14:50 Windsor
Thursday 1 January 2026
All11:4912:2412:5913:3414:0914:5015:22
Fitzdares New Year's Day Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 2  |  2m 4f  |  Good (Good to Soft in places)  |  12 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:50Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 45.22s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Has enjoyed plenty of success in handicap hurdles around 2½m, including a career-best success in a typically competitive Silver Trophy at Chepstow on reappearance this season. Ran too badly to be true at Ascot next time but still has a career-high mark to overcome if bouncing back.
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Beat Hartington by 4 lengths in a C&D handicap in January before following up at Newbury. Ended last season on a low note but ran a blinder from well of the pace when chasing home potentially smart French Ship on reappearance. Isn't the easiest ride but arrives very much on an upward curve.
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Two-time winner last autumn and proved as good as ever when runner-up in the Martin Pipe. Has returned in good nick, 8 lengths behind Stream of Stars when third at Aintree last time and although he doesn't have much in hand, he could be more competitive with a stronger pace to aim at here.
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Enjoyed an excellent 2024/25, notching his third victory at Cheltenham (20.2f) in April. However, it's been a subdued start to the present campaign, fell/pulled up first 2 runs prior to finishing well held ninth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Newbury (20.5f) 33 days ago. Mark easing at least.
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Enthusiastic front-runner was progressive last season, making his second start in handicaps a winning one when taking 20-runner race at Aintree (20f). Placed in another big-field handicap at Punchestown next time (despite late mistake) and respected if ready to roll on return.
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Made a successful return to hurdling at Uttoxeter in September and backed that up with a fine fourth behind Rambo T in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. Better than ever when resuming winning ways at Kempton last time and this likeable type should give his running again.
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Impressive bumper winner who defeated Diva Luna on hurdle/stable debut at Sandown (soft) in January prior to struggling in graded company. Left behind a disappointing reappearance/handicap debut when falling at final flight at Doncaster latest and ought to be in the mix if none the worse for that.
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Likeable veteran has looked better than ever since returning from a break, catching the eye with how he moved through the race when chasing home a less-exposed rival at Aintree (clear of rest) earlier this month. Up 2 lb but each-way claims again.
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Promising handicap debut when 4 lengths behind Guard Duty here in January and went one better on 2½m Carlisle reappearance. Improved again upped in distance when narrowly denied in Betfair Stayers' handicap at Haydock latest and should run another big race back down in trip.
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Suited by the emphasis on stamina when producing a career best to land a 25-runner handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19.3f, good to soft) in April. Given a substantial hike in the weights for that success but he should come on for his reappearance at Newbury last month. Worth noting for support.
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Useful novice who completed a hat-trick in mares' company last season. Given a considerate reappearance when fourth in the 'Welsh Champion Hurdle' and stepped up when third (behind Steam of Stars) at Plumpton. In excellent hands and no surprise to see her take another step forward.
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Promising novice hurdler, impressively winning 2m5f Grade 2 Hyde at Cheltenham in 2023. Had issues since but showed a bit more spark over an inadequate test at Haydock (18.9f) last time. On a lenient mark if back on song in first-time headgear.
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Forecasts
Wellington Arch (7/2), Hartington (4/1), Guard Duty (9/2), Listentoyourheart (6/1), Act Of Authority (11/1), Minella Missile (11/1), East India Express (12/1), Castle Carrock (12/1), Idy Wood (14/1), Stream Of Stars (18/1), Thanksforthehelp (40/1), Rambo T (40/1)
Things haven't gone to plan for MINELLA MISSILE since an exciting novice hurdle campaign in 2023 but he could be dangerously well-handicapped if back to something to like his best in first-time cheekpieces. Guard Duty and Hartington have improved in leaps and bounds since finishing first and second in a C&D novice handicap last season and both can make a bold bid for this valuable pot.
- Minella Missile11/1
- Guard Duty9/2
- Hartington4/1
Prize Money
1st: £52,030.002nd: £23,920.003rd: £11,960.004th: £5,980.005th: £2,990.006th: £1,490.00
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