16:05 Ludlow

Wednesday 18 February 2026

All14:0014:3315:0515:3516:0516:3517:05

Michael Lumsden Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 3m 54.01s

Ice In The Veins^h¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: C J Todd| T: D Skelton| OR: 119| D

22/1

Won back-to-back small-field novice hurdles in November but was too free when tailed off on handicap debut at Kempton (7/2) 16 days ago on the back of a breathing operation. Again looks up against it at the weights.

Form: 124117

Sir Hobnob³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 112

6/1

Fair bumper winner who has shown similar form in this sphere, finishing second in 2m Leicester novice (soft) in November. Ran as well as could have been expected from a stiff-looking mark when mid-field at Newbury since but probably needs the handicapper to relent more.

Form: 71-3526

Soleil D'arizona^h,t¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Liam Harrison| T: D Skelton| OR: 112| D

66/1

Fairly useful on Flat in France and this free-going front runner has enjoyed a productive time over hurdles, winning three of her last 6 starts (all on good ground or firmer). Well held reverted to handicap company after a break last time, however.

Form: 1-21410

Phineas Bunce⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 109WS

8/1

Reached the frame in both bumpers last season and showed promise again when third of 8 in Fontwell novice hurdle on reappearance. Tailed off on his next 2 starts however, bleeding on latest, and breathing operation since needs to have made a big difference.

Form: 42-357

Diamonds Galore⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 109

10/11

Twice runner-up in novice hurdles this season, latest 12-runner event at Ludlow (4/1) 9 weeks ago, having a good crack at the winner but turned away late. Potentially well treated switched to handicap company.

Form: 623P-22

Sense Of Reason³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Fellowes| OR: 108

7/1

Fair 10f Flat winner who has shown promise when fourth on both starts over hurdles this winter, his jumping showing he's still learning. Step forward could be forthcoming on early switch to a handicap.

Form: 44

Westlain^h¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: Lorcan Williams| T: Jack Jones| OR: 118| D

7/2

Fair maiden on the Flat who, fitted with a hood, left hurdles debut form behind when 66/1-winner of juvenile at Fontwell (17.7f) in November. Resumed progress when scoring easily at Huntingdon earlier in the month and 9 lb rise may not prevent a follow-up.

Form: 01751

Regal Cavalier⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Benjamin Poste| T: M Young| OR: 97| D

66/1

Won on the Flat in France in 2024 and all or nothing over hurdles, running poorly after 7 months off in handicap at Hereford (28/1) in December. Tough to assess at present.

Form: 82-4P

Forecasts

Diamonds Galore (10/11), Westlain (7/2), Sir Hobnob (6/1), Sense Of Reason (7/1), Phineas Bunce (8/1), Ice In The Veins (22/1), Regal Cavalier (66/1), Soleil D'arizona (66/1)

WESTLAIN scored with such authority when doubling his hurdles tally at Huntingdon earlier this month that a 9 lb rise may not stop him going in again. His main threat looks Diamonds Galore now she's going handicapping, while Sense of Reason is totally unexposed after just 2 runs in this sphere.