News of exciting 3yo for J.P.McManus in November Update

Very sad news broke on Wednesday that former jump jockey Tom O'Brien had passed away at the age of 39. One of the most likeable members of the weighing room, the Irishman formed a formidable partnership with Philip Hobbs riding Thyme Hill to Grade 1 success. Thoughts are very much with his wife Hayley and their two young sons. 

Just a reminder that the November Update will be emailed to clients on Thursday evening. I am still working on the Update, which includes a stable interview with in-form Tom Lacey. The Herefordshire handler believes he has a well handicapped young chaser who is due to run next week and an unraced three year old who could make his racecourse bow in the Listed four year old bumper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

There is also an interview with former jockey and now leading bloodstock agent Jerry McGrath who has forwarded news of some of his new recruits who are trained by the likes of Nicky Henderson, Ben Pauling and Gordon Elliott. Jerry has bought some of the highest profile names in National Hunt racing in recent years, including the ill-fated triple Grade 1 winner Sir Gino. 

I have also received news of a potentially very exciting three year old who has been purchased by J.P.McManus and has joined a top Irish yard. Not featured in the ante-post betting for the Triumph Hurdle, he could be top-class over obstacles and one to very much look forward to.

Thank you very much to those clients who have already ordered the 5 One Jump Ahead Updates - the response has been superb and much appreciated. If you haven't ordered, please head to the Publications section of the site.

In terms of action on the track on Wednesday, Top 45 entry Jet of Stars got his career firmly back on track when proving too strong for the well touted Attin in the two miles novice hurdle at Ayr. The winning pointer was found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat when finishing last at Perth in September. Brian Hughes' mount jumped much slicker than his market rival and was always in control. He may have another run in a novice under a penalty before a possible tilt at the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day.

Rockson Piel features in the Unraced Horses section of One Jump Ahead and Harry Derham's three year old justified strong market support before winning the junior 'National Hunt' hurdle at Bangor. A well bred son of Goliath Du Berlais, he raced handily and only had to be pushed out to secure a three lengths victory. He is a nice prospect for a yard which is beginning to hit its straps.

Well done to James Couldwell and Value Racing Club who continue to churm out the winners like its going out of fashion. Following Walden's narrow defeat at Aintree on Saturday, Teorie won at Huntingdon on Tuesday and Jackstell prevailed narrowly under a power packed ride by the in-form Gavin Sheehan at Warwick twenty four hours later. VRC have now had 30 winners in 2026 which is a tremendous achievement and credit to the syndicate,