Welcome to Chepstow Racecourse!
A very warm welcome to everyone joining us today at Chepstow Racecourse for Day Three of the DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival. After an exciting two days, we’re thrilled to bring you another afternoon of top-class racing as we continue to launch the new National Hunt season in style.
The Dragonbet Welsh Champion Hurdle is back at Chepstow! First run here in 1969, the race featured some of the hottest hurdlers in Britain and Ireland, including Persian War and Sea Pigeon before taking a break in 2002. The race was then run from 2010-2024 at our sister racecourse Ffos Las!
Of course, this festival would not be possible without the incredible backing of our headline sponsor, DragonBet. Their passion for horse racing—and for Welsh sport as a whole—is infectious. A huge thank you to David, James, and the entire DragonBet team for their vision, enthusiasm, and generosity. We’re proud to have you leading the way as our headline partner and look forward to growing this festival together for many years to come.
We also extend our gratitude to our other valued sponsors Wasdell Group, Champion Equestrian, Tom Malone Bloodstock and the friends and family of John Ayres whose generous contributions help make this festival possible. With a stellar card of racing across all three days, we thank the owners and trainers for their fantastic support and look forward to seeing their horses light up the track once again.
But the festival experience doesn’t stop at the finishing post! From the spectacular Stilt Walkers and Fire Breathers greeting you on arrival, to the Tom Jones Tribute act before racing in the Premier Bar, and live music from The Phonics after the final race in the trackside Marquee there’s something for everyone. Be sure to visit our lively retail village, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of stalls to browse throughout the day. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or visiting for the first time, today promises to be an unforgettable experience. Please refer to the entertainment itinerary for times and locations.
As you may have seen that we have announced our fixtures for 2026. We’re thrilled to have secured a very special Centenary Fixture on Sunday, 9th August. This landmark event will celebrate 100 years of racing at Chepstow We’ll be making many more announcements in due course about the day itself, along with a series of exciting celebrations planned across the year
For any queries, or to donate any memorabilia to us for the 100th year celebration please contact us on centenary@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
Enjoy an exceptional Day Three of the DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival, and thank you for being part of the excitement here at Chepstow
Wellbeing – Quiet Zone & Sensory Space
We want everyone to enjoy their time with us. There is a Quiet Zone available in Suite 12 for anyone who may benefit from a calmer space.
If you would like to use a quiet zone area or need assistance then please speak to a member of our team or report to Reception at the Racecourse Office, where our staff will be happy to help.
Upcoming Feature Event at Chepstow:
Coral Welsh Grand National, Saturday 27th December
We really appreciate your support and thank you for joining us for our Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival. We hope you enjoy all of the action on and off the track and I look forward to seeing you return to us soon.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn to keep up with all the latest news and events at Chepstow Racecourse.
Enquiries & Bookings:
• Hospitality: Jodi Boreham – jboreham@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
• Non-Racing Events: Jo Drinkwater – jdrinkwater@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
• Race Sponsorship: Luke Admans – ladmans@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Warm regards,
Luke Admans - General Manager at Chepstow Racecourse
CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE is part of Arena Racing Company which includes; Bath, Brighton, Doncaster, Ffos Las, Fontwell Park, Great Yarmouth, Hereford, Lingfield Park, Newcastle, Royal Windsor, Sedgefield, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton and Worcester racecourses
Time
Itinerary
Activity / Act
Location
from when gates open Stilt Walkers and Fire Breathing Entrance
from when gates open Welsh Choir Entrance
12:30 - 13:15 Tom Jones Tribute Premier Bar
13:32
Race 1 Champion Equestrian Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase Track
14:07
Race 2 Dragonbet / EBF Mares’ “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle Track
14:42
Race 3 Tom Malone Bloodstock Novices’ Chase (Listed Race) Track
15:12
Welsh Choir performing Welsh National Anthem Parade ring
15:17
Race 4 DRAGONBET WELSH CHAMPION HURDLE Track
15:52
Race 5 DRAGONBET JOHN AYRES MEMORIAL Handicap Chase Track
16:27
Race 6 Dragonbet Born From The Betting Ring Seniors Handicap Hurdle Track
17:02
Race 7 Wasdell Group Open National Hunt Flat Race Track
After racing +-17:17 The Phonics Trackside Marquee
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The Chepstow Racecourse Executive would like to thank our sponsors and wish them an enjoyable and prosperous day’s racing.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF JOHN AYRES
SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER
(UNDER THE RULES OF RACING)
STEWARDS OF THE MEETING
CHIEF STEWARD GUY UPTON
STEWARDS’ PANEL CHAIR
JOANNE HAWKINS
TOM EVETTS, MARGARET GROVES, PHILLIPA HARDY, FERGUS SWEENEY
STARTERS
WILLIAM JORDAN
CIARAN MCKEE
JUDGE
GUY LEWIS
CLERK OF THE SCALES
ROBERT CUTHBERT
VETERINARY OFFICER
JESSICA RAINBOW
VETERINARY SURGEONS
BOBBY McEWEN
SCOTT MILNES
CARYS REYNOLDS
SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER
DR HEATHER CLARK
MEDICAL OFFICER
DR PHILIP PRITCHARD
DR CHRIS REESE
NURSE
SARAH GODFREY
EQUINE WELFARE AND INTEGRITY OFFICERS
DARREN STONE
VINCE McKEVITT
CHRISTINE HANNAFORD
HORSE HANDLERS
KAREN WILLIAMS
JADE LAZENBY
GENERAL MANAGER
LUKE ADMANS
CLERK OF THE COURSE
DAI JONES
HEAD GROUNDSMAN
RON MASON
SAFEGUARDING LEAD
LUKE ADMANS
COMMENTATOR
JOHN BLANCE
BETTING RING MANAGER
ANDY COLLINS RACE
birthplace of horse if not Great Britain
horse’s name
form guide
previous performances
horse’s saddlecloth number colour graphic draw age weight st-lbs
No. of days since last ran
1 TOP COP (12) 050322
/=new season
-=new year
Bold type shows all weather form
C=course winner
D=distance winner
CD=course & distance winner
BF=beaten favourite
B g Acclamation - Speed Cop
6 9-7 (11)
Matthew Cosham (3) South Wales Argus & Chepstow Racing Club
Ronald Harris, Chepstow Br Littleton Stud Ron Harris Racing S
TIMEFORM VIEW Modest strike-rate (2-47) but has posted solid efforts in sprint handicaps here and at Ffos Las recently Remains on a workable mark and ought to make his presence felt once again. TFR HHHHI BHA55
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Jockey Trainer Sponsor S Br
Star Ratings Explained
Each horse has been given a star rating, these are defined below:
HHHHH Selected to win the race
HHHHI Good chance of being placed.
HHHII By no means out of the reckoning but at least one or two hold stronger claims
HHIII Unlikely to win but not totally without hope HIIII Can be given little or no chance.
OFFICIAL BHA RATINGS EXPLAINED
The BHA Handicappers allot ratings to horses once they have taken part in a sufficient number of races to enable the Handicappers to make a numerical assessment of each horse’s ability The principal purpose of the ratings is to determine the weight to be carried by each runner in handicap races, with the Handicappers aiming to provide each participant with an equal chance based on its best recent form under its optimum conditions
A horse rated 100, for example, would be set to carry 1lb more than a horse rated 99 (ignoring any penalties or allowances). The ratings published in the racecard for handicap races are the ratings that were used to calculate the weight to be carried by each horse, whilst in nonhandicaps races the rating shown is that of each runner at the time that the entries for the race were confirmed. Any subsequently published change to a rating, either up or down, is shown in brackets following the rating For novice steeple chasers, the latest hurdle race rating may be shown until such time as the Handicappers allot a separate steeple chase rating Such ratings are prefixed by the letter h.
If you cannot produce this your bet will not be accepted
FIRST RACE 1.32
THREE MILES ABOUT TWO FURLONGS (3M 2F 54YDS) FOR FOUR YRS OLD AND UPWARDS
THE CHAMPION EQUESTRIAN CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE)
Total prize fund
£16500 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £6664, 2nd £3331, 3rd £1667, 4th £833, 5th £416. (Penalty Value £8713.65) A
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): E Williams (32 wins from 285 runners, 11%) runs TO BE SURE TRAINER-IN-FORM (LAST 14 DAYS): J Owen (10 wins from 61 runners, 16%) runs MY GIFT TO YOU LONGEST TRAVELLER: MY GIFT TO YOU trained by J Owen, Newmarket, 195 miles.
DEEP PURPLE has made a solid if unspectacular start to his chase career but he could hardly be in better hands and not yet exposed, this mark should be within range upped in trip, My GiftToYou is more exposed but has been in fine heart for a while now, so he’s on the shortlist, along with wide-margin Ludlow winner Hold Your Fort
1 HOLD YOUR FORT (IRE) (4) 13F331 D 9 12-7 (in7lbex)
B g El Salvador (IRE) - Spirit of Youth (IRE)
Mr J. Rees
Br Philip Rothwell
Callum Pritchard
Debra Hamer, Carmarthen
Tote TIMEFORM VIEW Newton Abbot specialist but confirmed he’s just as good elsewhere when bagging 5-runner handicap chase at Ludlow on Wednesday. Understandably turned out under a penalty for what ended up being a 25-length win so he’s on the shortlist back up in trip TFRHHHHI BHA115
2 DEEP PURPLE (IRE) (19) 1-43424 C
Br g Soldier of Fortune (IRE) - Beneficial Choice (IRE)
Mr Andrew L. Cohen
6 12-2
Harry Atkins (6)
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Nicholas Dee Wood Hall Stud Limited
TIMEFORMVIEWMaiden hurdle winner over 23.6f at this venue in April and this former point winner has shaped pretty well switched to fences with cheekpieces fitted of late, hitting the frame in 3 outings at Worcester Up in trip and there should be more to come TFRHHHHH BHA117
3 MY GIFT TO YOU (IRE) (19) 234141 D
B g Kingston Hill - Ariels Serenade (IRE)
7 12-2
Alex Chadwick
LPOG 23 NH James Owen, Newmarket
Br Michael Moloney racehorse-ownership.com
TIMEFORM VIEW Displayed a willing attitude when adding to his tally over fences at Worcester in July Exploited lower hurdles mark under an attacking ride back at that venue 3 weeks (26f), well on top finish. Back over the larger obstacles and he’s thriving TFRHHHHI BHA117
4 AJP KINGDOM (IRE) (26) 3-42632 D
8 12-1
B g Mahler - Mattys Joy (IRE) Tom Broughton
The FOB Racing Partnership Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham
Br John Palmer Dunraven Group of Companies
TIMEFORMVIEW Uttoxeter winner over this trip in November and has given his running all but one start since, finding only one too good back at that venue 4 weeks on Cheekpieces back on TFRHHHII BHA116
5 FIRST LORD DE CUET (FR) (137) 405F1-6
Gr g Lord du Sud (FR) - Alyce (FR)
11 11-10
Rian Corcoran (10)
Mr P. J. Green David Pipe, Wellington
Br Mr Serge Bourounoff
TIMEFORMVIEWSuccessful hurdler who has failed to score over fences for this yard, although won easily in a point in March from a decent sort Let down by jumping switched to a hunter in May and others more persuasive back in a handicap. TFRHHIII BHA111
6 IMPATIENT (FR) (159) 614F3-4
Gr g Montmartre (FR) - Vista Palma (FR)
7 11-7
Benjamin Macey (6)
Miss Katharine J. Holland Jonjo & A.J O’Neill, Cheltenham
Br S.C.E.A. Haras Du Hoguenet Wasdell Group
TIMEFORM VIEW Scored at Ffos Las in November but in and out since, effort flattening out over 23f at Worcester when last seen in May. Up in trip on return. TFRHHIII BHA108
7 FEVER DREAM (IRE) (26) 1-3P135
Ch g Sholokhov (IRE) - O What A Girl (IRE)
Bedford & Noel & The Can’t Say no
7 11-4
Charlie Maggs
Christian Williams, Bridgend
Br John O’Donovan Dodson and Horrell
TIMEFORM VIEW Scored at Worcester in July and backed it up with a creditable third of 10 in handicap chase there (23f, good) Never a factor under a very patient tide at Uttoxeter 4 weeks ago (AJP Kingdom second). TFRHHHII BHA105
1-2-3: 1.DEEP PURPLE (IRE)
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
8
SAFE DESTINATION (GB)
(17) 11224-3
B g Pether’s Moon (IRE) - Leighton Lass
Mr Malcolm Berryman
7 11-4
Toby McCain-Mitchell (6)
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham
Br Yorton Farm Stud Courtiers Investment Services Limited
TIMEFORMVIEWAppeared to turn the corner last season, proving far more consistent than in previous campaigns, winning 3 times and runner-up 3 times from 7 appearances Sound-enough return to action at Perth 17 days ago and he should be on the premises. TFRHHHII BHA105
9
ILLOGICAL LOGIC (FR) (36) 4P-F13P D 7 10-5
Ch g Coastal Path - Vierge Sainte (FR)
Trembath Nisbet Hughes Wright
Jamie Brace
Christian Williams, Bridgend
Br Haras de Saint Voir SCA & Mr Joel Denis Dodson and Horrell
TIMEFORMVIEWHad the race sewn-up when falling 2 out at Newton Abbot in May and gained quick compensation when making all back there following month. Decent third there next time but heavy defeat at Stratford last time needs casting aside Cheekpieces removed. TFRHHHII BHA92
10 TO BE SURE
(GB) (44) 2U2-342
B g Sulamani (IRE) - Egretta Island (IRE)
10 10-4
Ellis Collier (3)
T Hywel Jones Racing Evan Williams, Llancarfan
Br Mrs Tessa Greatrex & Mr D. Futter Tote
TIMEFORMVIEWThirteen runs since last win in 2023 but arrives in decent heart, visored for first time when second of 4 in handicap chase at Fontwell (26f) 44 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and this is a deeper race TFRHHHII BHA91
2024: LOCK OUT (IRE) 7 9 10 Gearoid Harney 10-3 (David Pipe) 13 ran
Tongue Strap worn by No. 6, 7. Visor, Tongue Strap worn by No. 3. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2, 4, 5, 10.
Stewards Note:
DECLARED RUNNERS 10
ILLOGICAL LOGIC: Following its run on 6/9/2025 it was reported that the horse sustained a wound.
Probable S.P’s: 10-3 Hold Your Fort (IRE), 6-1 Deep Purple (IRE), My Gift To You (IRE), 15-2 Safe Destination (GB), 8-1 To Be Sure (GB), 9-1 Ajp Kingdom (IRE), 14-1 Illogical Logic (FR), 18-1 Fever Dream (IRE), 25-1 Impatient (FR), 33-1 First Lord de Cuet (FR)
GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME
The Great British Bonus (GBB) incentivises and rewards with breeding, buying and racing of British-bred fillies by paying out bonuses of up to £100,000 per filly. And now with GBBPlus to further incentivise staying fillies and chasing mares, there are more reasons than ever to breed, buy and race British Majority funded by the HBLB.
BETTING RING MANAGER
The Betting Ring Manager is located in the Betting Ring Manager Office by the entrance to the Grandstand & Paddock Bar. They should be contacted in relation to any dispute with the on-course bookmakers
FLAGS
Flags hoisted by Ambulance Men: WHITE - Ambulance required. RED AND WHITE CHECK - Doctor required. ORANGE - Veterinary required.
ABBREVIATIONS
- Beaten Favourite
- Brought Down
British Stallion Studs have contributed nearly £2MILLION to Flat and National Hunt prize money during 2025 via the British EBF.
ALNE PARK FARM
BATSFORD STUD
BEARSTONE STUD
CHAPEL STUD
CHEVELEY PARK STUD
CULWORTH GROUNDS STUD
DARLEY
DULLINGHAM PARK STUD
ELUSIVE BLOODSTOCK
ETHERIDGE STUD
GROVECOURT STUD
HEDGEHOLME STUD
JUDDMONTE
LANWADES STUD
MANTON PARK
MARCH HARE STUD
MEIKLEHAUGH STUD
MICKLEY STUD
MR ROBERT MOSS
NATIONAL STUD
NEWSELLS PARK STUD
NORMAN COURT STUD
NORTON GROVE STUD
NUNSTAINTON STUD
OAKGROVE STUD
OVERBURY STUD
PLUMTON HALL STUD
SHADE OAK STUD
SHADWELL
TWEENHILLS STUD
VAUTERHILL STUD
WHITSBURY MANOR STUD
WILLOW WOOD STUD
WITHYSLADE FARM
YORTON FARM
ImagecourtesyofJuddmonte
SECOND RACE 2.07
TWO MILES ABOUT THREE AND A HALF FURLONGS (2M 3F 100YDS) FOR NOVICE FOUR YRS OLD AND UPWARDS FILLIES AND MARES
THE DRAGONBET / EBF MARES’ ‘NATIONAL HUNT’ NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (EBF MARES’ NH NOVICES’ HURDLE SERIES QUALIFIER)
(GBB RACE)
Total prize fund £16500 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £6885, 2nd £3444, 3rd £1721, 4th £861. (Penalty Value £8985.90)
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): E Williams (32 wins from 285 runners, 11%) runs WHERE’S CATO TRAINER-IN-FORM (LAST 14 DAYS): O Murphy (4 wins from 15 runners, 27%) runs NANA NOODLEMAN LONGEST TRAVELLER: FREDDIEMISSMOLLI trained by D Hamer, Carmarthen, 85 miles.
This looks a gilt-edged opportunity for SETTLE DOWN JILL, who left her hurdling debut effort behind following a breathing operation when finding just one too good at Market Rasen recently and with further progress on the cards, Dan Skelton’s 5-y-o should take some stopping. Nana Noodleman caught the eye at Newton Abbot last month, so she heads up the dangers, ahead of hurdling debutantes Harmony Heights and Riviera Walk
1 FREDDIEMISSMOLLI (IRE) (178) 20- 5 11-0
B or Br m Order of St George (IRE) - Ballys Baby (IRE)
Dylan Johnston (3)
Mr Daf Jones Debra Hamer, Carmarthen
Br Richard Healy
TIMEFORMVIEW€27,000 half-sister to useful hurdler Forge Meadow and bumper winner Franks A Million. Showed plenty to work on in Ffos Las newcomers’ bumper last December and ran to a similar level with a tongue tie applied when eleventh of 18 at Cheltenham back in April. Others more appealing on hurdles bow. TFRHHIII BHA-
2 GOWER
SPIRIT
(GB) (200) 03- 5 11-0
B m Yorgunnabelucky (USA) - Lady Karinga
Stan Sheppard
Mrs Jan Johnson Matt Sheppard, Ledbury
Br T. A. Harman
The Towers Hotel & Spa
TIMEFORM VIEW Merely hinted at ability on her second of 2 starts in bumpers at Hereford in the spring and has since moved yards. Bred to come into her own now jumping but will find easier opportunities than this TFRHHHII BHA-
3 HARMONY HEIGHTS
(IRE) (199) 42/454- 6 11-0
B m Flemensfirth (USA) - Mariah’s Way
Jonathan Burke
M Songer, C Bailey & M Dodd Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham
Br Mr D. J. Aiken BresBet
TIMEFORMVIEW Made the frame on both point outings and some promise in 2 of her 3 starts in bumpers last season Likely to come into her own now jumping over a longer trip so certainly worth a market check. TFRHHHII BHA-
4 NANA NOODLEMAN (IRE)
(33) P2-143 5 11-0
Ch m Berkshire (IRE) - Brandy N’ Lovage
Sean Bowen Passion for Racing Olly Murphy, Wilmcote
Br Mr T. O’Sullivan Betano
TIMEFORMVIEWSecond in apoint and wentone better in Worcesterbumperon Rules debutin June.Disappointingwhena remotelast of4 on hurdle debut there the following the month but showed plenty more when third of 8 in novice at Newton Abbot last month. Capable of better again now upped in trip TFRHHHHI BHA-
5 NORTHERN REEL (IRE) (244) 03122P- 7 11-0
B m Jet Away - Christmas Kate (IRE)
Mr J. J. Murphy-Knight (7)
Mr Keiran Burke Keiran Burke, Whitcombe
Br Mrs C. E. Norton
TIMEFORMVIEWTook another step forward in handicap chases when opening Rules account at Leicester (22.7f, good to firm) last November Runner-up next 2 starts, but ran no sort of race in first-time blinkers when last seen in February. Has since moved yards and returns over timber TFRHHIII BHA78
6 RIVIERA WALK
(IRE) (178)
100-
5 11-0
Gr m Walk In The Park (IRE) - Breve de Comptoir (FR) Jonjo O’Neill Jr. Anne, Harriet & Lucinda Bond Jonjo & A.J O’Neill, Cheltenham
Br Ballinaroone Stud Ltd Wasdell Group
TIMEFORMVIEWNarrowly made a successful debut at Sedgefield 12 months ago before struggling in the November Listed mares’ bumper at Cheltenham. Back to something like her debut form 5 months later when twelfth of 18 at latter track in April and market should guide expectations on return/hurdling debut TFRHHHII BHA-
7 SETTLE DOWN JILL (IRE) (15) 4026-62 BF 5 11-0
B m Affinisea (IRE) - Azaila Harry Skelton
Sullivan Group Limited & Dan Skelton
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Ballyreddin Stud & Kellsgrange Stud Ladbrokes, The Air Ambulance Service (Warks & Northants)
TIMEFORMVIEWFairly-useful performer in bumpers last term Not yet hit same heights over hurdles, but offered more after a breathing operation when second of 10 in novice at Market Rasen (16.6f, good) just over a fortnight ago and this looks a golden opportunity to go one better TFRHHHHH BHA107
1-2-3: 1.SETTLE DOWN JILL (IRE) 2.NANA NOODLEMAN (IRE) 3.HARMONY HEIGHTS (IRE)
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
8 WHERE’S CATO (IRE) (168) U/FP14-2
B m Notnowcato - Speedy Fairy (IRE)
6 11-0
Isabel Williams
Mrs C. Williams Evan Williams, Llancarfan
Br Brian Kiely
TIMEFORM VIEW Won one of 7 starts in Irish points, runner-up last time (Apr 27). Good family and betting check advised TFRHHHII BHA-
2024: ROCKSTOWN GIRL (IRE) 6 11 4 J P O’Sullivan 14-1 (A McCann) 16 ran DECLARED RUNNERS 8
Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 5.
Stewards Note:
NORTHERN REEL: Following its run on 10/2/2025 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.
Probable S.P’s: 4-7 Settle Down Jill (IRE), 17-2 Nana Noodleman (IRE), 16-1 Freddiemissmolli (IRE), Harmony Heights (IRE), Riviera Walk (IRE), 20-1 Where’s Cato (IRE), 33-1 Gower Spirit (GB), Northern Reel (IRE)
GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME
The Great British Bonus (GBB) incentivises and rewards with breeding, buying and racing of British-bred fillies by paying out bonuses of up to £100,000 per filly And now with GBBPlus to further incentivise staying fillies and chasing mares, there are more reasons than ever to breed, buy and race British. Majority funded by the HBLB.
No alcohol may be brought onto the racecourse at any time
NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
Racegoers are asked to please refrain from using flash photography as this can alarm horses and distract jockeys and may endanger horse, jockey and public
THIRD RACE 2.42
TWO MILES ABOUT THREE AND A HALF FURLONGS (2M 3F 98YDS) FOR NOVICE FOUR YRS OLD AND UPWARDS
THE TOM MALONE BLOODSTOCK NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (LISTED RACE) (FOR THE ROBERT MOTTRAM MEMORIAL TROPHY) (GBB RACE)
Total prize fund
£40000 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £17432, 2nd £7156, 3rd £3580, 4th £1788, 5th £896. (Penalty Value £22780) A
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): P Nicholls (54 wins from 231 runners, 23%) runs BLUEKING D’OROUX TRAINER-IN-FORM (LAST 14 DAYS): G Elliott (11 wins from 46 runners, 24%) runs SPECULATRIX
FANCY THAT: D Skelton won this race in 2018 and 2023. The stable runs DOYEN QUEST today. LONGEST TRAVELLER: SPECULATRIX trained by G Elliott, Ireland.
BLUEKING D’OROUX was back to his best when winning the Select Hurdle at Sandown and Paul Nicholls’ charge gets the nod to pick up where he left off and make the perfect start in this sphere. Doyen Quest has long appealed as one who’ll thrive over fences, so he can give the selection plenty to think about with his reappearance under his belt, with Irish-raider Speculatrix rounding off the shortlist 1-2-3:
1 BLUEKING D’OROUX (FR) (169) 4/26341- D 6 11-5
B g Jeu St Eloi (FR) - Belle du Bresil (FR)
Harry Cobden
Mrs Johnny de la Hey Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat
Br David Giraudeau & Philippe Moreau Morson Group
TIMEFORMVIEWSmart hurdler who was back to his best when winning 6-runner Select Hurdle at Sandown (21.5f, good to firm) in April, benefiting from a good ride but showing a willing attitude as well Attentions now turned to the larger obstacles and he warrants considerable respect. TFRHHHHH BHA151
2
DOYEN QUEST
(IRE) (27) 0001-14 7 11-5
Ch g Doyen (IRE) - Queen of Questions (IRE)
Exors of the late Mr N. W. Lake
Br Denis Hoban
Harry Skelton
Dan Skelton, Alcester
The Air Ambulance Service (Warks & Northants), Ladbrokes
TIMEFORMVIEWUseful hurdler who bounced back to form with a bang when winning at Warwick in April. Completed a simple task sent chasing there following month and considerate return from 4 months off at Worcester (16.5f, soft) last month. Remains open to improvement TFRHHHHI BHA135
3
BRUCIO
(GB) (209) 0/30534-
B m Authorized (IRE) - Lupa Montana (USA)
Walnut Hill Equine Clinic Ltd
7 10-12
Jack Andrews
Tom Ellis, Rugby
Br Ashbrittle Stud Fresh Air
TIMEFORMVIEWDual winning hurdler who hasn’t come close to matching that form in 2 runs in this sphere. Makes return for a new yard (sold for £28,000) after 6 months off but best watched for now. TFRHHIII BHA122
4
IMPERIAL JADE
(IRE) (154) 30112-3 C D BF
B m Harzand (IRE) - Maggi Rocks (IRE)
Andrew Fox-Pitt
6 10-12
David Bass
Charlie Longsdon, Chipping Norton
Br Mr A. N. Seymour Merriebelle Stable LLC
TIMEFORMVIEW In top form over hurdles last season, scoring at Doncaster (19.4f) in February then following up from 8lb higher at Huntingdon (19.6f) the following month. Lacks the scope for chasing and made an inauspicious start in this sphere at Ludlow in May so looks an easy swerve in this. TFRHHIII BHA106
5
SPECULATRIX (GB) (18) F14-314 D
B m No Risk At All (FR) - Scorpio Queen (IRE)
Gigginstown House Stud
Br Mill House Stud (Shropshire) Ltd
6 10-12
Sean Bowen
Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Bective Stud, Gordon Elliott
TIMEFORMVIEW Left chasing debut effort behind when scoring at Downpatrick (19.4f, good) in August Ridden with an eye on the future and never better than mid-division at Listowel (19.4f, good to soft) since and she remains capable of better TFRHHHII BHA127
2024: SPRINGWELL BAY 7 11 5 Jonjo O’Neill Jr 10-3 (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill) 5 ran DECLARED RUNNERS 5 Tongue Strap worn by No. 3, 4.
Probable S.P’s: 4-9 Blueking d’Oroux (FR), 11-2 Doyen Quest (IRE), 7-1 Speculatrix (GB), 20-1 Brucio (GB), 40-1 Imperial Jade (IRE)
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME
The Great British Bonus (GBB) incentivises and rewards with breeding, buying and racing of British-bred fillies by paying out bonuses of up to £100,000 per filly And now with GBBPlus to further incentivise staying fillies and chasing mares, there are more reasons than ever to breed, buy and race British Majority funded by the HBLB.
HORSE AND JOCKEY WELFARE AT CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE
Nothing matters more to us, when racing, than the safety and welfare of both horse and rider Central to that is the track itself and our groundstaff do everything in their power to provide an optimum racing surface On duty da al ha dedicated and experienced team of highly-qualified following the action at every stage. Their key re care to the competitors throughout their time vehicle movements of these skilled specialists a rapid response to any incident across the sit horse ambulance in attendance at every fixtur from the track to our on-site veterinary treatmen the nearest equine referral hospital ace today y we e also have e a qualified Vets, , Doctors ors and Paramedics esponsibility is to o monitor or and provide at t the racecourse The locations tions and during racing acing are e designed to o provide site We e also have e a high-specification fixture e to o enable safe e transport ansport of a horse tment t facility acility for or further treatment, , or to
It is our standard practice to erect screens around any horse or jockey requiring attention on the course as this provides privacy and a safe, calm environment in which to accurately diagnose and treat the patient as necessary Please do not assume the worst if screens are erected around a horse We are fully committed to minimising risk in our sport, to dealing professionally and efficiently with any injury, and to maintaining the highest possible quality of care for the horses and jockeys racing here today. To find out more about our Equine Welfare policy, please visit our website www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
British racing has reduced the number of horses that fall by a third and fatalities to 0.25% of 90,000 yearly runners. horsepwr.co.uk
IFTHEYFALL, THEY
WE WON’T SHORT IFTHEY FALL
FOURTH RACE 3.17
ABOUT TWO MILES (2M 11YDS) FOR FIVE YRS OLD AND UPWARDS
THE DRAGONBET ‘WELSH CHAMPION’ HURDLE RACE (A LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE)
Total prize fund £50000 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £19875, 2nd £9935, 3rd £4970, 4th £2485, 5th £1240, 6th £620. (Penalty Value £26015) Weights raised 2lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): P Nicholls (54 wins from 231 runners, 23%) runs TUTTI QUANTI TRAINER-IN-FORM (LAST 14 DAYS): D Skelton (4 wins from 20 runners, 20%) runs LISTENTOYOURHEART LONGEST TRAVELLER: SCINTILLANTE trained by A Ralph, Bridgnorth, 79 miles.
Useful juvenile TUTTI QUANTI has plenty of scope for progression and is fancied to make a winning handicapdebutonhisreturn.DanSkeltonmayunlockfurtherimprovementfromtalentedmareListentoyourheart,whileAlexeilooks interesting if he can settle back over 2m. Of the rest, Balhambar’s form from last season looks solid and he should be spot on for this following a spin on the Flat, while it’s still early days for Celtic Dino who ran well on handicap debut at Aintree in April.
QUANTI (FR) 2.LISTENTOYOURHEART (IRE) 3.ALEXEI (GER)
1 CELTIC DINO (FR)
(191) 1/11433- D
Ch g Doctor Dino (FR) - Bal Celtique (FR)
6 11-12
Dylan Johnston (3) Walters Plant Hire Ltd Sam Thomas, Cardiff
Br E.A.R.L. Haras du Mondant et al
TIMEFORMVIEWDual bumper winner who won his first 2 outings over hurdles and was far from disgraced in novice graded company subsequently Finished last season on a high with a solid third in a competitive 17-runner handicap hurdle at Aintree. Up 5lb for that but likely more to come from him. TFRHHHHI BHA137
2 NO ORDINARY JOE (IRE) (212) 30/5040- D
B g Getaway (GER) - Shadow Dearg (IRE)
9 11-12
Richie McLernon
The Cheeky Pups Faye Bramley, Lambourn
Br Sean Reilly
TIMEFORMVIEWUsefulforNickyHendersonbutchangedhandsforonly9,500gnsfollowingabelow-parruninafirst-timetonguestrap(removed)whenmidfieldintheMartinPipe at Cheltenham (20.3f) in March. Drops back to 2m on first start for new stable and hard to be confident unless market vibes are strong TFRHHIII BHA137
3
WILFUL
(IRE) (166) 104P1-2 D
Br g Westerner - Shuil Milan (IRE)
6 11-9
Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Mrs Fitri Hay Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill, Cheltenham
Br Michael Murphy JMH Group
TIMEFORMVIEWSuited by the emphasis on speed over a bare 2m when landing a first handicap success at Ayr in April and was well-positioned when runner-up in a steadily-run listed handicap hurdle at Punchestown (16.7f) later that month. Conditions will suit and he should go well, especially if they go steady TFRHHHII BHA134
4
TUTTI QUANTI
(FR) (189) 22/1261- D
B g Chanducoq (FR) - Terebella (FR)
5 11-7
Harry Cobden
Mr Colm Donlon Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat
Br E.A.R.L. Elevage Figerro & Hubert Favre
Morson Group
TIMEFORMVIEWPlenty of scope physically and had some strong form over hurdles last season, ran as well as could be expected when sixth in the Supreme and signed off with a very easy victory in a Ffos Las novice in April. Goes well fresh and strong chance he can make a winning handicap debut. TFRHHHHH BHA132
5
TITAN DISCOVERY (GB) (266) 2126/01- D 7 11-4
B or Br g Pether’s Moon (IRE) - It’s A Discovery (IRE)
Glastonburys, Valentine, Bibby and Paget
Liam Harrison
Robbie Llewellyn, Swindon
Br Kevin & Anne Glastonbury Tote
TIMEFORMVIEWShaped better than bare result in a deep renewal of the Silver Trophy (19.5f) on reappearance at this course last season and back to his best on first start over 3m at Windsor (soft) in January. Betting should guide on return but the marked drop in trip suggests this could be a pipe-opener TFRHHIII BHA129
6 ALEXEI (GER) (204) 1140- D
B g Tai Chi (GER) - Andromeda (GER)
5 11-2
Brendan Powell Brocade Racing
Joe Tizzard, Sherborne
Br J.Stecklein Coral Racing Limited
TIMEFORMVIEWFairly useful on Flat and impressive winner of back-to-back novices at Taunton last winter before disappointing on soft ground Much better than the result when too keen on handicap debut at Newbury (18.8f) in March Drop back to 2m should suit and may do better if settling on his return. TFRHHHHI BHA127
7 LISTENTOYOURHEART (IRE) (191) 111440- D 6 11-1
Br m Getaway (GER) - Illwalktheline (IRE)
S T Racing - The Founders’ Syndicate
Harry Skelton
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Yellowford Bloodstock Stanley’s
TIMEFORMVIEWUseful novice completed a hat-trick in mares’ company last season Shaped well off a break when fourth in a Grade 2 novice at Kelso in the spring but unable to build on that in a competitive 2 1/2m Aintree handicap. Drops back to 2m and may well improve as a 6-y-o for a top yard. TFRHHHHI BHA126
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
8
NORMAN FLETCHER
(GB) (179) 13P006- D
Ch g No Risk At All (FR) - Hiho Silver Lining
6 10-12
James Turner (5)
Mr M Stavrou Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham
Br Tim Lane Courtiers Investment Services Limited
TIMEFORMVIEWEnjoyedaproductivestarttolastseasonbutfoundlifetougherindeeperhandicaps,shapingasthoughhe’dbenefitfromfurtherthan2m.Backincalmerwaters when a creditable sixth at Cheltenham in April and he has definite claims here with yard known for making a fast start to the season TFRHHHII BHA123
9 BALHAMBAR
(FR) (31) 12/3202- D
B g Almanzor (FR) - Moojeh (IRE)
Dr Paul Kelly and Mr Vernon Taylor
6 10-11
Paul O’Brien
Harry Derham, Newbury
Br Mr Xavier Moyer & Mme Annabelle Moyer OLBG
TIMEFORMVIEWPlenty of solid placed form in handicap hurdles last season and finished his campaign in good heart when runner-up behind an improved winner at Stratford in March. Had a pipe-opener on the Flat at Epsom last month and no surprise to see him go well with race-fitness on his side. TFRHHHHI BHA122
10 TOUR OVALIE (FR)
(204) 110100-
D
B m Kamsin (GER) - Tour Ambition (FR)
Andrew Strong
Br Mr Andre Duboe
6 10-8
Isabel Williams
Evan Williams, Llancarfan
TIMEFORMVIEWProgressive mare early last season, winning 5 times from 6 starts prior to doing all she could when ninth in 23-runner Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Clearly wasn’t herself when turned out quickly at Kelso 9 days later but will need to improve to make a winning reappearance. TFRHHIII BHA119
11 SCINTILLANTE (GB) (37) 142122 D BF
Gr g Roaring Lion (USA) - Freesia (IRE)
Alastair & Pippa McLeish
5 10-6
Jonathan Burke
Alastair Ralph, Bridgnorth
Br Grundy Bloodstock SRL Air Conditioning Accessories Ltd
TIMEFORMVIEWIn top form at Worcester this summer, beating a James Owen improver when successful at that course over 2m in July and pulling clear of the rest when second over the same C&D last month. In fine heart but has more on his plate from 5lb out of the handicap in a much deeper contest TFRHHIII BHA112
2024: LUMP SUM (FR) 6 11 6 Dylan Johnston 11-10 (Sam Thomas) 10 ran
DECLARED RUNNERS 11 Tongue Strap worn by No. 6, 9. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 9. Stewards Note:
LISTENTOYOURHEART: Following its run on 4/4/2025 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.
TOUR OVALIE: Following its run on 22/3/2025 it was reported that the horse was never travelling.
Probable S.P’s: 11-4 Celtic Dino (FR), 4-1 Tutti Quanti (FR), 7-1 Wilful (IRE), 8-1 Listentoyourheart (IRE), 14-1 Norman Fletcher (GB), Balhambar (FR), 20-1 Alexei (GER), Scintillante (GB), 33-1 No Ordinary Joe (IRE), Tour Ovalie (FR), 40-1 Titan Discovery (GB)
GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME
The Great British Bonus (GBB) incentivises and rewards with breeding, buying and racing of British-bred fillies by paying out bonuses of up to £100,000 per filly And now with GBBPlus to further incentivise staying fillies and chasing mares, there are more reasons than ever to breed, buy and race British Majority funded by the HBLB.
THE HORSERACE BETTING LEVY BOARD
The Horserace Betting Levy Board prize fund schemes provide for the estimated inclusion of £474,634 in ratecard and incremental prize money at this racecourse from 15th September to 31st December 2025.
Racegoers are not permitted to bring dogs into any enclosure In car parks dogs must be kept on leads at all times. During hot weather it should be remembered that Police and RSPCA officials reserve the right to force entry into any vehicle to release an animal if suffering.
FIFTH RACE 3.52
TWO MILES ABOUT THREE AND A HALF FURLONGS (2M 3F 98YDS) FOR FOUR YRS OLD AND UPWARDS
THE
DRAGONBET
JOHN AYRES MEMORIAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE)
Total prize fund
£40000 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £15900, 2nd £7948, 3rd £3976, 4th £1988, 5th £992, 6th £496. (Penalty Value £20812)
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): P Nicholls (54 wins from 231 runners, 23%) runs IL RIDOTO TRAINER-IN-FORM(LAST14DAYS): DSkelton(4winsfrom20runners,20%)runs FRERE D’ARMES & HARPER’S BROOK & JET PLANE & RISKINTHEGROUND & UNEXPECTED PARTY FANCY THAT: P Nicholls won this race in 2016, 2017 and 2022. The stable runs IL RIDOTO today.
LONGEST TRAVELLER: SAINT SEGAL trained by J Williams, South Molton, 95 miles.
Dan Skelton comes here mob-handed and his handily-weighted JET PLANE looks the way to go if, as expected, building on an encouraging Worcester fifth after a lay-off Stablemates Riskintheground and Unexpected Party could emerge as the main dangers, although Il Ridoto could also have a say if back on song
1
Gr g Martaline - Reform Act (USA) Charlie Todd
O’Reilly MacLennan Tynan Carthy Shanahan
Br Mr & Mrs Gilles Forien
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Ashford Stud of 5095
TIMEFORM VIEW Sound jumper who largely ran well last season but last won in 2024 in Grand Annual at Cheltenham This C&D winner needs considering TFRHHHHI BHA149
2 SAINT SEGAL (FR) (174) 512331- CD
7 11-9
B g Saint des Saints (FR) - Bal Celtique (FR) Ciaran Gethings Culverhill Racing Club V
Br E.A.R.L. Haras Du Mondant et al
Mrs Jane Williams, South Molton
Culverhill Farm Racing
TIMEFORMVIEW Gained a deserved second success last term in 9-runner handicap chase over C&D in April. Enters calculations on his return.
3 IL RIDOTO (FR) (179) 516000-
B g Kapgarde (FR) - L’Exploratrice (FR)
Giles, Hogarth, Mason, McGoff & Ferguson
TFRHHHHI BHA144
8 11-7
Harry Cobden
Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat
Br Noel Lemaire Morson Group
TIMEFORMVIEW Bagged the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham last November but wasn’t in the same form after, only seventh in handicap chase back there (20.6f, good) in April. Handily weighted if resurgent after a break though TFRHHHII BHA142
4 RISKINTHEGROUND (IRE) (85) 45110-4
B g Presenting - The Folkes Choice
8 11-4
Tristan Durrell (3) 3 Sons Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Fergal Duncan & Loman Duncan The Air Ambulance Service (Warks & Northants), Ladbrokes
TIMEFORMVIEWEnjoyed a fantastic time of it last season when scoring six times and he resumed with a solid fourth of 15 in Summer Plate at Market Rasen (21.4f, good) 85 days ago. In the mix once more. TFRHHHHI BHA139
5 HARPER’S BROOK (IRE) (169) 2143P0-
9 11-1
B g Ask - Un Jour D Ete (FR) Kielan Woods The Megsons Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Mr Aidan McGoldrick The Air Ambulance Service (Warks & Northants), Ladbrokes
TIMEFORMVIEWHas his quirks but he’s useful on his day and scored at Wetherby last Christmas. In nothing like the same form after though so needs to take a big step forward on his reappearance TFRHHHII BHA136
6 JET PLANE (IRE) (27) 0132-55 D 9 10-11
B g Jet Away - Court Gamble (IRE)
Norman Lake & Susan Carsberg
Harry Skelton
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Thistletown Stud Global Services (Freight Forwarders) Ltd
TIMEFORMVIEWEnded last season with a fine second in the Foxhunters at Aintree in April and shaped encouragingly after 5 months off when fifth of 9 to Mount Tempest in handicap chase at Worcester (20f, soft) 27 days ago, not knocked about. Weighted to go close. TFRHHHHH BHA132
7 NOCTE VOLATUS (GB) (239) 6/11224- CD 10 10-9
B g Midnight Legend - Aeronautica (IRE)
Cameron Iles (5) Lady Cobham and Dauntsey Park
Tom Lacey, Woolhope
Br Lady Cobham & Tor Sturgis Plumbing World
TIMEFORMVIEW C&D winner last October (also second in this in 2023) Mistakes when only fourth of 6 in handicap chase at Haydock (19.9f, good to soft) in February. Off since but has a good record fresh. TFRHHHII BHA130
1-2-3:
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
8
MOUNT TEMPEST (IRE) (27) 44P-0P1
B g Walk In The Park (IRE) - Tempest Missile (IRE)
Mr John Griffin
8 10-7
Sean Bowen
Sophie Leech, Westbury-on-Severn
Br G. Merrigan W & S Recycling
TIMEFORM VIEW Returned to form from out of the blue for his current yard when landing 9-runner handicap chase (50/1) at Worcester (20f, soft) 27 days ago, always holding on Needs to back it up now from a 4lb higher mark. TFRHHHII BHA128
9
FRERE
D’ARMES
(FR) (15) 30-0105
B g Bathyrhon (GER) - Ville Sainte (FR)
Belbroughton Racing Club
8 10-7
Liam Harrison
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br Mr Xavier Leredde The Air Ambulance Service (Warks & Northants), Ladbrokes TIMEFORMVIEWBack to winning ways in hunter chase at Stratford in May but off 4 months and well held since at Worcester and Market Rasen recently Cheekpieces (worn for last good spell) still off. TFRHHIII BHA128
2024: GRANDEUR D’AME (FR) 8 10 2 Tom Bellamy 8-1 (Alan King) 10 ran
DECLARED RUNNERS 9 Blinkers worn by No. 8. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7.
Probable S.P’s: 7-2 Mount Tempest (IRE), 6-1 Riskintheground (IRE), 13-2 Jet Plane (IRE), 7-1 Il Ridoto (FR), 15-2 Saint Segal (FR), 8-1 Unexpected Party (FR), 17-2 Nocte Volatus (GB), 22-1 Harper’s Brook (IRE), Frere d’Armes (FR)
GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME
The Great British Bonus (GBB) incentivises and rewards with breeding, buying and racing of British-bred fillies by paying out bonuses of up to £100,000 per filly And now with GBBPlus to further incentivise staying fillies and chasing mares, there are more reasons than ever to breed, buy and race British Majority funded by the HBLB.
UNAUTHORISED BOOKMAKING
It is a condition of entry to this Racecourse that only individuals in possession of a valid betting badge and occupying an authorised pitch are entitled to lay bets on the course of their business Any individual found contravening these conditions will be evicted.
Customers of the Boards and Rails bookmakers should check their itemised tickets immediately on receipt, as mistakes cannot be rectified after the “off”. Customers are reminded to retain all betting tickets until after the weigh-in, as immediate payment will be made only on production of the original ticket All tickets will remain valid for one month.
If you have enjoyed your day racing and would like a memento of the day.
You can find our race day photographs at: www.chepstowracecoursephotographs.zenfolio.com
RIBILITY
The racing ProCushwhip is specially designed to be lightweight and foam-padded, and there are strictregulations for use with significant penalties for any breaches. horsepwr.co.uk
ABOUT TWO MILES (2M 11YDS) FOR EIGHT YRS OLD AND
THE dragonbet.co.uk BORN FROM THE BETTING RING SENIORS’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3)
Total prize fund £20000 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £8078, 2nd £4038, 3rd £2020, 4th £1010, 5th £504. (Penalty Value £10562)
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): N & W Twiston-Davies (12 wins from 73 runners, 16%) runs MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE TRAINER-IN-FORM (LAST 14 DAYS): J Owen (10 wins from 61 runners, 16%) runs FATHER OF JAZZ
LONGEST TRAVELLER: FATHER OF JAZZ trained by J Owen, Newmarket, 195 miles.
This could go the way of WASHINGTON who showed he goes well fresh when taking this contest 12 months ago and resumes on a lenient mark. King William Rufus (second choice) and Bucephalus both ended last season in fine nick and can hit the ground running so rate the chief dangers, although Yes Indeed is worth monitoring in the betting back hurdling
1 BUCEPHALUS (GER) (232) 2/2F211- CD
B g Soldier Hollow - Batya (IRE)
8 12-2
Harriet Tucker (7)
Mr C. E. Handford Neil Mulholland, Limpley Stoke
Br Gestut Am Schlossgarten Fitzdares Limited
TIMEFORM VIEW Likeable front-runner ended last term on the up with game handicap successes at Newbury in January and over C&D in February. Hiked up another 9lb for his return but one to consider TFRHHHII BHA132
2 WASHINGTON (GB) (191) 0P/1100- CD
Br g Westerner - Present Leader
Syders & Burkes
9 11-12
Paul O’Brien
Harry Derham, Newbury
Br Jeremy MacTaggart OLBG
TIMEFORMVIEWImprover for this new yard after wind surgery last season, taking this contest on his return. Travelled well long way when tenth of 17 in handicap hurdle at Aintree in April and no surprise to see him bounce back from an easing mark. TFRHHHHH BHA128
3 FATHER OF JAZZ (GB) (29) 00/1112/- D
B g Kingman - Bark (IRE)
The Gredley Family
8 11-10
Harry Cobden
James Owen, Newmarket
Br Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd Unex Group
TIMEFORMVIEWUseful Flat winner for Roger Varian and scored three times in this sphere for James Owen in 2023. Off 2 years and well held in a pair of Flat handicaps this autumn though so has something to prove back hurdling. TFRHHIII BHA126
4 KING WILLIAM RUFUS (FR) (179) 216601- D
B g Diamond Boy (FR) - Clochette de Sou (FR)
Mrs B. Ansell
Br L. Dulong, R. Bonaventure & B. Dulong
8 11-7
Freddie Gordon (3)
Chris Gordon, Winchester
Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd, Goodwin Racing Ltd
TIMEFORMVIEWReliable type who signed off last season with 2m handicap hurdle success at Cheltenham in April. Up 4lb but this front runner must enter calculations on return TFRHHHHI BHA123
5 BUBBLE DUBI (FR) (596) 13/3331/- CD
B g Waldpark (GER) - Miss Bubble Rose (FR)
The Garratt Family
8 11-4
Charlie Hammond
Stuart Edmunds, Leighton Buzzard
Br L. de Premont & P. Bollart & X. Bollart Science Supplements
TIMEFORMVIEW A useful 2m hurdler at his best but off the track for 19 months since scoring over C&D in February 2024. Has his fitness to prove on his comeback run. TFRHHIII BHA120
6 MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE (IRE) (173) r436U4- D
B g Libertarian - Cassandrasway (IRE)
Mr F J Mills & Mr W R Mills
8 11-2
Tom Bellamy
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham
Br Ms Ruth Young Courtiers Investment Services Limited
TIMEFORMVIEWScored on his seasonal return over fences at Stratford last term but didn’t prove the easiest to predict after. Resumes from six months off on the back of wind surgery so can’t be discounted. TFRHHHII BHA118
7 CELTIC ART (FR) (171) 054140- D 8 11-1
Ch g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Irish Song (FR) Lorcan Williams
Mrs J. Carrington Jeremy Scott, Dulverton
Br Mr Peter Anastasiou Brendon Powerwashers
TIMEFORMVIEWTook his form up a notch at Warwick last February but well below par in two subsequent runs, beating only one at Bangor (16.7f, soft) in April. Needs to take a big step forward. TFRHHIII BHA117
1-2-3: 1.WASHINGTON 2.KING WILLIAM RUFUS (FR) 3.BUCEPHALUS (GER)
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
8 YES INDEED (FR) (158) 0/4P11-P D
B g Martaline - She Hates Me (IRE)
Stephen Sugden and Helen Sugden
Br Marie-Christine Gabeur
8 11-1
Freddie Keighley (7)
Martin Keighley, Cheltenham
Optima Self Store TIMEFORMVIEWUsefulathisbestinFrance.HadadisappointingspellwithJonjoO’Neillbutcapitalisedonamuch-reducedmarktolandadoubleoverfencesfornewconnections. Pulled-up at Newton Abbot in May but races off a 12lb lower hurdles mark and has gone well fresh previously Worth a market check. TFRHHHII BHA117
2024: WASHINGTON 8 10 13 Paul O’Brien 8-11 (Harry Derham) 7 ran DECLARED RUNNERS 8
Hood worn by No. 3. Blinkers worn by No. 7.
Tongue Strap worn by No. 1.
Visor, Tongue Strap worn by No. 6.
Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 6.
Stewards Note:
YES INDEED: Following its run on 7/5/2025 it was reported that the horse made a bad mistake.
Probable S.P’s: 7-2 Bucephalus (GER), 5-1 Washington (GB), King William Rufus (FR), 13-2 Bubble Dubi (FR), 15-2 Yes Indeed (FR), 8-1 Moveit Like Minnie (IRE), 14-1 Father of Jazz (GB), 25-1 Celtic Art (FR)
JAY’S TAXIS
CWTCH CARS
QUEENIES
Did you know you could celebrate a special occasion with a race named after a friend or relative – for example ‘The John and Joan 40th Wedding Anniversary Maiden Stakes’ or ‘The John Smith 30th Birthday Handicap Stakes’.
It’s a great way to enjoy a day out with brilliant memories and you can combine it with hospitality in a private suite or a meal in the restaurant. You can come down to the Parade Ring and choose the ‘Best Turned Out’ horse and also present a prize to the winning owner before enjoying a post-race glass of bubbly. The package also includes photographs of your day and a mention in the racecard and on the big screen. For more details, please email Candice Harper –
Meet Martin Tedham, CEO of the Wasdell Group –Sponsors of the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle
Martin Tedham can remember the day he became hooked on horse racing be- cause it was around the time he was trying to wean himself off cigarettes.
Tedham is the chief executive of Wasdell Group, sponsors of the £75,000 Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle, the feature race on Day Two of The DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival, as well as the Wasdell Group Novices’ Hurdle on Day One and the Wasdell Group Open National Hunt Flat Race on Day Three.
Martin is a huge racing fan as well as racehorse owner. He can tell you exactly when the sport really got its hooks into him because it was 15 years ago when he was trying to give up smoking
“I have a good friend up in Yorkshire called Steve Ryan who owns a few horses,” says Martin.
“He took me to a few sales and I was just watching the horses in awe, and he said to me, ‘Why don’t you buy one?’ I didn’t know anything about horses!
“This grey horse just came in; it went around and came back to us. I decided, I’ll buy this one It was great horse; it was called High Cake.
“I was told later the reason the horse came back to me was, that I had just stopped smoking at the time and I was eating a lot of Polo mints and it could smell the Polos on us.
“Well, I bought that horse and gave it to Richard Fahey to train. His first words to me were, ‘This is the horse with the bad legs! What did your vet say? Has he checked the horse?’
“I had no idea but that horse went to Musselburgh and ran in the first race. It was 33/1 and it romped in! I put £100 on it, so who needs a vet!”
Things have moved on since then and these days Martin’s connection with winners is based on more than a packet of mints.
Since 2019, the Wasdell Group have been the main sponsors of Jonjo O’Neil Racing at Jackdaws Castle in the Cotswolds, where Martin owns a string of horses including Regal Blue and Monbeg Genius His horse Sky Pirate (photographed) won at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021.
But his sponsorship interests also extend to Chepstow, where he has sponsored the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle since 2020 alongside his sponsorship of one of the chase fences in the home straight and hoarding on the bottom bend.
“The great thing is that Chepstow is very local for me,” says Martin, whose packaging company operate in the pharmaceutical industry.
“I have found there to be a lot of real racing people at the course. I am Scottish, of course, but I have a soft spot for the Welsh and it is always a great time at the races.
“This is the start of the jump season, the weather is changing, the colour of the leaves are changing, and the atmosphere and anticipation is certainly building. The trainers need wet weather for the jumps and hopefully it will arrive in time.
“I am hoping to have a runner that day, but that is up to the trainer! We’ll have to see. It is up to Jonjo and the horses and he will let me know, that’s how it is!”
But the Wasdell Group’s decision to lend their name to the feature race of the Jump Season Opener – a huge part of the Big Welsh Racing Weekend – is not just about a sentimental attachment to racing.
For Martin, there are hard-headed business reasons to sponsor the race, too.
“We do a lot of veterinary products which are sold all over the world for horses and other animals.
“We have factories in Newcastle and Swindon. Exciting plans are under way to significantly increase the size of the Swindon facilities. If you get blood pressure tablets, Viagra or penicillin, you might be getting it from us, we send all over the world.”
“Racing is a nice fit for that and a lot of people who work for me love the horses and gamble on them. So, the big thing for me is the employees in the company love the horses
“They are always asking for any tickets on a Saturday or on the phone asking if the horses have a chance this week So, it works really well.”
ABOUT TWO MILES (2M 11YDS) FOR FOUR AND FIVE YRS OLD
THE
WASDELL
GROUP OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 2) (CATEGORY 1 ELIMINATION) (GBB RACE)
Total prize fund £16500 x Owners Prize Money. 1st £6664, 2nd £3331, 3rd £1667, 4th £833, 5th £416. (Penalty Value £8713.65) A
LEADING COURSE TRAINER (20-25): P Nicholls (54 wins from 231 runners, 23%) runs LANCELOT D’ALENE TRAINER-IN-FORM (LAST 14 DAYS): D Skelton (4 wins from 20 runners, 20%) runs COOLTOBECARELESS FANCY THAT: P Nicholls won this race in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023. The stable runs LANCELOT D’ALENE today. LONGEST TRAVELLER: YELD TO CALL trained by J Williams, South Molton, 95 miles.
This will probably go the way of a Rules newcomer, with COOLTOBECARELESS, a point winner in February, selected having transferred to Dan Skelton. Lancelot d’Alene finished second in that discipline a month ago and now represents Paul Nicholls, while debutant Lake Tiberias ticks plenty of boxes on paper
colours no horse age st lb
1 CROSSGALES KING (IRE) (183) P/2235-
B g Kingston Hill - Rock On Annie (IRE)
Mrs Kate Kenyon
5 11-2
Jonathan Burke
Syd Hosie, Sherborne
Br Daniel Cronin Sherborne Utilities Ltd
TIMEFORMVIEWCost £85,000 after finishing runner-up on both completed starts in Irish points Displayed ability both starts in bumpers in the spring and that form sets the standard, but he’s probably vulnerable in this TFRHHHII BHA-
2 LAKE TIBERIAS (IRE)
(-)
B g Diamond Boy (FR) - Sea of Galilee
Burkes & Syders
5 11-2
Paul O’Brien
Harry Derham, Newbury
Br Drumlin Bloodstock OLBG
TIMEFORM VIEW Diamond Boy gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners, including bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler
Ahorsewithnoname Dam 1 1/4m winner Trainer£ s newcomers command serious respect. TFRHHHHI BHA-
3 BLACK EDDY (GB) (-)
Br g Frammassone (IRE) - Cercie
4 11-1
Tom Cannon
Mrs Nicola Bulgin Toby Bulgin, Lambourn
Br Mr & Mrs Toby Bulgin
TIMEFORM VIEW Frammassone gelding. Dam unraced. TFRHHIII BHA-
4 COOLTOBECARELESS (IRE) (231) 1-
B g Maxios - Honours Stride (IRE)
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Cool
4 11-1
Harry Skelton
Dan Skelton, Alcester
Br John Kingston Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
TIMEFORMVIEW€6,000 3-y-o, seventh foal: half-brother to 1m-9f winner Striding Out (by Cape Cross) Dam, 10.3f winner, half-sister to smart hurdler (winner around 2m) John Constable Won sole start in Irish points this winter and has transferred to a very powerful yard. TFRHHHHH BHA-
5 GOLDEN PRINCE (IRE) (245) 3-
4 11-1
B g Libertarian - Golden Belief (IRE) Jack Tudor Crest Racing XII Christian Williams, Bridgend
Br Larry Murphy Dodson and Horrell
TIMEFORM VIEW €2,000 3-y-o, Libertarian gelding. Half-brother to fair 2m hurdle winner Dairy Force Dam little show sole start in bumpers/over hurdles. Third sole start in points in February. TFRHHHII BHA-
6 KING BERRY (IRE) (-)
4 11-1
Gr g Kingston Hill - Frosty Berry David Bass
Ms Julie French Ed de Giles, Ledbury
Br Ms J. A. French Martyn David Hill
TIMEFORM VIEW Kingston Hill gelding. Dam, 8.6f-2m winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler (stayed 2 1/2m) Star In Flight. TFRHHIII BHA-
7 KINGS ORDER (IRE) (155) F4-2 4 11-1
B g Order of St George (IRE) - Gisela (IRE) Adam Wedge Stoneacre Racing Evan Williams, Llancarfan
Br R. Lynch
TIMEFORMVIEW €9,000 3-y-o, £17,000 4-y-o, seventh foal, half-brother to 2 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Leapaway (2m-2 1/4m winner, by Stowaway) Dam ran twice on Flat Made frame both completed starts in Irish points, runner-up in May. TFRHHHII BHA-
1-2-3: 1.COOLTOBECARELESS (IRE) 2.LANCELOT D’ALENE (FR) 3.LAKE TIBERIAS (IRE)
KEY Owner Breeding Breeder Br Jockey Trainer Sponsor
LANCELOT D’ALENE (FR) (217) 2-
Ch g Jeu St Eloi (FR) - Serbanne (FR)
McNeill Family & Mr G Mason
4 11-1
Harry Cobden
Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat
Br Mrs Florence Couteaudier Morson Group
TIMEFORMVIEW €62,000 3-y-o, Jeu St Eloi gelding Half-brother to 2 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/smart chaser Fakir d’Alene, stays 3 1/4m. Dam placed over fences in France at 17f-19f. Runner-up in a point in March and has since moved to Paul Nicholls Tongue tie fitted. TFRHHHHI BHA-
9 YELD TO CALL (FR) (298) 4-
B f Great Pretender (IRE) - Yosille (FR)
Culverhill Racing Club II
4 10-8
Ciaran Gethings
Mrs Jane Williams, South Molton
Br Scea Haras De Tonnencourt Culverhill Farm Racing TIMEFORMVIEWGreat Pretender filly. Dam French hurdler (2 1/4m winner) Appealing pedigree and clear promise when fourth of 8 in a soft-ground bumper at Newbury in December Off since but capable of better TFRHHHII BHA-
2024: FULL FORCE GALE (IRE) 4 11 1 Jonathan Burke 5-1 (Tom George) 7 ran
DECLARED RUNNERS 9 Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 8.
Probable S.P’s: 11-4 Cooltobecareless (IRE), 3-1 Lancelot d’Alene (FR), 4-1 Lake Tiberias (IRE), 9-1 Crossgales King (IRE), 11-1 Yeld To Call (FR), 20-1 Golden Prince (IRE), 22-1 Kings Order (IRE), 33-1 Black Eddy (GB), 66-1 King Berry (IRE)
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