Wexford Novice Hunters Chase: €11,000 Steeplechase Showdown to Decide Future Stars
The Wexford Novice Hunters Chase, a €11,000 turf steeplechase for 4-year-olds and up, will serve as a crucial proving ground for Ireland’s next generation of chasers. With eight runners set to compete over 2 miles and 7 furlongs on Thursday evening, this race offers more than just prize money—it’s a platform for horses to announce their potential in the longer-distance chases.
Race Overview
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 19:08 GMT
- Course: Wexford Racecourse, Ireland
- Distance: 2 miles 7 furlongs (4,023 meters)
- Surface: Turf
- Going: Good to Yielding (Yielding in places)
- Prize Money: €11,000 total (€6,601 to winner, €2,200 to second)
- Class: Novice Hunters Chase (4YO+)
- Number of Runners: 8
This race marks the first major test for many of these horses in the steeplechase format, with several coming from successful pointing careers. The going conditions—good to yielding with yielding in places—will test the horses’ ability to adapt to varying track firmness, a skill that separates the good from the great in chasers.
Horse by Horse: The Contenders
1. Begger (6YO) – 12/1
Trainer: Miss E Lalor | Jockey: Ms H Phillips | Weight: 11-9
Form: U55U55- (Unplaced in last two starts)
Recent Performance: Made an encouraging start under Rules at Cork last month but finished unplaced behind Kiwi De Cotte in a point-to-point race two weeks prior.
Begger’s journey from a modest pointing career to a potential chaser is one to watch. The horse showed promise in its first chase start, and with Lalor’s experience in developing hunters, this could be a breakout performance. The jockey, Ms Phillips, is known for her steady hands in novice events.
Key Question: Can Begger translate his recent form into a winning chase debut?
2. Black Dakota (7YO) – 5/1
Trainer: M Winters | Jockey: Mr A Burke-Ott | Weight: 11-9
Form: F4F122/ (Winner of two recent starts in pointing)
Black Dakota arrives as the most consistent performer in this field, having won his last two starts in the pointing field. His transition to chases under Rules is the key factor here. With Winters’ reputation for developing steady chasers, Black Dakota could be the race favorite if he adapts quickly to the longer distance.
Key Question: Will Black Dakota’s pointing success carry over into the steeplechase format?
3. Kiwi De Cotte (6YO) – 4/1
Trainer: D P Murphy | Jockey: Mr J W Hendrick | Weight: 11-9
Form: P1P1/ (Winner of both completed starts in points)
Background: Half-brother to Jazz de Cotte, a successful bumper winner and fair hurdler.
Kiwi De Cotte is the dark horse of this race, arriving with an unbeaten record in his two starts in points. His pedigree alone makes him a horse to respect, but his debut under Rules will be the true test. With Hendrick aboard—a jockey known for his tactical brilliance—Kiwi De Cotte could be the race to beat.
Key Question: Can Kiwi De Cotte’s pedigree and recent form translate into a chase victory?
4. Muskerry Rock (7YO) – 20/1
Trainer: James King | Jockey: Mr P A King | Weight: 11-9
Form: 210338/ (Dual winning pointer)
Muskerry Rock is a dual winner in the pointing field but has struggled in recent chases. His form suggests he’s capable of making an impact, but consistency has been an issue. With the Kings (trainer and jockey) both aboard, this could be a gamble worth taking for those looking for a long-shot winner.
Key Question: Can Muskerry Rock bounce back from recent struggles?
5. Occupational Force (7YO) – 4/1
Trainer: D M O’Brien | Jockey: Mr R James | Weight: 11-9
Form: 513525/ (Winning pointer)
Occupational Force is another horse making the transition from pointing to chases. His form in hunters has been modest, but he’s shown flashes of quality. With O’Brien’s experience in developing chasers, this could be a horse to watch for those looking for value.
Key Question: Will Occupational Force’s experience in hunters help him in this chase?
6. Rilo Tang (7YO) – 25/1
Trainer: Ms Alice Curran | Jockey: Mr A T Feeney | Weight: 11-9
Form: 60312P/ (Third in a novice hurdle last year)
Rilo Tang is the longest-priced runner but arrives with a strong hurdling pedigree, having finished third in a novice hurdle last year. His debut under Rules could be a gamble, but with Curran’s eye for developing talent, this could be a horse to keep an eye on for future races.
Key Question: Can Rilo Tang’s hurdling experience help him in this chase?
7. Thehandsomecharmer (5YO) – 25/1
Trainer: W Codd | Jockey: Mr J L Scallan | Weight: 11-9
Form: 5P14/ (Winner of a pointing race)
The youngest runner in the field, Thehandsomecharmer, arrives as a winner in pointing but with limited chase experience. His youth and inexperience could work against him, but his recent victory suggests he has the potential to make an impact.
Key Question: Is Thehandsomecharmer ready for the demands of a chase?
8. Tiffiny’s Girl (6YO) – 31/1
Trainer: W J Burke | Jockey: Mr J C Barry | Weight: 11-7
Form: 832221/ (Consistent but unplaced in recent starts)
Tiffiny’s Girl is the longest-priced runner but arrives with a consistent record in pointing. Her lighter weight could give her an advantage in this race, but her lack of recent success suggests she may struggle to make an impact.
Key Question: Can Tiffiny’s Girl’s consistency translate into a chase victory?
Tactical Insights: How to Approach the Race
The Wexford Novice Hunters Chase is a race where patience and adaptability will be key. The going conditions—good to yielding with yielding in places—mean that horses that can handle varying track firmness will have the edge. Here’s how to approach the race:
1. The Favorites: Black Dakota and Kiwi De Cotte
Both horses arrive with strong recent form in the pointing field, and their transition to chases will be the focus. Black Dakota, with his recent wins, may look to set a steady pace early, while Kiwi De Cotte—with his unbeaten record—could look to make a late charge. Betting on either could be wise, but be prepared for a tactical battle.
2. The Dark Horse: Begger
Begger’s recent improvement under Rules makes him a horse to watch. If he can avoid the mistakes of his last start, he could be a strong contender. His jockey, Ms Phillips, is known for her ability to manage races, so don’t be surprised if Begger makes a late run.
3. The Long Shots: Muskerry Rock and Rilo Tang
While these horses are priced long, they arrive with strong pedigrees and recent wins. Muskerry Rock’s dual-winning status in pointing suggests he has the ability, while Rilo Tang’s hurdling experience could be an asset in this chase. Both could provide value for those looking for a gamble.
4. The Going Conditions
The good to yielding going with yielding in places will favor horses that can adapt quickly. Those that struggle with soft ground in their recent form may find this race challenging. Keep an eye on how the horses react to the first few fences—they that can maintain their rhythm will have the best chance.
Betting Insights: Where to Place Your Money
With eight runners in the field, there are plenty of options for bettors. Here’s a breakdown of the best betting opportunities:
Key Takeaways for the Race
- The Wexford Novice Hunters Chase is a crucial race for horses making the transition from pointing to chases.
- Black Dakota and Kiwi De Cotte are the favorites, but Begger could be the dark horse.
- The good to yielding going with yielding in places will favor adaptable horses.
- Betting opportunities range from safe each-way bets to high-risk, high-reward win bets.
- This race could serve as a springboard for future success in the longer-distance chases.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What is a Novice Hunters Chase?
A Novice Hunters Chase is a steeplechase race for horses that have not yet won a chase. It’s typically the first step for horses transitioning from hurdles or pointing to the longer-distance chases.
Why is this race important?
This race serves as a proving ground for horses making the transition from pointing to chases. A strong performance here could lead to higher-level races in the future, including the Punchestown Festival and other major steeplechase events.
What are the best betting options?
The safest bets are each-way on Black Dakota or Kiwi De Cotte. For higher risk, consider win bets on Muskerry Rock or Rilo Tang. Exotic bets like placepots or tricasts can also provide good value.
How does the going affect the race?
The good to yielding going with yielding in places favors horses that can adapt to varying track firmness. Horses that struggle with soft ground in their recent form may find this race challenging.
The Verdict: Who Will Win?
The Wexford Novice Hunters Chase is a race where anything can happen. While Black Dakota and Kiwi De Cotte arrive as the favorites, Begger’s recent improvement and the unpredictable nature of novice chases mean that the winner could come from anywhere in the field.
For bettors, this race offers a mix of safe options and high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a novice, there’s something here for everyone.
One thing is certain: the winner of this race will be a horse to watch in the coming months, as they look to build on their success in the steeplechase world.