Age ain't nothing but a number

Mon 02 Feb 2026

Winner 17 of 2026: RED RISK, trained by Paul Nicholls (OBE) and ridden by Freddie Keighley (7). The ‘Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)’ over 3m at Musselburgh.

Some victories just give you that little bit more of enjoyment and satisfaction. Red Risk, rolling back the years and winning, yet again, a very high-class and competitive Handicap Hurdle at the grand age of 11, surely counts as one of those.

Paul Nicholls has been extremely happy with our horse in the lead-up to the race, and young Freddie Keighley gave our gelding a brilliantly confident ride. It was a foot-perfect round of jumping from Red Risk, who still travelled strongly inside the last half mile before he jumped into the lead three from home.  He comfortably nicked three lengths of the field inside the final two furlongs, and a huge leap over the last settled the victory, despite our young jockey losing his whip in the closing stages.

To see our veteran still so competitive and in love with the game is a testament to the team at Ditcheat, who have our gelding in fantastic form.

Red Risk is the latest winner from our popular Black Friday Promotion.

Find his full race replay via the link: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2026-02-01/musselburgh/1540

It's a first victory for Freddie Keighley at Musselburgh: "Last time out in Haydock, he got a bit stuck amongst the other horses, and he didn't travel as well as he could have, so I was hoping that if I sit more handy, he would enjoy it a bit more. He travelled so strongly today, his jumping was superb, and knowing he stays so well, I thought over the second last, let's try and kick away from them, and they just never got to us. A huge performance and a fantastic result. "

Timeform rated his victory with a 142; "Landed his second competitive-looking handicap (also third in this in 2025) from his last 4 starts 11 weeks on from his return but the much flatter runs in between sum him up well, suggesting a repeat of this level of form and enthusiasm in a race that didn't tax him is no certainty next time; tracked pace out wide, quickened to lead 3 out, already got first run and clear when rider dropped whip between last 2, kept up to work."

Syndicate Manager Tom Palin on Red Risk after the race: "Congratulations on yet another victory. He is now 11 years "young", but showing no signs of that age creeping up on him. Don't think I've ever seen him travel as powerfully. He was full of freshness, jumped with effortless ease, and, I believe, thoroughly enjoyed it. A very comfortable watch, as he always seemed in the right place and even when Freddie kicked for home, there was never really a moment of doubt; he kept on so well. An incredible victory from your fella - who is clearly still in love with the game"

Follow the link for his official winning photos: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C386162593/x6-red-risk