As the autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape with hues of gold and amber, the anticipation for the upcoming jumps season grows like a smoldering ember about to ignite. In the world of horse racing, it’s the time of year when the focus shifts to those equine athletes that thrive in the challenging world of hurdles and fences.
The jumps season beckons, and with it, the promise of uncovering those equine gems, the horses whose grace and grit will keep us glued to the edge of our seats.
Let’s embark on this exhilarating journey as we delve into the horses to follow for the upcoming jump season, each with its own story, potential, and the hope of becoming the next jumping superstar.
Horses To Follow – Novice Hurdlers
Andrew
- Ballyburn
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12/1, Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 7/1
- Trainer – WP Mullins
His win at Punchestown was where he laid down a marker as a horse that could be destined for big things. In view to hurdles I see a step up in trip with all eyes on the Ballymore as the main target is where I think he will shine bright. Very excited to see what lays ahead for the son of Flemensfirth.
- Junta Marvel
- Mares Novices Hurdle 20/1
- Trainer – WP Mullins
A horse that I can see playing a massive hand in the mares novices hurdle scene. An easy winner of a 2m3f bumper on debut and backed that up with a fine win in a Grade 3 2m bumper at the Punchestown Festival (6th won Listed Hurdle since). Foolish to underestimate, and will surprise a few.
Dave
- Dysart Enos
- Mares Novices Hurdle 8/1
- Trainer – Fergal O’Brien
Beat a favourite of mine in Queens Gamble in her second bumper win and I was blown away with how she won at Aintree. The form already franked and she’s one to take note of going hurdling.
- Mirazur West
- Supreme Novices Hurdle 20/1, Ballymore Novices Hurdle 20/1
- Trainer – WP Mullins
Visually very impressive in his bumper which has some substance to the form from those in behind. His brother Ferny Hollow, although fragile was an enigma when sound, but was an out and out Grade 1 horse. His baby brother is in the could be anything category.
Tom
- Mirazur West
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 18/1, Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 20/1
- Trainer – WP Mullins
A half brother to Ferny Hollow who won a good bumper easily. The world is his oyster over hurdles.
- It’s For Me
- Supreme Novices Hurdle 25/1, Ballymore Novices Hurdle 25/1
- Trainer – WP Mullins
Impressive in his P2P and first bumper start. Ground went against him and came from a long way back to only be beaten 5 lengths in the champion bumper. One not to write off.
Sean
- Stellar Story
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
- Trainer – Gordon Elliott 33/1
I think he has showed incredibly battling traits in his two bumper wins and I’m full sure what ever he done in bumpers was only a bonus a step up in trip this season I think he is gonna relish. The gelding was a big money purchase for Gigginstown costing 310k at the Cheltenham 2022 sales. They have a nice staying prospect on their hands and I’m hoping he can make a stamp on the staying novice division this season.
- Enola
- Mares Novices Hurdle 16/1
- Trainer – WP Mullins
A 4 year old filly who will go novice hurdling this season potentially being aimed at the Mares Novice Hurdle I think she could be quite a smart prospect for the season ahead. If able to transfer her flat mark of 102 to hurdles which we roughly say add 40 makes her rated 142.
