Aintree not Cheltenham looks the destination of choice for weekend's standout winners

We are now halfway through the 2024-25 point-to-point season and all the competitive racing and standout performances have set the stage for an exciting spring as the big targets loom large.

It’s often a time when some tough decisions need to be made by connections, although those behind two big weekend winners already seem to have made up their minds to aim for Aintree this year rather than Cheltenham.

On Saturday, My Drogo won the Walrus Hunter Chase at Haydock by two lengths. Formerly a Grade 1 winner under Dan Skelton, the ten-year-old has thrived since joining Devon-based trainer Ed Walker.

"Drogo has come out of the race better than we’ve seen him," said Walker. "He's growing in confidence and we’re likely to aim him at sub-three-mile races, with Aintree being discussed as a target rather than Cheltenham."

Sunday's action at Larkhill in Wiltshire brought further excitement, with Olive Nicholls riding a double aboard Switch Hitter and Viroflay, both formerly trained by her father Paul. Viroflay, now under Olive's care, produced a particularly impressive performance to win the Coronation Gold Cup.

"Sunday was an amazing day," said Nicholls. "Having Viroflay back was special, but training him myself made it even more rewarding, although stressful. I think I’ve driven everyone mad worrying about him these last two weeks. He isn’t the easiest; he finally, aged eight, has the hood off!”

She added: “I have always thought Aintree in the Foxhunters’ would suit him; if the ground was good, that would be our main aim.”

Olive Nicholls: Aintree plan for Larkhill winner Viroflay

The halfway point is also a good time to take stock of the various title races. The women's riders' championship has a familiar feel, with Gina Andrews six winners clear of reigning champion Izzie Hill.

Andrews reflected: "Losing the title last season was tough to take, but Izzie worked hard and deserved her success. It’s made me hungrier than ever to win it back!"

Andrews also leads the large yard trainers' table, adding: "We've had a great start and I’m fortunate to have the horses flying. My brother Jack plays a massive part in the operation. I don’t think people realise how much he does for us.”

Somerset’s Josh Newman finds himself leading the men’s riders' championship for the first time.

"I’m delighted with how it’s going," Newman said. "I train most of the horses I ride, so if I’m still in this position in a couple of months, I might need to ask for outside rides and hope people support me.”

The novice men's division is now led jointly by Tom Hutsby and Rian Corcoran, both with five winners, while Clara Brewitt, Emma Brown and Jessika Rennie remain tied on two wins each in the novice women’s table.

In the small trainers' category, Yorkshire-based Alice Dawson has extended her lead to six winners, while Dorset's Harry Ryall continues his excellent run in the up-to-14-horses division, having trained six winners from just 13 runners. While the multiple categories can be confusing, they allow us to highlight successes across different yard sizes.

Another Kalypso’chance?

Three British point-to-pointers are set to go under the hammer at the Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale on Friday.

Gina Andrews offers two: Lot 12, Edith Pelham, a Blue Bresil mare who won impressively at Sheriff Hutton in January, and Lot 20, Nice One Nelson, a 2020 Mount Nelson gelding narrowly beaten on his debut at Duncombe Park last weekend.

Lot 11 is Mooserwirt, a 2020 Sholokov gelding trained by Jack Teal, who saddled Cheltenham Festival bumper hopeful Kalypso'chance to a British point win last year. Teal says: “Mooserwirt is a racy type who has taken time but was an impressive winner and has come to hand well.”    

Weekend fixtures

Saturday
Kingston Blount, Oxfordshire, OX39 4SG first race 12.00.

Sunday
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3AE. 13.00.
Garthorpe, Leicestershire, LE14 2SJ. 12.30.
Badbury Rings, Wessex, DT11 9JL. 12.00.
Howick, Gwent, NP16 6BL. 12.00.
Charing, Kent, TN27 0JS. 13.00.

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