Ma Shantou Upsets Favourite Excello in Windsor’s Return

Windsor’s first jumps race in nearly two decades delivered a surprising result as Ma Shantou, trained by Emma Lavelle, defeated odds-on favourite Excello in the Fitzdares Welcomes Jumping Back @ Royal Windsor EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

In a small field of four runners, Nico De Boinville, aboard Nicky Henderson’s Excello, set a strong early pace, attempting to lead from start to finish. The race appeared to be unfolding as expected, with De Boinville pushing hard to stretch the field around the top bend.

However, Ma Shantou, ridden by champion jockey Harry Cobden and priced at 15-8, refused to be shaken off. Cobden seized his opportunity as they approached the final flight, while Excello, unable to respond, faded in the closing stages. Ma Shantou surged ahead to secure a decisive one-and-three-quarter length victory, leaving Excello to settle for second place.

The result marked an exciting start to Windsor’s renewed National Hunt racing, bringing unexpected drama and a memorable upset in the track’s historic return to jumps competition.