2020/21 Jumps Issue 8 - Neil is Trainer of the Month

Headlines

Bryony is King Georges Queen at Kempton

Streak makes it a White Christmas at Kempton

Places Hacks up at Wetherby

Shishkin Stars in Kauto Chase,

Chacun Por Soi strolls home at Leopardstown

Big Getaway at Leopardstown

Annie Mc lands Silver Vase

Monk looks a Big Fish

Line Gets Across it First

Report

We start at Kempton on Boxing Day where in the 2m grade 1 Christmas Hurdle Silver Streak ( Neil) took his chance, Made all, ridden after 2 out, 3 lengths ahead last, ran on well, winning by 6 ½ l. He gets 87.8 points.

In the 3m grade 1 King George V1 Chase Frodon ( Cod, Neil), took his chance, Jumped well but jumped left on occasions, made all, shaken up before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, went clear and good jump last, reduced lead but kept on well run-in, always doing enough, winning by 2 ¼ l. He gets 70.5 points.

At Kempton on Sunday in the 2m grade 2 novice chase, Shiskin ( Cliff Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Took keen hold, chased leader, niggled along briefly just after 5th, headway and pressed leader before 6th, joined leader after 4 out, good jump to lead 3 out, shaken up and went clear after 2 out, wining  impressively by 13l. Cliff gets  42.2 points, Martin , Neil, Peej, Steve 21.1

In the 2m 1f grade 1 chase at Leopardstown, Chacun Por Soi , ( Cod, Tony ) went to post, Travelled strongly, close up, jumped right and not fluent 3rd, disputed lead 5th, led from 3 out (usual 4 out), going easily before last (usual 2 out), soon went clear, pushed along omitted last, kept on strongly, winning easily by 6 ½ l. He gets 26.3 points.

At Wetherby in the 2m juvenile hurdle, Hacker Des Places ( Neil) went to post, Disputed lead, led 3rd, went well clear from 3 out, mistake last, winning  unchallenged by 32 l. He gets 24.4 points.

On Monday in the 2m 5f beginners chase, The Big Getaway ( Tony) went to post, Raced wide, made all, 1 length ahead 3 out, going easily approaching last, eased clear run-in, kept on strongly, winning easily by 10l. He gets 23 points.

At Doncaster on Tuesday in the 2m 4f mares listed chase, Annie Mc ( Martin)took her chance, Chased leaders, mistake 5th, close up 11th, led 4 out, 4 lengths ahead 2 out, ridden and went well clear approaching last, ran on well run-in, winning  comfortably by 16 l. She gets 30.2

At Leopardstown in the 3m grade 1 novice chase, Monkfish (Cod, Peej, Tony), took his chance, Led narrowly or disputed lead, headed and tracked leader 3rd, not fluent 4th, disputing second 5th, soon went second, jumped right and bumped rival 9th, led 10th, faced challenge before 2 out, pushed along going best approaching last, ridden clear run-in, winning by 3l. He gets 26.3 points.

Yesterday at Market Rasen in the 2m novice hurdle Across The Line (Martin), took his chance, Close up, pressed leader from 3rd, joined leader before 5th, led narrowly 3 out, faced strong challenge from 2 out, ridden when joined last, kept on well run-in, just did enough . wining  by a neck , he gets 23.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         December             Total

Neil              335.8             543.7

Cod              274.4              473.9

Tony           120.7               305.7

Cliff             42.2                282.7

Peej              97               278.4

Martin         118.9              249.3

Steve             101.2            238.1

Bob             46.6               99.1              

Congratulations to Neil who is December trainer of the month          

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News

Frodon will now head straight to the Cheltenham  Gold Cup, and if he ground is not to soft, he will certainly liven it up.

Al Boum Photo is due out at Tramore on New Years Day

Altior could bid to get back on track in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February. Henderson told the Punter "We’ve scoped him – but it has to go to the laboratory, and we will look at it from there,” he said. “We scoped him on Christmas Eve, but it was perfectly clean. Our vet has been closed here – so all our scopes are going to Newmarket, and that takes a bit of time.

“We will probably know a bit more tomorrow. He was very bright and sparky in himself this morning anyway – and so was Epatante (second at 1-5 in Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle). She was very fresh.

Evan Williams will keep Silver Streak fresh and direct the Grade One-winning grey straight to the Unibet Champion Hurdle next.

2020/21 Jumps Issue 7 - Some cracking racing ahead

Headlines

Bob Olinger lays down the Law

Sir Gerhard bumps up Cod’s Points

Marown lands Ayr novice chase

Report

We start at Navan on Friday where in the 2m 4f maiden hurdle Bob Olinger (Bob), took his chance, Travelled strongly, made all, led at slow pace early, not fluent 1st, 2 lengths ahead after 4 out, eased clear after 2 out, went well clear when not fluent last, winning impressively by 24 l. He gets 22.2 points.

In the 2m listed bumper, Sir Gerhard (Cod), went to post, Travelled strongly, tracked leader, 2 lengths second 4f out, going easily over 2f out, soon pressed leader, led going best over 1f out, soon edged left and quickened, pushed out and kept on strongly inside final furlong, winning  impressively by 4 ½ l. He gets 26.4 points. 

At Ascot on Saturday in the 3m grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle Thyme Hill (Tony), went to post, in touch with leaders, tracked leaders 5th, made strong challenge after 3 out, led approaching last, ridden and stayed on run-in, headed final strides, 2nd beaten a neck. He gets 24 points.

At Ayr in the 2m 4f novice chase, Marown (Bob), went to post, close up, led going easily before 2 out, pushed along, and went clear last, winning comfortably by 4l . He gets 23. 8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         December             Total

Cod              151.3              350.5

Neil              131.7                 339.9

Cliff             00                    240.5

Peej              49.6              231

Tony           45.1                230.1

Steve             80.1            217

Martin         43.8               174.2

Bob             46.6               99.1                        

Peej picked up a first course winner bonus after Le Patriote won at Hereford, the bonus is still available to the first punter horse to win at the following tracks:

In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News

Last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Santini has been supplemented for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday, a move trainer Nicky Henderson describes as "a wild idea". With Clan Des Obeaux, Cyrname, Frodon, Real Steel and Lostintranslation also holding entries, we should get a Christmas cracker.

Nicky Henderson said he has no concerns over the ground conditions at Kempton and will definitely run Altior on his planned reappearance in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase on Sunday. 

Epatante is due to run in the Christmas hurdle, where Silver Streak, Sceau Royal and Goshen have entries. Shishkin is also due out in the novice chase at Kempton.

In Ireland Minella Indo and Presenting Percy have entries in the Savill Chase, Abracadabras has an entry in the novice hurdle. Monkfish and Latest Exhibiton have novice chase entries.

2020/21 Jumps Issue 6 - Three more winners

Headlines

Fusil Raffles wins first Prize

La Patriote scores at Hereford

Mister Fisher lands a Big One at Cheltenham

Report

We start at Cheltenham on Saturday where in the 2m 4f grade 2 chase Mister Fisher (Cod), went to post. Jumped well, prominent, led before 2 out, pushed along when not fluent and joined last, soon ridden, kept on strongly and went clear final 110yds, ridden final 110yds, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 50 points.

In the 2m 4f novice chase, Fusil Raffles ( Steve), took his  chance, Tracked leader, mistake 13th, ridden when lost second after 3 out, went second again approaching last, led final 110yds, stayed on winning by 3 ¾ l. He gets 27.6 points.

At Hereford, Le Patriote ( Peej) took his chance in the 2m novice chase, Tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out, disputing lead when left clear 2 out, winning by 15 l. He gets 24.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         December             Total

Neil              131.7                 339.9

Cod              124.9               324.1

Cliff             00                    240.5

Steve             80.1            217

Tony           21.1                206.1

Peej              24.8               206.2

Martin         43.8               174.2

Bob             00               52.5                        

News

Put The Kettle On will be aimed at the Desert Orchid Chase the at Kempton when she will be partnered by in-form jockey Aidan Coleman and is likely to encounter dual Champion Chase winner Altior for the first time. 

2020/21 Jumps Issue 5 - Things picking up quickly

Headlines

River Flows home at Leicester

Gate is the Star at Sandown

Politolouge gives Sandown crowd a Tingle

Allmankind lands Henry V111

Chacun Pour Soi pops in at Cork

Min scores at Foggy Punchestown

Report

We start back at Leicester on 29 November where in the 2m 4f novice hurdle, Midnight River (Martin), took his chance, Held up in behind leaders on inner, dropped to midfield after 4th, headway and tracked leaders after 4 out, pushed along before 2 out, ridden after 2 out, joined leader when left in lead just after last, kept on, all out, winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 22.2 points.

At Sandown on Friday in the 2m 4f grade 2 novice hurdle, Star Gate (Martin), went to post, Tracked leader, led 6th, headed but close up after 3 out, cajoled along 2 out, shaken up and 2 lengths ahead last, went clear run-in, winning  easily by 8 ½ l. He gets 43. 8 points

At Sandown on Saturday in the 2m grade 1 Henry V111 Novice Chase Allmankind ( Neil, Steve), took his chance, Made all, jumped left on occasions, joined 4th, good jump and led clearly 6th, 5 lengths ahead after 10th, ridden and kept on well run-in, always doing enough, winning by 2 ½ l. He gets 52.5 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase, Politolouge ( Neil), went to post, Jumped well, made all, 2 lengths ahead 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on strongly and went clear run-in, ridden out,  winning by 7l. He gets 79.2 points.

At Cork on Sunday in the 2m grade 2 chase Chacun Pour Soi (Cod, Tony) took his chance, Held up in behind leaders, went second 3 out, led 2 out, shaken up and 5 lengths ahead when left clear last, winning by 19l. He gets 21.1 points.

At Punchestown in the 2m 4f grade 1 John Durkan memorial  chase, Min (Cod), went to post, Visibility reduced by fog, made virtually all, pushed along and joined after 2 out, ridden and led again after last, kept on strongly final 110yds , winning by 1 l. He gets 53.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         December             Total

Neil              131.7                 339.9

Cod              74.9               274.1

Cliff             00                    240.5

Tony           21.1                206.1

Steve             52.5             189.4

Peej              00               181.4

Martin         43.8               174.2

Bob             00               52.5                        

News

Gary Moore says Goshen is the best horse he has trained and is the one they all have to beat in Saturday's Grade 2 Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham.

In the 2m 4f novice chase, Fusil Raffles, Chantry House have entries,  

In the Caspian Cup, Al Dancer, Coole Cody, Annie Mc, Southfield Stone and Mister Fisher have entries.  

In the International hurdle, Sceau Royal, Silver Streak could take their chances.

2020/21 Jumps Issue 4 - The Ed is first trainer of the month this season

Headlines

Fact is Main player at Haydock

Thyme Hill lands Long Distance hurdle

Monkfish wins at Fairyhouse

Epatante slays rivals in Fighting Fifth

Ballyadam is a Right Royal winner

Envoi Allen lands Drinmore chase

Honeysuckle has sweet taste of Success

Castle Rushes home at Ayr

Report

We start back at Haydock last week, where in the 3m grade 3 handicap hurdle Main Fact ( Martin) took his chance, Towards rear, niggled along after 4 out, headway 2 out, soon ridden, chased leaders approaching last, made strong challenge run-in, led inside final 110yds, won going away by 2 ¾ l. He gets 47.6

On Friday at Newbury in the 3m grade 2 Long Distance hurdle Thyme Hill ( Tony), took his chance, Tracked leaders, led approaching last, kept on strongly run-in, ridden out, winning by 1 ½ l . He gets 48.8 points.

On Saturday at Fairyhouse in the 2m 5f beginners chase, Monkfish ( Cod, Peej, Tony), went to post, Jumped left on occasions, travelled strongly, chased leaders, went second before 5th, led before 4 out, going easily before 2 out, pushed along briefly approaching last, went clear run-in, winning in a  canter by 4l. He gets 11.2 points.

At Newcastle in the 2m grade 1 Fighting Fifth hurdle Epatante ( Cliff, Steve, Peej),  took her chance, , in touch with leaders, tracked leader going easily before 2 out, nudged along after last, quickened and led final 110yds, soon clear, winning  easily by 4 ¼ l. She gets 51.3 points.

On Sunday at Fairyhouse, in the 2m grade 1 Royal Bond Hurdle, Ballyadam, ( Bob, Tony), went to post, Chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, smooth headway and went third after 3 out, led 2 out, pushed along when not fluent last, kept on well run-in, winning  comfortably by 1 ½ l. He gets 26.4 points. 

In the 2m 4f grade 1 Drinmore novice chase, Envoi Allen ( not Cod), took his chance, Made all, jumped well, hard pressed 2 out, nudged along and quickened after 2 out, clear approaching last, winning readily by 8 ½ l. He gets 26.1 points.

In the 2m 4f Grade 1 Hattons Grace hurdle Honeysuckle ( Cliff, Tony), took her chance, Tracked leader, led just after 3 out, pushed along and increased tempo when slow jump 2 out, good jump last, ridden run-in, kept on, just did enough, winning by ½ l. She gets 51.4 points.

At Ayr on Monday in the 2m 3f novice hurdle Castle Rushen (Cliff), took his chance, Prominent on outer, steady headway halfway, went second going easily before 3 out, left in lead 1 length ahead 3 out, shaken up and ran green just before 2 out, ridden clear after 2 out, not fluent last, kept on well, winning by 26l. He gets 22.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         November             Total

Cliff             240.5            240.5

Neil              208.2              208.2

Cod              199.9            199.2

Tony           185                185

Peej              181.4           181.4

Steve             136.9          136.9

Martin         108.2           108.2

Bob             52.5              52.5                        

So the Editor is November trainer of the month

News

Nicky Henderson believes Altior is much further forward in his preparation ahead of his seasonal reappearance in Saturday's Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown than when suffering his only career defeat over hurdles or fences last season. "He's definitely a long, long way ahead of where he was going into Ascot last year because we've had a racecourse gallop at Newbury," Henderson told The Punter  on Tuesday. "He's miles straighter than at Ascot, there's no doubt about that."

With Politolouge, Greaneteen and Rouge Vif in the line up, it promises to be a cracker.

At Aintree on Saturday, Al Dancer, Frodon and Santini all have entries in the Mildmay Chase, Kimberlite Candy has entry in the Becher Chase. Forged in Fire has an entry at Navan,  as do Five o’Clock and The Big Getaway. 

On Sunday at Punchestown in the grade 1 chase, Allaho, Chacan Por Soi, Chris’s Dream, and Min have entries.

2020/21 Jumps Issue 3 - All but one off and running

Headlines

Percy Well Presented at Thurles

Chantry House scores at Ascot

Ferney Hollow

Metier looks Professional at Ascot

Aura has an Imperial look

Bristol De Mai rules at Haydock

Minella Indo scores at Navan

Report

We start at Thurles on Thursday where in the 2m 6f listed chase Presenting Percy ( Cod, Steve), took his chance. Chased leaders, went second before 3 out, going easily 2 out, led approaching last, soon shaken up, went clear run-in, nudged out final 110yds, winning by 6 ½ l. Cod gets 29.8 points, Steve 14.9.

On Friday at Ascot in the 2m 3f novice chase, Chantry House ( Peej, Steve), went to post, Chased leader, slow jump 8th, not fluent 10th, niggled along briefly 4 out, left in second 3 out, soon pressed leader going best, shaken up to lead when good jump 2 out, ridden clear approaching last, another good jump last, winning easily by 26l. He gets 11.2 points.

In the 2m Introductory Hurdle Metier (Martin), took his chance, Jumped slightly right throughout, made all, 3 lengths ahead soon after start, ridden and went further clear approaching last, kept on well run-in, winning unchallenged by 5 ½ l. He gets 23.4 points.

At Gowran Park in the 2m maiden hurdle Ferney Hollow ( Peej), took his chance, Chased leader, hit 2nd, pressed leader after 3 out, joined leader 2 out, pushed along approaching last, not fluent when led narrowly last, kept on run-in, always doing enough , winning by 1l. He gets 22.4 points.

At Ascot on Saturday in the 2m 5f grade 2 chase Imperial Aura ( Cliff, Steve), went to post, Pressed leader, led 9th, faced challenge 13th, 3 lengths ahead after 3 out, kept on strongly from 2 out, ridden out, winning by 5l. He gets 22.3 points.

At Haydock in the 3m 1f grade 1 Lancashire Chase Bristol De Mai (Neil), Clan Des Obeaux (Cod, Neil), tool their chances. Bristol De Mai, Led, headed 4th, led again 5th, pushed along when joined before 2 out, ridden approaching last, soon 2 lengths ahead, kept on strongly run-in, winning by 2l. He gets 80.4 points. Clan Des Obeaux, Stumbled start, tracked leaders, went second 11th, joined leader and going easily before 2 out, ridden approaching last, soon 2 lengths down, kept on run-in, always held, 2nd beaten 2l. He gets 13.4 points.

At Navan on Sunday in the 3m grade 2 chase, Minella Indo ( Cod, Peej, Tony), went to post, Travelled strongly, jumped well, chased leader, raced wide, towards far side before 6th, disputed lead after 7th, tracked leader after 9th, disputed lead after 4 out, towards far side before 3 out, led 2 out, soon pushed along and clear ,winning easily by 7 ½ l. He gets 21.1 points.

At Kempton on Monday in the 2m novice hurdle Ajero ( Peej), went to post, Made all, not fluent 3 out, faced strong challenge from 2 out, kept on well run-in, ridden out, winning by 1l. He gets 27 points

In the 2m 2f beginners chase, Shishkin ( Cliff, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Jumped well, travelled strongly, prominent, led 2nd, good jump and went clear after 5th, winning unchallenged by 23l. Cliff gets 22.2 points, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve 11.1

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         November             Total

Cod              188.7             188.7

Neil              182.1              182.1

Peej              92.8             92.8

Cliff             88.9              88.9

Steve             59.5            59.5

Martin         34.5            34.5

Tony           21.1                21.1                        

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

News

Supporters of leading Ladbrokes Trophy contender Vinndication received a boost on Monday when Kim Bailey confirmed his likely participation in Saturday's historic handicap, but those who fancy stablemate Two For Gold face an anxious few days before the trainer decides if he will line up.

The wait to see Goshen return over hurdles will go on a little longer yet after Gary Moore's stable star was missing from the confirmations for Saturday's Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Champion Hurdle winner Epatante was the star name in Monday's ten-strong entry for the Fighting Fifth and is set to return, Sceau Royal, Silver Streak and Ribble Valley also have entries.

Bristol De Mai will not run again before the Cotswold Chase at the end of January after sealing his third Betfair Chase success.

The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase remains the next objective for Lostintranslation following his disappointing defence of his crown in the Betfair Chase. Speaking on Monday to the Punter, assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said: “He trotted up fine yesterday morning and has just been on the walker again today – there are no signs of any problems.

“Robbie has maintained for a few years now that he wants good ground. Dad and I thought he’d get away with softer ground a bit because he’s a big, strong horse, but it went completely heavy at Haydock on Saturday and he never travelled like he can.

“We shall make sure there is nothing else, but at the moment we’re just putting it down to the ground.”

2020/21 Jumps Issue 2 - Just a few off the mark

Headlines

Cody is Coole Winner of Paddy Power

Asterion Forlange

Eldorado Allen

Kettle To Hot for Cheltenham rivals

Abracadbras pulls win out of the Hat               

Report

We start at Punchestown on Saturday where in the 2m 3f Beginners Chase Asterion Forlange ( Neil), got the competition under way, Jumped right on occasions, led narrowly or disputed lead, tracked leader when not fluent 10th, disputed lead 4 out, led when not fluent 3 out, soon joined, led when jumped right and pecked on landing 2 out, kept on well run-in, winning comfortably by 6l. He gets 22.6 points

At Cheltenham in the 2m grade 2 novice chase, Eldorado Allen ( Neil), went to post, Held up in behind leaders, went second 3 out, soon pushed along, 2 lengths down when left clear 2 out, eased inside final 110yds, winning by 19 l. He gets 54.6 points.

In the 2m 4f grade 3 handicap chase Coole Cody ( Cod), took his chance, Prominent, led 3rd, 5 lengths ahead when slipped after 4th, went further clear 9th, reduced lead after 4 out, mistake 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on well run-in, winning gamely by 3 ¼ l. He gets 69.6 points.

On Sunday at Punchestown in the 2m grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle Abracadabras ( Cod), went to post, Held up in behind leaders, not fluent 1st, hit 3 out, close up and switched left before 2 out, pushed along and disputed lead approaching last, soon ridden, led from last, hard pressed towards finish, all out, winning by a neck. He gets 54. 8 points.

In the 2m grade 2 chase at Cheltenham Put The Kettle On ( Cliff), took her chance, Raced wide, led, headed but close up 1st, went second 4 out, mistake and ridden 3 out, 5 lengths down 2 out, rallied and led final 110yds, kept on well towards finish, Wining  gamely by 1 ¼ l. She gets 44.4 ponts

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

November             Total

Cod 124.4             124.4

Neil 77.2                77.2

Cliff 44.4               44.4

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

News

Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Shishkin, who could be the latest superstar to emerge from the Seven Barrows talent factory, looks set to start out on the trail taken by stable ace Altior in the beginners' chase at Kempton on Monday.

 

Aidan Coleman, the rider of top staying hurdler Paisley Park, is set to be the envy of many of his weighing room colleagues after being unveiled as the new partner of Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante, who is due to reappear at Newcastle in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle next week.

Evan Williams keeps on saying that Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup was mission accomplished with Coole Cody, but a teasing 6lb rise from the handicapper leaves the door open for a December Gold Cup tilt at the same track. Williams told the Punter, “I’d have been unhappy if he’d gone up more than 6lb, put it that way, a summer jumper, let’s be honest, it would’ve been harsh. I was thinking of going back to novice company where the waters would be calmer, but off 143, it is tempting, perhaps we could roll the dice again in the December Gold Cup. “The prize money in those handicaps is so lucrative, he’ll have an entry anyway. I suppose if we put a good claimer on him he’d be favourite so we’ll have a think. He’s come out of it grand, but we’ve no immediate plans.”

Silver Streak is on track for the Grade One Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday November 28. Evan Williams' seven-year-old finished third in the race last year, before finishing runner-up to Epatante in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and then he signed off his season with a sixth in the Champion Hurdle. He returned at Kempton last month in great style, beating Verdana Blue by six-and-a-half lengths to set himself up for further cracks at top-level glory this campaign.

Williams told the Punter: "He’s grand, he worked this morning and I’m really pleased with him. I’d love to take him to Newcastle [for the Fighting Fifth]. His race at Kempton last time was a lovely starting point, it was just what the doctor ordered after getting beaten in a few of those Grade Ones last year.

He looks really well and that race should suit him, so Newcastle is very much the plan."

Presenting Percy takes on Kemboy  (surprisingly not in any string) today as he aims to builds on his reappearance fourth in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal,

The first participants in the inaugural £1.8 million Racing League have been unveiled, with brothers Joseph and Donnacha O'Brien adding Irish interest to next summer's UK-based team competition.

Created by Championship Horse Racing (CHR), Racing League is a six-week competition in which 12 teams will contest 36 races, each worth £50,000. The first six teams have been announced, with each squad due to be made up of between two to four trainers, three jockeys and 30 horses.

Organisers had previously hinted at having an international element and the O'Brien brothers will represent Ireland. Northern trainers Richard Fahey and Tim Easterby will join forces, while Charlie Fellowes, Hugo Palmer and George Scott form the first Newmarket team.

Wiltshire-based trainers Roger Charlton, Alan King, Martyn Meade and Brian Meehan make up one of the three teams in the south. Andrew Balding and Richard Hannon form another team, while George Baker, David Menuisier, Gary Moore and Amanda Perrett combine for the third.