The lightly raced Your Darling proving age is just a number and seems to be loving the game more than ever currently! Congratulations to the Vestey family on todays win, much anticipated and hugely deserved. Congratulations to Darling's work rider, Ollie who now has a full house of winners for his string this season. 

'He’s been talked up recently, more by the Irish than anyone else, but he’s got a profile similar to last year's winner Haiti Couleurs'

Ben Pauling is hoping Irish National favourite The Jukebox Kid can fly the flag for Britain on Easter Monday

Racing Post | Maddy Playle: 29th March 2026

Ben Pauling believes his BoyleSports Irish Grand National favourite The Jukebox Kid could not be in better form as the trainer prepares to attempt an audacious National double.

He added to his Cheltenham Festival tally when saddling Meetmebythesea to win the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase this month and is targeting another big prize at Fairyhouse on April 6.

The Jukebox Kid, a comfortable winner of the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase, has come in for market support in recent weeks and is 8-1 favourite to make it back-to-back victories for British trainers in as many years following Haiti Couleurs 12 months ago.
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Pauling believes the pair share several qualities, saying: "He couldn’t be better. He has a very progressive novice profile; he’s inexperienced for the race having only run six times in his life, but if he gets into a rhythm he’s the sort of horse that keeps finding plenty. I think he’ll stay very well.

"He’s been talked up recently, more by the Irish than anyone else, but he’s got a profile similar to Haiti Couleurs last year. I’m not surprised he’s fancied, whether he should be favourite, time will tell. 

"I’ve had my eye on the race since he beat Montregard at Ascot in January. I thought that was a good performance and I think he’s better right-handed than left at the moment. This looked like the obvious option over the National Hunt Chase."

Pauling is waiting to see if his Becher Chase winner Twig will secure a run in the Randox Grand National at Aintree. The 11-year-old, a 66-1 chance, needs three horses to be taken out of the race to get a run and after two wins from two starts over fences this season, Pauling is confident he can improve on last year's tenth behind Nick Rockett.


"Hopefully he'll get in," he said. "We still need three to come out. Some people think it’ll happen but I’m on the other side, I think when you get to this stage everybody that’s in the 34 is going to be desperately keen to run. 


"The Irish National may pull a few out because there’s more of a tussle for the championship over that side of the Irish Sea, and that might mean that a few of the Irish horses end up there rather than at Aintree.


"He’s in better form than he was last year and he had a lovely prep run the other day at Uttoxeter. He’s two from two this season in the Becher and Masters Chase. I’m very happy with him physically and he’s moving well. 
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"It’s a very big ask, but I do think he can be more competitive than he was last year if he's ridden more positively. He's the sort of horse that would have had a cracking chance ten years ago."

As Legends Have It seems to relish that winning feeling! Back in the winners enclosure, this time at Uttoxeter, this gelding looks to have found his groove. Congratulations to all connections and well done Ben, another great ride.

The son of No Risk At All had us all on the edge of our seats heading to the line at Ludlow - what a finish! Congratulations to Transatlantic Thoroughbreds on such a tough win. This yard favourite really rallied under Callum to record a brilliantly brave hurdle win. How good!

It was only a few months ago Hine Law Racing were celebrating their first racing win. Today they recorded a double on the day! 

Last Round and Callum Pritchard were brilliant at Fontwell for the first win of the day where the Hines celebrated on course. A quick turnaround and it was Ben's turn with Matador St Georges on bumper debut at Wetherby. 

Matador St Georges' debut win being extra special as he was the first racehorse the Hines purchased, having previously only been involved in Show Jumpers. Huge congratulations to Tony, Alison and family - what a day!

This morning we received news that Eliza has achieved a Distinction in every single section of her National Horse Racing College Level 2 End Point Assessment.

This outstanding result is a true reflection of the dedication, consistency and care she brings to her role every day. The attention she gives to each horse she rides and looks after does not go unnoticed, and this achievement is thoroughly deserved.
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We’re incredibly proud of you, Eliza — a fantastic accomplishment and a brilliant milestone in your career.

That's how you debut! The Perfect Poet shows plenty of promise with a debut bumper win under Callum Pritchard for the enthusiastic Basher Watts Racing team at Fontwell. Congratulations to all of you - enjoy those celebrations! Percy's (as he's known to friends) win racks up a double on the day for the BPR team with Dig Deep winning at Uttoxeter too. 

Dig Deep provided connections with plenty of reason to celebrate after his win in the Novice Hurdle at Uttoxeter. Second on debut at the start of the season, there's always been alot of faith in this gentle giant so it was patience rewarded for connections with today's result. Special mention to Paul, part of the syndicate who celebrates his first win as an owner! A day that is unlikely to be forgotten (and hopefully repeated plentiful!) 

Meetmebythesea makes a Cheltenham debut to remember!
A huge performance from this son of Watar on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, carrying the famous JP McManus silks to victory under a brilliant ride from Ben Jones.

A special mention to Gearoid, who rides Cyril every day at home. After a nasty fall earlier in the week he’s had to watch from home with a bit of new metalware — but this one was for you.
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Molly is a very proud groom tonight. A massive team effort and we’re so proud to see those famous silks cross the Cheltenham line on one of ours.

Congratulations to The Fabula Partners and all connections of As Legends Have It who kicked off Festival week in the best way - with a win under Ben Jones! A smooth round of jumping saw the son of Jack Hobbs record his first chase win, this one coming at Stratford.

When you live in America it's important your horses get the memo and pull out the stops when you're in the UK. Following in Jig's Forge's hoofprints, new recruit for the same ownership group, Merry Away took note and ran a brilliant bumper at Warwick recording a debut win for connections. An exciting prospect who now possibly targets the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree - watch this space!

Take a bow Follocato & Kielan Woods! Winning four in a row is no small feat. Huge congratulations to connections of this wonderful chestnut. A horse that has relished the step up to fences and is proving alot of fun! Today's win came at Leicester, what a season!

Congratulations to Forty Winks Racing with Nice One Eric's win at Southwell today. The team purchased Eric and another, Stan as foals so have been on a patient journey with the duo. When you've been waiting a few years the win feels all that more special. Aptly named, Nice One Eric! 

With Welsh Jockey in the saddle, and Welsh Rider / Groom - Dandy made sure to get his nose in front at Ffos Las. A brilliant moment for this tough little cookie who always gives his all. Huge congratulations to owners and all connections.