Sam Thomas’ stable is performing impressively ahead of a busy Christmas period, highlighted by Steele Alley’s extraordinary victory in the Grade 2 Noel Novice Chase at Ascot on Friday. This win marked Steele Alley’s fourth success out of seven races in December alone. Though he entered the race as the third favorite with an 11-4 record, jockey Dylan Johnston had Steele Alley tracking well from the start with excellent jumping. The favorite, No Questions Asked, who had a record of 7 wins and 5 losses, finished near the back, and although it briefly seemed like a challenge was coming, Steele Alley surged ahead to finish nine lengths clear of second-place Push the Button (12 wins, 1 loss).
The Noel Novice Chase covers a distance of nearly 2 miles and 3 furlongs, and Steele Alley is now regarded as roughly a 33-1 outsider for the upcoming Arkle Trophy Novice Chase, a two-mile race set for the opening day of next year’s Cheltenham Festival. Looking ahead, the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27 is a major target for Thomas. He hopes to replicate his 2021 success at Ywildoit by entering two well-liked runners, Jubilee Express and Showmen Uchi, in this long-distance event.
Thomas expressed pride in being Welsh and operating close to Cardiff, describing Jubilee Express as a strong and hardworking horse with more potential, especially now that it has gained experience in bigger races. Showmen Uchi, by contrast, is seen as a more refined competitor who hasn’t raced much due to vulnerability but showed promise during training. Thomas remains cautiously optimistic about their chances, noting that his limited racing experience leaves some uncertainty.
In other news, the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot—a prestigious non-novice Grade 1 British jump race yet to be won by an Irish-trained contender—may see that streak end with the highly rated Honesty Policy (2.25), who is arriving with strong credentials under Gordon Elliott. Honesty Policy recently claimed the G1 Mersey Novice Hurdle at Aintree and finished second in a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival, making it a strong favourite despite having raced only five times. JP McManus’s home-trained horse, Impose Toy, also looks promising, having recently stepped up well in grade.
Other notable runners include Isamu at Ascot (1.50), who is off to a good start in chasing, and Jacks Parrot at Haydock (2.05), last year’s runner-up expected to improve sharply. Walks the Talk (Haydock 2.40) aims to maintain an undefeated streak, while Victorino and Live Conti at Ascot (3.00 and 3.35) are also highlighted as key contenders in handicap hurdles. The article also lists various fixtures and runners at tracks including Haydock, Hereford, Newcastle, and Wolverhampton.
Fan Take: This update highlights the emergence of exciting talents like Steele Alley and Honesty Policy, signaling fresh competition and thrills for upcoming top races such as the Cheltenham Festival and Welsh Grand National. For horse racing enthusiasts, these developments promise gripping contests and showcase the vitality and depth continuing to energize the sport.
