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Stable tours for the Jumps (if you are interested)

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luckyme

Apprentice
Joined
Nov 16, 2016
Messages
386
Horse racing is a tax on the stupid :D



Jamie Snowdon 2024/2025


Admiral Stewart
Five-year-old gelding Soldier Of Fortune (sire) - Ivy Queen (dam)
Owner: Beccle, Sperling, Allen, Guerin & Lynam
Form figures: 41-2
Racing Post Rating: 101 (bumper) Official Rating: -

He'll go hurdling and should be very exciting on soft ground. We'll start him off over two miles before working our way up in trip. Something like the EBF Final at Sandown might be a nice target for him.

Audacious Annie 5m Jack Hobbs - Annie’s Answer
Semore Kurdi
16-
RPR 104b OR -

We might start her off in the Listed bumper on Paddy Power day at Cheltenham on November 16. She looks like she's improved from last season and she's going the right way.

Cinquenta
4g Cokoriko - Opaline Song
Martin, Jocelyn & Steve Broughton
3
RPR 96b OR -

He ran a lovely race at Chepstow on his debut last month. He was still a bit green, but he finished third and is exciting for the future.

Star quality
Colonel Harry
7g Shirocco - Stateable Case
The GD Partnership
21364-2
RPR 150c OR 145c

He's a lovely horse and was a Grade 2 winner as a novice chaser last season. The plan is to step him up in trip for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, which is his big early target, and I wanted to get a prep run into him. He'd have been out of the handicap in the Old Roan, so we took him to Carlisle last weekend and he ran a nice race in second.


Doc Mccoy
6g Getaway - Salvatrice
League Of Nations
332/146-
RPR 107h OR 114h

He won on his hurdling debut before finishing fourth under a penalty, but he picked up an injury soon afterwards. He's back from a break and will go novice chasing.

Fresh Perspective
4g New Approach - Tea Blossom
The GD Partnership
1-1
RPR 102b OR -

We got him after he won a point-to-point for Will Biddick in January and he came very highly recommended. He made his debut for us at Uttoxeter last week and won well – he could be a star in the making on that evidence.

Star quality
Ga Law
8g Sinndar - Law
The Footie Partnership
671P2-2
RPR 158c OR 155c

He won a £100,000 handicap at Cheltenham in January and was second in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase in the spring. He'll swap between top handicaps and Grade 2 races this season, kicking off in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.


Git Maker
8g Saddler Maker - Bamos
Sheep As A Lamb Syndicate
11/1623-
RPR 138c OR 133c

He really progressed last season and was second in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and third in the Scottish National. He'll be aimed at the Welsh National.

Golden Maverick
4g Zarak - Waritta
Raceshare – Golden Maverick
117242-
RPR 111h OR 113h

He has untapped potential in a fast-run handicap on soft ground over two miles. We might start him off in a novice handicap at Cheltenham's Paddy Power meeting.

Handlethekettle
5g Youmzain - Tooreen
RC Syndicate VIII
FF-215
ROR 120h OR 117h

He won on his debut for us at Worcester and then was fifth in the Persian War. He might just need his palate tweaking before progressing.

Hardy Du Seuil
7g Coastal Path - Pervenche Du Seuil
The Hardy Souls
722/3P8-
RPR 142c OR 130c

He won a valuable handicap hurdle at Sandown in January 2023, but last term was a bit of a wash-out with a couple of niggly issues. He should bounce back this season.

Hollygrove Cha Cha
4f Affinisea - Hollygrove Rumba
Hot To Trot Jumping
11-
RPR 96b OR -

She's unbeaten in two bumpers, winning at Stratford and Hexham in the spring, and looks an exciting novice hurdler for the season. She jumps well.


Idy Wood
6g Coastal Path - Highest Card
Erik Penser & G Lennart Perlhagen
32137-1
RPR 126c OR 125c

He won on his chasing debut at Kempton last month and jumped brilliantly. There should be more to come from him and we might go to Newbury for the Coral Gold Cup meeting.

Kosac D'Oudairies
4g Castle Du Berlais - Une D'Oudairies
Sheep As A Lamb Syndicate
1-5
RPR 94b OR -

A point-to-point winner, he stayed on well to finish fifth on his debut for us at Newton Abbot last week. He's good enough to win a bumper before going hurdling.

La Marquise
4f Beaumec De Houelle - Manhattan Princess
Buckett, Lovell, Snowden & Stacey
1713-1
RPR 98h OR -

She won nicely on her hurdling debut at Ludlow last week, even though everything went wrong for her – she almost got taken out by a horse at the third-last when coming to win her race easily. She’ll learn a lot for the experience and will be very progressive.

Laurens Bay
5g Youmzain - Hey Laura
Happy Valley Partnership
2/1-2
RPR 105h OR -

He was second at Ballinaboola in an Irish point-to-point before arriving with us. We gave him time to mature and strengthen and he won on his bumper debut this spring. He was second on his hurdling debut last month and will be a smashing novice this winter.

Dark horse
Marche D'Aligre
3g Seahenge - Simplon
Billam, Roe, Wilson & the Molds
34-36 (Flat)
RPR 81f OR -

He was very consistent on the Flat in France and we got him for €72,000 this summer at the sales. He has the perfect profile to go juvenile hurdling this winter and I think he could develop into a serious Triumph Hurdle or Fred Winter type for Cheltenham.

Milldam
6g Martaline - Santa Dame
Neil Goulden, Kevin & Sue Hopgood
9/51411-
RPR 125h OR 126h

He won a novice hurdle the season before last but really came to himself last season, winning three handicaps on deep ground over two miles. There should be more to come.

Obsessedwithyou
5m Bathyrhon - Carmona
The Picnic Party & AWR Consultancy
3-46422
RPR 104h OR 100h

She lost her way a bit last season in the mud, but she has more to give off her handicap mark on decent ground and will jump a fence in time.

Passing Well
7g Coastal Path - Passing Lore
Gouldenhopgood Gilliesmethvensanderdson
4-21354
RPR 129c OR 123c

He looked a progressive novice chaser last season but picked up a niggly injury which cut his season short. There is plenty of scope off his current mark, and he should develop into a high-class staying handicap chaser.

Queen Of The Vale
4f Malinas - Elsie
Lead The Way Syndicate
11
RPR 103b OR -

She looked impressive when winning two bumpers at Worcester this summer and I think there's more to come from her in that division before she goes hurdling.


Regarde
7g Kapgarde - Mazaryne
Frank McAleavy
113F2-1
RPR 120c OR 118c

He looks like he's filling into his frame and becoming the horse we always hoped and thought he might be. He won on his return at Kempton last month and the Coral Trophy back there in February is a race we could aim towards.

Ride Like A Girl
3f Beaumec De Houelle - Arizona Air
AWR Ltd Sperling Snowden Morley & Stacey
2
RPR 86b OR -

She's a lovely young horse. She ran well when second at Stratford last week and will improve from it.

Roger Pol
6g Shantou - Laren
Cobbold Allen Ogilvy Shaw Morley
122P0-1
RPR 125c OR 122c

He won on his chasing debut at Southwell last month when jumping neatly and accurately. He can continue to progress over fences.

Socialiser
8g Milan - Simonsoeur
Foxtrot Racing Socialiser
4531/2/
RPR 102c OR -

He was placed in a couple of points-to-points before getting his head in front at Charm Park in Yorkshire. He was second on his debut for us in a hunter chase but sustained an injury so has been off since, but I'm looking forward to having him back in our team this winter. He'll appreciate soft ground.


Super Survivor
8g Shantou - All The Best Mate
Neil Goulden, Kevin & Sue Hopgood
13/2P82-
RPR 136c OR 128c

He made a bright start over fences but his lack of experience counted against him in the Welsh National last season and he was pulled up. He's been given time to get over that and should bounce back this season. He has untapped potential as a staying chaser.

Susie Styler
6m Milan - Didinas
Gary Gillies
F1/4-
RPR 62b OR -

A point-to-point winner, she was fourth in a bumper last season but picked up an injury when schooling and has been off since. She's back now and has the potential to be a good novice hurdler this season.

Up For Parol
8g Flemensfirth - Clarification
Duck Jordan Wright Dellar Doel Woodward
420323-
RPR 132h OR 121h

He has been placed in a couple of big £100,000 handicap hurdles, and he deserves to win a nice prize this season.

Wendigo
5g Great Pretender - Biche D'Oo
RC Syndicate I
3/1311-2
RPR 109h OR -

He was second on his hurdling debut at Hexham, but he needed the run a bit. He will certainly improve from that and is a lovely young horse.

Star quality
You Wear It Well
7m Midnight Legend - Annie's Answer
The late Sir Chips Keswick
5/13237-
RPR 143h OR 142h

She won at the Cheltenham Festival for us in 2023 and began last season with a Listed win, but it was a disjointed campaign with the weather, even though she ran well in defeat. She's schooled well over fences and will go novice chasing this season. We're looking at the Listed mares' chase at Bangor on November 13 to start her off.

You Wear It Well: winner of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at last year's Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival winner You Wear It Well (right) set to go chasing
Credit: Alan Crowhurst
Point-to-point recruits
We've got several more point-to-point recruits we're looking forward to getting started.

Dwight K Schrute won for Bradley Gibbs and is an exciting horse. He'll go novice hurdling this season.

Epic West won his point-to-point at Belclare. He'll also go novice hurdling this winter but looks made for a fence.

Fabulous Fortune, third in her only run, should win a bumper on her debut before progressing over hurdles this winter.

Jack N Jones has been given time to mature and strengthen since she won in March last year. She'll also start out in a bumper before going novice hurdling.

Maximum Offers was second on his debut in a four-year-old point-to-point at Quakerstown and received a rating of 93, which is incredibly high. He looks another exciting recruit.

Two for the Tracker
La Marquise and Wendigo should be worth following.
 
Lucinda Russell 2024/2025


Star performer
Ahoy Senor
Nine-year-old gelding by Dylan Thomas (sire) out of Dara Supreme (dam)
Owner: Mrs C Wymer and Pjs Russell
Form figures: P4362-3
Racing Post Rating: 170 (chase); Official Rating: 169 (chase)

His main aim before Christmas is the Betfair Chase, so he went to Aintree for the Old Roan and we were thrilled. It was the best race he's ever run for us first time out and will have put him spot on. Sometimes things just don't go your way and they didn't last season – it was small things like foot problems and abscesses and we didn't get that really clear run. He seems much stronger and more robust now and I think we've sorted out his jumping. You'd hope he can be competitive in the best chases like the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Aintree Bowl again.

Star performer
Apple Away
7m Arctic Cosmos - Dr A Day
Old Gold Racing 14
12351-4
RPR 146c OR 141c

We kept thinking about going back over hurdles last season but I'm glad we didn't. Our confidence is very high in her and she schooled super before her return at Kelso. We were satisfied with that and there's a Listed chase at Market Rasen she could go for, but we've got the Coral Gold Cup or the Rehearsal Chase as early-season targets too. I'd love to see her go in a Scottish Grand National as well.


Bois Guillbert
5g Ivanhowe - Ready Kap
RBH Young
13644-3
RPR 121h OR 117h

He was a junior hurdle graduate last season and two miles suits for now. He's already finished third at Perth this season and he'll go for another hurdle race next, but we want to go chasing soon.

Bollingerandkrug
9g Getaway - Out Performer
Two Black Labs
1566-95
RPR 129c OR 114c

He's a Kelso specialist, but it just didn't work out for him there at the weekend and we might go up in trip. We'll be trying to get him to equal the winningmost record there.

Cadell
6g Mahler - Prettyasapicture
RA Bartlett
1272P-3
RPR 123c OR 121c

He needs good ground, three miles and a staying track. He jumped very well on his chase debut and has the potential to develop into a Scottish Grand National type.

Caithness
8g Dylan Thomas - Princess Nina
Kelso Lowflyers & Russell
3606-32
RPR 125c OR 121c

He's a lovely horse who wasn't broken in until he was six. He does well front-running over two or two and a half miles and might get further. He's a very accurate jumper and he'll be fun this season.

Dark horse
Choose A Copper
6g Well Chosen - Printing Copper
Thunder Holdings Ltd & Russell
13262-1
RPR 117c OR 121c

I've been delighted with him. He won his novice handicap chase at Hexham nicely and I still think he's off a good mark. We'll step him up next time and I'd love to take him to Sandown or Newbury as I can see him jumping well around there. He's a very nice horse.

Clovis Boy
5g Clovis Du Berlais - Denisette
Mrs S Russell & AM Russell
41S4P1-
RPR 98h OR 99h

He's going chasing. He's still quite young but has been schooling really well. He probably needs softer ground and definitely needs three miles, but he's one we're excited about.

Corrigeen Rock
7g Westerner - Set In Her Ways
The Caledonian Racing Society
61/1421-
RPR 148c OR 144c

He's been fantastic for us but has to go right-handed. The aim again would be to go to Musselburgh on New Year's Day, but there are races around Ascot and Sandown we'll aim at too. We have to pick the right races for him.

El Elefante
6m Ol' Man River - Cuddle Ina Drizzle
The Tuskars
451F4-1
RPR 129c OR 130c

She's very exciting. I was a bit worried about her jumping when schooling, but Scu [Peter Scudamore, assistant trainer] and the boys were delighted and they were absolutely right. She jumped perfectly at Worcester and things were very simple. I saw she got a quote for the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham after that. She'd have to keep on improving, but if she did it may be for her.

Evaluation
6g Dubawi - Estimate
Lady I & Ms Catriona Good
912050 (Flat form)
RPR 99f OR 89f

He was a very good second in the Northumberland Plate this year and we'll get a move on with hurdling now. He's very exciting.


Idem
6g Rail Link - Reflexion
The Boltons and Atholl Duncan
4F5-128
RPR 123h OR 127h

He's quirky but has loads of ability. We were pleased with his run at Cheltenham and we might want a bit more staying ground next time. I'd love to see him over fences in time as he stays forever.

Inis Oirr
7g Ocovango - Peace Time Beauty
Gerry McGladery
251F-33
RPR 137c OR 130c

He has to go right-handed. He's already run two super races this season and he'll now go for either the London National at Sandown or the new Berkshire National at Ascot. His spring target is the Irish Grand National, which we'd love to win.

Inox Allen
6g Masked Marvel - Bienvenue Allen
Thunder Holdings, Milne & Russell
1134-
RPR 112h OR 121h

He needs soft or heavy ground but he's very genuine. Three miles and soft ground would suit him very well and he loves his jumping, so he's going chasing. He won a point-to-point and has schooled very well.

I Wish You
4g Night Wish - Native Story
RBH Young
2222-1
RPR 110h OR 114h

He was quite coltish but got loads of experience in those junior races. He finished second a lot but it was because he was a little bit weak. He knows how to win, as he proved on his hurdles debut this month. I can't wait for him to go chasing.

Jet To Vegas
5g Jet Away - Jet Setting Fiona
Richard & Katherine Gilbert
2
RPR 98b OR -

He's a point-to-point winner who ran a mighty race in a Carlisle bumper and I'd definitely include him in people's lists. He's going to be lovely over hurdles.

Kingston James
5g Kingston Hill - Jemima Jay
Old Gold Racing 23
1-415
RPR 102h OR -

He found it all a bit too much at Cheltenham last Friday. We came back with our tails between our legs, but he's still a nice novice hurdler. We'll find a smaller race next and will hopefully then take in the better races again as he has loads of ability.

Mint Gold
10g Gold Well - Lady Flyer
Mrs S Russell & AM Russell
4/1F22-3
RPR 129c OR 120c

I've got a soft spot for him. His thing is right-handed tracks over two miles. We tried him over two and a half miles and going left-handed but it just didn't happen. He's had leg problems before and needs good to soft ground.

Monochromix
6g Morandi - Lounamix
Michael & Lady Jane Kaplan
5P242-5
RPR 116c OR 113c

He's been unlucky not to win and has run some super races in defeat. He's a three-miler in time, jumps very well and will definitely be winning novice chases soon.

Myretown
7g Dylan Thomas - Miss Platinum
Mrs C Wymer & Pjs Russell
4/2F1-
RPR 121h OR 123h

I really like him; he reminds me of a smaller Ahoy Senor. He's headstrong but jumps well and I can't wait for him to go chasing. He's had some leg trouble before and we won't run him unless it's good to soft or softer.

Netywell
7g Willywell - Netova
County Set Five & K Hunter
331114-
RPR 132c OR 130c

He has to go on heavy ground and made hay on it last season. He's simple to place as he's a two-mile chaser and I love how he races as he wears his heart on his sleeve. He's very genuine.


Dark horse
Primoz
6g Westerner - Be Mine Tonight
Aim Equestrian Ltd & Russell
1741-1
RPR 134c OR 129c

He's such a lovely horse. He won twice over hurdles last season and his jumping was fantastic when he won on his chase debut at Wetherby this month. We'll take him to some of the bigger tracks now and he should stay as his breeding suggests he'll do so, so we'll probably step him up in trip sooner rather than later. He needs good ground.

Rocheval
4g Kapgarde - County Fun
Mrs S Russell & AM Russell
111-
RPR 116h OR 120h

He needs soft ground. He was unbeaten last season and has lots of ability. We'll try to get him into a better-class novice race or a handicap, otherwise he carries a penalty.

Traprain Law
6g Martaline - Pina
Raymond Anderson Green
3/31512-
RPR 145c OR 140c

I've always thought he was a two-miler, but we're going to try him over two and a half in the Colin Parker at Carlisle on Sunday. The most important thing is soft ground as he travels so beautifully on it. Now that he's going up the grades he's going to need stuff in his favour. Kelso has a fantastic new two-mile race on Borders National day and that's his early-season target.

Whatdeawant
8g Aizavoski - Hidden Reserve
Bernardine and Sean Mulryan
153/38/3
RPR 127c OR 134c

He's a very nice horse but we probably got it a little bit wrong with him as he wants three miles-plus. He could be a long-distance horse on soft ground as he isn't the quickest in the world but has plenty of ability.

Dark horse
Whistle Stop Tour
6g Saddex - For A While
Mrs Jo Tracey, K Alexander, P & S Bryceland
134413-
RPR 122h OR 124h

Scu really likes him. I wouldn't want to run him on extremes of ground but I can't wait to go chasing. He was taken out at Perth last month because he knocked himself in the lorry. Three miles and chasing is his game and he could be a Scottish Grand National horse.

Your Own Story
8g Shantaram - Forest Heiress
Kehoe, Wymer & Russell
126/22-2
RPR 132c OR 130c

He's brilliant. He missed the start of last season with a foot problem but made up for lost time. We're aiming to start in a handicap chase at Carlisle on Sunday and then want to look at the Becher Chase. If he handles the fences, that opens up the option of going for the Grand National if we can get him up the handicap.
 
Bumper horses and new recruits
I'd put Linalene up there. He's by Rail Link and will be a good hurdler. We bought Hourman in France and he'll be out in November or December. He's by Masked Marvel, who we really like as a sire.

Tuppence is Traprain Law's half-sister and is a nice horse. Walking On A Dream did very well to be second in his point-to-points as I don't think he's a three-miler, and he was second at Ayr on Monday.

Triple Crown Ted is a very nice bumper horse by Walk In The Park and we like Out Of The Woods a lot too. Mystical Martika will go for the mares' junior series and Lets Mingle, who was sixth at Aintree on Sunday, should make a splash in bumpers.

Two for the tracker
Choose A Copper definitely goes in alongside Ahoy Senor. We hope they'll do really well this year.

Expert view
Not surprisingly for a yard situated near Perth, Russell's core successes tend to come in Britain's northern jumping strongholds of Aintree, Ayr, Hexham, Kelso, Musselburgh and Newcastle, but she also has a reassuring knack of winning regularly with her southern raiders at venues such as Ascot, Cheltenham, Sandown and Warwick.

It therefore bodes well that Russell is already talking about some of the bigger tracks for Choose A Copper and Primoz. Both were really impressive when making their first starts over fences this month, taking advantage of lenient opening chase marks with the prospect of much better to come. It's also worth noting that Russell's chasers in non-handicaps do particularly well, so don't discount them if Russell opts to move out of handicap company.

El Elefante is another recent winning chase debutante who could thrive – don't be surprised if she makes it to the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham – and punters are also advised to take note of Whistle Stop Tour even though he hasn't made his chase debut yet. Russell does well with stayers and it's interesting that she has already picked him out as a Scottish National type. With that in mind, he did very well to score easily over two miles last season.

When Russell describes last season as "transitional", it was seemingly with these embryonic chasers in mind, but Ahoy Senor is still going strong at the head of the old guard. His comeback run in the Old Roan Chase was most encouraging and that should tee him up for a crack at the Betfair Chase next month.
 
Chris Gordon 2024

Annual Invictus
9g Mahler - Shantou Rose
Thomas Michael Smith
86/4172-
RPR 151c OR 149c

The plan is to go for the Coral Gold Cup on Saturday. He's rated 149 for now, but we're going to wait for the Grand National weights to come as we hope to get him into it. There were only six British runners last year, so it would be fantastic. That will be his main aim, and he'll love the trip and those fences.

I'd Like To Know
7g Mahler - The Boys Dont Know
The Jolly Farmers
4214-15
RPR 147c OR 137c

He was slightly disappointing on his first run this season – I stepped him up to two and a half and he just didn't seem to get it. He won over that trip when hurdling and I thought he was a stayer, but he looks like he wants a stiff two miles on soft ground. He's only had four runs over fences, so I might go to Newbury with him in December. Two miles round there on soft ground is right up his street.

Our Champ
6g Champs Elysees - Affascinare
Pearson, Jenner, Hawkings, Dunford & Harding
3713-61
RPR 136h OR 136h

He's doing great and will probably go for the Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury on Coral Gold Cup day. He's done us proud. He was fantastic last time out at Ascot, so Newbury will be the aim as long as we get better ground still. I wouldn't want to run him on too soft; like Annual Invictus, he's a better-ground horse. After that we might look at something like the Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot next month.

Unanswered Prayers
8g Ocovango - Fitanga Speed
The Morestead Pres Partnership
563-281
RPR 134c OR 126c

We might look at the cross-country race at Cheltenham in December. He's a really good jumper, as he showed in the Southern National, so I think he'll take to the fences well. My wife and I went cross-country with him and Aucunrisque and they both seemed to really enjoy it. At Fontwell he was lovely and he handled the trip really well. He's a funny character – he gets to the front and the brakes come on, so it can be a problem if he's left alone out front. But he stays well, which opens up a lot of options for him.

Ann Hamilton 2024

Tommy's Oscar
Nine-year-old gelding by Oscar (sire) out of Glibin (dam)
Owner: Ian Hamilton
Form figures: 47441-3
Racing Post Rating: 160 (chase); Official Rating 156 (chase)

He just didn't run his race last time at Kelso, which was his first time out this season, but he's well. There's just been little bits of setbacks, but he's on the way back and the plan is to go Kelso on December 8. It's a new two-mile open handicap at the track and we like to try to stay as local as possible with him, but a lot of the high-rated handicaps he could run in are further south. He's on track and we're happy with him.

Richard Hobson 2024

Fugitif
9g Ballingarry - Turiane
Carl Hinchy & Dr Emad Hussain
413PP-5
RPR 157c OR 150c

He's come out of his run in the Paddy Power well. He hasn't done a lot since because of the snow we've had but it will be all systems go now for the December Gold Cup, which he won last year. He'll be entered for the handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day too. We'll try to space out his runs and make sure he gets the attention he needs, because he had a hard race in the Clarence House in January and left his season there really.

Some Scope
6g Telescope - Rosygo
Carl Hinchy, Mike Scott and Nigel Horler
51124-P
RPR 132c OR 125c

We were disappointed with his first run back at Cheltenham last month but a couple of issues came to light afterwards which explained it. We think he's going to have a bit of a northern campaign now and maybe look at one of those nice prizes at Doncaster.

Ruth Jefferson 2024

Autumn Return
7m Fame And Glory - Fedaia
Drew & Ailsa Russell
238-151
RPR 121c OR 121c

She was going to go chasing last year but with the ground being bottomless we didn't want her to not enjoy it, so we were waiting for spring. It only dried up properly at the start of this season, though, so it just kept getting put back. I'm not sure what went wrong at Uttoxeter but she bounced back at Newcastle, where the ground was very quick but thankfully she came out of it all right. We'll continue trying to pick up some nice races with her, and she's quite consistent, which is great.

Sounds Russian
9g Sholokhov - Reevolesa
Claxby & Co
422B-51
RPR 164c OR 161c

He was off a long time, so when he went to Haydock in February we thought he would need the run, but it was the only day he could run with the ground. It brought him on a bit, and Perth did the world of good for him mentally and he got over his fall there – it was great to see him win. He's just had a little setback but the aim is to be out around January. Plans are very fluid at the moment but there's plenty of options for him in the spring.

Charlie Longsdon 2024

Bugise Seagull
6g Mount Nelson - Golan Lady
Grant Leon
1133-2
RPR 137c OR 138c

He's a lovely horse and ran a cracker back in the spring at Aintree. He started off his chasing career well in a small but nice race at Carlisle and I'd like to think he'll only improve. Chasing is the name of the game and he'll probably go up to three miles in time. We'll start off over two and a half and he has an exciting future. There's a few races at the end of the month he could head to next.

Rare Edition
7g Califet - Quaspia
Pay The Bill Syndicate
310-012
RPR 138c OR 137c

He won on his chase debut and you'd like to think fences would bring about improvement in him. He was in and out last season but our horses were sick, so I'd like to hope chasing will be a good path. I think he has the potential to be a good novice this season and could run in some nice handicaps. We always thought he'd want two and a half miles.

Sign Again
4g Lucky Speed - All Notoriety
Mrs D Fallows
41
RPR 110h OR-

He's one I really like. He won a race at Plumpton last week, it was only a four-runner race but he won very comfortably with his head in his chest. We were disappointed with his bumper but he had to make it that day, which he didn't want to do. We rode him the correct way at Plumpton, and while he might not have beaten superstars, he couldn't have done it more impressively. I'd like to think he could win under a penalty and show a lot more.

Western Zephyr
7g Westerner - Beneficial Breeze
Swanee River Partnership
454P-12
RPR 136c OR 136c

He ran a cracker at Cheltenham this month; he was just beaten by a very good horse. He's shown in-and-out form in the past, and last season was a write-off due to yard sickness, but hopefully he can progress. He wants to go right-handed still, he struggled round the bends at Cheltenham, so there are a few novice chases around to suit. Ascot near Christmas could be an option, with novice handicaps over two miles and two miles three furlongs.
 
Emmet Mullins 2024

Churchfield Sunset
4f Wings Of Eagles - Old Moon
Conor Dermot O'Brien
121
RPR 112b OR-

She won on debut at Cork and was impressive in a Listed bumper at Navan earlier this month. It was a decent race and she showed a great attitude. All being well, we'll probably head for the Grade 2 bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Corbetts Cross
7g Gamut - Annagh Hill Lady
JP McManus
12F13-2
RPR 169c 150h OR 166c 148h

It probably looks a wise decision now not to run in the Betfair. Fingers crossed, we can get him to the King George all being well. I was happy with his comeback run at Wexford.

Dippedinmoonlight
4f Zarak - Born Again
Paul Byrne
213
RPR 100b OR -

She's acquitted herself well in three bumpers, winning at Downpatrick before finishing third in a good Listed race at Gowran which has worked out well with a Cheltenham winner behind her. She's a filly for better ground, so she's on a break and probably won't be back until next summer for a hurdles campaign. We'll mind her as she's only four.

Harbour Highway
5g Youmzain - Harbour Pearl
JP McManus
1-0
RPR 125b OR -

He's back and we might give him an entry for this weekend. He's one to look forward to in staying novice hurdles. He was good when winning his bumper at Navan and had a disappointing run at Punchestown in Grade 1 company, but we can allow him one bad run and hopefully he can put that behind him.

Its On The Line
7g Presenting - Ten Dollar Bill
JP McManus
1/1121-1
RPR 145c OR -

He's well in himself and done well for the summer break. He had an extended break and hasn't been back in long. Hopefully, he might get to Down Royal on St Stephen's Day [December 26] and start from there towards the spring targets. He's still only a seven-year-old and he's been a great campaigner for us.

Melbourne Shamrock
5g Hillstar - Lucy Murphy
Robert Waley-Cohen
3
RPR 105b OR -

He ran a good race when third in a bumper at the Punchestown festival on her racecourse debut. He's a nice horse and will be a one for staying novice hurdles.

Noble Yeats
9g Yeats - That's Moyne
Robert Waley-Cohen
4/72170-
RPR 171c 151h OR 163c 151h

He's back in and going well at home. He'll mix it again over hurdles and fences and will try to pick up a race or two to keep him sweet. Everything will lead back to the National again. Hopefully, he'll be out over Christmas, he has the option of the three-mile hurdle at Leopardstown or the chase at Tramore on New Year's Day. The Cleeve Hurdle is another option, so we'll see how Christmas goes first.

So Scottish
7g Martaline - Mer D'Arabie
JP McManus
0-02452
RPR 144c 134h OR 137c 132h

He had a good run at Galway the last day and is in at Fairyhouse this weekend in the two-mile handicap hurdle, albeit two miles might be a touch sharp for him. He had a break after Galway and the new two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day looks a good fit for him. He was a bit unlucky to bump into The Wallpark at Galway, so hopefully he can get his day in the sun this season.


James Owen 2024

Allmankind
8g Sea The Moon - Wemyss Bay
The Gredley Family
700/334
RPR 165c OR 144c

He's probably run to his mark on his reappearance and he's well in himself. We're going to take him off my licence and he's going to go hunter chasing under my wife's name this season in an attempt to qualify him for one of the festivals. He should run in a point-to-point on New Year's Eve. We just feel it'll be easier for him; he's not the Graded horse he once was but he's still got a good level of ability. Those sort of races are where my background is and should be a nice route for him.

Burdett Road
4g Muhaarar - Diamond Bangle
The Gredley Family
112-1
RPR 143h OR 133h

He's done really well on the Flat over the summer and was great at Cheltenham. I was really pleased with that run but we don't really have any plans at the moment. We need to see what the handicapper says before we chart something out. It'll either be a handicap again or the Christmas Hurdle. He's only four, so there's a lot of exciting things ahead for him. Hopefully, he can keep improving.

East India Dock
3g Golden Horn - Diamond Bangle
The Gredley Family
11
RPR 134h OR 137h

I was really pleased with his last win and he's come out of the race well. We had quite a good line on the British horses and we knew he was probably our best we've run so far, so it was good to see him win as we hoped he'd be that good over hurdles. He's taken to it very well and I think we'll head for the Triumph now with him. We'll get one more run in before that, probably on Trials day in January.

Lavender Hill Mob
3g Expert Eye - Whazzat
The Gredley Family
339147 (Flat)
RPR 95f OR 96f

He's the biggest, the scopiest and the highest-rated of all the juveniles on the Flat, so we're really excited about him. He had a nice break after leaving Michael Bell's and he's been doing a lot of schooling since. We hope he's a Triumph Hurdle horse, so until he tells us otherwise we'll be aiming him that way. He's got to have that important first day of school out the way over hurdles first, so he'll be coming out in the next few weeks. He likes soft ground and we've got our eye on the Finale at Chepstow.

Liam Swagger
3g Iffraaj - Bark
The Gredley Family
11
RPR 116h OR 125h

He's a lovely horse who's won both starts over hurdles. We'll be aiming him for the Boodles most likely, so he'll just need one more run to be qualified. We're in no rush to do that, so we haven't picked out a race for him yet. His hurdles wins are on good ground but we actually feel he'll handle the softer ground better.

Sam Thomas 2024

Celtic Dino
5g Doctor Dino - Bal Celtique
Walters Plant Hire Ltd
131-11
RPR 130h OR -

He's very exciting. He's a big baby really, he's still learning all the time and settling at home. He's taken everything in his stride recently and I'm very happy with him. They don't get too much experience in these small-runner races but he's winning, although he's still green as grass. Hopefully, he can keep taking steps forward and we might look to follow the same route as with Lump Sum last year. He probably wouldn't want the ground any softer than what is was on Friday, which will suit some of those spring festivals.

Lump Sum
6g Authorized - Fleur Enchantee
Walters Plant Hire Ltd
11215-1
RPR 140h OR 141h

I had him in the Greatwood but he missed it due to an unsatisfactory scope. We confirmed him for the Fighting Fifth this weekend, so he'll have a good bit of work beforehand to make sure we're 100 per cent happy with him. We're definitely considering it, I know it's a big step up on what he's done already but it will be nice to know where we stand and we can always drop back into handicaps if he's not good enough. He's a super little horse to have and he'll make a smashing chaser in time.

Steel Ally
6g Doctor Dino - Poprock Du Berlais
Walters Plant Hire Ltd
P123-21
RPR 142h OR 137h

He's come out of his race on Saturday well and I'm delighted he put in a gutsy performance in what was a pretty competitive handicap. I'm thrilled as he seems to keep progressing, he jumps well and does everything we ask of him. He's very genuine. We'll see what the handicapper thinks of it and we'll make some plans from there. I think he'll make a fantastic two-mile chaser, probably next season.

Stolen Silver
9g Lord Du Sud - Change Partner
Walters Plant Hire Ltd
P0/19-P6
RPR 158c OR 154c

He's lost his way since the Coral Gold Cup last season but the ground has been quick both times he's run since, which he wouldn't have enjoyed. We're on a bit of a recovery mission with him at the moment, but he's sound and well and we may just have a spin over hurdles in the next two or three weeks on some softer ground. He's got lots of ability, we just need to recapture some form.

Evan Williams 2024

Libberty Hunter
8g Yorgunnabelucky - Classy Crewella
Mr & Mrs William Rucker
5/F1123-
RPR 150c OR 144c

He's grand at the moment, I'm just waiting for a bit of ground. I took him out at Ascot last week but there's plenty of places to go. He's a winter-ground horse, so when we get proper winter conditions he'll be ready to rock and roll. We'll just see what's coming up and look for a nice handicap.

Minella Missile
6g Beat Hollow - Ella Watson
Mrs Janet Davies
11
RPR 139h OR 138h

I couldn't get him right after he won the Grade 2 contest at Cheltenham last year, so I just gave him time. I could have run him, but I was never 100 per cent happy, so we chose to be patient. I'm delighted with him now and he's ready to run. He's still not got much experience and it's difficult to find the right starting point, but he doesn't want it too deep and he'll have a few entries in the coming weeks.
 
Josh Guerriero & Oliver Greenall 2024/25


Aboutdamntime
Five-year-old gelding by Flemensfirth (sire) out of Give It Time (dam)
Owners: Cardwell, Coxon, Curran, Mitten & Dudgeons
Form figures: 1

He won on his debut for us at Carlisle on Monday and there was a lot to like about the way he put his head down after the last. He's got some good point-to-point form and his work has been really good, so he looks smart. He could be one for a good handicap in the spring.

Billytherealbigred
4g Proconsul - Laurens Ruby
Peter Conway
3111F-1
Racing Post Rating 125c Official Rating 124c

He's one for proper soft ground. He seems to go through it so easily and it makes him very hard to catch. We'll pot-hunt with him and might look at a nice novice chase in January, maybe Trials day at Cheltenham if it's heavy ground. He's not very big but he's tough and genuine and, with his four-year-old allowance, he might be able to nick a good race.

Carrig Kate
6m Westerner - Carrig Millie
G C Myddelton & V E C Taylor
4-22
RPR 107h OR 113h

She should have won last week at Bangor. She really quickened away and was just a bit unlucky at the last. She showed she has a big engine and she's got a bright future, especially in those mares' staying races. We might look at a Listed mares' hurdle over three miles at Doncaster in the new year.

Chris Cool
7g Sulamani - Cool Friend
Evason, Harney And Greenall
3313-55
RPR 111h OR 113h, RPR 107c OR 101c

He won a couple last season and goes through really horrible ground. He grinds it out and is capable of winning more hurdle races in the right conditions.

Duke Of Deception
7g September Storm - Mrs Peachey
The Salmon Family
42212-5
RPR 128c OR 123c

He just got beat in the Highland National at Perth in April and we'll aim him at the local Nationals, starting in the Berkshire National at Ascot on Saturday. He likes good ground and seems to get better every season.

Gaboriot
8g Muhtathir - Uddy
G C Myddelton
31U-113
RPR 133c OR 128c

He ran a cracker in the Grand Sefton and will go back to Aintree for the Becher. He should go there with a great chance. Annoyingly, it looks like he's going to be a few pounds out of the weights, but we'll still have a go. He could have done with the ground being slower there last time. He was a bit flat out the whole way, but he really stayed on. He won over four miles on soft ground at Cheltenham in May, so he stays well. They thought he was a proper horse when he was in France and going hunter chasing over here really suited him.

Gamesters Guy
5g Black Sam Bellamy - Gamesters Lady
Gamesters Partnership
131-2
RPR 110h OR -

He made a good start over hurdles and might go back to Bangor at the end of the month. If he won nicely there, we might look at something like the Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day. He could follow the same route as we did last season with Making Headway, who, unfortunately, is out for the season. He's a big, staying chaser type with a big engine and we'll look to give him experience in nice races.

Gentleman Bill
6g Rule Of Law - Snow Water
Bill's A Gent Syndicate
1-31
RPR 110h OR 111h

He won at Bangor last week when he was going to be second but the leader fell at the last. He probably needs further than two miles and he'll be a better horse when he goes chasing. We might try to get him in a big handicap hurdle in the spring, maybe something like the Martin Pipe if he kept progressing. He's got loads of ability.

Herbiers
7g Waldpark - Qualanke
Nevers And Stockton Hall Farm Racing
55214/2-
RPR 144c OR 138c, RPR 138h OR 137h

He had time off with a leg, but he's back now and a couple of weeks off a run. He's been a star for us, running in some really good races. He'll probably have a couple of hurdle runs before going chasing in the new year. He could be running in some nice handicaps in the spring.

Homme Public
7g Cokoriko - Uddy
The Nevers Racing Partnership II
217-685
RPR 145c OR 136c, RPR 141h OR 136h

He had a confidence-booster back over hurdles last week as he seemed to lose his confidence over fences. He jumped great and it should bring him on. He'll probably stay over hurdles for a run or two and we'll run him in the good two-mile handicap chases in the spring. It's going to be hard for him as he won three races last season and his mark got inflated.

Irish Lullaby
5m Nathaniel - Victoria Regina
G C Myddelton
3-1164
RPR 108h OR 106h

She wants a really strongly run two-mile handicap on good ground, but when she ran at Aintree the other day they went no gallop. She's a 94-rated Flat horse, so she's got a lot of ability.

Star quality
Iroko
6g Cokoriko - Boscraie
John P McManus
113-152
RPR 150c OR 152c

The long-term plan is the Grand National as JP [McManus] is very keen to go. He's a Graded horse who's been placed in two Grade 1s and he looks a classy horse going back into handicap company. He's got the right profile for the National as he's a very good jumper who stays well. We'll work back from that but it's going to be tricky because he's had only three runs over fences and we want to get some experience into him without affecting his mark too much. We've been waiting for the ground with him and he'll go for the intermediate chase at Haydock on Saturday. After that, he might go to the Cotswold Chase before hopefully going to Aintree. He had a foot injury last season and did well considering he missed virtually all of the season. He could be better again this season with an uninterrupted prep. He's bigger and stronger and he's definitely getting better.

Jacks Parrot
5g Free Port Lux - Boscraie
Mtrc And Appleton Racing
624411-
RPR 120c OR 120c

A half-brother to Iroko who's going to be a hell of a lot better this season. He was a shell of a horse last season and still managed to win twice. He's working really well and might start off at Haydock on Saturday and he's probably got a few pounds in hand. He could end up in a festival handicap in the spring.

Jagwar
5g Karaktar - Quizas Jolie
John P McManus
5145-11
RPR 135c OR 132c

A massive horse with a huge engine who's coming together slowly. Going chasing has definitely helped his jumping and, while he's still got a lot to learn, he's getting there. He was a lot better at Bangor last week – Jonjo [O'Neill Jr] said it was the first time he'd given him a proper feel. He sprinted after the last and it was impressive. He's still a weak horse, like a big gangly teenager, and that's half his problem. We'll probably go low-key again and get a bit more experience in a novice chase with a penalty. He could be one for a Cheltenham Festival handicap.

Kelya Wood
4f Al Namix - Du Tac Au Tac
G C Myddelton & V E C Taylor
F (point-to-point)

An Irish point-to-pointer who looks nice and should be winning mares' novices. She fell at the last on her sole point when she was going to win. She's due out in the next week or two.

Lune De La Mer
7g Sea Moon - Printing Polly
5 O'Clock Somewhere Partnership
31-1
RPR 101h OR -

He won a bumper and first time over hurdles at Aintree in May. He's coming back after a little injury and is set to run next month. Henry [Brooke] always thought he was one of our best horses, so we'd like to think he can progress.

Melon
3g Adlerflug - Mrs Miller
Davies Smith Govier & Brown
4461 (Flat)
RPR 75f OR 71f

A winner on the Flat for us, he's going juvenile hurdling now. He'll plough through soft ground when other juveniles might not. He's got a really good way of going and he can win a few juvenile hurdles. He jumps brilliantly and knows his job. We'll get him handicapped for a good race in the new year and then possibly the Fred Winter.

My Noble Lord
3g Noble Mission - Almashooqa
John P McManus
15
RPR 102h OR -

Ideally he'd like it softer – the more of a test of stamina, the better for him. We knew that going into the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham last Saturday, but we thought we'd have a go. When he won at Chepstow last month, Jonjo said he felt a bit like Iroko. For a horse who won four staying handicaps on the Flat, he looks like a big chaser. He could be more of one for next season over a trip, but we'll probably still go for next month's Grade 2 Finale Juvenile at Chepstow as it's always a test on proper soft ground.

Pats Dream
7g Getaway - Ice Princess
Cottrell, Conway & Cottrell
99/3U4-1
RPR 93c OR 90c

A lovely horse with some striking point-to-point form as he finished third to Fact To File and Asian Master. He's more than capable of winning again off his mark and if he keeps progressing, we might look for some nice targets in the new year.

Dark horse
Peckforton Hills
4g Youmzain - Regal Force
Jon & Jacqueline Hughes
Unraced

We think he's quite smart. He worked with Gaboriot at Bangor and went really well. He looks quite a nice bumper horse who'll have a couple of runs this time before going novice hurdling next season.

White Rhino
8g Doyen - Aventia
The Rhino Syndicate
12134-1
RPR 132c OR 133c

He was impressive on his chase debut at Ayr over two and a half miles as he wants a lot further than that. He jumped impeccably and is a chaser who's going to keep improving. He's going to go to for a race at Haydock next month and then we want to try to have a go at the National Hunt Chase at the festival, now that's it a handicap. He'll stay forever and it could just be a slightly less competitive handicap there. He's a massive horse and a proper staying chaser.
 

Willie Mullins column: Plans for the star names this season​


Our star columnist with an early update on plans for some big names for the season ahead.

We’ve had a bit of wetter weather this late summer and early autumn but some of the tracks are still quite firm. So, we’re not in a rush with the horses and we’ll start them going when they are ready – and the ground is right.

I think Anzadam might be good enough to go down the Champion Hurdle route and we’re probably looking at the Morgiana potentially as a starting point. He’s a horse I’d like to go novice chasing with at some stage, but it looks like we’re staying over hurdles this year.

We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Ballyburn and I think going back over hurdles might be the best option at this point of his career. He could always go back over fences again later on. He would look a really good prospect for the Stayers’ Hurdle and that’s the route I’m going down this year with him.

There’s a possibility he might be ready for the Hatton’s Grace.

Bambino Fever is always very good to herself, and she has done herself very well over the summer, I’m very happy with how she’s come back in.

She’ll go down the novice hurdle route and possibly the mares’ novice hurdle route depending on how the season goes for her. I’d imagine we’ll look for a maiden hurdle in late October or early November, but I’ll be in no rush to get her out.

Copacabana will go novice hurdling. He’s a fine, big, chasing type but I think a season over hurdles will do him good.

Dinoblue is back in training, and I’d imagine we’ll take a similar route to last year with her towards the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.

Energumene is in great shape, and we have to think of maybe going over a bit further this season and being more adventurous with him.

Fact To File has come back well. He has plenty of options, but I think I’ll probably go down the Ryanair/Gold Cup route. Who knows how the season will pan out but this fellow could be a much stronger horse this time around. He could start out in the John Durkan and the King George might be a possibility for him, too.

We’re really looking forward to seeing Final Demand over fences. He looks a typical chaser, a fine, big, strong horse. He looks the part and a real staying chaser in the making.

We’ll find a beginners’ chase for him when the ground comes right. Being such a big unit, I’ll wait for a nice bit of cut in the ground for him. If we get the choice we’ll start over two-and-a-half or three miles but I wouldn’t mind starting him over two if that’s the way the races fall.

Galopin Des Champs is back, and I’d imagine we’ll try and stick to what we did last year and start out in the John Durkan. That programme seems to work out for him, onto Leopardstown at Christmas, the DRF, and then Cheltenham. We’re going to give it a good crack at the Gold Cup again this year, he’s still young enough.

Gameofinches is a fine, big unit who is turning seven. I might go straight chasing with him but need to have a word with his connections before we make a final decision.

The John Durkan would be the early plan for Gaelic Warrior, too, and that might put us right for the King George with him. He has plenty of stamina.

I think I’d like to get a run into Il Etait Temps before the Tingle Creek. He went to the Celebration Chase off a big break and won that so it wouldn’t be too much of a worry if he went straight to Sandown again, but I would like to get a run into him. He seemed to really like the track, and I think the Tingle Creek would have to be a major target of his this season.

Impaire Et Passe is another for whom the John Durkan would look a possible starting point. A lot of his best form is over two-and-a-half miles and we’ll be progressing towards the Ryanair with him, all being well.

There’s going to be a lot of head scratching over what we do with Jade De Grugy and Kargese. I haven’t spoken to connections yet and I’m in a quandary over whether to stay over hurdles or go chasing.

I think Jade De Grugy will adapt to going over fences – she’s a fine, strong mare and a good jumper – but we don’t need to decide yet. Kargese is in the same bracket and at this point in time plans are up in air, but I’d imagine we’ll keep them apart.

Jasmin De Vaux is also going to cause us a bit of a problem. I need to chat with connections, and we’ll think a bit more about him and probably school him over fences. I’d imagine Paul Townend and JJ Slevin’s feedback after that will make our decision a little easier.

Sometimes horses who are not great jumpers over hurdles are transformed by a fence and show them a lot more respect, but whichever code we choose to go with him, it will be in the staying division.

Kitzbuhel is a fine, big horse, and I’d imagine we’ll be going novice chasing with him this season. He looks a staying division type.

Looking at what Kopek Des Bordes did in the early part of the season and at Cheltenham, he’s a really exciting prospect to be going chasing with. He looks every inch a chaser, a strong traveller who likes to get on with the job. I’d imagine our focus will be on the Arkle with him, all being well.

Larzac came with a nice reputation from France but I was very disappointed with him in the Triumph and at Punchestown. But I just think he was very immature and he's summered very well and looks a lot more mature than he did when he came over. He'll go novice hurdling this season and we could go go down the handicap route as well.

We might not have seen the best of him yet and he looks more of a chasing type.

Lecky Watson is another who I’d imagine will be going down the Gold Cup route. The way he won the Brown Advisory at the meeting last year and the way he handled the track and the occasion, we’d have to be plotting a route back there for the Gold Cup. He’s a horse who improved all season and I’m sure he’ll improve more again this time.

Lossiemouth is in good shape and has come back good and strong. Our normal starting point is the Hatton’s Grace and she’s going to Cheltenham, all being well. That’s all I’ll commit to at this stage!

I’m very happy with how Majborough has come back in, he looks big and strong. He’s able to do it over two miles but after making those mistakes at Cheltenham I just question is he more a Ryanair horse than the Champion Chase? We’ll start out over two miles anyway and go down for the Hilly Way.

The way Nick Rockett handled himself around Aintree, going back there is a definite possibility, but that performance also puts him in the Gold Cup picture. There’s a lot of thinking to be done but we’ll get him started and see how he is after his first two runs.

He’s a horse I’d love to go back to Aintree with, but he’ll have the Cheltenham entry and we’ll keep an open mind.

Sportinglife
 
Poniros won't be out until after Christmas and we'll see where he sits in the league table for the two-mile hurdlers. The second season over hurdles for the four-year-olds can be very tricky and we might look at two-and-a-half mile races for him.

Sainte Lucie is back and looked very good when winning at Punchestown in December. I won't be in a hurry with her and given her rating we'll probably look down the mares' handicap route.

While his rating is only 156, Salvator Mundi has been very impressive on the days when things have gone really right for him. I can see him improving enough to be a Champion Hurdle horse, but the other option is to go chasing and look at him as an Arkle prospect.

He can be very immature and difficult to ride but could possibly raise his game over fences.

Sortudo has summered well and he's back in work now. He'll go novice hurdling and I'd imagine is one for the staying division.

Spindleberry has come back very strong. She looks like she has the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham as a target and the race at Clonmel would be spot to start her in if the ground is all right.

All her best form is on right-handed tracks, but she’s only run once going left and was beaten. However, that was just circumstances, they were just the races that were available, and we don’t think she has any preference for going right or left at all.

I'd imagine all roads will lead to Cheltenham with State Man, starting out in the Morgiana. Well work our way towards the Champion Hurdle following the same plan we have over the years.

Too Bossy For Us is a horse I was taking out of the Triumph Hurdle because he ran a really good race. I thought I'd win a nice Flat pot with him this season but we didn't and he hasn't lived up to his potential yet, although I think he will at some stage. I'm going to give him a big break now and we'll be looking at races after Christmas and in the spring for him.

Absurde is in great shape and goes for the Caulfield Cup on October 18. It’s a tough race but a sharp mile-and-a-half might suit him a shade better than the Melbourne Cup and I think he’s a very generous price at 40/1 each-way for anyone who’s interested.

Ethical Diamond likes good, good to firm ground and we’re looking at taking him to America. He missed his engagement at Ascot on Saturday because the ground went soft and I’m not concerned about that.

Going to the Breeders’ Cup is a new venture for us and if we could finish in the first six it would be a great. It’s very hard to see him winning but we’re anxious to give him a shot at it.

Thread Of Gold is in a seven-furlong Group Three race at Leopardstown and that’s the plan with him. We might have one more run there this season. I’ve been very happy with him since he won on debut, he’s a very laidback individual who doesn’t seem to let things bother him. I’m hoping he will improve and give a good account of himself again next time.

I have three in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and Bunting, Hipop De Loire and Winter Fog are all well and heading there, so I’m hoping for the best.
 
Willie Mullins has provided a major update on his Closutton battalion as the jumps season sparks into life. He has discussed many of his leading stars and here’s what he had to say about the rest of the powerful team.


Older Horses​

Absurde
The Caulfield Cup will suit him a lot better than the Melbourne Cup, but he will run in both. When they come back he might go to Dubai or Saudi Arabia. I don’t think there is much to be gained going over hurdles.

Champ Kiely
He’s improving all the time, he could go to the King George and he’ll start at the John Durkin or something at Clonmel.


Dinoblue
I'm very happy with her, she has come back looking very strong. I think we'll go the same route as last year with more forward tactics in her races.

El Fabiolo
He had some training problems last year, so we'll be picking the races for him rather than running at every festival. He had a few falls, so it’s crossed our mind to take him back hurdling. I wasn't happy with how he came back from the summer, so I’ve pushed his training back six weeks.

EUgumene
He’s a horse that might go up in trip, rather than sticking at two miles because of his age; he might need that. He’s in great form.

Ethical Diamond He's pencilled in to go to the Breeders' Cup, the track and the ground will suit him. We are going there as a competitor rather than thinking we will finish in the first three. I’m looking forward to it; he’s in good shape.
iamond: Ebor winner has the Breeders' Cup o

I Am Maximus
JP [McManus, owner] might be keen to go back to the Grand National but he’s every bit a Gold Cup horse too. But JP already has a Gold Cup horse.

Impaire Et Passe
He'll stay chasing, we're looking at the Ryanair or we might step him up in trip to three miles and go for the Savills Chase.

Poniros
He’ll be coming back after Christmas. He had a hard season. I like to give the five-year-olds a bit of an easier time, as it’s harder for them to win at five than it is at six. We'll probably skip the Champion Hurdle and look at the two and a half mile races later in the season.

Novice chasers​

Gameofinches
He’s a huge horse, a big raw individual. I think we'll go chasing with him, we got him halfway through last season, and the summer break has done him the world of good. He just wouldn’t have any respect for a hurdle.

Jade De Grugy
I’d like to go chasing with her. I will need to decide and talk with connections about what they want to do.

Kargese
She could go chasing or stay hurdling, I will need to school her and see how she does and also speak with connections.


Kitzbuhel
He’s another nice addition from last year, he’ll be in the novice chase staying division and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him.

Kopeck De Mee
He’s in training and in great shape, he didn’t live up to the hype he was given. He'll go novice chasing and see if he can get to the top level. He may not be as good as we thought he was.

Novice hurdlers​

Hipop De Loire
He runs in the Cesarewitch; he looks like a Turners horse. He might have a little break after Saturday and then come back after Christmas.

Place De La Nation
She’s still a maiden and finished a good fifth in the Triumph. She might want a longer trip.

Too Bossy For Us
He'll go back over hurdles and I’m looking forward to that. Harry Cobden rode him at Cheltenham and was very impressed with him but he disappointed me a little bit on the Flat. He’s had a break to be ready for the jumps season. He could be a nice player in the Supreme or the Turners divisions.

Wonderful Everyday
I’m torn about what to do. She’s back in and looks great. She could stay in the bumper division. I’ll see what the owners want to do, but I’m sure she’s good enough to go jumping.


'I'm really looking forward to them' - Kopek Des Bordes, Final Demand and Salvator Mundi headline stunning Willie Mullins novice chase squad​


Top-level winners Kopek Des Bordes, Final Demand and Salvator Mundi will headline a stunning novice chase squad for Willie Mullins this season.

After putting in a breathtaking display to land the Grade 1 novice hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival by 13 lengths, Kopek Des Bordes justified 4-6 favouritism in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in decisive style.

Similarly, Final Demand burst onto the scene with a spectacular Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown before finishing third in the Turners behind The New Lion. He then ran out one of the most impressive winners of the week at the Punchestown festival when bolting up by 16 lengths.

Those two and Aintree Grade 1 winner Salvator Mundi are set to embark on novice chase campaigns and have Mullins excited to see what heights they can reach. Irancy, who had Salvator Mundi behind when winning at Punchestown, is likely to stay over hurdles.
"I'm really looking forward to Kopek Des Bordes and Final Demand," said Mullins. "Kopek Des Bordes will be for the two-mile division, while Final Demand will probably be for the three-mile division.

"They're two huge horses; Final Demand is well over 17 hands. He's got lots of scope to jump. We'll start off wherever a race presents itself, but, as the season goes on, I'll be hoping to go up in trip.

"Kopek Des Bordes is every bit the stamp of a chaser and one I'm looking forward to seeing over fences. He's a very keen horse in his races and I think chasing will settle him, which will be an addition to his ability."

Mullins added: "Salvator Mundi could be a Champion Hurdle horse, but he's very keen and he's going to go over fences to give him a chance to be an Arkle horse. He has a huge amount of ability, a lot more than he shows on the track. When he learns to race properly and we ride him the right way, I think he'll be a huge player."

Champion Bumper winner Bambino Fever rates a fine prospect for novice hurdling after landing all four starts in bumpers last season. Although she shares favouritism for the Supreme with stablemate Davy Crockett, she will stick to mares' company for the initial stages of the season. Davy Crockett has suffered a setback and is on a break with a view to the spring.

"We'll start off in mares' races with Bambino Fever, but she could graduate to the main novice hurdles," said Mullins. "We'll see what we have in the mares' division. I'd imagine she'd go to the Mares' Novices' Hurdle [at Cheltenham], but we'll let her decide that."

Brown Advisory winner Lecky Watson could be aimed at the Grand National, while Mullins is undecided about what route to take with Jasmin De Vaux, who landed a Grade 1 double last season with wins in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham and the 3m novice hurdle at Punchestown.
Spindleberry, who beat the geldings in the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on her last start in April, is set for a campaign geared towards the Mares' Chase.

"We could look at the Grand National with Lecky Watson," said Mullins. "The fact he went so well at Cheltenham means we'll look at a Gold Cup entry, but he could possibly be more of a Grand National type.

"I'm going to leave a decision on Jasmin De Vaux open until I've done a good bit of schooling with him. Looking at what he did last season, you wouldn't definitely nominate novice chasing, but, as he went up in trip, he had more time to think about jumping and he was a lot better.

"The obvious thing to do with Spindleberry is to go for the Mares' Chase. She might start off at Clonmel. She's a lovely, big, strong mare. Her win at Fairyhouse was a tremendous performance."
 
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Racingpost Venetia Williams stable tour 2025/26

Venetia Williams Ascot
● Race Type: ALL Handicap Chases
● Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
● Odds: Any
47 bets / 16 wins / 20p / 34% sr / +51 SP / +62 BFSP / BFAE 2.04

Venetia Williams Ludlow
● Standard Handicap Chases & Handicap Hurdles (not novice)
● Horse runs this season: 0 to 4
● Odds: 15/2 or shorter SP (best)
66 bets / 21 wins / 33p / 32% wsr / +40 SP / +53 BFSP / BFAE 1.55


Alcedo
Seven-year-old gelding by Vadamos (sire) out of Deliziosa (dam)
Owner: P Davies
Form figures: 12P/413-
Racing Post Rating 123c Official Rating 121c

He's a big horse and I'd like to think there's more to come from him. I'm not sure we've established his ideal distance yet and suspect he's one of those who will never be tied down in that regard. He looks like a three-mile chaser but his pedigree suggests that's not the case. Hopefully he can bring a bit more to the table this season.

Authodidacte
5m Authorized - Vigee Le Brun
Mrs Gabrielle McNeela
1-
RPR 112h OR -

Her legs fly in every direction when she gallops and she's not the easiest to train, but she's going nicely at the moment and hopefully she gets the chance to show her ability. I don't know how strong the race she won at Leicester was, and she raced quite keenly, but so far so good and she's likely to start back over hurdles at some point next month.

Bucksy Des Epeires
6g Buck's Boum - Maline Des Epeires
Tina Taylor
92/125P-
RPR 128c OR 125c
He won his first novice chase at Ascot last season and, while he didn't manage to add to that success, he's still young and I think capable of better. He was second at Doncaster to The Kalooki Kid, who then won a £100,000 handicap chase at Musselburgh, so there's some substance to his form, and he goes well at home.


Djelo
7g Montmartre - Djeville
P Davies
212176-
RPR 168c OR 162c
He had a wonderful season last term and showed his versatility by winning the Peterborough Chase over two and a half miles and the Denman Chase over almost three miles. The plan at Newbury had been to run in the Game Spirit and I only entered him in the Denman with five minutes to go based on how the entries were shaping up. He could start off in the Haldon Gold Cup again, having finished second in it last season, but we wouldn't want to run on quick ground over a trip that short on his first run back, and his first major target will likely be the Peterborough again. He's still only seven and there's lots to look forward to.

Epinephrine
5m No Risk At All - Brave D'Honneur
C J Norton Esq
3/4416-
RPR 119h OR 118h
She was a bit in and out last season but she's going well at the moment and I hope she can add to her win at Kempton. She'll start back over hurdles but will go over fences at some stage. Hopefully she's more consistent with another year on her back.

Frero Banbou
10g Apsis - Lady Banbou
P Davies
6126PP-
RPR 147c OR 130c
He deserved to win a big one, having been placed on numerous occasions, and he had his day in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last season. He followed that up with a good second at Kempton and then life became tougher for him, but we can forgive him and are hopeful we can get him back on track again. He's started off in the Grand Sefton in the last couple of seasons and there's a chance he could go there again.

Funambule Sivola
10g Noroit - Little Memories
My Racing Manager Friends
663623-
RPR 166 OR 142
We're giving him one last roll of the dice this season. He's not been the easiest to train and we decided to give him last season off, but he's back in stronger work now and going well. As an older horse who's had his problems, it won't be easy for him, but he's a dual winner of the Game Spirit and a runner-up in the Champion Chase, so he certainly has the back form and we hope he can be competitive.

Green Book
8g Authorized - Mantissa
Lady Price, C Shaw, C Boylan & I Tagg
59/6154/
RPR 140h OR 139h
He's been off for two and a half years and had various things amiss, including a colic operation, and he ended up losing an eye. You'd never know it because he's working really enthusiastically and it's great to have him back. He was fourth in the Pertemps Final on his last start and there's no doubt he's talented.

Hunter Legend
8g Buck's Boum - Sience Fiction
Gaskins Family
721151-
RPR 136c OR 129c
He won three handicap chases last season and, while he's keen enough at home to suggest he'll want a shorter distance, he's won over all sorts of trips. He's up in the handicap and will have a lot more on his plate this term, but hopefully, being a year older, he might be up to it.

Jo Lescribaa
6g Tin Horse - Violaine
The Shropshire Dreamers
46/3113-
RPR 109c OR 104c
He was able to exploit his mark to win handicap chases at Uttoxeter and Chepstow last season and, although he was beaten a long way on his last run, I think he'll be able to step up again in staying handicap chases this term.

Jungle Boogie
11g Gold Well - A Better Excuse
Malcolm C Denmark
1/416/1P-
RPR 163c OR 156c
New to the yard, he's a very talented horse but hasn't managed to take that much racing in his career. He's cantering away quietly at the moment and we're just getting to know him, but we hope he can be successful for us.

Dark horse
Kingbel Du Lion
5g Non Rien De Rien - Tazabelle Du Lion
Mrs S Ricci
73/1-
RPR 114h OR 123h
It was just a small-field novice hurdle he won at Bangor, but he did it nicely. He's a big horse and wouldn't want drying ground, which is why he had only one run last term. We'll probably start off over hurdles this season, but we won't wait too long before we go chasing with him. He's a nice prospect, especially when he goes chasing.

King Of Records
5g Sea The Stars - Super Woman
G Hannon
432-
RPR 101h OR 112h
A winner on the Flat in France, he was too keen for his own good to start with over hurdles, but as time has gone on he's settled better. We'll stick with hurdles for the time being and I think there will be more to come from him this season. He'll start off in handicaps over two miles.

Lemoncello
6g Spider Flight - That's Nellie
David & Carol Shaw
1/P4250-
RPR 120h OR 114h
He was very in and out last season and has been a bit of a head-scratcher, but we're looking forward to going chasing this term. He won over fences in France and hopefully they'll give him a focus. Everything he does at home suggests he's much better than he's shown so far.

Star performer
L'Homme Presse
10g Diamond Boy - Romance Turgot
DFA Racing (Pink & Edwards)
124/31P-
RPR 172c OR 163c
It became quite apparent not long after his last run at Ascot that there was a problem with a leg injury and he had a little operation at the end of last season, but he's fine now and going well. I thought he ran well in the King George first time out last season and obviously we were delighted to get his head in front in a nice race again in the Cotswold Chase, but he hasn't taken a lot of racing over the years and, when he lost ground early on at Ascot, Charlie Deutsch did exactly the right thing by pulling him up. Ideally, we'd keep him to three miles this season but there are so few options with a horse like that and you wouldn't necessarily mind running over 2m5f if it were heavy ground. You can't force it with him and plans are fluid but he's on his way. I would contemplate a handicap, and he's won the Rehearsal in the past, but there are various possibilities. Who knows, he might want to share Royale Pagaille's stamping ground in the Betfair Chase. We'll keep all options open until he's ready to run.

Maccarellu
5g Kingsalsa - Naghaland
Maccarellu Partners
456U42-
RPR 98h OR -
He came from the sales in France last November having been placed over hurdles at Compiegne. He'll start off over hurdles but it probably won't be too long before we go chasing. He's a nice type.

Martator
8g Martaline - Tornada
Camilla Norton
137608-
RPR 153c OR 141c
He's a wonderful character. It doesn't always work for him, but he's got a great record at Ascot and we'll be looking at races like the Hurst Park that he won last year again. You can't always second-guess him because he's got a lot going on in his mind, but he's back down to a mark where he can be competitive again.

Royale Pagaille
11g Blue Bresil - Royale Cazoumaille
Mrs S Ricci
F/1P66P-
RPR 174c OR 159c
He's an absolute star and to come back and win a second Betfair Chase having looked beaten at the last showed what a wonderful horse he is. He's working with his usual enthusiasm and we'll give it another go in the same direction, with first stop Haydock at the end of November. Things didn't go his way after last year's Betfair but the ground is important to him – drier ground affects the speed of the race quite a lot and he's not a speed merchant by any means. He didn't run a bad race in the Gold Cup and a lot of horses have had enough come Aintree in April. I don't think we'd run in another National and, at his age, if you get one exciting success in a season, you have to be very grateful.

Sole Solution
7g Sans Frontieres - Bell Storm
Sir John Timpson
11/6211-
RPR 120h OR 119h
I'm looking forward to him going chasing this season because he's always looked like the type to do well over fences. He looks like a chaser, so to win two bumpers and two races over hurdles was a bonus. He needed all of the two and a half miles in heavy ground to win at Sandown on his last start and ultimately he's a three-miler.
 
Montgomery
7g Soldier Of Fortune - Una Sorpresa
Gwent Holdings Limited
4/41119-
RPR 132c OR 127c
He went from a handicap mark of 105 to 127 last season and won his first three starts for us. He was a bit outpaced at Ayr on drying ground on his last start but was staying on late. He stays well and there should be some nice races for him this season.

Ramo
7g Kapgarde - Djeville
C B Compton & L Di Franco
18232P-
RPR 128h OR 127h
He'll go chasing this season and we know he likes it over three miles. He's not the biggest but that shouldn't be a problem to him. He's been schooling well.


Royale Pagaille
10g Blue Bresil - Royale Cazoumaille
Mrs S Ricci
5/26F/1F-
RPR 174c OR 166c
He fractured his shoulder when he fell at Cheltenham in January and that took a long time to come right. He's going well now and will probably go back to Haydock to defend his Betfair Chase crown. That was an exciting day last year and a lovely performance. He was lame just a few days before the King George, so couldn't run there, but we had him ready for the Peter Marsh in January until it was lost to the weather, which was a great shame because he loves it at Haydock. He hasn't been able to show quite the same level at Cheltenham, although he was starting to stay on again when he fell in the Cotswold. He's well at the moment.

Tanganyika
6g Martaline - Norita Has
Mrs C S Wilson
35F130-
RPR 125h OR 123h
Another who is going chasing this season. He can be quite keen in races and we were a bit concerned that he might be keen in his schooling but he's been pretty good. He'll be running fairly soon and is a nice prospect over fences.

The Famous Five
6g Camelot - Palme Royale
P Davies
9/33411-
RPR 117h OR 120h
He won twice over hurdles last season and we might mix hurdles and fences this term. The form of his win at Bangor in March has worked out well but he's gone up 10lb for that. He's schooled over fences well and we can pick and choose the right races for him.

Victtorino
6g It's Gino - Victtorie
Martians Racing
4/1174P-
RPR 152c OR 144c
He won two £100,000 handicap chases at Ascot last season and we'll probably start back there in the Sodexo Gold Cup. He needs the full three miles and it didn't suit dropping him back in trip at Cheltenham in January. We could possibly consider the Coral Gold Cup and I think he'll stay beyond three miles down the line. He's looking well.

Two for the Tracker
Bucksy Des Epeires did well as a novice over hurdles but should improve for fences and Galop De Chasse showed plenty of promise when winning at Newbury last November.

Expert view
Venetia Williams has a fine record in the early part of the winter and one to keep a very close eye on is Demnat, who should be a force to be reckoned with now the trainer has decided to drop him back to around two and a half miles.
The French recruit defied a 961-day absence when bolting up off a mark of 122 in a handicap chase over the trip on his British debut at Ludlow back in February on soft ground but then found two miles too sharp and three miles too far.
Another who could have a nice handicap in him is Tanganyika. The son of Martaline is still only six – a baby in chasing terms – and although he has two ways of running, he obliterated a decent field over three miles over hurdles at Newbury off a mark of 117 back in March. He loves the mud flying and could make a mockery of his rating this season as he embarks on a life over fences.
Galop De Chasse is another to put in your tracker. He beat a good horse in Kandoo Kid on his only run of the season at Newbury last November. Kandoo Kid is now rated 22lb higher so there's every chance that even an 11lb rise leaves Galop De Chasse thrown in off 134.
Stable stars L'Homme Presse and Royale Pagaille will have lofty ambitions again this season and, if the latter gets to the Betfair Chase in good nick, he could take all the beating at Haydock again in November. Whether they have the credentials to go on and win at the Cheltenham Festival in March is up for debate, but they should both win a decent prize somewhere.
 
luckyme said:
Montgomery
7g Soldier Of Fortune - Una Sorpresa
Gwent Holdings Limited
4/41119-
RPR 132c OR 127c
He went from a handicap mark of 105 to 127 last season and won his first three starts for us. He was a bit outpaced at Ayr on drying ground on his last start but was staying on late. He stays well and there should be some nice races for him this season.

Ramo
7g Kapgarde - Djeville
C B Compton & L Di Franco
18232P-
RPR 128h OR 127h
He'll go chasing this season and we know he likes it over three miles. He's not the biggest but that shouldn't be a problem to him. He's been schooling well.


Royale Pagaille
10g Blue Bresil - Royale Cazoumaille
Mrs S Ricci
5/26F/1F-
RPR 174c OR 166c
He fractured his shoulder when he fell at Cheltenham in January and that took a long time to come right. He's going well now and will probably go back to Haydock to defend his Betfair Chase crown. That was an exciting day last year and a lovely performance. He was lame just a few days before the King George, so couldn't run there, but we had him ready for the Peter Marsh in January until it was lost to the weather, which was a great shame because he loves it at Haydock. He hasn't been able to show quite the same level at Cheltenham, although he was starting to stay on again when he fell in the Cotswold. He's well at the moment.

Tanganyika
6g Martaline - Norita Has
Mrs C S Wilson
35F130-
RPR 125h OR 123h
Another who is going chasing this season. He can be quite keen in races and we were a bit concerned that he might be keen in his schooling but he's been pretty good. He'll be running fairly soon and is a nice prospect over fences.

The Famous Five
6g Camelot - Palme Royale
P Davies
9/33411-
RPR 117h OR 120h
He won twice over hurdles last season and we might mix hurdles and fences this term. The form of his win at Bangor in March has worked out well but he's gone up 10lb for that. He's schooled over fences well and we can pick and choose the right races for him.

Victtorino
6g It's Gino - Victtorie
Martians Racing
4/1174P-
RPR 152c OR 144c
He won two £100,000 handicap chases at Ascot last season and we'll probably start back there in the Sodexo Gold Cup. He needs the full three miles and it didn't suit dropping him back in trip at Cheltenham in January. We could possibly consider the Coral Gold Cup and I think he'll stay beyond three miles down the line. He's looking well.

Two for the Tracker
Bucksy Des Epeires did well as a novice over hurdles but should improve for fences and Galop De Chasse showed plenty of promise when winning at Newbury last November.

Expert view
Venetia Williams has a fine record in the early part of the winter and one to keep a very close eye on is Demnat, who should be a force to be reckoned with now the trainer has decided to drop him back to around two and a half miles.
The French recruit defied a 961-day absence when bolting up off a mark of 122 in a handicap chase over the trip on his British debut at Ludlow back in February on soft ground but then found two miles too sharp and three miles too far.
Another who could have a nice handicap in him is Tanganyika. The son of Martaline is still only six – a baby in chasing terms – and although he has two ways of running, he obliterated a decent field over three miles over hurdles at Newbury off a mark of 117 back in March. He loves the mud flying and could make a mockery of his rating this season as he embarks on a life over fences.
Galop De Chasse is another to put in your tracker. He beat a good horse in Kandoo Kid on his only run of the season at Newbury last November. Kandoo Kid is now rated 22lb higher so there's every chance that even an 11lb rise leaves Galop De Chasse thrown in off 134.
Stable stars L'Homme Presse and Royale Pagaille will have lofty ambitions again this season and, if the latter gets to the Betfair Chase in good nick, he could take all the beating at Haydock again in November. Whether they have the credentials to go on and win at the Cheltenham Festival in March is up for debate, but they should both win a decent prize somewhere.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. I wondered what had happened to Green Book. Intimate - a winner over fences at Uttoxeter on Midlands National Day when the ground was closer to heavy than the official good to soft - is one I expected to see discussed.

I think there is a formatting error in your final posting which jumps back from Sole Solution to Montgomery. Royale Pagaille is listed as a ten-year-old in this section when he's shown as 11 a few lines above. All the info from Montgomery onwards relates to thoughts on the 2024/25 season.
 

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