ON THE TRACK
by Frances de Haan
Moonshine gets off the mark at Kempton (March 2026)
The action stepped up a notch as we approached the start of the turf season. We have enjoyed success on both the Flat and National Hunt fronts. Kempton has proved a particularly happy hunting ground, with Moonshine and Conclave both getting off the mark in fine style, while Respond went one better than his seasonal debut with an impressive victory at Chelmsford where he did well to make all under Oisin Murphy.
Respond looks fantastic storming to victory at Chelmsford (March 2026)
Delighted owners trying not to get blown out of the winners enclosure at windy Chelmsford
Moonshine broke her duck in excellent fashion under Kieran Shoemark. She had shown plenty of ability in her previous three runs, finishing in the top three on every occasion, and had been unlucky not to win sooner. After a second-place finish on her seasonal debut at Lingfield in February, we were hopeful she would take a step forward next time out—and she did just that. Saving her best work for the closing stages, she produced a blistering turn of foot to pass rivals late on and hit the line 1¼ lengths clear of the favourite, Archer’s Grace. The further she went, the stronger she looked, and Ed Walker, her trainer, may now consider stepping her up in trip on turf, as she appears to be a filly who relishes quicker ground. Either way, she is sure to provide plenty of excitement for her owners this season.
Moonshine owners celebrate at Kempton (March 2026)
This weekend marked the start of the turf season, and we fielded four runners across the card. Unfortunately, it was not Spycatcher’s day at Doncaster, but our admirable eight-year-old—our winning-most horse—hopefully has more to offer as the season progresses.
At Kempton, we saddled three runners, all of whom finished in the placings. Respond followed up his Chelmsford success with another pleasing effort to finish third the Rosebery, despite a tricky draw he ran on well narrowly missing out on second place. Andrew holds him in very high regard and has his sights set on the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes later this season.
Another Balding-trained runner making headlines is Conclave, an imposing son of Sioux Nation who, having been unraced at two, has proven well worth the wait. A striking individual, he is as eye-catching in appearance as he is in ability. He got off the mark at the first time of asking at Kempton earlier this month under unusual circumstances. Although he passed the post in second, he was awarded the race after the winning jockey, Joe Leavy, weighed in light, resulting in immediate disqualification. Jason Watson, who took the ride, had not intended to race so prominently, but Conclave broke sharply and naturally found himself in front. When challenged by Penny Time on the wide outside, he showed an impressive change of gear and battled gamely, only to be denied by a head at the line—an eye-catching debut that left us wanting more.
Gorgeous Conclave receiving all the pats at Kempton (March 2026)
Returning to Kempton this weekend brought with it a sense of anticipation following that performance. Conclave was our final runner of the day, and expectations were high. Once again, he looked the pick of the paddock by some distance, his genuine temperament evident as he took in the surroundings. Ideally, Jason hoped to obtain cover, but once again Conclave broke quickly from a wide draw and Jason was forced to take up the running—echoing his debut. He travelled strongly and appeared comfortable in front, with everything going smoothly until the final furlong, when the hot favourite, King’s Trail, produced a powerful run down the outside. Conclave responded well and made a determined effort to match his rival, ultimately finishing second to a horse now quoted at 12-1 for the 2000 Guineas! It was a highly encouraging second run. Jason Watson commented, “That’s a nice horse,” and his satisfaction was evident. With an opening mark of 97 and the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot a possible target, Conclave looks a smart prospect. Watch this space.
Jason Watson flying home at Kempton on Conclave’s debut (March 2026)
There have also been several strong placed efforts:
Cavolo Nero made a pleasing seasonal debut also at Kempton at the beginning of March. James Ferguson, who trains him, hopes to target a valuable handicap before setting his sights on the Suffolk Stakes at the Craven Meeting.
Zatsgood, a four-year-old son of Frankel, made an impressive debut in Highclere silks when finishing second in a seven-furlong novice at Newcastle. Trained by George Boughey, this flashy chestnut from France looks a horse going places this season.
Our National Hunt contingent continues to go from strength to strength.
Kielan Woods further cemented his excellent partnership with Followcato, making it four consecutive wins with a courageous performance in a 0–130 handicap chase over 2m 6½f at Leicester, scoring by 4¼ lengths. Originally, Sandown’s Imperial Cup meeting had been considered, but the decision to divert north proved the right one. Followcato looked every inch the professional in the paddock and was keen to get on with the job. Making all the running, he saw off a strong challenge from the favourite, Major Fortune, and held on gamely despite a slight mistake at the final fence. Now rated 132, he may attempt a record-breaking fifth consecutive victory—something trainer Ben Pauling has yet to achieve.
Please do click here for a brilliant account from one of the owners who was there on the day.
Madam Speaker
Madam Speaker certainly raised the roof at Newbury with an outstanding effort to finish second in a valuable £100,000 bumper. Ridden by the talented Sean Bowen, she acquitted herself admirably on her step up in grade, building encouragingly on the promise of her debut at Wincanton last month. Bowen judged things perfectly, biding his time before picking off rivals one by one in the closing stages. Madam Speaker showed tremendous determination to get past Irish Goodbye and Lover Debois, only to be narrowly denied by Lady Hope, who came with a late surge down the outside. Although it was a frustrating defeat, she lost nothing in finishing second and still earned a significant £21,845 in prize money.
Nicky Henderson was delighted with the performance, despite being denied in the final strides. He feels she has done enough for the season and will now enjoy a break before returning for a novice hurdling campaign next term.
Next month, Cooltobecareless heads to Aintree for the Grade 2 bumper on Grand National day. While it may not be a race we expect him to win, the experience will stand him in excellent stead for his novice hurdling campaign next season. It is nevertheless hugely exciting to have a runner at such a prestigious meeting for the third year running.
We have enjoyed a fantastic National Hunt season and hope for one or two more highlights before it draws to a close.
The flat season is gathering momentum, with exciting entries for the Craven and Guineas meetings on the horizon. There are also some promising two-year-olds preparing to make their debuts. One to note is Topaz, a striking filly by Persian Force trained by Jack Channon. Channon could not speak more highly of her, and with early whispers of Royal Ascot, she looks to have very exciting prospects this season.
Please do take a look at her in our Horse in Focus section, and also check out our feature with Jack Channon. His historic West Ilsley stables are well known for their highly enjoyable visits.