Diamond Days heads to Fontwell this afternoon for his first start of the year in the Class 5 Handicap Hurdle over 2m1f (16:39).

Read our Raceday LIVE Preview below and join us ahead of the race for all the build-up and live updates from the track on X (@CRCofficial).

Raceday LIVE Preview

It's been a long wait but our boy is back! Diamond Days makes his eagerly anticipated return to the racecourse at Fontwell on Thursday afternoon as he looks to kick-start a fresh campaign for the Coral Racing Club and trainer Joe Tizzard.

Our six-year-old son of Diamond Boy lines up in the 16:39 Class 5 Handicap Hurdle over two miles and one furlong, with Freddie Gingell taking the reins. Having enjoyed a lengthy spell away from the racecourse, it's wonderful to see Diamond Days back in action and we're hoping the break has done him the world of good. Diamond Days has certainly had his challenges. Having shown encouraging signs over hurdles, including a promising third over Thursday's course and distance last season, he subsequently embarked on a chasing campaign that didn't quite unfold as hoped. Following his final outing at Taunton in February, a trapped nerve in his neck was identified and treated, prompting Joe Tizzard to give him the time he needed to recover fully.

It's been a patient process for everyone involved but the welfare of our horses always comes first and Joe will undoubtedly be delighted to have Diamond Days back on the racecourse. Returning to hurdles could prove a positive move for our gelding, particularly at a track where he's previously shown his capabilities. Fontwell's distinctive figure-of-eight circuit presents its own challenges but Diamond Days has the benefit of previous experience around the Sussex venue and we're hoping that familiarity will stand him in good stead.

Of course, he won't have things all his own way on Thursday with eight rivals standing between our boy and a dream return to action.

The opposition

Uncle Remus looks a particularly interesting opponent for Henrietta Knight. The five-year-old has been progressing nicely, having opened his account over hurdles at Uttoxeter before following that success with a solid runner-up effort at the same venue. He arrives with recent form on his side and looks one of the principal dangers. Lord Of The Glance is another who commands respect. Trained by Alex Hales, he tasted success at Stratford earlier in the year and has continued to perform consistently, most recently finishing a close second. With Bryan Carver in the saddle, he'll be hoping to go one better and add another victory to his record. The experienced Cawthorne Banker represents Jonjo and AJ O'Neill and brings winning form into the contest. Having recorded two victories at Uttoxeter during the summer, he has already demonstrated his effectiveness at this level and could prove a tough rival under Jonjo O'Neill Jr. Chief Sunday is another interesting contender for the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies team. A dual winner over hurdles last year, he returns from a break with a reduced handicap mark and has the ability to get involved if reproducing his better performances. Meanwhile, Castle Quarter arrives following an encouraging runner-up finish at Worcester last month. The ten-year-old has plenty of experience under his belt and represents another potential danger in what looks a competitive handicap.

With several rivals bringing recent winning or placed form to the table, Diamond Days faces a proper test on his seasonal return. However, racing is rarely straightforward and a fresh, enthusiastic Diamond Days could have plenty to offer if everything falls into place.

Freddie Gingell takes the reins for Joe Tizzard and after months on the sidelines, the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here! Diamond Days is back, the hurdles are calling and there's nothing we'd love more than to see our boy announce his return in spectacular fashion. The ground is currently described as good to soft and with Diamond Days returning from a 231-day absence, Thursday will provide an important opportunity to see how he's feeling after his extended break.

Naturally, we'd love to see him charging towards the winning post with his ears pricked and his fighting spirit on full display. However, after everything he's been through, simply seeing our boy back enjoying his racing will be a moment worth celebrating. He's had his setbacks, he's been given the time and care he deserves and now the next chapter of his racing career is ready to begin.

Welcome back, Diamond Days! We're delighted to have you back in action and we'll be cheering you every step of the way!

Pipped At The Post – Member Exclusive

As a Coral Racing Club member, thanks to our Pipped At The Post offer, once you opt-in, you could be paid as a WINNER in CASH up to a stake of £/€10 if your horse finishes 2nd by a neck or less behind the winner in today's 16:39 at Fontwell – click here to find out more.



Exclusive Price Boost on All The Glory

Tap below to head over to the Horse Racing Specials page and check out your exclusive price boost on Diamond Days to finish in the top three in today's 16:39 at Fontwell.



Trainer and Jockey Statistics

Joe Tizzard has made a solid start to the new Jumps season, saddling seven winners from 56 runners with 12 placed finishes and over £93,000 in prize money already secured. With his stable operating at an encouraging 44% runners-to-form figure over the past fortnight, he'll be hoping Diamond Days can add to that tally at Fontwell this afternoon.

Freddie Gingell has made a flying start to the Jumps season, riding an impressive 10 winners from just 37 rides for a superb 27% strike rate. With a further 13 placed finishes and over £77,000 in prize money already secured, the talented young jockey will be looking to keep that momentum rolling aboard Diamond Days at Fontwell this afternoon.

Diamond Days' Owners for the Day

As winners of the recent Owner for the Day competition, 10 lucky Coral Racing Club members have been given the chance to enjoy an exclusive owners experience for Diamond Days' run at Fontwell this afternoon.

What's included in this Owner for the Day prize?

• Free racecourse entry
• Access to the Owners & Trainers enclosure
• Access to the Parade Ring before the race
• Meet Diamond Days and the Joe Tizzard team
• Take home a share of any prize money she wins

Prize Money

Today's Class 5 contest is worth £7,000 in total, with the winner set to scoop £3,696 for their lucky owners.

2nd: £1,701 | 3rd: £850 | 4th: £425 | 5th: £212

         FONTWELL 16:39 — LATEST ODDS

We hope you enjoyed reading today's Raceday LIVE Preview. Don't forget to tune in just before 16:39 to watch Diamond Days' next run for the club live on the Coral Sports app.