The National Hunt campaign may officially begin in October, but traditionally it’s Christmas at Kempton and Leopardstown that flicks the switch from simmering interest to full-blown Cheltenham fever.
This year, however, punters and pundits alike were already buzzing by the end of November. Perhaps it was the drama, possibly the quality, or maybe simply the sheer unpredictability – but something about these early weeks has felt different.
Even early-season analysis on BETDAQ and other platforms has reflected a level of engagement more typical of late winter, with many turning to the betting exchange to react in real time to shock results and standout performances.
With major meetings at Cheltenham, Haydock, Newbury, Ascot, and across Ireland delivering storylines every weekend, it’s fair to ask: Has this been one of the best starts to a National Hunt season in years?
Here’s a look back at the defining moments from a remarkable November, and why fans are licking their lips ahead of the Christmas festivals and the spring to come.
Shloer Chase – L’Eau du Sud Signals a Changing of the Guard
The opening day of Cheltenham’s November Meeting promised a coronation for Jonbon, as the Henderson star sought a third consecutive Shloer Chase. Instead, the race produced a shock.
Dan Skelton’s L’Eau du Sud, already a top novice last term, stepped into open company and blew the field apart, powering through sticky ground to win by a commanding 15 lengths. Jonbon, though game, never delivered the emphatic reappearance many expected.
It was less a statement win and more a thunderclap. For a horse making his first appearance outside novice company, it hinted at a power shift in the two-mile division. The anticipation for a rematch later in the season is already sky-high.
Lancashire Chase – Grey Dawning Strolls to Grade 1 Glory
The Skelton yard wasn’t done. Just weeks after L’Eau du Sud’s breakthrough, Grey Dawning added another heavyweight success in the Lancashire Chase at Haydock, a race worth over £113,000 to the winner and crucial in the Trainers’ Championship picture.
What stood out wasn’t just the winning margin, but the ease of victory. Harry Skelton barely had to move as Grey Dawning breezed past Royale Pagaille and sauntered home in the first Grade 1 of the year. For a horse once viewed as talented but raw, this was a performance of maturity and authority.
It cemented Skelton’s blistering early-season form and raised big questions about where Grey Dawning might be aimed come March.
Fighting Fifth – Golden Ace Hits the Jackpot Again
“Buy a ticket, win the raffle.” Never has the racing cliché felt more apt.
The Fighting Fifth at Newcastle descended into chaos as Constitution Hill and The New Lion, two of the season’s most talked-about hurdlers, both crashed out in extraordinary circumstances. In their absence, Golden Ace, already the beneficiary of high-profile fallers in March’s Champion Hurdle, capitalised yet again.
Travelling strongly behind as The New Lion fell at the second last, she pounced to give Jeremy Scott another famous win. Some argue she may have won on merit regardless; others see her as the luckiest mare in training. Whatever the truth, she continues to put herself in the right place at the right time and that’s a skill in itself.
Her path to the Champion Hurdle now looks clearer than ever.
Hatton’s Grace – Teahupoo Clings On in a Thriller
Few races in November matched the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse for raw drama.
Two-time winner Teahupoo looked set for a comfortable hat-trick as he travelled sweetly and jumped the last with momentum. But behind him, Ballyburn – reverting to hurdles after a disappointing novice chase experiment – found a second wind under Paul Townend. Head low, strides shortening but heart enormous, he rallied furiously to force a photo.
Teahupoo held on by a short head, but Ballyburn’s resurgence adds a fascinating new angle to the Stayers’ Hurdle picture. If November is anything to go by, that division could be one of the strongest at the 2025 Festival.