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Hereford Racing Tips & Predictions - Thursday 16th April 2026

Hereford Racing Tips & Predictions - Thursday 16th April 2026

Our Hereford racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Thursday 16th April 2026. The action gets underway at 16:22 and runs through to 19:30, with going reported as Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick).

A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Shesupincourt boasts a 0% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Freddie Mitchell has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 8 rides, Mrs Sara V Bradstock’s yard sends out runners with a 33.33% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.

Tipster Performance at Hereford

Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Hereford over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):

TipsterSourceSelectionsWinsWin %Place %
Karl HedleyIrish Post10440%60%
Ben MorganRacing Ahead13538.46%84.62%
RP RatingsRacing Post11327.27%90.91%
Jeffrey RossSporting Times12325%66.67%
The ScoreRacing TV12325%66.67%

16:22 – Sigeric Ltd Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Race Details: 3m 1f | Class 4 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This tiny three-runner novice handicap chase lacks depth, but it is still an interesting little tactical contest. Maximum Offers sets the standard on official figures and comes here as the solid option after a sequence of respectable efforts, while Moonlit Potter is only 1lb higher on ratings and gets a handy pull at the weights. Jullou De Grissay has a bit to prove after a heavy defeat last time and looks the least convincing of the trio on recent evidence. In a race this small, the pace and jumping rhythm could decide everything, because there is not much room for error. Even so, it does not look an especially fiendish puzzle: Maximum Offers has the most persuasive profile and is hard to get away from.

Top Selections

1. Maximum Offers – 1/1 with Paddy Power

Jockey: Gavin Sheehan | Trainer: Jamie Snowden | Form: 12-343 | Rating: 111 | Topspeed: 98

Maximum Offers is the percentage call in a race where reliability counts for plenty. His recent form figures do not scream future star, but they do suggest a horse holding his level well, and that matters in a three-runner event where one mistake can settle the whole thing. Jamie Snowden’s runner has been knocking on the door without quite getting his head in front, and this looks a fair opening to do so. Gavin Sheehan is a positive booking in a race that may turn tactical, and the 1/1 on offer is not flashy but it is fair enough given he sets the standard among this trio. He holds the strongest claims. Bet type: win bet.

Bet: WIN

Betting Strategy

Keep it simple in this small field: Maximum Offers is the win bet and the only bet. Each-way makes no appeal with just one place on offer. Moonlit Potter is the obvious danger on ratings and weight, while Jullou De Grissay needs a sharp rebound after his latest run.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Maximum Offers10/115/61/15/610/111/1 (Paddy Power)
Jullou De Grissay9/42/115/815/82/19/4 (Bet365)
Moonlit Potter3/111/411/43/13/13/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
bettinggods.comMaximum Offers

16:57 – Acre Accountancy Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Race Details: 2m 3f | Class 5 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a fairly ordinary Class 5 on paper, but it is not short of angles. Maestro Du Mesnil is the obvious starting point after a tidy sequence of placed efforts and, as an unexposed 4yo, he has the profile of one who can still go forward. Churchman brings solid recent handicap form and is the sort who usually gives you a run for your money at this level, while Brave Move is another to consider after shaping better lately off a workable mark. Geordies Betty has been knocking on the door without quite getting the job done, and Iamyouare could yet do better for Donald McCain. It is not a deep race, but there are enough plausible contenders to make it a mildly tricky puzzle rather than a penalty kick.

Top Selections

1. Maestro Du Mesnil – 15/8 with William Hill

Jockey: Ned Fox | Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks | Form: 442 | Rating: 100 | Topspeed: 93

He is short enough, but there is substance to his position at the head of the market. Those three runs reading 4-4-2 show a youngster learning on the job, and that latest second suggests he is ready to capitalise now pitched into this sort of handicap company. A mark of 100 does not look harsh for a 4yo with upside, and in a race where several of these have had plenty of chances, his scope stands out. Ned Fox is a capable booking in these races and, at 15/8, he looks the most likely winner rather than a horse to get clever and oppose. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Brave Move – 9/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Fern O’Brien | Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Form: 68-473 | Rating: 102 | Topspeed: 88

Brave Move makes plenty of each-way appeal in a race lacking depth beyond the principals. The recent form figures do not scream certainty, but that latest third was a step back in the right direction and he now gets in here on a handy racing weight of 158. Fergal O’Brien’s horses are usually well placed in these lower-grade staying hurdles, and Fern O’Brien is more than capable of making that weight count if this turns tactical. He does not have Maestro Du Mesnil’s upside, but he has enough recent encouragement to think he can hit the frame and possibly do better. At 9/2, he looks the value each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Maestro Du Mesnil is the win play and the one I would keep simple; he is the progressive sort in a race full of exposed handicap types. For an each-way alternative, Brave Move makes plenty of sense at the prices in an eight-runner field with three places on offer. Churchman is the obvious danger if reproducing his recent consistency, while Geordies Betty is another with place claims.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Geordies Betty6/15/111/211/213/213/2 (William Hill)
Tara Iti20/118/120/118/120/120/1 (Bet365)
Iamyouare13/26/113/213/213/213/2 (Bet365)
Brave Move9/24/19/24/17/29/2 (Bet365)
Maestro Du Mesnil7/47/47/47/415/815/8 (William Hill)
Churchman10/33/13/13/110/310/3 (Bet365)
Shesupincourt20/114/114/114/118/120/1 (Bet365)
Chosen Bae20/116/116/116/120/120/1 (Bet365)

17:30 – Richard Layton Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Race Details: 2m | Class 4 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a fairly informative maiden rather than a weak one, with several bringing solid placed hurdle form and a couple of unexposed types capable of stepping forward. Fidendum sets the standard on figures after finishing second on his latest start and, in a race lacking much depth among the outsiders, he is the obvious starting point. Crystal Days is interesting on the revised terms with useful placed form of his own, while American Empire has been knocking on the door and should give another honest account. Latin is the wildcard after a low-key start, and James Owen’s runner could leave that behind. Even so, this feels less of a minefield than a typical 14-runner maiden: if Fidendum runs to his mark, the others may be chasing minor money.

Top Selections

1. Fidendum – 11/8 with Bet365

Jockey: Nick Slatter | Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Form: /5432- | Rating: 119 | Topspeed: 106

Fidendum is the one they all have to beat. He has the best published rating in the line-up among the runners, arrives off a clear step forward when second, and his profile suggests this sort of 2m maiden is well within range. The form string is solid rather than flashy, but in races like this reliability counts for plenty, especially when several rivals have either had chances or come with questions attached. The yard also saddles another runner here, but this is plainly the stable first string on what we know. At 11/8 with Bet365, he is short enough, but not unbackable given how strong his claims look. Bet: WIN

2. American Empire – 6/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Theo Gillard | Trainer: Donald McCain | Form: 1-6324 | Rating: 106 | Topspeed: 101

American Empire appeals as the each-way play because he has the right sort of battle-hardened profile for a race where some of these may not find much under pressure. His recent figures read consistently well without quite getting the job done, but that latest sequence says he is holding his form and should be thereabouts again if this is run at an even tempo. Donald McCain’s horses are usually well schooled for these assignments, and Theo Gillard is a positive booking in this sphere. He may lack the raw upside of one or two lightly raced types, but at 6/1 with Bet365 he looks a sensible each-way punt to hit the frame and possibly chase the favourite home. Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Keep it straightforward: Fidendum is the win bet because he has the best current hurdle form and the strongest rating in the race. American Empire makes more appeal than the obvious alternatives as the each-way option, with his consistency a major asset in a 14-runner maiden. Crystal Days is the obvious danger if bouncing back from that latest pull-up, while Latin is the lurking unknown if improving sharply from his debut.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Alex The Great40/166/166/166/150/166/1 (Betfair)
American Empire6/15/111/25/16/16/1 (Bet365)
Fidendum11/811/1011/1011/105/411/8 (Bet365)
Gallant Lion10/110/110/110/111/111/1 (William Hill)
Good For You12/116/112/116/112/116/1 (Betfair)
Hopjes100/1100/1100/1100/1100/1100/1 (Bet365)
Latin6/19/29/29/25/16/1 (Bet365)
Crystal Days4/118/59/27/210/39/2 (Paddy Power)
Arctic Voyage15/28/19/115/28/19/1 (Paddy Power)
Backer Bilk16/118/120/118/118/120/1 (Paddy Power)
Bowling Shane50/150/166/150/150/166/1 (Paddy Power)
Hellion80/150/150/150/140/180/1 (Bet365)
Dinkys Rose100/1100/1100/1100/1100/1100/1 (Bet365)

18:00 – Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Race Details: 2m 4f | Class 3 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This is only a five-runner handicap chase, but it is not lacking in depth at the top of the market. Sherborne arrives on a hat-trick and has the profile of a thriving late-season chaser, while Black Hawk Eagle comes here off a win of his own and looks the obvious danger for Kerry Lee. Insurrection is the class act on old form for Paul Nicholls, though he has questions to answer after a tame effort last time and has to concede weight all round. Coastguard Station is consistent enough without looking especially well treated, and Numitor has become very hard to trust. In truth, this looks a match between the two 15/8 shots, and in a small field tactical sharpness could prove decisive.

Top Selections

1. Sherborne – 15/8 with Bet365

Jockey: Freddie Gingell | Trainer: Joe Tizzard | Form: 342311 | Rating: 145 | Topspeed: 135

Sherborne is the solid one. He comes here chasing a hat-trick after back-to-back wins and, crucially, his current mark still doesn’t look beyond him given how well he has been finishing his races. A rating of 145 makes him the highest-rated horse in the line-up, and his topspeed figure of 135 is also the best on offer, which matters in a race where there may not be much room for hiding. Freddie Gingell gets on well with these Tizzard handicappers and, at 15/8 with Bet365, Sherborne makes plenty of appeal as the runner with the fewest doubts attached. He holds strong claims of completing the three-timer.

Bet: WIN

Betting Strategy

Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Sherborne is the win bet. Each-way play makes little appeal in this sort of contest, especially with only two places on offer and two strong market principals dominating. Black Hawk Eagle is the obvious danger after his latest success, while Insurrection is the lurking threat if bouncing back for Nicholls, but Sherborne is the percentage call.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetBest
Insurrection10/316/510/33/110/3 (Bet365)
Numitor11/19/19/19/111/1 (Bet365)
Coastguard Station17/217/29/19/19/1 (Paddy Power)
Black Hawk Eagle15/87/47/47/415/8 (Bet365)
Sherborne15/87/47/47/415/8 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
On The NoseBlack Hawk Eagle
PostdataSherborne

18:30 – Robert Howell Handicap Hurdle

Race Details: 3m 1f | Class 4 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This small-field staying handicap doesn’t look especially deep, but it is the sort of race where the market could still get it slightly wrong. Court In A Storm is the obvious starting point on ratings and raw ability, though his last two efforts have taken a bit of shine off him and he’s short enough as a result. Gold For Alec appeals as the solid alternative after shaping better than the bare result when third last time, while Queens Venture has some respectable recent form but does need to bounce back from a pulled-up effort. Block Rockin Beats is not the easiest to trust and I’m A Starman looks vulnerable at 13. Grangeclare Diego has Cobden booked, which catches the eye, but he has questions to answer too. Tricky enough, but not impossible.

Top Selections

1. Gold For Alec – 11/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Ben Poste | Trainer: Tom Symonds | Form: 348PP3 | Rating: 122 | Topspeed: 104

Gold For Alec looks the percentage call. He had gone badly off the boil with those two pulled-up efforts, but the revival when third last time suggested Tom Symonds may have him back on track, and this mark of 122 gives him every chance if he builds on that. He’s one of the younger legs in here at six, which matters in a race lacking much obvious upside, and this staying trip should suit well enough. Ben Poste knows how to ride these grinders from the front half of the field, and at 11/4 he makes more appeal than the favourite given the balance of risk and reward. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Queens Venture – 15/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Bryan Carver | Trainer: D Summersby | Form: 2-113P | Rating: 121 | Topspeed: 109

Queens Venture is the each-way angle in a race where a lot of these have something to prove. Before that pulled-up run, he had been progressing nicely with figures of 2-113, and those wins suggested he can be competitive from this sort of mark. The latest effort is clearly a concern, but in a six-runner race you don’t need perfection for an each-way punt, just a return to his earlier level. Bryan Carver is a positive booking in these staying hurdles and if he can get this horse into a smooth rhythm, Queens Venture has enough substance in his profile to hit the frame at 15/2. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Gold For Alec is the win play, chiefly because he arrives here with fewer doubts than the short-priced Court In A Storm and still has some scope as a six-year-old. For an each-way option, Queens Venture looks the value if forgiving his latest pulled-up run. Court In A Storm is the main danger on ability, while Grangeclare Diego is the one that could outrun his price with Cobden up.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetBest
Queens Venture15/213/27/17/115/2 (Bet365)
Court In A Storm15/815/815/815/815/8 (Bet365)
Block Rockin Beats9/24/14/14/19/2 (Bet365)
Gold For Alec11/411/411/411/411/4 (Bet365)
Grangeclare Diego17/213/213/213/217/2 (Bet365)

19:00 – Burcombe Construction Ltd Handicap Hurdle

Race Details: 2m | Class 4 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a proper little Hereford handicap rather than a weak evening knockabout, with several arriving in form and a few lurking on workable marks. Wild Goose sets the standard on recent evidence after a solid second and is rightly near the head of the market, while Red Rubio remains open to improvement after just two runs in this sphere. Phoenix Risen and Fight My Fire are both capable at this level and shouldn’t be far away if the pace lifts, whereas Diyaken has the class but also the burden of top weight. Sun Art is admirably consistent without looking thrown in. It’s not an impossible puzzle, but there are enough plausible angles here to make it more about value than simply siding with the obvious one.

Top Selections

1. Red Rubio – 5/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Richard Patrick | Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks | Form: 44 | Rating: 119 | Topspeed: 107

Red Rubio is the one I want on side because he still has the profile of a horse who can step forward again in handicaps. Those two qualifying runs, both fourth-place finishes, were perfectly respectable and the opening mark of 119 doesn’t look harsh judged against a Topspeed figure of 107. This sharp enough 2m around Hereford should suit a five-year-old who ought to have a bit more zip than some of these older rivals, and Richard Patrick is the sort to give him a sensible waiting ride. At 5/1, he makes plenty of appeal against a favourite who is solid rather than bombproof. Bet: WIN

2. Fight My Fire – 15/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Brendan Powell | Trainer: Joe Tizzard | Form: U134P4 | Rating: 116 | Topspeed: 108

Fight My Fire looks the each-way value in a race where a few are tightly matched on the figures. He ran better than the bare result last time when fourth, and his earlier form this season gives him every chance of being involved off 116. The Topspeed of 108 is one of the best on offer here, which matters in a 2m handicap where tactical speed can decide things, and Brendan Powell is usually a positive booking in these races. He doesn’t need much improvement to hit the frame, and available at 15/2 he looks a fair each-way punt with three places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Red Rubio is the win play because he’s less exposed than most and could easily be ahead of his mark on handicap debut. Fight My Fire appeals as the each-way alternative at a backable price, especially with his speed figure and solid enough recent effort. Wild Goose is the obvious danger after that latest second, while Phoenix Risen also enters the reckoning if bouncing back quickly.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetBest
Diyaken13/213/27/113/27/1 (Paddy Power)
Wild Goose5/22/12/12/15/2 (Bet365)
The Tide Turns125/1150/1150/1150/1150/1 (Betfair)
Benvoy14/112/114/114/114/1 (Bet365)
Fight My Fire15/213/27/17/115/2 (Bet365)
Sun Art9/24/14/17/29/2 (Bet365)
Grey Skies14/111/112/112/114/1 (Bet365)
Red Rubio5/15/15/15/15/1 (Bet365)
Phoenix Risen9/25/15/15/15/1 (Betfair)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
WhistlerWild Goose

19:30 – Wye Valley Metals Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race (GBB Race)

Race Details: 2m | Class 5 | Going: Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a fairly typical spring Hereford bumper, but there is enough substance in the top end of the market to make it more than just a guessing game. My Mate Aj sets the standard on what he has already shown, having made the frame on both starts, while Oykel Bridge has been knocking on the door too and brings the strongest Topspeed figure in the field. After those two, it gets much murkier. Sky Grove, Hercules Honour and Right Royal Rascal are the more interesting debutants on paper, while Bound For Glory is one of the few four-year-olds with a bit of experience to bring into it. It is not a deep maiden by any means, but the principals have shown enough to give the race some shape, and it may simply come down to which of the leading pair finds a bit more improvement.

Top Selections

1. My Mate Aj – 7/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Callum Pritchard | Trainer: Ben Pauling | Form: 34 | Rating: 114 | Topspeed: 96

He is the one with the clearest credentials and, in a race where several are still complete unknowns, that counts for plenty. A mark of 114 stands out in this field and his 3-4 form figures tell you he has already put together two solid runs in bumpers without quite getting his head in front. Ben Pauling’s runners in these races are usually well prepared, and this does not look an especially demanding maiden for one of his to collect in. The price is not flashy, but 7/4 feels perfectly fair given he has the most solid profile and should be there to pounce if reproducing his level. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Bound For Glory – 12/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Ciaran Gethings | Trainer: Robert Stephens | Form: 4 | Rating: 95 | Topspeed: 72

For an each-way play, Bound For Glory makes more appeal than some of the shorter-priced unknowns. He gets the four-year-old allowance, has already shaped with promise in finishing fourth, and that previous experience can be valuable in a race full of horses either learning on the job or coming here off modest efforts. He does need to step forward on the bare numbers, but this is not the strongest Class 5 bumper you will see and 12/1 looks workable in a 12-runner field with three places on offer. If he settles and travels a bit sweeter this time, he could easily nick a place behind the obvious pair. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

My Mate Aj is the straightforward win play and looks the percentage call given his proven level of form. For those wanting a bit more juice, Bound For Glory appeals as the each-way punt at double-figure odds. Oykel Bridge is the obvious danger and may prove the main threat if finding the extra required, while any serious market move for Sky Grove or Hercules Honour would also be worth noting.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Hercules Honour7/16/16/115/26/115/2 (Sky Bet)
Jim Santiago Bowie40/150/150/140/140/150/1 (Betfair)
Kappa Des Mottes18/114/116/114/116/118/1 (Bet365)
My Mate Aj7/413/87/47/47/47/4 (Bet365)
Oykel Bridge3/111/411/45/211/43/1 (Bet365)
Sky Grove11/25/15/19/25/111/2 (Bet365)
The Hostage11/111/114/111/112/114/1 (Paddy Power)
Tommy Tipa18/116/120/118/118/120/1 (Paddy Power)
Autumn Air80/166/166/166/166/180/1 (Bet365)
Bound For Glory12/111/112/112/112/112/1 (Bet365)
Right Royal Rascal17/215/28/115/215/217/2 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
RP RatingsMy Mate Aj
Jeffrey RossMy Mate Aj

Hereford Course Specialists

Horses To Note

The top course performers among today’s runners:

HorseRunsWinsWin %Place %
Shesupincourt300%0%
Gold For Alec300%33.33%

Jockeys To Note

The pilots with the strongest records at the course:

JockeyRidesWinsWin %Place %
Freddie Mitchell8337.5%50%
Harry Cobden922325%57.61%
Richard Patrick912021.98%53.85%
Jonjo O’Neill Jr711521.13%47.89%
Tom Bellamy962020.83%59.38%

Trainers To Note

Yards that have done well at Hereford:

TrainerRunnersWinsWin %Place %
Mrs Sara V Bradstock3133.33%33.33%
Mark Rimell3133.33%33.33%
Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole19631.58%68.42%
Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls13430.77%69.23%
Paul Nicholls712129.58%54.93%

Summary & Best Bets

That wraps up our Hereford racing tips for Thursday 16th April 2026. We’ve covered all 7 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

FAQ

What time does racing start at Hereford today?

The first race at Hereford on Thursday 16th April 2026 goes off at 16:22, with 7 races scheduled in total.

What is the going at Hereford today?

The going at Hereford is reported as Chase 6.2, hurdle 6.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick).

How many races are at Hereford today?

There are 7 races on the card at Hereford today, running from 16:22 through to 19:30.

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