Taunton’s Monday card included a Listed Mares Novice Hurdle. Jubilee Alpha travelled strongly for Harry Cobden and won readily. The Paul Nicholls charge reversed form with Listentoyourheart from Newbury a month earlier in no uncertain terms. Over at Haydock on the soft ground Saint Xavier at the ripe old age of 12 took the staying chase over 3 and a half miles. Owner and trainer Richard Hobson retired this warrior earlier in 2024 but he hated being out of work and was returned to training. He just loves the game!
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.