Red Oak

The first win came at Musselburgh in December 2025, and it was one that clearly meant a great deal to everyone involved. Jockey Jonathan Burke described it afterwards as a "step back for a step forward" — Red Oak had run in better company before that day, and dropping back was a deliberate call to get a win on the board and build the horse's belief in itself. It worked. Burke spoke afterwards about being surprised by how sharply Red Oak quickened when asked, which is exactly the kind of detail that gets a racing team excited. Speed like that, in a jumper, opens doors.

The most recent win came at Hexham just this week, on 13 April 2026, confirming that the Musselburgh run was no fluke. This is a horse that has found its rhythm. Trainer James Owen operates out of Newmarket in Suffolk, and his yard has been in exceptional form this season — 201 winners sent out is a remarkable total and speaks to an operation running at full tilt. When a trainer in that kind of form says a horse "looks like a nice new recruit," it is worth paying attention.

Burke also mentioned after the December win that he would not rule out going back to two miles at some stage, given Red Oak's pace. That is an intriguing thought. Horses that can win over different distances are harder to place against, and harder to beat. With two wins already this season and a team behind it firing on all cylinders, Red Oak is one to keep an eye on.