by Jake Price, Friday October 10
Recent Moulins winner MAESTRO CONTI has been purchased and is set to join the Dan Skelton team plus will run in the same colours as his half-brother LIVE CONTI.
He was an extremely impressive winner of the 3YO Tunis Hurdle on September 17, scoring by 6½ lengths, and is clearly well bred being a half-brother to the 2025 Grade One Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle runner-up.
Skelton told us: "He arrived this week. He won really well on debut, but on looks, and his performance, he looks really smart. We'll get him ready for Christmas time."
Well-bred MASKED MAN can be a graded horse this season
Published by Ash Symonds, Friday October 10
It was hard not to be seriously impressed by MASKED MAN in the second division of the two-mile novices’ hurdle at Chepstow on Friday. He was ridden like the best horse in the race, and I liked how he picked up quickly after the second-last hurdle, even though he clipped through the top of it.
The Simon Munir & Isaac Souede-owned four-year-old is a half-brother to Willie Mullins’ Batman Girac, a horse I had a lot of time for as a juvenile despite his keen tendencies. No immediate target was highlighted by Willy Twiston-Davies, his co-trainer, in the immediate aftermath, but I imagine he will be contesting Graded contests soon.
Willy Twiston-Davies said: “He showed a very high level of ability in his point-to-point, and he’s done nothing but impress us since.
“He’s very straightforward, and we think he’s very nice. He won a three-mile point-to-point, and he settles well, so he’ll definitely get two-and-a-half miles.
“I’m not sure where we’ll go now - we might just go and win another novice.”
Persian War winner STICKTOTHEPLAN to be kept for nicer ground
Published by Ash Symonds, Friday October 10
The feature race of the day went to Olly Murphy’s STICKTOTHEPLAN, and the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle winner could be saved for better ground this season. The former Cormac Farrell-trained five-year-old had “nearly worked too well” in the lead-up to this race, which meant Murphy was “not surprised” by the manner of his four-length success.
He is officially rated 135, but the handicapper will almost certainly change this on Tuesday, and his new mark could decide what connections do with him from here.
Murphy said: “I wouldn’t be afraid to drop him back to two miles - he went through the race incredibly well. It’ll be interesting to see what the handicapper does.
“He’s a horse who wouldn’t want the depths of winter ground, so we’ll probably keep him to a bit of nicer ground, and he might be a horse for the spring as well.”
Watch STICKTOTHEPLAN winning at Galway before joining Olly Murphy
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