Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle

Grade 2, Ascot 14:40
(registered as The Ascot Hurdle),
£100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus,
2m 3f 58y, Class 1  
Saturday 22nd November 2025

1 Wodhooh 6/5F
2 Celtic Dino 2/1
3 Potters Charm 9/1
8 ran NR: Nemean Lion Distances: 2½l, 5½l, 1½l
Time: 4m 40.99s (slow by 5.69s)

Danny Gilligan judged it to the stride as Wodhooh swept through late to win, Gordon Elliott’s mare once again advertising her sharp turn of foot on a stage that rarely forgives hesitation. Last season’s Martin Pipe winner, and subsequently second to Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle, she arrived as the 6-5 favourite for a Grade Two that has not often travelled back across the Irish Sea since Faugheen took it 11 years ago.

Celtic Dino, fresh from Welsh Champion Hurdle success for Sam Thomas, set out to make it a searching test, rolling along with intent and still very much in the argument approaching the last. Wodhooh, though, had been creeping ever closer, Gilligan content to sit chilly until the moment presented itself. The pair rose together at the final flight but, once back on the flat, Wodhooh’s change of gear told, stretching two and a half lengths clear in the final 100 yards.

Elliott was understandably satisfied with the display, saying: “She’s a good mare and where she’ll end up I’m not quite sure, but she keeps winning, so I’m delighted.

“We knew they were going to go quick up front on that ground so we said we would take our time, but I just liked the attitude she showed to quicken going down over the last, it was great.

“She’s good and we’re lucky to have her. We’ll get her home now and have a chat about what we do next, I’m not too sure yet.

“Today was the plan and she’s done great, so I’m delighted.”

A measured ride, a willing mare, and a finish that spoke of a horse still moving forward—Wodhooh left Ascot with her reputation very much enhanced.

BoyleSports

Ascot Hurdle (registered As The Ascot Hurdle) (Grade 2)
£100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 3f 58y, Class 1
8 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Wodhooh 5 10-7 Gordon Elliott Danny Gilligan 6/5F
2 2½ Celtic Dino 6 11-0 Sam Thomas Dylan Johnston 2/1
3 5½ Potters Charm 6 11-3 Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 9/1
4 1½ Kateira 8 10-11 Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell 14/1
5 nk Altobelli 7 11-0 Harry Fry Bryan Carver 9/1
6 21 Winter Fog 11 11-0 W P Mullins Harry Cobden 28/1
7 shd Gwennie May Boy 7 11-6 Olly Murphy Kevin Brogan 80/1
8 17 Crambo 8 11-6 Fergal O'Brien Jonathan Burke 28/1
NR Nemean Lion 8 11-6 Kerry Lee NON RUNNER

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