December 29 / 13.28 Kelso

13.28

Good To Soft

Half Price Racing TV At racingtv.com/sale Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 0f 51y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Half Price Racing TV At racingtv.com/sale Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1- D

Last run: 593 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won his final point and impressed in adding a good-ground bumper at Newcastle, beating one who has progressed well; the glaring concern is that he's been absent for 593 days, so market confidence would be welcomed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:05 Ayr

Captain Butler

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

Runner-up here (2m4f, soft) in November and suited by the step back up in trip when fourth of 14 at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) four weeks ago, beaten just over 2l; that form looks solid; could again be thereabouts.

9/1

4th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:30 Kelso

Captain Butler

11st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ruth Jefferson

Course maiden hurdle winner who was a promising second on handicap debut at Ayr (2m4f, soft) in November; not beaten far in fifth when back over hurdles at Haydock (1m7f, good to soft) in January and the step back up in trip could be a positive move; possible player.

8/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 5/73-6

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Shaped well in his three bumpers and made a respectable start over hurdles at Chepstow in a maiden won by the smart The New Lion; a hood is now added; likely to run well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

25th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

15:30 Catterick

Ballyvango

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Has largely consistent RPRs (bumpers/hurdles); creditable second over 2m at Kelso and Uttoxeter (behind subsequent scorer) since wearing a hood; solid claims in the retained headgear.

11/4

2nd

1

25th Jan 2025

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:57 Uttoxeter

Ballyvango

11st 8lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Ability in bumpers and was second in a 2m maiden hurdle at Kelso last month (good to soft), though he pulled hard despite the fitting of a hood and didn't help himself on the run-in by hanging; take out the winner and that didn't look a strong race.

9/4

2nd

1

25th Jan 2025

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:57 Uttoxeter

Ballyvango

11st 8lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Ability in bumpers and was second in a 2m maiden hurdle at Kelso last month (good to soft), though he pulled hard despite the fitting of a hood and didn't help himself on the run-in by hanging; take out the winner and that didn't look a strong race.

9/4

11/4

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 2

Last run: 173 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
They finished in a heap (off a steady pace) when he went down narrowly in a Uttoxeter bumper (soft) but the winner has since finished third in another at Cheltenham; clearly talented.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Jehol De Thaix

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Came good at sixth attempt, keeping on resolutely at Newcastle (2m6f, good to soft) three weeks ago; 6lb higher here but has plenty of scope for further progress if his jumping is more fluent this time.

7/2

1st

6

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Newcastle

Jehol De Thaix

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Perked up again sent handicapping for his two starts this season, in fact best effort when second of nine at Haydock (2m5f, good to soft; up 3lb today) last time; on that evidence this longer trip will suit him well.

5/2

2nd

8

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 50y

Class 5

16:25 Haydock

Jehol De Thaix

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Shaped quite well before fading into sixth of ten on seasonal/handicap debut at Wetherby (2m5f, good) in October and probably still has some potential but he's been off for another four months since.

12/1

Form: 544-5

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Showed more here three weeks ago when about 5l behind Tuppence; has her and others to worry about.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

That One

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: James Walton

Made all to win a 2m novice hurdle here last April and follow-up effort when runner-up in a handicap at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) was promising; however, both hurdling efforts since haven't been so good and he was a mid-race faller on last month's chase debut; should stay this far and he's on a competitive mark if recapturing initial promise.

25/1

2

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

That One

12st 0lb

J: Jack Power

T: James Walton

Won the novice hurdle (2m, good) on this card 12 months ago; he needs to improve upon what he produced in two handicap hurdles in February but the return to Hexham could help and he might be suited by the switch to fences.

12/1

Form: 5

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £35,000 after finishing third in an Irish point; dropped out to be beaten about 14l in a bumper here (13-2).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

10th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:35 Ayr

Burning It Up

11st 11lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Maiden; best run this season when a head second to a well-handicapped, subsequent winner when fitted with cheekpieces (retained) at Newcastle last time (2m4f, soft); clear of the rest that day so although up 2lb is one with a chance.

2/1

2nd

3

27th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

16:10 Newcastle

Burning It Up

11st 8lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Eight-race maiden over hurdles; showed some promise when placed in novice company last season but has been rather disappointing in handicaps from 2m-3m this term; cheekpieces now tried.

16/1

Form: 25

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Winning pointer; runner-up in a good-ground maiden at Carlisle but probably has to improve on that form and he's since finished well behind on soft ground at the same course.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

16th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Cahiers Den

11st 12lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

RPRs have been improving gently since sent handicap chasing, and a better jump at the last may have seen him oblige at Newcastle latest (3m, good to soft); won't mind good ground, having won an Irish point on it.

3/1

2nd

1

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

15:30 Newcastle

Cahiers Den

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Maiden point winner who is 0-9 under rules; however, best form when switched to chasing for handicaps at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft) and Wetherby (3m, soft) on last two outings and he may well be on the premises.

11/4

3rd

6

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:25 Wetherby

Cahiers Den

10st 10lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

3m point winner who is 0-8 under rules; respectable fourth on chase debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft) last month; there's stamina in his pedigree and he's a possible improver now up in trip; not ruled out.

7/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Former Listed winner on the Flat but hasn't found his best form this year; goes hurdling at the age of seven.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:55 Perth

Chichester

11st 4lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Very smart when at his best on the Flat but doesn't look the force of old and pulled up here in June on handicap debut over hurdles.

20/1

1

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

14:12 Perth

Chichester

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Makes handicap hurdle debut looking well treated on best Flat form, albeit with recent evidence (including under this code) suggesting he's not the force of old.

6/1

2

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:18 Perth

Chichester

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Smart at his best on the Flat; made low-key start to hurdling career during the winter but positives can be drawn from his fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in February and he ought to be better suited by the faster ground here.

7/2

Form: 77

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has beaten one rival in bumpers at Perth and Ayr; couldn't be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:32 Perth

Split Stone

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Low-level form in a bumper and three hurdles; highly likely to be outclassed.

100/1

7

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:32 Perth

Split Stone

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Low-level form in a bumper and three hurdles; highly likely to be outclassed.

100/1

6

16th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

14:00 Musselburgh

Split Stone

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: N W Alexander

midfield, lost ground and reminders 4th, soon dropped to rear, tailed off when pulled up after 4 out

50/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 599 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two of his four points but has a lot more on his plate on this hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:00 Kelso

The Back Braes

12st 0lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Charles Marini

0-7 under all codes but returned from long layoff with close/clear second behind Flying Skipper in Friars Haugh point (3m, good to soft) for new trainer last month, and has possibilities here if that run brought him on.

25/1

9th

13

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

13:28 Kelso

The Back Braes

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

Placed in two of his four points but has a lot more on his plate on this hurdling debut.

33/1

9th

13

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

13:28 Kelso

The Back Braes

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

Placed in two of his four points but has a lot more on his plate on this hurdling debut.

33/1

100/1

Form: 5/P6

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up and tailed off in his two runs over hurdles; has no form claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:25 Perth

Foreva Alfie

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

7yo with only five races behind him but was pulled up at 33-1 on handicap debut in January (2m3f); hard to be confident in first-time cheekpieces.

50/1

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:25 Perth

Foreva Alfie

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

7yo with only five races behind him but was pulled up at 33-1 on handicap debut in January (2m3f); hard to be confident in first-time cheekpieces.

50/1

15/2

Form: U-4

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Still in touch when unseating three out in a French hurdle race; beaten 13l into fourth on hurdle debut here and that was a promising effort as she raced freely; has a future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

14

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Tuppence

10st 6lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Lightly raced maiden who took too strong a hold when a fading fourth on handicap debut at Musselburgh four weeks ago (good to soft); dropping back to 2m from 2m4f could work but this still commands a career best and by some way.

33/1

4th

5

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

17:00 Musselburgh

Tuppence

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Returned from a year off in maiden hurdle over C&D (good to soft) last month and ran best race yet, finishing second in a first-time hood (retained); open to improvement, especially with her jumping, and she could be a contender now going handicapping for her respected stable.

11/2

2nd

4

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

14:20 Musselburgh

Tuppence

11st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Lightly raced 6yo; far from solid on form but gives the impression she may improve for the first-time hood; returns from 12-month absence.

12/1

Form: 5

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful Flat performer who left Ralph Beckett for 6,000gns; hooded for hurdling debut at Musselburgh and never threatened (good to soft; 33-1).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

21st Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

14:25 Perth

Clan Chieftain

10st 11lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Jackie Stephen

Flat winner who is 0-8 over hurdles but hasn't been running badly; more new headgear tried but can go well.

14/1

9

8th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:15 Sedgefield

Clan Chieftain

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Jackie Stephen

Yet to score in this sphere but he arrives in good form, fourth of nine in 2m Perth handicap 13 days ago; he can make his presence felt again with blinkers added.

9/2

4th

4

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

15:08 Perth

Clan Chieftain

11st 1lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Jackie Stephen

Fairly useful at his best on the Flat; 0-6 over hurdles but was third off today's mark over C&D (good) in July and also ran well when filling same position at Kelso (2m2f, good) last week; one to consider.

7/2

Form: 36

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Just minor promise in his two bumpers and looks up against it in a race of this nature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Gonnino

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Gary Rutherford

Maiden (0-12); runner-up three times, including when chasing home Belvedere Bhoy at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft) early last month; took a sharp backward step at Kelso subsequently, so it's tough to have confidence; added cheekpieces may eke out a fraction more.

13/2

4th

5

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Gonnino

11st 4lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Gary Rutherford

0-8 over hurdles and has rather mixed record this season but ran big race in defeat at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) 16 days ago and has obvious claims if in the right mood again here.

9/2

2nd

3

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:23 Carlisle

Gonnino

11st 10lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Gary Rutherford

Lacked fluency on last month's chasing debut and now quickly reverts to hurdling; has claims if judged on his second off today's mark at Musselburgh (1m7f, soft) in December but his record is rather mixed.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to 2m-2m2f hurdle winner Atlantic Dancer; dam German 1m1f winner; this is a very belated debut and he can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

28th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

14:25 Newcastle

Atlantic Alfie

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Half-brother to a 2m-2m2f hurdle winner (RPR 112) but he was tailed off at 150-1 on last month's hurdle debut at Kelso (2m, good to soft).

66/1

6

28th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

14:25 Newcastle

Atlantic Alfie

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Half-brother to a 2m-2m2f hurdle winner (RPR 112) but he was tailed off at 150-1 on last month's hurdle debut at Kelso (2m, good to soft).

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.00
Straight Forecast £11.63
Trifecta £43.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Tuppence

SPOTLIGHT:

Ballyvango

The Star:

Jehol De Thaix

RP RATINGS:

Captain Butler

Telegraph:

Tuppence

Daily Mirror:

Tuppence

Daily Record:

Jehol De Thaix

The Times:

Ballyvango

The Sun:

Ballyvango

D Express:

Captain Butler