Racing blog ahead of the All-Weather Finals Day in Newcastle

What did you make of Lincoln Day and Jack Channon’s success story?

When a son or daughter takes over a successful business from a famous parent there is often added pressure. Yes, there is privilege in that situation but following those successful steps is a difficult task when the legacy is passed on to the next generation. There is also the challenge of building on it and doing things your way.

There is a common perception of Jack Channon’s way of taking things forward, but he also gets the impression that he does things his way. In his winning interview with Sky Sports Racing after Lincoln the trainer revealed that his father had suggested he didn’t have enough Urban Lion for his Doncaster challenge. In typical Channon glory he followed that with Mick’s excitement and said he would go home for a drink with him and see how it went! I suspect there would have been some quiet pride there.

Channon junior has been training since 2023 and is no stranger to winning majors but arriving in Lincoln on the first day of the turf season is the kind of start a new trainer could dream of. Bagging the Spring Mile also made for a satisfying day for the West Ilsley trainer.

Richard Hannon is a little further along in his career and can boast a Classic win and a trainer’s championship but winning the first two races on the card, including Brocklesby, has been a satisfying start and an 18% rate so far in 2026 is perfect.

Speaking of legacy, James Eustace will be proud of the way son Harry has continued his training career since taking up his license in 2021. He can boast two Group 1 winners, a Royal Ascot victory and a 26% rate so far in 2026. Docklands continues to fly the flag for the stable and will be looking to defend his Queen Anne tour in June to Hong Kong. His team showed at the Doncaster Mile on a great day of racing.

Was there a horse or two at the inaugural Doncaster meeting that you’ve booked for the future?

To Brocklesby who runs first Dance A Jig it should make a smart child. Bred by Jeff Smith’s Littleton Stud this horse’s progeny can be traced back to the flying Lochsong courtesy of grandam Lochangel, who was a sister to the superstar runner. Dance A Jig was unsuccessful in this infamous race for two-year-old debutants but still held on to finish second.

In Lincoln, in third place Clan King catch the eye. When he finds comfort underfoot, he is someone to watch for coach David Menuisier. He goes well at Goodwood, so we may see him there this season.

At the bottom it might be worth keeping an eye out Mao Shang Wong after a comfortable win in the Apprentice Handicap. He’s holding the press this week and it would be good if he can get in again without penalty. He may not be the only horse to watch in this event. His winning jockey is Conor Whiteley, and the young apprentice is making a good impression. He works with trainer David O’Meara and has a pedigree in the job as his uncle is Mick Kinane.

Who are the names to watch out for on Newcastle’s All-Weather Championships card this Friday?

It’s a fantastic 13th season of the All Weather Games culminating on Good Friday and I’ll be heading to Newcastle Sky Sports Racing.

Hit the Quiet One he is the first horse I will be watching closely when he lines up in the 3 Year Old Championships Handicap at 13.50. His trainer Andrew Balding has won the last two wins in the competition, and the horse is now handicapping for the first time having finished a good second to a smart pace during the course and last place. He can be reduced slightly to 90 points.

Lakers is my next hope in the Sprint at 15.35. He is a new sprinter but it is his place. The tough Newcastle track looks to play to his strengths and the race will likely suit him too. He is well weathered and one to watch for Kevin Philippart De Foy and Amo Racing.

Got a long pick for the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday?

In my last blog I highlighted The Jukebox Kid for this race and he is still on my list.

However, contact him Kiss Willa progressive six-year-old for trainer Willie Mullins. This will be just her ninth appearance at the racetrack, and she is a maiden over four walls. However, his most impressive performance over hurdles came when he was stepped up to three miles in a Listed novice race at Perth last April when Mullins battled Dan Skelton for the championship, his only start over the course. His runs as a novice chaser were over shorter distances and he ran over 2½ miles in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. This could be what he has been crying for.

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