April 20 / 16.05 Plumpton

16.05

Good

BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £39022.5
  • 1m 7f 195y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
SKY
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BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 6P41-3 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Travelled best throughout when winning last year's County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and was third in this year's renewal off an 8lb higher mark (few of these behind), having previously finished fifth in the Melbourne Cup; nudged up another 2lb but should cope with this tight track; Harry Cobden won last week's Scottish National for the yard; major player; often held up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:40 Punchestown

Absurde

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); 2024 County Hurdle winner was well below his best in that race this season back from a break (2m1f, soft); improved display at Cork when 3.25l behind Ndaawi (16.5f, yielding); a good bit to find with Lossiemouth even if running to his rating, which he hasn't done so far this term.

40/1

2nd

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Absurde

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Classy dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); below best after a break in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but should be sharper now and Harry Cobden has won on him before; top rated at 153 and obvious chance.

5/4

20th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Absurde

11st 13lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark.

16/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 013529 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
One of four for title-chasing Willie Mullins; his overall profile is hit and miss and, with this tight track in mind, it's worrying that he lost his position in the County Hurdle before running on into ninth; dropped a measly 1lb for that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

25th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 72y

16:30 Ballinrobe

Daddy Long Legs

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 3 and Listed winner over hurdles and rated 152; last sighted finishing well beaten in Southwell Flat maiden won by Constitution Hill; not seen over timber since Sussex Champion Hurdle second at Plumpton in April 2025; best treated by race conditions and the one to beat; cheekpieces on.

11/10

9th

4

(1)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Daddy Long Legs

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Not as good a hurdler as Constitution Hill but he's smart, finishing a flattering second to State Man in last year's Irish Champion Hurdle and then competitive in two strong handicaps; last seen beaten at odds-on in a 1m5f maiden at Ballinrobe but that's turned out to be a strong race and he reportedly finished lame; ability much respected on this AW debut.

9/2

6/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 613586 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
13lb lower when winning this 12 months ago and faces stronger opposition this time; however, he ran well from the front (as is his way) to be sixth in the County Hurdle and his running style is better suited to this sharper track; unlikely to get an easy lead but can see him hanging around to be competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Our Champ

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted.

13/2

1st

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Our Champ

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted.

13/2

3rd

8

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Our Champ

10st 12lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

disputed lead at fast pace, led clearly before 6th

6/1

Form: 5P-135 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in this 12 months ago on his sole previous visit to Plumpton (the only time he's worn cheekpieces); confined to only three runs in the meantime and wasn't beaten at all far off this mark in the Imperial Cup at Sandown, where it's never easy to make all; considered for title-chasing yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Knickerbockerglory

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Ran no race at Windsor in January; however, prior to that he went close in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown (2m, soft; effective on good to soft); on a handy mark if factoring in Harry Atkins' claim; front runner, and not the only one.

7/1

13th

3

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Knickerbockerglory

11st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Consistent 10yo who was third in this last year (soft) and reappeared with close second to Go Dante at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; up 2lb to a career-high mark but can give another good account and 7lb claimer Harry Atkins, who is enjoying a fine winter, rides him for the first time.

9/1

Form: 122/21 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Smart novice who missed all of last season but looks better than ever judged on her comprehensive defeat of a well-backed novice in a deep handicap at Aintree (2m, good); reliant on a good pace at this trip (stays 3m) and she should get one here; 9lb higher than last time with Tristan Durrell again claiming 3lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 2

15:20 Chepstow

Shes A Saint

11st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced for her age and returned from layoff to win at Aintree festival (2m, good) in April; also ran well in two subsequent competitive handicaps and remains unexposed over this sort of trip but needs to kick on again to overcome current mark.

14/1

7th

3

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Shes A Saint

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Stays 3m so always needs a strong pace to chase at this trip, which was the case when winning so well in a big field at the Aintree Grand National meeting (good); never threatened at Plumpton latest but again ran well in keeping on for fifth (behind Our Champ); could well arrive late on the scene to play a part in the finish.

12/1

7th

3

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:35 Haydock

Shes A Saint

11st 10lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Stays 3m so always needs a strong pace to chase at this trip, which was the case when winning so well in a big field at the Aintree Grand National meeting (good); never threatened at Plumpton latest but again ran well in keeping on for fifth (behind Our Champ); could well arrive late on the scene to play a part in the finish.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3-4633 D

Last run: 64 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Sir Gerhard

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.

14/1

6th

3

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Sir Gerhard

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.

14/1

3

15th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:55 Gowran Park

Sir Gerhard

11st 5lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Former dual Grade 1 winner whose wins also include a beginners chase here; good bit below best in two runs at Punchestown this season, dropping away tamely last time; hard to be confident in now.

7/2

Form: -48309 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Only 1lb above his last winning mark but hasn't truly threatened this season and no better for cheekpieces the last twice, in the County Hurdle and then over 2m4f at Aintree; he wouldn't be the obvious answer here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Hansard

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Had a simple task when beating two stablemates at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) in December; finished behind Jax Junior and Mambonumberfive in his runs on either side of that win; bottom of the list on ratings.

100/1

7th

7

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Hansard

11st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Only 1lb above his last winning mark but hasn't truly threatened this season and no better for cheekpieces the last twice, in the County Hurdle and then over 2m4f at Aintree; he wouldn't be the obvious answer here.

8/1

Form: -P1612 D BF

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Usually held up; has won two of his four starts for Robert Walford but came up shy off this career-high mark at Taunton (2m, good to soft) and this is tougher again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Aurigny Mill

12st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Goes well at Taunton where he won comfortably a month ago (2m, heavy; second run in cheekpieces), and has shown he can deal with this 3lb higher mark and this sort of ground; has won going left-handed and, with a strike-rate of 6-18 over hurdles, this 9yo is likable.

9/2

1st

2

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Aurigny Mill

11st 11lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Decent course record, including second in this last year off 4lb higher; showed himself none the worse for his chase debut fall at Kempton in November when third to Celtic Art over 2m3f here in first-time cheekpieces (retained) last month; claims if he can build on that; has won on heavy.

9/1

Form: 151970 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Beating the top-class novice Romeo Coolio in a 2m Grade 2 in December (yielding) scuppered his handicap mark and he's struggled since, latterly when 50-1 for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

(20)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Tounsivator

8st 10lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: W P Mullins

Last year's Royal Bond winner returned to the Flat to get third win in this sphere at Tramore in August (1m4f, good to yielding); midfield finish in the Irish Cesarewitch last time; one of two for trainer, but Sorrentino looks the pick of them.

18/1

30

(20)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Tounsivator

8st 10lb

J: Shane Foley

T: W P Mullins

One of seven for yard; won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last December; returned to the Flat with a 0.75l win at Tramore (12.5f, gd-yld) last month; 7lb higher here and this is a much tougher race but this 6yo can't be discounted.

9/1

3

(10)

16th Aug 2025

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

19:02 Tramore

Tounsivator

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: W P Mullins

Twice a winner over mid-distances in France before joining Willie Mullins and very capable hurdler (rated 139), winning Grade 2 novice, and most recently good fourth of 19 in Galway Hurdle; potentially thrown in here on Flat return.

Evs

Form: -F6435 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Has got himself well handicapped again and he was always prominent when fifth in the County Hurdle; stays further than this so expect another forward ride and, with blinkers replacing cheekpieces worn for his last three races, he could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Spirit DAunou

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th

10/1

10

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Spirit DAunou

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th

10/1

5th

15

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Spirit DAunou

10st 3lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

6yo who is well treated on last season's best form; he showed some spark at Newbury in December but hasn't been at the top of his game this term and was soundly beaten last time; others make greater appeal.

66/1

Form: 456230 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Knows what these competitive handicaps are all about and had appeared to turn a corner with big runs at Musselburgh and Sandown only to then have a shocker at Aintree when reportedly never travelling; however, the first-time tongue-tie that joined his regular cheekpieces last time is now removed and that could be significant; possibilities despite being 2lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Afadil

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

Without a win since February 2024 but gave good account when sixth (promoted to fifth) at last month's Aintree festival; 2lb lower here and well worth another crack at 2m4f; considered.

14/1

6th

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Afadil

10st 13lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

18 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; below par over 2m5f at Ascot only 12 days ago but his peak form has come at around 2m (third in this in 2024).

22/1

7th

5

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Afadil

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

17 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; big majority of his career has been at about 2m (he last went over further in October 2024) and he's never been this far.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.80
Straight Forecast £26.29
Tricast £79.89
Trifecta £128.80

Selections

The Times:

Absurde

WEST COUNTRY:

Aurigny Mill

POSTDATA:

Daddy Long Legs

SPOTLIGHT:

Afadil

RP RATINGS:

Hansard

Telegraph:

She's A Saint

TOPSPEED:

Knickerbockerglory

Daily Record:

Sir Gerhard

The Guardian:

Aurigny Mill

D Express:

Absurde

Daily Mirror:

Absurde

The Sun:

Absurde

The Star:

Absurde