The Ravenswell Round Up - March 2026
- Fergal O'Brien Racing
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
With the spotlight on Cheltenham over the next week or so, we thought it would be a good time to introduce our new monthly blog. This will replace our previous newsletter, but it will still include similar updates, stories from the yard and the occasional feature.
From time to time we will also invite guest writers to contribute, so if there is something you would like to discuss or share, please do get in touch.
A message from Fergal
Highlights from the track
Looking back at a couple of recent highlights from the racecourse, Midnight Jukebox impressed us at the end of February when winning a Bumper at Southwell and he showed a good attitude in what looked like a highly competitive race. He had previously won a three runner Maiden Point to Point in Ireland and the horse that finished second that day has already achieved a handicap mark in the 130s, so he looks a good prospect for the future.
Another performance that thrilled us all was Edith Pelham winning again at Southwell but this time over hurdles. She took a chance at the last but kept on strongly all the way to the line. All being well she will line up at Newbury for the EBF Mares Final at the end of the month, a race we were lucky enough to win last year with Siog Geal.
We have hit the crossbar a few times recently, most notably with Serious Challenge, who was just beaten in the prestigious Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. Nevertheless, it was an exceptional effort and we look forward to his forthcoming entries.
The Ravenswell Reporter
Back onto next week and here is a pre-cheltenham write up from our very own 'Ravenswell Reporter', Sam Juckes.
Cheltenham Festival Preview 2026
Samuel Juckes
It’s that time of year again, the festival is fast approaching. The Irish contingent will cross the Irish Sea, intent on retaining their Prestbury Cup crown. But awaiting them, a British contingent who look to have a strong hand at this year’s meeting, with leading hopes including Old Park Star, Lulamba and The New Lion on the opening day alone.
This year's festival brings as many uncertainties as ever. Will Galopin Des Champs regain his Gold Cup crown in the hope of emulating some of the all-time greats? Will Majborough look as good as he did at the Dublin Racing Festival in the Champion Chase? Will Lossiemouth get her chance in the Champion Hurdle? Which novice can prove themselves best in their division?
With all the movement of races and changes to race requirements, it's hard to stay on top of everything that will be going on across the meeting. Yet amid all the changes, one thing remains consistent, the anticipation that builds ahead of four fantastic days of racing. When the tape rises (maybe after a false start or two), the roar ensues, a celebration of truly top-class action that proves unmissable.
Last year's leading trainer, you guessed it, Willie Mullins, has many fancied runners as you would expect, and while you cannot rule out the master trainer equalling or even bettering last years total of 10 winners, a lot of the races this time around have a very open look to them.
And closer to home, the FOB contingent go there with good chances as well, headed by the mightily impressive Grade 1 Scilly Isles winner and Cheltenham scorer Sixmilebridge for Mr and Mrs Megson. The Jack Richards Novices Handicap Chase looks an ideal spot for him with the distance looking to suit, and his handicap mark rising just a pound for his Sandown heroics.
Tripoli Flyer is likely to take his chance in the County Hurdle after a run behind Constitution Hill on the flat recently. Ryan’s Rocket is another to note in the Grand Annual. Other Ravenswell runner’s will be decided by the ballot!!
FOB Partnerships
We have run in house syndicates for some time now, headed by Fergal’s partner, Sally Randall. They provide a great way to enjoy racehorse ownership and have been a real success for us over the years. It has been particularly rewarding to share some memorable winners and big days with those involved.
Our most recent runner was Malina Road, who ran a good race to finish third in the Bumper at Newbury. She had to give the whole field weight after previously winning two Bumpers, including the Listed Alan Swinbank Mares’ Bumper at Market Rasen. She is turning out to be a super mare and one we are really looking forward to seeing over hurdles next season.
We frequently have shares available in new syndicate horses, so if this is something you would like to be involved in, please do get in touch and we will happily answer any questions you may have.
In the Spotlight
Each month we intend to highlight some of our fantastic team here at Ravenswell Farm.
Tilly rides a winner at Cocklebarrow
Tilly Dennis certainly picked a good meeting to ride a winner at. Cocklebarrow is our local Point
to Point and many of the yard were there to cheer her back into the Winner’s Enclosure after she landed the Ladies Open on board Innisfree Lad.
The 14 year old Innisfree Lad is trained by Tilly’s father, David Dennis, and is only three years younger than Tilly herself. He put up a brave performance to beat Master Templar and Gina Andrews by two lengths.
That is what pointing is all about… Well done Tilly!
Chris leads up his first winner
Chris Eacock joined the yard towards the end of last year, after graduating from the NHC in Doncaster. He is a real privilege to have around the yard and is passionate about horse racing.
Chris led up his first winner when Edith Pelham won at Southwell on March 2nd.
Congratulations Chris and the first of many winners we hope!
With the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, we are looking forward to an exciting few weeks and hopefully plenty to cheer about. We hope you all have a wonderful week!
Thank you for reading and we look forward to bringing you another update next month.
