Bangor-on-Dee’s jump racing action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, offering viewers a full slate of thrilling contests. The highlight of the programme is the John Hewitt Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, where Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled will make his much‑anticipated debut over fences. Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old gelding, began his career in spectacular fashion, sweeping three victories from three starts on the hurdles, including a Grade Two novice hurdle win that marked him as a future star. However, his form has since faltered.
After a disappointing pull‑up in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle in December 2024, the horse was switched to the flat for a spell. That flat run proved ill‑suited – he went too keen and failed to finish strongly – prompting his connections to return him to the jumps. After almost four months away from the obstacle scene, the time is finally right for his first chase.
The gelding’s pedigree and past performances suggest that if trainers Jonjo O’Neill and AJ O’Neill have managed to get him back to peak fitness, he could be a serious contender. Earlier in his career, Roadlesstravelled demonstrated versatility by winning an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023 with apparent ease. That victory hinted at his stamina and jumping ability, traits that should translate well to a novice chase.
While the step up to a limited handicap chase is a challenge, the race presents an ideal platform for the horse to test his mettle against seasoned rivals. Among his opponents, Captain Cool stands out as the most experienced chaser. Carrying a BHA rating of 131, Captain Cool has amassed a wealth of experience over fences and is expected to set a strong pace.
His proven consistency could make him a benchmark for the others, and his connections will be looking to exploit his class to dominate the field. Krak, another contender, appears to be in good form despite a ten‑length defeat in his last outing. Observers noted that he seemed to struggle with the distance on that day, suggesting that a shorter trip could suit him better.
If the trainer adjusts his campaign accordingly, Krak could be well‑placed to improve his placing. Ice In The Veins, who was beaten by a substantial 25 lengths by Captain Cool in June, will be looking to close the gap.
Although the weight concession and a more economical racing style may help, the mare will need to find a better rhythm to challenge the front‑runners. The programme also includes a Listed Criterium de Lyon, featuring a clash between San Giorgio and Master Man.
San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement, taking the lead in his most recent novice outing and posting respectable form behind the current top French two‑year‑old, Avec Toi. His second start, a promising run behind a high‑class juvenile in Ciceron, hinted at further potential. Be My Friend, who finished a close second to San Giorgio on debut, has already demonstrated a turn of foot, winning his next start at Vichy in convincing fashion. With more experience, he could become a formidable threat in the French juvenile ranks.
Master Man, meanwhile, has maintained a solid record, winning two of his three starts to date. His consistency sets a benchmark for his peers and suggests he could be a key player in the Listed event.
In the July meeting, Skyridge edged out Palais Byzantin, and both horses are expected to be competitive, though they may lack the room for dramatic improvement that the leading three juveniles possess. Beyond the chase, the Sky Sports Racing broadcast will also highlight the promising filly Hidden Fortune in Paul Ferguson’s Jumper‑To‑Follow Novices’ Hurdle.
Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old broke her maiden on the hurdles after two respectable bumper runs, winning her debut with authority. Her performance suggests she thrives on longer trips and softer ground, offering a significant upside as she matures. A key rival for Hidden Fortune is Provision, who secured a ten‑length victory in his maiden outing.
While Provision may lack the class of Hidden Fortune, his experience and confidence could make him a serious challenger. Ride Like A Girl mirrors Provision’s profile and could bounce back after a disappointing previous start, while Secret Beach makes his hurdle debut with a solid flat rating of 78.
Though inexperienced over obstacles, his flat form indicates he has the athleticism to adapt quickly. The broadcast will also cover the Auteuil meeting, featuring a nine‑race card that includes a Listed contest, and the Lyon‑Parilly meeting, which offers informative maidens for emerging talent.
Finally, the 4.38 pm race at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik compete in a tightly contested affair. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.