Bangor-on-Dee will host a thrilling day of jumps racing on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, with the spotlight firmly on the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. The headline act is seven‑year‑old Roadlesstravelled, who will be making his much‑anticipated debut over fences after a promising, albeit brief, career over hurdles.
Roadlesstravelled burst onto the scene with a flawless start, winning three consecutive races over hurdles, including a Grade Two novice hurdle that marked him as a future star. However, his form has since dipped; he was pulled up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024 and subsequently spent a spell on the flat. His most recent flat outing saw him run too keenly, prompting connections to return him to obstacles. After a four‑month lay‑off, the colt is set to test his mettle in the chase division.
His pedigree and training suggest he could be competitive, especially after a confident win in an Irish point‑to‑point back in May 2023. If trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill have managed to restore him to good condition, a solid performance is a realistic expectation. Among the other contenders, Captain Cool is the most seasoned chaser on the card, boasting a BHA rating of 131 and a wealth of experience over fences.
His proven ability to navigate the demands of a chase could see him dictate the pace and challenge the younger horses for the win. Krak, another well‑regarded runner, appears to be in good form despite a ten‑length defeat in his previous outing. That loss was partly attributed to a lack of stamina on the day, and a shorter trip could suit him better, potentially allowing him to rebound strongly. Ice In The Veins, who was beaten by a staggering 25 lengths by Captain Cool in June, will be looking to narrow that gap.
A more favorable weight assignment and a more economical racing style could bring him much closer to the leaders, making him a horse to watch. The day also features a Listed Criterium de Lyon, where San Giorgio and Master Man will clash. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement, taking the lead in his most recent novice race and displaying a strong finishing line. His recent performances place him just behind the current French two‑year‑old champion, Avec Toi, and he demonstrated notable promise when he finished a close second to the talented two‑year‑old Ciceron.
Be My Friend, who finished a close third to San Giorgio on his debut, has already shown a winning turn of foot in a subsequent race at Vichy. With more experience under his belt, he could become a serious threat in the remaining run‑ins. Master Man, meanwhile, has maintained a consistently solid record, winning two of his three starts to date.
His reliability makes him a benchmark of the class expected in this Listed event. Skyridge edged out Palais Byzantin in a July meeting, and while both horses are likely to be competitive, they may lack the upward trajectory displayed by the leading three contenders. Beyond the chase, the program includes the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle, where five‑year‑old Hidden Fortune, trained by Dan Skelton, is the standout prospect. After two promising runner‑up finishes in bumpers, she secured an impressive victory on her hurdle debut, suggesting significant room for improvement.
Her last run hinted that she might thrive over longer distances and on softer ground, making her a formidable opponent. Potential challengers to Hidden Fortune include Provision, who broke his maiden with a dominant ten‑length win. Though less experienced, Provision possesses the raw talent to test the mare.
Ride Like A Girl, who has a similar profile to Provision, could also bounce back after a disappointing previous start. Adding to the intrigue is Secret Beach, who will make his hurdle debut. Rated 78 on the flat, he has shown respectable form and may adapt well to the obstacles, especially if given a patient ride. The broadcast will also cover the Auteuil meeting, featuring a nine‑race card with a Listed contest, and the Lyon‑Parilly card, which offers several informative maidens.
Finally, the 4.38 pm race at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik featured in a tightly contested affair. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and in‑depth features via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of National Hunt racing.