Saturday and day two of the Newbury Coral Gold Cup meeting again saw the Jamie Snowden / Gavin Sheehan combination got off to a flyer when La Conquiere took the Listed Mares Novice Hurdle easily to justify favouritism. The Handicap Hurdle registered as the Gerry Fielden Hurdle was won nicely by Tutte Quanti for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden landing a punt in the process having been a much bigger price than the returned starting price of 85/40.

The Coral Gold Cup who to many is still referred to as the Hennessey was won by the fast-improving Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Panic Attack by six lengths. This victory was off a mark of 139 and it will be interesting to see how the Skeltons campaign the winner going forward.

Over at Fairyhouse Talk The Talk owned by the “double green” of Suede and Munir won the Grade 3 Hurdle by seven and a half lengths. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Sam Ewing this winner looks smart. Earlier on the card the Listed Handicap Chase was won by Drumgill for owner/trainer John Patrick Ryan.

Back in the UK at Newcastle, and the much-anticipated BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle provided a story than could not be written. At the second hurdle Constitution Hill led the way but blundered away his chance and fell again leaving The New Lion in front. He took up the running but at the fourth he wandered around and nearly ran out. The leader turned in and was given the office by Harry Skelton to go win the race using his proven stamina but jumping two out his mount edged left and fell to leave just three runners in contention going to the last.

Last year’s Champion Hurdler Golden Ace who couldn’t pick her feet up on her reappearance at Wetherby in a match went on to take this famous prize for Jeremy Scott and jockey Lorcan Williams. One and a half lengths and a neck were the distances back to the other two finishers Anzadam and Nemean Lion. A truly remarkable horse race!

BAR 1 the bookmakers sponsored the whole card at Fairyhouse on Sunday which included 2 Listed Races and 4 Graded Races, a fantastic day’s racing for all to enjoy.

The Listed Porterstown Chase over three miles and six furlongs was won by 3/1 favourite Better Times Ahead under Mark Walsh while the Listed Handicap Hurdle was won readily by the Willie Mullins trained Zillow under Paul Townend.

The Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle went to the unbeaten over hurdles Mange Tout for owners Robcour, trainer Elliott and jockey Kennedy. This victory set the tone as Gorden Elliot and Jack Kennedy went on to win the other three Graded Races.

The Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle over two and a half miles went to the Gigginstown Stud owned Koktail Brut while the Grade 1s went to Romeo Coolio owned by KTDA Racing in the Drinmore Novice Chase who won by eight lengths. The stable stalwart Teahupoo won the Hattons Grace Hurdle by the smallest of margins from Ballyburn who was reverting back to the smaller obstacles. Judged on this will the runner up head for the Stayers Hurdle next March too?

After this afternoon Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy should take a bow. Outstanding training and riding.

The next race of real interest was the Graduation Chase which saw The Jukebox Man reappear after a lay off. Not seen for eleven months after taking the Kauto Star Novice Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day 2024 the Harry Redknapp owned and Ben Pauling trained gelding made all, jumped well and was never really threatened. A good performance I thought beating Iroko over two lengths.

The Betfair Chase a Grade 1 over 3 miles registered as the Lancashire Chase is always a good marker for the season and we saw a very impressive winner after Grey Dawning won without coming out of first gear. Last year he was runner up to Royale Pagaille but this year the first two places were reversed. Dan Skelton his trainer said all roads lead to the Gold Cup next March for which he is general 16/1 chance.

Over at Ascot, the Grade 2 1965 Chase was won impressively by Jango Baie for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville beating Gidleigh Park by nine lengths. All being well the King George next I would imagine. The other Grade 2 on the card was the Ascot Hurdle and produced another good winner in Irish raider Wodhooh. The Gordon Elliot trained and Danny Gilligan ridden mare was too classy for today’s opposition and found things easier than chasing home Lossiemouth at Aintree last Spring.

Over the water at Punchestown the above mentioned Lossiemouth beat a depleted field at prohibitive odds of 1/5 by 19 lengths in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle. The other feature saw Oscars Brother trained and ridden by brothers Conor and Daniel King respectively take the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase.

On to Sunday, over in Ireland the big race action did not disappoint!

The Listed Grabel Mares Hurdle saw the Paul Nolan trained Feet Of A Dancer take the honours comfortably by nine lengths under Sean O’Keeffe from Mozzies Sister. 5/6 favourite Fun Fun Fun disappointed for the Mullins team. The Craddockstown Novice Chase, a Grade 2 event over the minimum trip saw Mullins and Townend back on the scoresheet after Westport Cove snatched victory from Fleur In the Park by a neck in a tremendous finish.

Half an hour later the Feature of the two-day meeting was upon us. The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase delivered again in spades as Gaelic Warrior set a proper gallop and looked to have most of his opponents under pressure. However, Fact To File took up the running narrowly just before the last and looked the winner to many. Gaelic Warrior lived up to his name and somehow fought back to snatch a victory that will be talked about for years to come by a neck with twenty-nine lengths back to third horse Fast Or Slow who was making his comeback after a lengthy layoff.

Some race and some brave talented horses to appreciate here.

Day one took place on Sunday and saw the meeting start with an impressive winner of the 3-Y-O Hurdle named Barbizon for owner Gigginstown Stud, Gordon Elliot and Danny Gilligan.

The first Graded action saw another winner with the same owner and trainer when Kalypsochance took the Monksfield Novice Hurdle this time under Jack Kennedy. This horse was beaten at Down Royal at odds of 1/5 on his debut over obstacles.

The other Grade 3 on the card was the Troytown Handicap Chase. Trainer Terence O’Brien saddled Answer To Kayf to win this prestigious race and it turned out to be a very emotional victory. Jockey John Shinnick delivered a great ride here as between 4 and 5 out he lost his position and looked well beaten. He led at the last and stayed on well to beat Yeah Man and Dunboyne.

The second day had 3 Graded Races on the card. The For Auction Novice Hurdle was won by the Declan Queally trained I’ll Sort That who made it 5 wins from 7 outings in his career to date. The Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle was taken by Colonel Mustard for trainer Lorna Fowler and partnered by John Shinnick who has had the best couple of days in the saddle. Finally, the Fortria Chase was won nicely by Found A Fifty for Gordon Elliot and Jack Kennedy.

Although we had plenty of graded action to enjoy over the two days, we also had very informative racing with two Willie Mullins charges Kopek Des Bordes and Final Demand appearing in Beginners Chases. The latter won over two and a half miles for owner Bryan Drew who also owned the Paddy Power Gold Cup winner the previous day at Cheltenham. Nice weekend for him!

Kopek Des Bordes won over a shorter trip and was equally impressive. Both were ridden by Paul Townend and these horses look to have huge potential. We shall see…

The eleven years young Eldorado Allen took the second race on the card, the Veterans Middle Distance Chase under Brendan Powell as he rolled back the years jumping really well and making most to win by over 4 lengths. The Novice Chase over 3 miles was won by Wade Out after a never say die ride by Champion Sean Bowen. The winner ran in snatches and on numerous occasions looked beaten but his rider never gave in and ended up taking the race going away after the last.

Jonbon was looking for his third Shloer Chase success but came up against the Skelton’s L’eau Du Sud who won as he liked by 15 lengths with Jonbon not fencing particularly well. Post race Nicky Henderson said Jonbon would have needed that and the Tingle Creek in three weeks was the main objective for the first part of the season. Nevertheless, the winner was very, very impressive to the Major’s eye.

Another taking performance came in the next, the Grade 2 Hyde Novices Hurdle when No Drama This End won readily for Paul Nicholls and Hary Cobden beating the Irish trained favourite Heads Up by three lengths. The winning trainer said the next stop would be the Challow at Newbury.

The Handicap Hurdles that top and tailed the card were won by A Pai De Nom for Harry Skelton and Tristan Durrell while the closing event victor was the James Bowen ridden French Emperor trained by Nicky Martin. A good first day even under the extreme conditions.

Super Saturday went ahead as scheduled on ground described as Soft (Heavy in Places)

The first race, the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial (Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle) saw Harry Derhams One Horse Town make it four wins from four starts under a front running ride from Paul O’Brien. The favourite Precious Man made a real hash of the last hurdle and some would argue it made the difference to the eventual result.

The Arkle Trial was won by Irish raider July Flower with her allowance beating off the determined Be Aware. The Henry De Bromhead trained mare was expertly handled by stable jockey Darragh O’Keefe to win a length and a half.

The Paddy Power Gold Cup was run in the memory of trainer Edward O’Grady who loved a winner at Prestbury Park. A nice touch by the sponsors. In the race Dan Skeltons Panic Attack won well after joining favourite Vincenzo approaching the last and securing victory by four lengths under brother Harry. Congratulations on this high-profile winner for owner Brian Drew who has invested heavily into ownership over recent years.

The closing Bumper was taken in good style by Celestial Tune who followed up her Listowel Festival win under Sean Bowen. This filly trained by Tom Cooper in Ireland looks a nice prospect for sure.

The two feature races did not disappoint on Day 3 of the meeting known as Carnival Sunday.

The staying Handicap Chase over three miles and three furlongs saw Marble Sands try an extreme trip for the first time and at the age of nine he relished every yard. Pushed along entering the straight he stayed on well to win four lengths from Irish challenger Fascile Mode who was given a patient ride having been dropped out early. The winner ridden by Kielan Woods and trained by the Killahena and McPherson combination has lots of options now for the season.

The Greatwood Hurdle saw favourite Alexei win readily and is fast improving. He followed up his Ascot victory in no uncertain terms under Brendan Powell Jr and connections have decisions to make around his future engagements. Joe Tizzard, his trainer will see how he recovers from this race and no doubt make a plan.

That’s a wrap and Cheltenham race again 12^th/13^th December for their Christmas Meeting.

The Listed Coral Dragon Stakes for two – year olds over 5 furlongs was taken by Staya. The George Scott trained filly had run a great race at Royal Ascot when fifth of twenty-three in the Queen Mary behind the Ballydoyle winner True Love. The Gala Stakes, another Listed event over a mile and a quarter saw a tight finish when Windlord owned by Juddmonte just got home from Caviar Heights. The Andrew Balding trained and Colin Keane ridden colt by Blue Point fared better in this lesser event having finished down the field behind Field Of Gold in the St James Palace at the Royal meeting.

The stayers race the Coral Marathon registered as the Esher Stakes was another close finish with only four horses going to post. Coltrane took this race for a second time having won this in 2022 under Rob Hornby. He bravely saw off the Tom Clover trained Al Nayyir by a short head under William Buick and providing another winner for Andrew Balding, making it three on the day as he took the Battaash Handicap earlier on the card with Kassaya.

Day two started with the Group 3 Coral Charge registered as the Sprint Stakes. The improving Rumstar took the honours for Jonathon Portman and Rob Hornby. The Listed Coral Distaff was another Juddmonte, Balding and Keane success when Blue Bolt made virtually all to win a length. This brought up 3 wins on the bounce after lesser victories at Windsor and Newbury.

The highlight of the two days saw another close finish when Delacroix under an inspired Ryan Moore somehow got up to “chin” Ombudsman on the line. The winner had far from a clear run and switched to the outside two out and came home strong to hit he front on the line.

Moore is in a league of his own!

The Woodcote Conditions Stakes for two-year-olds over six furlongs went to another favourite, this rime Godolphin owned Maximized who saw off rivals bravely having been quite keen going down to post. The next race the Group 1 Coronation Cup attracted a field of seven runners for this mile and a half contest. The Aidan O’Brien trained Jan Brueghel won half a length from the French raider and odds on favourite Calandagan under Ryan Moore. This was a very game display from the winner who was briefly joined in the final furlong but found extra under a great ride.

The main event, the Group 1 Oaks was an intriguing affair with differing opinions around the 1000 Guineas winner Desert Flower staying the extra half mile of this race. The race was dominated by Coolmore owned runners Minnie Hauk and Whirl and there was only a neck to separate them at the line with favourite Desert Flower four lengths back in third. Minnie Hauk under Ryan Moore prevailed after being bumped close to the finish by her stablemate ridden by Wayne Lordan. Desert Flower looked to be struggling half a mile from home but did stay on in determined fashion for William Buick and Charlie Appleby. Maybe ten furlongs will be her optimum trip?

On to Derby Day itself and the first race on the card was the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes for Fillies and Mares. Spiritual trained by the Gosden’s and ridden by Rab Havlin made most for a convincing victory eased down by 5 lengths. Another Group 3 the Diomed Stakes was next up and saw Persica for Richard Hannon and Ryan Moore take the prize from Ice Max and Docklands who filled the places

The three-year-old Dash and the Epsom Dash for older horses over the fastest five furlongs in the world saw two northern trained sprinters take the honours namely Stormy Impact for Richard Fahey and Jm Jungle for John and Sean Quinn. Well done to both!

The Blue Ribband of Flat Racing was next up and we saw a quite unusual outcome as the winner made every yard to win. Lambourn set his own fractions and stayed on strongly winning unchallenged from Lazy Griff who chased the winner home as he did in the Chester Vase.

Its worth noting the trials for both the Oaks and Derby were won by the winners of the Chester Trials this year. The first two home in the Dante at York were last and second last in the Derby, maybe not handling the track, but Whirl who did win the Musidora at York was just touched off in the Oaks.

On Saturday the Listed Orby Stakes was won comfortably by Trustyourinstinct for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan McMonagle for owner JP McManus. The Group 2 Greenlands Stakes over six furlongs saw a UK trained one-two as James’s Delight won a short head from Lethal Levi. The winner trained by Clive Cox just prevailed under Oisin Murphy from the Karl Burke trained runner up.

The feature Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas saw the runner up in the Uk equivalent Field Of Gold win well from a wide draw under Colin Keane for the Gosden’s. The runner up Cosmic Year was also a Juddmonte owned colt trained by Harry Charlton who was never going to get near the impressive winner. The fact the owners of the first two home Juddmonte used a pacemaker, Windlord to ensure a strongly run race made the difference here according to some rather than a different jockey to Kieron Shoemark. I tend to agree!

On Sunday the Marble Hill Stakes a Group 3 event for two-year-olds saw the promising Albert Einstein follow up his maiden success at Naas. The “Lads” look to have another good one on their hands here and O’Brien and Moore were both very complimentary post-race. The Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes saw the seasonal introduction of Porta Fortuna who won half a length for Donnacha O’Brien and Ryan Moore. Ascot next stop.

The Gold Cup saw Los Angeles take another Group 1 in a very deep race beating Anmaat, Kalpana and White Birch. Another one for the Ballydoyle winning machine.

Onto the Irish 1000 Guineas and it was more of the same as Lake Victoria won readily by over two lengths from the Amo Racing owned filly California Dreamer who made a real good effort to make all. The winner more than made up for her effort in the UK 1000 where she came home sixth of ten behind Desert Flower. She looks even more special now after taking Group 1 races at six furlongs, seven furlongs and a mile as a two-year-old. Remarkable.

The other highlight, the Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes went to Yorkshire trainer Kevin Ryan when Inisherin under Ryan Moore went up the far rail and found extra to see off Flora Of Bermuda by a neck. When last seen Inisherin was sent off 5/2 favourite in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock but disappointed picking up an injury in the process. His performance was particularly impressive as Kevin Ryan said the winner was probably only 80% straight and will improve a bundle. Next Stop for this Sheikh Obaid owned colt will be QEII Jubilee Stakes on the Saturday of Royal Ascot.

Worth a mention is the winner of the 2YO Novice Stakes Ballistic Missile who came from last to first running very green and still managed to win. Keep an eye out for this Richard Hannon trained colt.

The middle day of the Dante Festival saw a remarkable performance from See The Fire in the Middleton Fillies Stakes who took the Group 2 event by twelve lengths. Well done to owner Jeff Smith, trainer Andrew Balding and jockey Oisin Murphy. You do not see high end races won by distances as extreme as this very often. The feature Dante Stakes itself was a brilliant result for local owner / breeder Mrs Aykroyd who saw her Pride Of Arras take the prize under Rossa Ryan for trainer Ralph Beckett. This colt won a Sandown maiden over a mile last August and was put away for the year. He now goes to the Epsom Derby and currently trades at a best price of 5/1. A few good judges were equally impressed by the runner up Damysus trained by John and Thady Gosden. Finally, the listed Westow Stakes saw a close finish with Tropical Storm prevailing by a head and a neck form the second and third. Another for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy.

The third and final day at the Dante Festival saw the Listed Marygate Fillies Stakes for 2YOs going to outsider Secret Hideaway. This daughter of Starspangledbanner came with a late flourish to “chin” the favourite Harrys Girl. This must be trainer Adrian Keatley’s biggest prize on the level in his career to date.  The other Listed event for fillies went to Kon Tiki owned by Peter Harris and is now unbeaten in three starts, she goes to France for her next engagement according to trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam. David Egan did the steering here.

The Group 2 Yorkshire Cup saw a close finish considering only a five-runner field. The Godolphin owned Rebels Romance prevailed by a head from David O’Meara’s Epic Poet with Sweet William three quarters of a length back in third. The winner ran a little free early on and William Buick did a great job in getting this one first past the post.

Day two saw the Listed Dee Stakes and the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes and it was a case of déjà vu with the same owners, trainer and jockey taking both events. Illinois took the Ormonde by a length and a quarter from Al Qareem with Absurde half a length back in third. Mount Kilimanjaro just held off High Stock trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Oisin Murphy in the Dee Stakes.

Friday, the final day of the festival saw the Group 2 Huxley Stakes taken by the King Power owned The Foxes for trainer Andrew Balding and rider Oisin Murphy. On to the big betting race of the day and meeting the Chester Cup. Over the two miles and two furlongs trip the race went to the James Owen trained East India Dock owned by the Gredley family. This was some compensation after being beaten less than a length in the Triumph Hurdle went sent of the 5/4 favourite. Harry Davies did the steering and won from Caballo De Mar for a famous victory. Congratulations to all connections of the top races at the festival.

Earlier the Listed King Charles II Stakes was won well by the unbeaten Cosmic Year trained by Harry Charlton for Juddmonte and ridden by Ryan Moore. Plans remain fluid for this Kingman colt and he looks a nice prospect. The other Listed event on the card was the Newmarket Stakes where only four runners went to post. Another unbeaten colt namely Alpine Trail won readily for Godolphin, Appleby and Buick.

Saturday saw the first Classic of the season and the 2000 Guineas was won by Ruling Court for the “Boys in Blue” from Moulton Paddocks. He held the Craven Stakes victor and favourite Field Of Gold by half a length. Many quite rightly questioned the ride of the second horse and maintained the best horse didn’t win. The 2000 Guineas still eludes Mr Gosden after all this time in his long and successful career. The nine race card was full of quality as you would expect. The Listed Ellen Chanloner Stakes saw a small turn up when Tiger Bay took the honours by a neck at 11/1 for Henry Candy and jockey Trevor Whelan from Frost At Dawn trained by William Knight.

The Group 3 Palace House Stakes for the speedsters saw Rumstar take the race impressively for Jonathon Portman and Rob Hornby.

The two ultra competitive Heritage Handicaps were the taken by More Thunder who followed up his win here at the Craven Meeting by a short head for Haggas and Marquand. The other went to Fox Legacy for the Balding – Murphy combination.

Sunday saw the 1000 Guineas and we witnessed another classic win for Godolphin, Appleby and Buick. Desert Flower made it five from five after making most from halfway and staying on strongly up the rising ground to hold off the Ollie Sangster trained Flight who out ran his odds to take second. Sangster also saddled the third horse Simmering and deserves great credit for preparing both fillies to run so well.

Congratulations to all connections on the 2000/1000 Guineas double.

The Pretty Polly Stakes saw the return of Falakeyah who we flagged up last autumn after her debut over a mile at Wolverhampton. She set her own fractions and won easily by three and a half lengths over this ten furlongs. Owners Shadwell, trainer Owen Burrows and jockey Jim Crowley were suitably impressed and maybe a trip to Epsom next month is the plan?