James Owen breathed a sigh of relief on 8th December 2025 as Ambiente Friendly, last year’s Derby runner-up, finally got his jumps career off the mark with a gritty success in the Super Sub Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon on Peterborough Chase Day. For the Newmarket trainer, it was a moment of reassurance after months of careful preparation and measured progress.
The four-year-old gelded son of Gleneagles had shown glimpses of promise on his hurdles debut at Cheltenham just three weeks earlier. Owned by The Gredley Family, he also boasts a third-place finish in last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh, demonstrating a rare combination of stamina and class.
Settling more readily than in his previous start, Ambiente Friendly, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, moved into a better rhythm despite keen early passages. Leading from the outset, the 4-5 favourite looked set to be caught by chief rival Wondering Why after the last, only to respond with determination in the closing strides and claim victory by half a length. The win sparked jubilant celebrations for Owen and his team.
Owen reflected on his charge’s journey: “He has been a challenge. He is a horse with an extreme amount of ability. He has had two massive runs in the English and Irish Derby, but he has gone off the rails since then. It is just nice to see him progress from that first Cheltenham run over hurdles. He is enjoying this now.”
Looking ahead, Owen sees a bright future over hurdles and beyond: “He will get another couple of days’ practice and the County Hurdle will be a right race for him at Cheltenham. There will be a big field, and they will go quick enough for him early on, and he will stay on well up the hill.”
The day also saw Jonjo and A J O’Neill celebrate their first winner since re-opening their yard after a three-week shutdown. We’re Red And Blue, owned by Crystal Palace fan Patrick Doyle, returned to form in the Handicap Hurdle, defeating the hat-trick seeking Haas Boy by two lengths under Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy impressed in the Club Maiden Hurdle. Trained by Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls, the Harzand gelding made all under Tom Bellamy over the extended two-and-a-half-mile trip, winning by three and a quarter lengths. Bailey noted the horse’s stamina and patient development over the past year, indicating further progression ahead.
Finally, Walden maintained the Value Racing Club’s stellar season with victory in the Acca Freeze Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. The Tom Lacey-trained Waldpark gelding, ridden by Cameron Iles, led from the front to secure a one-and-a-half-length triumph, marking the syndicate’s 36th winner of the year. Syndicate manager James Couldwell praised the team’s management and the horse’s readiness despite a recent minor setback.
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