3 minute read
There’s nowhere that does jumps racing quite like the UK.
Our Picks for the UK's Biggest Upcoming National Hunt Races
There's nowhere that does jumps racing quite like the UK, so with that in mind, we've brought on a UK horse racing aficionado to walk us through what's happening in Blighty over the next couple of months. From Grade 3 handicaps up to Grade 1 history making races, this season promises edge-of-your-seat excitement. So, let's get into it!
Coral Gold Cup – 30th November
Let's kick off with a big one! The Coral Gold Cup is a Grade 3 handicap held at Newbury. It dates to 1957 and has hosted legendary horses like Arkle, Mandarin, and Denman.
Personally, I love this race because Newbury is known as one of - the - fairest courses in the UK, with long straights, sweeping bends, and minimal undulations. This is as fair a test of skill and endurance as there is, so great jumps horses really get to shine. It's kind of no wonder that nine past winners of this event have gone on to claim victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Anyway, this year, Chianti Classico, trained by the brilliant Kim Bailey is still at 10/1 and for me, deserves to be a lot shorter! The Irish gelding looked spectacular at Ascot earlier this month when he led practically all the way and held on gamely to win by three lengths. If he pulls out a performance like that then he'll really give the other runners something to think about.
Betfair Tingle Creek Chase – 7th December
Sandown Park hosts the fiercely competitive Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, a Grade 1 event that kicks off the track's Jump season. It would be fair to describe this two-mile dash as a magnet for the crème de la crème of two-mile chasers. It often serves as a stepping stone to the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham (March). Past winners include the legendary Kauto Star, who's knock-out performance was in 2006 where he totally dominated and arguably cemented his status as one of the greatest chasers of all time.
Fast forward to today! Last year's champion, Jonbon, was spectacular when winning by 2 and ¾ lengths over Edwardstone. So, it's not surprising he's the 1/2 favourite to reclaim his title. Is he worth it at such short odds? For me, yes. But, if - you're - looking for some each way value then consider Found a Fifty. Despite the jockey reporting he did not feel his best last time out, he still scraped a win at Navan, fending off Solness by a neck. With Solness at 2 from 3 this season, that's no mean feat!
Peterborough Chase – 8th December
Held at Huntingdon Racecourse (when it's not been rained-off!), the Peterborough Chase is a Grade 2 event that's been running since 1969. This two-mile-four-furlong contest has been a proving ground for elite horses like Desert Orchid, Best Mate, and Monet's Garden. One name stands above all others though - a personal favourite horse of mine, Edredon Bleu. This gelding dominated the race with four consecutive wins between 1998 and 2001. Henrietta Knight had enormous success in the Peterborough Chase and if she was still training, I'd be backing whatever entry she had!
It's a tricky one to call this year, not least because the entries haven't been declared yet. If you're considering a spot of sport betting then you'll need to wait for entries, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the following horses announced. Janidil was disappointed after the race was called off late last year, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see his name in the mix. Edwardstone is my other pick. Though his last time out was far from a result (3rd out of 4, behind Jon Bon) he was on good ground and certainly prefers it softer. On his last heavy ground run at Newbury, he came a triumphant first (40 lengths clear) in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase. If he's (entered and) finding this form on what's likely (knowing Huntingdon's flooding history) to be soft ground, then he'll be a contender.
Ladbrokes King George VI Chase – 26th December
The holiday season wouldn't be complete without the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. First run in 1937 to honour King George VI, this three-mile Grade 1 race is perhaps the largest race of the year outside of Cheltenham. Legends like Desert Orchid and Kauto Star have both racked up multiple wins in this race. Kauto Star's unparalleled achievement of four consecutive victories between 2006 and 2009 is still celebrated as one of the greatest feats in horse racing.
As for my pick? It's hard to disagree with the bookies, Gaelic Warrior is looking exceptionally hard to oppose. Il Est Francaise was super disappointing in his last trip out at Auteil where something went horribly wrong, and the horse was pulled up. With Il Est Francaise rightfully out of the running, Gaelic Warrior is the horse that catches everybody's eye. He wasn't exceptional when second last time out, but that was in May, and we know he's much better in winter. In fact, other than a lucky unseating of his rider at Leopardstown, he was unbeaten last national hunt season. The only question for me? Will he take to Kempton?