7/4 winner for OJA with final runner of 2025

Everyone at Mark Howard Publications Ltd would like to wish all subscribers and contributors a healthy and prosperous New Year and thank you for your continued support throughout 2025.

Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers section continued its phenomenal run of form on Wednesday with Risky Obsession (7/4) winning comprehensively in the bumper at Warwick. A narrow winner of his point in April when handled by Mattie O'Connor, the No Risk All gelding was sold for €170,000 at the Punchestown Festival sale a couple of weeks. Purchased by Noel Fehily on behalf of David Maxwell, the four year old re entered the sales ring towards the end of October as part of his new owner's dispersal and was acquired for £190,000. Sent into training with Dan Skelton, he travelled strongly in behind the leaders before putting his stamp on the race early in the homestraight. Despite showing signs of inexperience, he pulled away in the manner of a useful acquisition. Subsequent Grade 1 winner No Drama This End won the same contest twelve months earlier. The Listed bumper at Newbury (7th February) could be an option - his owner Craig Buckingham won that event with Royal Infantry in 2024. 

Finally, thank you to those clients who emailed on Wednesday afternoon following the victory of Cryingintherain (16/1) at Lingfield. The Ollie Sangster trained filly was highlighted in the Diary as an unraced juvenile to follow in October having reportedly impressed in her homework. The daughter of Havana Grey was given a fine ride by Hector Crouch to win the six furlongs novice stakes at the Surrey track. Well done to those who helped themselves to the tasty odds on offer. Patience is a virtue and a nice way to round off 2025. Happy New Year.