Hi all,
This will be a short one due to time constraints. However, there are a couple of jump racing future winners to be found inside.
Ferny Hollow RIP
Sad news emerged yesterday with the loss of Ferny Hollow, who died following his fall in Sunday’s Hilly Way Chase.
The Cheltenham Festival winner appeared sore but was standing after the fall. However, the extent of his injuries proved fatal. Unbeaten over fences before Sunday, this was only his second start since December 2021.
Plagued by injuries throughout his career, it’s tragic that such a supremely talented horse couldn’t fulfil his potential. Rest in peace, Ferny.
All-Weather Takes Over
Monday’s action featured one jumps card with six races, alongside three all-weather meetings offering 25 races. You could be forgiven for questioning if this is the jumps season at all.
The all-weather scene, dominated by a relentless stream of Class 5 and 6 races, is slowly but surely taking over. It’s consistent, yes—but the quality often leaves much to be desired.
New Zealand: Gone to the Dogs
New Zealand has announced a ban on greyhound racing, leaving just the UK, Ireland, Australia, and the USA as bastions of the sport.
In truth, UK greyhound racing has been on borrowed time for years. While it was once a thriving working-class sport, it has become increasingly focused on serving big bookmakers. Its end in Britain feels inevitable.
And what of jump racing? It’s not under immediate threat, but the long-term trajectory is evident. It may be decades away, but the writing is on the wall.
Future Winners
A couple of horses to follow emerged from the weekend's action:
Dunnet Head
Ran a promising race on chase debut on heavy ground at Kelso in Sunday’s 2m 7f handicap chase. He was working his way into contention before a mistake two out ended his chances. Not given a hard race thereafter, he looks capable of picking up wins over fences—likely on better ground.
Captains Nephew
Returned from a break to contest Saturday’s Foxrock Handicap Chase at Navan. Travelled strongly into the race before fading late, likely due to a lack of race fitness and the extended 2m 4f trip. Plenty to build on here, and he should find another race this winter.
Tuesday Racing
The highlight on Tuesday is the Class 2 Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap (6;00) at Southwell.
Bedford Flyer returned from a 151-day break to finish fifth of nine at Lingfield last time. That effort was better than it looked—he blew the start, as he been prone to do of late. A previous C&D winner, he can get involved if breaking on level terms this time.
In tomorrow's column I'll begin my look at the weekend's big race action.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets!
John