The Christmas racing is done. Now it’s time to work out what actually matters. On this week’s Final Furlong Podcast, Emmet Kennedy, Adam Mills, George Gorman, and Jamie Wrenn review the key races, performances, and Cheltenham implications from a fascinating festive period packed with Grade 1s, shocks, and strong opinions.
🟥 KING GEORGE VI CHASE (GRADE 1) — A NEW FORCE?
The Jukebox Man struck the right note at Kempton, landing the King George for Ben Pauling.
The panel ask:
What...
The Christmas racing is done. Now it’s time to work out what actually matters. On this week’s Final Furlong Podcast, Emmet Kennedy, Adam Mills, George Gorman, and Jamie Wrenn review the key races, performances, and Cheltenham implications from a fascinating festive period packed with Grade 1s, shocks, and strong opinions.
🟥 KING GEORGE VI CHASE (GRADE 1) — A NEW FORCE?
The Jukebox Man struck the right note at Kempton, landing the King George for Ben Pauling.
The panel ask:
- What does this mean for his season from here?
- How strong was the form with Gaelic Warrior, Banbridge, and Jango Baie close behind?
- Has the chasing hierarchy shifted?
🟦 SAVILLS CHASE (GRADE 1) — TWO STORIES, ONE RACE
Affordale Fury won on just his seventh chase start, but the bigger talking points lie elsewhere.
We assess:
- The contrasting runs of Galopin Des Champs and Inothewayurthinkin
- Whether either performance truly dents Gold Cup confidence
-
Two horses to follow for the Grand National
🟩 WELSH GRAND NATIONAL — A GOLD CUP PLAYER?
A remarkable weight-carrying performance from Haiti Couleurs for Rebecca Curtis.
The question:
- Is he now a serious Gold Cup contender under Sean Bowen, or was this a perfect-storm handicap win?
🟨 HEART WOOD — FOUND HIS LEVEL?
Heart Wood landed the O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey New Year’s Day Chase (G3).
One of the team makes a big-price case for him in a specific Cheltenham race — others push back hard.
🟥 CHRISTMAS HURDLE (GRADE 1) — IS THE CHAMPION HURDLE UP FOR GRABS?
Sir Gino, returning from a life-threatening infection, comfortably beat the race-fit Golden Ace, the reigning Champion Hurdle winner.
We debate:
- Was this a changing-of-the-guard moment?
- Or have we underestimated the depth of the division?
🟦 DECEMBER HURDLE (GRADE 1) — LOSS IEMOUTH’S PATH DECIDED?
After Lossiemouth’s Leopardstown win, all four panellists agree she is unlikely to run in the Champion Hurdle — and explain exactly why.
Do you agree?
🟩 MARES’ DIVISION — A NEW QUEEN?
Could Wodhooh now be the one to beat in the Mares’ Hurdle after her Kerrymount success?
🟨 CHRISTMAS HURDLE (IRELAND) — STAYING HIERARCHY SETTLED?
Teahupoo confirmed his superiority over Ballyburn, but three of the panel believe his biggest Cheltenham danger is trained in Britain.
We make a strong case for Impose Toi.
🟥 CHAMPION CHASE PICTURE — MORE OPEN THAN IT LOOKS?
We finish with the two-mile chase division:
-
Solness impresses in the Rewards Club Chase
-
Marine Nationale runs a blinder despite early drama
-
Thistle Ask makes a big handicap statement in the Desert Orchid
Where does the Champion Chase really stand now?
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