Interviews with Hobbs & Nicholls

It was pleasing to see Jon Snow (6/4) finally get his head in front over hurdles at Leopardstown on Sunday. Featured in the Top 40 Prospects, Willie Mullins' gelding had been placed in his three previous starts over obstacles. However, the Le Havre gelding made all at the Dublin track over the weekend and stayed on well to prevail by a length and a quarter. His trainer indicated afterwards that the five year old is likely to head to Fairyhouse next for their Easter Festival. Hopefully he can progress from this and finally live up to expectations.

I spent an enjoyable morning at Paul Nicholls' yard on Sunday as part of the Million In Mind Open day. The champion trainer paraded a dozen of his horses who are Festival bound, plus Grade 1 winner Cyrname. Shortly afterwards, I joined Anthony Bromley (bloodstock agent and racing manager to Simon Munir) and Harry Derham on a panel to preview the Festival in the village hall in Ditcheat. I have included a full report of the day in the Cheltenham Festival Update and I am also delighted to announce that there will be an interview with Philip Hobbs regarding his hopes for next week. The Minehead trainer is sending arguably his strongest ever team to Cheltenham with leading hopes Defi Du Seuil, Sporting John and Thyme Hill, plus some interesting contenders for the handicaps.

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