14.00
Good To SoftWilliam Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £61897
- 2m 0f 179y
- Class 1
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
3/1 (Won)
- Win: £4.00
- Place: £1.60
Form: 122-12 D BF
Last run: 55 days
W: 11st 3lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 7 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Runner-up in the 2024 Triumph Hurdle and won last year's County; has quickly reached a similar level over fences, winning a beginners' event at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) just after Christmas and going down to the high-class Romeo Coolio in Grade 1 over the same C&D (soft) only after a titanic tussle and a final-fence blunder; should be in the thick of things again if fully recovered from those exertions. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 3 |
2nd Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
11st 5lb |
Dual Grade 1 winner as a juvenile hurdler; won last year's County Hurdle; jumping technique left plenty to be desired on her chase debut at Cork (soft), beaten 16l by Romeo Coolio's stablemate Kala Conti; jumped better when winning unextended from the front in a C&D event (yielding) marred by a fatal injury to the pursuing James's Gate. |
7/4 |
14/1
- Place: £5.10
Form: 3136-2
Last run: 225 days
W: 11st 2lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 5 (5) |
31st May 2026 Good 1m 5f 80y |
11st 0lb |
Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham. |
6/4 |
|
1st 5 |
5th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 70y |
11st 2lb |
Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights. |
15/8 |
|
14th 1 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156. |
20/1 |
5/1
- Place: £2.20
Form: 16P41- CD
Last run: 364 days
W: 11st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 146
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 1 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 45y |
11st 12lb |
One of three for trainer; dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); 2024 County Hurdle winner was well below his best in that race this season back from a break (2m1f, soft); improved display at Cork when 3.25l behind Ndaawi (16.5f, yielding); a good bit to find with Lossiemouth even if running to his rating, which he hasn't done so far this term. |
40/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
5th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 70y |
11st 2lb |
Classy dual-purpose sort who has run creditably in the last three Melbourne Cups (rated 107 on the Flat); below best after a break in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but should be sharper now and Harry Cobden has won on him before; top rated at 153 and obvious chance. |
5/4 |
|
20th 2 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
11st 13lb |
Won this in 2024 and third last year, albeit off much lower marks; operated a little below his very best on the Flat last year, including in Australia in the autumn, which perhaps raises a few doubts as to whether he'll be able to find the career-best hurdle performance which will be needed to defy such a lofty mark. |
16/1 |
14/1
- Place: £3.30
Form: 060-01 D
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 5lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (21) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
A bit tricky to settle and he was hooded for first time in a Flat race in 18-runner handicap at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) nine weeks ago, coming with a relentless run from mid-division to lead final 1f and score with great authority; has an 8lb higher mark today and a longer trip, but he made up a lot of late ground to take fourth in the 2m1f County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and the best of him on the Flat is probably still to come. |
11/2 |
|
1st 18 (7) |
20th Jun 2025 Good To Firm 1m 3f 211y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Tricky to settle but fourth in this race last year (good to firm) off 2lb lower and the same this March in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; ran respectably in his latest hurdle race too and this is his first time hooded in a Flat race; considered. |
4/1 |
|
7th 1 |
12th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 1 |
11st 12lb |
Easily won maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m, heavy) in February and highly creditable fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month; effective on good ground on the Flat; could have more to offer in this code and he's a major player up 1lb for last time. |
11/4 |
66/1
Form: 5-F643 D
Last run: 49 days
W: 10st 3lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 195y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th |
10/1 |
|
10 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 195y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
took keen hold, disputed lead at fast pace, chased clear leader before 6th |
10/1 |
|
5th 15 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
10st 3lb |
6yo who is well treated on last season's best form; he showed some spark at Newbury in December but hasn't been at the top of his game this term and was soundly beaten last time; others make greater appeal. |
66/1 |
33/1
Form: -61358 C
Last run: 34 days
W: 10st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 135
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 2 |
10th May 2025 Good 1m 7f 144y Class 1 |
11st 11lb |
Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted. |
13/2 |
|
1st 2 |
10th May 2025 Good 1m 7f 144y Class 1 |
11st 11lb |
Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted. |
13/2 |
|
3rd 8 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 195y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
disputed lead at fast pace, led clearly before 6th |
6/1 |
33/1
Form: -40101 D
Last run: 13 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 15 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
10st 8lb |
Flagbearer for the yard, winning two Morebattles at Kelso and a Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr; however, he's failed to find his best form this season, including only sixth in the latest running of the Morebattle 13 days ago; respectable seventh in this last year; others are more obvious. |
33/1 |
|
6th 2 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 51y Class 2 |
11st 13lb |
Not at his best this season but Haydock last month was a step back in the right direction, after a wind op; has won here four times, including the last two runnings of this race (good to soft), and he's 1lb lower than when winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle last April; major player. |
6/1 |
|
6th 1 |
17th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 144y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
Below par on both runs this season but has had wind surgery since and he's back down to the same mark as for his win in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m, good to soft); not ruled out on this drop in grade. |
13/2 |
20/1
Form: 31-212 D
Last run: 77 days
W: 11st 5lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
14th Apr 2026 Yielding 1m 7f 131y |
11st 12lb |
Dual-purpose; the best of these over hurdles (rated 143); no impact on first three starts for this yard in hot handicap hurdles; well beaten on sole previous chase start at Cork when with Gavin Cromwell but this much easier; wouldn't want it too soft. |
11/8 |
|
16th 7 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
11st 1lb |
Two wins apiece on the Flat and over hurdles during his time with Gavin Cromwell but well beaten in a big-field handicap on the Flat and over hurdles (behind a few of these at Dublin Racing Festival) since joining current yard; the refitting of blinkers needs to help spark a revival. |
25/1 |
|
12th 4 |
1st Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Two wins apiece on the Flat and over hurdles; was poor on the Flat when last seen but has a shout if back to his best hurdle form; handles soft. |
20/1 |
25/1
Form: 501352 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 12st 0lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 152
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 |
25th May 2026 Good 2m 2f 72y |
11st 2lb |
Grade 3 and Listed winner over hurdles and rated 152; last sighted finishing well beaten in Southwell Flat maiden won by Constitution Hill; not seen over timber since Sussex Champion Hurdle second at Plumpton in April 2025; best treated by race conditions and the one to beat; cheekpieces on. |
11/10 |
|
9th 4 (1) |
20th Feb 2026 Standard 1m 4f 14y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Not as good a hurdler as Constitution Hill but he's smart, finishing a flattering second to State Man in last year's Irish Champion Hurdle and then competitive in two strong handicaps; last seen beaten at odds-on in a 1m5f maiden at Ballinrobe but that's turned out to be a strong race and he reportedly finished lame; ability much respected on this AW debut. |
9/2 |
16/1
Form: 3-2833
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 128
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 12lb |
Ran some fine races in defeat over hurdles last season including at this meeting; got off the mark in a Clonmel maiden last autumn and then took a Naas beginners' chase, easily beating Jacob's Ladder; just denied in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas and put up a respectable effort in the Champion Chase last time; can be involved. |
5/1 |
|
6th 5 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Very short on chasing experience, having raced just twice in this sphere, but by the same token looks open to any amount of further improvement despite being a 9yo (latecomer to this scene); close second, clear of remainder, in Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) when attempting to follow up his comfortable success in a Naas race that's worked out well; has shown good progress for current yard and looks interesting pitched into open company instead of bashing heads with similarly unexposed rivals in the Arkle. |
12/1 |
|
1st 4 |
23rd Oct 2025 Yielding 2m 0f 205y |
11st 12lb |
Placed in nine of his 11 races, including all three bumpers and his first three maiden hurdle starts; slotted into handicaps effectively last season; twice in the money at Leopardstown before set a tough task in the County Hurdle, stands out in this company on his Punchestown festival third behind the British-trained pair Ascending Lark and Wilful. |
4/9 |
66/1
Form: -213P9 D
Last run: 41 days
W: 10st 3lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 |
20th May 2026 Good 2m 5f 5y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Has had three wins over hurdles but yet to convince on his suitability for this distance, latest when seventh of eight finishers at Haydock (2m5f, good) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained). |
10/1 |
|
7th 12 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 5f 50y Class 2 |
10st 5lb |
All five wins have been at about 2m or 2m1f; wasn't that strong through the line over Bangor's extended 2m3f last time (good) and has further to go here; tries cheekpieces. |
10/1 |
|
3rd 6 |
21st Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 123y Class 2 |
10st 8lb |
Hasn't fired as he can this season but he's well handicapped on form that wasn't that long ago; back from a break and hasn't had many chances over this sort of trip. |
6/1 |
40/1
Form: 4-4P44 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 11st 7lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
18th Jul 2025 Good 2m 1f 0y |
11st 9lb |
Mostly hurdling this year and has faced some stiff competition but acquitted himself well at times; sole win over fences came in 2020 and pulled-up last chase start in January. |
14/1 |
|
7th 8 |
3rd Jul 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 1lb |
Won this in 2023 but hasn't looked the force of old this year and arrives on the back of a low-key effort. |
25/1 |
|
5th 1 |
6th Jun 2025 Good 2m 3f 203y |
11st 12lb |
Has plenty of back-class and didn't run at all badly in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; however, it was off level weights when just ahead of My Gaffer last time and will need to run better to win this, even with Finn Brickley taking off 7lb. |
7/2 |
10/1
Form: 15-483 D
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Had a simple task when beating two stablemates at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) in December; finished behind Jax Junior and Mambonumberfive in his runs on either side of that win; bottom of the list on ratings. |
100/1 |
|
7th 7 |
20th Apr 2025 Good 1m 7f 195y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
Only 1lb above his last winning mark but hasn't truly threatened this season and no better for cheekpieces the last twice, in the County Hurdle and then over 2m4f at Aintree; he wouldn't be the obvious answer here. |
8/1 |
4/1
Form: 631-57 C BF
Last run: 77 days
W: 10st 8lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16th 1 (20) |
24th May 2026 Good To Yielding 1m 6f 0y |
10st 3lb |
Good form on the Flat when last seen, taking third at Listowel before winning at 4-11 in a Bellewstown conditions race; more impressive was his head victory back at Listowel in September (1m6f, good to yielding); however, top weight and stable have better candidates. |
14/1 |
|
2 |
26th Sep 2025 Yielding 1m 6f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Winner on Flat debut here in 2022 over a mile; best known for winning 2024 Fred Winter at Cheltenham (2m, heavy); poor in runs following that until a close third here back on Flat in June (1m5f, good) when Sorrentino finished in front by a neck; won amateur race at Bellewstown latest (1m4f, good); leading contender who likes it here. |
9/2 |
|
3 (2) |
3rd Jul 2025 Good 1m 4f 71y |
11st 0lb |
A 128-rated hurdler whose wins include last year's Fred Winter at Cheltenham; not so good this past season but solid run back on the Flat at Listowel (won 2yo maiden there) when making most in finishing close third in 1m6f amateur contest on good; easier task here and looks the one to beat. |
1/2 |
8/1
Form: 111207 C
Last run: 77 days
W: 10st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
12th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Easily made all in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) last October and he's on a handy mark on that form; it's possible he'll get back on track at some stage but he's finished down the field in all three handicaps, most recently the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and has something to prove. |
7/1 |
|
11 |
12th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Easily made all in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) last October and he's on a handy mark on that form; it's possible he'll get back on track at some stage but he's finished down the field in all three handicaps, most recently the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and has something to prove. |
7/1 |
|
15th 12 |
14th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 179y Class 1 |
10st 10lb |
Easily made all in Grade 2 novice here in October (2m, good; has also won on soft); weakened when 11l second in 2m5f Grade 2 here next time; down the field since in his first two handicaps (2m1f/2m, good to soft) but a break may have helped this lightly raced 6yo and he's the sole representative of Dan Skelton, who has won four of the last nine runnings; not discounted. |
8/1 |
13/2
Form: 0-2311 D
Last run: 40 days
W: 10st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 16 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 4lb |
Beat the talented Storm Heart in a valuable DRF handicap hurdle in 2024; maiden over fences; seventh when well fancied for a Cheltenham handicap; suffered interference off the home turn, might have finished closer; addition of tongue-tie may help. |
7/1 |
|
7th 17 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 1 |
10st 7lb |
Reached his peak over hurdles when winning a valuable race at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last February but finished last in the County Hurdle here next time; the type to make a chaser and, after a laboured effort on his handicap chase debut at Naas, he fared better in a Down Royal novice in January; needs to show his jumping can hold up under pressure but this trip should suit better than the 2m he's been running over and plenty of potential remains. |
9/2 |
|
4th 2 |
20th Jan 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 0f 115y |
12st 0lb |
Very useful (133-rated) hurdler whose two wins last season included very valuable Leopardstown handicap; more of a slow-burner over fences this term, Fairyhouse beginners' third his best run; let down by jumping against more experienced rivals in handicap on latest when never landing a blow at Naas; back in novice grade and Mark Walsh remains loyal. |
11/4 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £94.10 |
| Straight Forecast | £92.43 |
| Tricast | £398.02 |
| Trifecta | £750.30 |
Selections
WEST COUNTRY:
Norman FletcherThe Times:
Daddy Long LegsTOPSPEED:
Our ChampDaily Mirror:
Irish PantherD Express:
Lark In The MorninThe Sun:
Hansard