January 15 / 11.45 Newcastle

11.45

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 2m 0f 190y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Evs (Won)

  • Win: £1.30
  • Place: £1.02

Form: 32

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Third on hurdle debut at Ayr (2m, soft) in November and again showed promise when runner-up over C&D (good to soft) later that month; sets a good standard for the rest to aim at.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

15:48 Kelso

Gaelic Rover

11st 9lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ruth Jefferson

Towards the rear when clipping heels and falling in Grade 2 at Kelso (2m2f) most recently; won easily at Newcastle (2m1f) the time before and enters calculations back down in class; dam stayed 3m1f.

7/4

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 1

14:15 Kelso

Gaelic Rover

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

1l second to Le Beau Madrik at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in November on second hurdle start and easily justified 30-100 odds there (2m1f, good to soft) last month; open to further improvement for stable that won this in 2017 and 2020; not discounted.

9/1

1st

3

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

11:45 Newcastle

Gaelic Rover

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Third on hurdle debut at Ayr (2m, soft) in November and again showed promise when runner-up over C&D (good to soft) later that month; sets a good standard for the rest to aim at.

Evs

33/1

  • Place: £10.80

Form: 6

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat winner with some useful form in that code; however, well beaten on last two Flat starts and soundly beaten when sixth of seven on recent hurdle debut at Catterick (1m7f, good); has to raise her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

17th Oct 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

14:49 Stratford

Roarin Success

10st 13lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Aided by new tongue-tie when winning twice here (2m/2m2f, good to firm) this summer; confined to minor honour in two six-runner races since, however, back here on latest, and her improvement seems to have levelled off.

6/1

2

5th Oct 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

14:51 Stratford

Roarin Success

11st 12lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Aided by new tongue-tie when winning twice here (2m/2m2f, good to firm) this summer; respectable third at Bangor (2m, good) on latest outing four weeks ago and sure to be suited by return to this track; respected.

4/1

3rd

3

8th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

18:42 Bangor-on-Dee

Roarin Success

11st 10lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Much improved over hurdles since fitted with a tongue tie and bids for a hat-trick following a pair of Stratford handicap wins this summer, overcoming some jumping errors in 2m3f event on latter occasion; this fairly useful Flat scorer could have more to offer; big player.

100/30

5/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 3

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Became disappointing on the Flat but useful at his best in that code and last month's hurdle/stable debut third at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) gives him something to build on; could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

25th Sep 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Worcester

Whos Glen

11st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Off the mark over hurdles at seventh attempt, keeping on well in first-time cheekpieces at Bangor (2m3f, good) this month; moves up from Class 5 today, though, and others have more compelling form.

16/1

1st

1

8th Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

18:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Whos Glen

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Fairly useful 1m6f Flat winner for Andrew Balding; in good form for new yard over hurdles in the spring but came in a remote fourth in 2m4f Southwell novice in June; more is needed in first-time cheekpieces after a break.

9/1

4th

6

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

Whos Glen

11st 4lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Useful Flat racer who made the frame on four of his five hurdling starts for Donald McCain last season, most notably when third in valuable series final at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in March; well beaten in good-quality Flat handicap last month but ought to play a significant role in this.

5/2

Form: 03

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability when 20l third at Catterick on New Year's Day (1m7f, good; second start) but not enough to suggest he's the one to be on today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:28 Cartmel

Intenzo

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

0-9 but ran up to his best at Market Rasen (2m1f, good) last month when runner-up for second time over fences; first-time tongue-tie and hood are now on and he just needs to find that little bit extra to gain his first win.

9/1

2nd

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

20:07 Market Rasen

Intenzo

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Made a promising chase/handicap debut when clear second at Sedgefield (2m, good; form well advertised by winner since) in March but three lesser efforts have followed and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry.

7/1

6th

4

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

15:05 Stratford

Intenzo

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Below form on last two appearances and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry but he made a promising chase/handicap debut when clear second at Sedgefield (2m, good) in March and that form has been well advertised by the winner since; good claims if back at that level.

9/2

Form: 1

Last run: 250 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Won good-ground bumper at Haydock last May on sole start for Don Cantillon; sold for £100,000 later that month; open to progress and could play a leading role on hurdle debut, especially if the market speaks favourably.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

25th Sep 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Worcester

So Proud

10st 8lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

0-4 over hurdles but posted sound effort when second of five on this month's handicap debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good), form that was boosted when winner followed up there on Tuesday; represents last year's winning stable and is open to improvement if aided by first-time cheekpieces.

12/1

2nd

4

6th Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

16:05 Fontwell

So Proud

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Bought for £100,000 after winning a Haydock bumper for Don Cantillon; ran better when 2l off a useful winner in a Worcester novice (2m, good) in May and should have a future off this sort of mark.

4/1

3rd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Worcester

So Proud

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Bought for £100,000 after winning a Haydock bumper for Don Cantillon; beaten a shade over 20l in two maiden hurdles (good to soft/good) but disappointing if he can't raise his game sooner or later.

11/2

Form: 3-

Last run: 279 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
16-5 when 9l third of five on debut in bumper at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) last April; there's potential in his pedigree and a market check is advised on hurdle debut but he may be one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

10th Sep 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Worcester

Swingforthefence

11st 10lb

J: Ian Power

T: Jennie Candlish

Safely held in first two handicap hurdles (both 2m4f) and suffered early mishap on latest outing; open to improvement over staying trips as he switches to fences but certainly needs it.

12/1

8

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Swingforthefence

11st 4lb

J: Ian Power

T: Jennie Candlish

Has yet to show anything worthwhile in five hurdle starts, including in two handicap runs since cheekpieces were fitted; steps up in trip with a tongue-tie added after a 112-day break but has plenty to prove.

25/1

Form: 54

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Hasn't posed a threat on his two starts and his pedigree hints he'll be of greater interest when upped in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Takeyoutotheisland

10st 10lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Didn't see out his race when seventh on handicap debut at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft; Gonnino second); it's possible he needed that (off a two-month break) but, equally, stamina might have been a factor; 3lb lower and claimer ridden; not impossible.

9/1

7th

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:23 Carlisle

Takeyoutotheisland

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: N W Alexander

Unable to land a significant blow in three 2m1f novice/maiden hurdles, and might have been flattered by proximity in tactical race here last time; that said, he's open to improvement over this new trip on his handicap debut.

11/2

25/1

Form: 7

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat winner at an ordinary level; open to improvement on second hurdle start but he was down the field at 16-1 at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) last month and it's probably best to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

17th Oct 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

17:25 Stratford

Made All

11st 11lb

J: Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

He's won twice under Rebecca Hitchen, most recently when reverting to hurdles and defying a first-flight blunder at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) last month; just 3lb higher today and in the mix if producing another good run.

4/1

1st

5

29th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

14:15 Sedgefield

Made All

11st 3lb

J: Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

Modest fifth over hurdles at Cartmel in July and a similar story back on the Flat twice since; Rebecca Hitchen's 10lb claim is helpful from a handicapping perspective.

7/1

5th

6

(5)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 3f 140y

Class 5

16:53 Haydock

Made All

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Sam England

Scored at Wolverhampton (1m4f) in March; mainly in good form subsequently but not at his best when sixth of seven in 1m6f handicap here last month; the sort to bounce back.

25/1

Form: 67

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Hurdle debut; unable to make an impact in his two bumpers (soft/good to soft) and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

8th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Carlisle

Big Jon

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Offered little in a pair of bumpers and it's been a similar story in 2m novice hurdles at Newcastle and Kelso this year; significantly more is required from this son of Elusive Pimpernel.

66/1

10th

6

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:00 Kelso

Big Jon

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

No impact in either bumper (soft/good to soft) and tailed off at 150-1 on last month's hurdle debut at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft).

200/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Improved upon debut run when 6l third of six in bumper at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) last month; he might have an each-way squeak if taking another step forward on this first hurdle start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Carlisle

Art Dancer

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Chris Grant

Finished third in a couple of Sedgefield bumpers but hasn't fared nearly so well over hurdles, earning a mark of 77; sticks to a non-handicap and needs major improvement for the first-time headgear.

100/1

8th

1

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

14:00 Catterick

Art Dancer

11st 7lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Chris Grant

Displayed some ability in bumpers but tailed off/pulled up at big odds on both hurdle starts (2m1f/2m4f, good to soft).

200/1

1

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

13:32 Sedgefield

Art Dancer

11st 6lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Chris Grant

Not disgraced in two small-field course bumpers in the autumn but struggled when 80-1 for Newcastle maiden hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; moves up in trip today.

66/1

Form: 57

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(8)

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 5

17:00 Goodwood

Berwick Law

9st 10lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

Dual AW scorer during the winter and a possible non-stayer over 1m4f last time; return to 1m2f is a plus but she faces some likely improvers back on turf.

13/2

4th

2

(2)

8th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Berwick Law

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charlie Johnston

Two wins over shorter trip, creating a favourable impression over 1m2f at Lingfield seven weeks ago; 5lb rise asks a stiffer question of her but the new trip could unlock further progress and she can't be ignored.

7/4

1st

4

(3)

18th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:33 Lingfield (AW)

Berwick Law

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charlie Johnston

in touch with leaders, pushed along under 2f out, ridden and ran on well towards near side from over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

9/1

Form: 580

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £40.70
Straight Forecast £42.58
Trifecta £260.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gaelic Rover

POSTDATA:

Who's Glen

Telegraph:

So Proud

RP RATINGS:

Gaelic Rover

TOPSPEED:

Gaelic Rover

The Guardian:

Gaelic Rover

D Express:

Gaelic Rover

Daily Mirror:

Gaelic Rover

The Star:

Gaelic Rover

Daily Record:

Gaelic Rover

Daily Mail:

So Proud

The Times:

Who's Glen

The Sun:

Who's Glen