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Obviously, its bad news when any racecourse shuts and Kempton is high profile. Worse still that a historical race such as the King George loses its home, a lot of history will go with it. But….
It does look tatty. The atmosphere looks poor and apart from Boxing Day it doesn’t seem very well supported.
If the worst happens I would much rather it gets located to Doncaster rather than give Aintree another day. Aintree already has the festival and is synonymous with the National – let is stay that way.
Donnie is a great course; it’s a speed track which drains well so generally gets good ground. Great location (well, I’d go as I don’t imagine they’ll put it on at Sedgefield!). Isn’t a RH track, but then again neither is Aintree.
Surprised to see Jeriko Du Reponet chasing again. Thought he be going stayers hurdle route this year. Also looks like he needs a trip.
Robbie Dunne doesnt really seem to have a stable behind him. I havent seen him enough to comment on his skills as a jockey but if he was good enough he’d be getting used more often. Didnt like what i heard of him during that trial. Regardless of anything else i would seem Bryony seems to be a better jockey and has actually suffered more, dunne’s career was average before and average after.
Treble at Fontainebleau on Tuesday. Two races worth 30’000 euros and one worth 38’000.
She has hardly been prolific but she still seems to make it worth her while.
Would love to see her back riding over here. Cant help but think its a huge failing on the part of British racing.
Regardless of everything i just think she’s a good jockey who is very good to watch.
I think Nico is an excellent jockey, but if CH is going to run again over hurdles a new jockey is a no brainer. Confidence between horse and jockey is clearly not there and Nico’s apprehension is etched all over him.
I am sure Nico gave up the ride on another of Nicky’s horses in a similar but less high profile situation. Can’t remember the horses name.
Not sure who. Not James Bowen, already had a go and i am still not convinced he’s 100% a big day jockey. Sean Bowen would certainly be positive on him. Nicky uses Hughes now and again. Wonder what weight AP is these days?
I very much doubt that Jonbon runs. Alternative engagement in Peterborough chase next day. Ground looks a little better and Henderson has had a bruising couple week and will likely go for softer option. I think the extra distance may also help him and the poorer opposition.
a couple more no shows, a fall or two and sir gino could get a 126 page thread all of his own.
I do agree that he could be given a go on the flat but to what purpose. What is the most he could achieve?
Heartbreaking to ay but its all just feeling so tedious now. The constant talk and focus is actually detracting away from the action taking place that we should be focusing on.
If CH were to go on the flat now, would it be on the AW at Wolverhampton in December?
Whatever they decide to do, its going to promote weeks/months of worthless speculation and debate.
We are going to quickly forget him for the champion he was. Like great boxers who just go on too long.
2 mile chases are the most fantastic races imo, but every year the champion chase promises to be the race of the festival and without fail the main protagonists either get injured on the morning having their brekkie, drastically underperform or fall and it ends up being a farce with winners such as put the kettle on, politologue, Captain Guinness, dodging bullets etc (when you consider the likes of Min, Douvan, Shiskin, un de sceaux never won one!)
The head to heads we have missed out on are endless.
Back to the TC. Jonbon for me. 4/1. Il Etait Temps needs to back up that celebration chase, and at odds on he’s not for me. Jonbon has put bad runs behind him before, loves sandown and will be much better for second run.
Gavin Cromwell’s yard is the same. He’s something like 1 win from last 150 runners.
Both stables without a doubt under a cloud at the moment and you couldn’t back one from either- regardless of all other considerations.
Anzadam has loads to find in any case. A year on the sidelines and he’s only beat Beacons edge and Kala Conti. Still a good addition if he comes over and adds intrigue to the race.
Hendo has done it again. I am now convinced that CH is back to his best… again and will trounce these new pretenders.
This is normally a race for repeat offenders but i just cant be having RP at 11years old, off the back of 4 poor runs and with the trainer on the cold list.
I was initially drawn to Handstands, but actually a look at his form and he has loads to find. Giving weight away to Resplendent grey wasnt a great performance.
On ratings Grey dawning, potential Haiti Couleurs. I’d go for a reverse forecast.
I dont think the betfair needs to be the end of a horses season. Kauto, Cue card, a plus tard (bound to be others) have all won and then went onto win GCs, KGs and other good races.
The ground doesn’t look quite as bad this year. Its a grade 1 and should be targeted as such especially as the irish ignore it, the British trainers should be going their ends to win it – Grey Dawning, L’homme presse, Jango Baie, handstands, jukebox man whoever, should all be looking at this race as a winnable G1 – circumstances allowing.
I mentioned Sir Gino for CH from the start. I just cant see him going to the CC with a maximum of 3 chase starts under his belt (3 assumes that Henderson manages to run him twice between 27/12/25 + 11/03/2026 which is hardly a given).
The CH could absolutely fall apart if the New Lion turns out to be not as good as hoped/expected.
Sir Gino’s bare form is there to be cribbed at, but he does look very special. Even if you just account for the way Rubaud couldn’t go with him from the get go at Kempton- that’s a solid G2 2m hurdler/chaser who came into the race with a huge fitness and experience edge. Listen to Harry Cobden talk about Sir Gino’s performance that day.
I did think the Newcastle race was very good at the time based on the fact I really fancied Mystical Power as a CH horse, but it turns out the 2024 supreme was absolute garbage.
Hope Lulamba is really good but that’s a crazy price, especially as Henderson’s horses are not really stripping fit and this looks about as good a novice chase as we have had so far.
I really liked Salver as a hurdler, if he can jump he’ll be dangerous, Moore’s in good form. 13/2 cracking price.
Mister Coffey to become the first ever Novice chaser to win a veterans chase. I cant verify that, but certain it must be correct. Also cant work out whether it will be a glorious training performance or the capping of an abject failure.
