The upcoming jumps programme from Bangor-on-Dee will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, offering a full slate of exciting action for racing enthusiasts. Among the featured contests is the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, where Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled is set to make his much‑anticipated debut over fences. Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old gelding, began his career in spectacular fashion, winning three consecutive races on the hurdles, including a Grade Two novice hurdle victory that marked him as a horse of considerable promise.
However, after that early burst of success his form has dipped. He was pulled up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024 and subsequently spent a spell competing on the flat, where his most recent flat start saw him run too keenly.
After nearly four months away from obstacles, his connections have decided to give him a chance at chasing, hoping that the break and a return to jumps will rekindle his earlier brilliance. The horse’s pedigree and past performances suggest he still possesses the ability to compete at a decent level. He won an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023 with apparent ease, indicating that when fit and well‑conditioned he can handle the rigors of jumping. Trainer Jonjo O'Neill, together with jockey AJ O'Neill, will be looking to get him back into top shape for this debut, and if they can manage a solid preparation, Roadlesstravelled could be a genuine contender in the field.
Among the rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most experienced chaser in the race, boasting a BHA rating of 131. His extensive fence work and proven consistency make him a benchmark for the others. Captain Cool is expected to use his experience to dictate the pace and test the younger horses, potentially setting a strong standard for the day.
Krak is another horse to watch. Although he was beaten by ten lengths in his previous outing, there were indications that the distance may have been beyond his stamina that day. If the race is run at a slightly shorter trip, Krak could find the conditions more to his liking and bounce back with a respectable performance.
Ice In The Veins finished a distant 25 lengths behind Captain Cool in June, highlighting a significant gap that will need to be addressed. However, with a more favorable weight assignment and a more economical racing style, Ice In The Veins could close that margin and become more competitive in the chase. The card also includes the Listed Criterium de Lyon, where San Giorgio and Master Man will clash. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement with each run, displaying a strong finish when battling in a respectable novice race.
His form line is impressive, having placed behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi, and he looked particularly promising on his second start when he ran well behind a high‑quality juvenile in Ciceron. Be My Friend, who finished just behind San Giorgio on his debut, appears to be on an upward trajectory. After a win in a fashion‑type race at Vichy, he could become a serious threat as he gains more experience and confidence. Master Man has been a model of consistency, winning two of his three starts and establishing a solid standard for his class.
His reliable form suggests he will be a key factor in the race’s outcome. Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who narrowly edged each other in July, are also expected to be competitive.
While they may lack the room for dramatic improvement that the three leading horses possess, they should still provide a solid challenge. For those who follow the broader racing scene, Sky Sports Racing also promotes the latest news, interviews and features via its mobile platform, ensuring fans stay up‑to‑date with everything from race results to behind‑the‑scenes stories. Another highlight of the card is the Paul Ferguson’s Jumper To Follow Novices’ Hurdle, where the promising filly Hidden Fortune is the headline act. Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old secured a convincing win on her hurdle debut after two respectable runs in bumpers.
Her victory was emphatic, and she displayed a great deal of potential for further development. The filly appears to thrive on longer distances and softer ground, suggesting that such conditions could bring out the best in her and make her a tough opponent to beat. A strong challenger to Hidden Fortune is Provision, who broke his maiden with a ten‑length win in his most recent start.
While Provision may be slightly more exposed than Hidden Fortune, he possesses the experience needed to pose a serious threat to the leading mare. Ride Like A Girl shares a similar profile with Provision and could rebound to form after a disappointing previous run. Her connections will be hoping she can rediscover her best performance level.
Secret Beach is set to make his hurdle debut, coming from a respectable flat background with a rating of 78. Though he lacks jumping experience, his solid flat form suggests he could adapt well to the obstacles and potentially make an impact if he takes to the fences quickly. The broadcast will also feature coverage of the Auteuil meeting, which includes a nine‑race card highlighted by a Listed contest, as well as the Lyon‑Parilly card, which offers informative maidens for those interested in spotting future talent. Finally, the 4.38 pm race at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik compete in a tightly contested affair, adding another layer of intrigue to the day’s program.
Overall, Tuesday’s Sky Sports Racing schedule promises a blend of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and debutants across both jumps and flat disciplines. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the variety of races and the depth of talent on display ensure an engaging and action‑packed viewing experience.