Friday 28th November, 2025

Sumatran Tiger runs today in the 3.08pm at Doncaster – a two and a half mile handicap hurdle.  We were pleased with her two runs over hurdles for us previously and she makes her handicap debut today.  She appears to love her jumping however better ground would suit and hopefully the going won’t be too soft for her today.  Finn Lambert once again takes off three pounds.

We have declared Manalishi (pictured) at Doncaster tomorrow in the two miles novices hurdle run at 11.48am.  He was a promising second on his bumper debut and undoubtedly has plenty of talent.  Although he will need further in time this looks a good opportunity for him to make his hurdling debut on a galloping track and although it is a competitive event, hopefully he will continue to show his patient owners plenty of potential.

Smile Back makes her handicap debut in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Leicester on Sunday.  She won a bumper for us at Carlisle last season and is gradually learning to settle over hurdles.  She will wear a hood and hopefully there won’t be too much further rain at the track.

Little Big Kev was third at Market Rasen on Tuesday where he came to win the race two out before unfortunately making a respiratory noise after the last.  We will ask vet Ben Brain to have a further look at his wind apparatus and Kev undoubtedly can win races if sorting the problem out.  He jumps very well and chasing is an option and better ground would also suit.

Neeps And Tatties made her hurdling debut at Uttoxeter yesterday finishing fifth, beaten just over ten lengths by the winner despite pulling hard for much of the race.  We will run her in a few weeks time with a hood on in the hope she will settle better.  Tatty undoubtedly has the ability to win races and give her owners plenty of fun in the future.

Yesterday I was fortunate to be invited to the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Awards lunch at the Dorchester.  This is always a memorable and joyous occasion and it was great to see so many owners who were in attendance.  The winner of this year’s award was the remarkable Willie Mullins and all five hundred guests were treated to an excellent video of Ruby Walsh interviewing the champion trainer which was insightful and amusing.

Rory Bremner was as ever, a brilliant after lunch speaker creating much laughter whilst the charity auction raised a substantial sum for some of Peter’s favourite charities.  The event very much emphasises there is much good in the sport and looking forward to next years already.