Full stable updates!
Exciting news for Ursa Major Racing as Punxsutawney Phil is set to take on the Fairyhouse Racecourse on Irish Grand National Day (April 21st). After an impressive recent campaign—winning decisively before finishing a close second in the Go North Final, only beaten in the last 100 yards—connections have their sights set on an overseas adventure.
Racing manager Craig and trainer Mark have shrewdly identified this race as an ideal opportunity, with Punxsutawney Phil carrying a light weight. The team is confident he can adopt a “catch me if you can” approach, making full use of his strengths. With excitement building, flights are being booked, and the Battenberg silks will soon be flying across the Irish Sea.
Ursa Major Racing: Full Stable Update
Today, Craig provided an in-depth update on all Ursa Major runners, outlining their recent performances and upcoming plans. Here’s the latest on each horse:
• Ashington – Ran well in tough ground at Kelso, finishing 5th of 16. Possible runner at Cheltenham in early April.
• Bay Dream Believer – Enjoyed a strong season last year. Returns to action at Nottingham in mid-April.
• Beltane – Has thrived during his break and is set to start at Catterick in April.
• Curious Rover – Begins his campaign at Musselburgh on Tuesday. Connections hope for another shot at the Epsom Dash.
• May Blossom – Looking great early this season and could be aimed at a valuable race.
• Kalganov – Well-handicapped but now in a last-chance scenario. Needs to show his ability.
• Mali And Me – Set for a debut over shorter distances, with plans to step up over time.
• Baby Rover – Over a minor illness and will return over 5f in the next couple of weeks.
• Heritier – Inconsistent last season, but the team remains hopeful for improvement.
• Jumeira Vision – Back to a winning handicap mark and expected to show his best soon.
• Huit Reflects – Expected to return to action in the coming weeks.
• Noble Consort – Recovering after bleeding in his last run. Could be well-handicapped.
• Suitably Surprised – Had a great year in 2024, now fresh from a break and looking in top shape.
• Joshua Des Flos – Video released showing him enjoying time off after surgery.
• Darlo Pride – Strong all-weather campaign. Undergoing knee surgery before returning next season.
• Straya – Strengthened up over the winter. Aims to return this weekend.
• Northern Tempest – Still maturing but should be ready to hit the track in May.
• Secretinthesky – Impressing the team. Expected to run in May.
• Good Guys Girl – Turning two soon and should be ready to race by May/June.
• Pescatorius – Had a setback but will return to action shortly.
• Tarlac – Disappointed in his last race but is still learning. Expected to be back out next week.
• Kodi Bear – A later developer, expected to debut in July.
• Defence Witness – Likely suffered from a virus last time out. Expected to show much more soon.
• Sassy Glory – Strengthened up significantly and will run at Catterick very soon.
• Mr Sundancer – Had a break and is set to return in April.
• Ingennio – Expected to make his debut in May.
• Sonning – Trainer Mark is very happy with him. Expected to run on both the flat and over jumps in the coming weeks.
• Falcon Nine – Disappointed on debut but a change of tactics should see him bounce back.
• Glory And Honour – Ran too keen at Carlisle but remains a talented performer.
• Restandbethankful – Back after a long layoff. Will go chasing and is one to keep an eye on.
• Final Edgar – Has faced issues but ran well at Hexham on Monday. Should be back out in April.
• Chasingouttheblues – Struggled at Uttoxeter due to the ground but heads to Ayr for Scottish Grand National day.
• Court Correspondent – Had a setback but should be ready to run later in the year.
Looking to the Future
Ursa Major Racing remains committed to increasing the quality of horses in the yard. With ambitions growing, the team is actively seeking a superstar for the club—one that can compete at the highest level.
As Punxsutawney Phil leads the charge overseas, the rest of the team is gearing up for an exciting spring campaign. With Cheltenham, Ayr, Nottingham, and Catterick all on the radar, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Stay tuned for more updates as Ursa Major Racing continues to chase success on both sides of the Irish Sea!