Bangor-on-Dee will host a thrilling day of jumps racing on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, with the action broadcast live for fans across the country. The centerpiece of the programme is the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, where the seven‑year‑old Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled will make his much‑anticipated debut over fences.
Roadlesstravelled entered the sport 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 trajectory has not been a straight line.
After a disappointing pull‑up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024, the horse was given a spell and spent a period competing on the flat. His most recent flat outing saw him run too keen, prompting his connections to return him to the jumps where his true talent lies.
After a four‑month lay‑off, the colt is poised to tackle his first chase, a step that could reignite his early promise. The horse’s pedigree and training background add further intrigue. He secured an easy win in an Irish point‑to‑point back in May 2023, demonstrating stamina and a willingness to jump. If trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill have managed to restore him to good condition, there is a realistic chance that Roadlesstravelled will put in a solid performance and perhaps even contend for a place.
Among his rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most experienced chaser in the field, carrying a BHA rating of 131. The veteran has consistently shown that experience over fences can translate into a strong finishing effort, and he will likely set the pace for the rest of the runners. Krak, another contender, appears to be in good form despite having been beaten by ten lengths in his last outing. Observers note that Krak may have been unsuited by the distance on that day, suggesting that a shorter trip could see him return to competitiveness.
Ice In The Veins, who was outclassed by Captain Cool by a margin of 25 lengths in June, will be looking to close that gap. While the task remains daunting, a lighter weight assignment and a more economical racing style could bring Ice In The Veins closer to the leaders.
The programme 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, breaking well from the gate and fighting hard in a respectable novice race. His form line includes a respectable finish behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi, and a promising second‑place effort when tracking a strong runner in the Ciceron.
Be My Friend, who finished just behind San Giorgio on his debut, appears to be on an upward trajectory after a convincing win at Vichy. With more experience under his belt, he could become a serious threat in the contest. Master Man, meanwhile, has demonstrated consistency, winning two of his three starts and establishing himself as a reliable performer.
Also featuring are Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who finished closely together in July. Both horses are expected to be competitive, though they may lack the developmental upside of the three leading contenders mentioned earlier. In the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle, the five‑year‑old filly Hidden Fortune, trained by Dan Skelton, is the headline act.
After two promising second‑place finishes in bumpers, she burst onto the scene with an impressive winning debut over hurdles. Her performance suggested that longer distances and softer ground could suit her perfectly, and she is expected to be difficult to beat.
Provision, who secured his maiden victory with a dominant ten‑length win, represents the main challenger to Hidden Fortune. Though less proven, Provision possesses the experience needed to contest the mare for the top spot. Ride Like A Girl, another filly with a similar profile, may rebound after a disappointing previous run and re‑establish herself among the leaders. Secret Beach is set to make his hurdle debut after posting a respectable rating of 78 on the flat.
While he lacks experience over obstacles, his flat form suggests he could adapt quickly and become a contender if he embraces the new discipline. Beyond the main races, the card 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 contest 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 feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action. The Sky Sports Racing platform continues to deliver comprehensive coverage, from live race replays to expert analysis, keeping the racing community informed and engaged throughout the season.