The spotlight will be on Reach For The Moon as he prepares to make his hurdling debut at Sedgefield on Wednesday.
Formerly owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the 5-year-old bay gelding achieved success as a Group Three winner and secured a commendable second place in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trained by John and Thady Gosden during his time with the Queen, Reach For The Moon also impressed with a second-place finish in the Hampton Court Stakes as a three-year-old, overcoming a setback that prevented him from participating in the Classics. After a dip in form during three subsequent races, Reach For The Moon was entrusted to Jamie Snowden to upstart his career.
Snowden has taken a patient approach with his new recruit, and now feels the time is ripe to dip his hooves into hurdling waters, potentially leading to an appearance at the esteemed Cheltenham Festival. Notably, Reach For The Moon now runs in the Queen's colours and shares ownership with the esteemed former Arsenal chairman, Sir Chips Keswick. Snowden expressed his satisfaction with the horse's transition to jumping, emphasising his precise and elegant technique over hurdles. The horse's training progress has been exemplary, a testament to his natural talent as a Flat racer.
Although the change in terrain and the challenge of eight flighted hurdles will be new to Reach For The Moon, Snowden remains optimistic, citing the horse's stamina-rich pedigree as a positive factor. While the ground conditions may be slightly different from what he's accustomed to, if Reach For The Moon can replicate his home performance on the track, his chances appear promising. Snowden acknowledged that every journey begins with a first step, and he is eager to witness the path that lies ahead for this remarkable horse.