Stratford Racecourse has been an excellent proving ground for future graded race winners in years gone by, even if the sharp track bears little relation to the big galloping tracks of Cheltenham, Ascot or Haydock.
Itchy Feet landed the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase having won a bumper at Stratford a year prior, while L’Eau Du Sud’s victory at our Halloween meeting in 2024 precipitated a run of three straight wins in graded company – including the top-tier Henry VIII Novices’ Chase last December.
So all eyes were on our final meeting of 2025… with a handful of notable runners perhaps franking their aspirations for a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival next year following a strong run.
Keep Aware
Anyone having a bet on horse racing online may have noticed that the ante post odds for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival are now available. The Arkle Chase is one of the open markets, with Stratford winner Be Aware already trimmed from 66/1 to 50/1 for that particular renewal.
Those tracking the latest racing results will be only too aware that Dan Skelton’s horse delivered a masterful performance at Stratford on October 30, marking his seasonal return – and chase debut – with a gritty four-length victory.
The striking seven-year-old grey jumped well, for the most part, and showcased an extra gear in the home straight to see off nearest challenger Cerendipity by four lengths.
It was a strong showing from Be Aware, who also saw off the likes of Grandeur Dame; a horse that went to the Cheltenham Festival this year for the Ultima Handicap Chase with a rating of 139.
Skelton, firmly established as one of the best National Hunt trainers around, clearly has a precocious talent on his hands. And a run to second place in last season’s Greatwood Hurdle at Prestbury Park suggests that the six-year-old has a fondness for the track, with that form franked by the fact that the winner – Burdett Road – went on to finish runner-up in the Champion Hurdle.
Could Be Aware add his name to the list of Stratford winners that go on to land a graded success?
A Bright Start
Elsewhere at our October 30 meeting, a couple of promising novice hurdlers won comfortably to confirm their class.
Both Division I and II of the EBF and Charlie Longsdon Racing National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle went to young horses with plenty of upside to come – they may well return to Stratford in 2026 having contested a graded race.
Wandering Ego, with champion jockey Sean Bowen on board, ran out a 14-length winner in Division I. He was handy throughout and, despite the odd jumping error, was still on the bridle down the home straight – often that’s an indicator of bigger and better things to come.
In Division II, Taurus Bay made a fine hurdling debut in an eight-length victory. The four-year-old was guided through the gears expertly by Ben Jones, before pulling away with consummate ease in the final furlongs.
He is owned by Harry Redknapp, the former football manager turned racehorse fancier whose stable features Kauto Star Novices’ Chase winner The Jukebox Man and Cheltenham Festival scorer Shakem Up’Arry.
Maybe Taurus Bay will join that company… from Stratford to superstardom!
