Celebrating SPILLERS Winners: A Festive Success Story
The festive period has been nothing short of extraordinary for SPILLERS-fed horses, with an impressive streak of Grade 1 and Premier Handicap wins. Congratulations to the winning connections, and a big thank you to the trainers who continue to trust SPILLERS to fuel their horses' success. We are incredibly proud to be part of the journey that sees these exceptional athletes performing at the highest level. The wins have been as thrilling as they are well-deserved, and we're excited to take a closer look at the champions who made it a Christmas to remember.
Let’s take a closer look at the horses who made the festive season extra special with their top-class performances:
Crambo: Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle Champion
Trained by Fergal O’Brien and owned by Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd and Chris Giles, Crambo cemented his status as a top-class hurdler with a gutsy victory in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) at Ascot. This marked his second consecutive win in the race, following his success in 2023.
Crambo had shown some mixed form earlier in the season, but his determination and battling qualities at Ascot ensured he became just the sixth horse in history to win this prestigious race twice. His stamina and tenacity were key to overcoming the challenges posed by a competitive field, including a determined Beauport. With his sights set on the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Crambo’s connections are hopeful that this victory is the first of many this season.
Potters Charm: A Step Up in Class at Aintree
Potters Charm, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and owned by El Rincon, showed his class in the William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) at Aintree, justifying his place as favourite with a dominant win. After an unbeaten run in four previous races, Potters Charm stepped up to the Grade 1 level in style, delivering a faultless performance under Sam Twiston-Davies.
The five-year-old has been a consistent performer, and this win is another boost for his Cheltenham Festival ambitions, where he’s now firmly in the mix for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. Potters Charm’s adaptability, having recently dropped back in trip, and his solid jumping make him a horse to watch as the season unfolds.
The Jukebox Man: Breaking Through in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase
The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling and owned by Harry Redknapp, put in a superb display in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) at Kempton, earning his first Grade 1 win. The six-year-old, who had come so close to success in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle last season, showed that his jumping and staying ability are more than up to the task at the highest level.
His success at Kempton follows a Grade 2 win at Newbury, and with Ben Jones in the saddle, The Jukebox Man is now a serious contender for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. Redknapp and Pauling both expressed their delight with the win, with the latter confident that there’s still more to come from this improving chaser.
Soul Icon: A Stunning Victory in the Desert Orchid Chase
Soul Icon, trained by Kieran Burke and owned by This Time Next Year Maybe, caused a 16-1 upset in the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (Grade 2) at Kempton. The victory was a standout moment for the stable, with Soul Icon showing his true potential after a string of near-misses earlier in the season.
The race unfolded at a strong pace, which suited Soul Icon perfectly as he stayed on well to secure his first Graded success. Harry Cobden, who gave the horse a confident ride, expressed his pleasure at the result, highlighting how the horse’s tactical position in the race, following a strong early gallop, allowed him to capitalise on the pace set by others. With this win, Soul Icon is now a live contender in the two-mile chasing division.
Fiercely Proud: A Hard-Fought Victory in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle
Fiercely Proud, trained by Ben Pauling and owned by T.P. Radford, claimed a hard-fought victory in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) at Ascot, defeating Kabral Du Mathan in a thrilling photo-finish. The five-year-old, who had been knocking on the door for a while, found the winning formula in this fiercely competitive race, displaying a strong will to win.
Pauling, who was pleased with the performance, explained how the horse’s change in tactics helped him settle into the race. This victory has given Fiercely Proud the confidence boost he needed, and connections are now eyeing further handicap opportunities, with the County Hurdle at Cheltenham a possible target.
Victtorino: Silver Cup Success at Ascot
Victtorino, trained by Venetia Williams and owned by Martians Racing, claimed a well-deserved victory in the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) at Ascot, further enhancing the reputation of Williams' stable. The seven-year-old had previously shown promise in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, and this victory proved that he is a reliable performer in top-level handicaps.
Williams and her team have been in excellent form, with Victtorino’s win adding to a string of recent successes. The horse's ability to thrive in competitive conditions makes him one to watch for the remainder of the season, and there are plans to continue targeting high-profile chases.
Val Dancer: Triumph in the Welsh Grand National
Val Dancer, trained by Mel Rowley and owned by The Val Dancers, provided a moment of history with his win in the Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) at Chepstow. The race, run in foggy conditions, was a real test of stamina, and Val Dancer came out on top after a determined performance, seeing off Jubilee Express and Iwilldoit in the final stages.
Trainer Mel Rowley, based in Shropshire, was understandably overwhelmed by the result, as this victory represents a huge achievement for her small yard. With Val Dancer showing such tenacity in a gruelling contest, the horse’s connections are now looking ahead to further challenges, possibly even considering a tilt at the Grand National in the future.
Thank You to the Trainers
We’d like to express our sincere thanks to the trainers who trust SPILLERS to provide their horses with the nutrition they need to perform at the highest level.
Join the Winning Team
If you’re looking to give your horse the nutritional edge, contact your local SPILLERS Thoroughbred Specialist today. Our racing range is formulated to meet the demands of high-level performance, supporting horses as they strive for success on the track.
SPILLERS – POWERING YOUR WINNERS