Superb Swinton shows the jumps is back - and there's no Willie Mullins to beat this time on a marvellous mixed Merseyside card

Dare you believe it, but the jumps is back. It's like it's never been away and just two weeks after Willie Mullins was crowned Britain's champion trainer again and seven days after Punchestown, the first big race of the new season is here.
The Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle (1.35) may feel more like a (welcome) hangover from last campaign, but no trainers need be worried about Mullins hoovering up its prize-money. Thankfully, in a week plagued by dismal jumps field sizes, a maximum 17 horses are set to go to post too.
Dan Skelton was the wounded party in Mullins' charge to another championship, but he could fire an early title warning shot with She's A Saint.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inRaceday Intel
Last updated
- 2.50 Naas: 'He loves proper soft ground' - handicap hurdle debutant should appreciate the pre-race deluge
- 12.50 Navan: who tops the shortlist in this competitive handicap hurdle?
- 'There’s one horse with the potential to blow the race away' - Paul Kealy on a Cheltenham runner who could prove a class above his rivals
- Get ready for the beast with a fearsome home reputation to bare his teeth - he could be frightening
- 'He's in his golden era' - Ka Ying Rising could provide cheer amid tragic backdrop at Sha Tin
- 2.50 Naas: 'He loves proper soft ground' - handicap hurdle debutant should appreciate the pre-race deluge
- 12.50 Navan: who tops the shortlist in this competitive handicap hurdle?
- 'There’s one horse with the potential to blow the race away' - Paul Kealy on a Cheltenham runner who could prove a class above his rivals
- Get ready for the beast with a fearsome home reputation to bare his teeth - he could be frightening
- 'He's in his golden era' - Ka Ying Rising could provide cheer amid tragic backdrop at Sha Tin