November 30 / 12.50 Taunton

12.50

Good

Taunton Racecourse Business Club “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4955.32
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
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Taunton Racecourse Business Club “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 52-3

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
With a Northern Irish yard when runner-up in a bumper at Stratford and later changed hands for £35,000; from off the pace he never remotely threatened Matterhorn's promising stablemate Meatloaf at Wincanton but it was a nice run; probably wants further but has solid claims if he can improve again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

30th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

14:25 Newbury

Ballee

11st 7lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Record as a novice last term featured two wins at Taunton and creditable second at Aintree; however, absent since pulling up in the Swinton in May (had wind surgery soon after); market instructive.

14/1

4/6

  • Place: £1.02

Form: /P12-1 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Reportedly struggles with his breathing and was returning from a second wind operation when comfortably defying a penalty here two weeks ago (2m, good to soft), his second win at this track; now doubly penalised but he's clearly pretty smart.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Matterhorn

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Chase record is 5-11, the most recent win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last spring; seen only twice since but ran well in a notable handicap at Plumpton (2m1f) the latest time; possibilities at the weights, provided he stays the new trip.

7/2

2nd

2

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 219y

Class 2

14:35 Plumpton

Matterhorn

11st 9lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

Made it 5-9 over fences with convincing win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last May; pulled up on sole run since, at Ascot in December, but the good to soft ground may not have suited; second in this last year; could go well.

11/2

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:48 Uttoxeter

Matterhorn

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Chase career commenced with a four-timer last spring/summer; subsequently lost his form until running well, beating all bar a similarly useful stablemate, in major handicap at Plumpton (2m1f, good) last time; possibilities, provided he's as effective back up in trip.

4/1

2/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 18-U D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a good-ground Uttoxeter bumper before finishing a respectable eighth in the Grade 2 at Aintree; well backed for hurdling debut at Exeter (2m2f, good) and was mounting a challenge when jinking and unseating three out; much respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

14:40 Perth

Go To War

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

After a brief stint over fences he got back on track in beating 14 rivals over 3m at Windsor (soft) under a positive ride; however, there was a further reminder of his inconsistency when he dropped away tamely at Haydock in February; what does heighten interest is a pretty good record when fresh.

8/1

7th

9

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Go To War

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Nicky Henderson

Back to form with a bang returned to hurdles when fending off Doughmore Bay in a valuable 3m handicap at Windsor (soft) 27 days ago; allowed to bowl along at the head of affairs in that contest and there's possible competition for the lead from the likes of Red Dirt Road, Stone's Throw and Stay Away Fay here; still no surprise were he to progress again, though.

9/1

1st

14

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Go To War

10st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Two chase efforts this season leave a doubt over his current form; disappointing in last hurdles attempt so there are enough reasons to oppose him in this competitive race.

20/1

25/1

Form: 256

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Only four ran when second in his bumper; RPRs in the high 80s when beaten 10l and 25l in 2m/2m4f novices at Plumpton; this is no easier.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:47 Fontwell

Sangiovese

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Hurdle winner who made it third-time lucky over fences when justifying favouritism at Huntingdon (extended 2m7f, good) two weeks ago; up 5lb but he was as good as ever with that clearcut win and is open to more progress at staying trips; big player in new headgear.

7/4

2nd

6

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:47 Fontwell

Sangiovese

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Hurdle winner who made it third-time lucky over fences when justifying favouritism at Huntingdon (extended 2m7f, good) two weeks ago; up 5lb but he was as good as ever with that clearcut win and is open to more progress at staying trips; big player in new headgear.

7/4

1st

1

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

18:38 Huntingdon

Sangiovese

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Winning hurdler but a hard ride and needed lots of driving before staying on into third on his second chase start at Fontwell two weeks ago (2m5f, good); at least he arrives in some form and this longer trip is worth a go.

15/8

33/1

Form: 6

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a 3m Irish point on yielding; easy to back at 20-1 and never counted on her hurdling debut at Exeter; best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

21st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Exeter

Lady Balko

11st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Made very good progress over hurdles then fences last year, with the latest of six wins gained in quite valuable mares' handicap chase at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft) in December; will be dangerous if in similar mood here but suffered a worrying slump in form on her two starts last month and needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.

10/1

1

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Lady Balko

12st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Sent chasing this term and twice made all in handicaps at Plumpton (3m2f) before always prominent to take one at Hereford (3m1f); ran poorly in mares' Listed race at Newbury 16 days ago when soft going should not have been a problem; needs to resume improvement and moves into the unknown stamina-wise.

6/1

1

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

14:45 Lingfield

Lady Balko

12st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Sent chasing this term and twice made all in handicaps at Plumpton (3m2f) before always prominent to take one at Hereford (3m1f); ran poorly in mares' Listed race at Newbury 16 days ago when soft going should not have been a problem; needs to resume improvement and moves into the unknown stamina-wise.

6/1

Form: 485

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in a point; just minor promise so far under rules and doesn't look up to winning a race of this nature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

12th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

16:10 Hereford

Heard That

11st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Three-time chase winner (at up to 3m) who was runner-up over hurdles at Southwell (2m4f, good) in March but he's inconsistent and made it 0-10 over hurdles when tailed off at Perth (2m4f, good) last month; needs to bounce back; non-runner when due to wear these blinkers for the first time 5:47 Southwell Monday.

5/1

7th

7

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:40 Perth

Heard That

11st 7lb

J: Aidan Weaver

T: Olly Murphy

Won off 7lb higher over fences here (3m, good to soft) last April; 0-9 over hurdles but runner-up in this discipline at Southwell (2m4f, good) last month; one of two for trainer with a good record in the race; chance.

13/2

Form: 71-8P D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Came from behind to win a Fakenham bumper (soft) in April; Flat bred and hasn't offered much in her first two runs over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

15th Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 3y

Class 5

15:45 Fakenham

Birdhouse

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Soft-ground C&D bumper winner last Easter but yet to run to a comparable level over hurdles, last month's Market Rasen handicap third in debuted cheekpieces (retained) still comprising a 13l beating; mark unchanged.

7/1

3rd

8

6th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

14:35 Market Rasen

Birdhouse

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

midfield, not fluent 4th, mistake 3 out

14/1

0

9

8th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

16:05 Taunton

Birdhouse

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Resolute winner of a soft-ground bumper at Fakenham last April; has kept a low profile in two completions over hurdles but she's on a plater's mark and is surely capable of better at this modest level.

5/1

Form: 7-4

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten a distance in two heavy-ground bumpers; different conditions this time and fitted with a tongue-tie, so may show more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

16th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

18:20 Uttoxeter

Getuptheyard

10st 12lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Maiden who fell in consecutive chases last autumn and was tailed off in 3m handicap hurdle on latest outing in November; has something to prove after a layoff; had wind surgery in March.

9/1

2

7th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:07 Huntingdon

Getuptheyard

11st 6lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

0-13 over hurdles but was runner-up three consecutive times in the spring (2m3f-2m7f, good); in contention for a place behind a handicap blot before penultimate-fence fall on last month's chasing debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good); good chance here if his confidence has not been dented.

4/1

Form: 28-76

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off three times since finishing second in a weak bumper at Fontwell; well behind Ballee last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

16:15 Fontwell

Ferret Jeeter

11st 5lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Three-time hurdle winner this season and added to his tally on last month's chasing debut at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft), asserting on run-in to score by 5l; only 3lb higher for this return to hurdling and won't mind if the ground ends up good; sports first-time blinkers; must be considered.

11/10

1st

1

16th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

Ferret Jeeter

12st 0lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

3-9 over hurdles, the wins at 2m5f-3m1f (one here), and recent effort off this mark under Chad Bament when second around here was solid; probably on a stiff enough mark, but appeals as the type to improve for fences and a bold showing can be expected on chase debut.

9/4

2nd

5

9th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:30 Plumpton

Ferret Jeeter

11st 0lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Made all for clearcut C&D (soft) success four weeks ago and is now 3-8 over hurdles; also suited by good/good to soft ground and might still be on the upgrade; commands respect.

9/4

Form: 50

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
The dam has produced four winners; a weakener in both her bumpers (good then good to soft); opposable in a race of this nature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

22

27th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

12:30 Chepstow

Solstice Saint

11st 0lb

T: Anthony Honeyball

Has run in two bumpers and two novice hurdles; joint-favourite for debut but increasingly big odds since and none of that form reads well.

66/1

6th

13

12th Dec 2023

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

12:45 Wincanton

Solstice Saint

11st 0lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Went off joint-favourite when midfield on bumper debut but tailed off at big odds the next twice, most recently on hurdle debut at Taunton.

100/1

10th

12

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

12:50 Taunton

Solstice Saint

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

The dam has produced four winners; a weakener in both her bumpers (good then good to soft); opposable in a race of this nature.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 9

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Finished last in his point (good to soft) and tailed off in a heavy-ground bumper at Newton Abbot; opposable for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

24th Jun 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

19:27 Newton Abbot

Bruce Gobbler

10st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Kayley Woollacott

Did not take to chasing this spring (two attempts) and now reverts to hurdling; quite well handicapped if judged on his two Taunton runs (2m/2m3f) towards end of last season; not ruled out.

9/1

7

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:50 Worcester

Bruce Gobbler

10st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Kayley Woollacott

2m4f point winner; never really threatened to win over hurdles and the same again on recent chase debut; needs a lift from cheekpieces.

12/1

5

15th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:40 Fontwell

Bruce Gobbler

10st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Kayley Woollacott

Maiden under rules but he did keep galloping on his final two runs over hurdles, at 2m and 2m3f; pedigree points to improvement over fences.

6/1

Form:

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Prominent to a point before ending up tailed off in a maiden at Wincanton (soft); Ballee looks the yard's main hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

14:10 Exeter

Contramar

11st 6lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

With a good stable but was well beaten on his first two hurdling starts (1m7f/2m) and needs the addition of cheekpieces to make a massive difference.

66/1

12th

5

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

12:50 Taunton

Contramar

11st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Prominent to a point before ending up tailed off in a maiden at Wincanton (soft); Ballee looks the yard's main hope.

50/1

10th

3

29th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:54 Wincanton

Contramar

11st 4lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

£36,000 3yo; fifth foal; half-brother to winners It's Probably Me (bumper/2m3f hurdle) and The Wild Wild Sea (2m4f hurdle); dam unraced half-sister to useful winners Kayf Grace (bumper/2m hurdle) and Missis Potts (2m-2m3f hurdle/chase); entitled to benefit from this debut outing.

20/1

Form: 0-P

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in a Taunton bumper (good to soft) and maiden hurdle at Wincanton (soft); headgear soon turned to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

18:45 Fontwell

Captain Bill

10st 5lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Well beaten when 80-1 for last month's handicap debut at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good to soft; first-time blinkers) and effectively on the same mark here; moves up in trip with tongue-tie added.

50/1

12th

12

21st Jul 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

14:35 Newton Abbot

Captain Bill

10st 3lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Modest form in a bumper and three hurdles; this is a more suitable level but still has plenty to find; first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.

33/1

Form: 3

Last run: 190 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Close third in a slowly run good-ground bumper at Southwell, which wasn't much of a race despite the winner going in again next time; vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

27th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:23 Newton Abbot

Senor Diaz

10st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Jimmy Frost

13-race maiden who has been pulled up in both runs over fences (2m3f) and was tailed off back over hurdles at Exeter (2m, good) last time; opposable.

33/1

5th

8

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

19:10 Exeter

Senor Diaz

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Jimmy Frost

Placed in a bumper and a novices' hurdle (heavy) when with Seamus Mullins; has failed to complete in all three starts for his current trainer.

33/1

7

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

16:10 Exeter

Senor Diaz

10st 4lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Jimmy Frost

Pulled up on his chasing debut in a C&D handicap in December; went off 40-1 that day so hard to warm to.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.20
Straight Forecast £7.88
Trifecta £27.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Matterhorn

SPOTLIGHT:

Go To War

TOPSPEED:

Matterhorn

POSTDATA:

Matterhorn

WEST COUNTRY:

Matterhorn

The Times:

Matterhorn

Telegraph:

Matterhorn

The Guardian:

Matterhorn

Daily Mail:

Matterhorn

D Express:

Matterhorn

Daily Mirror:

Matterhorn

The Sun:

Matterhorn

The Star:

Matterhorn

Daily Record:

Matterhorn