Author: Peter McNeile

Horse racing spans the globe, and UK punters are well-positioned to compete on the international stage. With the right tools and straightforward strategies, navigating races beyond local tracks becomes both manageable and rewarding. Awareness of time zone differences and a solid grasp of international betting platforms are key to making informed, cross-border wagers. In this fast-moving environment, staying sharp and strategic leads to more consistent and profitable results.

Key Takeaways

• Utilize mobile apps with interactive features for enhanced engagement and easy navigation across international racing events,
• Stay informed of time zones and race schedules using the IFHA racing database and real-time mobile trackers,
• Ensure compliance with international regulations by researching local rules and consulting relevant stakeholders for insights,
• Implement risk management strategies like the Dutching System and bankroll management for disciplined international betting,
• Leverage technology such as WebRTC for high-quality streaming to experience global races effectively.

Exploring the Global appeal of horseracing

Although horse racing captures the imagination of millions worldwide, its allure varies across countries.

In the US, betting on horse racing contributes a whopping $15 billion annually to the economy, emphasizing its significance. Japan’s dominance is remarkable, boasting the largest industry by gross win, with over $10 billion wagered yearly. In the United Kingdom, the equine industry contributes around £8 billion annually, highlighting its crucial role in the local economy, particularly in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Australia takes pride in hosting the most racecourses, some in the most obscure outback locations. France’s scene supports over 72,000 jobs, demonstrating its substantial economic impact.

Horse racing’s global market is expanding rapidly, projected to reach $182.393 billion by 2030. Your involvement connects you to this vibrant, ever-growing international tapestry of racing culture.

Leveraging technology for a better betting experience

Horse racing’s broad appeal across the globe lays fertile ground for integrating cutting-edge technology into the betting experience. By harnessing real-time streaming powered by 5G and WebRTC, bettors can enjoy high-definition, low-latency race viewing. Platforms like FanDuel Racing exemplify this advancement by offering live streaming from over 300 tracks worldwide, ensuring that users have access to a vast array of races directly from their mobile devices.

FanDuel Racing facilitates both pari-mutuel and fixed-odds betting, removing geographic barriers and allowing for a diverse wagering experience. The platform’s unified wallet system enables seamless management of funds across FanDuel’s Sportsbook, Casino, and Racing platforms, enhancing user convenience.​

Mobile apps offer unparalleled convenience, and FanDuel’s user-friendly interface enhances engagement by providing features like expert picks, detailed horse stats, and customizable race card views. Interactive elements, such as in-app discussions and social sharing, enrich the overall race participation experience.​

With robust cybersecurity measures and comprehensive coverage of global racing events, platforms like FanDuel ensure a secure and immersive betting environment for users. These technological advancements make horse racing betting more accessible and engaging than ever before.​

Understanding regulatory differences and compliance

Manœuvering the globe’s complex landscape of horse racing regulations requires keen awareness of the diverse rules and compliance mandates that vary by jurisdiction.

In the UK, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) sets the groundwork for fair racing. Beyond the UK, rules change: anti-doping protocols, wagering regulations, and licensing requirements differ markedly.

Make sure you’re compliant by researching local rules and consulting stakeholders. The consequences of non-compliance, like fines or disqualification, aren’t worth the risk.

The International Federation for Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) promotes consistency, but it’s vital to remain updated on local regulatory changes and engage with legal experts when necessary.

Effective strategies for betting on international races

Manœuvering the intricate world of international race betting requires a mix of keen strategies and sharp decision-making.

Use the Dutching System to hedge your bets across strong contenders, ensuring risk management through precise odds calculation.

Opt for a Straight Pool Focus for simple, steady returns by sticking to win, place, and show bets.

The 80/20 Strategy splits your stake, protecting gains even if a favored horse doesn’t win.

Each Way Betting expands your chances of profit by rewarding placements beyond first.

Finally, prioritize Bankroll Management and Staking to sustain profitability and spread bets wisely, ensuring your betting remains disciplined.

Navigating time zones and race schedules

UK punters can navigate complex global race schedules more effectively by understanding how time zones affect start times. Races in Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong typically begin in the early morning UK time, while European events in France, Germany, and Italy tend to align more closely with UK afternoon hours.

In contrast, American races might take place late at night UK time, especially key events like those featuring Preakness Stakes odds. Utilize tools like IFHA’s racing database for schedules, and consider time zone conversion apps to avoid errors.

Account for Daylight Saving Time changes in your planning. Leverage mobile apps and online trackers for real-time updates while live streaming boosts your betting engagement.

The cultural significance and economic impact of global racing events

While manœuvering race schedules and time zones is an essential skill for UK punters, understanding the broader cultural and economic impact of global racing events enhances your connection to the sport.

Horse racing isn’t just about betting; it’s a cultural spectacle that unifies people worldwide. Events like Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby are steeped in tradition and pageantry, serving as grand social gatherings. The Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation. The Grand National is a race that sells more newspapers than any other sporting event.

Economically, they drive sectors like tourism, generate jobs, and stimulate investments in infrastructure. Recognizing these aspects helps you appreciate how these events shape economies and societies, deepening your insight into this enthralling global sport.

Your global betting advantage awaits

From the first sound of hooves to the final furlong, horse racing truly is a global pursuit—and you’re no longer just a spectator. You’re equipped with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to engage with international races confidently and responsibly. By mastering time zones, embracing tech innovations, and respecting regional regulations, you transform from a local punter into a savvy global bettor.

So, as you scan the next international racing schedule, remember: it’s not just about placing bets—it’s about joining a worldwide community of racing enthusiasts. The track may span continents, but the opportunity is right at your fingertips.

The prolonged dry spell is playing havoc with field sizes, albeit it hasn’t prevented Champion Trainer contender Dan Skelton sending runners far and wide in defence of his challenge against Willie Mullins, now breathing down his neck after a rampant Cheltenham, Aintree and Ayr. Skelton was a surprise absentee from Stratford yesterday, when easy pickings were on offer with only 35 runners in total.

The six race card reflected the change of the seasons, with just two steeplechases, one a Hunters chase. Pottlerath made the best of a week turnout for the Racecourse Streams On Racing TV Extra Handicap Chase over 3m, run at a muddling pace, some 32 seconds below standard. The starter was already one runner down at flagfall, Groom de Cotte being withdrawn on account of the ground, but the judge had an even less arduous task, only three finishing. Pottlerath is no champion, but scored his fourth over fences, and first past the post since running up a hat-trick in Summer ’23. He added a 17th success to Matt Sheppard’s best ever season in numerical, if not yet prize money, terms, with son Stan in the plate for an unchallenged 5l victory over Getthepot.

Richard Hawker was the beneficiary of the withdrawal of Milton Harris’ licence in mid-summer last year when taking charge of Presenting Yeats. The nine year old son of four time Ascot Gold Cup winner has but a smidgen of his sire’s talent, but returned to form in the Alan Adcock 90th Birthday Handicap Hurdle over 3m. Held up at the back of the field, he made headway around the final bend to win handily by 9 1/2l from Clover Pass, under Harry Reed.

Two mares races made up part of the card, the first a maiden hurdle, where Keep On Cobbling under Sam Twiston-Davies, improved on her second at Doncaster a month ago when landing the odds in the opener for Henry Daly by 2 1/2l from El Fabienne.

The second mares’ contest, the Howley Energy & Water Handicap Hurdle, attracted just 4 runners. Three met the last together, but Magical Annie took a heavy (and it turned out, fatal) fall, hampering Honeywort, and leaving the Nicky Henderson – trained Therapist to pick up the pieces, a distance clear under Nico de Boinville.

James Owen generated a short-priced across the card double with Jackpot Cash at Stratford and It’s A Love Thing at Musselburgh on the flat. The length winner of a novices handicap hurdle was the latest in a strong suit of winners for the Newmarket yard: 10 from the latest 39 runners.

Allmankind, once a leading light at Skelton’s, is now treading the light fantastic in hunter chases, and will likely return for the Hunters meeting at the end of May after a 1 3/4l win with plenty in hand in the closing 2m6f hunters evening for Alex Chadwick and Mrs J Owen.

When you’re faced with deciphering a race card, handicapping might seem like an enigmatic science. You’re not alone—even seasoned bettors struggle with the complex weight assignments that define modern horse racing. The difference between profit and loss often hinges on your ability to interpret these carefully calibrated systems. Dear old Admiral Rous has a lot to answer for!

While 60% of casual bettors overlook vital handicapping factors, understanding these principles gives you a statistical edge that bookmakers would prefer you didn’t have.

Key Takeaways

• Handicapping equalizes competition by allocating different weights to horses based on their abilities and past performances. The handicapper’s intention is for all runners to finish in line abreast at the winning line, weighting them to their optimal performance and ability.
• Professional handicappers analyze speed figures, earnings, class levels, and fitness indicators to identify value betting opportunities.
• Weight penalties are applied after victories to ensure stronger horses carry more weight in subsequent races.
• Ratings are dynamically updated to maintain fairness as horses demonstrate improvement or decline in performance.
• Successful handicap betting requires a balanced assessment of statistics, track conditions, and team dynamics, avoiding overemphasis on single metrics.

Core Principles of Handicap Weight Assignment

While many casual racing fans focus primarily on horse pedigree and jockey skills, the handicapping system serves as the fundamental equalizer in horse racing through its sophisticated weight allocation principles. By strategically adjusting weight assignments, racing officials aim to level the playing field, ensuring that no single horse has an overwhelming advantage based solely on past performance.

Weight assignments follow strict standards: minimum weights for different race categories, benchmark-based calculations, and adjustments for horse ratings. These calculations take into account factors such as age, gender, and past race conditions, further refining the balance between competitors.

Post-victory penalties reflect win quality, while dynamic rating updates guarantee fairness through performance-based modifications. This ensures that consistently strong performers carry appropriate weight increases, preventing dominance by a single horse while allowing developing contenders to remain competitive.

The primary goal of these meticulously calculated weights is to create a fairer competitive field for horses of varying abilities competing against each other. By maintaining this balance, the sport remains both unpredictable and engaging, fostering excitement for bettors, trainers, and fans alike.

But handicapping is not a science; this is why you’ll hear trainers reporting that their horse has been unfairly treated by the handicapper, although you never hear them say he’s been leniently weighted! It’s an irony of races at the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, mother of all handicaps, that trainers are often seeking a higher handicap mark, else they won’t make the cut in the race. A racecard description of the Long handicap illustrates the weight a horse would carry were the race conditions not to stipulate a minimum weight to be carried.

Crucial Factors Professional Handicappers Analyse

Professional handicappers distinguish themselves from casual bettors by meticulously analyzing five interconnected factors that distinctly impact race outcomes.

These experts prioritize fitness indicators, class levels, and timing patterns that casual observers typically overlook. Experienced handicappers carefully evaluate horses that have not raced recently by looking for ample workout evidence or a history of performing well after layoffs.

Looking ahead, evaluating potential 2025 contenders early in the season offers bettors a valuable edge, as identifying rising stars before market prices adjust is a hallmark of professional strategy. Look for these parameters:

1. Performance metrics – speed figures and earnings correlate with 26% and 55% win rates respectively
2. Physical compatibility – surface/distance suitability determines ideal performance conditions
3. Team dynamics – top trainers achieve ~18% win rates and equipment changes signal intention

Strategic Betting Approaches for Handicaps

Beyond understanding the factors that influence race outcomes, successful handicappers must develop systematic betting approaches tailored to handicap racing’s unique dynamics.

Consider each-way bets for competitive or large fields, exactas when strong favourites dominate, and boxed wagers for unpredictable “Chaos Board” situations.

Shop across bookmakers for ideal lines, and track odds movements that signal sharp money. In short, follow the market.

Focus on value bets where horses’ true chances exceed their market price.

Establishing clear objectives for your betting goals helps maintain discipline when faced with the unpredictable nature of handicap races.

The World’s Best known Handicaps

Across the globe, major handicaps represent the pinnacle of weight-based racing challenges, drawing international attention and substantial purses. These prestigious events test both horses and handicappers alike.

1. Aintree Grand National (UK) – The world’s most famous steeplechase handicap, featuring 30 jumps over 4.5 miles.
2. Melbourne Cup (Australia) – “The race that stops a nation,” offering $8 million in prize money. This 3200-metre race has become known for attracting international competition and features festive attire.
3. Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap (Australia) – Premier sprint handicap recognized among global elite races.

Handicapping in Flat vs Jump racing

Handicapping principles apply across horse racing formats, but their execution differs between flat and jump racing.

 In flat racing, speed and acceleration often dominate, so weight assignments are finely tuned for shorter distances.  In contrast, jump races involve longer distances and obstacles, placing greater emphasis on stamina and jumping form when assigning handicaps.
 Fitness and recovery play a larger role in jump racing as well, given the physical toll of repeated jumps.
 Understanding the nuances between these formats ensures that bettors tailor their strategies appropriately to each racing style.

Glossary of Key Handicapping terms

• Weight Penalty – Extra weight assigned to a horse after a win, designed to balance the competition,
• Official Rating (OR) – A numerical value assigned to a horse’s ability by the racing authority, used to determine its handicap weight,
• Each-Way Bet – A bet that covers both winning and placing, effectively two bets in one,
• Benchmark Race – A race type where horses are weighted relative to a standard rating, allowing comparability,
• Class Level – A ranking of race difficulty, helping to evaluate a horse’s past competition quality,
• Boxed Wager – A betting strategy that covers all combinations of selected horses finishing in set positions,
• Chaos Board – A betting term describing a race with no clear favorite and unpredictable outcomes.

Common Mistakes Bettors Make in Evaluating Handicaps

The complex world of handicap betting presents numerous pitfalls that can derail even experienced bettors’ strategies when evaluating weighted races.

You’ll often prioritize raw statistics while neglecting vital intangibles like horse health, jockey-trainer relationships, stable form, and track-specific biases.

Weather conditions and recent performance trends provide essential context.

Without accounting for these non-quantifiable factors, you’re making decisions with incomplete information—a common route to handicapping failure.

Many bettors fall into the trap of overvaluing speed when handicapping races, failing to balance this metric with other crucial performance indicators.

There’s a racing adage that the sport allows you to get close up to the action, mingling among the jockeys and trainers, or watching from a fence, unlike some stadium – based sports. Stratford racegoers on Saturday certainly had their share of close-up action after one of the runners in the opener decanted his rider, and jumped into the public enclosures. Happily, that effort alone was enough to slow him to a trot whereupon a member of staff was able to usher him back into the pre-parade ring.

By comparison, events on the track were somewhat less eventful. St Pancras, successful in a listed juvenile hurdle at Musselburgh in February, and a subsequent second to Mambonumberfive in the Grade II Adonis Hurdle at Kempton, made all in this less exalted all-age company to maintain his excellent record over the smaller obstacles for Toby Lawes and long time owners Andrew & Sarah Wates. On-Course bookmakers, sponsors of the entire card, ensured no-one got rich however; the four year old went off at a prohibitive 1/5 under Kevin Brogan.

A novices handicap followed with a similar-sized 10 runner field, in stark comparison to Sunday’s Ascot card which attracted just 30 runners, and a winner that might have been designed for the sponsors. Get The Value disputed the lead in the Cash Is King Handicap Hurdle, and bar a blunder at the last, had the race in safe keeping from the home bend, winning by 6l. It was a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure for John O’Shea, whose winner drought had extended back to November, less so for rider Kielan Woods, his 45th of the term.

The feature Green Diamond Handicap Chase proved a somewhat select affair, attracting 4 declarations, which became three after the withdrawal of Pedley Wood at the start. Newmarket runners are an unfamiliar sight at Stratford, and spectators might have been forgiven for thinking winner Mahon’s Wood was in Gigginstown Stud colours, but trainer Dylan Cunha has a 100% record with his jumps runners, and Mahon’s Wood never saw another horse in his 3 1/4l pillar to post victory.

Second-placed combination Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen in that handicap made a winning return an hour or so later when combining to justify 7/2 favouritism in the 2m 6f Service With A Smile On Course Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle with Tropical Speed, who saw off the largest field of the day to overcome 11 others. If truth be told, the smiles of on-course layers were, by now, more than a little false, this being the fifth of six winning favourites through the course of the day.

The Tizzard yard passed the £1m prize money marker earlier this month, and Siam Park became winner number 61 for Brendan Powell in the other chase of the day, the 2m3f Better Value With Racecourse Bookmakers Handicap. The six year old wasn’t pushed to land the odds and might readily defy a penalty.

Selling races exist but few nowadays, and Stratford remains one of the last bastions of this genre of race. Time was when they produced a steady stream of revenue for racecourses, but the frequency of public auctions nowadays has made them largely redundant, except as a winning opportunity for low – rated horses. This privilege was afforded to Honneur d’Ajonc, who kept close to the pace throughout under Alex Chadwick, and scored by 2 3/4l over the inappropriately – named Greatness Awaits for trainer James Owen. there was no bid for the winner.

Unbeaten chaser Aworkinprogress has shot up the ratings this season following four straight victories over fences. The first of those four wins came at Stratford in a handicap chase back in October where he prevailed by just over a length.

Nick Gifford’s runner now has two entries, with the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter both being considered.

Talented chaser looks set to be a strong stayer

Stamina is something Aworkinprogress has shown he has lots of, so it is no surprise Gifford has his horse entered in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup – one of the longest races at the Cheltenham Festival. He has Cheltenham Festival odds of 16/1 for the contest.

Aworkinprogress is likely to be one of the leading Cheltenham betting tips for the Kim Muir Challenge Cup as he has one of the lowest weight allocations in the race. The six-year-old, who prevailed at Lingfield on his last start, will have just 10st 5lb on his back, should he line up in the contest.

Gifford’s runner has a lot of solid form in testing conditions, with his best wins coming on heavy ground. His connections will be hoping rain falls ahead of the final contest of day three of the meeting. It will be the horse’s first appearance at Cheltenham, and the New Course is expected to suit him.

🟢🟡 @DerekOConnor82 has ice in his veins 🥶

Glorious ride, glorious performance. Inothewayurthinkin absolutely hoses up in the Kim Muir for Gavin Cromwell & JP McManus pic.twitter.com/ai5EUtWulm

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2024

The Stratford winner is part of a strong team of horses that leading owner JP McManus has entered for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. The Irishman has entries in a number of the championship races across the week, including the blue riband event of the meeting, with Corbetts Cross and Inothewayurthinkin in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He last won the Gold Cup in 2012 with Synchronised.

Midlands Grand National entry at Uttoxeter

The Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter is one of the most valuable handicap races run in the UK. It is often a stepping stone for novice chasers towards graded action later in their careers. Gifford has entered Aworkinprogress, and he is likely to relish the marathon distance at the Midlands racecourse.

Aworkinprogress has been given a weight allocation of 101st 6lb at Uttoxeter for the 4m2f contest. He will take on 19 other rivals if he is part of the final field for the race. No six-year-old has prevailed in the Midlands Grand National since Big Occasion in 2013.

Should Aworkinprogress come out on top at Uttoxeter, Giffford and McManus will have the Grand National Aintree in mind in 2026. He currently has an official rating of 121, and victory in the Midlands Grand National will see him rise significantly up the ratings. Next season will see him step out on novice company, so he will take on some of the best chasers in the stayers’ division.

The six-year-old is considered one of the brightest novice chasers in the UK. With the entries he has for the rest of the season, it’s set to be a huge end to the campaign for him, and it could determine the path his connections take going forward.

Continuous rain on the previous Friday conspired to deliver heavy ground at Stratford’s penultimate fixture, where 64 runners contested the seven races under bright autumn sunshine.

It was a day when the fairer sex was able to take a leading role in honours, three races won by established and up and coming trainers, in addition to a rare hurdle race restricted to female riders. The feature event of the day however was a scalp for Stratford’s local trainer Olly Murphy, whose Westerninthepark scored on chase debut for his new yard, having been transferred from Anthony Charlton’s earlier in the month.

A bumper winner here in Spring ’23 when under the tutelage of Milton Harris, Charlton had continued a winning theme with Westerninthepark through two novice hurdles last term. He didn’t give favourite backers a nervous moment after jumping left at the first, putting distance between him and any pursuers in short order 2 out, to win by 14l.

The day had begun with a race that may be virtually unique in the British calendar nowadays in this era of gender equality: a handicap hurdle for female professional and amateur riders. We’re lucky enough to have a talented pool of female riders presently, with a mix of those brought up in racing families, and others who have blazed their own trail to recognition.

Inkberrow – based Tom Gretton had booked amateur Point-to-Point champion lady rider Gina Andrews for One Last Glance, and the booking looked a sound one after favourite Night Jet faded. Gina Andrews pushed her mount into a clear lead around the home bend, and was able to assert readily, winning over Evan Williams’ Coup de Gold by 2 1/4l.

After a brief break for Westerninthepark’s saunter, female service was resumed in race 3, the Edward Abell Memorial Mares Handicap Hurdle, when Evan Williams had to play second fiddle again to Lexie’s Moon, a Laura Horsfall – trained 6 year old winning for the first time since losing her maiden status at Huntingdon in March. In a less than direct route to the head of affairs from two out, she showed sufficient speed to fend off a one-paced challenge from It’s Easy for Kevin Brogan’s7th winner of the term, and Laura’s second.

Laura Horsfall is a recruit from the Point-to-Point sector, as indeed is Daisy Hitchins, trainer of the penultimate race winner on the card, a 2m 2f handicap hurdle. Hitchins was formerly long time assistant to Brian Barr, before the stress of running a smallish yard told on him and encouraged his withdrawal from the sport in August 2023.

Amateur Robbie David took the mount on Begin The Luck, reverting to hurdling after 18 months chasing that offered up 4 victories, including here last June. The owner-trained gelding had hit the front at the last, the two hurdles in the home straight omitted because of low sun, and still had enough in the tank to hold off a renewed challenge from Any Biscuits, who stayed on for Paul O’Brien to close the gap to 1 1/4l at the line. Hitchins has enjoyed some success this summer, this being her 6th winner, whilst this was a second winner for David, more familiarly known around the West Country Pointing circuit.

The distaff theme continued as Emma Lavelle produced Silver Thorn to win his maiden hurdle on his first time leaving the ground. Tom Bellamy always had enough in hand to beat Carrig Kate from the Greenall/Guerriero stable, the winning margin of 3 3/4l growing with every stride.

Twiston-Davies pairing Nigel and Sam teamed up to justify favouritism with Glynn Brae in the 2 mile Mid-Warwickshire Cleaning Supplies Maiden Hurdle. However, the winning rider fell foul of the beaks, when the stewards identified that he’d drifted across Lud ‘or on the run-in, precipitating that horse to stumble. An enquiry found Sam Twiston-Davies guilty of careless riding, suspending him for 7 days.

J P McManus – owned horses can be found at every level of the sport, even if the man himself is now only seen at the top tracks. Nick Gifford is one of the diverse set of trainers to enjoy the Irishman’s patronage, and rewarded him with a winner in the Class 5 handicap chase to conclude the card. Aworkinprogress hasn’t set the world alight to date, but this first graduation to chase company initiated a 100% record over fences, James Davies the winning rider.

With Stratford’s season drawing to a close, there’s further evidence of the top yards flexing their muscles as their autumn and winter horses enjoy a first outing. The unseasonably wet weather this past fortnight has produced soft ground earlier than would otherwise be the case, delivering 56 runners across the seven races for Monday’s meeting.

The most valuable race of the day produced the most exciting finish, even if not necessarily the best horses. Seven year old Balkardy, trained by Evan Williams and ridden by daughter Isabel, outstayed 4 others to win by a head over Mumford’s Magic in the C S Recycling Handicap Chase over 2m6f. But for a mistake at the last, this might have been the second leg of a double for Dan and Harry Skelton, but take nothing away from the winner. His record over fences stands scrutiny: four from eight, even if the last few runs in the Spring wouldn’t have had you rushing to back him.

It’s rare for Dan Skelton to leave Stratford empty-handed, and this meeting was not the exception to the rule. The well-backed Denzil had scared off most of the opposition for the Peute EBF Junior National Hunt Hurdle which opened the card. Faced by just two other runners, Harry Skelton opted to make all, and was fully in control of the race when nearest rival, 6l down, Wallquatari, tipped up at the last. The winner strolled home 55l clear of the second, Celestial Ruby.

Denzil is a Skelton home-bred, running in Dan’s name, but in all likelihood, not for much longer.

Alice Stephens showed a neat finishing style on the staying-on Copshill Lad in the subsequent 2m 6f Conditionals Handicap Hurdle for Harry Derham. Flashy Boy and Eurash had put 7l between them and the remainder turning in, but Copshill Lad and Emma Lavelle’s Rebel Intentions ran on well together to surpass the both of them. On another day, the Lavelle runner might have held sway. In the event, a neck was the winning margin. Derham’s runners have been filling the places since the turn of the month, so expect more over the next few weeks.

Another conditional advertising his credentials through the winner’s enclosure is Jack Hogan, who scored his 10th winner of the term on Hard As Nails for Fergal O’Brien in the CWM Survey & Inspection Novices Handicap Hurdle over 2m 2f. We’ve become used to O’Brien blazing a trail in the early months of the season, so by his standards, this 20th winner of the term is a relatively slow start. It is to be hoped this is by design, through concentrating on higher quality stock, rather than by accident.

The Re-Gen Waste Novices Handicap Chase over 2m 3f attracted a field of 11, but little to get excited about. Bridget Mary was one of X runners at the meeting for Rebecca Curtis, and paid the petrol money the hard way, with an in-and-out run and some sketchy jumping, before quickening to lead at the last and win by 2l from Libor Lad. However, in contrast to her maiden status over hurdles, she is now 2 from 2 over fences, allowing for breaking her duck in a Ballyvadock Point-to-Point in January 2023, so perhaps she’s found her metier.

One who seems quite clear about their metier is Vocito, 6l winner of the Exim Routes Novices Hurdle. This was a comfortable victory for the Sean Bowen – ridden Olly Murphy charge, and a third in as many months, since joining the Stratford handler. With continued improvement, we may see him in Pattern company.

Time was when bumper races attracted full fields of 20+, but the volume of races means these are more refined contest now, where perhaps horses learn more, that being their objective after all. I’m not so sure this has converted into greater spectator interest as there is still a rush for the exit after the sixth race, but nevertheless, the races can produce competitive results.

Four year old Gore Point made short work of his four opponents under Sam Twiston-Davies for trainer Anthony Honeyball. Twiston-Davies had ridden him into second place in his first bumper 11 months previously, but the additional time has clearly allowed him to mature, and he showed good speed to put distance between him and the second. He may well graduate straight to hurdling now.