A fierce Warrior

Sun 30 Nov 2025

Winner 74 of 2025: FIERCE WARRIOR, trained by Nicky Henderson (OBE) and ridden by Brian Hughes. The ‘Aalberts IPS Pegler Valves Handicap Chase (Go North Red Rum Series Qualifier)” over 3m2f at Doncaster.

Following a very promising chasing debut at Sedgefield behind a subsequent winner, Nicky Henderson travelled Fierce Warrior to Doncaster, where he was partnered once again by former champion jockey Brian Hughes.

Stepped back up in trip to 3m2f, we were hoping for a very bold showing from our fella. The unexpected amount of rainfall posed a question for our son of Sholokov, one he answered with authority.

Jumping into the lead early on, he virtually made all at Town Moor, jumping with wonderful fluidity and galloping on relentlessly. Following a mistake by a rival Fierce was left alone in front in the home straight, popping the last few fences the eventual second attempted to come with a wet sail from the back of the last, he got upsides our charge but Fierce showed his Warrior like traits and pulled out more to win going away again confirming that he’s an exciting staying chaser in the making.

Fierce Warrior really is a fantastic and perfect syndicate horse, with victories in a bumper, maiden and handicap hurdle, who looks to have an even brighter future ahead over fences.

Find the full replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Doncaster/29-November-2025/1407

Timeform rated his chasing victory with a 119, saying:

"Confirmed promise of chasing debut, obviously benefiting from the step up in trip; made running, jumped soundly in main, travelled well, driven after 2 out, idled approaching last, asserted flat; he's taken well to chasing and his style could see him remain ahead of his mark."

Many thanks to Steve Mullington, who was on side, taking pictures of our winning team around Fierce Warrior.

Syndicate Manager Tom Palin was full of praise: "Congratulations.

"That was a fantastic performance by our son of Sholokov. A brilliant round of jumping, on ground probably softer than ideal, but he handled it really well. It felt like a good piece of placement, a sensible option so to speak, after his very encouraging chasing debut at Sedgefield, and Brian gave him a great, confident ride from the front. He's now won in all three disciplines, a bumper, a hurdle and a chase; that's a fine collection he's gathering for himself, and I'm sure there's more to come yet."

Again, a very well done to his owners.

Find the link to the official winning photos here: https://www.nigelkirbyphotography.com/Horse-Racing/Doncaster-Racecourse/Meetings-2025/Doncaster-Sat-29-Nov-2025