Heads Up Set for Cheltenham Return on Friday

Heads Up, the talented five-year-old trained by John McConnell, is preparing for a significant return to Cheltenham this Friday as he advances in his hurdling career. Having finished runner-up in the prestigious Champion Bumper at Cheltenham back in March, Heads Up capped off a strong National Hunt Flat season.

Making his hurdling debut at Listowel in September, the young horse overcame a few early jumping errors to secure a comfortable victory, finishing two lengths ahead of his closest competitor. Now, the step up to the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle awaits him—an esteemed Grade Two race covering two miles and five furlongs.

McConnell expressed confidence about Heads Up’s progress: “He’s in good form and schooling well. This is a big step up from Listowel, but we’re hopeful he will be competitive. He’s sharpened up a lot with his jumping since his last run. I believe his optimum distance will likely be longer than two miles, so this race will give us valuable insight for his future campaigns.”

In addition to Heads Up, McConnell has other notable entries this season, including Moon D’Orange, who may target the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury if soft ground conditions prevail. “We’ve been waiting for the right softer ground for him,” said McConnell. “He’s entered in the Coral Gold Cup, and if the going is suitable, we’ll likely run him there.”

The trainer also commented on the well-known veteran horse Seddon, who unfortunately fell early at the Chair during the Grand Sefton over the weekend. “The sun created a large shadow at the Chair, which caused Seddon to misjudge the jump. Thankfully, he had an easy fall and isn’t injured. He’ll probably aim for a veterans’ chase later in the season, possibly the one at Cheltenham in December.”

With Heads Up’s impressive development and McConnell’s experienced stable, anticipation builds for an exciting National Hunt season ahead.