The Good Night Shirt Hurdle Stakes is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Foxfield Races in Charlottesville, Virginia. This 2 1/8-mile hurdle race offers a $50,000 purse and is open to four-year-olds and older horses rated 130 or lower. Named after the legendary steeplechase champion Good Night Shirt, this stakes race promises a thrilling contest among seasoned jumpers and emerging talents.
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees:
- Lydford (GB)
- Pedigree: Sired by Fastnet Rock (AUS), out of Miss Brown To You (IRE) (by Fasliyev).
- Trainer: Thomas Garner
- Jockey: Evan Dwan
- Analysis: An eight-year-old gelding, Lydford has shown consistency in hurdle races. His pedigree emphasizes speed and stamina, making him a strong contender in this long-distance event.
- Foxy Walk (IRE)
- Pedigree: Sired by Walk In The Park (IRE), out of Cuteasafox (IRE) (by Vinnie Roe (IRE)).
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: Luke Carberry
- Analysis: A six-year-old gelding, Foxy Walk has a solid record in steeplechase events. His European pedigree suggests strong jumping ability and endurance.
- Cool Jet (IRE)
- Pedigree: Sired by Jet Away (GB), out of Cool Trix (IRE) (by Presenting (GB)).
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: James O’Sullivan
- Analysis: A nine-year-old gelding, Cool Jet is the highest-rated horse in the field and carries 158 pounds. His experience and pedigree make him a formidable competitor.
- Theocrat (IRE)
- Pedigree: Sired by Teofilo (IRE), out of Novel Approach (IRE) (by New Approach (IRE)).
- Trainer: Keri Brion
- Jockey: Stephen Mulqueen
- Analysis: An eight-year-old gelding, Theocrat has shown promise in hurdle races. His pedigree emphasizes stamina and adaptability, making him a strong contender.
- Welshman
- Pedigree: Sired by Flintshire (GB), out of Unforgiving (by Giant’s Causeway).
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: Sean McDermott
- Analysis: A seven-year-old gelding, Welshman has demonstrated consistency and resilience in steeplechase events. His pedigree highlights stamina and durability.
- Total Joy (IRE)
- Pedigree: Sired by Ribchester (IRE), out of Ludi Lu (FR) (by New Approach (IRE)).
- Trainer: Leslie F. Young
- Jockey: Jamie Bargary
- Analysis: A six-year-old gelding, Total Joy has shown flashes of potential in hurdle races. His pedigree combines speed and stamina, making him a versatile competitor.
- Proven Innocent
- Pedigree: Sired by Blame, out of Meghan’s Joy (by A.P. Indy).
- Trainer: Jack Fisher
- Jockey: Dylan McDonough
- Analysis: A seven-year-old gelding, Proven Innocent has been competitive in steeplechase events. His pedigree emphasizes stamina and class, making him a dark horse in this field.
Race Analysis:
The Good Night Shirt Hurdle Stakes is expected to be a tactical affair, with the long distance testing the stamina and jumping ability of the field. Cool Jet’s experience and rating make him the horse to beat, but Lydford’s consistency and Foxy Walk’s European pedigree add intrigue. Welshman and Total Joy bring versatility and resilience to the race, while Theocrat and Proven Innocent could surprise with strong efforts.
