The jumps season truly gets underway at Chepstow this weekend, with the three days of Dragon Bet’s Welsh Racing Festival heralded as a glorious return for so many racing fans’ favourite version of the sport. It promises to be a terrific festival of action, with Graded races joining big handicaps and intriguing novice contests for punters to enjoy.
Below we preview which races are not to be missed, as well as the horses who should be on your radar with a view to the remainder of the National Hunt season to come.
Friday, 10th October
Race to watch – Dragon Bet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
The Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle is synonymous with this meeting, often carrying forth the title of the entire weekend. The likes of Silviniaco Conti, Blaklion and Thyme Hill have all won the race since 2010, and there are eight runners declared already for this year’s renewal, including Irish interest courtesy of Kainsbourg for Gordon Elliott.
Horse to watch – Queensbury Boy
Set to be one of the horses sold among the David Maxwell Dispersal on October 24th, Queensbury Boy was one of his charismatic owner’s highest performers as a bumper horse and novice hurdler. However, as he only made his debut in March, he is still eligible for the Persian War against those with less experience, having already tasted Grade 1 company at Punchestown in May. That day he was no match for Final Demand, but he entered the contest with a 2/2 record and could well increase his sales value if adding this Grade 2 prize to his name.
Elsewhere on Friday
Leg 6 of the Veterans’ Series takes place, with former Coral Gold Cup hero Le Milos the most notable name declared, although former Aintree Foxhunters’ and Cheltenham Cross Country winner Latenightpass is also slated for action. Meanwhile, the opening novices’ hurdle has been won by names like Soaring Glory and Knappers Hill since 2020, so could well produce another future jumping star given numerous entries.
Saturday, 11th October
Race to watch – Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle
The Silver Trophy was claimed in 2007 by future Grand National hero Don’t Push It, who enjoyed his day in the spotlight at Aintree three years on from his victory over a considerably shorter distance here. It is the big handicap of the weekend at Chepstow, with last year’s winner Josh The Boss among the potential field, along with another former winner in Knappers Hill and Dan Skelton’s Listed runner-up Royal Infantry.
Horse to watch – Be Aware
Entered in the DragonBet Real Bookmakers Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at 2.10pm on Saturday, Be Aware is the standout name running throughout Saturday at Chepstow. Dan Skelton’s grey ran up a string of runner-up efforts in big handicap hurdles last season, but boasts a very similar profile to L’Eau Du Sud, a top novice chaser for the yard 12 months ago, who had also struggled to get his head in front in top quality handicap hurdles. He would carry top-weight here, but could take higher order over fences.
Elsewhere on Saturday
Favourite backers may want to tune in for the opening juvenile hurdle on the card, which has been won by the market leader for the past five seasons. James Owen has proven well-versed in preparing juvenile hurdles in recent seasons, including Burdett Road and East India Dock, and 90-rated flat performer Ammes has already got off the mark over hurdles at Sedgefield. Those with an eye on staying handicap chases later in the season will want to keep an eye on the 2.45 too, with Threeunderthrufive, Destroytheevidence and Hoe Joly Smoke all among the entries.
Sunday, 12th October
Race to watch – Dragon Bet “Welsh Champion” Hurdle
Having been moved to this meeting from Ffos Las this season, the Welsh Champion Hurdle could give fans an early sighter for other 2m handicaps such as the Greatwood and Betfair Hurdles later in the season. Local trainer Sam Thomas had the one-two a year ago, both in the Walters colours carried by early race favourite Celtic Dino, though stablemate No Risk No Fun would be an even more fascinating runner for the same connections, being both unbeaten yet absent for 1117 days.
Horse to watch – Blueking d’Oroux
Still only a six-year-old, Blueking d’Oroux capped last season with a gutsy victory in the Grade 2 Select Hurdle at Sandown during their jumps season finale. Paul Nicholls’ charge may switch to novice chasing in the Tom Malone Bloodstock Novices’ Chase at 2.42 on Sunday, a Listed contest claimed by Unexpected Party and Springwell Bay over the past two seasons. His rivals may include Grade 1 novice hurdle runner-up Wendigo.
Elsewhere on Sunday
Unexpected Party himself is entered in the DragonBet John Ayres Memorial Handicap Chase at 3.52 on Sunday, with that 2m3f handicap chase also the potential returning point of 2024 Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Il Ridoto. The concluding bumper at 5.02 has regularly housed, and been won by, a useful horse of Paul Nicholls’, so learned eyes will be trained on Lancelot d’Alene should he run, as he is the trainer’s only potential representative this time around.
Looking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.