Big Bear Hug

Trained by Jim Boyle at Epsom, Big Bear Hug competes chiefly in Class 5 races, where he has won 2 of 18 attempts. That consistency at his level matters more than it sounds: he belongs there, and he proves it regularly. His most recent win came at Kempton Park on 08 July 2026, seven weeks ago, suggesting he still has plenty of racing left in him. His last six runs tell the story of a horse in modest form—a win sandwiched between places and some tougher efforts—but nothing that suggests he has lost his edge.

The partnership between Big Bear Hug and jockey Trevor Whelan stands out. In seven races together, they have won twice, a 29% win rate that is significantly better than the horse's overall record. When Whelan gets the leg up, Big Bear Hug runs with visible purpose. That kind of connection between horse and rider matters, and it is worth watching for when they team up again. For a horse nudging seven and competing at this level, Big Bear Hug remains a genuine contender in every race he enters—not a star in the making, but the kind of honest performer who wins often enough to justify his place in the training schedule.