Watch: The Racehour Discuss Last Weekend's Tingle Creek And Hilly Way Chase
This week’s episode of The Racehour is brought to you by Bet365 and sees Stephen Cass joined by Diarmuid Nolan and Tony Keenan for a deep dive into a pivotal spell in the National Hunt season.
With major clashes on both sides of the Irish Sea, the team explores how recent results have shaken up early thinking for next spring’s championship races.
A mixture of dominant displays and unexpected reversals has ensured the two-mile division remains unpredictable.
As the team points out, the early betting markets may be moving, but nothing looks settled.
If you want to get in on the action, you should keep an eye on Racehour’s socials for the latest news, updates and betting advice.
Watch The Latest Racehour
Last Weekend’s Action - Statement Runs And Costly Errors
The show begins with a look back at last weekend’s headline races at Sandown and Cork, where the form book was turned on its head.
Il Etait Temps' performance at Sandown was so emphatic that he was immediately made favourite with most betting sites for this season's Champion Chase.
Meanwhile, just 24 hours later at Cork, Majborough's Cheltenham chances took a hit as he failed to fire, making costly mistakes that allowed a sharper, race-fit Found A Fifty to capitalise in decisive fashion.
Discussing the performances and their implications for the Champion Chase, the panel agrees that the contrasting outcomes highlight the volatility of this stage of the season - and why the two-mile chase picture remains unsettled.
The Weekend Ahead - Rising Stars And Shifting Markets
Attention then shifts to the upcoming meetings, where both seasoned campaigners and emerging novices are expected to show their Cheltenham credentials.
Diarmuid believes the British scene may finally be producing newcomers capable of mixing it at the highest level after a few quieter seasons, while Tony argues that the Irish picture is equally fluid, with several yards only now hitting peak rhythm.
Ground conditions are tightening, race fitness is becoming increasingly important, and trainers are beginning to map out festival plans more clearly.
With so many variables in play, this weekend is likely to create further market swings with horse racing betting sites and perhaps reveal the next genuine contender for spring honours.
The 2026 Champion Chase Trail - Value Beyond The Favourites
The final section of the show sees Stephen link up with Bet365’s Pat Cooney for a market update, where the message is clear: early odds are forming, but confidence in the short-priced runners is far from universal.
The Racehour panel agree that the leading names still have questions to answer, particularly around consistency and jumping reliability under pressure.
Diarmuid even floats a bold long-odds alternative in Quilixios, who he believes could develop into a big player, prompting an animated discussion that carries into the listener-question segment.
One conclusion rings loudest - the 2026 Champion Chase picture remains wide open, and the best value may still sit well outside the obvious contenders.
* Do you agree with what the guys had to say, or do you have some strong opinions of your own? Let us know in the comments below!
