The Easter racing programme got off to a sensational start with a massive upset at Newcastle on Good Friday, where 200-1 outsider Heavenly Heather pulled off the biggest shock of the year so far. Ridden by 3lb claimer Amie Waugh, the filly won the seven-furlong Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships Handicap by half a length, defying both the odds and her handicap disadvantage.
Heavenly Heather had shown little in her five previous starts and came into the race effectively rated 19lb above her official handicap mark. This placed her on a notional rating of 79 compared to her true rating of 60, making her win all the more extraordinary. Despite this, Waugh made the most of a favourable draw on the stands’ side and timed her challenge perfectly, urging her mount ahead along the rail in the final furlong for a famous victory.
This result marked only the 12th time in Britain since 2000 that a horse has won at 200-1, and it is the first occurrence at those odds since late 2024. The UK record for the longest-priced winner remains with Equinoctial at 250-1, a feat achieved at Kelso in 1990.
Elsewhere on the Newcastle card, Andrew Balding continued his impressive form on the Flat with a double in the first four races. His strong start to the 2025 campaign has already seen him notch up 42 winners and earnings approaching £700,000. However, the day also brought some disappointment for his yard, as Qatar Racing, owned by Sheikh Fahad al-Thani, withdrew its six horses from the stable.
This unexpected move comes despite Balding’s success with the operation, having previously saddled notable winners like Kameko in the 2020 2,000 Guineas, as well as other high-profile performers such as Elm Park and New Century. Still, given the size of Balding’s Kingsclere yard one of the largest in the country with nearly 300 horses—the loss may have little impact on the trainer’s ability to maintain his momentum.
Looking ahead to the weekend action, Balding sends four runners to Musselburgh’s high-value Saturday meeting. Among them is Wild Waves, who runs in the £50,000 Queen’s Cup at 3.35. The gelding showed promise last season, progressing from maiden company to contesting the St Leger, and is a strong contender for the feature race.
In the 1.50 at Musselburgh, Wiltshire Lad makes his first appearance since being gelded. The three-year-old was one of the last winners trained by Sir Michael Stoute and now begins his campaign under Balding with a 5lb higher mark. He looks poised for a productive season.
At Haydock in the 2.05, Got Grey returns to firmer ground after struggling in softer conditions. A 6lb drop in his rating since his autumn peak could make him a serious player, especially with the quicker surface expected to suit.
The 2.25 at Musselburgh features Alzahir, trained by Jennie Candlish, who is on a roll since undergoing a wind operation. Bidding for a third consecutive win, he arrives in peak form and will be tough to beat.
Haydock’s 2.40 sees Burrows Hall aiming to extend his unbeaten streak under jockey Danny McMenamin. The pair have formed a successful partnership and will be hard to catch if allowed to dictate from the front again.
In the 3.00 at Musselburgh, American Affair holds a distinct advantage from stall nine in this five-furlong sprint, where high numbers typically fare better. The Jim Goldie-trained sprinter also goes well fresh, having won at this meeting last year.
Finally, Haydock’s 3.15 features The Flier Begley, who has flourished since switching to Gary Hanmer’s stable. His recent win in a Market Rasen veterans’ qualifier stands out as the best form on offer in this contest.
