Championship Saturday Delivers at Yorkshire's Jewel
Sweet Mother of Divine! What a card they served up at Ripon today. When the Yorkshire track puts on its finest bib and tucker for a championship meeting, you know you're in for a treat, and by Jaysus, they didn't disappoint. Eight races of proper quality jump racing, headlined by a Grade 1 that had more twists than a Cork country road.
The going was riding a dream on the chase track - good with those firm patches that separate the wheat from the chaff. Perfect conditions for the speedsters to show their wares, and it's no surprise the card threw up some serious performances that'll have us talking through the summer months.
Jonbon Rules the Roost in Grade 1 Spectacular
The bet365 Celebration Chase was the jewel in today's crown, and what a contest it shaped up to be. Jonbon, that absolute machine carrying the 165 rating, reminded everyone why he's the daddy in this division. Nico de Boinville barely had to move a muscle as the Henderson hotshot put the race to bed turning for home.
But fair play to Edwardstone for making a proper fight of it. Tom Cannon had the Tizzard runner traveling like a dream early doors, and for a moment there, you could sense the crowd thinking we might have an upset on our hands. At 150, he's no mug, but Jonbon just had that extra gear when it mattered.
The eye-catcher for me was Thistle Ask back in third. Harry Skelton gave him a lovely ride, never asking too much, and that 160 rating suggests there's more to come. Mark my words, that one will be winning a big pot before the year's out.
Championship Final Throws Up Future Stars
The Novices' Championship Final was an absolute cracker, and didn't it just show the depth of talent coming through the ranks? Nineteen runners faced the starter, and with £100k on the table, you knew every connection would be throwing the kitchen sink at this one.
Minella Yoga caught my eye something fierce. Harry Cobden's been riding with serious confidence this season, and that 132 rating might be selling this one short. The way he traveled through the race suggested there's a serious engine under the bonnet. One for the notebook, that.
Cosmic Connection with Sam Twiston-Davies looked the part too. The Davies family know how to place one, and at 129, this fellow could be anything. The way he quickened up the hill had me reaching for my betting app for next time out.
Young Kocktail Bleu deserves a mention as well. Tom Cannon's been riding everything with serious intent lately, and this one shaped like he'll relish a step up in trip. Keep him on the radar for the staying novice hurdles next season.
Gold Cup Marathon Separates the Stayers
Three miles and four furlongs - now that's a proper test of stamina, and the Gold Cup Handicap Chase didn't disappoint. Resplendent Grey looked every inch the class act under Sean Bowen, but it was the performance of some of the others that had me scribbling notes.
Henry's Friend ran an absolute blinder for Ben Jones. At 144, he's well handicapped if he can stay sound, and the way he stuck to his task up the hill suggests he's got the heart of a lion. That's a horse I'd want on my side when the chips are down.
Our Power caught the eye too. Dylan Johnston gave him a peach of a ride, never asking too much early, and he finished with real purpose. At 137, he looks like he could drop down the weights and pick up a nice pot somewhere.
Ones to Follow and Future Targets
Right, let me give you the horses that'll be earning their keep over the coming months. First up, that Thistle Ask I mentioned - he's going to win a big one, mark my words. The Skelton team know what they're doing, and he'll be targeted at one of the autumn features.
From the fillies' juvenile hurdle, La Luna Artista looked a proper prospect despite carrying top weight. Ciaran Gethings gave her a lovely ride, and that 125 rating suggests she's already ahead of the curve. She'll be one to follow in the mares' races next season.
In the staying division, keep a close eye on Transmission. Conor O'Farrell's booking caught my attention, and the way he stayed on suggests he'll be even better with more cut in the ground. Perfect for those winter marathons.
The select hurdle threw up Kabral du Mathan as a serious player for the big staying hurdles. Harry Skelton's in flying form, and this one looks like he could step up to Graded company without breaking sweat.
Looking Ahead: Summer Targets and Autumn Campaigns
Today's action at Ripon has set up some mouth-watering possibilities for the months ahead. Several of these will be heading to the summer festivals, while others will be put away for autumn campaigns.
Jonbon will likely head straight to the top table for the summer Grade 1s, while horses like Thistle Ask and Cosmic Connection could be perfect for the valuable handicaps at the summer meetings. The beauty of a day like today is seeing the different levels of talent on display - from the established stars to the future champions just beginning their journey.
What a day it's been at Yorkshire's finest jumps track. The championship races delivered in spades, and we've got a notebook full of horses to follow through the summer and beyond. Days like this remind you why jump racing gets into your blood and never lets go. Sláinte to that!
