Sky Sports Racing to cover Bangor-on-Dee as a notable novice chase takes centre stage
Jumps racing from Bangor-on-Dee is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Tuesday, with a number of intriguing novice events on the card. The feature for UK viewers is the John Hewitt Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, where Roadlesstravelled is declared to make his first appearance over fences.
Roadlesstravelled attempts switch to fences
The seven-year-old Roadlesstravelled, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, impressed early in his career over hurdles, winning his first three starts, including a Grade Two novice hurdle. He has, however, encountered setbacks since that run of form, most notably pulling up in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle in December 2024.
After a spell competing on the Flat—his most recent outing there saw him come back too keen—Roadlesstravelled returns to obstacles off almost a four-month break. His connections will hope that a move to chasing revitalises him; the gelding does possess prior experience over fences-style obstacles, having won an Irish point-to-point in May 2023. AJ O’Neill is booked to ride, and the stable will be looking for a positive showing on his first go at the larger obstacles.
Other notable entries over fences and hurdles
Captain Cool brings the greatest experience among the declared chasers. The veteran arrives with useful credentials over fences and a Racing Authority rating that reflects that level of form, making him a clear standard-bearer for the division on the day.
Krak and Ice In The Veins are among those expected to test themselves against the more established operators. Krak has shown enough in recent starts to suggest he could be well treated if he recaptures his best, while Ice In The Veins will need to improve on a previous reversal to the more experienced Captain Cool to trouble the principals.
Bangor-on-Dee hurdling action to feature a promising mare
The Paul Ferguson’s Jumper To Follow Novices’ Hurdle brings together another interesting prospect in Hidden Fortune. The Dan Skelton-trained five-year-old mare began her hurdles career with two placed efforts in bumpers before making an eye-catching winning debut over timber. Connections feel she has scope for further improvement, with indications that a step up in trip and softer ground could suit her profile.
Provision, who broke his maiden by a comfortable margin last time, and Ride Like A Girl, who will be looking to bounce back from a disappointment, are among the likely dangers. Secret Beach is set to make his hurdling debut after a fair level of form on the Flat; he enters with a Flat rating and will be watched for signs of natural aptitude over obstacles.
Context on the wider racing programme
The Sky Sports Racing coverage will also include European action, with cards at Lyon-Parilly and Auteuil mentioned among the day’s fixtures. Lyon-Parilly features a Listed juvenile contest, while Auteuil’s nine-race card contains pattern and high-quality domestic French contests, offering a full afternoon of jumping and Flat interest for viewers.
What to expect
- Roadlesstravelled makes his chase debut after a mixed spell and a break from hurdles.
- Experienced campaigners such as Captain Cool will set the form standard in the novice chase division.
- Hidden Fortune is one to note on the hurdling card, with a profile that suggests she could improve further.
Sky Sports Racing’s live slot should provide a useful opportunity to assess several horses returning from different campaigns and for punters and racegoers to see how young chasers and hurdlers take to stepping up in class or switching disciplines.
This article may have been prepared in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
