January 13 / 15.25 Wetherby

15.25

Soft

Kenneth Shaw 75th Birthday Celebration Handicap Chase (Go North Red Rum Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 3m 0f 45y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
Kenneth Shaw 75th Birthday Celebration Handicap Chase (Go North Red Rum Series Qualifier)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 323-42

Last run: 31 days

W: 12st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Having had wind surgery he returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when going close at Leicester (2m4f, heavy) last month; good second over this C&D (soft) last March and could be bang there once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

19th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 3

15:45 Wetherby

Lord Of Kerak

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

prominent on outer, not fluent 13th, lost position and in rear 5 out, weakened 4 out

9/2

1st

2

8th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

14:20 Leicester

Lord Of Kerak

10st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

walked over

15/8

2nd

2

27th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

16:05 Leicester

Lord Of Kerak

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

raced wide, led, briefly headed 3 out, headed before last, soon rallied, no extra final 110yds

9/2

Form: 8-7366 BF

Last run: 54 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
On an 11-race losing run and his jumping wasn't fluent when below par at Leicester in November; however, he was a good sixth of 19 at Cheltenham in October (3m1f, good; also effective on soft) and is capable of having a say if the first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces) has a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Warwick

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Miss B Coward

Not the force of old and might be better suited by right-handed tracks but ran well from the front when close fourth in open point at left-handed Chaddesley Corbett (3m, good to soft; also suited by soft) last month; considered each-way.

14/1

1

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:48 Ludlow

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss B Coward

Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month.

10/1

1

2nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:48 Ludlow

One True King

12st 6lb

J: Mr Martin McIntyre

T: Miss B Coward

Useful handicapper chaser when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, with a good record at this track; this season's pointing form for new stable has been underwhelming, though, and he was safely held when fourth in a Leicester hunter chase (2m, good to soft) last month.

10/1

Form: /15-7P

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Perhaps the return to deeper ground will help on this second stable start, but he was pulled up at Newcastle last month and also disappointed last year on his final two runs for Henry de Bromhead; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

16:50 Cartmel

Innovated

11st 11lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won over fences in Ireland in 2022 but has looked badly out of sorts on all five starts for current stable since December 2023; swaps cheekpieces for blinkers here; needs to prove some ability remains.

50/1

3

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

16:40 Hexham

Innovated

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Very lightly raced for his age but was badly out of form for this stable when last seen in 2023-24 season and returns from 426-day absence with a lot to prove.

33/1

Form: 112-P3 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who won two in a row in first part of last year (2m3f/2m5f) and returned to form when third of five at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) three weeks ago; stamina not guaranteed but he's a contender if seeing it out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:19 Newton Abbot

Eaton Collina

11st 1lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

headed after 3rd, led, not fluent 4th, soon lost ground, in rear when weakened after 10th

8/1

11

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:19 Newton Abbot

Eaton Collina

11st 1lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

headed after 3rd, led, not fluent 4th, soon lost ground, in rear when weakened after 10th

8/1

5th

5

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

14:05 Haydock

Eaton Collina

11st 4lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Kerry Lee

Completed a Wetherby double (2m3f, soft) last February and he's back down to his last winning mark; hasn't hit the same heights this season but ran okay when third at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) last month and he now contests his first veterans' chase; could be involved.

7/2

Form: 446-31

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Failed to progress last season after winning a novice hurdle but showed improved form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when easily winning at Leicester (2m6f, heavy) last month in his second chase; he's 8lb higher today in what looks a tougher race but he could have more to offer over fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Val Dancer

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Mel Rowley

Last season was one to remember, winning the Welsh National and later second in the Grand National Trial at Haydock; 0-4 this campaign but it's been anything but a washout and he should be dangerous off this mark, for all that he's made his name over further.

4/1

4th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Val Dancer

10st 3lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Mel Rowley

Won last season's Welsh National (extended 3m6f, soft) off 3lb lower and second in the Grand National Trial at Haydock; near that form on second start this term, before a lesser show (weak in the market) in the Surrey National at Lingfield; needs to be back at his peak and there are mixed messages.

8/1

4th

4

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Val Dancer

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Mel Rowley

Bettered underwhelming seasonal debut when placed over the big Aintree fences (3m2f, soft) last month and remains only 4lb higher than when winning last season's Welsh National (3m6f, soft); high on the list.

6/1

Form: 143-4P C

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles last season and not disgraced in the face of a very tough task on chase debut in October; however, she didn't jump well when pulled up at Market Rasen last time and has something to prove after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:50 Hexham

Shighness

12st 0lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Hasn't won for a couple of years and that was over fences, but she shaped encouragingly reverting to hurdles when third at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) in February, albeit beaten nearly 19l, and has fallen back over fences since; however, she's on a handy mark and is hard to dismiss.

15/2

7

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Shighness

11st 3lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Micky Hammond

She's struggled to get competitive since finishing a close second in this last year (good to soft) but is 7lb lower this time around and didn't run badly over hurdles at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last month; not written off.

10/1

Form: 213-65 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won in fine style on his chase debut at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) last April; strong claims if reproducing that form but hasn't been at the same level on his three starts since and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

15:25 Wetherby

Here Comes The Man

11st 1lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

Won in fine style on his chase debut at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) last April; strong claims if reproducing that form but hasn't been at the same level on his three starts since and needs to raise his game.

10/1

5th

5

14th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

12:30 Newcastle

Here Comes The Man

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

Won in fine style on his chase debut over C&D (heavy); he'll be tough to beat if reproducing that form now back here, but he's been well beaten on his two starts since (3m/3m2f, soft) and has to turn things around.

8/1

6th

4

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 34y

Class 4

16:30 Carlisle

Here Comes The Man

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

Point winner who impressed on his chase debut at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) in April; well beaten at Perth (3m, soft) 13 days later but that run may have come too soon and this lightly raced 8yo retains potential.

13/2

Form: 3-4211 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) last month and again had plenty in hand here (2m3f, soft) on Boxing Day; an 8lb rise for last time could have been worse and there can be optimism that he remains ahead of the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Hexham

Tom Cody

12st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

held up in last

14/1

10th

2

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Hexham

Tom Cody

12st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

held up in last

14/1

3rd

7

26th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Tom Cody

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rebecca Menzies

Travelled well before being delivered after the final fence by Brian Hughes to win cosily over 3m at Carlisle (heavy); he'll be into unknown territory when beyond 3m1f but shapes as though he stays all day.

8/1

Form: P-464P D

Last run: 79 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
He's below his last winning mark and took a step back in the right direction when fourth at Hexham in October; however, he was pulled up at Carlisle later that month and is back to having something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

6th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 4

15:15 Kelso

Breaking The Ice

10st 7lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

disputed lead early, prominent before 3rd

13/2

3rd

1

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

18:05 Perth

Breaking The Ice

12st 0lb

J: Edward Austin

T: George Bewley

Went down narrowly after a good tussle with stablemate Lights Are Green at Cartmel (3m1f, good) last month; softer ground, and a swift turnaround valid excuses for a lesser effort next time; 1-1 at Perth with weights rise effectively offset through Ed Austin's 5lb claim.

7/1

5th

5

22nd Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:00 Cartmel

Breaking The Ice

11st 9lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Pulled up three consecutive times in October-June but, with cheekpieces refitted, revived with game effort in defeat over 3m1f here on Saturday; it's hard to tell whether he'll be in the same mood today but he can cope with the drop back in trip and remains well handicapped on old form.

8/1

Form: 6-8001 CD

Last run: 51 days

W: 10st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Well backed when reverting to fences at Newcastle (2m7f, soft) in November and bounced back to form with a win; his inconsistent profile is a concern but he remains well treated back up 5lb and has won over C&D.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell

Aire Valley Lad

12st 6lb

J: Mr Gary Derwin

T: J J M Winston

prominent, bumped and squeezed out 1st, lost position gradually after 6th, dropped to last and pushed along 10th

50/1

8th

3

5th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:07 Carlisle

Aire Valley Lad

11st 12lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Sue Smith

bumped start

14/1

10

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

15:25 Wetherby

Aire Valley Lad

10st 6lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Sue Smith

Well backed when reverting to fences at Newcastle (2m7f, soft) in November and bounced back to form with a win; his inconsistent profile is a concern but he remains well treated back up 5lb and has won over C&D.

7/1

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tom Cody

The Times:

Val Dancer

The Guardian:

Lord Of Kerak

D Express:

Eaton Collina

TOPSPEED:

Aire Valley Lad

Daily Record:

Val Dancer

RP RATINGS:

Tom Cody

POSTDATA:

Tom Cody

Telegraph:

Tom Cody

Daily Mail:

Tom Cody

Daily Mirror:

Tom Cody

The Star:

Tom Cody

The Sun:

Lord Of Kerak