October 12 / 14.30 Hexham

14.30

Good To Soft

L&R Pest Control Services Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 48y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
SKY
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L&R Pest Control Services Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.30
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 32-3

Last run: 157 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Stoutly bred 5yo who was placed in all three bumpers, most recently when keeping-on third in quite valuable series final at Kelso (good) in May; ought to play a significant role on today's hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Battle Born Lad

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Fended off subsequent Grade 1 runner-up Wendigo to make all on hurdling debut at Hexham (2m, soft; front pair clear) in October and again dominated from the front when upped to 3m for Haydock Grade 2 in February (good to soft); may not be entirely straightforward but could take some catching.

11/2

2

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Battle Born Lad

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Fended off subsequent Grade 1 runner-up Wendigo to make all on hurdling debut at Hexham (2m, soft; front pair clear) in October and again dominated from the front when upped to 3m for Haydock Grade 2 in February (good to soft); may not be entirely straightforward but could take some catching.

11/2

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

15:50 Haydock

Battle Born Lad

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Placed in all three bumpers (heavy/good) and won on hurdle debut at Hexham (2m, soft) in October, pulling clear with Wendigo who has since finished second in a Grade 1; the Hexham form probably shouldn't be taken literally (Wendigo was making his seasonal/hurdle debut) but it was certainly a promising run and he's bred to stay this much longer trip; interesting.

10/1

6/4

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 311- C

Last run: 262 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won Irish point in spring 2023 (good to yielding) and collected bumpers here (heavy) and at Catterick (soft) last season; the Catterick form has worked out pretty well and he's a major player on this hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Wendigo

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Just nabbed on his chase debut (good) in October but stayed on strongly to pick up Newbury Grade 2 (also 2m4f, good to soft; Regent's Stroll third, Crest Of Fortune fourth) the following month; outpaced throughout but never stopped trying when third in Kempton Grade 1 (3m, good; Salver fourth, Crest Of Fortune behind) over Christmas and that was also the case until he fell at the last when 6l down in the Brown Advisory (3m1f, good to soft; Salver third) last month; solid claims.

4/1

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wendigo

11st 7lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Fifth in last year's Albert Bartlett here and very smart form over fences, winning Grade 2 at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in November; easy winner of novice at Ayr (3m, soft) 41 days ago and looks the best of the British hopes, although he may find one or two too good unless he improves again.

8/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 1521- CD

Last run: 173 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Battled on well to pip better-fancied stablemate in heavy-ground junior hurdle over C&D in April, her second hurdling start, but has more to do under penalty in deeper race today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

15:00 Hexham

Shes Notjoeking

11st 9lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won from the front at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft; front pair clear) in February and was third under much more patient ride at Ayr (2m, soft) last month; may not want the ground to dry out here but otherwise she's likely to be on the premises again.

5/1

3rd

2

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:50 Ayr

Shes Notjoeking

12st 0lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Belatedly regained the winning thread at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) but was able to dictate the pace; chance of following up may depend on whether she gets another easy lead.

7/2

1st

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

16:33 Newcastle

Shes Notjoeking

11st 8lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Usually gives her running but just 1-12 over hurdles and she lost two places late on when fourth at Kelso (2m2f, good to soft) just after Christmas; more required.

6/1

Form: 45/

Last run: 660 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made fairly encouraging hurdle debut when fifth of 14 at Ayr (2m, good to soft) in December 2022 but we haven't seen him again since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:25 Musselburgh

Prince Of Perth

11st 11lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Won over 2m4f here (good to soft) in December on handicap debut; pulled up with a respiratory noise on soft next time but returned from wind surgery for a clearcut win over C&D (good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) last month; ridden by Conner McCann for those three starts; up another 6lb but lightly raced and has more to offer.

5/1

1st

6

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:05 Musselburgh

Prince Of Perth

11st 10lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield on outer

10/1

1st

6

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:05 Musselburgh

Prince Of Perth

11st 10lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield on outer

10/1

Form: 6

Last run: 111 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced when sixth of nine in good-ground course bumper in June but makes only limited appeal on this hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Sunset Hill

12st 0lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Failed to build on an encouraging return over fences in November, but latest effort over hurdles following a break was a good step forward when a close second over C&D ten days ago; nudged up 3lb for that and yet to win in handicap company, which suggests she possibly remains on a tough enough mark.

7/1

2nd

10

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Sunset Hill

10st 9lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Won a mares' novice at Kelso in December 2024 (2m5f, soft); back over hurdles after seven runs over fences, best form when third over C&D in November (good to soft); bit disappointing since.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 41 D

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed improvement to win Wexford bumper (good to yielding) in July, his second start under rules; that form isn't anything to get too excited about but it will be interesting to see what new trainer Rebecca Menzies can do with him under rules.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Joecooker

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Rebecca Menzies

0-6 over fences but gave very good account when third in valuable series final over C&D (good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) last month and has been dropped 1lb since; big player if new headgear continues to help.

5/1

3rd

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 2

14:40 Kelso

Joecooker

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Rebecca Menzies

Placed twice in a row in December (2m4f/2m3f, soft/good to soft) and had an excuse (hampered) at Newcastle in January; heavy ground may have been against him here last time and he's not discounted now in cheekpieces.

10/1

4th

5

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 3

15:35 Kelso

Joecooker

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Rebecca Menzies

Placed off this mark in two handicap chases in December (2m4f/2m3f, good to soft/soft); hampered four out when fifth of seven to Moon Phases at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last time; might not be far away.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £6,000 after showing only minor promise in two maiden points in spring 2023; makes rules debut after 532-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

14:15 Newcastle

Walk In The Valley

11st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

midfield

20/1

Form: 4-59

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Perhaps unlucky not to finish closer to the target when fifth in mares' bumper at Worcester (good) in August, having been hampered, but was soundly beaten when 80-1 for recent hurdling debut at Warwick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Heather Honey

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (about 2m7f, good) and resumed her progress with convincing wins at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November and Haydock (3m, good to soft) one month ago; raised another 6lb and in grade but such a progressive mare cannot be dismissed.

8/1

1st

4

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

15:50 Haydock

Heather Honey

11st 11lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progress with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; two solid efforts since, including when third in a better race than this over C&D seven weeks ago; comfortably the most solid option.

9/4

3rd

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Heather Honey

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won three in a row last April-June (2m7f, good) and resumed her progressive ways with convincing win at Catterick (3m1f, good) in November; another good run when close third at Doncaster (3m, good to soft); needs something extra in this better race but further improvement isn't ruled out.

13/2

Form: 2F

Last run: 140 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
4-14 in Irish points, with the last three wins gained this year; ran big race when clear second on rules debut here (2m4f, good) in May and was still in contention before last-flight fall at Cartmel (2m6f, good to soft) a few days later; likely to be ridden very positively again over this shorter trip; hooded for first time; could take some catching.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Wise Move

11st 2lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Four-time point winner who's been thereabouts in a couple of his handicaps this season, most recently when second at Wetherby (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day; not so good on his next two outings and ran poorly in a maiden on latest, so needs to stop the rot.

10/1

8

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

14:11 Hexham

Wise Move

11st 7lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Four-time point winner who has run some good races in defeat in handicaps this season and was stretched by 3m last time; he's 0-11 under rules and exposed but is in with an each-way shout this afternoon.

12/1

4th

7

10th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:35 Ayr

Wise Move

11st 3lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

No wins in ten over hurdles but nearly put that right on Boxing Day (2m3f, soft) and didn't run too badly at Catterick having been hassled up front; probably stays this far.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Came third in a heavy-ground Irish point in March but failed to complete his other two races in that sphere and is probably best watched on this rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Powerofjet

11st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Martin Todhunter

Won at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) last November on second chase start and some good runs since, most recently 12l third of 12 in series final at Carlisle (2m, good to soft); this is less competitive; high on the list.

11/2

3rd

12

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 2

15:17 Carlisle

Powerofjet

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Martin Todhunter

Won the 2m1f handicap chase on this card last year and went in again at Newcastle in November (good to soft); subsequent defeats hint at a vulnerability off this higher mark and he was behind Tanking Along last time.

14/1

3rd

2

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 77y

Class 5

16:18 Sedgefield

Powerofjet

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Martin Todhunter

Built upon promising seasonal/chase debut when scoring at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) in November and again ran well when close fourth of six at Catterick (2m3f, good to soft) in January; drops back in trip here; might still have more to offer over fences.

9/4

Form: 3U

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Useful on the Flat at his best but mostly out of form in that sphere this year; showed only minor promise when well-held third on hurdling debut at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) in July and didn't get far at Sedgefield last month; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

Chillhi

10st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Barry John Murphy

Flat and dual hurdle winner for James Owen last summer but well beaten in three runs for new stable (Flat/hurdles) this spring; now 4lb lower than for his last success but he needs a major revival; blinkers return and visor is removed.

25/1

11th

10

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Chillhi

10st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Barry John Murphy

Flat and dual hurdle winner for James Owen last summer but well beaten on both starts for new stable last month (hurdle/Flat); might be aided by refitted visor and/or first-time tongue-tie here but has lots to prove.

33/1

8th

1

(4)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Chillhi

9st 12lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Barry John Murphy

Flat and dual hurdle winner during busy summer for James Owen last year but well beaten (over hurdles) on stable debut on Tuesday and returns to the Flat with quite a bit to prove.

33/1

14/1

Form: 25-

Last run: 229 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Lost out only narrowly when second of five in Southwell bumper (heavy) last November but that form has taken some knocks since, and he was soundly beaten when reappearing at Ayr (heavy) in February; makes hurdle debut today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:15 Ayr

Red Ned

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sandy Thomson

Unplaced all five hurdle starts; pulled up on last month's seasonal debut at Kelso (2m5f, good; race in which Be The Difference came third) but ran well to a point there and may have needed the outing; upped in trip again here; not ruled out.

16/1

7th

8

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:15 Ayr

Red Ned

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sandy Thomson

Unplaced all five hurdle starts; pulled up on last month's seasonal debut at Kelso (2m5f, good; race in which Be The Difference came third) but ran well to a point there and may have needed the outing; upped in trip again here; not ruled out.

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
First foal from a fairly useful Irish jumper; managed only fifth of seven on Irish point debut in February; considered only if attracting good market support here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:42 Perth

Bean Alainn

10st 7lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Achieved little in 2m novice hurdles last autumn but may do better now handicapping and upped in distance; similar type to the yard's runner in the first division.

10/1

2

27th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:35 Wetherby

Bean Alainn

11st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

Fifth of seven in her point and has shown nothing so far over hurdles.

100/1

2

27th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:35 Wetherby

Bean Alainn

11st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

always behind, lost touch and pulled up 3 out

100/1

Form: 57-

Last run: 182 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a good jumping family but failed to build upon his fairly encouraging bumper debut when well beaten on second start; makes hurdling debut after six-month absence; not the most obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

15th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:20 Wetherby

Tees Comps Clive

10st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Gillian Boanas

0-11 over hurdles but comes here after making the frame on consecutive appearances at Perth (2m4f/3m, good) this summer and is not yet fully exposed at about 3m; each-way claims at least.

7/1

4th

12

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:35 Perth

Tees Comps Clive

10st 7lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Gillian Boanas

No wins in 12 but ran his best race since wind surgery when beaten only half a length over 2m4f here recently; could build on that and should stay this far.

13/2

3rd

7

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Perth

Tees Comps Clive

10st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Gillian Boanas

Unplaced all nine hurdling starts, albeit he ran well when fourth on soft ground at Newcastle (2m6f) during the winter; recent efforts have been underwhelming; needs to raise his game.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.30
Straight Forecast £12.66
Trifecta £83.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Wendigo

POSTDATA:

Joecooker

The Sun:

She's Notjoeking

The Times:

Chillhi

RP RATINGS:

Wendigo

LAMBOURN:

Wendigo

Daily Mail:

Wendigo

D Express:

Wendigo

Daily Mirror:

Wendigo

The Star:

Wendigo

Daily Record:

Wendigo

Telegraph:

Joecooker

The Guardian:

Joecooker