The upcoming jumps programme from Bangor-on-Dee will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, offering viewers a full slate of exciting races and emerging talent. The centerpiece of the card is the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, where the Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled will make his much‑anticipated debut over fences. Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old gelding, began his racing career with a flawless record, winning three consecutive races over hurdles, including a Grade Two novice hurdle that marked him as a future star. However, his form has dipped noticeably since that early promise.
He was pulled up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024 and subsequently spent a spell on the flat, where he struggled to find the same sharpness he displayed over obstacles. His most recent flat start saw him run too keenly, prompting his connections to return him to jumps racing after nearly four months away from fences.
The gelding’s last victory came back in May 2023 when he won an Irish point‑to‑point with apparent ease. If trainers Jonjo O'Neill and AJ O'Neill have managed to restore him to decent fitness, there is a realistic chance he could put in a solid performance in his chase debut, especially given the relatively modest handicap conditions of the race.
Among his rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most experienced chaser on the day, boasting a BHA rating of 131. His extensive fence work and proven consistency should make him a benchmark for the others, and he will look to exploit his experience to dominate the field. Krak, another contender, appears to be in good form despite a ten‑length defeat in his last outing.
That loss was partly attributed to the distance, which seemed to stretch his stamina. Over a shorter trip, Krak could be well‑placed to improve his placing.
Ice In The Veins suffered a heavy 25‑length defeat to Captain Cool in June, but the margin suggests that with a more suitable weight assignment and a more economical racing style, the gap could narrow considerably. The card also features the Listed Criterium de Lyon, pitting San Giorgio against Master Man. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, is showing steady improvement, having taken the lead in his most recent novice outing and finishing close behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi. His second start, where he was placed behind a quality juvenile in Ciceron, hinted at further potential.
Be My Friend, who finished just behind San Giorgio on debut, has already demonstrated a winning turn of foot in a subsequent race at Vichy. With more experience, he could evolve into a serious threat in the French juvenile ranks. Master Man has been a model of consistency, winning two of his three starts to date, and may set the standard for the rest of the field. Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who narrowly edged each other in July, are expected to be competitive, though they lack the room for improvement that the top three juveniles possess.
In addition to the chase, the programme includes the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle, where hidden talent could emerge. Dan Skelton’s five‑year‑old mare Hidden Fortune made an impressive winning debut over hurdles after two promising bumper placings. Her victory was convincing, and she appears to thrive on longer distances and softer ground, suggesting that she could be a formidable opponent as the season progresses. A key challenger to Hidden Fortune is Provision, who broke his maiden with a ten‑length win in his most recent start.
While Provision may not have the same class as Hidden Fortune, his recent form gives him the experience and confidence to contest the race strongly. Ride Like A Girl shares a similar profile with Provision and could bounce back after a disappointing previous run, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Secret Beach, rated 78 on the flat, will make his hurdle debut. Though his flat form is modest, the transition to obstacles could suit him, and his rating suggests he may be competitive if he adapts quickly to jumping.
Beyond the main races, the card also includes a nine‑race meeting at Auteuil, featuring a Listed contest, and a series of informative maidens at Lyon‑Parilly. The final race of the day, a 4.38‑mile sprint at Bangor‑on‑Dee, will see Jiair Madrik in a tightly contested affair that promises a thrilling finish. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories through the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action.
Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual viewer, this Tuesday’s programme offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising stars, and intriguing newcomers, making it a must‑watch for anyone interested in the sport of kings.