Golden Ace part of high-class Carlisle line-up

Two of the first three home from the Punchestown Champion Hurdle will meet in the Panoramic Hurdle at Carlisle on Thursday.

The race has been moved from Kempton where the ground was too quick after the summer draught, but it is definitely a case of Kempton’s loss being Carlisle’s gain.

Jeremy Scott sends his 2025 Champion Hurdle-winning mare Golden Ace on the long journey from Somerset, while Jonjo and AJ O’Neill are hoping County Hurdle winner Wilful can continue his progress.

“It is slightly dependent on them getting the rain, but it is forecast and it will be nice to get the wheels in motion,” said Scott of his eight-year-old, who won the Fighting Fifth last season.

“We are happy stepping up in trip on decent ground, but on softer ground she’s still very effective over two miles.

“I thought she ran really well at Punchestown, as well as she ever has. She had cheekpieces on there, we’ve left them off here as she’s very fresh at the moment and we’ll just keep those up our sleeve. At the moment she’s full of beans.

“I think we might look to do like last season really, have her busy before Christmas then give her a mid-season break before the spring. She did all three festivals last year.

“The Fighting Fifth is on the list again. We’d like to go there as long as the ground is soft enough.”

AJ O’Neill says it might be a bit much to expect Wilful to improve another 20lb this season, but his effort at Punchestown when third to Lossiemouth and Golden Ace represented another career best.

“He was brilliant last season, improving all the way through so it’s very exciting to get him back on the racecourse,” said O’Neill.

“He had those big wins, but his last run was a career best. It was different for him, stepping into Grade One company, but he was up against two of the best mares around. He certainly put in a very strong performance and we were delighted with how he finished the season off.

“He might have improved 20lb last year but it won’t stop us asking if he can improve a bit more!

“Something like the Fighting Fifth might be nice for him after this if he puts in a nice performance. He’s entitled to come on for his run a little bit and hopefully he can progress through the season all the way to the spring, with a bit of luck.”

Burdett Road returns to hurdling after a summer on the Flat, with Mirabad, Rubaud and Dedicated Hero adding strength in depth.

Bryony Le Clerc (nee Frost) also makes the journey from France to ride Inner Success for Mickael Seror.