October 30 / 14.25 Carlisle

14.25

Good To Soft

Gordon Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £6807.5
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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Gordon Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1/11- D

Last run: 194 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in three races, having won last season on his two hurdle starts (2m4f, soft/good); in a hot race for his chase/handicap debut and he jumped to the left over hurdles, which is a slight concern at this right-handed track, but he has considerable potential for last year's winning stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Iron Bridge

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

A strong stayer but with a strike-rate of only 2-17 over fences and excuses are wearing thin; on the plus side, they were solid enough efforts on last two starts (3m4f/3m6f) and he nearly won off this mark on his reappearance (3m2f).

9/2

3rd

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Iron Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Struggled on heavy ground two starts ago (first-time cheekpieces) but quickly got back on track with battling second at Haydock (3m4f, good to soft) this month; remains on a workable mark and good ground also suits; ought to make his presence felt again.

7/2

2nd

1

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

14:45 Haydock

Iron Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Last win came here back in 2022 and he's not proving easy to catch right nowadays either, tried in cheekpieces when pulled up in 3m2f handicap chase at Wincanton in January; others are preferred.

7/2

7/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 14F21- C

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won the novice hurdle on this card on his reappearance 12 months ago (2m4f, soft) and added another novice hurdle win at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in April; he was a comfortable winner of his sole point start in 2020 (2m4f, soft) and could be a useful prospect for fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Harpers Brook

11st 4lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Quirky customer who tends to idle when striking the front and needs to be produced with a well-timed challenge; on a good mark now and Kielan Woods knows his foibles well but he's seemingly on the downgrade and always comes with extra risk.

11/2

5th

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

15:13 Doncaster

Harpers Brook

10st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Back in better form, albeit wilted a bit late on, at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) last time and remains below last winning mark but continues to carry risk, being a quirky sort.

8/1

16/1

  • Place: £7.10

Form: /2341- D

Last run: 193 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the sixth attempt over fences in first-time cheekpieces (retained) for Paul Nicholls at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) in April; has an experience edge but his jumping can lack fluency and others in this line-up have greater potential; has changed yards (remains in same ownership).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

25th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Worcester

Ubetya

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

midfield

14/1

3rd

1

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

20:15 Uttoxeter

Ubetya

12st 2lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Very well handicapped on old chasing form and seemed to have turned a corner when fourth over hurdles at Ludlow (3m, good) in April but last month's Huntingdon fouth was a rather laboured effort and others in this field have more persuasive profiles; won't mind what the weather does.

14/1

4th

7

21st May 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:40 Huntingdon

Ubetya

11st 4lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Lost his way over fences last season and was safely held when back over hurdles in February but last month's staying-on fourth at Ludlow (3m, good; about 6l behind Planet Legend) was much more encouraging, and he remains very well handicapped on older form.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1242- D BF

Last run: 256 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed a solid campaign in novice hurdles last season (2m3f-2m5f, soft/good to soft) and this point winner could be a big improver for his top yard now tackling fences; handicap debut; wind op since last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Viva Lavilla

11st 12lb

J: Miss Molly Legg

T: Anthony Ward-Thomas

Quite useful for Dan Skelton a few years ago but his only win since 2021 came in a two-runner point and was well beaten in his last two points.

33/1

20

2nd May 2025

Good

4m 0f 97y

Class 4

19:30 Cheltenham

Viva Lavilla

11st 12lb

J: Miss Molly Legg

T: Anthony Ward-Thomas

Quite useful for Dan Skelton a few years ago but his only win since 2021 came in a two-runner point and was well beaten in his last two points.

33/1

Form: 116B-

Last run: 239 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Impressed on his first three starts, winning a point (3m, soft to heavy), a bumper (2m, soft) and a maiden hurdle (2m, good to soft); respectable efforts in Grade 2 novice hurdles on his final two outings last season and this highly regarded 6yo could play a leading role on his chase/handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 3

14:13 Ayr

Donny Boy

11st 4lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner who ran well in two handicap chases here in 2024; however, this 10yo has been absent since being pulled up at Newbury that November and faces a very tough assignment on his return.

25/1

10

30th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

15:20 Newcastle

Donny Boy

10st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over rules fences but knocking at the door for a while, finishing a highly creditable third at the Scottish National meeting at Ayr (3m, soft) in April and reappearing with a good second there (2m4f, good) four weeks ago; effective here and there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

8/1

10

30th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 1

15:20 Newcastle

Donny Boy

10st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over rules fences but knocking at the door for a while, finishing a highly creditable third at the Scottish National meeting at Ayr (3m, soft) in April and reappearing with a good second there (2m4f, good) four weeks ago; effective here and there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

8/1

Form: 12257/ D

Last run: 562 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his 2020-21 hurdle form and his in-form trainer's horses often make better chasers; not ruled out but he's returning from a long absence in a hot race and others make greater appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:30 Hexham

No Regrets

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Veteran; has won on soft ground, but seems best on good ground; fair second over C&D in October (good) but has been beaten more than 30l on his two subsequent starts.

12/1

8th

9

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

No Regrets

10st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Bagged a silver medal on penultimate start but has lacked consistency otherwise this term; the 12yo faces a stiffer task in this competitive field on return from a break.

20/1

4

11th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:55 Hexham

No Regrets

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

C&D winner but his last success was 17 months ago and he struggled at Kelso (2m5f, good) last month; now goes back up in trip but he's not easy to predict and others are preferred; regular visor removed.

16/1

Form: 7/112-

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
3m point winner who scored over hurdles early this year on his first two starts for Donald McCain (2m, good/heavy), and was a fair second at Ayr (2m4f, good to soft) when last seen in April; given his point win, and who he's trained by, his form could go to the next level now switched to fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

Grey Skies

11st 11lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Won twice in blinkers on good ground last summer (2m/2m1f) but was given a break after two disappointing runs in the autumn and made a low-key return without blinkers last month; has blinkers back on today but needs to get back in the groove.

20/1

7th

7

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

19:00 Hereford

Grey Skies

11st 3lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Two wins last summer (2m/2m1f, good), the latest off just a 1lb lower mark; form has dipped in his last two races, at Cheltenham and then Carlisle where he should have run better; absent since November.

12/1

15

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

14:25 Cheltenham

Grey Skies

10st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Perked up by blinkers this summer, winning twice, but faded into third after setting the pace in run-of-the-mill Worcester handicap (2m, good) last month and is patently not the force of old.

25/1

Form: F2P-13 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won a novice hurdle by 8l at Worcester (2m7f, good to soft) in May and, having won four of his five point-to-point starts, he has the credentials to do well over fences; not written off following his disappointing show over hurdles 24 days ago but it's hard to be confident on the back of that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

26th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

15:27 Fontwell

High Stakes

11st 11lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Warren Greatrex

Bumper and 2m7f hurdle winner (good to soft); has been unable to kick on over fences; returned to hurdles for reappearance at Cheltenham (2m5f, good to soft) latest, when creditable fifth; more needed.

6/1

5th

15

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

High Stakes

11st 4lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Warren Greatrex

Useful form as a novice hurdler but lost his way last season, predominantly over fences; now has to prove he can turn the tide.

25/1

Form: F46U2- D

Last run: 222 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Twice went very close over fences last season, including when last seen at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) in March; however, he's now 0-8 in chases and could be vulnerable once more against numerous likely improvers; wears first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

18th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 3

15:05 Catterick

Frimeur De Lancray

11st 1lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Sue Smith

Twice runner-up last season but tailed off on recent return at Carlisle (2m4f, in first-time cheekpieces, retained), taking his record over fences to 0-9; stays 3m but will need to leave latest effort behind.

9/1

9th

12

30th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Carlisle

Frimeur De Lancray

10st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Sue Smith

in touch with leaders, bumped 2nd, pushed along and outpaced after 11th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, behind when jumped left last

10/1

5

12th Oct 2022

Good

2m 3f 85y

Class 3

15:05 Wetherby

Frimeur De Lancray

10st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Sue Smith

Yet to win in eight attempts over fences but he's twice been beaten a nose, including over C&D (good to soft; rallied) in March; reappears in first-time headgear off the same mark; possibilities if ready to roll after seven-month absence.

5/1

Form: 1113P- D

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won first three rules starts (2m1f-2m4f, good/soft) before a solid third in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Kelso (2m2f, soft) in March; lame when pulled up early in Aintree Grade 1 in April; this very lightly raced point winner is open to improvement now switched to fences and is on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

6

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Bold Endeavour

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Back with Nicky Henderson last season and showed he retained a chunk of ability on first two starts, latterly when seventh of 24 in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good); made the running at Aintree (22-1) four weeks ago but ended pulled up; remains well handicapped on old form but there's been no win since January 2023.

20/1

18

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Bold Endeavour

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Back with Nicky Henderson after last season with Laura Morgan; had marks in the 140s at his peak and has shown he still retains a good chunk of that ability in his two outings after a year off, latterly finishing seventh of 24 to Supremely West in the Pertemps at Cheltenham (3m, good).

16/1

7th

21

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Bold Endeavour

10st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Back with Nicky Henderson after last season with Laura Morgan; third of six to Ace Of Spades at Huntingdon in January came after a year off and was a partial revival; potentially thrown in if he builds on that, as he was fourth in the 2024 Pertemps Final off 13lb higher; stable going well.

10/1

Form: 41F-PU

Last run: 6 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Won maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in February but looks to be on a tough mark and he unseated early on chase/handicap debut at Ayr (2m, good to soft) on Monday; was 14-1 in that four-runner race; may be best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

2nd Oct 2023

Soft

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

14:45 Newton Abbot

Peaceful Sunday

10st 9lb

J: Dylan Whelan

T: Jennie Candlish

held up in rear, no impression from 3 out

5/1

7th

5

18th Sep 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Worcester

Peaceful Sunday

11st 4lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

held up in rear, no impression from 3 out

20/1

4th

2

9th Sep 2023

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:30 Stratford

Peaceful Sunday

11st 7lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

Ex-Irish 7yo who has some fairly useful form on his CV but started off for Jennie Candlish with two very underwhelming chase runs this summer; not an easy horse to weigh up at present but drops in grade for today's hurdling return and enters calculations; refitted cheekpieces replace visor.

11/2

Form: 7/122-

Last run: 201 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle (2m, heavy) in January for Joseph O'Brien and runner-up in novice hurdles at Ayr (2m4f/3m, soft/good to soft) in spring on first two starts for this yard; trainer believes he will "improve again for a fence" but this is a tough first assignment and others look better treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

16:13 Sedgefield

Hasty Brook

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Tailed off over hurdles on both starts this winter, after a long layoff; tongue tied last four starts and now also tries cheekpieces; well down the weights but with a big question to answer.

16/1

4

26th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

16:13 Sedgefield

Hasty Brook

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Tailed off over hurdles on both starts this winter, after a long layoff; tongue tied last four starts and now also tries cheekpieces; well down the weights but with a big question to answer.

16/1

7th

2

6th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Ayr

Hasty Brook

12st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

in touch with leaders, raced in second from 2nd

14/1

Form: 43134-

Last run: 212 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
The form of his novice hurdle win at Ayr (2m5f, soft) last December worked out well and connections waste little time in sending him chasing; could improve for fences but certainly needs to take a step forward here, having been beaten in his first two handicap hurdles (3m, soft/good to soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

27th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 149y

Class 5

14:25 Newcastle

Half Track

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

He's well handicapped on last season's best efforts but this 10yo hasn't been able to threaten this term and has a poor 1-22 strike-rate.

16/1

Non-runners

Peaceful Sunday, Hasty Brook

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.20
Straight Forecast £21.07
Tricast £488.36
Trifecta £386.30

Selections

Telegraph:

Iron Bridge

WEST COUNTRY:

Harper's Brook

Daily Mail:

Viva Lavilla

POSTDATA:

Ubetya

SPOTLIGHT:

Donny Boy

The Times:

Bold Endeavour

TOPSPEED:

Frimeur De Lancray

LAMBOURN:

High Stakes

Daily Mirror:

Iron Bridge

The Star:

Iron Bridge

D Express:

Harper's Brook

The Sun:

Viva Lavilla

Daily Record:

Ubetya