Saturday Review

For the second consecutive year, Willie Mullins completed the English and Scottish National double with Captain Cody given a super cool ride by Harry Cobden before leading close home and winning snugly under the champion jockey at Ayr on Saturday. A Grade 2 winning novice hurdler last spring, the seven year old had unseated his rider in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last time. Kept wide on only his fifth run over fences, the ex-pointer made stealthy headway on the hometurn before getting in amongst the action from the fourth last onwards. Despite having half a dozen lengths to make up on stablemate Klarc Kent, Cobden's mount quickened up well to lead inside the final hundred yard before winning eased down by a length. That victory ensured Mullins is now long odds on favourite to retain his trainer's title ahead of Dan Skelton, who sent out a treble at the same track twenty four hours earlier. The head of Closutton arrived before racing with trusty assistant David Casey and the pair were in great form after stable companion Dysart Dolomite landed the bumper to provide the icing on the cake. Booked on a flight at 6.15pm at Prestwick airport, they were mobbed by local racegoers as they attempted to get back to Western House Hotel alongside the racecourse to wait for their taxi. 

Unfortunately, ante-post selection Ethical Diamond failed to read the script proving bitterly disappointing in the Scottish Champion Hurdle. The County Hurdle fourth raced prominently early on and I thought we were in business with a circuit to run. However, Patrick Mullins' mount didn't jump fluently down the backstraight and, even though he made progress approaching the second last, he was a spent force soon afterwards. Given the fact he had finished in front of the winner Cracking Rhapsody at the Festival, it was too bad to be true but he isn't a horse I would have much faith in going forward. 

Congratulations to Value Racing Club following The Lord Maid's victory in the mares' handicap hurdle over three miles. Trained by Tom Lacey, the daughter of Mount Nelson stayed on strongly to bag the £23,171 prize and has proved another shrewd purchase for her syndicate. Previously handled by Josh Halley in Ireland, the seven year old was acquired privately and her form figures since joining VRC are 12721. 

Despite the disappointment of Ethical Diamond in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, I thoroughly enjoyed both days north of the border. The weather was excellent, especially on Friday, and there was a great atmosphere on both days. It was also an opportunity to catch up with a few owners, trainers and jockey and I was able to gain some good information regarding horses for next season and One Jump Ahead 2025/2026. 

Switching codes, I am still catching up on the racing from Newbury but the Talking Trainers section of Ahead On The Flat made a bright start on Saturday. Andrew Balding commented on page 55 regarding the Greenham Stakes winner Jonquil: "He joined us towards the end of last year and is a horse with a huge amount of ability. He goes very well at home and the plan is for him to run in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury (12th April)." The former Sir Michael Stoute inmate scored impressively @ 8/1.

Similarly, William Haggas remarked on page 93 re the unraced three year old Consecrated: "A half-sister to Sacred, she is a nice unraced filly with a lovely action. She is likely to make her debut over seven furlongs at either Newbury or Newmarket in April. The Bridget Maiden Stakes at the former track (11th April) is a race I like to target." The Frankel filly made all and won hard held by three lengths at the Berkshire venue on Friday @ 5/2.

Orders received for Ahead On The Flat over the weekend will be posted out on Monday. If you haven't ordered a copy of the book, or the Updates, please head to the Publications section of the site.