Wilful will strengthen his claims for a return to Grade One company after winning the £50,000 Listed Panoramic Hurdle at Carlisle on Thursday, October 22, where a determined late effort will secure victory for owner Fitri Hay, joint-trainers Jonjo and AJ ONeill, and jockey Jonjo ONeill Jr.
The Carlisle Panoramic Hurdle will provide an important early-season test for leading two-mile hurdlers, with Wilful set to build on an impressive previous campaign. The race will traditionally take place at Kempton Park in October, but the 2026 renewal will move to Carlisle because of a lack of recent rainfall at its usual venue.
The eight-runner field will include Golden Ace, winner of the 2025 Champion Hurdle, and Rubaud, who will seek a fourth consecutive victory in the contest after winning the previous three renewals at Kempton Park.
Wilful Overcomes Strong Rivals in Carlisle Panoramic Hurdle
Rubaud will lead the field into the home turn, with Wilful and Golden Ace remaining close behind. Golden Ace will move to the front two flights from home, but Wilful will produce his challenge after the final hurdle to take the lead.
Mirabad, better known for his high-class performances over fences, will then mount a strong late challenge. Wilful will hold on to win by three-quarters of a length, completing an impressive performance against a competitive field that will include proven Grade One performers.
The victory will follow a highly progressive previous season for Wilful. He will have secured major handicap successes in the Festive Handicap Hurdle at Ascot and the County Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before finishing third behind Lossiemouth in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in Ireland.
AJ ONeill Eyes Fighting Fifth Hurdle for Wilful
Joint-trainer AJ ONeill will praise Wilful’s development and express satisfaction with his return to the track in the same form he will have shown towards the end of the previous campaign.
He will describe the gelding as a special horse and highlight the quality of the opposition, including Golden Ace and Mirabad. ONeill will also acknowledge the continued support of the Hay family, whose colours will return to the winners’ enclosure following the Carlisle success.
The trainer will identify the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 28 as a possible next target, subject to Wilful’s recovery and progress at home. Connections will assess the horse after the race before making a final decision on his next assignment.
ONeill will also commend the British Horseracing Authority and The Jockey Club for ensuring the Panoramic Hurdle will go ahead after its transfer from Kempton Park. He will emphasise the value of retaining an October conditions race for two-mile hurdlers ahead of major winter contests.
The Carlisle Panoramic Hurdle will mark an important early-season success for Wilful, with the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle emerging as a possible next target as connections consider a return to Grade One company.
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