Alexei will be retiring from handicap races after a valiant effort carrying top weight at the Christmas meeting at Ascot.
Joe Tizzard’s German gelding has had a standout first half of the season, beginning with a runner-up finish in the Welsh Champion Hurdle and securing victories in both the prestigious Ascot Handicap and the Great Wood at Cheltenham. Due to these impressive performances, Alexei’s rating soared by 20lbs, resulting in him carrying the highest weight in Saturday’s Ascot Rotary Club Festival Handicap Hurdle, conceding weight to all other competitors.
Despite this, Alexei was the 85-40 favorite, ran strongly, and remained a contender throughout the race. However, the extra weight ultimately affected his performance, leaving him behind Wilful and Hot Fuss, finishing third. Trainer Joe Tizzard commented, “He put in a great effort. I was most concerned about Wilful, considering his form in the Welsh Champion Hurdle where he finished third behind Alexei, and the significant weight drop he had. I believed Alexei was improving well going into the race, but the added weight probably cost him the win. Nevertheless, I was very pleased with how he ran on a track that wasn’t ideal for him.”
Looking ahead, Alexei is being aimed at the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in early 2026, marking his step up to tougher competition as a five-year-old. Tizzard added, “He’s been improving steadily, and based on his performances to date, I’m confident his speed will hold up in the graded races. We plan to aim for the Kingwell in February, and he will have entries for all the major festivals. He’s been a lot of fun to train, with wins at Ascot, Greatwood, and a solid effort on Saturday. We’re really enjoying working with him and hope that continues.”
Fan Take: This news is exciting for horse racing enthusiasts because it highlights the journey of a talented horse rising through the ranks despite tough challenges like carrying top weight. Alexei’s progression into higher-class races promises thrilling competitions ahead, showcasing the sport’s blend of stamina, skill, and strategy.
