November 20 / 13.10 Hexham

13.10

Good

British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 48y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
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British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 61 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Corbridge point winner for Jack Teal before changing hands for £56,000; built on his Listowel rules debut sixth when winning a Wexford bumper (2m, soft; turned over the odds-on favourite); easily followed up in Carlisle maiden hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) on Tuesday; big player if turned out quickly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Ira Hayes

10st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Well beaten in 3m4f Dublin National on chasing debut in March and almost certainly fortunate when winning Tramore beginners' chase (2m5f, good to yielding) last month, given he was in fourth (albeit close up) when the front three came two grief two out; that said, he's with a respected stable and is still unexposed over fences.

5/1

1st

5

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

18:42 Tramore

Ira Hayes

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: John C McConnell

Back-to-back winner of a Wexford bumper (2m, soft) and a Carlisle maiden hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) in 2024; has failed to prosper since then; last of 11 finishers in a handicap chase at Leopardstown seven weeks ago.

8/1

11th

10

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 4f 61y

16:55 Leopardstown

Ira Hayes

11st 7lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Back-to-back winner of a Wexford bumper (2m, soft) and a Carlisle maiden hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) in 2024; poor in runs since, although his 13l third (2m7f, heavy) at Thurles last time was not without promise (winner won again next time); point-to-point winner is worth a market check on chasing debut.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6-

Last run: 260 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Debut point bumper winner (2m; trainer saddled three of the five); well beaten on rules debut at Newcastle (2m1f bumper, heavy) in March; suitable pedigree for hurdling - dam won over 2m1f-3m - so interesting to see how he fares on this better ground; stablemate of Uokhun.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Long Time Listener

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Tim Easterby

Won a point bumper in February 2024 (2m, soft); has shown bits of fair form over hurdles, notably when 11.5l fourth in a Sedgefield novice handicap in March (2m4f, good); others have stronger claims.

12/1

7th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Long Time Listener

10st 5lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tim Easterby

A point bumper winner in 2024; only poor form shown over hurdles but he posted his best run of the season (in first-time cheekpieces) when fourth of 11 in 2m4f Sedgefield handicap 23 days ago; needs to build on it in retained headgear.

16/1

4th

8

19th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:10 Sedgefield

Long Time Listener

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Point-to-point bumper winner for whom the forecast good ground could be a positive; however, he's struggled in his first three handicaps and a major turnaround is necessary; wears first-time cheekpieces.

33/1

Form: 2-14 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won the second of three bumpers, justifying favouritism at Market Rasen (2m, good) in May; returned from a summer break with a solid fourth at Cheltenham (form franked); dam was a useful 2m hurdler, so has the attributes to go close on hurdles debut; Brian Hughes is a strong booking.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(5)

30th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:35 Catterick

Not So Sobers

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Hurdle/bumper winner (won 2m novice handicap hurdle on latest outing), but perhaps not as effective on the Flat, although was beaten only 1.75l when third of seven off a 2lb higher mark at Chelmsford in February (1m6f); a possible.

7/2

1st

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

19:47 Hereford

Not So Sobers

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Displayed ability in four runs over hurdles but was beaten a long way on handicap hurdle debut at Exeter (2m, good) in November; down 3lb but with something to prove on the back of that effort; modest form on Flat since, towards rear ten days ago on latest start.

10/1

10th

2

(13)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Leicester

Not So Sobers

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Bumper winner and a fair maiden hurdler; 0-6 on the Flat but he was a good third in a Chelmsford handicap (1m6f) in February and the drop to back to 8.6f looked against him at Wolverhampton last time; should get a good tow into this race and he could be dangerous back up in trip.

9/1

Form: 45/4

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Returning from a long absence when an 18l-fourth of 14 over C&D (soft; 25-1) six weeks ago; similar effort when fifth at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) on Tuesday; likely to need further in time; stablemate of Golden Point.
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: 3-35

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner (3m); distant third on stable/hurdles debut over C&D (good) last month; only fifth, but fared better in terms of RPRs at Carlisle (2m4f) next time; however, well behind Ira Hayes there on Tuesday; others have stronger credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:04 Carlisle

Shadow Chaser

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Point winner who was no match for Uptown Harry but still ran well when runner-up in first-time blinkers on his chase debut at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) last month; has since left Sandy Thomson; open to improvement in this sphere and he's one to consider now starting out for Mark Walford.

9/2

2nd

9

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

14:00 Newcastle

Shadow Chaser

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Merely seventh over hurdles on last two starts but before those he was second of 14 on his stable/seasonal debut at Ayr, and this point winner could be suited by today's switch to fences; not ruled out now in headgear.

12/1

Form: 544-

Last run: 243 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Signs of ability, catching the attention of the stewards' (explanations noted) when a never dangerous fourth of six over C&D (heavy) in March; dam was a half-sister to the 1m7f-3m hurdle/chase winner Cudgel; probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

That One

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: James Walton

Made all to win a 2m novice hurdle here last April and follow-up effort when runner-up in a handicap at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) was promising; however, both hurdling efforts since haven't been so good and he was a mid-race faller on last month's chase debut; should stay this far and he's on a competitive mark if recapturing initial promise.

25/1

2

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

That One

12st 0lb

J: Jack Power

T: James Walton

Won the novice hurdle (2m, good) on this card 12 months ago; he needs to improve upon what he produced in two handicap hurdles in February but the return to Hexham could help and he might be suited by the switch to fences.

12/1

Form: 7P

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in two points (2m4f) before joining this stable for £6,000; made little impact in two attempts under rules, pulling-up at Bangor (2m, soft; 125-1) latest; difficult to consider on that evidence.
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: 3-P6

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
With Ciaran Murphy when placed in a Naas bumper (2m, soft to heavy; 25-1) in April; prominent, before fading (some mitigating circumstances at Sedgefield) on both starts for Sam England; will soon be eligible for a mark, with handicapping probably where his future lies.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Carlisle

Willie Shake Hands

10st 8lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won on chase debut at Hexham (1m7f, good) last May and close third of six at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in December; however, beaten 20l in fifth when upped in grade at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month and remains in Class 3 company today; a career-best is required.

12/1

5th

10

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Willie Shake Hands

10st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Sam England

Won on chase debut at Hexham (1m7f, good) last May and some good runs since, most recently close third of six at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) after a break; however, a career-best is needed now back up in grade.

14/1

Form: 8/76-1

Last run: 189 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Left her earlier bumper efforts behind when springing a 50-1 surprise on hurdles debut at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) in May; that wasn't an overly strong contest, and she does have a penalty to carry over this shorter trip returning from a six-month absence; afforded respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:00 Ayr

Nellie Bluesky

10st 13lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Lightly raced since 50-1 win on hurdle debut at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) in May 2024, and she got back on track with close second of six at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) last month; could be in the mix if this slower ground isn't an issue.

9/1

2nd

3

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

16:10 Sedgefield

Nellie Bluesky

11st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Caused 50-1 shock on hurdling debut at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) in May 2024 but safely held all three starts since; last month's handicap debut (2m2f) came after a one-year absence and she might come on for the run but others here have more pressing claims.

12/1

1

28th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Nellie Bluesky

11st 7lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

midfield

12/1

Form: 432-4

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost £80,000 as a 3yo; made a promising debut at Ayr (2m, good to soft) last November, and placed in her other two bumpers; dropped out tamely on hurdles debut at Perth (2m4f) in September, so will need to show more back over 2m; stablemate of Prince Of Perth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Uttoxeter

Golden Point

11st 1lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Improving mare who has form figures of 511, all at Kelso, since switched to fences; made all for 8l win last time (3m2f, good to soft) despite jumping right; in the mix, especially if keeping straighter.

9/2

1st

6

18th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

13:25 Kelso

Golden Point

11st 1lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Narrow winner of a 2m4f mares' novice hurdle at Ayr (soft) in January; lacked for fluency when down the field on C&D chasing debut (good; 13-2) 24 days ago; Derek Fox takes over in the saddle, with stablemate I Wish You probably of more interest.

10/1

3

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

14:10 Kelso

Golden Point

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Fair form over hurdles last term, winning a mares' novice at Ayr in January (2m4f, soft) and finishing runner-up in a 3m novice handicap on same track the following month (soft); interesting on chase debut.

9/2

Form: 5-57

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Took a backward step in the last of her bumpers when beaten 30l over C&D (soft; 25-1) six weeks ago; never-dangerous seventh, behind Prince Of Perth, in Carlisle novice hurdle on Tuesday; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Carlisle

Lizzie Luna

11st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Went very close when upped to 3m at Musselburgh (good to soft) in December; also effective on soft ground; only fourth of eight at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) since and could do with settling better but not ruled out.

5/1

4th

5

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:15 Musselburgh

Lizzie Luna

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Gained sole win at Musselburgh (2m4f) and nearly doubled her tally, beaten a whisker by Reflection Of You having edged left, in C&D event (good to soft; first 3m attempt) latest start; in the mix, especially if keeping a straighter line.

7/2

Abandoned

Form: 4/P-4

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in a selling hurdle at Southwell in January then well-beaten fourth of six over C&D (good) 12 days ago; unseated rider early at Carlisle on Tuesday; unappealing stablemate of Long Time Listener.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Uokhun

10st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Tim Easterby

Contested a competitive Class 2 on penultimate start and that was only eight days after winning at Hexham; did it comfortably last time at Southwell (3m, good) and she looks progressive all of a sudden; up 8lb but William Maggs takes away 5lb of that.

5/1

6th

8

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Uokhun

10st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Tim Easterby

Contested a competitive Class 2 on penultimate start and that was only eight days after winning at Hexham; did it comfortably last time at Southwell (3m, good) and she looks progressive all of a sudden; up 8lb but William Maggs takes away 5lb of that.

5/1

1st

7

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Uokhun

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Battled well to open account at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft) last month, her tenth hurdling start, and not beaten far when seventh in a competitive series final at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) a week later; 5lb higher now but still considered.

5/1

Verdict

Ira Hayes, who scored easily at Carlisle yesterday, holds a leading chance provided he turns out quickly. However, preference is for the Market Rasen winner NOT SO SOBERS, who is the first foal from a useful 2m hurdler. Although lacking the necessary pace in a recent Cheltenham bumper (form franked), he ticks plenty of boxes now heading over obstacles. [Mark Rowntree]

Selections

The Times:

Nellie Bluesky

SPOTLIGHT:

Not So Sobers

Daily Mirror:

Ira Hayes

The Sun:

Shadow Chaser

POSTDATA:

Prince Of Perth

Daily Mail:

Not So Sobers

D Express:

Not So Sobers

Telegraph:

Nellie Bluesky

The Guardian:

Nellie Bluesky

The Star:

Nellie Bluesky

Daily Record:

Nellie Bluesky