As the National Hunt season unfolds, racing fans and punters alike are eagerly analysing the form and potential of some standout British-trained horses. With the jumps racing calendar offering up plenty of high-stakes events, now is the perfect time to consider which contenders might deliver the goods this season. For those eyeing a horse racing bet, knowing which horses have the staying power and skill to tackle the toughest courses and competition can make all the difference.
Here, we spotlight four promising British-trained jumpers poised for a big season ahead, each with the potential to make a significant impact on the racing scene and in the betting markets.
Constitution Hill
Kicking off with a thoroughly obvious choice, the entire racing community is hotly anticipating Constitution Hill’s long-awaited return to the racecourse.
The Nicky Henderson-trained hurdler is the most exciting horse in the National Hunt sphere, but he suffered from illnesses last season—ultimately appearing just once at Kempton in December.
There are varying reports regarding his well-being and whether he will still be the same indomitable animal he was before, but let’s hope Constitution Hill returns in full vein and is ready to dominate the two-mile hurdling scene once again.
Grey Dawning
Britain’s leading hope in the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup, all eyes will be on Grey Dawning in the early stages of the campaign to see if he has the credentials to take on the likes of Galopin Des Champs and company.
A quality novice chaser last campaign, winning three of his outings for Dan Skelton—including the Grade 1 Turners’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham—and placing in the others, the seven-year-old has the potential to take it up a notch now out of novice company this campaign.
Whether he has what it takes to win a hot renewal of the Gold Cup remains to be seen, but Grey Dawning certainly has the capability to win more Grade 1s for the Skelton team this season—potentially starting with the Haydock Chase later this month.
Jonbon
Another entry on the list for veteran trainer Henderson, fan favourite Jonbon is set for another big season over fences.
Owned by the esteemed JP McManus, the eight-year-old was also among several Seven Barrows runners to miss Cheltenham last year.
However, he returned to action in April to rack up quickfire Grade 1s at Aintree and Sandown. The Queen Mother Champion Chase will be the ultimate goal for Jonbon this season, and the battle with Willie Mullins’ duo of Gaelic Warrior and El Fabiolo should be interesting.
Caldwell Potter
It’s impossible to examine British-trained horses and not include one from 14-time Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls and the one from Ditcheat that is likely to garner the most interest this season is Caldwell Potter.
A syndicate that includes the legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson smashed the record for a jumps horse when purchasing the six-year-old for roughly £632,000—which has since been shattered by Lady Bamford’s £1.2 million purchase of German Derby winner Palladium, who joined Henderson.
Caldwell Potter, who oozed class when winning the Future Champions Novice Hurdle by over six lengths at Leopardstown in December, is yet to make his first start for his new yard. But he’s set to go over fences this season, and it will be a high-profile reappearance.