Trainer Joe Tizzard is carefully considering his options for JPR One, the stable star fresh off an emotional victory in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 8. The seven-year-old edged out Venetia Williams’ Djelo by three-quarters of a length, marking a second consecutive win in the Grade Two contest for Tizzard’s yard and continuing a family tradition of success in the race.
Tizzard is now pondering whether to aim for the Grade One Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on December 7 or the lucrative Richard Landale Memorial Handicap Chase at Kelso the following day.
“He’s come out of the race really well, and I was thrilled with his performance,” said Tizzard. “We’ve got options—either tackle the Tingle Creek or head to Kelso. I’ll take the time to weigh it all up.”
On JPR One’s broader campaign, Tizzard highlighted the dilemma of targeting handicaps to climb the ratings or testing his mettle against the likes of Jonbon in a top-tier company:
“He’s still 16lb below Jonbon on official ratings, so we’ll decide whether to tackle another handicap or take a crack at the top level now.”
Western Knight’s Ascendancy
Meanwhile, Western Knight, a promising hurdler in Tizzard’s stable, is attracting attention after an impressive win at Ascot. The five-year-old, ridden by Brendan Powell, followed up his Uttoxeter victory earlier in the month by stepping up in class and distance to edge out Nicky Henderson’s Excello by a head.
Tizzard is eyeing the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14 as a potential next step for the progressive youngster.
“He’s seriously on the up,” said Tizzard. “From Uttoxeter to Ascot, it was a big improvement. He’s learning how to race and his jumping is improving. There’s more to come.”
Western Knight’s growing maturity and stamina suggest he could step up further in the trip as the season unfolds:
“He galloped right through the line at Ascot, so Cheltenham over a bit further could suit. We’ll let the dust settle before deciding.”
Both horses exemplify the growing strength of Tizzard’s yard, with exciting campaigns ahead for these promising talents.