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Highland Pride Claims First Grade 2 Win in Thrilling Ffos Las Chase

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 3:54 GMT by Sky Sports

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Sky Sports Racing Highlights: Jumps Action from Ffos Las and Hexham

On Sunday morning, Sky Sports Racing brought fans an action‑packed day of National Hunt racing from two of Britain’s most storied courses – the newly minted Ffos Las in Carmarthenshire and the historic Hexham in Northumberland. The broadcast captured everything from dramatic front‑court finishes to unexpected upsets, giving a full picture of how the day’s top trainers, jockeys and horses performed under a variety of conditions.

Ffos Las – A Day of First‑Time Glory

Ffos Las, which opened its doors to the public in 2021, had been the site of its first full programme of graded races during the 2024/25 season. The 3½‑mile course, known for its tight turns and generous fences, provided a challenging test for both novice and experienced competitors.

The “Ffos Las Chase” – A Tale of Two Front‑Courts

The marquee race of the day, the 4‑mile “Ffos Las Chase”, saw 12 runners battling under a wet, yielding surface. In the lead from the start were the long‑shot 10‑to‑1 favourite, “Boreal Dream”, ridden by the ever‑confident jockey Tommy Larkin. He opened up a clear advantage early, only to be followed closely by Eddie Hargreaves aboard the 8‑to‑1 favourite, “Highland Pride”.

In a thrilling finish, “Highland Pride” drew level with “Boreal Dream” in the straight, but a decisive move from Hargreaves in the final 200 metres gave the 8‑to‑1 the win by a neck. Trainer John Hynes praised his stablemate’s “great stamina and a solid last‑lap gallop”. The victory gave Highland Pride its first Grade 2 win, boosting the horse’s profile for the upcoming Grand National meeting.

The “Ffos Las Novice Hurdle” – A Showcase of New Talent

The second highlight was the 2½‑mile “Ffos Las Novice Hurdle”, featuring 15 runners. The race was dominated by the 5‑to‑1 favourite, “Young Firefly”, who had previously shown promise at the flat before being turned over to jumps. In a tight group finish, “Young Firefly” pulled away in the final stride to win by a length, cementing its status as a contender for the upcoming Festival of Hurdles.

The win was lauded by trainer Sally Smith, who noted the horse’s “impressive take‑off and the way it handled the more demanding fences at Ffos Las”. The victory also gave the trainer a “golden chance to bring the horse to a more prominent race” over the next few months.

Hexham – The Return of a Classic

Hexham Racecourse, which celebrated its 120th anniversary this season, had been reopened in 2022 after a long closure. Its 3¼‑mile track is famed for its wide turns and the “Hexham Round” – a long, sweeping stretch that has produced memorable finishes over the years.

The “Hexham Handicap Chase” – A Night of Drama

In the 4¼‑mile “Hexham Handicap Chase”, 13 runners took to the course under firm turf. The field was dominated early by the 12‑to‑1 favourite, “Stormy Weather”, ridden by the seasoned jockey Paul Anderson. As the field entered the final round, Anderson pulled “Stormy Weather” back into the lead, where the horse’s superior stamina was on full display.

The race finished in a two‑horse photo finish between “Stormy Weather” and Eddie Hargreaves’s “Red Dwarf”. The margin, a mere 0.02 seconds, gave “Stormy Weather” a narrow but decisive victory. Trainer David Carter hailed his horse’s “consistency and determination” throughout the race.

The “Hexham 2‑mile Novice Hurdle” – A Stepping‑Stone for New Prospects

The “Hexham 2‑mile Novice Hurdle” showcased a group of six runners, all under the noses of their trainers for their first jumps season. The race was won by the 4‑to‑1 favourite, “Silver Whisper”, who displayed “clean landing and a strong finish”. The win provided a platform for trainer Claire Hughes to consider stepping her horse up in distance for the forthcoming “Guisborough Novice Hurdle”.

Key Takeaways from the Day

1. Trainer Impact – Trainers John Hynes, Sally Smith, and David Carter each secured victories, underscoring the importance of astute training regimes at both courses.

2. Jockey Performance – Eddie Hargreaves and Paul Anderson both delivered standout performances, highlighting the role of jockey experience in navigating challenging courses.

3. Racing Conditions – The varied ground conditions – wet and yielding at Ffos Las vs. firm turf at Hexham – tested the versatility of the horses and added to the excitement of the day.

4. Future Prospects – Horses such as “Highland Pride” and “Stormy Weather” will be strong candidates for upcoming Grade 2 and Grade 3 races. “Young Firefly” and “Silver Whisper” look poised to step up in class over the next season.

5. Course Legacy – Ffos Las continues to cement its reputation as a modern, high‑quality venue, while Hexham’s return to the National Hunt calendar underscores the enduring appeal of historic courses.

A Glimpse Ahead

Looking forward, the performances at Ffos Las and Hexham will have implications for the rest of the National Hunt season. Highland Pride and Stormy Weather are expected to appear in the upcoming “Cleveland 2‑mile Chase” and “Grand National”, respectively, while the young prospects “Young Firefly” and “Silver Whisper” could be targets for the “Festival of Hurdles” and “Guisborough Novice Hurdle”. The broadcast will continue to follow these horses and their campaigns, providing insights and updates as the season progresses.

Final Thoughts

Sky Sports Racing’s coverage of jumps action from Ffos Las and Hexham offered a comprehensive snapshot of the National Hunt scene. From the strategic decisions made by trainers and jockeys to the thrilling finishes that captivated viewers, the day was a testament to the enduring allure of jump racing. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the races of Ffos Las and Hexham provided an exciting blend of skill, speed, and sheer spectacle.