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

2

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

17:08 Stratford

Roarin Success

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Useful on the Flat in her prime and came good over hurdles at fifth attempt, battling well for narrow course win (2m, good to firm; first-time tongue-tie) three weeks ago; open to further progress if stamina holds out over this new trip; respected.

9/4

1st

4

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:40 Stratford

Roarin Success

11st 11lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Useful Flat handicapper who showed promise in maiden hurdles but she was beaten 28l in a Uttoxeter handicap (2m, good) last month; still early days in this sphere but she has bit to prove after that last run; tongue-tie added.

16/1

5th

4

16th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:30 Uttoxeter

Roarin Success

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Useful Flat handicapper; best run over hurdles when runner-up in a novice at Newcastle in January; fair form on the Flat since following a wind op; non-runner 8.05 Aintree Friday.

10/1

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

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

15th

4

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Whos Glen

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Donald McCain

9-1 when fifth in the Chester Cup last year for Andrew Balding, which is as good as he's ever been on Flat; 7lb lower today, having been right off the boil for that yard later in 2025; recent hurdle efforts for new stable aren't enough to persuade, especially given such a wide draw.

33/1

2nd

5

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:10 Sedgefield

Whos Glen

11st 5lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

A useful winning stayer on the Flat for Andrew Balding; yet to match that form in this sphere but he posted his best effort when third of ten in 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh 12 days ago; not out of things on this stiffer track.

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

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

4th

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:07 Warwick

So Proud

11st 5lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Attracted plenty of support when winning a Haydock bumper (good) one year ago; subsequently changed hands for £100,000 but weakened on stable/hurdling debut at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in January; disappointing if he's not capable of better.

10/1

5th

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

11:45 Newcastle

So Proud

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

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.

2/1

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

8th

4

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Swingforthefence

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Son of Soldier Of Fortune who was fitted with cheekpieces but failed to build on earlier promise when sixth of seven on handicap debut over C&D 22 days ago; he's in good hands though and might be worth another chance.

12/1

6th

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

14:18 Sedgefield

Swingforthefence

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Unable to land a telling blow in three maiden/novice hurdles since his respectable bumper debut here last April but wasn't beaten all that far at Ludlow (2m, soft) three weeks ago; upped in trip and fitted with cheekpieces for handicap debut; one of two unexposed runners from the stable in this race.

10/1

7th

8

18th Feb 2026

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:00 Ludlow

Swingforthefence

11st 2lb

J: Ian Power

T: Jennie Candlish

His third in a small-field bumper didn't amount to much and has been beaten 35l and 21l over hurdles; one for another day, perhaps.

100/1

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

7th

11

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Carlisle

Takeyoutotheisland

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Modest efforts in an Ayr bumper and in two runs over hurdles; others preferred.

100/1

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

5th

2

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:35 Cartmel

Made All

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Four-time Flat winner who finished third in both his handicap hurdles, the latter at Market Rasen (2m, good) in May; seemed to give the leaders far too much rope when beaten at skinny odds on the Flat on Wednesday but that run was still good enough to confirm his wellbeing; shortlisted.

5/2

3rd

1

(2)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:10 Catterick

Made All

11st 5lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Sam England

Won this race last year on good to soft (also successful over C&D on good to firm); another decent C&D effort when third in a higher grade in May and creditable third over hurdles since; likely to go well.

11/8

3rd

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

20:42 Market Rasen

Made All

12st 0lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Fair Flat racer; yet to make a significant impact over hurdles but was given a lot to do before finishing well for third over C&D (good) on handicap debut three weeks ago, and his recent Flat run was perfectly respectable.

5/2

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