Tuesday again was not the best racing but a few things worth a mention. On Newcastle’s all-weather card we saw Andrew Balding’s Berkshire Whisper follow up his Kempton debut win in the novice stakes and looks a nice prospect. Kevin Ryan’s West Tyrone took a handicap at Southwell on his fifth attempt at the races and now he knows how to win I would think he will go on again. He was well backed too! Over the sticks at Market Rasen conditional jockey Shane Fenelon and Peter Bowen teamed up to take the three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase with Fairlawn Flyer.

Catterick staged a six-race card on Wednesday and thirty-two runners went to post on ground described as Good. That was the headline from the North Yorkshire track. Lingfield saw young Ashley Lewis ride his first winner when Donald Llewellyn took the hands and heels apprentice handicap for Gary and Josh Moore. The yard is now firing as we have come to expect both over jumps and the flat after a very steady start to the season.

The listed Spring Cup Stakes was won readily by Rebels Gamble for Karl Burke and jockey Clifford Lee. Tom Marquand and trainer George Baker team ed up for two winners on the card too. At Kempton Hugo Plamer won the seven-furlong handicap with the well punted Soldiers Star under Jamie Spencer. Finally, Rossa Ryan had a double riding winners for Ed Dunlop and David Evans.

The bookmakers got a proper spanking at Wincanton on Thursday when all seven favourites came home winners. 2/1, 4/5, 5/4, 1/12, Evs, 10/3, 15/8 BOSH!! Fontwell was low key but Gary and Josh Moore had a double on the card.

The honours on Friday went to west country trainer Jeremy Scott. He trained three winners at Exeter while up at Ayr Nick Alexander had two winners. Dylan Cunha the young South African trainer based in Newmarket had a day to remember. He trained a handicap chase winner at Leicester called Mahon’s Glory ridden by Lee Edwards. Then on the same afternoon he saw his horse Silver Sword take the Burj Handicap over at Meydan in Dubai under Ray Dawson. Many congratulations on this remarkable feat.

A really big Saturday before next weeks bonanza of National Hunt racing. Sandown as usual staged the Imperial Cup and Go Dante repeated last years success in this race last year off a two-pound lower mark. Well done to trainer Olly Murphy and jockey Sean Bowen. The Mares Listed Bumper went to Charisma Cat who won five lengths for Alan King and Tom Cannon. Wolverhampton staged the Lincoln Handicap trial as it does and the winner Symbol Of Light under Jason Watson just held off Farasi Lane under Holly Doyle. The winner was trained by Julie Camacho and owned by the Horsewatchers whose afternoon was about to get even better. In the Listed Lady Wulfruna Stakes the same owners’ horse Royal Zabeel won the seven-furlong event for trainer Mick Appleby and pilot Ali Rawlinson. The other jumps cards saw Lucinda Russell team up with Derek Fox for two winners at Ayr while the training partnership of Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole did the same at Hereford who were both found in the market…

Naas on Sunday staged a Grade 3 Hurdle the Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle and Willie Mullins took this with 20/1 shot Gaucher under Brian Hayes. He is just warming up for next week.

The Leinster National was won by a very game Bushmans Pass for Oliver McKiernan and jockey Philip Enright who saw off Hartur D’arc by half a length. James Davies rode a Warwick double courtesy of Sage Green for Tony Charlton and Norther Poet for Nick Gifford.

Next Tuesday the Olympics of jump racing begins. Enjoy and best of luck!!!

On Tuesday morning Constitution Hill had a racecourse gallop at Kempton and judging from press coverage afterwards things went well, and connections are delighted. Leicester had an all-chase card and the last two races were hunter chases. Both were won impressively, the first by Pyleigh Court ridden by Ella Herbison. The second by Benny’s King ridden by Heidi Palin. Wolverhampton was the evening meeting again and David Loughnane trained the first two winners on the card.

Wednesday saw the Godolphin owned Opera Ballo make it two from two in the Conditions race over a mile at Kempton under William Buick. The Charlie Appleby trained colt is quoted generally at 8/1 for the 2000 Guineas in May. The Major will not be rushing to avail himself of that. After 10mm of rain overnight Wincanton was abandoned while the other two jumps’ cards at Wetherby and Bangor went ahead with nothing much to report.

Thursday saw the introduction of a Kingman colt trained by William Haggas up at Newcastle. Regalian took the novice stakes by over three lengths under Tom Marquand but ran green in the closing stages. He will progress for sure. At Chelmsford six favourites won from seven races and Billy Loughnane rode two of them. Taunton saw Harry Kimber ride a double while Richard Patrick did the same at Ludlow.

Friday, we received two pieces of nice news. Jack Kennedy has stated he will be back and fir to ride at the Cheltenham Festival. Also, the Festival opener will this year be called the “Michael O’Sullivan” Supreme Novice Hurdle. On the track Philip Hobbs, Johnston White and Michael Nolan teamed up for a double at Newbury. Wonderful Eagle and Kikijo both handled the soft ground to win well. Kosac D’oudairies was a very good winner of the bumper at Ffos Las for Jamie Snowdon and Gavin Sheehan. At Lingfield the All-Weather Championship Trials Day offered good competitive racing. The Trial Sprint was won well by the Jack Channon trained Ferrous ridden by Tom Marquand.

Saturday and lots to report on and mention. First off out in Dubai at Meydan Charlie Appleby and William Buick had four winners at Emirates Super Saturday meeting. Kelso staged its showcase meeting of the season with great prize money and competitive fields. Grey Dawning for the Skelton’s took the Listed Premier Chase from Iroko in what was a match according to the betting. The Grade 2 Premier Novice Hurdle went to the Lucinda Russell trained Jet To Vegas owned by Jimmy Fyfe who has pumped plenty of money into the game over the years. Ridden by Derek Fox this looks like a nice type to the Major. In the feature Morebattle Hurdle Cracking Rhapsody followed up last years success carrying thirteen pounds more for trainer Ewan Whillans and jockey Craig Nicol. A lovely Scottish success story for the locals. Also, worth a line or two here was the introduction of a juvenile hurdler from the Harry Derham yard called Filibustering. He was very impressive under Paul O’Brien and won by eleven lengths although I am not sure about the strength of the opposition.

At Doncaster the Listed Mares Hurdle over three miles went to Irish raider World

Fortunes trained by Liam Kenny and ridden by Brian Hughes. Newbury saw one of the most remarkable races I have witnessed. The Greatwood Gold Cup was won by the Olly Murphy trained Booster Bob. Over this two-and-a-half-mile trip the winner could not keep up early and was tailed off at least twenty lengths adrift. Under Sean Bowen he came home strong up the straight to win going away. You have to watch it to believe it! Sam Brown won the veteran’s handicap chase after some recent good efforts for Anthony Honeyball. Tom George has had a quiet time of things lately, but he has a really good prospect in the form of Heron In The Park, who took the bumper easily.

The Grade 3 Flying Bolt Novices Chase at Navan was won comfortably by Champ Kiely, for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. The Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase threw up a huge shock when 50/1 chance Senecia stayed on bravely to see off El Fabiolo.

At Huntingdon on Sunday juvenile hurdler Aviemore followed up his win at Warwick in impressive style by twenty lengths for Harry Derham, Paul O’Brien and owners Highclere Thoroughbreds. In the finale we saw an equally impressive display from Mydaddypaddy, who took the bumper readily. The Dan Skelton trained gelding had eleven lengths to spare at the line under brother Harry Skelton.

Doncaster six race card was mediocre fayre but worth a mention was the bumper winner here too. At The Oche, making his debut, showed lots of resolve to win by ¾ of a length. This Nigel Twiston-Davies inmate was well back at double figures and returned 13/2 under James Turner.

Over at Leopardstown Thedevilscoachman earned a deserved success under Mark Walsh for trainer Noel Meade. Finally, the Dublin National was won by Brandt for trainer Cian Collins and jockey Tiernan Power Roach. Many congratulations!

Tuesday saw the funeral of John Hales RIP The headline from the track was George Wood rode four winners for four different trainers again at the evening Wolverhampton meeting. I think we saw a nice bumper winner at Market Rasen for the Twiston-Davies team when Un Sens A La Vie won three lengths on debut. Worth a mention was the first race at Taunton where Holeshot trained by Tim Vaughan and ridden by Alan Johns won easily by seven lengths. This was quite heavily backed and it’s fair to say this yard do not leave their money behind often.

At midday on Wednesday the funeral took place of young jockey Michael O’Sullivan at John The Baptist church in Glantane county Cork and was laid to rest in St Johns Cemetery RIP
Not much to report from the track except Nicky Henderson and James Bowen teamed up for a double at Doncaster. Most impressive performance was the Charlie Longsdon trained Imperial Jade who took the two and a half mile handicap hurdle under David Bass by 13 lengths. At Ludlow Ben Pauling bagged another double, his yard is on fire!

More bad news Thursday morning, old favourite of many Delta Work died aged 12 after suffering an attack of colic. He won five Grade 1s and the X Country Chase twice. Irish racing returned at Punchestown with some informative races for the future. The Grand National Trial went to Gordon Elliott’s Fortunedefortunata and Elliott trained the runner up and third for good measure. The Listed Novice Hurdle went to the Barry Connell owned and trained William Munny under Sean Flanagan. He now heads for the Supreme Novice and has been quoted 16/1 best for the Festival opener. The Grade 3 Quevega Mares Hurdle was picked up by Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with Jade De Grugy. The bumper was also a Willie Mullins trained winner called Gameofinches who impressed the bookies as they have now installed him 4/1 favourite for the Champion Bumper! At Huntingdon trainer Harry Derham and jockey Paul O’Brien combined for a double with Dramatic Encore and Teddy Blue. Christian Williams and Jack Tudor repeated the feat at Lingfield with You Say Nothing and Last Rodeo both being strong in the market. On the all-weather at Newcastle Ruth Carr trained two winners while jockey Jonny Peate rode two.

Friday’s Exeter card included a Listed Mares Chase which was won by the Polly Grundy trained Don’t Rightly Know ridden by Harry Cobden who outstayed Irish challenger Malina Girl. Cobden rode two other winners on the card for good measure. At Warwick Bryan Carver rode two winners over hurdles but was out done by Ben Jones who rode the last three winners on the card. Two were for his boss Ben Pauling and the other Fashions Model for trainer Sheila Lewis who was supported in the betting. At Meydan Azteca won the UAE Oaks as expected at prohibitive odds. Nine year old Dubai Future rolled back the years to take the staying event under Silvestre De Sousa. Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor should be applauded for persevering with this horse that could run in Cup races this summer.

On to Saturday and lots to mention here. Starting at Kempton the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle went to 450,000 Euro purchase Mambonumberfive on his second UK racecourse appearance. He was impressive having being held up last, he won readily under Ben Jones for Ben Pauling. The Dovecote Novice Hurdle, also Grade 3 was won impressively by Tripoli Flyer for Fergal O’Brien and Johnny Burke. The winning distance was 7 lengths back to the favourite Miami Magic in second and this could be a Supreme Novice Hurdle possible next month and would appreciate spring ground more than today’s going description. Finally, the Grade 2 Pendil Novice Chase went to the Paul Nicholls trained Rubaud fought hard to beat Boombawn by a length. Aintree next stop for the winner according to post race quotes. At Newcastle the Eider Handicap Chase was the feature and this was taken in a procession by Knockanore who came home 16 lengths clear for trainer Ryan Potter. This was a high profile winner for the yard and was well ridden by young Freddie Mitchell. Congratulations from the Major
The valuable Winter Derby was run at Southwell and Karl Burke’s Royal Champion hosed up under Clifford Lee. Over the water the Bobbyjoe Chase was the highlight. The Thyestes Chase winner Nick Rocket took the honours and Grand National dreams are alive. Also to mention the first race, the Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. The winner, Great Attitude won over five lengths at 8/1 but the story was the fact this horse was supported at 100/1 on the track and some availed themselves of bigger on Saturday morning. The term “had it right off” springs to mind…Finally the Saudi Cup provided racing fans a real treat. In the most valuable race in the world Japan’s Forever Young fought back to beat the Hong Kong trained Romantic Warrior in the straight.

On Sunday the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle took place at Fontwell. We saw a really good finish here too as Nemean Lion made up over two lengths on the run in to “chin” Steel Ally a neck. The winner trained by Kerry Lee and ridden by Richard Patrick is a credit to them both. At Naas the two Graded Hurdles were won by Bacchanalian for Declan Queally and Jacobs Ladder for Gordon Elliott.

Tuesday was low key but a few things to mention. At Ayr, trainer Ian Duncan, who would not have a massive string had a lovely double both over hurdles. The Jeweller’s Pet and Maura Jeanne won nicely and were not friendless in the market. The bumper to end the card was a four-runner affair and was won by Irish raider Royal Hillsborough from the Stewart Crawford yard. The four-length debut winner was very well handled to victory by Sean Flanagan. At Lingfield Olly Murphy’s yard continues to churn out winners and added to more via Pleasington and Double Oban. Oh, before I forget Frankel was born 17 years ago today!

Wetherby was the feature meeting on Wednesday and the first race, a novice hurdle was won easily by Wendigo for Jamie Snowden and jockey Gavin Sheehan. This gelding chased home The New Lion in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle last December and the winning jockey thinks stamina is his forte. and considers the Albert Bartlett as the best festival option. The rest of the card included a double for Harry and Dan Skelton. The winner of the juvenile hurdle named Live Conti won its only start in France and won three lengths without going into third gear making all. He is a Triumph Hurdle entry and received 20/1 quotes post-race for Cheltenham.

Hereford staged some competitive handicaps and Evan Williams and Adam Wedge teamed up with a double, both over fences with Puddlesinthepark and Everyonesacritic. The nine race card at Kempton’s evening fixture provided a maiden over a mile and the Major thinks we saw a nice one. Advancing trained by John Ferguson and ridden by Danny Muscutt was fancied by someone with his price contracting from 10/1-13/2 pre-race.

Sandown was the feature on Thursday with the Royal Artillery Gold Cup being one of the highlights on the card. The winner Frenchy Du Large trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Sgt Nick Oliver won eased down by eleven lengths. The other highlight was the Grade 2 Mares Novice Hurdle. Jamie Snowden’s Hollygrove Cha Cha under Gavin Sheehan who just managed to hold on from a staying on That’ll Do Moss who came from last position 3 out for Fergal O’Brien and Johnny Burke. The two handicap hurdles which began and finished the card were both picked up by Gary and Josh Moore charges namely, Casa Loupi and Taita Hills. The all-chase card at Leicester saw Classic Maestro take the main event for Jennie Candlish and jockey Luke Scott making all in his usual style. Up at Newcastle Willie and Patrick Mullins teamed up to take a maiden hurdle while Jennie Candlish had a double both ridden by Sean Quinlan. Perhaps the most striking performance on the card was the bumper winner Upon Tweed. The Nicky Richard’s trained gelding won 8 lengths under Danny McMenamin. Over the water at Clonmel the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle went to Gordon Elliott’s Ballybow who now looks set for the Albert Bartlett next month.

Friday saw Sean Bowen chalk up his 1000th British winner at Fakenham when Kefir D’oudaires won the bumper. Olly Murphy was the winning trainer who in recent times has supplied many winning opportunities for Bowen. Many congratulations from the Major

At Southwell on the all-weather Leon Trotsky landed a punt when taking the staying handicap under Sean Levey. He completed a double taking the novice stakes for boss Richard Hannon with Left Over Love. Robert Havlin had two winners on the card too! Up at Kelso Lucinda Russell had a treble while the O’Neil’s had the first two winners on the card to pay for the diesel travelling up from the Cotswolds.

On to Saturday, the biggest day in the Qatari racing Calander needed to be rearranged to the following day after two horses slipped and were brought down on the home turn in the first race. UK jockeys including Luke Morris were quite vociferous in their criticisms of the track claiming they had raised concerns before racing and earlier in the week. Michael O’Sullivan is still reported to be in intensive care and we wish him well and is in our prayers. Another Irish jockey Jordan Gainford took a fall at Haydock riding Minella Sixo for Gordon Elliott and was taken to hospital too. Fingers crossed he is ok

On the track there was top class racing to enjoy all over. Starting at Gowran Park the Grade 2 Redmills Chase only attracted 3 runners and Willie Mullins second string according to the betting, Classic Getaway beat stablemate Saint Sam by six lengths under Danny Mullins. At Wincanton their feature was the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle. The Jeremy Scott trained Golden Ace saw off Burdett Road under Lorcan Williams in a good finish. Jingko Blue unseated Nico de Boinville in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novice Chase at Ascot at the third fence leaving the race on a plate to The Changing Man for trainer Joe Tizzard and jockey Brendan Powell. The most valuable race of the day, the Grade 1 Ascot Chase was a repeat of last year where Pic D’orhy made all, jumped the others into submission and won ten lengths. Well done to the Nicholls and Cobden combination.

Finally, up at Haydock two Grade 2 Hurdles took place. The Rendlesham Hurdle over three miles went to Gwennie May Boy for Dan Skelton and jockey Charlie Todd. The Prestige Novice Hurdle also over three miles was a great victory for trainer Mark Walford and jockey Jamie Hamilton. Battle Born Lad raced prominently and stayed on strongly to win by over five lengths. The Grand National Trial over three and a half miles went to Famous Bridge carrying the well-known Hemmings Racing colours. Trained by Nicky Richards and ridden by Sean Quinlan the nine-year-old gelding lead in between the last two fences and stayed on to win three lengths.

Early Sunday morning, the news the racing world was dreading arrived.

Michael O’Sullivan lost his battle in hospital and died aged just 25.

Rest In Peace, God Bless

Ben Jones brought up 50 winners for the season on Hardy Fella in the staying handicap hurdle for Emma Lavelle at Market Rasen. Irish trainer Mick Halford announced his retirement on Tuesday after 41 years in the job. His record includes Group 1 wins and Royal Ascot winners along the way. The ex amateur jockey was most recently training in partnership with Tracey Collins and over the years his patrons included HH Aga Khan and Sheik Mohammed. The Major wishes him well in retirement.

On Wednesday morning we woke up to the sad news of the passing of one of the most influential owner-breeders ever. HH Aga Khan died aged 88. There will be many tributes paid and quite rightly, he was a giant of the game. He will always be most associated with his first Epsom Derby winner Shergar in 1981, who later went off to stud in Ireland and mysteriously dissapeared. Lots of views as to what happened to the horse but not many people will know the truth for sure. His other Derby winners in England were Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand as recently as 2016. His first trainers in England were Michael Stoute and Fulke Johnson Houghton. In 1989 his Oaks winner Aliysa was disqualified for testing positive for a banned substance post race and the Epsom classic was awarded to the Henry Cecil trained Snow Bride ridden by Steve Cauthen. The Aga Khan never forgave this decision and  eventually removed all his horses trained in the UK. Stoute and Cumani lost out the most in the numbers game at the time. In 1995 he returned some horses to the UK to be trained, but lightening struck twice when in 2000 two Cumani inmates owned by HH again tested positive in similar fashion as before, and all 30 horses trained by Cumani were removed. He remained loyal to Stoute but his horses were now predominantly based in France and Ireland.

Over the years he achieved widespread success with 8 French Derbys, 6 Irish Derbys, 4 Arcs, 3 King Georges and 3 Breeders Cup winners. In total he owned 161 Group 1 winners. In 2013 over in Ireland John Oxx was told he would not recieve any yearlings for the following year and this left Dermot Weld as the main trainer outside of France. It is perhaps fitting that Weld trained the Aga Khan’s last British classic winner, when just last June at Epsom Ezeliya took the Oaks under Chris Hayes. RIP.

Thursday saw more bad news; Michael O’Sullivan was airlifted to hospital in Cork after a bad fall at Thurles in the second race. The remainder of the card was abandoned. Doncaster fell to the weather unfortunately. Roll on Spring. On the track at Huntingdon the Listed Sydney Banks Memorial Novice Hurdle went to Califet En Vol for the Sevenbarrows team of Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. The following race was a Listed Mares Chase and this went to the Lucy Wadham trained Telepathique, who saw off Irish raider and favourite Brides Hill, under Tom Cannon.

On Friday there were three winners at Southwell for Rossa Ryan and Tony Carroll, including Init Together, who chalked up his fourth success on the bounce in 2025. Humam looks an improver for Andrew Balding, who took the six furlong handicap under Hayley Turner. Lingfield saw the Listed Tandridge Stakes go to Tyrrhenian Sea for Roger Varian and Jack Mitchell. They saw off the 4/9 favourite, Maljoom, by over two lengths.

Kempton’s jumps card included two winners for Chris Gordon’s yard with Andashan taking the 2 mile maiden hurdle by 18 lengths. He was also successful in the second division of the bumper with debutant Bold Action, who made all under Freddie Gordon. Venetia Williams won the first race on the Kempton card and also had a double at Bangor on Dee, including Laskalin, who took the North Wales National under Lucy Turner.

There was an abundance of good racing on Saturday. At Newbury the Grade Two Game Spirit Chase threw up a surprise when Master Chewy reversed the form with the second Liberty Hunter from December at Cheltenham. Trained by Nigel and ridden by his son, Sam Twiston-Davies, the yard also provided the favourite Matata, who finished back in third. The other Grade Two Denman Chase 35 minutes earlier was taken easily by Djelo for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. The 6/4 favourite saw off two Nicholls’ trained horses, Hitman and Bravemansgame. The William Hill Hurdle, known to many of a similar age to myself as the Schweppes, is always a difficult handicap to win. This year’s race rather reversed the trend when Joyeuse for Henderson and de Boinville bolted up by 8 lengths, with its head in its chest.

Over at Warwick the Listed Hurdle threw up another surprise as Royale Margaux, trained by Tom Symonds, took the honours. It was hard on Jamie Snowden and Johnny Burke, as their runner You Wear It Well was a length clear when falling at the last flight. The Kingmaker Grade Two Novice Chase was a match according to the betting, and the 1/5 favourite L’eau Du Sud obliged poignantly in the colours of John Hales, who had passed away the previous week. The Skeltons are heading for the Arkle with the winner.

The lesser lights of Uttoxeter’s card saw Danny McMenamin and Nick Scholfield ride two winners each. On the all-weather up at Newcastle, Jason Watson rode the first two winners, both trained by Andrew Balding. Over the water the first foal of Apples Jade hit the racecourse for Gordon Elliot. Named Apples Jane, she was beaten by stablemate Eternal Echo in the bumper.

Staying in Ireland with Navan on Sunday we had two Grade 2 races and a Listed Novice Hurdle. The Listed Mares Novice Hurdle named after Apples Jade was won by Tareze, trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Darragh O’Keefe. She led going to the last and won an easy 8 lengths from the Noel Meade trained Blue Mosque. The Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle was taken bravely by the Gordon Elliot trained and Danny Gilligan ridden Maxxum. He looked beat when the favourite, Thedevilscoachman loomed up to challenge but to his credit he stuck it out well for a brave victory. The Grade 2 Novice Chase went to another Elliot inmate Better Days Ahead ridden by Sam Ewing.

The Listed Novice Hurdle on the card at Exeter went to the Olly Murphy trained Fingle Bridge. Sean Bowen, his pilot, made this a true test pressing on two out and staying on strongly to defy the jolly old favourite Regent’s Stroll by two lengths. In the previous heat on the card a Listed Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles we saw Only By Night claim the prize. This Irish raider trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Keith Donoghue looks an improver.

It’s been a funny week with some good racing but some sad stories to share too. The Major hopes for positive news about Mikey O’Sullivan.

This week the weather has improved temperature wise but the rainfall has caused the problems. On Monday we lost Hereford and meetings at Exeter and Ffos Las have already been abandoned later in the week due to being waterlogged.

Maughreen was one of 3 winners on the Punchcestown card for Mullins and Townend. This mare is now favourite for the Mares Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham and generally quoted at 11/4. Not for the Major at that price I might add….

In other news it was nice to read Ed Bethell had joined the list of trainers to be used by HH Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum. Well done and many congratulations. This is quite a statement by the owner and expect to see some well bred types flying the flag for Ed and his team this year.

Tuesday’s fixtures went ahead as scheduled but before racing, the sad news broke that the Ben Pauling trained Grade 1 winner, The Jukebox Man, was out for the season and would miss the festival. Over the Irish sea at Limerick we saw a first win for Sainte Tartare who was having just her third run at the age of seven. She took the mares’ maiden hurdle for WIllie and Danny Mullins by 21 lengths. The patience looks to have paid off with her and the Major will keep an eye out for her next visit to the races. The going at Chepstow was heavy but there were a couple of impressive winners on the card. Probably the most eye catching was Lagertha who took the mares novice hurdle by ten lengths under Gavin Sheehan for local trainer Katy Price.

Wednesday just had two all-weather meetings to report on and the Kempton evening card saw the return of Oisin Murphy back riding in the UK. He wasted no time in booting home 2 winners, one each for Andrew Balding and Roger Varian. The Godolphin owned Opera Ballo made a striking debut over a mile in the three year-old maiden for Billy Loughnane. This 600,000 guineas purchase took over two furlongs out and had over eight lengths to spare at the line. The Major thinks this colt by Ghaiyyath could be anything.

Southwell’s nine race card was not the best and the bookmakers must have taken a beating as seven favourites obliged. Wincanton survived an inspection and the Major was particulary taken by the first division of the bumper, where the Olly Murphy trained and Sean Bowen ridden There Runs Mary made a lovely debut. Abroad, over in Bahrain Jim Crowley rode two winners while Callum Shepherd and Neil Callan rode one each.

On Friday we learnt of some sad news with the death of prominent and longstanding owner John Hales aged 85. He owned some real stars of National Hunt racing over the years, his best probably being One Man who won two King George’s. He then dropped down in trip to take the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase. He owned two other Champion Chase winners too, namely Azertyuiop and Politologue. John also saw his colours take the Grand National with Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob. RIP. In other sad news the Chairman of the BHA, Joe Saumerez Smith, announced he was stepping down from the role due to ill health. We wish him well.

In the Middle East Richard Mullen rode his 600th winner in Dubai on Hallasan in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial. His first Dubai success was 28 years ago, which incidently was owned by Godolphin too like Hallasan. Many congratulations. The Group 3 Dubai Millenium Stakes went to First Conquest also owned by Godolphin and ridden by William Buick. In Bahrain the George Scott/ Calum Shepherd combination won the feature HRH The Crown Prince Cup with Phantom Flight. The card also saw Tom Marquand ride 3 winners for local trainer Allan Smith. Back on home soil the Surrey National at Lingfield over three and a half miles provided a good winner for trainer Neil King and jockey Jack Quinlan. Sporting Ace raced prominently throughout and stayed on well after the last to win by a head from 7/2 favourite Passing Well.

Saturday saw day one of the DRF (Dublin Racing Festival) and four Grade 1 races to savour. Final Demand was an impressive winner for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the 2 miles 6 furlong Novice Hurdle winning by 12 lengths. In the Juvenile Hurdle Hello Neighbour came out on top for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue. Over fences Majborough took the Irish Arkle for JP McManus, Willie Mullins and jockey Mark Walsh by 9 lengths despite some sketchy jumping. Let’s hope this one takes on Sir Gino at Cheltenham. The feature Irish Gold Cup was a third success in the race for the legend that is Galopin Des Champs who saw off all his rivals, eventually winning by 4 lengths. He has now won 11 Grade 1 races and bids for a third Cheltenham Gold Cup next month. Over at Sandown the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase was a close affair. Although only 4 runners went to post, only a short head separated the first two at the line with Handstands for Ben Pauling edging out Jango Baie for Nicky Henderson. A nice winner to end the week for the yard after the bad news regarding The Juke Box Man earlier in the week. Up at Musselburgh The Kalooki Kid won the Scottish Champion Chase for Nicky Richards and Danny McMenamin.

Day 2 of the DRF and again we were treated to 4 Grade 1 races. The Novice Hurdle over 2 miles had a very very impressive winner in the shape of Kopek Des Bordes who maintained his unbeaten record. This 13 length winner is now best priced 7/4 for the Festival opener, the Supreme Novice Hurdle. The Dublin Chase over 2 miles and a furlong was won nicely by Solness for Joseph O’Brien and Danny Mullins. He won by 2 lengths from Marine Nationale, with the favourite Gaelic Warrior a further 12 lengths back in third. The  Graded Novice Chase was won by Ballyburn, who got back to winning ways over a longer distance than his previous run and defeat to Sir Gino at Kempton over Christmas. He beat the Gordon Elliot trained Croke Park 5 lengths and the further he went the better he looked. Finally, the Irish Champion Hurdle turned out not to be very informative after Lossiemouth fell at the 6th and left State Man to win eased down for his third win in this race. A great shame for the racing public but more importantly the horse walked away, as did jockey Danny Mullins. Also worth a mention here were the two Listed Handicap Hurdles on the card. They were both very competitive affairs and both won by Emmet Mullins trained horses, namely Vischio and Mclaurey, which was quite an achievement.

The Edinburgh National was a competitive affair as you would expect but only 5 runners completed. The winner Magna Sam took the race for the second time after success in 2023. The Alistair Ralph trained gelding raced prominently and won readily in the end under Brendan Powell by 9 lengths. The Listed Kachy Stakes over six fulongs at Lingfield was won a length and a half by Marshman for Nick Bradley Racing, Karl Burke and Clifford Lee.

On to next week. It’s good to back!

Tuesday came and went with little to report. However at Southwell we saw a workman like rather than spectacular winner of the 3 year-old maiden over 7 furlongs. Cavalo Nero trained by John Ferguson and ridden by Danny Muscutt showed tenacity on his debut to see off the favourite Invited by half a length and will improve on that.

Wednesday saw all the jumps racing in the UK and Ireland go ahead but it was pretty mundane midweek fayre. Off the track SDS, otherwise known as Sylvester De Sousa was appointed as retained jockey in the UK for owner Nurlan Bizakov the owner of Champion Miler Charyn. Tom Marquand and wife Holly Doyle returned to our shores after a spell in Japan where Tom rode 21 winners. On his firat ride back he steered the Mick Appleby trained Coul Angel to victory. and then followed up with a winner for his boss William Haggas owned by King Charles called Purple Rainbow. Holly, not to be out done rode a winner Sweet Fantastic for trainer Hugo Palmer.

Ludlow passed an early morning inspection on Thursday and it was announced the meeting would go ahead. However some jockeys expressed concern about frozen patches of ground and they inspected again while also putting the first race back half an hour to allow the temperatures to rise. They didn’t and the meeting was eventually abandoned. Not great… Up at Newcastle Dan Skelton and Lucinda Russell both saddled two winners. Back down at Wincanton Collectors Item took the Somerset National for the O’Neils and Kevin Brogan.

On the first day of the Berkshire Million meeting, the Grade 2 Lightening Novice Chase went to the Harry Fry trained Gidleigh Park under Bryan Carver, while the most valuable race went to Secret Squirrel in the Sovereign Hurdle for Hughie Morrison and Nico de Boinville. The Veterans Chase Final took place at Market Rasen up in Lincolnshire with over £38k to the winner and Copperhead took the honours for Joe Tizzard and Freddie Gingell. In warmer climes a mention for George Scott and Callum Sheppard who combined with 3 winners over in Bahrain namely Touch The Moon, City House and Phantom Flight. Well done both!

Not to be out done at Meydan Slivester De Sousa booted home 3 winners too.

That’s me. I am having a week or so of winter sunshine. Best of luck and I will be back in the chair on the 27th January.

Monday saw Ayr and Wolverhampton take place. Ayr saw Nick Alexander and Lucinda Russell both train 2 winners each.

The following day a 9 race card from Wolverhampton was the only offering. The novice race for three and four year olds saw a striking debut from Treasure Fleet. This 800,000 guineas son of Kingman, is already gelded but looks to have lots of promise going forward. The Godolphin owned and Charlie Appleby trained charge dwelt at the start but came home very strongly under Callum Shepherd.

All scheduled meetings went ahead on Wednesday while Thursday saw 2 all-weather cards. Friday saw the same with all-weather action from Newcastle and Dundalk keeping the show on the road!

Ffos Las and Chelmsford were added to the Saturday fixture list to ensure some racing taking place. At Ffos Las the Towton Novice Chase was transfered from the abandoned Wetherby meeting, credit to the authorities for doing this. Ben Pauling and Ben Jones continued their great season to date as Handstands took this Grade 2 by 9 lengths from only other finisher Lord Of Thunder. Over at Fairyhouse the Grade 3 Handicap Chase was taken by the Gavin Cromwell trained The King of Prs under Conor Stone-Walsh. Remarkably Cromwell trained the second and third too in this competitive race, and capped a fine day for the yard who sent out four winners on the card.

Sunday saw Punchestown as the only meeting to survive. The highlight on the card was the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle and this went to Salvator Mundi who hadnt been seen for 8 months since winning a juvenile hurdle at Tipperary. According to Paul Townend he raced fresh and his jumping wasn’t his best but got the job done for trainer Willie Mullins.

It has been a frustrating week with the weather causing havoc. Let’s hope temperatures rise and racing gets back to normal next week.

New Years Eve was very quiet for news and on the track. The highlight was at Lingfield in the form of the Listed Quebec Stakes which went to the Karl Burke trained Royal Champion ridden by Clifford Lee. Over in Ireland a three-year-old hurdler Sainte Lucie from the Willie Mullins made an eye-catching debut winning 11 lengths under Townend. This French import won its sole start at Auteuil and was sold to the Ricci’s and is now best priced 12/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Cheltenham saw the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle won by Lucky Place and this Nicky Henderson inmate is aiming for the Stayers Hurdle in March. Henrietta Knight trained her first Cheltenham winner since returning to training when Precious Metal won the bumper under Lily Pinchin. Over the Irish Sea two Grade 3 Chases took place. Allegorie De Vassy won at Fairyhouse for you know who, Willie Mullins by 25 lengths. At Tramore the New Years Day Novice Chase was another Mullins winner this time ridden by Mikey O’Sullivan by the name of Embassy Gardens.

After the retirement of Daryl Jacob last week, it was announced that the new retained rider for the powerhouse owning partnership of Simon Munir and Isaac Suede was JJ Slevin. He travelled over to Ayr on Thursday and booted home two winners for his new employers, both trained by Stuart Crawford.

On Friday after 3 inspections Musselburgh fell to the frost leaving two All-Weather meetings. At Lingfield David Allan made his first visit for two years to ride Secret Strength for trainer Shaun Lycett. Somebody got their punting new year off to a flyer after this winner was backed for 9/1 into 3/1…

At Meydan the Group 2 Zabeel Mile went to favourite Poker Face for the Crisford’s and jockey Pat Dobbs. Poker Face just got home from the very consistent Holloway Boy from Karl Burke’s North Yorkshire yard.

All turf racing was lost to the weather again in the UK and Ireland on Saturday. The All Weather saved us again from a blank day. Two snippets to mention on the track. At Southwell Glen Buck won the one mile three-furlong handicap, and post – race jockey Jack Mitchell was quite taken, looking forward to the turf season for this one. Roger varian has been very patient, as this was only the fourth career start for this six year-old. At Wolverhampton on his first run for Hugo Palmer Roaring Legend hosed up under David Probert by six lengths.

Perhaps the biggest news came late Saturday night when it was reported the Challow Hurdle winner The New Lion had been sold. Owner Darren Yates, who to be fair has dug deep into his pockets over the years trying to find a horse capable of major race success. He was quoted as saying he is leaving the game and selling all of his bloodstock assets.

The New Lion will run in the green and gold colours of JP McManus after the sale for an undisclosed sum. Best of Luck to new connections.

Sunday saw Plumpton’s Sussex National card lost to the weather which was a great shame. Chepstow managed just two completed races on their card and abandoned because the ground was too desperate and deemed unfit for racing.

The first Grade 1 of 2025 took place at Naas. The Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle over two and a half miles went to the unbeaten over obstacles, The Yellow Clay for Gordon Elliot and pilot Sam Ewing. The gelding won by 8 lengths from Supersundae from the Mullins yard who threw four darts in total at the race including the well beaten favourite.

I will watch the Liverpool v Man Utd down at my local now.

After 3 blank days, Boxing Day arrived and the racecourse action served up was top notch. Starting at Kempton the Grade I Kauto Star Novices Chase over 3 miles saw The Jukebox Man take the honours beating Hyland by two and a half lengths. A well deserved Grade I for owner Harry Rednapp, trainer Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones.

The Christmas Hurdle had split opinion across the whole of jump racing. Constitution Hill took the race easily as it turned out from Lossiemouth who was never travelling. Nico de Boinvillle was quick to praise Nicky Henderson’s training performance and patience post race while Willie Mullins said he was never happy watching on from Leopardstown. The plan remains for them both to head for the Champion Hurdle.

In the King George VI Chase, Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge outstayed the French challenger Il Est Francais, who was ridden by James Reveley. The winner under Paul Townend jumped to the front at the last fence for owner Ronnie Bartlett.

Over at Leopardstown the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle saw Hello Neighbour for Gavin Cromwell finish in front by a short head from Lady Vega Allen. The Grade 1 staying Novice Chase went to Gordon Elliot, as Croke Park saw off stable mate Better Days Ahead by the narrowest of the margins in another head bob of a finish.

Up at Aintree the Grade 1 Formby Novice Hurdle went to Potters Charm who followed up the Cheltenham win from Miami Magic by two and a half lengths for team Twiston-Davies. Finally, at Wetherby their highlight the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase was taken by the Richard Hobson trained and Charlie Maggs ridden Some Scope.

Friday 27^th saw more Graded action on both sides of the Irish Sea. At Kempton the Wayward Lad Novices Chase over 2 miles was a race to remember if you were there. Sir Gino who won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on his last start began life over fences here, and he annihilated Ballyburn, and the Arkle looks his for the taking if he stands up. He went off the 8/13 favourite and won seven lengths. The seven runner Desert Orchid Handicap Chase also over 2 miles was won impressively by Soul Icon for trainer Kieron Burke and steered by Harry Cobden.

The Grade 1 Chase at Leopardstown completed a great 48 hours for Joseph O’Brien, as Solness under JJ Slevin took the feature to complement the King George victory the previous day. The other Grade 1, the Future Champions Novice Hurdle went to Romeo Coolio, trained by Gordon Elliot, who owns a leg in the winner too. A nice winner for jockey Sam Ewing!

The Welsh National from Chepstow was a competitive affair as you would expect. The winner Val Dancer was jockey Charlie Hammond’s biggest winner to date and trained by Mrs Mel Rowley, whose operation is becoming a force to be reckoned with now.

The Major’s favourite piece of news on the day was up at Wetherby in the Castleford Handicap Chase. Kielan Woods managed to get Harpers Brook in front on the line, as if you hit the front too soon he thinks he’s done enough. Horsemanship at its finest. Similar to Harchibald and Carberry back in the day is a fair comparison. Well done too to Dan Skelton the trainer.

The Grade 1 Challow Hurdle was the Newbury feature on Saturday. This renewal saw a most impressive winner in The New Lion for the Skeltons and owner Darren Yates. He looks very smart to the Major’s eye.

Two more  Grade 1 races at Leopardstown to report on. The Savills Hurdle over 3 miles was another big race winner for Joseph O’Brien courtesy of Home By The Lea ridden by JJ Slevin. Thirty-five minutes later the main event, the Savills Chase, did not disappoint as Galopin Des Champs battered his rivals into submission making most to win 7 lengths from Fact To File. There have been a couple of major setbacks for the Mullins machine over the festive period but this performance will have made up for most of the disappointments. Finally at Limerick their only Grade 1 on the fixture list, the Faugheen Novice Chase was another Willie Mullins victory. Impaire Et Passe was an easy winner for Daryl Jacob. who after this announced his retirement had been brought forward and he would hang up his boots the following day at Leopardstown. Many congratulations from the Major; a great career and a lovely man.

Leopardstown on Sunday hosted two Graded Races a Grade 3 Mares Hurdle which saw Rachael Blackmore achieve her biggest win since her return to the saddle after injury. July Flower won nicely by 4 lengths for trainer Henry De Bromhead. The Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle saw another Christmas setback of sorts for Willie Mullins as State Man could only finish 3^rd to Brighterdaysahead. The Gordon Elliot trained mare set out in front after jumping the second flight under Sam Ewing. She kept up the relentless gallop and cruised home 30 lengths clear. She was very impressive here and lots of neutrals would love to see her take her chance in the Champion Hurdle. The connections are leaning towards the Mares Hurdle post race.

The Listed Chase for Fillies and Mares at Doncaster saw a good performance from La Renommee who was the runner up in this race last year. Last year’s winner Brides Hill, trained by Gavin Cromwell travelled over again but could only finish third of the four runners. Another good winner for jockey Charlie Hammond and trained by Dr Newland and Jamie Insole.

That’s a wrap! On to next week. I wish you and yours a happy and healthy New Year.