Weekend Winners - 21.03.2026

What a week it was at Cheltenham. Four days of top class racing, big performances, and the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why this sport is so special. From standout winners to emotional moments, the Festival once again delivered on every front. Now, as the dust begins to settle, attention turns to Newbury on Saturday where another competitive card awaits. There’s a great mix to get stuck into and although it might not be the Festival, there are plenty of opportunities to be found and winners to be had! Here are my thoughts:

1:50 Newbury - BetVictor Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)

After finishing down the field in the Dovecote in late February, Storming George drops markedly in grade and tops the market for Jack Quinlan and Neil King. He has been highly tried this season and has had a few tough races as a result, so I’d be willing to swerve him under 12 stone. I’m going to give a chance to Glancing Jack, who could be a big threat following his comfortable success at Hereford last time out. A mark of 120 could be lenient and, if turning up in similar form, he must have a solid each-way chance.

2:25 Newbury - BetVictor Handicap Chase (Class 2)

After another successful Cheltenham, the Skeltons look sure to have wrapped up the trainers’ title, barring something extraordinary from Willie Mullins. They have another strong chance to add over £20,000 to the pot with Heltenham, who loves it around here and won over Course and Distance last time out. Although that may have been a surprise to some, he won comfortably, and a 6lb rise may not be enough to stop him. Twinjets could be dangerous for Paul Nicholls, with Jay Tidball claiming a handy 5lb, while Scarface, runner-up in this race 12 months ago, returns with solid claims again.

3:00 Newbury - BetVictor British EBF National Hunt Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Fergal O’Brien has a strong record in this race and struck last year with Siog Geal. He is represented again by a promising mare in Strong Run, a full sister to Olly Murphy’s Grade 1 winner Strong Leader. While she hasn’t reached those heights yet, she looks progressive and receives weight from some key rivals. Collared late last time out, Johnny Burke may look to delay his challenge this time. The Skeltons are well represented with Getawhisky, who won a valuable novice event during the Berkshire Winter Millions weekend. Charisma Cat beat her that day, and both look likely to be involved at the finish.

3:35 Newbury - Goffs Hundred Grand Bumper (Class 2)

As always, this is incredibly competitive. Diamond Street, following an impressive win at Doncaster, looks to be the Skeltons’ first choice based on jockey bookings. He was held up in the rear last time and powered through the field to win by 10 lengths, so he should go well again. However, I’m siding with Lover Desbois, who finished a gallant fourth behind Bass Hunter, who has since run well in stronger company. Harry Derham’s runner bolted up at Kempton last month, pulling clear in the closing stages from some useful types. This is tougher, but he’s not without a chance.