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 27th 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 3rd 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.