Since taking over the licence from her father, Malcolm Jefferson, in 2018, Ruth Jefferson has continued his good work. Her career could scarcely have begun more successfully or poignantly, with Waiting Patiently landing the Grade 1 Ascot Chase less than two weeks after the death of her father.
That remains a solitary Grade 1 success, but the trainer has picked up a pair of Grade 2 contests since 2020. Ruth has also been a good friend to followers of the yard; a £1 level stakes punt on every runner since she took over the licence in 2018 produced a £57.15 profit
Ruth’s string may be small, but she has a well-earned reputation for choosing the right spots for her runners. That selective approach has led to a 23% strike rate this season, as of late January 2025, and suggests that whenever a Jefferson runner shows up at the track, they are worth a second look in the market.
Here, we pick out the standout performers at this North Yorkshire yard and highlight the runners who have found their way into our horse tracker for 2025.
Stable Stars
Kerryhill
This seven-year-old son of Soldier Of Fortune was the most recent horse to take his trainer to the Graded winning enclosure when claiming the 2024 edition of the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster. The manner of that display suggested he could be a stayer to follow in the coming years, and we can forgive his disappointing comeback effort in bottomless ground at Haydock. We wouldn’t be surprised to see this one end up in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, where he would be one of the more interesting outsiders.
Sounds Russian
The most naturally talented runner in the yard has enjoyed no luck with injury in recent years. Back in 2022/23, Sounds Russian ran with credit to finish second in the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase and Grade 2 Cotswold Chase. He was then still in touch with the leaders when brought down in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Now 10 years of age, it may be a tall order to hit those heights again, but he showed plenty of life when landing a Listed event at Perth in April.
Four to Follow
Hopefully, Jefferson will enjoy more luck with the up-and-coming Kerryhill than she did with Sounds Russian. That said, don’t be surprised to see the latter make his presence felt in Graded company if fit and well. Elsewhere in the yard, the following quartet are amongst the most likely to add to the Jefferson winner’s tally.
- Lunar Chief – This seven-year-old immediately displayed ability when scoring on Bumper debut at Newcastle in 2023. He didn't build on that in two outings last season but returned from almost a year off the track to score at Kelso in November. He was much too good for 110 and 115-rated rivals that day, which suggests he should be well up to scoring off a mark of 112. He failed to do so on his first handicap outing and needs to learn to concentrate on his obstacles but is one to remember when headgear is applied.
- Maple – By Camelot and out of the Champs Elysees mare Spice Trail, the four-year-old Maple failed to deliver on that flat pedigree when trained by Sir Michael Stoute. However, there have been signs that he may be up to making his presence felt at a low-mid level over hurdles. Having jumped much better when second at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day, we expect it won’t be long until he goes one better – most likely when stepping up in trip from 2m.
- Roebuck Bay – This small mare is unlikely to fly too high but looks like an appealing proposition for handicap hurdles. A half-sister to the 120+ rated Brandy McQueen, she starts out on a mark of 100 and has shown enough in Maiden and Novice company to suggest she may rate at least a few pounds higher than that.
- Hashtag Boum – A dual winner over hurdles, this Al Namix mare may have rated a little higher than 117 had she shown her obstacles a little more respect. Thus far in her chasing career, fences appear to have focussed her attention. With two wins in her first three outings, she appeared on an upward trajectory and can be forgiven her blip at Ayr, where she didn’t look quite right from an early stage.