Tag Archive for: Catterick

Patrick Mullins on the mark for first Catterick winner

Patrick Mullins loves setting himself new challenges and in riding his first winner at Catterick on Jarrive De Mee, he ticked another course off on his quest to complete a full British set.

While he is well aware the task is going to prove a stiff one, he is also humble enough to realise that he is in a very privileged position. As the son and assistant trainer of the all-conquering Willie Mullins, Patrick can cherry pick horses he thinks will be suited to certain tracks and attempt to persuade his father to let them run. But he does not always get his own way.

Despite having well over 200 horses at their Closutton base, surprisingly few will fit the requirements for the likes of Perth, Ludlow and Wincanton for midweek action across the Irish Sea.

He would love to be champion amateur in the UK too, to emulate his father who is currently champion in both jurisdictions, but believes his main rival Alex Chadwick already has too much of an advantage.

Patrick Mullins returns on Jarrive De Mee
Patrick Mullins returns on Jarrive De Mee (Nick Robson/PA)

Jarrive De Mee had won in Patrick’s own colours at Thurles last time out, form which had been subsequently franked, so it was no surprise to see him sent off the 2-5 favourite in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Season Ticket Novices’ Hurdle.

However, two out it looked like being another fruitless trip to Catterick for Mullins, just like his only previous visit, when Gentleman Bill took up the running.

Searching for the better ground tight to the rail, though, Mullins brought his mount back level at the last and he went away to win by three and a half lengths.

“He jumped right most of the way so he was giving ground away,” said Mullins.

“He’s probably done well considering that. We came here for the better ground and we’d call that yielding. He’s tough, he got headed at Thurles as well.

“We’ll just take small steps with him, we’ll try to get another win under his belt and with Punchestown being right-handed we’ll aim towards that.”

Mullins, who rides at Wetherby on Thursday in search of another new winning track, was planning to spend the evening watching Championship title-chasing Leeds United take on Norwich City.

“I’m not a Leeds fan, I’m a red, (Manchester) United. I grew up in the Roy Keane, Denis Irwin era! I’ve been to Man United and Leeds matches at Old Trafford, but I’ve never been to Elland Road. I’ve friends who are fans,” he said.

“Then it’s on to Wetherby to ride Chart Topper for a very important owner – my mother!”

He will need to keep up his strike-rate to catch Chadwick, who is on a very impressive 18 winners.

“I would love to be champion amateur here, but with regards to that I think Alex Chadwick has put it to bed already, he’s had six winners since Christmas. Normally 15 would win it and he’s passed that already,” said Mullins.

“As for riding a winner at every track, I’ve been riding at home for 20 years and I know the tracks like the back of my hand. I’ve got another five or six years riding, hopefully more, but I’d love to ride as many winners at as many different tracks as I can.

“If we have horses to suit the race – for instance this fella likes nice ground – we’re quite happy to travel.”

When asked how many of the 40 National Hunt tracks he had been successful at he said: “Not enough!

“I think that’s 12 now, but we’re at Wetherby on Thursday, maybe Plumpton on Monday and we’ve a few pencilled in for next week as well, so we’ll keep ticking away.

“I like having something to aim for and this certainly gives me that. For me I need something to aim at, whether that was Ted Walsh’s record number of winners (for an amateur in Ireland) or my father’s.

“I realise I’m in a very lucky position, most people can’t attempt things like this, but I can.”



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Artistic Star can shine at Kempton

Artistic Star can feel the benefit of his recent return run as he lines up in the Try Unibet’s New Improved Acca Boosts Handicap at Kempton.

The five-year-old was highly tried during his Classic year, finishing seventh in the Derby at Epsom before coming home third in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and placing fourth in Goodwood’s Gordon Stakes and the Great Voltigeur at York.

He proved a way short of that kind of level but after being gelded at the end of the 2023 campaign, there was some promise in his initial fifth in the Gordon Richards Stakes last April, but he was then off the track until running at Southwell in late November.

Given the length of his absence, it was no surprise to see him drop away at the finish after trying to make all against race-fit rivals, but that outing should have knocked off any rust and a 2lb ease from the handicapper is another plus in his favour.

Kiniro starts handicap life on a reasonable mark of 79 for Harry Charlton.

He was sent off a 100-1 shot on debut and duly finished down the field but he ran much better second time out when fourth at Newcastle in December before making another leap forward at Lingfield earlier this month.

Kiniro was a surprise winner that day, as he edged out a 1-6 favourite, seemingly with a bit in hand, and a repeat when upped to seven furlongs in the Unibet Zero% Mission Handicap should be good enough.

Naughty Eyes gets the nod in the Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Restricted Novice Stakes at Lingfield.

Winner of a maiden on debut, she could not follow up on her second start when letting down favourite backers as she trailed home third, beaten over six lengths after slightly missing the break and lacking a bit of pace in a five-furlong finish.

Having won over six, it perhaps makes sense to now give her a whirl at seven furlongs.

Ridin Solo can make his mark in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap Hurdle at Catterick.

He has only once finished out of the places in six hurdles runs so far, taking home the bronze medal on each of his last three runs, most recently at Sedgefield.

His current mark of 105 looks competitive for Donald McCain.

Jarrive De Mee is of clear interest for Willie Mullins in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Season Ticket Novices’ Hurdle.

A point-to-point winner in April 2024, he got off the mark under rules at Thurles in November in a race that has produced two subsequent winners.

SELECTIONS

CATTERICK: 1.08 Champagnesuperover, 1.38 Jarrive De Mee, 2.08 Batman For Ever, 2.38 Ridin Solo, 3.08 Mr Mahler, 3.38 Sea Legend, 4.08 Dilly’s Gunner.

KEMPTON: 5.30 Sound Janet, 6.00 Egoiste, 6.30 Zeus Olympios, 7.00 Midsummer Music, 7.30 Kiniro, 8.00 ARTISTIC STAR (NAP), 8.30 Comte De Loir.

LINGFIELD: 12.25 Foreseen, 12.55 Naughty Eyes, 1.25 Merrimack, 1.55 Majestic Heights, 2.25 Raqraaq, 2.55 Lequinto, 3.25 Royal Observatory, 3.55 Rivas Rob Roy.

DOUBLE: Artistic Star and Ridin Solo.



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Catterick off as cold spell continues

Thursday’s fixture at Catterick has been abandoned due to snow.

The track called an inspection on Tuesday morning but found the course covered with snow and unfit for racing.

Taunton, set to race on Wednesday afternoon, are holding an inspection at 7.30 am the same morning to ensure the surface is safe to race on with forecasts variable.

Clonmel’s Thursday card has already been called off due to the current cold spell, with more inspections scheduled for fixtures throughout the week

Newbury, due to host a six-race Jumps card on Thursday, are inspecting on Wednesday morning due to forecast frost, and Huntingdon have also called a Wednesday inspection ahead of their Friday meeting.



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Flooding claims Hereford jumps card

Poor weather continues to play havoc with National Hunt racing, with Tuesday’s meeting at Hereford the latest to be abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

Significant flooding in several areas left course officials with no alternative but to cancel the six-race card following a lunchtime inspection.

With Leicester having already been called off for the same reason over the weekend, that leaves a void of afternoon racing, with Wolverhampton’s all-weather Flat fixture not starting until 4.30pm.

Thursday’s jumps card at Catterick, which features the North Yorkshire Grand National, is already under threat, with an inspection to be held at 7.45am on Tuesday due to current snow cover and forecast significant frost.

Clerk of the course Fiona Needham said: “To be fair, the snow I wouldn’t be so fussed about, I think if that went, that would be all right, but it’s the incoming frost.

“With all that moisture in the ground, it’s going to freeze solid isn’t it. That’s why I’m looking in the morning, but everybody knows about the weather and I don’t think anybody will be surprised.”

Clonmel’s meeting on Thursday has already been called off with the track covered in snow and unlikely to improve in time for racing.

Clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer said: “Following adverse weather over the weekend, unfortunately the track at Clonmel is unfit for racing at present due to a covering of snow.

“The current weather forecast is for temperatures to remain very low and dropping as low as -7C in the Clonmel area this week.

“Due to the current conditions and the forecast for the coming days, the fixture scheduled for Thursday has been cancelled.

“The team at Clonmel are working with Horse Racing Ireland regarding a new date for this meeting.”

Monday’s jumps meeting at Ludlow was abandoned due to a waterlogged track but Ayr did go ahead.

Taunton is scheduled to be the only National Hunt fixture on Wednesday, with the going described as soft following 40 millimetres of rain in recent days and the take-offs and landings being covered.



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Wise Eagle coasts to another smooth success at Catterick

High-class Flat stayer Wise Eagle continued his resurgence over jumps with a wide-margin victory at Catterick on Tuesday.

Adam Nicol’s stable star has a three-figure rating on the level, having last year landed the valuable Queen’s Cup at Musselburgh before picking up the silver medal behind Coltrane in the Group Three Sagaro Stakes at Ascot.

That performance earned the seven-year-old a tilt at Gold Cup glory at the Royal meeting, but he finished tailed off after suffering a season-ending injury.

He has run some good races in defeat on the Flat since returning in 2024, but having been well held after blowing the start in the November Handicap, Nicol decided on a change of tack and Wise Eagle came good with a 23-length demolition job in a maiden hurdle at Musselburgh late last month.

The Horseshoe Cafe Bar Opens Today Novices’ Hurdle looked a good opportunity for him to follow up and the 1-4 favourite got the job done with the minimum of fuss, this time coming home with 14 lengths in hand to seal his 14th career win under Craig Nichol.

“Craig’s just kept it simple out in front and he’d be better getting a lead really, but it was almost like a schooling session for him,” said the winning trainer.

“He’ll be better when they go a better gallop and he’s able to get a lead, but winning like that should do his confidence good and he’s come back in here jogging, which is what you want.”

Considering future plans, the trainer added: “We’ve a few options. There’s a valuable two-mile Flat race at Newcastle in the middle of January and then there’s races like the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. He needs to step up in class now I think.

“I wouldn’t want to run him on heavy ground, as for a stayer he’s got a turn of foot and a hell of a cruising speed.

“We’ll be selective where we go ground-wise, but I’d love to run him around somewhere like Aintree or Ayr at the Scottish Grand National meeting.

“Someone said to me the other day we might not get another horse like this for 10 years, but we might not get another one like him ever again. He just enjoys life.”

Bust A Move made a winning debut over hurdles
Bust A Move made a winning debut over hurdles (Ashley Iveson/PA)

Bust A Move made a winning debut over obstacles in a dramatic Download The Raceday Ready App Now Juvenile Hurdle.

The race changed complexion when Continuance ran out and crashed through the wings of the second-last, at which stage Mick and David Easterby’s 10-1 shot Bust A Move was beginning to make his move.

There was a scare for his supporters as he blundered at the final obstacle, but Jamie Hamilton managed to keep the partnership intact and he passed the post with just over four lengths in hand over 10-11 favourite Hosaamm.

“I was worried about the ground being too quick because he’d relished heavy ground on the Flat, but we’ve always liked him,” said David Easterby.

“There were higher rated Flat horses in the race, but we’d schooled well at home and the main objective coming to a sharp track like this was to get him dropped in and get him settled and then the race has changed dramatically two out.

“In the end, Jamie was left in a position where he couldn’t do anything but win, but the last was very scary! I think we learnt a lot today, but we’ve got a lot more learning to do.”

Be The Difference stole a march on his rivals in the AJA Membership Includes Insurance Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle under an enterprising ride from 7lb claimer Shay Halton.

Be The Difference with connections at Catterick (Ashley Iveson/PA)

Phil Kirby’s 13-2 chance quickly established a huge lead over a chasing pack that included record-breaking amateur Patrick Mullins, who was riding at Catterick for the first time aboard Ithaka.

Be The Difference remained in a long lead rounding the home bend and while a few of his rivals did make inroads late on, he passed the post with a length and a half in hand.

Ithaka failed to pick up for Mullins and passed the post in fifth.

“Phil said to sit second, but if he is too keen just let him roll on – and to be fair, he’s kept galloping and they’ve let me away,” said Halton.

“He hasn’t won for a while, he’s had a couple of wins around Ayr and has been placed around here a couple of times, so it’s nice to get his head in front.”

Not Staying Long (6-1) and Henry Brooke bolted up in the Support The Injured Jockeys Fund Novices’ Handicap Chase on her first start for Patrick Neville, while the Donald McCain-trained Wrappedinrubies caused a 20-1 upset in the racingtv.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle under William Maggs.



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Tix Picks, Tuesday 29/10/24

Tuesday's UK placepots can be played via Tix at Bangor, Catterick, Chepstow & Newcastle.

But, what is Tix?

A video explainer can be found here.

You need a tote account to use Tix. Sign up for one here >

A few more pointers can be found in these articles:

https://www.geegeez.co.uk/exotic-betting-multi-race-bets-part-1/

https://www.geegeez.co.uk/exotic-betting-multi-race-bets-part-2/

Today's pools

Today's UK meetings, pools and minimum guarantees are as follows...

Once again, the Newcastle pot is the largest, but let's have a change of scenery and head for Catterick, where the ground is expected to be soft for...

Leg 1 @ 12.40, a 4-runner, Class 5, 2yo maiden over 5f...

Hi Lord was second on debut at Hamilton four weeks ago a length and a quarter behind a 5/4 favourite on good to soft ground, Farandaway has been runner-up on both starts today and was only beaten by a neck when caught close to the line last time out, so the drop in trip might help, whilst Genius Mistake's form reads 24, but she has been beaten by 9.5 lengths and 2.5 lengths in her last two. Sarabi was a well beaten (11 lengths) 7th of 8 on debut at Wolverhampton last week.

So, based on the above form and distances beaten, I'll take (2) Farandaway as my pick here, but I'll also add (3) Hi Lord as back-up.

Leg 2 @ 1.12, a 6-runner, Class 6, 3yo+ handicap over 5f...

Kyber Crystal has two wins and two places from her last six starts and course and distance winner Fortunate Star has made the frame on each of his last two starts, whilst Too Much Too Young & Turn And Burn both won four races ago, but haven't made the frame since.

Fortunate Star probably edges it on relevant form over the last couple of years and at 11lbs below his last win could be dangerously weighted, although only Quanah has any soft ground form to show...

That said, Quanah is currently enduring a fairly modest set of results and I think I'll just stick with the top two on the card, although Too Much Too Young worries me from a pace perspective.

Leg 3 @ 1.42, a 7-runner, Class 4, 3yo+ handicap over 1m4f...

Lennox has shown progression with pretty much each race since finishing 7th of 9 on debut at Kempton a year ago, finishing 322U1 and was very comfortable when winning at Southwell last time out stepped up in trip. His 6lbs 3yo weight allowance should also be very useful here today, as well in might for Local Arms and Kings Scholar, especially with the former dropping two classes here.

Our pace/draw heat map points towards the two drawn highest...

...and Clansman is the only runner to have already won over today's trip (Thirsk on heavy in April), although Dreams Adozen did win over 1m4½f on heavy ground at Chester in June. She also looks really well suited to today's conditions...

and with a recent pace profile of...

...it's not entirely inconceivable that she runs clear early doors and hangs on for a place, so I'll take (3) Dreams Adozen as my back up to (5) Lennox & (6) Local Arms

Leg 4 @ 2.12, an 11-runner, Class 5, 3yo+ handicap over 7f...

Quite a few of these come here in good nick, including Homer Stokes, a winner three times in his last four, all over this course and distance and arrives here on a hat-trick. Sir Garfield has been in the first two home six times in his last seven outings, winning twice including last time out at Ayr and a course and distance win here in July.

Desert Dream is also a former course and distance winner, having done so in back to back races in August/September, after which he was 3rd of 12 on the A/W at Chelmsford before returning here to finish second of nine over track/trip ten days ago at Class 4. The 10 yr old doesn't seem to be slowing down and a drop in class will help here too. Mister Sox is also a course and distance winner dropping in class and he has been on the first two home in five of his last eight, but was beaten by over eight lengths here last time out.

And if we look back at the wins achieved by this field over the last two years, it's Homer Stokes, Sir Garfield and Desert Dream who catch the eye the most...

Those drawn highest have fared well here in the past, so that's another tick for (9) Desert Dream. (3) Homer Stokes sets the standard over course and distance and does like to lead or race prominently, which is usually a good tactic here, whilst (5) Sir Garfield led last time out and has been a model of consistency since the summer, so I'll take this trio.

Leg 5 @ 2.47, an 8-runner, Class 6, 3yo+ handicap over 2m...

The top two on the card, Bonne Vitesse and Captain Potter, both won last time out, but the former might need the run after a five-month break, whilst the latter was a course and distance winner four weeks ago. Malinka won two races ago and as sole 3yo in the race, she's helped here by an 8lbs weight allowance and although he's winless in twelve races over the last fourteen months, Tarbat Ness is now only 3lbs higher than that last win and he has made the frame in seven of those twelve defeats, finishing as runner-up in six of them including his last two, both this month (here over C&D on soft and over 2m1f at Bath on heavy) and he's actually the pick of the pack when it comes to relevant place form over the last two years...

That said, he'd still be an unlikely winner, but does have the talented Gina Mangan in the saddle, who has got a decent tune out of him in those last two races and she has a good record riding for John Berry...

(1) Bonne Vitesse and (2) Captain Potter are the easy/lazy picks of form, but I do think that there's another good race due from (7) Tarbat Ness, so I'll have all three on my Tix ticket builder today.

Leg 6 @ 3.22, a 9-runner, Class 4, 3yo+ handicap over 6f...

Game Breaker has won two of her last three and Count D'Orsay has won two from four, but with recent results reading 1161, it's Hour By Hour bringing the best form to the table. Jungle Land, Princess Alex and Knicks all finished third on their last outings.

Hour by Hour actually drops in class today, as does Princess Alex, but both Game Breaker and Knicks step up from Class 5. Count D'Orsay's win over course and distance on soft ground ten days ago is the only time any of these have won on this track.

Similar past races here have favoured those drawn highest, but early pace has been even more important than the draw. That said, the two most likely to set the early tempo are drawn in the highest third of the stalls...

...whilst my Instant Expert shortlist looks like this...

I'm definitely having (1) Hour By Hour here and of the rest (2) Count D'Orsay probably ticks most boxes leaving me to pick from Game Breaker, Jungle Land, Princess Alex and Knicks. Game Breaker fails on both pace and relevant form. There's not much between the other three in  my mind, but at the risk of ignoring Knicks' soft ground prowess, he is up in class, so I'll take class-dropper and pacemaker (7) Princess Alex to complete my selections for the day.

*

All of which gives me...

Leg 1: (2) Farandaway & (3) Hi Lord

Leg 2: (1) Kyber Crystal & (2) Fortunate Star

Leg 3: (3) Dreams Adozen, (5) Lennox & (6) Local Arms

Leg 4: (3) Homer Stokes, (5) Sir Garfield & (9) Desert Dream

Leg 5: (1) Bonne Vitesse, (2) Captain Potter & (7) Tarbat Ness

Leg 6: (1) Hour By Hour, (2) Count D'Orsay & (7) Princess Alex

...and here's how I'd play them, whilst trying to stay close to a nominal £20 total stake...



Good Luck, as always!
Chris



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Track And Trace captures North Yorkshire National prize

Track And Trace played a starring role in a Catterick treble for trainer Jonjo O’Neill and jockey Richie McLernon with victory in the Vickers.Bet North Yorkshire Grand National.

While the Jackdaws Castle handler recalled booting home plenty of winners at Catterick during his illustrious riding career, he is a rare visitor these days, so punters should perhaps have taken note of his presence at the North Yorkshire track’s flagship jumps meeting of the year.

“I can’t remember the last time I was here, to be honest, it will be a while ago,” he said.

“It was a lucky track for me as a jockey, I rode plenty of winners around here, and it’s been a lucky track all round really. It’s a nice little track really and the facilities are really nice now.”

Having struck gold in the previous two races with Time For A Pint and Hasthing respectively, Track And Trace was a 7-2 favourite to provide his trainer and jockey with a third win in little over an hour in the near £21,000 feature and ultimately got the job done in fine style.

After travelling well for much of the three-mile-five-furlong contest, the lightly-raced seven-year-old took over the running with three fences to jump and stuck to his guns on the run-in to beat Crixus’s Escape by two and a quarter lengths, with Court At Slip just a neck further behind in third.

“He jumps well and I was gambling on him staying, but I thought he would and it just went the right way,” said O’Neill.

“He made a couple of little errors, but he hopped away grand. It’s a long trip and he was probably getting a bit tired at the end.

“Hopefully he can move up the ladder a little bit. We’re looking forward to him going forward.”

Time For A Pint justified 3-1 favouritism in the Download Raceday Ready Today Novices’ Handicap Chase, before Hasthing knuckled down to make it two from two over obstacles as a 10-11 shot in the Friends Of Kiplin Hall/EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle.

The latter finished third in the Grade Two Aintree bumper last spring and is now likely to have his sights raised.

O’Neill added: “He’s a big old boy isn’t he – he has a leg in every county!

“He jumped much better today to be fair, it’s more experience and he’s learning all the time. Hopefully he can keep going forward.

“He’s qualified now (for the EBF Final), so we’ll see how he comes out of it, have a chat with Frank (Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus) and see where we go from there.”

Brucio outclassed her rivals
Brucio outclassed her rivals (Ashley Iveson/PA)

Brucio (11-4 favourite) barely broke sweat when opening her account in the opening Watch Racing TV Now Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.

Carrying the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the Irish raider was a solitary ride on the card for leading jockey Daryl Jacob, who was securing only his second ever Catterick winner.

He said of the Stuart Crawford-trained winner: “She felt good there today and she’s relished the ground. It was a very weak mares’ maiden, the ground was right and everything fell into place for her.

“The more I’ve ridden her the more she’s starting to get the hang of things. She’s a slow burner and hopefully with a summer’s break we might see her improve a little bit more.”

The Sue Smith-trained It’s Maisy (7-2) followed up last month’s Market Rasen victory in the Racingtv.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle under Nick Schofield, profiting from the final-flight exit of likely winner Minniemum.

Tristan Davidson and Harry Reed combined to land the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle with 15-2 chance Shantou Moon, while the concluding Racing Again 24th January Handicap Hurdle went to Freddy Robinson (100-30), trained by Brian Ellison and ridden by 7lb claimer William Maggs.



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Paddy Brennan records landmark winner at Catterick

Paddy Brennan reached another major milestone in his hugely successful riding career as a Tuesday double at Catterick saw him pass the 1,500-winner mark.

It is fast approaching 20 years since the County Galway native was crowned Britain’s champion conditional and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the sport’s leading jockeys.

Winning an epic Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2010 aboard Imperial Commander is the obvious highlight on a long list of big-race triumphs which also includes the 2007 World Hurdle on the hugely popular Inglis Drever and the 2015 King George VI Chase on Cue Card.

By his own admission success on the biggest stage has proved harder to come by in the latter part of his career, but he has not given up hope of again showcasing his talents at the highest level before hanging up his saddle.

He said: “It’s something I’m really proud of and I do understand the magnitude of it. It’s been hard, it’s still hard, every day is hard, but I’m so proud of my family and the people that have supported me along the way. It’s been an incredible journey.

“I used to live near here when I worked for Mr (Graham) Wylie and I love coming up here. It’s a great track with lovely ground and the motivation is definitely still there.

“It’s been a dream – it’s been like a holiday destination that’s lasted for so long. Hopefully I haven’t booked a flight home yet, but maybe it’s not too far away.”

It was only right that Brennan reached the landmark figure aboard a horse trained by his current boss Fergal O’Brien, with Teorie winner number 1,500 in the Hillcrest Who Cares Wins Juvenile Hurdle.

Paddy Brennan celebrates winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander
Paddy Brennan celebrates winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander (Nick Potts/PA)

The veteran rider subsequently admitted that without O’Brien’s support in recent years, he may have already called it a day.

He added: “I’ve no doubt that without Fergal’s yard I would not be here today having ridden 1,500 winners. He extended my career and we work well together.

“It’s not easy, but I’m so driven to get the good days back – Gold Cups, Champion Hurdles, Stayers’ Hurdles. I’m running out of time, but that’s what gets me up every day – I love good horses.

“You really learn to limit expectation in this game as you know the opposition and know what can come forward. I just think you get up out of bed every day and if your horse is sound you’ve got a chance.

“There’s been so many good horses. I’m not Ruby Walsh, but I’ve been very lucky.”

Having won on the Flat in Ireland for Jim Bolger, Teorie was the 4-6 favourite for his hurdling debut – and while Brennan had to chivvy his mount along at various stages, he ultimately drew 15 lengths clear to win comfortably.

O’Brien, claiming his second of three winners on the card after Blue Bikini (8-1) had earlier landed the opening amateur jockeys’ race under his daughter Fern, said of Teorie’s performance: “That’s what we were hoping for, he’s been working well at home and from day one his jumping has been very good.

“He’s a lovely horse who loves training and jumping, which is half the battle.

“Paddy said a lot went wrong today, but he did it well in the end.”

Paddy Brennan is no stranger to big-race success
Paddy Brennan is no stranger to big-race success (Tim Goode/PA)

The Gloucestershire-based trainer was also keen to pay tribute to his stable jockey, adding: “We wouldn’t be doing as well as we are without Paddy. He’s been huge for my career and I’ve probably prolonged his career a little bit as well.

“We’ve got a great team of jockeys, he’s the top of them and he’s the bar they have to reach.”

O’Brien and Brennan combined to round off an excellent afternoon’s work in the mares’ handicap hurdle, with 11-2 shot Mistral Nell getting the better of a nip-and-tuck tussle with Crimson Ruby by a head.



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Hanlons seeking another day to remember

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon and his son Paddy Hanlon have their sights set on another successful raid on Tuesday when they head to Catterick in search of another special day for the family.

The popular trainer is a regular visitor to UK tracks but now has extra incentive for his forays across the Irish Sea as his young son attempts to forge his own riding career.

The 16-year-old is 0-23 in bumpers in Ireland but has made a blistering start to things in the UK, partnering Chef D’Etat to victory at Worcester in the summer before striking in his first ride over obstacles at Bangor last week.

Hanlon has never been shy in giving young jockeys an opportunity and helped nurture the early stages of Rachael Blackmore’s career, while most recently he has entrusted young Jordan Gainford with the keys to star chaser Hewick.

Jockey Paddy Hanlon has made a great start to his riding career
Jockey Paddy Hanlon has made a great start to his riding career (Simon Marper/PA)

Now he is taking great pride in legging up his own flesh and blood as licensing restrictions in Ireland mean Hanlon junior could become a familiar sight on a British racecourse over the next year.

“It’s different and your heart would be in your mouth. But he knows nothing else and doesn’t want to know anything other than horses, horses, horses,” said Hanlon when asked how it felt watching his son in action.

“In Ireland you have to be 17 before you can get a license to ride over hurdles or in point-to-points.

“He rode a point-to-point horse the other day and finished third and the horse he rode at Bangor was his first ride over hurdles. It was great how it has worked out.

“He won’t be 17 until June and he is just tipping away and getting a few rides over there (in the UK).”

Hanlon is yet to finish outside of the first two in three UK rides and it was somewhat a family affair when the youngster steered his father’s Mullins Cross to a nine-length victory at Bangor last Friday, giving all connected a day which will live long in the memory.

“It was great the other day because we bred the filly ourselves,” continued Hanlon.

“Paddy’s grandfather stood the sire Valirann, my wife bred him and it ran in her colours and I trained it. His younger brother led him up and we were all there, so it was a great day, fabulous.”

Mullins Cross will be in action again in North Yorkshire, with Brian Hughes handed riding duties on this occasion, but the trainer’s son will seek further glory aboard the family-owned Dragon Rock and confidence is high ahead of the Download Raceday Ready Today Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

The teenager may then need to spread his wings for further opportunities as the season goes on, but his father is optimistic that plenty of chances to hone his skills in the saddle will come his way throughout the winter.

“He has a right nice ride there tomorrow and then might not have much for a while because I have very little to go over with,” continued Hanlon.

“He has his feet on the ground and hopefully a few other trainers might use him.

“I’ve had a couple of phone calls from trainers wanting to take him on so it will be interesting.

“The horse in the boys’ race tomorrow will have a right chance and the filly he rode last week will have a right chance as well. The two rode out this morning and are in good form.”



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Quercus makes all for fourth Catterick victory

Ann Duffield’s Catterick course specialist Quercus brought up a fourth success at the track with an all-the-way win under Joe Fanning in the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery Handicap.

Racing off bottom weight, it was a canny bit of placing by Duffield, winning a 0-80 with the 56-rated six-year-old.

Only eight were declared and two of those ended up as non-runners and Fanning was happy to take up a prominent early position, and he was allowed an easy time on the front end.

Oso Rapido, winner of the race 12 months ago and the 100-30 favourite to repeat the trick, came with a late rattle but went down by a head.

“The track here suits him, quirky Quercus we call him, but he is actually really genuine, he just likes this track,” said Duffield.

“He did have the option of the five-furlong race on the card but over six he gets to go round the bend, which he loves.

“We’ll have a look in the book and see when we can come back here, there’s a chance he might be back next week under a penalty.

“They left him alone in front, which he loves, and Joe is obviously brilliant in front.”

Bellarchi finally got off the mark for Grant Tuer
Bellarchi finally got off the mark for Grant Tuer (Nick Robson/PA)

Grant Tuer’s Bellarchi (4-1) needed seven attempts to open her account but the consistent filly finally managed it in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Novice Stakes.

Placed in all but one of her previous six outings, and that was in Listed company and York, She was certainly deserving of her success.

Another to make all, she was sent for home under Sam James fully two furlongs out and held off Willolarupi by a length.

Tuer said: “She deserved to win one and she’s been good from day one.

“I was actually a little bit disappointed she didn’t win on her debut at Thirsk.

“She’s straightforward, she jumps and runs, she’s got a great mind and she knows her job – a great horse for a syndicate (Nick Bradley).

“We’ve bumped into one or two along the way but the only moderate race she’s run was in the Marygate at York, when she probably should have finished fourth or fifth and to this day I don’t know why she ran so badly, but she pretty much has run to the same mark every other time.”

Fresh from his Group One-winning exploits in the July Cup on Shaquille, Rossa Ryan made the journey north and was rewarded with a double, both trained by Ralph Beckett.

Campaign Trail was sent off the 2-5 favourite in the Watch Racing TV Now Restricted Maiden Stakes and had little trouble in seeing off two rivals.

Diamond Vega (2-1 favourite) was made to a work a little harder in the Download The Vickers.Bet App Handicap but ultimately ran out a cosy two-length winner.

Billy Garrity brought Slingsbytoo (10-1) with a wide late run to win the racingtv.com Handicap for Mick and David Easterby.



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Pullin issues upbeat going update ahead of Festival

Officials at Cheltenham expect “lovely jumping ground” for next week’s Festival, if the weather forecasts prove accurate.

Cheltenham avoided the snowfall which has beset parts of Britain over the last 48 hours and on Wednesday afternoon clerk of the course Jon Pullin provided an upbeat update ahead of the four-day meeting, which starts on Tuesday.

“We avoided any snowfall overnight and we have had a combination of drizzle, light rain and sleet throughout the day today, but not amounting to anything of much volume,” said Pullin.

“There is still an unsettled forecast going forward. It is expected to be much the same, a combination of rain and sleet.

“Thursday and Monday look as if they will be the wettest of the days from a volume point of view, with bits and pieces in between.

“Form a cold point of view, we only dipped below zero briefly last night and it is expected to be a similar situation tonight. We might get below zero but nothing too significant.

“Friday into Saturday might be a little bit colder, but daytime temperatures on Saturday get back up. We could be minus 3C or minus 4C but that looks the only cold night of concern and temperatures get back up after that.

“It is as positive as you’ll get a clerk to be. Certainly there is nothing from a cold point of view that’s of concern and the bits and pieces of rain.”

A huge crowd will be in attendance at Cheltenham
A huge crowd will be in attendance at Cheltenham (Andrew Matthews/PA)

He went on: “A couple of days could be more significant in volume, but we’re OK. Both Thursday and Monday could be five millimetres to 10mm.

“If we get anything between the mid-range, that would see lovely jumping ground to start the week with.

“Next week looks like it will be warmer, with double-digit temperatures, just with a few showers.”

Catterick clerk of the course Fiona Needham was not so lucky, having to abandon Wednesday’s meeting following a very cold night.

The meetings at Fontwell, Lingfield and Kempton all went ahead following inspections.

Carlisle is subject to an inspection
Carlisle is subject to an inspection (Tim Goode/PA)

Prospects for racing at Carlisle on Thursday have improved markedly.

An inspection was called for 3pm on Wednesday with the course frozen, however, despite another bitterly cold night, the course was found to be raceable.

The fixture still needs to pass a 9am precautionary inspection on raceday though, due to the threat of frost.

Southwell will inspect at 7.30am and unless the forecast is incorrect, no problems are anticipated. Officials at Wincanton and Thurles will also check conditions at the same time.



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Mixed fortunes on weather front

Freezing temperatures overnight forced Catterick officials to abandon Wednesday’s card but there was better news for Fontwell, Lingfield and eventually, Kempton.

Unfortunately for Catterick the forecast for temperatures to reach -6C overnight materialised and a decision to call the meeting off was taken long before a scheduled 8am inspection.

Former jockey Philip Hide, now clerk of the course at Fontwell, was able to give the green light for their meeting shortly before a scheduled 8am precautionary inspection.

There had been a threat of snow in the area and while there was a light dusting, rain was beginning to fall to help remove it.

The all-weather card at Lingfield this afternoon was another under the threat of snow.

Around 5cm had fallen since around 3am, however, the course was being worked throughout the night and by 8am the snow had stopped.

The going has changed slightly, though, and is now described as standard to slow.

Officials at Kempton called a second precautionary inspection for 10am after a first look at 8am proved inconclusive.

The meeting had already moved from its regular evening slot to a 3.05pm start and by 10am clerk of the course Barney Clifford was able to give it the green light.

Southwell’s all-weather meeting on Thursday must survive a 7.30am inspection but officials are confident there should be no issues unless the current forecast is wrong.



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Wednesday racing action hinges on morning inspections

All four British meetings scheduled for Wednesday must pass inspections if they are to go ahead.

Catterick and Fontwell, who both race over jumps, stage precautionary inspections at 8am while the all-weather Flat meetings at Kempton and Lingfield are also subject to precautionary checks at the same time.

Officials at Catterick are seeing forecasts suggesting temperatures could dip as low as -5C or -6C, with a high of 4C.

Fontwell will stage a precautionary inspection due to a yellow warning for snow.

However, the track reports there is a good chance that by 8am rain will have moved in to help “dissipate any snow accumulation”.

Lingfield is subject to a similar forecast, with the rain expected to help clear the show.

At Kempton, after the possibility of morning snow being cleared by rain, there is the chance of further snow later in the day.

Newcastle’s Tuesday card was called off due to snow, while prospects already look bleak ahead of Carlisle’s meeting on Thursday.

The course is currently unraceable following a -6C frost and while it may rise to 4C at some stage, further heavy frosts are forecast.

An inspection will be held at 3pm on Wednesday to see if racing can go ahead.



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Newcastle abandoned as cold snap begins to bite

Racecourses are bracing themselves for the latest cold snap to cause disruption to the fixture list with Catterick on Wednesday and Carlisle on Thursday facing inspections after Newcastle’s meeting on Tuesday was abandoned due to snow.

Officials at Catterick will stage a precautionary inspection at 8am ahead of racing with the forecast suggesting temperatures could dip as low as -5C or -6C.

While in the afternoon it could reach 4C, that may not be enough to save the card if the mercury dips as low as suggested.

Prospects already look bleak ahead of Carlisle’s meeting on Thursday.

The course is currently unraceable following a -6C frost overnight and while it may rise to 4C at some stage, further heavy frosts are forecasted.

An inspection will be held at 3pm on Wednesday to see if there is any prospect of racing going ahead.

Newcastle’s clerk of the course Eloise Quayle faced an easy decision ahead of an 8am inspection with the track covered in snow in freezing temperatures meaning an early call was made.

Fontwell will stage a precautionary 8am inspection due to a yellow warning for snow ahead of Wednesday’s meeting.

However, forecasts suggests there is a good chance that by 8am rain will have moved in to help dissipate any snow accumulation.

The all-weather meeting at Lingfield on Wednesday must also survive an 8am precautionary inspection with a similar forecast.



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Neville enjoys memorable day with Catterick treble

Four weeks out from saddling The Real Whacker in pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory, trainer Patrick Neville enjoyed a memorable afternoon by landing a treble in the first three races at Catterick.

The Real Whacker is the star of a team of around 20 horses Neville trains out of Ann Duffield’s yard in North Yorkshire, having made the move from Ireland in 2021.

The seven-year-old has already won twice at Cheltenham this season, having followed up a successful chasing debut at Cheltenham in November with an impressive front-running display in the Dipper on New Year’s Day, and connections are still considering whether to run in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Festival or have an ambitious tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Neville provided a positive update on his stable star’s well being after his Catterick hat-trick, saying: “The Real Whacker is in super form at the moment, I couldn’t be happier with him.

“We’re still in the Gold Cup and we’re still in the novice and we’ll just wait another few weeks and see where we are. It’ll depend on the weather and ground and things like that.

“There’ll be a few horses dropping out in the next few weeks, as we’ve seen with Allaho today missing the Ryanair.”

The Real Whacker was Neville’s only previous winner this season, but Fiston Du Mou put that right in Catterick’s curtain-raising Jumping For Joy On Racing TV Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Ridden by Gavin Sheehan, the 15-8 chance made every yard of the running and had enough in the tank at the finish to see off Creative Control by three-quarters of a length.

Neville saddled two of the three runners in the Meetings That Matter On Racing TV Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and it was 9-1 shot Not Staying Long who emerged victorious under Brian Hughes, with her better-fancied stablemate Beauty To Behold last of the trio.

An excellent day’s work was completed in the racingtv.com Handicap Hurdle, with the Hughes-ridden Kavanaghs Cross leading home a one-two for Neville as Glentruan was a half-length runner-up.

“I had a double in Ireland, but I’ve never had a treble before, so we’ll take it. The horses are in good form and I’m delighted with the way they all ran,” the trainer added.

“The first race was a tricky enough race with only two runners and we had to make the running and do it the hard way, then in the mares’ race I was hoping there’d more runners to give Beauty To Behold some cover, but she ran very keen.

“The other mare did it well though and I’m happy enough with both of them. Hopefully we can keep them all in good form.”



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