RACING CONFIDENTIAL: The future Gold Cup star who introduced Jack Grealish’s agent to tears, the under-the-radar coach you want to observe and Chester’s grand enlargement plans

Ballyburn, arguably the most exciting novice chaser in training and a horse with untapped potential, looks increasingly likely to enliven Kempton’s Christmas fixture.

Trained by Willie Mullins, Ballyburn is co-owned by Ronnie Bartlett and David Manasseh, the leading football agent whose clients include Jack Grealish. To say that Manasseh adores this gelding would be an understatement and he wept tears of joy when Ballyburn won at Cheltenham in March.

It is unusual for Mullins to consider bringing a novice of this quality over England so early in the season but there is a lack of suitable two-mile options in Ireland at present, something the champion trainer has bemoaned, and it has forced him to be creative.

Racing Confidential understands this means Ballyburn is almost certain to contest the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices Chase on December 27, a race that demands impeccable jumping at high speed, and what a treat it would be for racegoers at Kempton.

There tends to be a drop in the atmosphere at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue after Boxing Day, when there is the crackerjack hour featuring the King George VI Chase plus the Christmas Hurdle and Kauto Star Novices Chase, but a performer of Ballyburn’s class would certainly boost the attendance.

If things progress as connections of Ballyburn hope, the sky is his limit. His main target this season is the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but, further down the line, the ultimate ambition is to win the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Bartlett and Manasseh have absolute faith in Mullins to make the right decisions, while at the same time they both share the general public’s excitement that Ballyburn, who won his first race over fences at Punchestown in November with swaggering ease, might be something out of the ordinary.

Should you need a reminder of his ability, re-watch his systematic dismantling of the field in the Gallagher Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham nine months ago. This observer was at the final hurdle as he crossed it on the way to a 13-length triumph. The winning distance could easily have been 43.

Cromwell’s Cheltenham coup 

There is nothing new about Irish-trained winners at Cheltenham but following the course’s latest two-day fixture, a point must be reinforced about Gavin Cromwell.

His record when sending runners to the Cotswolds from his base in Balrath, County Meath, is nothing short of staggering and Stumptown’s cosy success in the Glenfarclas Cross Country handicap was the latest evidence of his ability – 11 of his last 46 runners, dating back to October 2023, have won.

It is a remarkable strike rate for one of the shrewdest operators in the business, who is just as adept as preparing a young filly for the Breeders Cup – his Fiery Lucy outran odds of 46-1 to finish fourth in the Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar in November – as he is getting the best from a staying chaser.

Cromwell will be among the winners this Christmas at home – Inothewayurthinkin is being aimed at the Savills Chase on December 28 – and in the United Kingdom. Wherever his representatives turn up, follow them closely.

Rising star Johnston pairs up with Dai Walters 

Dylan Johnston is a young jockey going places and it says everything for his potential that he was recently snapped up by leading owner Dai Walters on a retainer.

That partnership was cemented in recent days when Johnston gave a super ride to a promising bumper horse named Doctor On Call at Hereford for trainer Paul Nicholls then followed up by getting on the scoresheet aboard Vincenzo for Sam Thomas when jumping returned to Windsor.

He has partnered 18 winners to date and sits second to Freddie Gingell (who has 24) in the Conditional Jockeys Championship – the battle between them to take the title could be just as compelling as the one that is set to be contested by Sean Bowen and Harry Skelton for the main title.

‘Things are going well,’ Johnston told Racing Confidential. ‘The one for Mr Nicholls was nice and we will see where he goes next. He gave me a good feel. I just want to keep riding as many winners as I can. We’ve got lots of nice young horses and hopefully there will be plenty more to come this year.’

Patrick Mullins is a chip off the old block in Britain 

Patrick Mullins is no stranger to winning in Britain and one exciting strand of his father Willie’s pursuit of the National Hunt Trainers Championship was his tour around this island.

In one mad week in April, he was successful at Ffos Las, Ludlow and Perth and also managed to hot foot it from riding in the Coral Scottish National to take a seat at Wembley the following day to watch Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City.

He’s always happy to travel to partner Willie’s horses but his name has been appearing on racecards with increased regularity of late, popping up at Wincanton, Lingfield and even Catterick and there is a reason for it.

Having been Ireland’s Champion Amateur Jockey 16 times, there is an ambition to see if he could become Britain’s Champion Amateur this season. He’s currently fourth in the table behind Alex Chadwick – don’t bet against him pulling this off.

Chester’s fresh start 

Chester Racecourse drips with history. It was the first venue to stage a meeting in 1539 and the phrase ‘the gee-gees’ was coined in reference to Sir Henry Gee, who was the city’s major at the time and wanted to see an annual racing event.

The course, like so many others, faced challenges during and immediately after the pandemic but it has come out firing this year and its August meeting – which was illuminated by the performance of Absurde, who went on to finish third in the Melbourne Cup – was a particular highlight.

Such are the course’s strong foundations, it has applied for planning permission for an ambitious project that aims to be completed by 2039 to mark the 500th anniversary. The first phase would see a new hospitality building constructed in the Paddock area and new operational facilities.

‘This is a pivotal moment for Chester Race Company and this first phase is an exciting step forward in our 15-year Strategic Development Plan,’ said Louise Stewart, Chester’s Chief Executive, who hopes – pending planning approval being successful – that work will start next year or in early 2026.

‘The completed projects will significantly enhance the guest experience and our operational efficiency, laying the ground for future phases and all aimed at creating a sustainable, vibrant future for Chester Racecourse while conserving its unique heritage.’