Caldwell Potter, the horse that propelled Sir Alex Ferguson into the record books earlier this year, is about to make his long-awaited return to action.
Former Manchester United trainer Ferguson was part of a four-man syndicate that broke the world record for a National Hunt horse sold at public auction when it passed through the ring in February: they paid a staggering £634,000 for the horse. gray gelding. .
Although that record has, incredibly, been surpassed twice since then (first by Regent’s Stoll, which fetched a price of £660,000 in July, then by Palladium, which fetched a staggering £1.2m in October), the hype around Caldwell Potter is huge and the appetite of racing fans to see him is immense.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, Caldwell Potter missed several engagements towards the end of last jumping season, including an appointment at Aintree, as he had some niggling problems and needed to adapt to a different way of working after leaving Gordon Elliott’s stable. in Ireland. .
But Racing Confidential understands that Caldwell Potter’s recent signs have been encouraging and, provided he continues to please, there are races at Newbury’s big Coral Gold Cup meeting at the end of the month that fit his calendar.
Caldwell Potter (the top horse, in 2023) is close to making his long-awaited return to action
The horse broke the world record for a National Hunt horse sold at public auction, bought by a four-man syndicate including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (above)
Kalif Du Berlais, another Ferguson syndicate horse, crashed four fences from his home at Carlisle on Monday after being touted as potentially the best novice chaser in the Nicholls stable.
The clamor to see Caldwell Potter is understandable. He was last seen in action on December 27 last year when he swept a field of top-level rookies in a Grade One race at Leopardstown and his driver that day, Jack Kennedy, felt like he was accompanying a machine.
Ferguson, who owns the six-year-old with his former allies John Hales, Ged Mason and Peter Done, is hoping Caldwell Potter will be the one to win him a Cheltenham Gold Cup and wherever he turns up, they should follow him. closely.
However, nothing can be taken for granted in racing and this point was proven once again to Ferguson at Carlisle on Monday. Kalif Du Berlais, another horse from his syndicate, has been touted as potentially the best novice chaser in the Nicholls stable.
He looked immaculate in the paddock and jockey Harry Cobden had made the 320 mile trip from Somerset to accompany the four-year-old. That journey would have felt even longer after Kalif Du Berlais crashed four fences from home. He was taken back to Nicholls yard to recover.
Balding’s brilliant 2024
Andrew Balding enjoyed an incredible year, saddling the most winners of any trainer (157 and counting) and pocketing more than £5 million in prize money.
He is unsure whether a shot at the trainers’ championship next summer will be realistic, but his outfield will be boosted by the addition of two promising juniors, who are being rehomed following the retirement of Sir Michael Stoute.
Jonquil was the horse everyone was talking about for Juddmonte earlier in the summer after winning his maiden at Sandown; He disappointed at Doncaster in his next race, but there is clearly a motor inside and he will move to Kingsclere, where Balding will have high aspirations for the colt.
Andrew Balding (right) has enjoyed a magnificent year, winning more than any other trainer.
The same goes for a filly named Formal, owned by Cheveley Park Stud. She hated the ground conditions on her last outing at Newmarket but retains potential and top owners hope the decision to send her to Balding will be beneficial. He will reappear in a trial of 1000 Guineas.
In total, there are 12 Cheveley Park horses to redistribute from Stoute’s yard. Archivist, a son of Dubawi who is yet to win in four races, has been assigned to William Haggas.
Chaos in Chelmsford
The British Horseracing Authority is continuing its investigations to determine what happened at Chelmsford when only the quick thinking of jockeys and officials prevented a catastrophe.
In the final race on Saturday afternoon, the starting positions could not be removed from the course. For a split second, it looked like disaster would unfold as the field turned toward home and it seemed certain they would crash into the metal obstruction.
Fortunately, track officials were able to wave the “stop race” flags in time and the jockeys involved, including Sean Levey, Billy Loughnane and Rab Havlin, were able to apply the brakes just in time. All participants, human and equine, were unharmed.
However, that result does not change the seriousness of the problem and the BHA launched a review on Monday morning to understand how the incident occurred. They continue in conversations with officials of the track, which tomorrow organizes a schedule of eight races.
Only the quick thinking of jockeys and officials prevented a disaster in Chelmsford on Saturday.
Harry’s Cheltenham winner returns in fine form
One of the lasting memories of last season’s Cheltenham Festival was the image of an overjoyed Harry Redknapp, barely able to understand how the horse he owned and named after him had overcome one of the most competitive handicaps.
Coached by Ben Pauling, whose side are in excellent form, Shakem Up’arry won the Plate 8-1, having previously won another good prize on the course on New Year’s Day. His last start was in the Topham Chase at the Randox Grand National meeting when he finished in the field.
Pauling gave him the summer to recover from his efforts and he has returned in excellent form, to the point that an ambitious run in the Coral Gold Cup on November 30 is being considered. The 10-year-old has the option of racing at Warwick, but don’t be surprised if he goes to Newbury.
Intriguing Greatwood Hurdle contender
The Cheltenham November meeting, which starts on Friday, is always an indicator of the March Festival and it is recommended that you watch the Greatwood Hurdle this weekend, which occasionally provides a line of form towards the Champion Hurdle.
In particular, Dysart Enos is a fascinating contender. Fergal O’Brien, the mare’s excellent trainer, has always held her in the highest regard and if there is one candidate to emerge from this contest for the big one it will be her. Racing Confidential understands that its duties have been exemplary.
Dysart Enos (above) is a fascinating contender for the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham
No jockey has ridden the northern course better than the strong and adaptable Paul Mulrennan.
Mulrennan deserves more praise
Jumps racing now takes priority, but that doesn’t mean flat achievements go unnoticed and Paul Mulrennan’s efforts must be highlighted. He reached 100 winners for the year earlier this week in Newcastle and it’s a great personal reward.
No jockey has ridden the northern circuit better than Mulrennan, who ticks all the boxes: he’s strong, a brilliant judge of pace, knows form inside out and can adapt immediately no matter what circumstances are thrown at him. I should have more opportunities.
Joorabchian presents new offer
This column was launched two weeks ago with the news that Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge courtyard was the subject of a bidding war and that story escalated with Kia Joorabchian revealing that she had submitted a bid for the historic site.
Football agent Kia Joorabchian has revealed he has submitted an offer for Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge yard in an effort to take Amo Racing to a new level.
Joorabchian’s ambition to take Amo Racing to a new level, following its spectacular recruitment drive at this year’s sales, is fierce and the process is ongoing.
Nothing has been accepted yet and there are other interested parties including Wathnan Racing.