We’re looking forward to 2024-25 national hunt season

I’d like to think that we are never guilty of over-racing our horses, and, though Edwardstone will be 11 on New Year’s Day, he has looked as good as ever on the gallops this autumn and I hope there might be one or two more big days for him yet.

This winter should see us celebrate a career total of 1700 NH winners, and, while these past few years we have increased the quality of our Flat team, we are as focussed on jump racing as I have ever been.

Obviously, we were all sad to bid farewell to our popular veteran Sceau Royal, who was at Barbury for more than eight years. He was a real money-spinner, winning 17 races, but he is now enjoying a well-earned retirement.

However, we had a strong team of novice hurdlers last season, many of whom we hope will make their presence felt as novice chasers this winter.

Helnwein, Masaccio, Menaggio and The Doyen Chief are just four names who spring to mind, but we were also fortunate to have another good crop of bumper horses last season.

That, together with a fistful of three-year-olds who won on the Flat last summer, only increases our optimism that we could also have plenty to look forward to in novice and juvenile hurdles in the coming months.

It’s well known that I am not a fan of cold weather, but I’d rather have Jack Frost on the other side of the net than the never ending rain that has led to bottomless ground so often in recent winters.

So, here’s hoping the weather is kind to us, so that you can all enjoy our wonderful sport of jump racing – and maybe back a few Barbury winners along the way!

ALAN

Trueshan and Hollie Doyle on their way to the start for the Goodwood Cup