Cheltenham return for Ashington on the cards as part of Wonderful Wednesday

Ashington became Ursa Major’s first runner at Cheltenham in November - and he could be returning to jump racing’s HQ after being entered next Wednesday.

It marks one part of a huge day for Ursa, with Major Kessaar set to make his racecourse debut at Beverley, No Speed Limit expected to have his first run the Battenbergs at Kempton and Bay Dream Believer back on turf.

Ashington (Mark Walford) is entered in the 2m1f handicap hurdle for conditional and amateur riders at Prestbury Park.

The eight year old is guaranteed to make the cut and this will mark the start of a busy spring and summer campaign for a horse who has already given us so much, but deserves a win.

Major Kessaar (Rebecca Menzies) will become our first two-year-old runner of the year over 5f at Beverley the same day, should all go well between now and then.

Rebecca has been really pleased with his progress and it would be superb to get the gelding out nice and early.

No Speed Limit (George Baker) is a proper speedy, experienced sprinter who we have brought over from Ireland and he will be having his first run in our colours at Kempton. We believe he is well handicapped and he has pleased George in his work to date.

Finally, Bay Dream Believer (Mark Walford) is another heading to Beverley where we are hoping for a sound surface as she tackles 1m4f.

She was a non runner after we walked the track at Pontefract this week, so we are hoping for some more good in the ground this time. She will come on for this.

Racing Manager Craig Talbot said: “If all four run this will be one of the biggest and most momentus days our owners have ever had.

“You can feel the buzz of excitement already and to have a Cheltenham runner, a debutant, a new recruit and a comeback all in one day would be a real milestone.

“All the horses are well and competitive and we will keep everything crossed that remains the case.”

Andrew Morris