Jumps Season 2024/25 Preview: ‘He’s miles better than anything currently racing’

After Chepstow and then The Showcase Meeting at Cheltenham, it's fair to say the 2024/25 Jumps season is now well underway.

Matt Hulmes and Frankie Foster sat down in front of the Betfred TV cameras at Jonjo O'Neill's stunning yard to discuss the season ahead.

Where else to begin than with Constitution Hill? Nicky Henderson's superstar hurdler missed the majority of last season and the big question on everyone's lips is: can he get back to his best?

Betfred ambassador Frankie Foster certainly believes so, offering up a compelling argument as to why.

He said: "He hasn't had an injury, that's where I think this is different. He had an illness, if he had a tendon injury and come back, there's a bigger question in my opinion of can they retain their athletic ability."

"A full-health Constitution Hill is still miles better than anything currently racing."

Willie Mullins' Ballyburn, arguably the most impressive winner at this year's Cheltenham Festival, was also high on the agenda.

It's yet to be confirmed whether he stays hurdling or goes chasing, but Frankie raises an interesting point and potential doubt if it's the latter.

How about Galopin Des Champs' hat-trick bid in the Gold Cup? Will the racing catch up to him and young pretender Fact To File picks up the pieces, or does he continue to dominate the three-mile chasing division?

The lads were later joined by brothers Jonjo O'Neill Jr. and AJ O'Neill to discuss a variety of topics - including some of the stable's top prospects for the season ahead.

One novice hurdler was singled out by both - tune in to find out who.

Matt and Frankie, who had spent the morning on the gallops at Jackdaws Castle, also put forward a couple of Jonjo O'Neill-trained runners that caught the eye.

For the former, it was useful staying hurdler Saint Davy and for the latter, an unraced half-brother to Willie Mullins' dual Grade 1 runner-up Predators Gold. He's entered to run in a bumper at Uttoxeter on Friday and is definitely one to add to the tracker.

Kempton's Boxing Day highlight, the King George, was also discussed, plus some horses to follow for the season and more.

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