2024/25 Jumps Issue 16 - One winner as Cheltenham looms

Headlines

Wade Out Wades in at Wetherby

Report

Yesterday in the 2m 3f novice hurdle Wade Out (Martin), went to post, Raced in second, led before 3rd, went clear before 3 out, pushed along and went further clear after 2 out, winning readily by 19l. He gets 24 points.

John  Torpey Memorial Trophy

       February   Total

Bob        155.35         576.05

Steve      53.35          451,12

Neil        96.15         436.66

Peej      134.24         433.53

Cliff          132.1          340.65

Martin      50.62        309.52

Cod       53.23        305.24

Stats Per String

        Runners           Winners

Bob,           37        18

Cliff           40     13

Cod,          38       11

Martin,      51  12

Neil             31   15

Peej          39       15

 Steve       32    17

The Weeks Losers

Capodano, Celtic Dino, Hyland, Salver, Son Of Anarchy

News

If the mood of Nico de Boinville is anything to go by, Constitution Hill's many fans can start getting excited. The jockey nearly always appears relaxed and self-contained but it was fascinating to see how far he dropped his guard after allowing the former Champion Hurdler to coast past a couple of stablemates in a Kempton gallop on Tuesday.

"Honestly, I couldn't be happier with him," said the rider, who evidently felt no need to inject any note of caution into his assessment. He was asked whether, counter-intuitively, he might want Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth to turn up in the Champion Hurdle in a fortnight's time, because it would help Constitution Hill to prove his quality.

"It doesn't matter," De Boinville responded. "I don't really mind who turns up. If the two mares turn up, it makes the Mares' Hurdle a bit easier for some of the others. Either way, it doesn't really matter. It's probably of more interest to you guys than it is to me."

'Frightening' was the word Nicky Henderson used to describe his star's effort here, but he meant it in a good way. In sharp contrast to Constitution Hill's woefully disappointing showing on the same day a year ago, the eight-year-old was at his most imperious, generating the kind of happiness among connections that would normally be reserved for a winner's enclosure.

Weekend Entries

Saturday 

Navan

3.50 El Fabiolo

Kelso 

1.45 Grey Dawning, 

Doncaster

2.05 World Of Fortunes

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester 

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024/25 Jumps Issue 15 - A good week for the Editor

Headlines

We’re Red And Blue wins at Kelso

Primoz lands Kelso Chase

Golden is Ace in Wincanton Pack

Famous A Bridge to Far for Haydock Rivals

Lad Wins Haydock Battle

Report

We start at Kelso on Friday where in the 2m novice hurdle We’re Red And Blue (Cliff), went to post, Made all, set steady pace, shaken up and went clear towards near side after 2 out, good jump and went further clear last, eased final 110yds,  winning in a canter by 11 l. He gets 22.9 points.

In the 2m 1 f handicap chase, Primoz ( Bob), took his chance, Made all, jumped slightly left 6th, going best 4 out, good jump and went clear 3 out, went further clear from 2 out, eased run-in, winning in a  canter by 54 l. He gets 23.16 points.

On Saturday at Haydock in the 3m 4f Premier Handicap chase Famous Bridge (Cliff), went to post, in touch with leaders, went third before 4 out, went second after 3 out, pushed along and challenging 2 out, ridden to lead before last, kept on well run-in, won going away by 3l. He gets 64.8 points.

In the 3m grade novice hurdle Battle Born Lad (Bob), took his chance, Taken down early, took keen hold, jumped right on occasions, made all, hung right throughout, soon clear, reduced lead with one circuit to go, went clear again and ridden after 2 out, not fluent last, kept on well, winning by 5 ½ l. He gets 49.2 points.

At Wincanton in the 1m 7f grade 2 hurdle Golden Ace (Cliff), took her chance, Jumped right throughout, prominent, disputing second before 3rd, outpaced and lost ground on turn after 3 out, soon rallied, challenging 2 out, led last, ridden and kept on inside final 110yd, winning by ¾ l. She gets 44.4 points.

John  Torpey Memorial Trophy

       February   Total

Bob        155.35         576.05

Steve      53.35          451,12

Neil        96.15         436.66

Peej      134.24         433.53

Cliff          132.1          340.65

Cod       53.23        305.24

Martin      26.62        285.52

Stats Per String

        Runners           Winners

Bob,           35          18

Cliff           39      13

Cod,          37       11

Martin,      49     11

Neil             31   15

Peej          39       15

 Steve       32    17

The Weeks Losers

Rocheval, L’Homme Presse, Brentford Hope

News

Famous Bridge is likely to run next in the Ultima handicap chase Nicky Richards told the Punter. He finished 4th last year, and as he will miss the cut for the Grand National it is an obvious target. If the ground is soft at Ayr for the Scottish national, that is also a possibility

 

The Punter  pays its respects to Jockey Michael O’Sullivan, we take jockeys for granted a lot of the time.

And also sadly, to Delta Work. Last year's Grand National runner-up Delta Work, one of Gordon Elliott's finest stable stalwarts over the last decade, has died at the age of 12 following a bout of colic. 

A three-time Cheltenham Festival winner during a stellar career, Delta Work won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase in 2022, famously beating the legendary Tiger Roll after a thrilling tussle, and he won it again the following year, too. He also won the Pertemps Final in 2018. Before switching his attention to the cross-country scene, Delta Work won five Grade 1s over fences and was successful in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown during the best season, the 2019-2020 campaign. He was fifth to Al Boum Photo in the Cheltenham Gold Cup afterwards.

Weekend Entries

Friday  

Punchestown

1.40 Son Of Anarchy

Saturday  

Kempton

2.25 Palladium

3.00 Celtic Dino

3.35 Hyland

Chepstow

3.42 Norman Fletcher

Fairyhouse

3.25 I Am Maximus, Capadano

Sunday 

Fontwell

3.00 Salver

Naas 

1.50 Son Of Anarchy

2.50 Port Joulain

3.50 El Fabiolo

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester 

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024/25 Jumps Issue 14 - Kingmaker points lift Neil to third

Headlines

L Eau Du Sud lands Kingmaker

Report

At Warwick on Saturday in the 2m grade 2 novice chase L Eau Du Sud (Neil), wen to post, Pressed leader, led 4th, headed before 6th, led again 7th, good jump and went clear 3 out, pushed along when not fluent and reduced lead last, ridden run-in, always doing enough, winning by 1l. He gets 42.4 points.

John  Torpey Memorial Trophy

       February   Total

Bob        82.99         503.69

Steve      53.35          451,12

Neil        96.15         436.66

Peej      134.24         433.53

Cod       53.23        305.24

Martin      26.62        285.52

Cliff          00          208.55

Stats Per String

        Runners           Winners

Bob,           33          17

Cliff           36       10

Cod,          37       11

Martin,      48     11

Neil             31   14

Peej          39       15

 Steve       32 17

The Weeks Losers

Haiti Couleurs, Go Dante, Iberico Lord, Secret Squirrel, You Wear I Well, Regents Stroll

News

Nicky Henderson said Sir Gino's future was "in the lap of the gods" after the ante-post Arkle favourite was ruled out for the season by injury on Monday. The Seven Barrows star has been admitted to the Donnington Grove equine hospital where he is being treated for a wound to his near hind leg that has become infected. 

Speaking to The Punter Henderson said: "We’re in the lap of the gods and the vets as to what the future holds, but we’re fighting away. He needs a bit of help from some very good vets, and he also probably needs help from upstairs too.  This suddenly went down quite quickly from what we thought was all right. We were upbeat on Saturday morning but yesterday morning wasn’t so good at all, and last night wasn’t either. These things come on so quickly. It’s horrible and it comes from nowhere."

Weekend Entries

Friday  

Fakenham 

3.40 Quebecois

Kelso

1.50 Rocheval

2.20 We’re Red And Blue

4.20 Primoz

Saturday  

Haydock

3.15 Famous Bridge

3.50 Battle Born Lad

Wincanton

1.36 Golden Ace, Brentford Hope

Ascot

1.15 Kingston Pride

1.50 Hyland

3.37 L’Homme Presse

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester 

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024/25 Jumps Issue 13 - Five Dublin Festival winners

Headlines

Des Champs Gallops in to History Book

Majborough  Lands Arkle chase

Man Sates Champion Hurdle Claim

Bob’s Neighbour does him a turn

Maughreen lands Punchestown Hurdle

Port Joulain Docks Safely at Punchestown

Report

We start at Leopardsown on Saturday where in the 2m grade 1 Juvenile hurdle, Hello Neighbour (Bob), wen to post, Towards rear, headway from 3 out, disputed lead going best approaching last, led last, ridden run-in, kept on well, winning  comfortably by 3/4 l. He gets 56.26 points.

In the 2m 1f grade 1 Arkle novice chase Majborough ( Bob, Cod, Steve), took his chance, Novicey jumping on occasions, pressed leader, led 2nd, clear with one other halfway, shaken up and went clear before last, eased inside final 110yds, winning readily by 9l. He gets 26.73 points.

In the 3m Irish Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs ( Cod, Neil, Peej), went to post, Jumped well, led narrowly or disputed lead early, led clearly 4th, pushed along approaching last, ridden clear run-in, winning by 4 ¾ l. he gets 26.5 points.

On Sunday in the 2m 5f grade 1 novice chase Ballyburn (Peej, Martin, Steve), went to post, Took keen hold, pressed leaders, went second 3rd, led 2 out, soon faced challenge, briefly headed last, ridden and went clear final 110yds, winning by 5l. Peej gets 53.24 points, Martin, Steve 26.62

In the 2m grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle State Man ( Peej, Neil), took his chance, Pressed leader, soon clear with one other, left well clear when hampered by faller 4 out, much reduced lead and niggled along briefly final 110yds, winning  unchallenged by 6 ½ l. Peej gets 54.5 points, Neil 27.25.

Apologies to Bob, as I missed Maughreen at Punchestown on 27 January, in the 2m 3f mares maiden hurdle, Made all, didn't always jump with fluency, hung left on turn and joined after 5th, going best and went clear after 2 out, ridden when reduced lead run-in, pushed out, winning by 5l. She gets 22.74 points.

Apologies also to Martin, On the same card Port Julain (Martin), went to post in the 2m 3f maiden hurdle, Jumped left on occasions, took keen hold, raced in second and hung left, disputed lead from 5th, pressed leader before 7th, led going best before last, went clear when ridden run-in, reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough, winning by 2 ¼ l. He gets 24.2 points.

John  Torpey Memorial Trophy

       February   Total

Bob        82.99         503.69

Steve      53.35          451,12

Neil        53.75         394.26

Peej      134.24         433.53

Cod       53.23        305.24

Martin      26.62        285.52

Cliff          00          208.55

Martin was January Trainer of the month with Por Joulains win

Stats Per String

        Runners           Winners

Bob,           32           17

Cliff           35       10

Cod,          35        11

Martin,      45      11

Neil             30   13

Peej          37         15

 Steve       31   17

The Weeks Losers

World of Fortunes, Willy De Houelle, Firefox, Fact To File, Hewick, I am Maximus, Norman Fletcher, Jango Baie, Impaire Et Passe, Redemption , Day, Gaelic Warrior, Quilixios, El Fabiolo, Lossiemouth Son of Anarchy, Anno Power

News

Olly Murphy is hoping a return to a flatter track can see stable star Strong Leader recapture the form that saw him register a comfortable success in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November.

Owned by the Welfordgolf Syndicate, Strong Leader's form has dipped in two subsequent runs this season, but a breathing problem was rectified after the Grade 1 winner finished last in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December, and Murphy feels the track at Cheltenham was again to blame when he finished out of the frame in last month's Cleeve Hurdle.

"I was really disappointed with three-quarters of the race at Cheltenham, but I was pleased with how he saw his race out," said Murphy. "His wind was good, which was a positive, but his form figures suggest he's a long way off his best at Cheltenham. "His form there just hasn't been as good as it is elsewhere. I think he's a flat-track bully, that's the long and the short of it."

 

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Kempton

2.20 Kingston Pride

Saturday  

Newbury

1.15 Regents Stroll

1.50 Haiti Coulers

3.00 Sir Gino

3.35 Secret Squirrel, Iberico Lord, Go Dante

Warwick

2.05 L’Eau Du Sud, Sir Gino

2.40 You Wear It Well

Sunday 

Exeter

1.30 Regents Stroll

2.00 You Wear It Well

2.30 Regents Stroll

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg 15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester 

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan