MORSE CODE
Mid-season chat with 18-28 Membership Ambassador Josh Stacey
A s if we’ve already had seven days of racing at Cheltenham this season—time really does fly when you're having fun. From a racing perspective, one of the standout stories so far has been the rise of Potters Charm for Willy and Nigel Twiston- Davies. Having raced at Cheltenham twice, he’s steadily built on each performance, showcasing relentless galloping and a devastating turn of foot, most recently putting Valgrand to the sword at the November Meeting. He’ll return in March with his sights set firmly on Grade One glory. Another horse making waves after just one run this season is Jango Baie from Nicky Henderson’s yard. It was a bold move to choose Cheltenham as the destination for his chasing debut, the ultimate test of any horse’s credentials. But it was a clear statement of how highly the Seven Barrows team rate this Grade One -winning novice hurdler. Though a bit keen early on, which was understandable given his lengthy layoff, he jumped impeccably and looks to have a bright future ahead, with plenty of options. If I had to pick my Cheltenham Horse of the Season So Far , it would undoubtedly be L’Eau Du Sud . He was foot perfect in the Grade 2 Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase at the November Meeting and has since gone on to win in Grade 1 company. He’s now firmly in the mix as a serious contender for the My Pension Expert Arkle, flying the flag for British- trained horses. Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival, I’m particularly excited to follow The Wallpark’s
journey back to the Pertemps Network Final after his qualification at the October Meeting. He’s a progressive sort and will now wear the famous green and gold silks of J.P. McManus. There are also some exciting novice hurdlers from Willie Mullins yet to race this season, including Kopek Des Bordes , Riskabahia , and Final Demand —all of whom have big reputations and plenty of potential. It’s been a real pleasure to venture out into the heart of the racecourse since the Cross-Country track reopened to spectators. There’s something truly special about getting up close to these remarkable athletes as they negotiate the tricky course. Though the Arkle bar will always have a special place in my heart, I also love the atmosphere in the Guinness Village, and I’m hopeful I’ll be celebrating winners in there on New Year’s Day.
Looking forward to what the rest of the season brings!
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