National Hunt jumps 2025/2026

[Portsmouth]

Hi Everyone, So I was thinking it might be an idea to have a separate topic to cover the National Hunt Jumping Season and then soon after the Grand National 2026 anyone who is still interested, can post about the flat racing on Sport of Kings again.

One of the things that disappoints me with racing is that there seem to be too many races run with only a very small number of horses. I would prefer to see a race with 10/15 rather than just 5/6 ....take Ascot tomorrow only six horses in every race. Maybe that's one of the reasons people don't go racing so much ?

Anyway, I have noticed a race tomorrow at Down Royal (NI) that I am almost sure Onelife will have a bet on.....
Bet Victor Championship Chase 14:40.....last years winner Envoi Allen is running again and also won in 2022 but Onelife won't pick him.
Sadly once again only 6 horses (but before the 3 day declaration there were several more including last years 2nd who is at Wetherby instead)

[Ray B]

Maybe the stables today are finding it difficult to fund this sport of kings in today's money environment.

[oldbluefox]

I always enjoy following OL's racing fortunes which sadly all too often fall wide of the mark, much like his Republican views of the monarchy

[Onelife]

Good afternoon, Pompey, firstly may I say what a good idea to have two threads one of each for both flat and the Jumps. Whilst both disciplines have their followers I’m very much in the Jumps camp. That being said showing a profit on the flat (as I have done) is no mean achievement…and it would be nice if my mate Foxy recognised this from time to time

I agree with you about the small field sizes; indeed, I have cancelled my first two intended visits to my local Ludlow track because of small fields.
Obviously, there are several factors as to why this is starting to become the norm, ground conditions being the most sighted but there are many who think that too many fixtures in the racing calendar are becoming a big contributor to this…. a view I share myself.

I will be watching with interest to see if Spillane’s Tower can justify my belief in him…a young horse with enormous potential imo. He however won’t be shouldering my 50p this time around.

I’ve been up to my neck with things this past couple of days (been doing interviews for Republic UK) so haven’t as yet had time to scrutinise the form for Onelifes Saturday bankers…will post later should I find a chink in the bookmaker’s odds.

[Onelife]

Onelifes Saturday Bankers

There is some excellent racing tomorrow both here and abroad but having looked at the cards I’m struggling to come up with some viable options.

I do fancy the chances of Upon Tweed- Uttoxeter and Spillane’s Tower - Down Royal-Ireland but at their odds not a betting proposition for me.

So, I’m backing two tomorrow… Dutch Decoy – Newmarket 2.17 £3-win £2 place and Neon Moon -Ascot 3.45 £5 win.

Dutch Decoy is one of those nearly horses but has a few wins to his name and if the ground stays G/F I can see him out running his 11/1 odds.

Neon Moon is facing stiff opposition but on a going day has the ability to be thereabouts…tends to run his best races after a break which is what he’ll be doing tomorrow.

[Onelife]

Correction – Upon Tweed is running at Ayr 12.48

[Onelife]

I note that there is now “soft” in the going report from Newmarket so win or lose I won’t be backing Dutch Decoy, neither am I going to place a bet on Neon Moon.

So, what do we do in theses situations….hope they don’t win.

[Portsmouth]

Well turns out Spillanes Tower is a non runner but there's good news as well
Upon Tweed romped home by over 8 lengths....almost like he was out for a stroll

[Onelife]

Yes, Upon Tweed was very impressive and jumped surprisingly well considering it was his first competitive race over the hurdles…. hopefully a lot more to come.

I was disappointed to see the withdrawal of Spillane’s Tower but having watched a couple of the previous races it was the right decision as the ground would have been far too quick for this horse.

It proved to be the right decision in not backing Dutch Decoy... having the ground go against him, that being said he still managed 4th place.

Neon Moon ran a creditable race…looked the winner two out but ran out of puff coming to the last.

[Onelife]

They’ll be attempting the Grand National fences next Saturday and I note some bookmakers are giving early odds for this race. Whilst jumping is the name of the game in this race… with quite a few more than capable of getting round I’m going to put “Richmond Lake” up as a good EW chance. With odds currently at 20/1 (with some bookies) I see this as a good value bet and will be peddling my way to the bookies tomorrow.

Richmond Lake finished a close fourth in last years race but has several pounds in hand on those who finished Infront of him this time around. He ran that race on good ground but with a preference for softer going “which he looks like getting” I think my £10 will be in safe hands.

Don’t go there foxy

[Portsmouth]

Yes I can see why you have gone for Richmond Lake & his top speed is higher than many others. I see that the three horses that beat him last year are in this years race as well. King Turgeon who won last year is only 7 but his weight is now 10-11. As you say the ground might make a difference
As you mention...20/1 is a good price for e/way bet.

[Onelife]

Hi Pompey, I’m not a happy bunny. I jumped onto the Yellow Peril this morning and happily peddled my way to Betfred’s only then to find they weren’t pricing up the Aintree Race. Just been onto their site and they’re not pricing it up there either…Yet! if you go into the attheraces website Betfred are showing prices for the race but without Richmond Lake being quoted…yet at present it is still a declared runner.
I’ll have to lay off the Horlicks as I’m getting very confused…funny that, because yesterday I went to bed after my Horlicks and had visions of Meghan wiping Willies eyes while saying “now, now, Willie don’t cry, you might still be King one day”

[Portsmouth]

Richmond Lake has been withdrawn

[Onelife]

Richmond Lake has been withdrawn

Source?

[Portsmouth]

here's a link to the latest race card.....only 21 runners
https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/32 ... -08/904482

King Turgeon & Gaboriot who came 1st & 3rd last year still running
So what else can give you a winner ?

[Onelife]

here's a link to the latest race card.....only 21 runners
https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/32 ... -08/904482

King Turgeon & Gaboriot who came 1st & 3rd last year still running
So what else can give you a winner ?

Thanks Pompey, White Rhino is being backed off the boards but I'm going to have to take a closer look and see where we end up nearer the time.

[Onelife]

Onelife’s Saturday bankers,

With the National fences being used in the 2.40 Aintree it is as it has always been a case of pays your money and hope for the best…that being said, the fences are nothing like what they used to be so most have a fair chance of getting round…especially as they only have to go round once.

It won’t be easy finding the winner with just 4 betting fractions separating the first 6 in the betting.
Well in for a penny in for a pound I’m going to side with “Johnnywho” who is carrying top weight but is doing so because he is deemed the best horse in the race on what he has achieved thus far.

Some will recall that I had a couple of winners a week or so back, both of which are running again at Doncaster tomorrow…I can’t find little reason why both shouldn’t run well again albeit that Lord Bertie is up in grade from his recent runs but the way he ran in his last race would suggest he’s capable of putting in a good show.

As for Lir Speciale this is going to be tougher but with a decent 7lb claimer onboard he should be thereabouts.

My last selection runs at Wolverhampton…Now my good mate Pompey thinks Epictetus is a donkey, and to be fair on his recent runs I’m inclined to agree with him, however, I haven’t lost faith in this horse even though it owes me a few quid…If he shows anything like the form I know he is capable of then he could be a handicap good thing…..and Pompey, I can do without the “I told you so’s” if this doesn’t prove to be the case.

Wolverhampton 6.30 Epictetus £10 win

Doncaster 11.17 Lir Speciale £5 win

2.35 Lord Bertie £5 win

Aintree 2.40 Johnnywho £5 win

[Onelife]

Having taken another look at the 2.35 I’m now going to reduce my bet on Lord Bertie to £4 win with a covering bet on Strike Red £1ew.

[Portsmouth]

Well I guess it's time to give a response to Onelifes Saturday bankers
Aintree 2:40 race is quite a big one called Grand Sefton Handicap Chase and yes the choice of Johnnywho is respected but there are quite a few other horses who seem to have a good chance. There seem to be people who think the Skelton team can be a bit dodgy (to put it politely) especially on some handicap races which is why I wouldn't rule out their entry Jet Plane.
For me I decided to go with the horse that looks like it has no chance and made a small e/way bet today on Mount Tempest @66/1
He won 2 months ago @ 50/1 & then was pulled up in his next race....as there seems to be a payout for 4th place maybe I might have a chance of a small return although reality kicking in says it won't have a chance

Lir Speciale seems to have a good chance but the poor draw (20) must be a bit of a worry..lets hope it won't stop him winning.
Lord Bertie again ...well I can't moan I won a bit of cash on his last race but he is about 12/1 and I guess has a chance of winning but I would suggest more likely to get a place. Should I sneak an e/way bet tomorrow ?....Hmm prefer better odds as I think he may end up as 10/1

What can I say about that " donkey " Epictetus running at Wolverhampton....Can you believe it...One of the Tipsters has actually tipped him
And punters think he has a chance as well....now down to 5/1....yes the draw he's running from (6) is OK.
How has Onelife convinced so many people to pick Epictetus
I'm obviously not going to waste a single penny on this hopeless case .....but good luck to you Onelife

[Onelife]

Hi Pompey, I’m thinking that you must bet with Ladbrokes because most of the other bookies are giving 5 places on the Sefton...that being said it would be better if they were giving 10 places for that donkey your thinking of backing

Joking aside, I’ve just checked out the form of Mount Tempest and whilst it would be a massive shock its form reads quite well in places.

Lir Speciale hasn’t got a good draw but I think he is on the right side with plenty of speedy ones around him…. more concerning is that they have replaced the original amateur jockey with another that has never rode a winner.

I’ve upped my stake on Epictetus to £12 win….come on my son!

[Portsmouth]

Epictetus had to get up early this morning

https://i.imgflip.com/2fk56l.jpg

.

[Onelife]

Epictetus had to get up early this morning

https://i.imgflip.com/2fk56l.jpg

.

Neeeeigh Lad, I’ve rounded my total bet off to £30 so it’s now £13 win on the good thing Epictetus.

[oldbluefox]

.

[Onelife]

Lir Speciale hasn’t got a good draw but I think he is on the right side with plenty of speedy ones around him…. more concerning is that they have replaced the original amateur jockey with another that has never rode a winner

He has now!

[Onelife]

Wolverhampton 6.30 Epictetus 7th 11/2

Doncaster 11.17 Lir Speciale 1st 11/2

2.35 Lord Bertie 15th 14/1
Strike Red 11th 20/1

Aintree 2.40 Johnnywho 5th 9/1

I see that Epictetus is set for a quick return…this time on Weston-Super-Mare Beach.

So, what do we say in these situations…Better a £2.50 profit than a £30 loss