Trainer Quotes from the Challow Novices’ Hurdle

Nicky Henderson Relies on Willmount’s Experience in Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle

In the highly anticipated Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury, Nicky Henderson is counting on the experience of Willmount to shine through as the promising novice aims to maintain his unbeaten record. Purchased for an impressive £340,000 after showcasing his talent in the pointing field, Willmount lived up to expectations during his bumper season, securing two victories at Doncaster under former trainer Neil Mulholland and leaving a lasting impression.

Now under the care of Seven Barrows and owner Olly Harris, Willmount continued to impress by effortlessly winning on his hurdling debut at Newbury in November with a commanding 13-length lead. This talented gelding now has the responsibility of becoming Henderson’s third winner in this prestigious Grade One race before wrapping up another successful calendar year.

Henderson expressed his rationale behind running Willmount in this particular race: “We wanted to split him and Jeriko (Du Reponet), which was our main idea. He’s a sensible horse who behaves like he’s been doing this for years – which is true considering he had already participated in a point-to-point race, two bumpers, and one hurdle run.”

With hopes of a bright future ahead for this talented horse according to Henderson himself: “I hope he’s a horse with great potential because it’s going to be quite challenging competing against such fierce competition.”

A Test Beyond Two Miles Under Rules

The upcoming Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle will mark Willmount’s first time racing beyond two miles under rules. While Henderson acknowledges that campaigning over longer distances may be possible down the line, he does have some concerns about potentially heavy ground conditions at Newbury.

Regarding the step up in trip, Henderson admits: “I don’t think it is absolutely necessary. He doesn’t necessarily show signs that he wants to go further, but I hope he will cope with it.”

The ground condition remains a significant concern for Henderson: “This race is going to be extremely challenging due to the anticipated testing ground conditions.”

Paul Nicholls Aims to Enhance His Excellent Record

Trainer Paul Nicholls boasts an impressive track record in the Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle, having dominated the contest in recent years with three consecutive victories. Denman, Stage Star, Bravemansgame, and Hermes Allen are just a few of his successful contenders.

This year, he brings both Champion Bumper third Captain Teague and unbeaten Farnoge aiming to uphold his fine reputation in this competition.

Captain Teague impressed last time when finishing closely behind at Cheltenham under a penalty. With great stamina and excitement surrounding him as a prospect, he can run tirelessly all day long,” said Nicholls.

Nicholls also highlights Farnoge’s potential: “Having gone undefeated last season – winning both his bumper races and hurdles starts – Farnoge has earned himself an opportunity at the Challow hurdle. He is not far behind Captain Teague according to our assessment; moreover soft ground conditions suit him perfectly.”

Promising Contenders from Other Stables

Jonjo O’Neill’s Johnnywho enters this prestigious event carrying an unbeaten record, having triumphed in both point-to-point races and under rules. Owned by JP McManus and donning the green and gold colors, Johnnywho brings an element of excitement to the competition.

Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man has also been performing exceptionally well since finishing as a runner-up to Gidleigh Park in a bumper race. Running in the colors of Harry Redknapp, this horse is yet to put a foot wrong.

Masaccio represents trainer Alan King’s team, having narrowly missed out on victory over course and distance earlier this month against Seven Barrows’ Jingko Blue. In 2016, King’s stable claimed victory in the Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle with Messire Des Obeaux.

Meanwhile, Neil King has made the decision to step Lookaway up in trip for this highly competitive Grade One race.