National Hunt racing comes from Warwick on Thursday afternoon, October 5th; a six-race card, 14.00 – 16.35.

Jumping fans will be getting excited – many of the winter game’s biggest names are here, as the season begins to stretch its legs. Trying desperately not to mention Cheltenham … oh drat.

15.05 – Quid Pro Quo @ 5/1

A JP McManus-owned, Skelton-trained 7-yr-old novice ‘chaser, a winner at the course, emerging after a wind op last month. You’d have to hope under these circumstances there’s some improvement to come.

Plenty of chasing experience under the belt of this son of Beat Hollow by Sadler’s Wells no less, so he’s bred to motor just a bit. This 2m 4f trip seems just about right – 3m didn’t seem to suit last time. One of the stable’s lesser lights right now but if the wind procedure works its magic you just never know.

Lovely racing weight of 10st 8lb, and of course trainer’s brother Harry takes the ride. Let’s hope he can do us a favour, and we’ll think of what we can do for him in return later … there must be a phrase for that …

15.35 – Hyland @ 5/1

More jump racing royalty. Time for Henderson/De Boinville to step up, and though this isn’t exactly Constitution Hill, little fish can taste just as sweet.

It’s a 2m 5f Class 3 handicap hurdle in fact, and the selection is a 6-yr-old who has enjoyed some modest success already including a ready win here last March. He’s risen in the handicap since but commensurate with progressive performances. At his age there’s surely more to come, and though only a minor inmate at Nicky’s the trainer remains brilliant and the jockey’s not too shabby either.