Jumps Racing Season So Far: Highs And Lows

-
steeplechase fence

Despite being three months away, many horse racing enthusiasts are already salivating at the prospect of the Cheltenham Festival, following an exciting start to the new horse racing jumps season.

Perhaps it came as no surprise to anyone that last season’s British Champion Trainer, Willie Mullins started how he left off, with some impressive wins so far. Just this month alone, he has more than a handful of winners, including Future Prospect, Majborough and Inn At The Park, while prolific jockey Paul Townend made it two wins from two atop of Judicieuse. The latter could well be one to watch in March and is likely to be entered into a Novice class race.

Meanwhile, a lot of talk has been about Nicky Henderson-trained, Constitution Hill’s big comeback on Boxing Day at Kempton Park, who will be aiming to defend his title in the Christmas Hurdle. Much has been said about his eagerly-awaited return, with many speculating for some time, when he would be in action again.

There has been much intrigue and excitement by the return of the Windsor race meeting once again, which will recommence in January in a bid to attract racegoers from the surrounding areas. The racecourse has been closed for two decades and plans are already in place for it to hold major jump meetings, with its location being considered to be a perfect catchment area to attract a significant amount of interest – especially those the west of London.

Meanwhile, trainer Ben Pauling has been claiming that he has two of the best novices in the sport, in both Handstands and the Jukebox Man, indeed, both of them will get their chance at Kempton on Boxing Day, which should provide a good indicator as to how they might fare at Cheltenham in March.

An Exciting End To The Season In Store?

Following an interesting couple of months, this has certainly laid the foundations for what could be to come in the latter part of the season. Speculation is rife as to whether any of the big contenders can put in the performances that they have been threatening to and rise to their potential.

The aforementioned Constitution Hill certainly has a huge amount of potential, while Mullins has a stable packed full of possible big-hitters, including Impaire Et Passe and the highly impressive El Fabiolo, who could well be a force to be reckoned with. Let’s not forget also, the irrepressible Galopin Des Champs, who will likely be the red hot favourite to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup as he bids to become only the second horse this Millennium to claim the title three years in a row, since Best Mate (2002, 2003, 2004), with jockey Jim Colloty.

Interestingly, the Grand National also holds a similarly significant sentiment for Mullins. I Am Maximus will also be bidding to win this other prestigious accolade for the third year running for the trainer, which would put his name into horse racing folklore. It really does promise to be an exciting next few months.