Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a somewhat belated chance to show he can make his mark his mark this season when he comes back in the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.


The JP McManus-owned six-year-old has actually won 4 of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and distance, and it is testament to his ability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March regardless of a variety of unconvincing leaps.


With torrential rain and weakening ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar rather makes his return a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, and connections are confident he is healthy enough to do himself justice.


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in partnership with Josh Guerriero, stated: "He was primed to run in the Paddy Power and he was going to be the favourite so we couldn't leave him short, he was totally ready.


"We gave him a quiet spell after that and we've built him back up and he's worked nicely on the yard. He's all set and I believe the ground will be ideal for him, it will not be endless like it was in November and I think being back on the New course will help as well, it will give a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he only requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil down to his jumping. He's got the engine, but he's got to be able to jump at that speed in that class. It's a various level and I think he can do it, and he seems to have improved in the house.


"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you simply can't make errors. He got away with it when ranked a bit lower, however he's greater now and the next couple of runs will tell us where we are."


Vincenzo (right) chasing home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup kind looks strong, with the winner Panic Attack subsequently following up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, so both the runner-up Vincenzo and the third home Hoe Joly Smoke need to be considered major players this weekend.


Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks earlier, however the truth the latter is 5lb much better off for the rematch is tempering the confidence of his fitness instructor Sam Thomas.


"On figures we're meeting Hoe Joly Smoke on different terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare realities we're in a little problem there and Jagwar might be a league above all of us really.


"I'm enthusiastic for a big run, however I'm really practical and I've simply got to hope our lad has come forward from the run truly.


"He feels fantastic at home, so we'll simply keep whatever crossed for a huge run."


The Skelicopter celebration is BACK! ✈ ANXIETY ATTACK & Harry Skelton storm to @paddypower Gold Cup (In Memory Of Edward O'Grady) success pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


Dan Skelton, trainer of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little more confident about his chances of another big-race Saturday success


He said: "We were very delighted with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners stated to me 'I simply hope that wasn't his day and he's completed third'. I took that discuss board, however I need to say the way he has been today and on Thursday early morning, I do not think that was simply his day.


"I daren't say he's improving as that feels a bit too strong, but I feel you are visiting a minimum of the very same horse, if not a little more.


"I believe the track will fit him much better too, it will offer him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when kipping down. The dry forecast won't impede him, either."


Ga Law heads the weights for the December Gold Cup (Nigel French/PA)


Jamie Snowden saddles the 2022 Paddy Power hero Ga Law, who is ridden by 7lb claimer Isabelle Ryder for the very first time, along with last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He said: "Ga Law is captured in between not being great enough for those graded races and bring swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, however ideally Issy's 7lb will concern excellent use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton really well and this has actually basically been our target all season. We had him gone into in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was tempting, however the extra week is just going to do him great and hopefully he goes there buzzing."