Sean Bowen Saturday Blog | Cheltenham December Meeting
12 Dec 2025
Coral Racing Ambassador, Sean Bowen, previews his six rides at Cheltenham on the second day of the December Meeting, including They Call Me Hugo who looks to remain unbeaten over hurdles in the Grade 2 contest at 15:00.
12:40 Cheltenham – Holokea
Holokea has made a good start to his chasing career. He scored nicely at Ffos Las two runs back and then he came close to successfully following up at Uttoxeter. The stiff track will suit him, so I expect him to run a big race.
13:15 Cheltenham – Realta Liath
I have not ridden this mare before, but there was a lot to like about her performance at Fontwell on her chase debut, where she won with plenty in hand and as a result the handicapper has put her up 8lbs for that win. Hopefully, she can improve again and defy that rise, but in a competitive-looking mares’ handicap chase, this is a great ride to pick up.
13:50 Cheltenham – Glengouly
Glengouly gave me a great spin around Aintree earlier this season, he went off a big price that day but was less than a length behind the winner in third place. His next run at Cheltenham probably came a little too soon for him, but it wasn’t a bad performance. He is 7lbs out of the handicap here and this is a very strong race, as you would expect it to be. We will be getting plenty of weight off some of these, so hopefully that will play into our hands.
14:25 Cheltenham – Gunsight Ridge
Gunsight Ridge went up to 2m4f last time, he didn’t quite see out the trip and because of that we will stick to 2m with this horse. He was looking like the winner at Cheltenham last season before falling at the last but I am expecting a big run from him on his return to this course.
15:00 Cheltenham – They Call Me Hugo
I am really looking forward to riding They Call Me Hugo. He is a horse who I think will stay the distance well and he is very straightforward to ride. There was a lot to like about his victory at Fontwell and although this will be a tougher test, he has the ability to do well at this level.
15:35 Cheltenham – Game Colours
I won on board this mare at Lingfield last season. She loves soft ground, so any rain will be in her favour. She looked like she needed the run first time out this season, and I am sure she will come on for that.
Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador
12:40 Cheltenham – Holokea
Holokea has made a good start to his chasing career. He scored nicely at Ffos Las two runs back and then he came close to successfully following up at Uttoxeter. The stiff track will suit him, so I expect him to run a big race.
13:15 Cheltenham – Realta Liath
I have not ridden this mare before, but there was a lot to like about her performance at Fontwell on her chase debut, where she won with plenty in hand and as a result the handicapper has put her up 8lbs for that win. Hopefully, she can improve again and defy that rise, but in a competitive-looking mares’ handicap chase, this is a great ride to pick up.
13:50 Cheltenham – Glengouly
Glengouly gave me a great spin around Aintree earlier this season, he went off a big price that day but was less than a length behind the winner in third place. His next run at Cheltenham probably came a little too soon for him, but it wasn’t a bad performance. He is 7lbs out of the handicap here and this is a very strong race, as you would expect it to be. We will be getting plenty of weight off some of these, so hopefully that will play into our hands.
14:25 Cheltenham – Gunsight Ridge
Gunsight Ridge went up to 2m4f last time, he didn’t quite see out the trip and because of that we will stick to 2m with this horse. He was looking like the winner at Cheltenham last season before falling at the last but I am expecting a big run from him on his return to this course.
15:00 Cheltenham – They Call Me Hugo
I am really looking forward to riding They Call Me Hugo. He is a horse who I think will stay the distance well and he is very straightforward to ride. There was a lot to like about his victory at Fontwell and although this will be a tougher test, he has the ability to do well at this level.
15:35 Cheltenham – Game Colours
I won on board this mare at Lingfield last season. She loves soft ground, so any rain will be in her favour. She looked like she needed the run first time out this season, and I am sure she will come on for that.
Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador
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