Love would be in the air, but the sound of thundering hooves would be more important in the world of horse racing as Valentine's Day would take a back seat behind Grade One action at Ascot. This mid February fixture falls at a crucial point in the season with less than a month until the prestigious Cheltenham Festival and the final trial events would take place.
A seven race card would provide a healthy blend of quality and competitiveness for those attending. The Grade One Ascot Chase would take place over two and a half miles and has seen some memorable performances in recent years from popular chasers. Elsewhere, valuable handicap chases and hurdle races would join a graded novice chase which has a rich legacy of providing star chasers of the future. There will be clues aplenty on show at the Berkshire venue and the notebook would be open, ready to take stock for the future. 

Race One: The Betfair Novices' Hurdle - Class Two - Two Miles, Three Furlongs - Runners: 6
This valuable racecard would kick off with an informative novice hurdle over the intermediate distance of just under two and a half miles. This contest may not necessarily provide Cheltenham winners next month, but with a whole host of valuable races for novices coming up at other meetings, there could be one of two above average performers lurking in the lineup.
Last season, this race would see the Joe Tizzard-trained First Confession make all for a relatively easy success, his second at Ascot of the season. It would also come in the middle of two Grade One assignments, one of which came at Cheltenham, 

Heading the card for this season would be Etna Bianco, trained by last year's winning trainer Joe Tizzard. The grey would take a similar path as last year's winner as he won over slightly further at Ascot in November, but struggled to make an impact in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury over Christmas. This would be a big drop in class for the six year old. Next up would be another last time out winner, the Anthony Honeyball-trained Catchintsavo. The six year old has a solid record with just one bad run so far. He would belatedly land a first win last time out, battling hard for the win over a longer trip than this at Ludlow. Mondoui'Boy had shown smart from earlier in his career and switched stables to the Ben Pauling stable mid-season where he made an impressive start by winning at Ludlow last month. He looks to be another useful long term prospect. Phillip Hobbs and Johnson White would be represented by the talented Starzand. The six year old looked to have a good future ahead of him by winning three in a row, but more recently his bubble has burst with defeats in similar company. The remaining runners would have an advantage over their rivals as they haven't won a race so far, so had less weight to carry. First of the maidens would Dan Skelton's Coumeenoole. The former Irish-trained gelding made a stable switch midway through this season and has failed to get involved in a couple of handicap hurdles recently for current connections. Completing the line up would be Kildinian Prince from the Emma Lavelle stable. He would make a very promising debut in Ireland back in the summer, but this would be his first start since. Despite this, he has moved to an in form yard, so should find wins in the near future. 

Winner: MONDOUI'BOY (Castle Du Berlais x Mondovi) - (#3) - B. Jones - B. Pauling

Just six horses would take to the start, but each horse would represent a different stable, making this contest a wide open and competitive one. The seemingly non-stop wet weather would finally cease and the skies were filled with warming mid-February sunshine ahead of the first race. All six runners would stand their ground in the line-up and the starter dropped his flag to get the racing underway.

From the outset, Catchintsavo would be ridden prominently under Rex Dingle and led the field over the first few hurdles in the back straight. The pack would be split into two small groups as the grey Etna Bianco and Mondoui'boy settled on the heels of the leader while Starzard, Coumeenoole and Kildinan Prince were all ridden patiently. Passing the stands for the first time, the order remained the same at a steady pace as the runners jumped proficiently in the opening half of the race. Reaching the base of Swinley Bottom, the ground began to rise again and the race would start to heat up. Catchintsavo began to turn the screw up front as Mondoui'boy travelled smoothly into second, demoting Etna Bianco to third. Rounding the home bend, Mondoui'boy had moved alongside Catchintsavo and the pair charged towards the second last hurdle together. They would jump it as one, but the momentum of Mondoui'boy took him into the lead between the final two hurdles. He would then start to draw clear of his rivals as Catchintsavo began to weaken. A clean jump at the last and untroubled path to the line would see Mondoui'boy land a second win over hurdles by an impressive seven lengths. Kildinan Prince was doing his best work at the finish and overtook Catchintsavo on the run-in to take second while the long time leader took third. Another decent gap would go back to Etna Bianco would could only manage fourth place. Starzand would make a bad error at the final fence, unseating Sean Houlihan, but he was already well beaten at the time.

It would be a perfect start to the day for the Ben Pauling stable as their recent recruit Mondoui'boy has seemingly found plenty of improvement since joining the yard. The son of French-based stallion Castle Du Berlais, the six year old began his career with the Harry Derham stable, finishing second in a bumper on debut and then running an excellent race into sixth in a competitive bumper at the Punchestown Festival. He was part of a dispersal sale of David Maxwell-owned horses which saw him move to the upwardly mobile Ben Pauling stable in September. He made his stable debut just a month ago at Ludlow where he made most of the running and pulled clear to score on hurdling debut. This was an even better performance and the imposing six year old should have a bright future ahead of him. A distant relative to very smart chaser Saint Calvados, a Cheltenham Festival and Grade Two winner, connections will already be looking forward to seeing him over fences next season. 

Race Two: The IJF Ambassadors Programme Reynoldstown Novices' Chase - Grade Two - Three Miles - Runners: 3

Next up would be a novice chase with plenty of history and a tendency for being a stepping stone to bigger things for some top class horses. Named in honour of the two time winner of the Grand National in the 1930's, the Reynoldstown Chase is seen as a true test of stamina for a novice, but bears a good link with the Cheltenham Festival. 
Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Little Owl and Mr Mulligan feature amongst the past winners, as well as the high class Royal Athlete, One Man and Albertas Run. In 2014, Rebecca Curtis's O'Faolain's Boy landed this race before winning the RSA Chase at Cheltenham a month later, the most recent horse to complete the double.  Last year, Joe Tizzard's The Changing Man was totally dominant in the contest, thrashing the opposition and going on to place in numerous high class handicaps recently.

This year's contest would see a small but select field, but there would be quality over quantity here. Heading the card would be the nine year old Thomas Mor from the Phillip Hobbs and Johnson White stable. The formerly smart hurdler made a flawless chasing debut when winning here in November, but put in a career best when second in a Grade One at Kempton over Christmas, not beaten far in the process. Anthony Honeyball saddled the runner-up in last year's contest and would look to go one place better with Crest Of Fortune. Having placed at Grade One level over hurdles last season, he hasn't run to the same standard over fences and was well beaten in the Kauto Star Novice Chase at Kempton over Christmas. The Ben Pauling stable won this two seasons ago and would be represented by the rapidly progressive The Jukebox Kid. The seven year old has a good strike so far and landed a handicap chase over course and distance in good style last month. This would be a harder task, but he is going the right way. Last year's winning connections would aim for a second win a row with Western Knight. Joe Tizzard's seven year old struggled on chasing debut earlier in the season, but has turned the corner with two wins in a row. His most recent win came over a shorter trip, but looks a promising stayer in the making. 

Winner: THE JUKEBOX KID (Jukebox Jury x Baraza) - (#3) - B. Jones - B. Pauling

There would be a significant absence from the field as the likely short priced favourite Thomas Mor was withdrawn on the morning of the race due to an abscess. It would leave just a field of three, but the race remained an intriguing one.

The trio of runners would mill around on the bend heading away from the stands before the starter lowered his flag to get the Grade Two contest underway. The green silks of The Jukebox Kid would take the early lead, ahead of Western Knight in second and the slightly keen-going Crest Of Fortune who brought up the rear. There wasn't any urgency in the opening stages of the race as the trio hacked around the first circuit of the Ascot course. The Jukebox Kid would jump well in front, but in contrast, Crest Of Fortune began to make small mistakes and lost a bit of ground on his two rivals. The race would begin to pick up on the uphill run to the fourth last fence. The Jukebox Kid would add pressure on the other two and started to make a gap on Western Knight. Rounding the home bend, he would have a comfortable lead and jumped the second last fence nicely. Ben Jones had hardly asked for an effort yet as he approached the final fence. Another very smart jump sealed the race and The Jukebox Kid galloped strongly to the line, winning by an ever extending five and a half lengths. Western Knight would come in an isolated second as Crest Of Fortune rounded out the finishing order with a well beaten third.

It would be a quickfire treble for the Ben Pauling stable and they have unearthed another promising young horse in the form of the seven year old The Jukebox Kid. The yard celebrated their biggest moment so far in this season's King George VI Chase at Kempton where The Jukebox Man landed a dramatic victory, but the future looks bright with the unrelated The Jukebox Kid. After winning a point-to-point by a wide margin back in 2024, the son of Jukebox Jury won on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter in March last year. He didn't spend much time over hurdles before he was switched to the larger obstacles this season where he has flourished. Drawing clear at Carlisle on his debut over fences in November, a competitive handicap at Cheltenham a month later potentially came too soon. He would return to winning ways in January in a handicap chase over course and distance, once again racing prominently and jumping well. This would be a successful jump in class and it also took his career record to four wins from six starts. A half brother to the Grand National Trial winner Yeah Man, stamina looks to be a strong suit for The Jukebox Man and races like the Grand National next season could be a strong possibility. 

Race Three: The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle - Class Two - Two Miles, Three Furlongs - Runners: 15

The action would continue to heat up as this class two handicap hurdle over two and a half miles would look a fiercely competitive one, typical of a Saturday fixture. The contest would be contested by regular faces at this level alongside course specialists. 
Last year's edition would see Harry Fry's Altobelli travel strongly throughout the contest and pull clear to win, adding to his healthy strike rate of two wins and three placings at this venue.

Carrying top weight in this year's race would be the talented mare Kateira, from the Dan Skelton yard. The nine year old has been around seemingly forever, but she was placed at Grade One level a few seasons ago. After winning a listed race at Wetherby back in November, she competed at a higher level this season but ran poorly back in handicap company last time out. Another nine year old in the field would be the Olly Murphy-trained Rambo T. He would land a valuable handicap hurdle at Chepstow at the start of the season, but his two runs since then haven't been as strong. This would be his first run since New Year's Day. The Paul Nicholls-trained Captain Teague looked to have a big future ahead of him when winning a Grade One hurdle two seasons ago, but injury has interrupted his progress. A chasing career was cut short after two runs and he ran adequately back over hurdles when fourth at Windsor in January. A second runner for the Olly Murphy team would be the useful Act Of Authority. The eight year old took second in a race at the Cheltenham Festival last year and has continued his progression with good placed efforts in similar company this season. Ben Pauling would saddle Fiercely Proud, whose last win came in a good handicap hurdle at Ascot in December 2024, but he has struggled for form since then. After showing a bit of promise at Cheltenham in November, he ran poorly again last time out here in December. David Pipe was once a trainer to follow in races of this nature, but arguably hasn't had the firepower in recent times. He would be represented by Jurancon here and the seven year old was very progressive until this season. The multiple winner has struggled in competitive races at Cheltenham and Newbury and is starting to look a bit exposed all of a sudden. Dan Skelton would also be represented by handicap hurdle regular Listentoyourheart. The mare would win at listed level last season before her form dipped at the end of last season. She has returned to her previous smart level this season and returned to winning ways at Windsor last month, picking up a similar contest to this one. Hurricane Bay looked to be a smart stayer in the making a couple of seasons ago, placing in Graded company, but Lucy Wadham's ten year old has been a little inconsistent lately. He would make a return to hurdling for the first time since 2024 in a bid to revive his career. The sole runner for Fergal O'Brien would be the in form John Barbour. The gelding has finished outside the top four just once in his career and is rising through the ranks nicely. He would win at Uttoxeter for the second time this season on his latest start and returned to this competitive level. Sam Thomas is establishing himself as a trainer in recent times and would be represented by Range in this contest. The nine year old had been a useful chaser of late, but reverted to hurdles last time out and narrowly scored at Sandown in December, of which the form was nicely boosted recently. Faye Bramley is another young trainer enjoying a breakout season and would rely on the unpredictable No Ordinary Joe here. The ten year old has been out of sorts this season, but at his best, he was capable of placing at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023. The formerly Irish based De Temps En Temps has been improved further by current trainer Martin Keighley. The seven year old landed back to back wins at Uttoxeter and Cheltenham earlier in the season, but was just starting to fade when exiting the contest at Kempton over Christmas. Yet another consistent competitor in the line up would be Alistair Ralph's gelding Lightningupourdays. The seven year old has just one win to his name, but it is backed up by a lot of placings. He would run his usual sound race last time out when third at Hereford just before Christmas. Charlie Longsdon would be represented by Kamaxos here. The nine year old has had a bit of longevity in his career, but usually excels at a lower level. After winning narrowly at Leicester in November, he would run well again into second at Uttoxeter when last seen. The quirky Moveit Like Minnie could only manage a midfield finish in this race last year, but returned for a second attempt. Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies's nine year old has some good placed form at Ascot, so has the potential to run well if in the mood. 

Winner: FIERCELY PROUD (Iffraaj x Estiqaama) - (#12) - K. Woods - B. Pauling

This ultra competitive handicap hurdle wouldn't be one for the faint hearted of punters as all fifteen runners took their place at the start. As the race would get underway, there would be quite a bit of urgency to take the early lead. Five horses would set the pace approaching the first couple of hurdles, led by Hurricane Bay. He would be joined by Listentoyourheart, Kamaxos, Range with No Ordinary Joe also in the firing line. Just behind this wave of horses came Fiercely Proud and the strongly fancied Lightningupourdays who were both content with following the slipstream of the leaders. 
The early pace would be a fairly strong one and there would a few at the rear who were already struggling. They would include Kateira, Rambo T and Act Of Authority as the field had already made it around to their point of departure. Reaching the uphill climb towards the home bend, Listentoyourheart had taken up the narrow lead from Range and the race still looked wide open. Towards the rear, Hurricane Bay and Range had both folded out of contention and were quickly pulled up. A handful of horses remained tightly bunched rounding the home bend and No Ordinary Joe would catch the eye with the ease of which he travelled into contention. It looked to be one of the nine year old's better days as he took up the lead approaching two out. John Barbour had sneaked through on the inside and jumped past No Ordinary Joe and into the lead. Just behind these two, Fiercely Proud was stalking the prey but still had ground to make up at the last hurdle. John Barbour jumped the last well, but Fiercely Proud's challenge was timed to perfection by Kielan Woods as he wore down John Barbour in a thrilling finish to win by a neck. Just behind them, De Temps En Temps had been outpaced at a crucial point, but rallied strongly to take a close third while Moveit Like Minnie produced another good run at this venue to take fourth, beaten just under four lengths by the winner.

It would be a welcome return to form for the talented yet frustrating Fiercely Proud, whose win here completed a hat trick of wins in the first three contests for the Ben Pauling stable. The son of Iffraaj emerged on the scene at the start of 2023 where he landed a listed bumper at Cheltenham, but would subsequently struggle in the championship races at Cheltenham and Aintree of that season. Moving up to hurdles, he would perform much better. Winning twice as a novice and finishing placed at Grade Two level at Doncaster and Kempton in early 2024. His biggest win would come at Ascot in December 2024 where he landed the Ladbroke Hurdle over two miles under today's rider Kielan Woods, but after that, he would begin to lose his way. Two non finishes in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury and then at Aintree left him with question marks over his head, but shaped better in this season's Greatwood Hurdle in November, staying on into fifth. He aimed to defend his Ladbroke Trophy crown here last time out, but fared no better than twelfth. This would be his first attempt at a trip further than two miles and he was given an excellent waiting ride to overhaul John Barbour in the closing stages. The Coral Cup at Cheltenham remains a feasible target next month, but Fiercely Proud could return to Ascot for similar races over this trip now that his stamina is assured.

Race Four: The Betfair Swinley Premier Handicap Chase - Class One - Three Miles - Runners: 11
The valuable action would continue, this time over fences with this hotly contested staying event. In the race's former guise, it was once perceived as a trial for the Whitbread Gold Cup and saw Aldaniti win this race in 1981 prior to his famous Grand National success later that year. After a hiatus of 25 years, the race returned to the schedule in 2011 and has seen plenty of popular handicappers win; such as Regal Encore in 2018.

Last year's contest would see a thrilling battle between 2024's winner Threeunderthrufive and course specialist Victtorino. A nose would separate the pair, but it was Victtorino who landed his fourth Ascot success.

The class of 2026 would be lead by the evergreen Sam Brown, trained by Anthony Honeyball. Now a fourteen year old, he has shown no signs of slowing by winning at Newbury eleven months ago. He would fade away over a longer trip on his comeback run at Cheltenham in November, his latest run. Threeunderthrufive would look to continue his good form in this contest for Paul Nicholls having won this in 2024 and gone very close last year. The eleven year old has only completed one race out of four starts since last year's renewal and he needs to return to form. The only runner in this contest for Ben Pauling would be the fragile Your Darling. Despite now being an eleven year old, he has been sporadically sighted of late. He would run an excellent race in defeat at Kempton last time out when denied by a small margin. Another seasoned veteran in the line-up would be Tom Lacey's eleven year old Nocte Volatus. He has found a new lease of life this season, winning a pair of veterans contests in good style. The stable of AJ and Jonjo O'Neill has bounced back to form with a vengeance lately and would look to continue their hot streak with Jipcot. The seven year old has been a regular at this sort of level in the past and returned to winning ways at Leicester recently. The talented Joyeaux Machin has been hard to win with since joining to Dan Skelton, but he is capable when at his best. The nine year old finished second in the handicap hurdle on this card last year and switches between hurdles and fences. He had the race in his hand when falling at Doncaster last time out and looked to gain compensation. Another popular veteran in the line up would be Credo from the Anthony Honeyball stable. The mare has held her form nicely of late, but ran below her best at Sandown last time out and needs to bounce back. Last year's winning trainer Venetia Williams has endured a terrible season by her high standards, but would be represented here by Hunter Legend. The nine year old has started to come into form recently with three placed efforts, albeit beaten a long way in the process. One of the leading contenders would carry the JP McManus silks, Tom Lacey's Montregard. The seven year old won in good style over course and distance earlier in the season before chasing home a good prospect here last month. He would sneak into the line up with a low weight. Another runner for the Gary and Josh Moore stable would be the grey Invincible Nao. The eight year old's form has taken off in the past year and he looks to be versatile in terms of trip. After winning on his seasonal reappearance, he then posted a good effort over a much longer trip when third at Lingfield last month. Completing the field would be David Pipe's Gericault Roque, who has been lightly raced of late. At the peak of his form, the ten year old would have too much class over his rivals as a former Cheltenham Festival runner-up. He looked laboured on his latest start at Warwick and has plenty to prove now.

Winner: MONTREGARD (Joshua Tree x Protektion) (#9) - J. Burke - T. Lacey

The second puzzle for punters to solve would see all eleven runners take to the start, just past the grandstands for the three mile trip. 

The pace would be a much more steadier one than the proceeding handicap hurdle as the grey Invincible Nao went to the front under Caoilin Quinn along with the pale colours of Jipcot and Kielan Woods. Settling just behind the leading pair would be Gericault Roque, Threeunderthrufive, Nocte Volatus and Montregard. Next up came the likes of Joyeaux Machin who was jumping nicely in the midfield, Credo and Sam Brown who was struggling to keep up. As the field passed the stands for the first time and completed their first circuit, Threeunderthrufive began to drop like a stone and was soon trailing the field. His race came to an end at the bottom of the hill, but the race began to develop up front. The order began to thin out as Jipcot was producing a good show of jumping. Joyeaux Machin had emerged from the pack under Tristan Durrell and was travelling strongly, looking a big threat to the leader. These two went eye to eye around the bend, but Montregard would take the home turn in third, locked on to the two in front. Approaching two out, Joyeaux Machin's challenge would expire almost as quickly as it began as he faded away. Jipcot jumped the second last in front, but his time in the lead came to an end as Montregard, Gericault Roque and Your Darling loomed up large. Montregard would land in the lead and powered towards the final fence. The seven year old jumped it stylishly and began to run away from his rivals, putting almost three lengths between himself and the nearest pursuer at the line. Gericault Roque would take second once again with a promising effort, finishing just ahead of Your Darling, who continued the good afternoon for the Pauling stable. There would be a long gap back to Jipcot, who tired into fourth as the remaining runners finished at long intervals.

There would be another well supporter winner on the afternoon, giving the bookmakers an even bigger headache and plenty of smiles for the busy crowd. An improving handicap chaser owned by JP McManus is always one to follow and this would be the case for the seven year old Montregard. The gelding clearly has quirks as he has pulled up a few times, but when on song, he can be very good. His progression began in May last year where he landed a class four handicap at Worcester, but the visor fitted on that day helped to unlock the improvement. After a short break, he would start this season at Ascot, again at class four level. He would pull clear on the quicker ground that day to win nicely, but he ran below form at Kempton's festival over Christmas where he pulled up with a seemingly moody display. Another visit to Ascot came last time out, remaining at this three mile distance. He ran well into second, but the winner of the race would be The Jukebox Kid, who gave the form a big boost by winning the Grade Two novice chase earlier in the day. The son of Joshua Tree is also well bred as a half brother to the top class Protektorat, winner of the Ryanair Chase, placed in a Gold Cup and winner of numerous Graded races. Still a young horse, Montregard can still progress further in time, but he could be a regular fixture in this three mile handicaps at Ascot.

Race Five: The Betfair Ascot Chase - Grade One - Two Miles, Five Furlongs - Runners: 6
The feature race of the day would be billed as a mouthwatering match up between two top class horses. The Ascot Chase has is often an eagerly awaited contest each season since its first running in 1995. Taking place over the intermediate distance of two and a half miles, it provides an ideal warm up for the upcoming Cheltenham and Aintree festivals which grow ever larger on the horizon. Some of jumps racing's all time greats have won this race since the turn of the century, including a golden era involving Our Vic, Monet's Garden and of course, the mercurial Kauto Star. In more recent times, the hall of fame grows stronger with dual winner Cue Card, Silvinaco Conti and Shishkin all winning this Grade One contest.

The race has been locked down in the last two runnings by the Paul Nicholls-trained Pic d'Orhy, who clearly loves this venue and distance. Despite a small field, he put on a jumping clinic and routed his rivals by ten lengths. He would return for the hat trick attempt.

There would be another small field this year, but the intrigue would be no lesser. Blow Your Wad also held an engagement in the proceeding handicap chase on the card, but Gary and Josh Moore opted to aim higher at this contest. The eight year old has plenty of ability, but hasn't been able to produce it over fences and finished eighth in a very competitive handicap here last time out. The dual purpose yard of Jennie Candlish has grown in stature of late and aimed for a big shock with Classic Maestro. The eight year old improved by a stone in the ratings last season, but this would be his first ever attempt at a Graded contest. The widely popular Edwardstone still keeps going strongly, now at the age of twelve. Alan King's stalwart has enjoyed a brilliant career and returned to winning ways at Kempton last month, picking up the pieces in a Grade Two. Representing the championship chasing stable of Dan Skelton would be Heltenham. The nine year old has been a solid type in handicaps, but has fallen on his last two starts. Connections will be hoping for a clear round to pick up some prize money here. The first of the big guns in the contest would be the excellent Jonbon. Nicky Henderson's ten year old has finished in the top two in all his races and has an impressive tally of Grade One wins. He landed the Clarence House Chase for a second time here last month and stepped up in distance, but he has won on both attempts. The defending champion Pic d'Orhy would be looking to put up a stern defence of his crown here. Paul Nicholls's eleven year old has won five times at Ascot, including the last two renewals of this race. This season has been slightly quieter however, finishing second at Wetherby and then a disappointing third here when last seen in November. 

Winner: JONBON (Walk In The Park x Star Face) - (#5) - N. De Boinville - N. Henderson

It would be time for the big race to take centre stage to provide an eagerly anticipated clash between the star two mile chaser and the distance specialist. 
Tactics would always be a heavily scrutinised aspect of the race with just six runners, but Harry Cobden would signal his intent from the word go as he pushed Pic d'Orhy into the lead and set a fairly quick pace. His market rival Jonbon sat behind him in second, running a shade keenly over a distance he has rarely raced over. Edwardstone and Blow Your Wad would watch on from third and fourth with Classic Maestro attempting to hold on in fifth, with Heltenham already struggling at the rear. Passing the grandstands for the first time, the two old favourites Jonbon and Pic d'Orhy putting on a good show of jumping. The crowd would give them a cheer to send them out into the country, but next time it would be for real. The two rivals kept each other on their toes throughout the final circuit with Pic d'Orhy still holding the advantage over Jonbon. Further back, Blow Your Wad began to feel the pinch as the pace began to crank up further and Edwardstone would move into third on the uphill run to the home bend. All eyes would remain fixed on the two leaders as the race reached its boiling point. Rounding the final turn, Nico de Boinville began to look more animated in the saddle of Jonbon, pushing him along and asking for an effort. Harry Cobden looked more confident on Pic d'Orhy and they held a length's lead approaching two out. Pic d'Orhy took off and landed in front as Jonbon jumped to his left. On the flat between the last two fences, Jonbon began to rally. A roar from the crowd urged him forward and the two jumped the final fence together. Jonbon's neck was just ahead on the landing side, but Pic d'Orhy had one last challenge in him. Drawing alongside briefly, but going out on his shield. Jonbon would put on the afterburners and pull clear of Pic d'Orhy in the final few metres to land an epic battle. Daylight would stand between the first two and the rest, Blow Your Wad stayed on again to win the "second" race ahead of Edwardstone in fourth and Heltenham the only other finisher.

Words are beginning to run out to describe the brilliant Jonbon, who was recording his twentieth race win from twenty-seven starts. The ten year old's longevity at the top has been seen only on rare occasions and he could yet remain at this level for another year or so. A Grade One winner over hurdles and fences, Jonbon has been the standout star for the Nicky Henderson stable in an otherwise emotional season for the Seven Barrows season. His previous two wins at this distance came in the Melling Chase at Aintree's Grand National festival in 2024 and 2025, but he has been campaigned over two miles since then. After another Cheltenham runner's up spot in November was followed by a second in the Tingle Creek, but he defied the critics with an excellent win in the Clarence House Chase here over two miles last month, his second win in the race. He clearly needs a longer trip at his age now and the next target could be the Ryanair Chase as he aims to overcome his Cheltenham hoodoo. Wherever he goes next, Jonbon remains one of the best chasers seen in the sport in recent times. 
There would also be a special mention for Pic d'Orhy too as the eleven year old threw everything at Jonbon, but was found out only close home. Paul Nicholls's warrior becomes the eleventh from the stable to win over a million pounds in career prize money earned, joining the greats Master Minded and Kauto Star. 

Race Six: The Betfair Handicap Hurdle - Class Three - Three Miles - Runners: 18
After the drama and excitement of the Grade One action just moments earlier, the racecard would begin to wind up with another well contested handicap hurdle. This one would be a qualifier for the Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series which reaches its climax at Haydock in early April. A top eight finish here would be good enough to make the final, so connections will be keen on a good showing from their horse. 
Last season, the race went the way of Samuel Spade from the Ben Pauling yard. The six year old made stealthy progress and arrived late on the scene to record the success. 

This year's contest would be see the Tim Vaughan-trained Kallium carry top weight in this test of stamina. The six year old progressed nicely in his first season, winning four times and then returning to action with a good third at Doncaster at the end of November. Next up came Operation Manna for the Tom Lacey stable. The ten year old was a prolific winner earlier in his career, but more recently his form has more letters than numbers. He would pull up once again on latest start at Wincanton and has now returned to hurdling. The eleven year old Hung Jury was a very good sort in the point-to-point field and has transferred his ability to regular racing. Martin Keighley's gelding remains lightly raced over hurdles and was last seen pulling up in the Welsh National over the festive period. The stable of Robbie Llewellyn often does well with their small string of horses and they would be represented by the long absent Loup de Maulde. The nine year old finished second in this race in 2023, but he was last seen to good effect by winning twice in a row in early 2024. This would be some training feat to bring him back to his best, some two years later. The six year old Yellow Star would take his place in the line up for the Gary and Josh Moore yard and his season has been a story of ups and down. He would cause a small surprise when winning at Warwick two starts ago, but was outclassed in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton last time. He would be another to rise up in distance for this contest. The Fergal O'Brien team would be represented by the in form Heart Over Head. The seven year old has found a new level of form since stepping up to three miles and recorded a double of wins at Market Rasen and Uttoxeter either side of the New Year. The eight year old Il Va De Soi took his place in the line up for the Harry Derham stable and was heading in the right direction two seasons ago. In more recent times though, his form has dropped off and plenty of questions hover over him after two non-finishes recently. Next up would be High Treason for the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies stable. The seven year old began his career brightly with a pair of novice wins, but hasn't gone on since then and has finished in the midfield spots on his most recent races. Anthony Honeyball would be represented here by the eight year old Sea Invasion, who has a good strike rate of late. After winning twice at Plumpton at the end of last season, he returned to form after a slight blip by taking third at Kempton over the Christmas period and would be another with a good chance. Next would come a pair of runners from the Phillip Hobbs and Johnson White stable. The first would be the lightly raced six year old Oh My Johnny. He was last successful on this week last year, so this might be his time of the year, but ran below his potential when pulling up at Wincanton last month on his latest start. He would be joined by stablemate Solar System, carrying the silks of JP McManus. The seven year old has developed a likeable profile with a handful of wins last season and wasn't disgraced on his recent seasonal comeback when fifth at Haydock a month ago. Another quietly progressive runner would be Kayley Woollacott's Diamatiste. The seven year old rounded out last season with a win and has finished closer with each start. He looked like a winner in waiting when a close second last time out at Exeter. Tom Lacey's Walden rarely runs a bad race and landed back to back wins in 2025. The six year old faded out of contention last time out over two and a half miles and stepped up further in trip for this contest. The mare Crazierthandaisy would line up here for the Nicky Henderson stable and is another relatively unexposed runner. She bounced back from pulling up two starts ago by running a big race at Newbury, looking a threat under a late blunder lost her momentum. A second runner for the Kayley Woollacott stable would be the experienced Stratton Oakmont. He returned to action this season at his very best with an easy win at Exeter, but was unable to back it up last time out at Doncaster when finishing only midfield. Chris Gordon is enjoying a good season for winners this season and would saddle the French-bred Confinentic. The lightly raced six year old looked to be progressing well last season with a pair of wins, but he hasn't been at his best so far this season with two disappointing runs. Joe Tizzard would also be involved here as he relied on Striking A Pose, who was in search of a return to form. His latest win came back in May, but his last two starts have been poor as he pulled up over slightly longer distances. Completing the line up would be Dan Skelton's Top Guy. The six year old has found form of late with three top two finishes. He won nicely at Aintree back in December and then backed up with a good effort into second in a similar contest at Newbury. 

Winner: WALDEN (Waldpark x Gentilonda) (#13) - S. Sheppard - T. Lacey

The biggest field of the afternoon would remain that way with no alterations to the racecard, but a very difficult task to find the winner in this wide open contest.

The runners would once again mingle around at the bend nearest the stands as they waited for the race to start but once it did, High Treason, Oh My Johnny and Diamatiste would help to contribute to the race pace.  The leading trio would be tracked by Kalium, Striking A Pose and Top Guy as the well fancied Crazierthandaisy and Solar System would race towards the back of the pack. The overall pace would be a decent one as the runners and riders angled out for some racing room along the first circuit. Diamatiste and High Treason would take turns in holding the lead, but as the field passed the stands it would be Diamatiste who held the advantage turning away from the home straight. High Treason had quickly back pedalled through the order as the pace began to rise, leaving Diamatiste in front on the uphill climb out of Swinley Bottom. Walden had travelled powerfully until this point and began carving his way past tiring rivals. At the second last, Walden had Diamatiste in his sights and jumped past the leader to take over. He would then bound away approaching the final hurdle as the crowd held its breath. Walden would provide a slick jump to seal the race and romp clear, crossing the line nearly seven lengths clear of Diamatiste. In a race where many few got involved from the rear, Oh My Johnny found a second wind to take a well held third while Kalium was always thereabouts to finish fourth.

This seemingly competitive contest would be turned into a procession by the six year old Walden, who has dramatically turned the corner in recent times. The son of Waldpark had run well on numerous occasions at the start of his career, picking up a few placings along the way, but he took his first success in the final stages of last season. He appreciated the step up to two and a half miles at Market Rasen in April to break his duck, but he wasn't finished there. A sizeable break from the track would see him return to action in December, this time winning at Huntingdon where he dominated the contest. The winning streak would run out last time out at Ludlow when third, but he dropped away at the halfway stage before fighting back into third. This contest would be his first attempt at three miles, but a change of tactics clearly benefited the six year old. Winning in the style of a horse that had been dropped into the race in the closing stages by an invisible hand, he would be an armchair ride for Stan Sheppard, giving the Tom Lacey stable a second winner on the day. Walden now qualifies for the final of this series at Haydock, but a big hike in ratings means he could be aimed at better races now.

Race Seven: The Betfair Mares' Open National Hunt Flat Race - Class Two - Two Miles - Runners: 9

This competitive meeting  would be rounded out with a bumper which is limited to mares.  The contest, which is also restricted to horses of the age of four, five and six, can be the start of a productive career on track for the next generation of mares. Success in this contest could also prove vital to their future off track as a broodmare. 

Last season, the race went the way of Harry Derham's Jackie Hobbs, who remained unbeaten in three starts at the time and has gone on to win twice more over hurdles. 

Heading the field would be the promsing mare The Flaggy Shore from the Ben Clarke stable. The point to point winner made a good impression on her debut under rules and then went down fighting at Market Rasen in listed company last time. The first of the newcomers in this contest would be Dan Skelton's Burning Embers. The daughter of Getaway has a useful pedigree, but is clearly well thought of by her trainer to make her debut in this contest. Gary and Josh Moore would saddle the twice-raced Grizzled Squirrel. The five year old showed some potential on her debut in May last year and improved to take third on her next start in July. She would be another horse to miss a large amount of the season ahead of this race. The second debutante in the field would be the David Kilahena and Graeme McPherson-trained Harzandacassandra. The five year old is a half sister to a listed race winning chaser, so should have a good future, but remained an unknown quantity here. Max Comley is enjoying a breakthrough first season as a trainer and would hope for a big run from his mare One Dimensional. The daughter of Frontiersman was pitched into listed company on debut, but ran a very good race to take fifth. Next up came the long absent Queen Marcia from the David Jeffreys stable. She would make her debut at the end of last season at Newcastle, but weakened away in the closing stages; finishing a well held sixth. Another newcomer would come in the form of the Tom Symonds-trained filly Galante de Vassy. The four year old is a daughter of the up-and-coming sire Ivanhowe, so looked an interesting prospect at this level for her racecourse debut. Alan King would also be a well known trainer with an interest here as he introduced the newcomer Martini Majesty. The four year old would be a poignant runner as she comes from the family of Trueshan, a brilliant stayer from the yard who is much missed. A second runner for Tom Symonds would also make her debut here, the four year old Miss Roc On Sol. The filly is bred for the job as a daughter of leading jumps sire Shirocco and it would be interesting to see where she stands here alongside her stablemate. Anthony Honeyball has an excellent record in bumpers, especially ones for mares and he would introduce the newcomer Ms Des Fois. The four year old is a half sister to the very tough stayer Ms Parfois, who stayed all day, so her future could lie over obstacles further down the line.  

Winner: MARTINI MAJESTY - Planteur x Jolie Comtesse) - (#8) - T. Bellamy - A. King

The finale would lose quite a lot of interest on the morning of the race as the expected favourite The Flagging Shore was deemed a non-runner. This would leave a field of nine, but it would be a fascinating line up with only a small amount of form to read into along with a host of newcomers.

The pre-race betting market would be a lively affair, but saw Ms Des Fois sent off the favourite given the reputation of runners in these races for her trainer Anthony Honeyball. She looked fractious at the start, but as the tapes were released she was able to make a quick getaway and had opened up a lead on her rivals. Queen Marcia would sit in second, alongside Grizzled Squirrel and Burning Embers. The runners would race in Indian file past the grandstands under fading daylight, but the pack was seperated by just a handful of lengths. The order would remain mostly the same in a steadily run contest with Ms Des Fois holding onto the lead and the likes of Martini Majesty, One Dimensional and Miss Roc On Sol all watching from the rear. Rounding the home bend for the final time, Ms Des Fois attempted to slip the field under Rex Dingle, but her move was tracked by Queen Marcia. Martini Majesty was another to make up good ground in the final few furlongs and quickened up smartly at the final furlong pole. The newcomer still looked inexperienced in the final stages, drifting to her right, but kept up the momentum to make an impressive winning debut. One Dimensional chased her home into second while another newcomer Galante de Vassy did her best work at the finish as well, staying on into third having been held up throughout. The early leaders would lose places in the final stages, with Queen Marcia returning home in fourth.

With this contest being a valuable prize for connections and plenty of fascinating pedigrees on show, the notebook was always going to be needed here for future reference. The winner Martini Majesty put her name down as a horse to remember with this impressive victory at the first time of asking. Alan King's five year old is bred for jumping as a daughter of Planteur, who has sired the likes of French star Gran Diose, but it is further back in the family which makes appeal. The mare is a distant relative to Trueshan, a warrior on the flat for the Alan King stable who won two Group Ones and was a much loved stayer before his tragic passing at Goodwood last year. Martini Majesty showed plenty of speed here so it will be interesting to see whether she attempts hurdles soon or even reverts back to the traditional flat discipline. This would be a perfect start however and the future looks bright.