December 11 / 13.20 Hexham

13.20

Soft

Visit mybettingsites.com Ireland Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 4f 28y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Visit mybettingsites.com Ireland Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.00
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 3/62/

Last run: 735 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Rare runner here from this yard; has been off since finishing short-head runner-up in a strong novice hurdle at Leicester two years ago (2m4f, soft; winner, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth and ninth have all won since); has a definite chance if retaining his ability after a long break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 4

16:00 Catterick

Not A Light

11st 5lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Didn't jump well on chase debut at Windsor in November but better in that department when runner-up at Wincanton (3m1f, soft) last month, when clear with an improving winner; this lightly raced 9yo is entitled to respect.

9/2

2nd

8

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

12:07 Wincanton

Not A Light

11st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Lightly raced 9yo; let down by his jumping on chase debut and again not at his best returned to hurdling a month ago (3m; in a first-time hood that's now discarded); now has a bit to prove.

16/1

7th

4

10th Feb 2025

Good

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

16:00 Catterick

Not A Light

11st 8lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

The form of his near-miss in a soft-ground 2m4f novice at Leicester in December 2022 is strong and he returned from an absence to win a 2m4f maiden at Hexham (soft) two months ago with the minimum of fuss; brings plenty of potential into handicaps.

11/4

4/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 2-4

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten a neck by a decent prospect when second in a bumper here in April (2m, heavy) when with Toby Lawes; subsequently bought for £35,000; fair fourth in a Carlisle maiden on stable/hurdles debut last month (2m4f, good to soft); will improve for that run; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

13:13 Carlisle

Orkney Blue

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: N W Alexander

Won a C&D handicap on good to soft when back from a break in February; excuses for lesser run last time (heat stress); could bounce back.

11/2

3rd

1

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 4

13:50 Ayr

Orkney Blue

12st 1lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: N W Alexander

Lightly raced 8yo who showed improved form on his third chase start to win at Carlisle (3m, good to soft) recently; also effective on soft/heavy; accounted for 13 rivals last time and he's a strong candidate up 6lb.

2/1

1st

1

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:04 Carlisle

Orkney Blue

12st 0lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: N W Alexander

Flopped at Hexham in December on second chase start and something to prove on the back of that; however, this lightly raced bumper and two-time maiden hurdle runner-up wasn't devoid of promise when sixth on his chase/handicap debut at Kelso (2m7f, soft) in November and is not written off.

11/1

33/1

  • Place: £17.30

Form: 06

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in a UK point in March; well beaten both starts hurdling; best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

14:50 Hexham

Tan Law

10st 12lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

Lightly raced 7yo who was a fair third at Bangor (2m3f, heavy) last month on his third handicap start, but needs a bigger performance today.

9/1

3rd

7

26th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

16:35 Bangor-on-Dee

Tan Law

11st 1lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

in touch with leaders, headway after 6th, went second after 3 out (usual 4 out), lost second before last, soon weakened

16/1

4th

4

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

14:05 Sedgefield

Tan Law

11st 7lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

midfield on outer

14/1

Form: 34V-5

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
In the frame in bumpers at Carlisle in February (2m1f, soft) and Newcastle in March (2m1f, heavy); beaten 20l when fifth in a Kelso maiden on hurdles debut (2m, good); should fare much better now up in trip on this more testing ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Red Cadillac

11st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Nicky Richards

Came good with hard-fought success on his reappearance at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in November and has improved on that in two Ayr outings since, upped to around this trip and winning on soft last time; up 8lb which demands another career best but he has to be respected in current form.

8/1

1st

8

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:20 Ayr

Red Cadillac

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Nicky Richards

Came good with hard-fought success on seasonal debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in November, his seventh start over hurdles, and bettered that performance when clear second to a handicap blot here (2m3f, soft) the following month; no surprise if he plays another major role.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 523-7F BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in heavy-ground bumpers at Newcastle and Carlisle last season; fair seventh at Wetherby on hurdles debut (2m3f, good to soft); was running a better race until falling heavily at the last when in third in C&D maiden last month (good); today's softer ground should suit him; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Helsgetaway

11st 2lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

0-8 over hurdles; sound run from the front when third to a pair of dead-heaters over C&D last time (good); one with a chance.

11/2

3rd

7

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Helsgetaway

11st 6lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Exposed; fair fourth at Ayr in November (3m, soft) and may have needed the race after a break when well beaten at Newcastle last time (2m4f, good to soft).

16/1

10th

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Helsgetaway

11st 6lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Fell on chase debut at Hexham (2m4f; 3-1) in October; failed to stay 3m (ran respectably) back over hurdles at Ayr the following month; off since but 8lb lower than when first introduced to handicapping 14 months ago; stablemate of Snow Dragon.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden point in Ireland in February by 92l after being left clear when the leader fell at the last (3m, heavy); wears a hood on hurdles/stable debut; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:20 Hexham

Worth The Walk

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Runner-up twice at Market Rasen last season, but failed to finish on her other three starts; no easy task from 9lb out of the handicap.

16/1

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

14:41 Hexham

Worth The Walk

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Lightly raced 9yo who arrives in good form, runner-up to Scottish King in 3m Musselburgh handicap last month; this point winner needs considering despite being 2lb out of the handicap.

7/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Off the mark in Irish points in a maiden in testing ground in April (3m); subsequently bought for 30,000euros; quite interesting on stable/hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:46 Kelso

Always A Reason

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won in January on first two chase starts (2m4f/2m3f, good to soft/soft) and bounced back from a lesser run when second here (2m5f, good to soft) 12 days ago in a first-time tongue-tie (retained); won a 3m point in 2024 and there's every chance he'll stay this far under rules; high on the list.

7/2

2nd

8

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 2

14:40 Kelso

Always A Reason

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won in January on first two chase starts (2m4f/2m3f, good to soft/soft), shaping each time as though he had more left in the tank; soundly beaten at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) since but that maybe shouldn't be taken as a sign that his current mark is beyond him; cheekpieces go on.

8/1

5th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:10 Newcastle

Always A Reason

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Progressed well over hurdles; didn't appear to be doing a lot in front when just holding on to make it 2-2 over fences at Catterick (2m3f, soft; second run in cheekpieces); has another 6lb to contend with but very much heading the right way.

5/1

Form: 05

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Close second in four of his five starts pointing in Ireland; hasn't shown a great deal in two hurdle runs over 2m4f at Carlisle; best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

18th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

13:52 Bangor-on-Dee

Tory Hill

10st 6lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

In new cheekpieces when second to a thriving rival at Carlisle (3m, good) and won't be far away if as good again.

10/1

2nd

9

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

15:27 Carlisle

Tory Hill

10st 2lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Back from layoff with three disappointing runs this season and now 0-4 over fences; needs combination of drier ground and first-time cheekpieces to make a big difference.

20/1

5th

5

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

17:15 Wetherby

Tory Hill

10st 6lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Lightly raced 8yo who finished runner-up in four points; however, pulled up over fences on last two starts and a major turnaround is necessary.

14/1

50/1

Form: PP-8

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hasn't shown a great deal in three runs over hurdles and looks more one for handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

13:20 Hexham

Red Sam

11st 4lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

Hasn't shown a great deal in three runs over hurdles and looks more one for handicaps.

50/1

9th

7

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

13:20 Hexham

Red Sam

11st 4lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

Hasn't shown a great deal in three runs over hurdles and looks more one for handicaps.

50/1

8th

7

8th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

14:10 Hexham

Red Sam

11st 4lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

prominent, reminder and lost ground before 4th, soon pushed along and struggling in rear

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
By Stewards' Cup winner Intrinsic out of a winning 2m4f hurdler; 6yo who is best watched on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

10th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

17:50 Hexham

Bobby J

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ben Haslam

Well beaten on his two completed starts over hurdles; would be a surprise winner.

66/1

5th

1

10th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

17:50 Hexham

Bobby J

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ben Haslam

Well beaten on his two completed starts over hurdles; would be a surprise winner.

66/1

10

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

14:35 Sedgefield

Bobby J

10st 5lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Haslam

held up in rear, outpaced and reminders 4th

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.10
Straight Forecast £4.38
Trifecta £281.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Not A Light

Telegraph:

Orkney Blue

POSTDATA:

Helsgetaway

D Express:

Always A Reason

Daily Mirror:

Orkney Blue

RP RATINGS:

Not A Light

The Times:

Not A Light

The Guardian:

Not A Light

Daily Mail:

Not A Light

The Sun:

Not A Light

The Star:

Not A Light

Daily Record:

Not A Light