The only blog that likes its odds short and its gin doubles.
Welcome to the January 24, 2026 edition of the Ticker. If you’ve survived the frostbite from last weekend’s Ascot heroics, congratulations. You’re just in time for Cheltenham Trials Day, the annual event where we all pretend we know exactly what will happen in March, only to be proven wrong by a Willie Mullins horse we’ve never heard of.
🏆 THE HEADLINER: Sir Gino vs. The World
The Race: The International Hurdle (Cheltenham)
Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino is currently the 5/4 favourite for the Champion Hurdle. This Saturday, he lines up against Dan Skelton’s The New Lion.
- The Insider View: If Sir Gino wins by ten lengths, the “Henderson is back” headlines will be visible from space. If he finishes a narrow second, expect the Seven Barrows Twitter account to report a “slight sniffle” or “unfavourable grass length” within minutes.
- The Reality: We’ll all over-analyze every jump like it’s a Zapruder film, then Sir Gino will go into a dark room until March 10th.
🐎 THE “HYPE TRAIN” STATION: Old Park Star
The Race: Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (Haydock)
Nicky Henderson (yes, him again) is sending Old Park Star to Haydock. He’s 2-2 over hurdles and currently the second favorite for the Supreme.
- The Insider View: This horse is named like a retirement home, but he runs like he’s stolen something.
- Fact: He’s 7/1 for the Supreme Novices’. If he wins here, those odds will evaporate faster than a free bar at a yearling sale.
🏗️ THE “STAYERS” STRAMASH: Impose Toi
The Race: Cleeve Hurdle (Cheltenham)
JP McManus’s Impose Toi (5/4 fav) is trying to prove he’s the best British hope for the Stayers’ Hurdle. He faces Strong Leader and last year’s winner Gowel Road.
- The Insider View: Harry Cobden was supposed to ride Jonbon last week but got injured. James Bowen stepped in, won, and probably hasn’t stopped smiling since. Cobden is back this Saturday to partner Ma Shantou in this race, expect him to ride like a man who owes his bookie a very large Christmas card.
🇺🇸 THE “CASH & CHAOS” SPECIAL: Pegasus World Cup
The Race: Gulfstream Park, Florida
For those of you staying up late, the $3 Million Pegasus World Cup is happening. It features Skippylongstocking (making his fourth appearance, the absolute legend) and the undefeated Disco Time.
- The Insider View: It’s in Miami. There will be more Botox and white linen than a Beverly Hills plastic surgery convention.
- Fact: White Abarrio is also back. He’s the equine equivalent of a rock star who keeps announcing “farewell tours” but just loves the stage too much.
THE “MUG’S” MULTIPLE (Use at your own peril):
- Sir Gino (Cheltenham) – Because betting against Henderson in January is a path to poverty.
- Grey Dawning (Cotswold Chase) – The Betfair Chase winner. He’s basically a tank with a tail.
- Old Park Star (Haydock) – To keep the Supreme dream alive.
Silks and Shenanigans 