Little Chunk ran as if in need of the race at Ludlow earlier this month on his debut for Kim Bailey may be ready to strike in the Visit Racing UK.com Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (3.40) at Kempton on Monday. The Mr Dinos gelding closed on the eventual winner, Tempuran, with three to jump at Ludlow but, having narrowed the lead to a length and a half, could make no further impression in the closing stages. Ridden, once again, by regular partner Mikey Hamill, who won on him a couple of times for previous connections last season, he should strip fitter on this occasion.

Both wins last season came on sharp tracks on good going, so Kempton should play to his strengths, and he has run well enough on soft and heavy going to make him of interest whatever the weather in Sunbury-on-Thames in the next 24 hours. Of the 10 rides Mikey Hamill has had for Kim Bailey over hurdles this season, just one has won, but four have finished second and two have finished third, so a forward showing for Little Chunk, even in this slightly higher grade, would be no real surprise.

Selection: Kempton 3.40 Little Chunk to win  10/3

 

The Betway Bet & Watch at Sunbets.co.uk Handicap (6.45) at Newcastle on Wednesday is the type of race that put the ‘egg’ in ‘egg and spoon’, but something has to win it and, with winning form in short supply, a shock result could be on the cards. Prisom has had plenty of chances since making a winning debut over 6 furlongs at Wolverhampton two years ago, but returns to Tapeta for the first time since going down by a short head over 7 furlongs at the West Midlands track last January. Gay Kelleway’s 4-year-old can race off a handicap mark 8lb lower – in fact, her lowest ever – which just gets her into this lowly 0-50 contest so, if she’s ever to add to her winning tally, she will surely have few better opportunities. She comes with risks attached, of course, but that comment applies equally to anything else in the field and her wily trainer usually knows the time of day.

 

Selection: Newcastle 6.45 Prisom to win  8/1

 

The Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock will be the first opportunity for us to see some of the leading chasers in the three-mile division making their return to action after having the summer off. This race also kicks off the opening leg of the Chase Triple Crown, with the King George VI Chase at Kempton and Cheltenham Gold Cup then set to follow.

Credit: Racing UK via Twitter

 

On the evidence of what we saw at the back end of last season in this division, the horse that really stood out was Sizing John as, not only did he prevail in the biggest race of the campaign, the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival, he proved that his success was no fluke and that he was entirely comfortable with this distance when he landed the Punchestown Gold Cup in Ireland.

 

Jessica Harrington’s runner often had to settle for second or third place in some of the leading 2m races over fences, largely due to the fact he kept running into Douvan, who was just in a different league. Since stepping up 3m and beyond, though, his rating has gone up sharply and there could be a lot more to come. Some punters are confident that he could complete the Chase Triple Crown this season. He is available at 5/4 in the horse racing betting at Haydock for the Betfair Chase and if he does succeed at the Lancashire track, his odds will be slashed to follow it up with victories at Kempton and Cheltenham.

 

Outlander is a horse who generally shows his best form when fresh early in the season. That was evident earlier this month when he claimed the Grade One JNWine.com Chase at Down Royal where he beat some good Irish horses including Our Duke and Road to Respect. Gordon Elliott’s runner showed his class in the Grade One Lexus Chase last season during the Festive meeting at Leopardstown, therefore, he has proven himself at this top level on more than one occasion. The only concern is that his form in the UK is not as good as Ireland; however, at odds of 10/1, he is worth taking a chance with against the market leaders.

 

Credit: Racing Post via Twitter

 

Tea for Two caused an upset last season at the Grand National meeting at Aintree when he scored in the Grade One Bowl Chase, where he beat the red-hot favourite Cue Card. The former winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton was fresh at the Merseyside track as he unseated his regular pilot Lizzie Kelly at the first fence of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Nick Williams’ runner may be able to take advantage if some of the big guns in the Betfair Chase fail to produce their best for their seasonal reappearance. The eight-year-old has been consistent over the last couple of years since switching to fences. At 14/1, he is an excellent each-way proposition and one in which he is not without a chance of landing the first place prize money.

 

Likeliest Winner: Sizing John

 

Value Bets: Outlander @ 10/1 and Tea For Two @ 14/1

 

Introduction

As far as noteworthy names in racing go, few can come close to the honours list of Ruby Walsh. An incredibly talented jockey, Walsh has won just everything that one could hope to win as a jockey – and many honours more than once. Proving his staying power from the 90s where he was awarded the Irish amateur title at just 19 years of age, all the way to current day with his Australian Grand National Steeplechase win in 2015, he has more than earned his reputation and place in racing history. Add to that the incredible contribution that he makes to the sport in terms of his character and commitment, and it’s easy to see why Walsh has become such a beloved personality in the sport.

With 56 wins at the Cheltenham Festival alone, he has cemented himself as one of the most successful jockeys of all-time. Add in his dominance of the Irish National Hunt and Cheltenham Festival Best Jockey awards, and it’s easy to see why in the eyes of many that Ruby Walsh could be argued as the greatest of all-time.

Career Summary

Walsh’s career is illustrious to the point where it’s difficult to condense. He has been a consistent winner since he first appeared on the course in his teens. Having trained under his father and the likes of Maxwell Moran, his list of accolades are substantial and it’s easy to see why for many there are few in the industry who can match the quality and the class of Ruby Walsh. In addition to the aforementioned Cheltenham and Irish wins a highlight for the jockey has to be winning the Grand National on Papillon in 2000 aged just 20. There could be no doubting his abilities when he added a second Grand National win in 2005 on the Willie Mullins trained Hedgehunter. The very same season he won the Irish and Welsh national too. 

At just 38 years old now, there’s plenty of life left in his career. Already in recent times he’s won the 2016/17 INH Champion Jockey award – so he’s certainly not quite ready for the pipe and slippers yet. Injuries have been an issue at times, including a fractured wrist the day previous to the 2016 Grand National, but Walsh isn’t one to let these thing bring him down. In 2016-17 alone he’s had 371 runs (and 131 wins) in Irish Jump Racing and 24 runs (6 wins) in GB.  A busy man!

Career Highlights

Major Wins – Irish National Hunt Champion Jockey (12 times), Leading Cheltenham Festival Jockey (11 times), Grand National (2000, 2005), Irish Grand National (2000), Irish National (2005), Welsh National (2005), English (2005), Scottish National (2002), Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007, 2009), Queen Mother Championship Chase (2004, 2008, 2009), Tingle Creek Chase (2006), King George VI Chase (2006), Hennesy Gold Cup (2003, 2009), Whitbread Gold Cup (2001, 2003), Champion Hurdle (2011), Australian Grand National (2015).