We're pleased to announce that Cave Article is back in training following his extended summer break and will be targeted at a return to the racecourse towards the end of October.

After joining the Coral Racing Club earlier this year with trainer Christian Williams, Cave Article was pitched straight into a Class 4 Maiden Hurdle for his debut under rules, where he was unfortunately pulled up after running too keenly in the opening stages of the race and struggled to deal with the heavy ground. He was dropped down in trip to two miles for his next race, where he finished sixth of nine runners, and then on his third and final start of the year so far he finished down the field in 10th (13 ran).

His three opening runs weren't as disappointing as they may seem, however, and they were very much a case of giving our five-year-old son of Court Cave vital racing experience to get him used to racing under rules. He was also settling into his new home in Glamorgan at this time, having moved from Ireland where he was bred and trained for point-to-point events.


Cave Article relaxing at home during his summer holiday

Christian has always believed that Cave Article would be seen in a much better light over the bigger obstacles, and it was clear to see in his opening three runs over hurdles that he's a good jumper, so we're hopeful there's plenty more to come over in the new season. On top of that, now that he has his opening handicap mark of 78, he can begin to race against similarly rated opponents and that will definitely help.

Check out the latest update from trainer Christian Williams below:

"Cave Article is now back in training after his summer holidays. I think he had a tough time of things last season. He struggled to acclimatise after arriving from Ireland. I am certain there is a better horse there than he showed on the track.

I am not going to rush him in the early stages of this season as I think we need to be gentle with him. He is healthy but he is going to need around six weeks to work on his fitness following his break.

Earlier this week, we had the vet in the yard who performed a gastroscopy on all my horses, including Cave Article. This is done to check inside the stomach for ulcers. Fortunately, Cave Article does not have any ulcers, so that is great news.

Hopefully, if things go well over the next few weeks, at the end of month, I can pencil down a couple of targets for him in October.


Cave Article enjoying the attention out in the fields

Stay tuned for the next update from the Williams team as we wait to find out more on Cave Article's progress as he works towards his first appearance of the upcoming new jump season.