Twenty-Three Confirmed For 2025 William Hill Hurdle

A total of twenty-three have been confirmed for Europe’s richest handicap hurdle, worth a total prize fund of £155,000, on William Hill Super Saturday on February 8. The two-mile William Hill Hurdle will form the centrepiece of a top-class card which also features the Grade 2 William Hill Denman Chase and Grade 2 William Hill Game Spirit Chase. The going at Newbury Racecourse is currently officially soft.

The Hughie Morrison trained Secret Squirrel, last seen winning the Sovereign Hurdle, is current 5-1 joint favourite with sponsors William Hill along with the Nicky Henderson trained Joyeuse. Joyeuse is one of three entered in the race for Henderson who also has last year’s winner, Iberico Lord, entered as well as Bo Zenith. The Gerry Feilden winner, Navajo Indy, last seen finishing fourth behind Secret Squirrel is due to represent the Tom Symonds yard. Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle winner, Fiercely Proud, could line up at Newbury for the first time in Saturday’s feature for trainer Ben Pauling. Local trainer Harry Derham remains with two entered in the race, his Fairyhouse winner, Washington who is two from two since joining the yard and Givemefive. Sam Thomas’ Welsh Champion Hurdle winner, Lump Sum, is now set to carry top weight of 12st. With a maximum field size of 24, all 23 confirmed will get a run.

The third race on the card, the Grade 2 William Hill Denman Chase, worth a total prize fund of £85,000, has attracted eight entries. Current favourite with sponsors William Hill is the Paul Nicholls trained Bravemansgame, chasing his first win since the 2022 renewal of the King George VI Chase. Also amongst the entries is stablemate Hitman, runner up in the race last year behind Shishkin. The line-up is completed by Peterborough Chase winner Djelo, Le Patron, Fugitif, Ga Law, Eldorado Allen and the veteran Sam Brown.

Run over 2m½f, the Grade 2 William Hill Game Spirit Chase, also run for a total prize fund of £85,000, has attracted seven entries. The unbeaten Sir Gino heads the betting for trainer Nicky Henderson. Sir Gino will be having just his second career start over fences having won the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase in December. The Nigel Twiston-Davies yard could be dually represented as they hold entries with Matata and Master Chewy. The 40-length winner of last year’s race, Edwardstone, seeks back-to-back victories for trainer Alan King and owner/breeders Robert Abrey and Ian Thurtle. The potential line up is completed by Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup winner, JPR One, the Evan Williams trained Libberty Hunter and Venetia William trained Djelo who also holds an entry in the Wiliam Hill Denman Chase on the same card.