December 15 / 13.20 Windsor

13.20

Good To Soft

Fitzdares Royal Windsor Racecourse Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Fitzdares Royal Windsor Racecourse Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £6.20
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 23 BF

Last run: 183 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Raced twice for Colm Murphy, finishing second to useful rival in Punchestown maiden hurdle (2m, good to yielding) then disappointing favourite in Downpatrick bumper (2m3f); the debut form gives him a leading chance returned to this sphere on debut for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

19th Mar 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 4

15:20 Haydock

Starcrossed Lover

11st 12lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Won maiden hurdle at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in December on stable debut and easily followed up at Hereford (2m, soft); tailed off in Grade 2 at Kempton (2m, good to soft) since but he's a leading contender if bouncing back to his best now back down in grade.

6/5

6th

8

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Kempton

Starcrossed Lover

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Showed promise in Ireland and has impressed in winning two minor hurdles at Windsor (good to soft) and Hereford (soft); others in here have superior form but he's unquestionably promising.

14/1

11/8

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 23362-

Last run: 267 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Consistent five-race maiden in France and has notable form, having been placed in Listed and Grade 3 events over hurdles at Auteuil (2m2f); runner-up over fences when last seen; sold for 151,000euros since; warrants respect on debut for Nicky Henderson.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

La Pinsonniere

10st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Consistent sort but she's won just once (a maiden last January) from 13 starts; rallied into a remote second here (good) last time, so perhaps a first attempt beyond that 2m5f will help the cause.

15/2

2nd

3

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 50y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

La Pinsonniere

11st 5lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Runner-up in a Listed hurdle for mares at this fixture (Cheltenham) 12 months ago; only 1-12 but she's likeably consistent and was third of 13 off this mark over Kempton's 2m5f a month ago (good) having been given every chance; solid claims once more.

7/1

3rd

5

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

La Pinsonniere

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Just one win but has been placed at Listed level and her close second in a Newbury handicap (about 2m4f, good) last March was solid form, especially after badly hampered early and didn't get the best of passages when trying to challenge; should come on for her recent return at Warwick where heavy ground probably wasn't ideal and can go well back in a handicap.

13/2

7/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 3

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown ability in Irish point and Lingfield novice hurdle (2m, soft), finishing third both times; has something to find on bare figures but remains open to improvement and could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

13:37 Bangor-on-Dee

French Emperor

11st 8lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

Came good when switched to handicaps in the autumn, winning over 2m at Worcester (good) and Cheltenham (soft), but is yet to make any further progress; flopped badly when warm favourite at Exeter (2m) a fortnight ago and has a point to prove on this first venture beyond about 2m4f under rules.

3/1

8th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

French Emperor

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Kicked off the season with handicap wins at Worcester (good) and Cheltenham (soft); has looked in the grip of the handicapper since but this is a drop in grade, so certainly not dismissed.

6/1

3rd

4

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

14:02 Chepstow

French Emperor

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Won on handicap/seasonal debut at Worcester (2m, good) in October and followed up in big field at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November; slightly disappointing when favourite at Cheltenham last month but could still have more improvement to come over today's longer trip.

5/1

Form: 152/53 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) last month on second run back from lengthy absence and may be working his way back to form; one of the main players judged on his Irish bumper figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

27th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

14:37 Uttoxeter

Realistic Optimism

10st 13lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Irish bumper winner; made underwhelming start to hurdling career last season but kept on strongly to win Stratford handicap (2m2f, good to firm; second run after wind op) this month; upped in grade here but could still have more to offer.

5/1

1st

2

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:18 Stratford

Realistic Optimism

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Irish bumper winner who had yet to reproduce that ability over hurdles until runner-up to a subsequent winner, when upped to around this trip at Warwick last month (back from a break following wind surgery); remains with handicap potential and one to consider.

6/1

2nd

4

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Warwick

Realistic Optimism

11st 7lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Irish bumper winner, unable to reproduce that promise over hurdles and soundly beaten on handicap debut at Fakenham in January, but he returns from a break having had wind surgery and with his trainer in fine form; no surprise to see a bigger performance today.

11/2

Form: 6

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Midfield (beaten 31l) in soft-ground bumper at Chepstow in October, seeming to need the run; may do better but others have stronger claims on bare form as things stand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

19

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

CEst Different

10st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

4-4 in handicaps (soft/good to soft) and strode clear for emphatic wins at Market Rasen and Newbury when stepped up to about 3m on his two runs this season; up another 10lb but he's been seeing out those races in grand style and, after just eight starts, still possesses serious potential.

7/1

1st

1

14th Jan 2026

Good

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

14:40 Newbury

CEst Different

12st 1lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Strode clear for emphatic success in Pertemps qualifier at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) in sole start this term, taking record since handicapping to 3-3; another big hike in the weights reflects his progress, which may well continue; greatly respected back down in grade.

9/4

Form: 45

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has failed to land a blow in both starts and may be more interesting in handicaps shortly; however, ran better at Newbury (race won by smart prospect) latest and could take another step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:33 Uttoxeter

Mon Kaplais

12st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Best effort in three 2m maidens was his 28l fifth of ten runners behind the smart Regent's Stroll at Newbury in November; could be a very different proposition in this low-grade handicap and a tongue-tie is added.

9/4

7th

2

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:33 Uttoxeter

Mon Kaplais

12st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Best effort in three 2m maidens was his 28l fifth of ten runners behind the smart Regent's Stroll at Newbury in November; could be a very different proposition in this low-grade handicap and a tongue-tie is added.

9/4

6th

6

15th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Windsor

Mon Kaplais

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

midfield

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has done most of his Flat racing on AW, winning two races; twice in the frame since joining new yard but the form is modest; brings limited potential to this code.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:46 Kempton

High Court Judge

12st 0lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: James Owen

Very productive on AW this year and also scored over hurdles in the spring; suffered a heavy defeat on most recent attempt in this sphere but remains well treated judged on Flat form.

7/1

2

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:27 Worcester

High Court Judge

11st 12lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Won a maiden at Huntingdon (2m, good) in May on third hurdle start and scored on the Flat at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) four weeks ago; in view of his Flat ability he has potential off this opening hurdle mark.

100/30

1st

1

(6)

30th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Lingfield (AW)

High Court Judge

10st 2lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: James Owen

Resurgent on AW in early part of this year, winning six times including over C&D; opened hurdling account in May and he had an excuse on slow ground when returned to the Flat at Hamilton in June; now drops back in grade after a break and he needs a close look returned to AW.

15/2

Form: 64

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Low-grade handicapper on Flat; comfortable held in two juvenile hurdles at Kempton since switched to this code, modest fourth latest; plenty to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(6)

18th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

14:50 Lingfield

Charles Morin

9st 1lb

J: James Glennon

T: Pat Phelan

Course winner who's finished behind Balgowan on the AW here the last twice; closely matched with his old rival on revised terms and looks set to go well again.

4/1

3rd

6

(3)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Charles Morin

9st 5lb

J: James Glennon

T: Pat Phelan

Yet to add to his 1m1f turf win here in 2024 but went close over 1m4f here (AW) in February and also ran well when fifth (just behind Balgowan) over C&D last month; probably won't be far away.

10/1

5th

6

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

17:17 Lingfield (AW)

Charles Morin

9st 5lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Pat Phelan

Beaten just a head over 1m4f here last month on his last Flat start and he ran well over 2m on turf here last July; didn't perform badly back over hurdles last week; might not be far away now reverting to the Flat.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 55-4O

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Still in with a chance and was in the process of showing improvement when running out two flights from home at Leicester (2m4f, good to soft) last time; however, comes with risk after that errant display.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Boston Boy

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Point runner-up and maiden hurdle winner but has disappointed in three chase starts this winter, pulling up at Sedgefield with cheekpieces added eight weeks ago; blinkers are tried now.

10/1

3

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 77y

Class 4

15:17 Sedgefield

Boston Boy

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Point runner-up and maiden hurdle winner for whom things could click over fences at some point; well beaten on first two chase starts and hopes are pinned on the first-time cheekpieces giving him a boost.

7/1

7th

6

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:55 Huntingdon

Boston Boy

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won Fontwell maiden hurdle (2m1f, good) in March and was not beaten far when eighth of 22 in Punchestown festival handicap in May; however, his record over hurdles was very mixed and he's a bit of a character (ran out in consecutive races last autumn); had wind op in spring; comes with risk attached on chasing debut.

15/2

Form: 7-35

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Mixed results in three bumpers, best effort when third at Ascot (good) on penultimate occasion; has ability but doesn't look an entirely solid option switched to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

11th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 4

16:10 Plumpton

Flimsy Nosebag

10st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Nick Gifford

prominent, lost ground and dropped to last after 2nd

4/1

4th

5

11th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 4

16:10 Plumpton

Flimsy Nosebag

10st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Nick Gifford

prominent, lost ground and dropped to last after 2nd

4/1

3rd

1

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 58y

Class 3

14:10 Ascot

Flimsy Nosebag

11st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

raced in second, outpaced on turn before 2 out, lost second before last, soon weakened

33/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 359 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Absent since trailing home last of 13 and achieving little in Listed bumper at Ascot nearly a year ago; best watched unless the betting suggests otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

15th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Windsor

Willoughby Cleeve

11st 7lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

held up in rear

33/1

9

15th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Windsor

Willoughby Cleeve

11st 7lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

held up in rear

33/1

Non-runners

Jackie Diamond

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.20
Straight Forecast £7.49
Trifecta £40.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Starcrossed Lover

RP RATINGS:

La Pinsonniere

TOPSPEED:

Starcrossed Lover

POSTDATA:

Starcrossed Lover

Telegraph:

Starcrossed Lover

D Express:

Starcrossed Lover

Daily Mirror:

Starcrossed Lover

Daily Record:

Starcrossed Lover

LAMBOURN:

La Pinsonniere

The Times:

La Pinsonniere

The Sun:

La Pinsonniere

The Star:

La Pinsonniere