14:16 Taunton 26 Feb 2026
St Austell Brewery Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle
Class 5 | 4YO plus
Winner £4,753 - 11 declared to run
Soft
Draw Advantage: None
Forecast: Light rain
Temperature: 10.5° - 12.4°
Rainfall: 3.01mm
Wind: 15.4 mph SW
Last Update: 25/02/2026 12:00
Bookies best price percentage = .11%
AT THE RACES is not liable for any services or information offered or provided by its bookmaker partners. Please note: Whilst every effort is made to ensure odds and information are up to date and correct, differences between these and actual odds/information available from bookmakers at time of placing a bet may occur.
Below his hurdles best when back pointing, finishing 7 1/2l third in a maiden point at Dunsmore on his most recent run; effective at 2m on good ground and may do better now handicapping back under rules.
Placed in a point-to-point from six starts. Third of 9 behind French Symphony beaten 8l at 10-1fav on his latest outing in a point-to-point race at Dunsmore over 3m (soft) in November last year.
Below his hurdles best when back pointing, finishing 7 1/2l third in a maiden point at Dunsmore on his most recent run; effective at 2m on good ground and may do better now handicapping back under rules.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Similar Going | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Rian Corcoran | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | I Chanin | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Apparently improved a little up in trip on deeper ground when 64l third in a novice hurdle here on his most recent run; effective from 2m to 2m3f on any ground and may do better again now handicapping.
Placed in a hurdle race from three NH starts. Third of 8 behind Talk To The Man beaten a distance at 150-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race over this course and distance (heavy) earlier this month.
Apparently improved a little up in trip on deeper ground when 64l third in a novice hurdle here on his most recent run; effective from 2m to 2m3f on any ground and may do better again now handicapping.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| C | Course | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| D | Distance | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| G | Similar Going | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (T only) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Paddy Hanlon | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | S Hosie | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Fell just before the race developed in a handicap hurdle here last time; effective at 2m6f and acts on good ground, but it is hard to state a solid case for on the evidence available.
Successful in two point-to-points at 2m 4f and 3m on good ground. Fell 5 out when 125-1 over this course and distance (heavy) in a hurdle race won by Cooler Than Me earlier this month on his latest outing.
Fell just before the race developed in a handicap hurdle here last time; effective at 2m6f and acts on good ground, but it is hard to state a solid case for on the evidence available.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Course | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Similar Going | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (T only) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Sean Houlihan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| T | C J Gray | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Was well treated, having escaped a penalty, and improved again when landing a handicap by 8l off a 9lb lower mark here last time; effective from 2m3f to 2m5f and holds strong claims in a weak race despite his new mark.
He has won two hurdle races and a point-to-point from 2m 3f to 3m on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Won on his latest outing in a hurdle race when 10-11fav over this course and distance (heavy) earlier this month, beating Talap by 8l. Has also won at Market Rasen this season.
Was well treated, having escaped a penalty, and improved again when landing a handicap by 8l off a 9lb lower mark here last time; effective from 2m3f to 2m5f and holds strong claims in a weak race despite his new mark.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 5 | 2 | 0 | 40% | |
| Hurdle | 5 | 2 | 0 | 40% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| C | Course | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| D | Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| G | Similar Going | 4 | 2 | 1 | 50% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (P only) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Fern O'Brien | 3 | 2 | 0 | 66.7% |
| T | F O'Brien | 4 | 2 | 0 | 50% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Never competitive after a series of errors when comfortably held in a handicap chase at Lingfield last time; cheekpieces are fitted for the first time and, effective from 2m to 2m4f, he is not ruled out back hurdling.
Placed in two hurdle races from ten starts. Well beaten at 11-2 behind Gwennie May Jem when fifth of 11 on his latest outing in a chase at Lingfield over 2m 4f (soft) last month. He is wearing cheekpieces for the first time.
Never competitive after a series of errors when comfortably held in a handicap chase at Lingfield last time; cheekpieces are fitted for the first time and, effective from 2m to 2m4f, he is not ruled out back hurdling.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| G | Similar Going | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (P only) | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 5 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| Hcp | This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Brendan Powell | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| T | J Tizzard | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Was a no-show from off the pace on deep ground when well beaten in a handicap hurdle at Ffos Las last time; effective from 2m3f to 2m5f and capable off this mark if bouncing back.
Placed in a hurdle race from 13 starts. Well beaten at 11-2 behind El Gavilan when seventh of 8 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Ffos Las over 2m (heavy) last month.
Was a no-show from off the pace on deep ground when well beaten in a handicap hurdle at Ffos Las last time; effective from 2m3f to 2m5f and capable off this mark if bouncing back.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| C | Course | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| D | Distance | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Similar Going | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Hcp | This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Bryan Carver | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| T | D P Summersby | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
May have found the ground too soft when comfortably held in a handicap hurdle at Hereford last time; usually held up, effective at 2m3f and acts on good ground, but needs more.
Unplaced in all seven starts. Well beaten at 16-1 behind Bollin Thou when sixth of 7 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Hereford over 3m 1f (soft) last month.
May have found the ground too soft when comfortably held in a handicap hurdle at Hereford last time; usually held up, effective at 2m3f and acts on good ground, but needs more.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Similar Going | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | James Best | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| T | M Keighley | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
The yard won this last year; again ran to a moderate level when well beaten in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton last time. Trainer is in form, but he is hard to fancy on what we have seen to date.
Unplaced in all four starts. Well beaten at 6-1 behind Local Derby when seventh of 11 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Wincanton over 2m 4f (heavy) last month.
The yard won this last year; again ran to a moderate level when well beaten in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton last time. Trainer is in form, but he is hard to fancy on what we have seen to date.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Similar Going | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Harry Kimber | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| T | R Walford | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Returned to form back up in trip on testing ground in reapplied cheekpieces when second, beaten 8l, in a handicap hurdle here last time; capable but not one to rely on building on that latest effort.
Placed in a hurdle race from nine NH starts. Beaten 8l by Cooler Than Me when second of 10 at 100-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race over this course and distance (heavy) earlier this month.
Returned to form back up in trip on testing ground in reapplied cheekpieces when second, beaten 8l, in a handicap hurdle here last time; capable but not one to rely on building on that latest effort.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| C | Course | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| D | Distance | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| G | Similar Going | 20 | 2 | 7 | 10% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (P only) | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 5 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 12.5% |
| Hcp | This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Jack Tudor | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| T | G F Edwards | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Below form on his first run over fences when pulled up in a handicap chase here last time; effective at 2m on a sound surface and soon back hurdling after that poor chase run.
Unplaced in all ten starts. Pulled up at the last when 40-1 here over 2m 2f (heavy) in a chase won by Palawan Du Mazet earlier this month on his chase debut. Runs from 5lb out of handicap.
Below form on his first run over fences when pulled up in a handicap chase here last time; effective at 2m on a sound surface and soon back hurdling after that poor chase run.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Course | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Distance | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Similar Going | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (T & P) | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Cheek Pieces | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Mr Jack Stenhouse | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| T | Claire Hitch | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Found to be lame when pulled up in a handicap hurdle here last time; effective from 2m to 2m2f on a sound surface, but he has a massive absence to overcome.
Yet to place in five starts. Pulled up 2 out when 100-1 over this course and distance (good) in a hurdle race won by Gyllen in November '23 on his latest outing. Runs from 6lb out of handicap.
Found to be lame when pulled up in a handicap hurdle here last time; effective from 2m to 2m2f on a sound surface, but he has a massive absence to overcome.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Hurdle | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Course | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Distance | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Similar Going | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | James Davies | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | C J Gray | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Verdict
A confident vote goes to COOLER THAN ME, who made it two from two in handicaps with a facile C&D win a fortnight ago. Fergal O'Brien's charge had Talap well in arrears that day and a 9lb rise shouldn't be enough to halt further progress. Marhaba Million was no slouch on the Flat and cannot be ruled out, whilst Diamond Days should be happier back over hurdles.
Expert View Verdict
A weak race that should see COOLER THAN ME land the hat-trick. He's 9lb higher this time but scored with loads in hand over C&D two weeks ago and again has the assistance of Fern O'Brien and her handy 5lb claim. Diamond Days is of some interest back over hurdles and tried in cheekpieces, hailing from a good stable and not being on a bad mark. He does need improvement to deny the selection, though. Talap ran creditably over C&D last time, so at least comes into the race following a positive performance. He's third choice.
Sign up to bet365 using bonus code ATR365, bet £10 and get £30 in free bets.
18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to William Hill using promo code G40, bet £10 and get 4 x £10 free bets.
18+. Play Safe. Online only. For new UK register customers using promo code G40. Deposit & place £10 cash single bet (min odds 1/2) on sportsbook (excl. Virtuals). Get £40 in Free Bets (4x£10), valid for sportsbook (excl. Virtuals), 7 days expiry, must use in full (£10 each). Not valid with deposits via PayPal, Neosurf, Paysafe, Apple Pay, NETELLER, Skrill, ecoPayz, Kalibra/Postpay or WH PLUS Card. One per customer. Full T&Cs apply. www.gambleaware.org #ad
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to Coral, place a qualifying bet of £5 to get £30 in Free Bets
18+ New UK + ROI customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stakes not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
New Customers: Sign up to Sky Bet, deposit and bet a minimum of 5p and get £30 in Free Bets
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS EXCLUDE VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. GAMBLEAWARE.ORG
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to Betfred using the promo code BETFRED50, deposit and bet £10 on sports and get £50 in Free Bets.
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets & Cheltenham Bank Builder
New Customer Offer: Sign up to BoyleSports , bet £10 and Get £50 in free bets + new and existing customers can earn free bets for Cheltenham
18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs Apply 18+. UK/IRE online. 9 Feb-8 Mar. Place & settle £/€10+ bets, min odds 1/1 on selected sports. Bet 4 days weekly to earn £/€5 Cheltenham Free Bet (FB). 5 days = £/€5 Cheltenham FB + £/€5 FB next week (NW). 6 days = £/€5 Cheltenham FB + £/€10 FB NW. 7 days = £/€5 Cheltenham FB + win a share of the £/€10k weekly jackpot (paid as cash NW). Cheltenham FBs credited 10-13 Mar, expire 13 Mar at 23:59. Free/void/cashed-out bets don’t qual. Account/bet type/settlement/payment restrictions apply.T&Cs Apply
Further terms and conditions may apply
18+. BeGambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg. Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours of bet settlement, and further 2 x £10 free bets 7 days later. Valid for Horse Racing only. T&C’s apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to Ladbrokes, bet £5 and get £30 in free bets.
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply..
Further terms and conditions may apply
Sign up to BetTom and get 50% back as a free bet up to £25 on first day losses
New customers only. Minimum 3 x £10 bets at evens (2.0) or higher to qualify. First day losses is equivalent to total stakes less total returns. Free bet stakes to be deducted from returns. £25 maximum free bet. Credited within 24 hours. Full T&Cs apply.
Further terms and conditions may apply
Previous Winners
| Year | Going | Ran | Winner | Draw | Age | Weight | OR | Form | Last run | Trainer (Distance) | Jockey | SP | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Heavy | 12 | Grenadier Jed | 5 | 11 7 | 90 | 53-9751 | 23 days | R Walford (53 miles) | Harry Kimber | 1/ 2 | 5:04.30 | |
| 2024 (Div 1) | Soft | 9 | Activist | 5 | 12 0 | 87 | 655621 | 3 days | D Pipe (8 miles) | Jack Tudor | 9/ 2 | 5:10.30 | |
| 2024 (Div 2) | Soft | 7 | Johannes | 4 | 10 7 | 89 | 6H0H6H | 28 days | D Pipe (8 miles) | Jack Tudor | 10/ 3 | 5:14.50 |
Race Favourite Stats
| Year | Favourite Finish Position | Winner Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 | 3 |
Race Record
| Distance | Record Time |
|---|---|
| 2m 3f 1y | 4:27.50 |