L'Eau Du Sud makes smooth start to his chasing career

Dan Skelton's string continue in excellent form with 16 winners from 55 runners during the last fortnight - 22 winners in October. Paul Nicholls' former assistant nominated L'Eau Du Sud as his horse to follow in One Jump Ahead and last season's Betfair and County Hurdle runner-up made a successful start to his fencing career at Stratford on Thursday. The ex-French trained grey made all in the two miles three 0-140 handicap chase and, with the exception of the fourth fence (open ditch), he jumped accurately and outclassed his four opponents. A ten lengths winner off a mark of 138, the six year old will reportedly drop back to two miles next time with the Grade 2 November Novices' Chase at Cheltenham (16th November) his target - Skelton has won the race twice with North Hill Harvey (2017) and Third Time Lucki (2021). 

I am working at Wetherby on Friday and Saturday and will therefore update the Diary on my return. Please head to the Publications section of the site to order the One Jump Ahead Updates - the first of which covers the Paddy Power meeting at Cheltenham and will be emailed to clients on Thursday 14th November. 

Sad news broke over the last few days following the passing of Brian Haggas and George Reveley. The latter was the father of Newmarket trainer William and his familiar white, black and red silks were carried with great distinction over the years, including by the eight year old Hamish who won 11 of his 23 races earning over £800,000 in prize-money. The former was married to the late Mary Reveley, one of the finest dual purpose trainers in my lifetime, and the father of Keith who took over the licence. I saw George regularly on northern racecourses in the 1990s and early 2000s.