Run over 2m2f on the Newmarket Rowley Mile course the Cesarewitch Handicap is one of the most popular betting races of the season. Along with the Cambridgeshire Handicap, that is run 2-3 weeks earlier, the two races are generally known as the Autumn Double and both contests are always ultra-competitive.
We take a look at the best stats ahead of the 2025 renewal that will hopefully allow you to whittle down the big field - this year run on Saturday 11th October.
Did you know - 15 of the last 23 winners returned a double-figure price in the betting, while we’ve seen just four winning favourites since 1993?
The 2024 Cesarewitch also hit the headlines as the first past the post Alphonse Le Grande was later disqualified after jockey Jamie Powell broke the whip rules (using his stick 10 times). After a 'Whip Committee' hearing the 2024 race was awarded to the second Manxman.
Recent Cesarewitch Handicap Winners
2024 - Manxman (7/1)
2023 - The Shunter (14/1)
2022 - Run For Oscar (4/1)
2021 – Buzz (8/1)
2020 - Great White Shark (9/2 fav)
2019 – Stratum (25/1)
2018 - Low Sun (10/1)
2017 – Withhold (5/1 fav)
2016 – Sweet Selection (7/1)
2015 – Grumeti (50/1)
2014 – Big Easy (10/1)
2013 – Scatter Dice (66/1)
2012 – Aaim To Prosper (66/1)
2011 – Never Can Tell (25/1)
2010 – Aaim To Prosper (16/1)
2009 – Darley Sun (9/2 fav)
2008 – Caracciola (50/1)
2007 – Leg Spinner (14/1)
2006 – Detroit City (9/2 fav)
2005 – Sergeant Cecil (10/1)
2004 – Contact Dancer (16/1)
2003 – Landing Light (12/1)
2002 – Miss Fara (12/1)
Cesarewitch Handicap Betting Trends
22/23 – Aged 4 or older
19/23 – Carried 9-2 or less
18/23 – Had run within the last 2 months
17/23 – Had won over at least 1m6f on the flat before
17/23 – Finished 4th or better last time out
16/23 – Aged 5 or older
15/23 – Returned a double-figure price in the betting
14/23 – Had won over at least 2m on the flat before
14/23 – Had 3 or more previous flat runs that season
14/23 – Drawn in stall 13 or lower
13/23 – Won by a NH trainer
13/23 – Winning distance – 1 length or less
12/23 – Had run at the track before
10/23 – Had won 4 or more times on the flat before
9/23 – The first three home ALL returned a double-figure price
9/23 – Placed favourites
8/23 – Ran at Ascot, Chester or Doncaster last time out
5/23 – Winning mares
4/23 – Winning favourites
5/23 – Won last time out 3/23 – Ridden by Silvestre De Sousa 3/23 – Winners from stall 1
3/23 – Trained by Willie Mullins (3 of last 7 winners)
3/23 – Trained by Nicky Henderson
2/23 – Trained by Johnston yard
2/23 - Trained by Brian Meehan
2/23 – Trained by Philip Hobbs
The Irish have trained 6 of the last 8 winners
The average winning SP in the last 23 years is 20/1
Just 4 winning favourites since 1993
The race has never seen a back-to-back winner
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Emmet Mullins is set to launch a two-pronged assault at Newmarket on Saturday when he hopes to get his hands on the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch trophy for the second year running.
The Grand National-winning handler saddled stable stalwart The Shunter to plunder the prestigious handicap 12 months ago and joining the defending champion on the Rowley Mile is relative yard newcomer Jacovec Cavern, who caught the eye at Galway when second on his stable bow.
Owned by the Turner family, this race has always been high-up on the five-year-old’s list of priorities and he will have the assistance of Hayley Turner when he forms part of Mullins’ raiding party at the weekend.
Jacovec Cavern in action over hurdles at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)
Mullins: “It was a great day last year. I thought Jacovec Cavern made a good first start for us at Galway and hopefully we can eke out a bit more improvement.
“He stayed two miles well at Galway, but this is a higher class of race and even more of a stamina test, so for such a strong traveller that could be a slight worry. Hopefully he can overcome it.
“To be fair to the Turners, when they sent him to me this was always the first aim, so fingers crossed it is now upon us and we can go there with no hiccups.
“It’s great to have Hayley on board, she has such great experience riding there and hopefully he can do the business.”
The Shunter winning the Cesarewitch last year (Nigel French/PA)
The Shunter has been seen on many occasions during his long and distinguished career, but has been conspicuous by his absence since claiming this prize last year – running just once over hurdles since.
Fast ground has frustratingly seen the 11-year-old sat on the sidelines while the Chester Cup and Royal Ascot took place, but with some autumnal cushion set to greet him at Headquarters, Mullins is optimistic of another bold showing.
“The Shunter has never let us down,” he continued.
“It’s been a tricky campaign for him, he’s been on the go most of the year, the ground has just been too fast for him – at Chester it was good to firm and we had to pull him out and it was the same at Royal Ascot.
“He got a bit of a mid-season break without having a run, but has come back again and is in good old order. Fingers crossed he comes home safe and sound, but I think he will run a good race once again.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/274152936-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2024-10-09 14:54:012024-10-09 14:54:01Emmet Mullins has eyes on more Cesarewitch gold
The Shunter is on course to defend his Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap title at Newmarket next month.
The 11–year-old has been a dual-purpose star for Emmet Mullins throughout his career and was a winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021.
His return to the Rowley Mile will be only his second outing – and first on the Flat – since plundering the prestigious staying contest almost a year ago, with fast ground causing him to miss both the Chester Cup and an intended target at Royal Ascot earlier this season.
💚💛 The Shunter wins the £200,000 Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap for @the_doyler, Emmet Mullins & JP McManus
Despite the lengthy absence, his handler is happy with what he is seeing from his stalwart at home and is confident he will make the trip across the Irish Sea in good order.
“Fingers crossed and all being well, he should be back (at Newmarket) for the Cesarewitch,” said Mullins.
“We had him in the Chester Cup and it came up good to firm and we also had him in training for the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot and the ground came up firm again, so he’s been in all year, we just didn’t take a chance with him on the ground.
“He had a little bit of time off in June around Ascot time, but he’s back on the go and eager to please I think.
“He’s looked after us over the years, so we have to mind him as well in regards the ground. Fingers crossed he will be able to show himself in a good light again in a few weeks.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/274152782-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2024-09-29 12:17:552024-09-29 16:45:15The Shunter set to defend Cesarewitch title
The Shunter repelled all challengers to fulfil a long-term plan in the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch at Newmarket.
Trained by Emmet Mullins, the 10-year-old is more famed for his exploits over obstacles, having won at the Cheltenham Festival and been placed at Grade One level in novice chase company.
Back on the level though, The Shunter teamed up with James Doyle in the two-and-a-quarter-mile contest which offered over £103,000 to the winner.
Doyle rode The Shunter (14-1) with restraint in the early exchanges, making stealthy headway before pushing to the front two furlongs out.
The Shunter (centre) was too strong in the Cesarewitch (Nigel French/PA)
Top weight Tashkhan had been prominent throughout but he was eager for a battle, pushing The Shunter all the way through the closing stages while Pied Piper, another National Hunt runner moving back to the Flat, made a late grab for glory inside the distance.
However, The Shunter dug deep to prevail by three-quarters of length from Pied Piper, with Tashkhan (25-1) a further head back in third and 100-1 shot Bashful Boy grabbing fourth.
Mullins admitted this race had been the plan for almost a year, with future plans yet to be decided.
He said: “It was a brilliant performance from horse and rider. I’d say James didn’t know what to make of the instructions going out as I said the horse has probably got more ignorance than ability, but he’ll keep pulling it out and keep fighting.
“It’s a bit surreal it’s come off. This race has probably been on the radar since he finished fourth in the November Handicap in Naas last year. We always thought there could be a big pot in him on the Flat and patience has paid off.
“He’s been in great order at home and he’s very tough, which he has shown down through the years.
“All options are open again. He was entered in last year’s Grand National and we scratched him at the 11th hour, but everything is an option.”
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Classy hurdler Pied Piper will bid to continue the Irish domination of the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday.
Formally owned by the late Queen when twice a winner on the Flat for John and Thady Gosden, it is over obstacles where the now Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old has made his name, finishing second and third respectively at the last two Cheltenham Festivals.
With attentions turned to the level once again following a long summer absence, Pied Piper finished third on his comeback run at Killarney in late August and the Cullentra House handler has managed to snare the prized booking of Ryan Moore ahead of this main autumn objective.
“It’s very interesting and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Joey Logan, racing manager for owners Caldwell Construction.
Pied Piper and connections after winning over hurdles at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)
“He’s in great form and his prep up to this has been very good, so Gordon is very happy with him.
“He is on a nice mark (96) and he’s after having a good break from jumping last year. He’s come back a bigger, stronger and fresher horse. It’s a big ask in a big field but we’re very happy with him.
“It’s going to be a messy race and it’s a big field as we all know, but hopefully Ryan will be in a nice position and will be happy. We’re very lucky and Gordon has done a great job, we’re really looking forward to having Ryan Moore riding him.”
The Irish have won four of the last five runnings of the Cesarewitch, with Elliott’s great rival Willie Mullins responsible for three of those victories.
Willie Mullins has a great Cesarewitch record (Brian Lawless/PA)
Jockey bookings would suggest the William Buick-ridden Lot Of Joy is the pick of the Closutton quintet this time, with Rachael Blackmore getting the leg up aboard Jackfinbar, while hoping to join his uncle on the roll of honour is Emmet Mullins, who will saddle Cheltenham Festival winner The Shunter – who he describes as “Mr Versatility”.
The Grand National-winning trainer is keeping his eye on the weather and said: “Hopefully they get all the rain that is due and he could run a big race.
“He is a very versatile horse and he proved that when picking up the bonus by winning over both hurdles and fences in the space of two weeks. He’s Mr Versatility and obviously this is another avenue we can explore with him.
“He always runs his race and has been training well and hopefully is there to take his chance.”
Noel Meade is another Irish handler more commonly associated with training over jumps and has assembled a two-strong raiding party headed by Galway Hurdle runner-up and Irish Cesarewitch fourth Jesse Evans.
“He’s actually better off in this race than he was in the Irish Cesarewitch,” explained Meade.
“He seems in good shape but had a hard race in the Irish Cesarewitch, so we will have to hope he has recovered from that. But he seems OK and the little bit of work he has done has been good and we’re happy with him.
“He likes fast or fastish ground but the trip is a little bit of an unknown with him. He gets two miles all right, but two-miles-two, I don’t know, we will see.”
Noel Meade will saddle two in the Cesarewitch (Brian Lawless/PA)
Jesse Evans will be joined in the line-up by stablemate Sheishybrid, who tuned up for this by finishing second over track and trip in the Cesarewitch Trial Handicap.
“She was second in the trial there and she is a good bit better off with the one that won it,” continued Meade.
“She stays all day and she will get two and a half miles. She will get the trip no problem and seems to have come out of the race well the last day. The quicker the ground, the better.”
Getting the better of Sheishybrid in the Cesarewitch trial was Andrew Balding’s Grand Providence, who will once again be partnered by Hayley Turner as she edges her way towards 1,000 career winners.
Not So Sleepy and Vino Victrix finished behind Run For Oscar last year (Tim Goode/PA)
The jockey said: “She’s got a nice light weight and is proven at the distance at the track. Staying has really brought out the best side of her.”
Hughie Morrison saddled Vino Victrix and Not So Sleepy to finish second and third respectively in this 12 months ago and both are back for another crack at the prestigious handicap.
Not So Sleepy arrives after making all in Newbury’s Autumn Cup last month and will now have the burden of a 4lb penalty, while Vino Victrix returns to the Rowley Mile off a mark 2lb lower than when second to Run For Oscar in 2022.
“Sleepy didn’t help his chances by winning that handicap the other day, but that was very pleasurable and now he has a penalty,” said Morrison.
“We haven’t been trying to be cute with Vino, just nothing has really come for him this year. If he comes back to form, he could run into a place again.
“It would be nice to have a nice, big winner at the end of the season, but we’ve had a great year and can’t be greedy.”
Battle-hardened stayer Tashkhan registered his first victory in over two years when thriving in the mud at Chester recently and his handler Brian Ellison is hoping conditions will allow for another bold showing off top-weight here.
Tashkhan (middle) will carry top weight(Steven Paston/PA)
“I’m praying we get enough rain and it looks like it’s coming,” said Ellison. “We need it and the owner is keen on running, but obviously he won’t run unless the ground is right.
“He was good last time, top-weight in a handicap and giving weight away and a beating to in-form horses. It was good and we were over the moon with him really, he’s bouncing at the moment.
“I wouldn’t say he has to step up, but the ground is more important to him than the horses he runs against – he needs that soft or heavy ground.”
Useful hurdler Tritonic bids for a big Flat prize at Newmarket (Alan Crowhurst/PA)
David Pipe’s Wordsworth was purchased with this race in mind and was seen to good effect over hurdles at Bangor 10 days ago, while Gary Moore’s Goshen and the Alan King-trained Tritonic are other names jumps fans will be familiar with.
The latter will attempt to give King and owners the McNeill family a second win in the race after combining with Grumeti in 2015 and Tritonic’s jockey Rossa Ryan believes he will be right in the mix.
He said: “I love him and I would put a line through Goodwood. It was sticky ground there and he didn’t like it.
“It either needs to stay dry and become nice, good ground or it stays raining and becomes loose. I think in the middle of that, he’s not in love with it.
“Alan’s are in good form and he will have a chance, he won’t be bringing him for the sake of it.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/269601089-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-10-13 16:27:512023-10-13 17:20:07Pied Piper camp delighted to have Moore on board
The Shunter takes on four rivals in the bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso on Saturday with trainer Emmet Mullins hoping he can return to something like his best.
Two years ago, the JP McManus-owned gelding took the Morebattle Hurdle on his way to landing a £100,000 bonus for following up with a win in the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Subsequently runner-up in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree, his form has been patchy since, winning just once in 11 starts.
Mullins feels the 10-year-old, who has been given a break since finishing fourth of 20 in a two-mile Naas Flat handicap in November, is nicely handicapped on his return to the Scottish track.
“These races are all hard to win, but it looks a good spot for him,” said Mullins.
“Fingers crossed he can run his race. Let’s hope he can repeat the magic.”
Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup winner Le Milos is favourite to land the Listed contest and complete a hat-trick for the Dan Skelton yard.
He has not run since taking the race formerly known as the Hennessy Gold Cup and runs off a 6lb higher mark, albeit in a slightly weaker contest.
Le Milos and jockey Harry Skelton (centre) bid to follow up their Coral Gold Cup victory (John Walton/PA)
Skelton said: “We could not have been more delighted with his run at Newbury.
“We understandably gave him a bit of time off to get over that, and this looked an obvious spot for him.
“He is fresh and well and we are hopeful that he will run well.”
Sandy Thomson has the Scottish National in mind for Empire Steel should he bounce back to his best on a track he likes.
The nine-year-old has won two and finished runner-up on his three starts at Kelso, although the Berwickshire handler is happy to draw a line under his two runs this season, as his horses were not firing.
He said: “Obviously the horses didn’t look like they were right just after Christmas, which was frustrating.
“Hopefully, we have got them sorted out and he will bounce back and run his race.
“He likes Kelso, it will suit him. It is a very funny race, because if you look historically, some of the winners have never won another race.
“It is a funny kind of race, because you get some horses who are looking at it as a prep for the National or something and that is more important than winning the Premier Chase.
“But if he bounces back and runs a nice race, we’ll be delighted and the Scottish National would be in the offing if he did.”
Shropshire trainer Mel Rowley feels she has nothing to lose by running Wishing And Hoping following his 50-1 shock win in the Veterans’ Chase Series Final at Sandown.
Wishing And Hoping caused a 50-1 shock at Sandown last time (Steven Paston/PA)
The consistent 13-year-old has won five and finished runner-up on as many occasions in his 18 chase starts, and showed plenty of zest when accounting for Ramses De Teillee last time.
Rowley said: “He is very, very well and we thought ‘why not’, as we are slightly restricted where we can go with him.
“This seemed a good a place as any, as there are only five in it. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“I suppose we might have the advantage, as if our horse never won a race again, because of his age, it wouldn’t matter.
“His last run is what dreams are made of. That’s why we do it, isn’t it?”
Zanza brought up Philip Hobbs’ 3,000th winner when beating Hitman by seven lengths in the Grade Two Denman Chase at Newbury three weeks ago.
Should he not take up his first preference, which is in the BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap at Newbury, he will complete the line-up.
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