No Drama This End got his burgeoning career back on track at Perth on Wednesday. Paul Nicholls‘ grey won at Listed level while Dan Skelton achieved the remarkable feat of training a winner at every jumps track this season.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Thursday.
Perth: No Drama This End back before Skelton breaks new ground
The Listed British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle went to No Drama This End at Perth on Wednesday. The six-year-old had been a bitterly disappointing favourite at the Cheltenham Festival. He was pulled up in the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle having made an unbeaten start to his career over flights. However, Paul Nicholls’ charge went a long way to proving that a mere blip when a commanding winner at the Scottish track. Chasing is the aim for next season. (Sporting Life)
Later on the card, Heltenham’s victory for Dan and Harry Skelton saw this year’s trainers’ champion break new ground. The success ensured Skelton has now trained a winner at every jumps track this season alone. Heltenham winning the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase completed the set of 41 National Hunt venues in Great Britain. Skelton said of the achievement that “it’s something I didn’t ever have on the agenda.” (Racing TV)
Field Of Gold headlines sensational Sandown card
The Group 2 bet365 Mile Stakes on Friday will have a championship feel to it. That is because the six-strong field is one of the strongest ever assembled for a prize below the top level. Field Of Gold is the protagonist, aiming to bounce back from disappointing defeats the last twice. However, fellow Group 1 scorers Cicero’s Gift, Never So Brave and Opera Ballo also feature, while last year’s winner Dancing Gemini and the unbeaten Zeus Olympios make up a stellar line-up. (Racing Post)
Transparency of barrier trials sparking controversy
The lack of transparency regarding the use of barrier trials has sparked debate in British racing this week. Such a trial is effectively a practice run for a raceday, with starting stalls used, mimicking an actual race. Barrier trials are commonly used in Australia, with transparent information available. There is no official practice for barrier trials in Britain, but Behike, a maiden winner on Monday, reportedly took part in one before his victory according to his trainer. (Racing Post)
Aidan O’Brien keen to meet Constitution Hill
Aidan O’Brien has hinted at the possibility of taking on Constitution Hill later in the flat season. The nine-year-old has enjoyed a seamless transition from jumps racing to flat in 2026. He has won his first two starts, but missed his intended turf debut in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes last weekend. It is unknown how plans have been reshuffled. However, O’Brien is keen to take him on when he does turn up, stating that “we’d love it if we raced against him.” (Racing TV)