The 2026 U.S. steeplechase season arrives in Orange County, Virginia, on Saturday, November 7, with the much-anticipated Montpelier Hunt Races. The highlight of the day is the $100,000 Noel Laing Stakes, a Grade 2 hurdle race on turf, covering a distance of two miles and four furlongs.
A select but competitive field of six horses will compete on the natural turf course, with the race scheduled as the fifth event on the card at 4:00 PM EST.
Noel Laing Stakes (Hurdle) Race Information:
- Race: Noel Laing Stakes (Grade 2) (Hurdle) (Turf) for horses aged four and older
- Distance: 2 miles 4 furlongs
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 – 4:00 PM EST (local gates open at noon, with the first race starting at 12:30 PM)
- Venue: Montpelier Racecourse, a left-handed turf track located in Orange County, VA
Leading European Contenders: James Du Berlais vs. Zabeel Champion
James Du Berlais Headlining for Thomas Garner
Attention turns to the 10-year-old French-bred gelding James Du Berlais. Once a top-tier chaser and hurdler in Ireland trained by champion Willie Mullins, this seasoned runner has recently joined trainer Thomas Garner in the U.S. for owners Leipers Fork Steeplechase. During his European career, he competed at the highest levels, including Grade 1 events such as the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown and prestigious Cheltenham Festival races. Now adjusted to racing stateside, James Du Berlais will carry 152 lbs with jockey Evan Dwan aboard, and will wear blinkers again in an effort to secure a U.S. Grade 2 victory.
Zabeel Champion Aims to Extend Jack Fisher’s Success
Opposing James Du Berlais is the 9-year-old Zabeel Champion, trained by the Hall of Fame trainer Jack Fisher, who won this race last year. Originally racing on the Flat under Sir Mark Johnston and transitioning to hurdles with Jonjo O’Neill in the UK, Zabeel Champion now contests in the U.S. for Riverdee Stable. He tops the weights at 160 lbs with Freddie Procter riding. Having already won significant Grade 1 and Grade 2 hurdles in 2026, Zabeel Champion is a strong contender looking to defend Fisher’s title.
2026 Noel Laing Stakes Entrants:
Foxy Walk (IRE), 7yo gelding, 150 lbs
Jockey: Dan Nevin | Trainer: Leslie F. Young | Owner: Michael A. Smith
A dependable performer with a light weight, Foxy Walk is well-suited for the 2-mile 4-furlong course and could challenge if the favorites falter.Scorpion’s Revenge (IRE), 10yo gelding, 148 lbs
Jockey: Gustav Dahl | Trainer: Cyril Murphy | Owner: Estate of Irvin S. Naylor
A veteran with significant U.S. turf experience, carrying a minimal weight, who will rely on his stamina late in the race.Zabeel Champion (GB), 9yo gelding, 160 lbs
Jockey: Freddie Procter | Trainer: Jack Fisher | Owner: Riverdee Stable
A leading Grade 1 winner this season and the highest weighted runner, Zabeel Champion is the favorite for last year’s winning connections.Too Friendly (GB), 8yo gelding, 152 lbs
Jockey: Niall Prendergast | Trainer: Leslie F. Young | Owner: Estate of Irvin S. Naylor
A UK import with proven jumping skills, tactical speed, and strong form backing.James Du Berlais (FR), 10yo gelding, 152 lbs
Jockey: Evan Dwan | Trainer: Thomas Garner | Owner: Leipers Fork Steeplechase
Formerly trained by Willie Mullins, this seasoned star is a major threat if his blinkers improve his finish.Bellarmine Hall, 9yo gelding, 142 lbs
Jockey: Paddy O’Hanlon | Trainer: David M. Bourke | Owner: Sawbuck Racing
Carrying the lightest weight in the field, Bellarmine Hall needs a career-best effort to upset the Grade 2 rivals.
About Montpelier Race Course
Located in Montpelier Station, Orange County, Virginia (11350 Constitution Highway), Montpelier Race Course is set on historic grounds—the estate of James Madison, the 4th President of the U.S. Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains foothills about 85 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., the course is renowned for its natural hedge jumps and nearly 100 years of steeplechasing tradition.
2025 Noel Laing Stakes Recap
The previous year’s race was won decisively by Cool Jet (IRE), trained by Jack Fisher and owned by Riverdee Stable. The 9-year-old gelding triumphed by 4¼ lengths carrying 158 lbs.
Top 3 Results for 2025:
- Cool Jet (IRE) – Bernard Dalton – Jack Fisher – 158 lbs
- Noble Anthem (IRE) – Evan Dwan – Thomas Garner – 144 lbs (4¾ lengths behind)
- For The Parish (IRE) – Jamie Bargary – Leslie F. Young – 144 lbs (¾ length behind)
Fan Take:
This year’s Noel Laing Stakes promises an exhilarating clash between some of the finest European imports and established American stars, underscoring the rich international flavor of U.S. steeplechasing. For fans, it’s a pivotal moment to witness the sport’s growth and the emergence of new rivalries that could elevate steeplechasing’s profile across the nation.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
