December 04 / 13.40 Haydock

13.40

Heavy

Watch On Racing TV Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4356.8
  • 3m 0f 58y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
Watch On Racing TV Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 21-7

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
5yo who has plenty of stamina in useful pedigree; runner-up in his Irish point, before finishing second and first in his two bumpers last winter at Chepstow (heavy); didn't live up to market expectations on recent hurdling debut at Ffos Las (2m4f) but he may have needed the run and it wouldn't be a surprise if he left that form behind over this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:50 Uttoxeter

Ski Lodge

11st 7lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Alan King

Yet to get off the mark over fences in five starts; cheekpieces worn last time are retained; steps back in trip but is getting expensive to follow.

7/1

4th

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 3

17:05 Haydock

Ski Lodge

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Has a win and a second (over C&D) from two runs here; bit disappointing at Wetherby five weeks ago after looking dangerous early in the straight, but cheekpieces and a return to Haydock could see a revival.

15/2

4th

3

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:25 Wetherby

Ski Lodge

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Runner-up behind progressive winners in December on his first two chase starts (3m/3m1f, heavy/good to soft); can make mistakes and he fell at Hereford last time, but could have a big part to play granted a clear round.

11/4

100/30

  • Place: £2.00

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in Irish point (3m, heavy) in February before being sold for £105,000 the following month; has hurdle winners on dam's side and he needs a close look now switched to rules on his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Jo Coko

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Very lightly raced point winner who scored in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Uttoxeter (3m2f, soft) in January on his second chase/handicap start; open to further improvement and today's test could be an ideal fit.

100/30

1st

8

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 2f 13y

Class 4

15:41 Uttoxeter

Jo Coko

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Irish point winner who was close up in two of his three maiden hurdles for James Ewart, both times over 3m on soft; finished last of the three finishers on stable/chase/handicap debut at Newcastle in December (2m7f, good to soft) but it wasn't a bad run; could improve and should be fitter; cheekpieces added.

100/30

4th

8

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:05 Newcastle

Jo Coko

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Ewart

led

11/4

OUR TIP

11/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 70-P02

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Didn't show a great deal in first four runs (bumpers/hurdles) but he found plenty of progress when only just caught in a Carlisle novice (2m4f, good to soft) in October; that was a big run at a massive price and has possibilities if he can build on that on this step up to 3m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Grand Geste

10st 12lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Suffered two flops in his last three races but the latest was in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; both wins since December have been here (3m1f/3m4f), latterly in the 11-runner Grand National Trial that always takes some winning; if on a going day then he would have strong claims, for all that softer ground would be preferred.

2/1

8

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Grand Geste

11st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Impressive in a useful handicap at Haydock (extended 3m1f, soft) and, following a Doncaster flop, even better when he emerged on top in the Grand National Trial back at Haydock (extended 3m4f, good to soft); up another 6lb but little to prove regarding stamina and should have more to give.

14/1

1st

7

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Grand Geste

10st 12lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Impressive when winning the Tommy Whittle here (extended 3m1f, soft) in December and on that evidence today's 10lb higher mark may not be beyond this unexposed 7yo; he's a lot better than he showed at Doncaster (3m, soft) three weeks ago but has something to prove following that flop.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Progressive in Irish points and was sold for £60,000 after his clearcut win (3m, soft) in March; out of half-sister to a useful hurdle winner Western Run (2m3f/2m7f) and he's an interesting contender on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

16:15 Huntingdon

Star Of Diamonds

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

Won an Irish point two years ago; hasn't progressed under rules (including three chases but back hurdling last time) despite often being short in the betting; presumably thought capable of better and perhaps cheekpieces can bring him on.

12/1

7th

2

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 82y

Class 5

13:05 Wincanton

Star Of Diamonds

12st 0lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Irish point winner but he's been expensive to follow under rules (0-6) and was pulled up in a handicap chase at Chepstow (2m7f, soft) last month; has something to prove and he needs a transformation back over hurdles.

9/1

9

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:47 Chepstow

Star Of Diamonds

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Soundly beaten on seasonal/handicap/chase debut in November but was running well until two slow jumps cost him ground on final circuit at Warwick (3m, soft; ended up well held in third) last month; remains lightly raced and still has a bigger performance in him.

8/1

Form: 346-5

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
2m4f point winner; promising third at Cheltenham in the first of his three bumpers and he wasn't beaten far when fifth on hurdling debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) in October; that was behind a useful prospect and has each-way claims if he can build on that over this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

13:40 Haydock

Martin Plage

11st 4lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

2m4f point winner; promising third at Cheltenham in the first of his three bumpers and he wasn't beaten far when fifth on hurdling debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) in October; that was behind a useful prospect and has each-way claims if he can build on that over this longer trip.

9/1

5th

5

4th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

13:40 Haydock

Martin Plage

11st 4lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

2m4f point winner; promising third at Cheltenham in the first of his three bumpers and he wasn't beaten far when fifth on hurdling debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) in October; that was behind a useful prospect and has each-way claims if he can build on that over this longer trip.

9/1

5th

10

16th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

14:00 Wetherby

Martin Plage

11st 0lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

2m4f point winner who was a promising third of 15 on bumper debut at Cheltenham (2m, good to soft) last October; two lesser runs followed but it's possible he'll get back on track following a break; not ruled out on hurdle debut for trainer who won this race last year.

8/1

Form: 3-357

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made it sixth-time lucky in Irish points when winning in the mud in February; made promising start under rules when third in Cork bumper (2m3f, soft) in April but he's found things tough in three hurdle runs (2m/2m4f) for new yard this season; has plenty to find now upped to 3m and remains best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:04 Carlisle

Shadow Chaser

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Point winner who was no match for Uptown Harry but still ran well when runner-up in first-time blinkers on his chase debut at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) last month; has since left Sandy Thomson; open to improvement in this sphere and he's one to consider now starting out for Mark Walford.

9/2

2nd

9

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:00 Newcastle

Shadow Chaser

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Merely seventh over hurdles on last two starts but before those he was second of 14 on his stable/seasonal debut at Ayr, and this point winner could be suited by today's switch to fences; not ruled out now in headgear.

12/1

Form: 7/6

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-5 in points but was 25-1 on hurdling debut at Bangor (2m7f) last month and she finished a long way behind Carrig Kate; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

18th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

13:52 Bangor-on-Dee

Subtle Fortune

11st 13lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mel Rowley

Rules wins (including one chase) came on soft or heavy but it was good ground when close up behind Streamsforth Lad over C&D last month; good chance.

8/1

3rd

3

31st Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Subtle Fortune

11st 12lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mel Rowley

Her hurdle win was on soft and the chase win at Hereford two runs back on heavy; had luck on her side that day and was then beaten 10l off this mark at Leicester (good to soft); however, at least she's a recent winner and did win a point on good ground.

8/1

4th

3

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

15:30 Leicester

Subtle Fortune

11st 8lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Mel Rowley

2m6f soft-ground mares' novice hurdle winner at Uttoxeter in December 2024; struggled in a couple of handicap hurdles back from almost a year out, but made a winning chase debut, ridden by Darren Andrews, when left clear at Hereford (3m1f, heavy) last month; may have been lucky but respected off 2lb higher.

3/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in three mares' Irish points this year but she's still a maiden after 13 starts in that sphere and is best watched on this switch to hurdling; hood added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Carlisle

Vroomoz Eile

11st 11lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Won novice hurdle here (2m3f, soft) last February and she returned to form when third of seven at Haydock (3m, good to soft) in December following a break; could build on that latest effort and she's a possible player.

10/1

10

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

16:00 Cartmel

Vroomoz Eile

10st 10lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: James Moffatt

Came good for James Moffatt at third attempt, in Carlisle novice hurdle (2m3f, soft) in February, and was reportedly unsuited by the good ground when well-held sixth here (3m1f) on handicap hurdle debut in May; remains unexposed under rules and has plenty of Irish pointing experience to call upon on this chasing debut; interesting.

10/1

Form: 4V-05

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Debut fourth in Kelso bumper in February was promising but he's been well held at biggish prices in two hurdle runs (2m4f) this autumn; still early days and now steps up to 3m but he's probably more of a handicap prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:00 Hexham

Balking

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Very lightly raced 8yo who was 25-1 runner-up on handicap debut at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) last January; soundly beaten at Ayr this February on sole run since but may have needed that outing; not discounted.

10/1

8th

6

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:00 Ayr

Balking

11st 6lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Very lightly raced 8yo who had wind surgery prior to his handicap debut last January and finished second of 16 at Wetherby (2m3f, soft; 25-1); absent since but he'll be bang there if resuming where he left off.

12/1

2nd

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

14:05 Wetherby

Balking

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Dianne Sayer

took keen hold, in rear

16/1

66/1

Form: 5-P

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Eyecatching fifth at Warwick in his sole bumper but was pulled up at 125-1 on hurdling debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft) last month; cheekpieces worn last time are now removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

4th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

13:40 Haydock

Ligety

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Toby Bulgin

Eyecatching fifth at Warwick in his sole bumper but was pulled up at 125-1 on hurdling debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft) last month; cheekpieces worn last time are now removed.

66/1

10th

4

4th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

13:40 Haydock

Ligety

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Toby Bulgin

Eyecatching fifth at Warwick in his sole bumper but was pulled up at 125-1 on hurdling debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft) last month; cheekpieces worn last time are now removed.

66/1

7

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ffos Las

Ligety

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Toby Bulgin

Possibilities in his pedigree and his running-on fifth of 11 in bumper at Warwick (2m, good) in April showed clear promise; he wandered that day and cheekpieces are now fitted; should improve but he's probably one for later.

33/1

Non-runners

Carrig Kate, Intertwine

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.30
Straight Forecast £18.58
Trifecta £130.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Carrig Kate

Daily Mail:

Jo Coko

TOPSPEED:

Grand Geste

Telegraph:

Ski Lodge

The Star:

Star Of Diamonds

D Express:

Jo Coko

Daily Mirror:

Jo Coko

The Guardian:

Grand Geste

The Sun:

Ski Lodge

RP RATINGS:

Carrig Kate

POSTDATA:

Carrig Kate

The Times:

Carrig Kate

Daily Record:

Carrig Kate