January 15 / 11.45 Newcastle

11.45

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 2m 0f 190y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Evs (Won)

  • Win: £1.30
  • Place: £1.02

Form: 32

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Third on hurdle debut at Ayr (2m, soft) in November and again showed promise when runner-up over C&D (good to soft) later that month; sets a good standard for the rest to aim at.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

15:48 Kelso

Gaelic Rover

11st 9lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ruth Jefferson

Towards the rear when clipping heels and falling in Grade 2 at Kelso (2m2f) most recently; won easily at Newcastle (2m1f) the time before and enters calculations back down in class; dam stayed 3m1f.

7/4

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 1

14:15 Kelso

Gaelic Rover

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

1l second to Le Beau Madrik at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in November on second hurdle start and easily justified 30-100 odds there (2m1f, good to soft) last month; open to further improvement for stable that won this in 2017 and 2020; not discounted.

9/1

1st

3

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

11:45 Newcastle

Gaelic Rover

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Third on hurdle debut at Ayr (2m, soft) in November and again showed promise when runner-up over C&D (good to soft) later that month; sets a good standard for the rest to aim at.

Evs

33/1

  • Place: £10.80

Form: 6

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat winner with some useful form in that code; however, well beaten on last two Flat starts and soundly beaten when sixth of seven on recent hurdle debut at Catterick (1m7f, good); has to raise her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

16th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:30 Uttoxeter

Roarin Success

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Useful Flat handicapper; best run over hurdles when runner-up in a novice at Newcastle in January; fair form on the Flat since following a wind op; non-runner 8.05 Aintree Friday.

10/1

7th

5

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 4

15:10 Haydock

Roarin Success

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Donald McCain

On a fair mark on her best Flat form for Harry Charlton; some promise over hurdles for new stable and 1m4f may have stretched her when back on the Flat at Thirsk two weeks ago.

14/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 3

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Became disappointing on the Flat but useful at his best in that code and last month's hurdle/stable debut third at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) gives him something to build on; could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

4

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Whos Glen

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Donald McCain

9-1 when fifth in the Chester Cup last year for Andrew Balding, which is as good as he's ever been on Flat; 7lb lower today, having been right off the boil for that yard later in 2025; recent hurdle efforts for new stable aren't enough to persuade, especially given such a wide draw.

33/1

2nd

5

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:10 Sedgefield

Whos Glen

11st 5lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

A useful winning stayer on the Flat for Andrew Balding; yet to match that form in this sphere but he posted his best effort when third of ten in 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh 12 days ago; not out of things on this stiffer track.

5/2

3rd

6

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 2

15:55 Musselburgh

Whos Glen

10st 12lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

He could do with settling better than when tailed off in Doncaster maiden (2m3f, soft) last month; however, he was very talented on the Flat in his prime and showed some promise on his first two hurdle starts (2m4f/2m1f, good to soft); not discounted now tackling his first handicap hurdle.

16/1

Form: 03

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability when 20l third at Catterick on New Year's Day (1m7f, good; second start) but not enough to suggest he's the one to be on today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

20:07 Market Rasen

Intenzo

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Made a promising chase/handicap debut when clear second at Sedgefield (2m, good; form well advertised by winner since) in March but three lesser efforts have followed and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry.

7/1

6th

4

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

15:05 Stratford

Intenzo

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Below form on last two appearances and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry but he made a promising chase/handicap debut when clear second at Sedgefield (2m, good) in March and that form has been well advertised by the winner since; good claims if back at that level.

9/2

4th

7

6th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 4

16:32 Kelso

Intenzo

10st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Best run over fences when 3.25l second to Tanking Along (13lb worse off) at Sedgefield in March (2m, good); reportedly ran flat when well beaten at Southwell next time (2m4f, good); should fare better.

6/1

Form: 1

Last run: 250 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won good-ground bumper at Haydock last May on sole start for Don Cantillon; sold for £100,000 later that month; open to progress and could play a leading role on hurdle debut, especially if the market speaks favourably.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Worcester

So Proud

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Bought for £100,000 after winning a Haydock bumper for Don Cantillon; beaten a shade over 20l in two maiden hurdles (good to soft/good) but disappointing if he can't raise his game sooner or later.

11/2

4th

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:07 Warwick

So Proud

11st 5lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Attracted plenty of support when winning a Haydock bumper (good) one year ago; subsequently changed hands for £100,000 but weakened on stable/hurdling debut at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in January; disappointing if he's not capable of better.

10/1

5th

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

11:45 Newcastle

So Proud

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won good-ground bumper at Haydock last May on sole start for Don Cantillon; sold for £100,000 later that month; open to progress and could play a leading role on hurdle debut, especially if the market speaks favourably.

2/1

Form: 3-

Last run: 279 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
16-5 when 9l third of five on debut in bumper at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) last April; there's potential in his pedigree and a market check is advised on hurdle debut but he may be one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Swingforthefence

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Son of Soldier Of Fortune who was fitted with cheekpieces but failed to build on earlier promise when sixth of seven on handicap debut over C&D 22 days ago; he's in good hands though and might be worth another chance.

12/1

6th

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

14:18 Sedgefield

Swingforthefence

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Unable to land a telling blow in three maiden/novice hurdles since his respectable bumper debut here last April but wasn't beaten all that far at Ludlow (2m, soft) three weeks ago; upped in trip and fitted with cheekpieces for handicap debut; one of two unexposed runners from the stable in this race.

10/1

7th

8

18th Feb 2026

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:00 Ludlow

Swingforthefence

11st 2lb

J: Ian Power

T: Jennie Candlish

His third in a small-field bumper didn't amount to much and has been beaten 35l and 21l over hurdles; one for another day, perhaps.

100/1

Form: 54

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hasn't posed a threat on his two starts and his pedigree hints he'll be of greater interest when upped in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Takeyoutotheisland

10st 10lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Didn't see out his race when seventh on handicap debut at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft; Gonnino second); it's possible he needed that (off a two-month break) but, equally, stamina might have been a factor; 3lb lower and claimer ridden; not impossible.

9/1

7th

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:23 Carlisle

Takeyoutotheisland

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: N W Alexander

Unable to land a significant blow in three 2m1f novice/maiden hurdles, and might have been flattered by proximity in tactical race here last time; that said, he's open to improvement over this new trip on his handicap debut.

11/2

7th

11

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Carlisle

Takeyoutotheisland

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Modest efforts in an Ayr bumper and in two runs over hurdles; others preferred.

100/1

25/1

Form: 7

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat winner at an ordinary level; open to improvement on second hurdle start but he was down the field at 16-1 at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) last month and it's probably best to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

20:42 Market Rasen

Made All

12st 0lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Fair Flat racer; yet to make a significant impact over hurdles but was given a lot to do before finishing well for third over C&D (good) on handicap debut three weeks ago, and his recent Flat run was perfectly respectable.

5/2

3rd

5

(2)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Made All

9st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Sam England

Scored at Wolverhampton (1m4f) in March and comes here on the back of a good hurdling third at Market Rasen 13 days ago; this C&D winner must enter calculations.

6/1

3rd

1

8th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

14:45 Market Rasen

Made All

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Tapeta winner in March (1m4f), and fair effort against a pace bias back on turf latest; no chances taken with initial hurdles mark (peak RPR 78 to date), but yet to encounter a sound surface in this discipline.

13/2

Form: 67

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hurdle debut; unable to make an impact in his two bumpers (soft/good to soft) and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

8th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Carlisle

Big Jon

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Offered little in a pair of bumpers and it's been a similar story in 2m novice hurdles at Newcastle and Kelso this year; significantly more is required from this son of Elusive Pimpernel.

66/1

10th

6

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:00 Kelso

Big Jon

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

No impact in either bumper (soft/good to soft) and tailed off at 150-1 on last month's hurdle debut at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft).

200/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improved upon debut run when 6l third of six in bumper at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) last month; he might have an each-way squeak if taking another step forward on this first hurdle start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Carlisle

Art Dancer

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Chris Grant

Finished third in a couple of Sedgefield bumpers but hasn't fared nearly so well over hurdles, earning a mark of 77; sticks to a non-handicap and needs major improvement for the first-time headgear.

100/1

8th

1

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

14:00 Catterick

Art Dancer

11st 7lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

Displayed some ability in bumpers but tailed off/pulled up at big odds on both hurdle starts (2m1f/2m4f, good to soft).

200/1

1

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

13:32 Sedgefield

Art Dancer

11st 6lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Chris Grant

Not disgraced in two small-field course bumpers in the autumn but struggled when 80-1 for Newcastle maiden hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; moves up in trip today.

66/1

Form: 57

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(8)

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 5

17:00 Goodwood

Berwick Law

9st 10lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

Dual AW scorer during the winter and a possible non-stayer over 1m4f last time; return to 1m2f is a plus but she faces some likely improvers back on turf.

13/2

4th

2

(2)

8th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Berwick Law

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charlie Johnston

Two wins over shorter trip, creating a favourable impression over 1m2f at Lingfield seven weeks ago; 5lb rise asks a stiffer question of her but the new trip could unlock further progress and she can't be ignored.

7/4

1st

4

(3)

18th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:33 Lingfield (AW)

Berwick Law

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charlie Johnston

in touch with leaders, pushed along under 2f out, ridden and ran on well towards near side from over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

9/1

Form: 580

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £40.70
Straight Forecast £42.58
Trifecta £260.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gaelic Rover

POSTDATA:

Who's Glen

Telegraph:

So Proud

RP RATINGS:

Gaelic Rover

TOPSPEED:

Gaelic Rover

The Guardian:

Gaelic Rover

D Express:

Gaelic Rover

Daily Mirror:

Gaelic Rover

The Star:

Gaelic Rover

Daily Record:

Gaelic Rover

Daily Mail:

So Proud

The Times:

Who's Glen

The Sun:

Who's Glen