London & The South on the Brink of Racing League Glory at Southwell

Southwell is set for a night of high drama on Thursday, August 28, as London & The South bid to secure their first Racing League title in what promises to be a thrilling season finale. After years of near misses, team manager Matt Chapman and his squad stand on the verge of history, holding a commanding 125-point lead over closest rivals The East heading into the last fixture.

A Team Poised for Triumph

There was an emotional air at morning trackwork as trainers, jockeys, and stable staff gathered, knowing what’s at stake. “We’ve been consistent, we’ve been happy, and everyone has played their part,” Chapman said, beaming as he watched his team’s preparations. “All I’ve had to do is organise an excellent squad, and my trainers have done the rest.”

London & The South’s dominance this season has been powered by Daniel and Claire Kubler, the outfit’s leading trainers, who have contributed a remarkable 170 points from just 13 runners. Their star, the ever-popular nine-year-old Andaleep, returns for his 10th Racing League appearance in Race 41, having already delivered a memorable win on opening night at Great Yarmouth.

The team start the evening on 738 points and, with another strong showing, could even surpass Wales & The West’s record tally of 869, set in 2024.

Kingscote Eyes Top Jockey Crown

While the team title is almost within reach, there’s another piece of silverware up for grabs. Richard Kingscote, London & The South’s star rider, looks set to secure the £20,000 Racing League top jockey award, leading with 299 points — 94 clear of Daniel Muscutt. With Kingscote bound for Hong Kong after this meeting, the bonus offers more than just prestige.

“Richard was worried about the cost of shipping his dog to Hong Kong,” Chapman laughed. “This prize money will certainly help him out!”

To bolster the lineup, veteran Rab Havlin has been drafted in to replace Kingscote and David Probert, who are both heading abroad. “If we get this done, it’ll be a nice payday for Rab too,” Chapman noted.

The East Plotting a Miracle

But Charlie Fellowes and his East team are far from waving the white flag. With 613 points to London & The South’s 738, Fellowes insists his side are ready to give it one last push.

“Racing League is always good fun, and we’ve done brilliantly this year,” Fellowes said. “We need London & The South to completely fall apart, but if you look at the early betting, we’re stronger than them in almost every race we’ve got runners.”

Fellowes will lean heavily on Tan Rapido in Race 42, who thrives at Southwell, while Crowd Quake and Charmaine aim to replicate their stunning one-two finish at Chepstow when they reunite in Race 41.

Final Night Fireworks

Adding intrigue, Roger Varian brings two live chances in Kosometsuke (Race 37) and Indalo (Race 40), while Say What You See makes a quick turnaround for Liam Bailey after an impressive Newcastle second.

The East will also look to proven class acts Rohaan and Ormolulu in Race 38, while Philanthropist, drawn perfectly in stall two, is one to watch in Race 37.

Despite Fellowes’ optimism, the numbers suggest London & The South hold all the aces. A near-perfect storm of consistent winners, loyal owners, and standout jockeys has brought them to the brink. But in racing, as Chapman knows too well, nothing is guaranteed.

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