Hughes to continue fine record at Wetherby

The jumps season is now unravelling fast and, while last weekend will take some topping, Hennessy day at Newbury is a personal favourite. Cracking handicaps, graded events, smart novices coming out to play, and, of course, the big one itself at 3.10.

My first clear memory of attending was in 2002, when Willie Mullins ended the Irish drought as Be My Royal came out on top under David Casey in the famous silks of Violet O’Leary. However, controversy followed when Be My Royal was disqualified following a post-race test and led to Mullins losing the prize.

Until just recently I was convinced compensation awaited with Avant Tout a very likely candidate and was backing him accordingly until he lost his life after pulling up on his return at Naas. Ireland will surely have to wait at least another year to end the hoodoo, with only three entries remaining, all under the Gigginstown banner, who don’t appeal as likely winners. That just seems criminal to me.