Monday, December 1, 2025 – Richard Phillips Racing

Swift Jet was declared a conditional hurdle for the jockey’s handicap over three miles at Ludlow on Wednesday. He has shown useful form over course and distance in the past, but recently got stuck in the mud at Uttoxeter. Although rain is on the way, it is hoped that the ground on this well-drained circuit will not become too soft for him. Finn Lambert will take the ride and Swift Jet will wear cheek pads to help him travel better through the race. Hunting will be very much his thing, but with no suitable opportunities available for him at the moment, this seems like a good option for him.

The Sumatran Tiger found the ground at Doncaster too soft for her on Friday and we may now give her a break until spring so she can run in her favorite way. She has run well over hurdles for us in her previous starts when conditions have allowed and I am sure there will be lots of fun to be had with her in the future.

Manalishi was quite circumspect about hurdles on his debut at Doncaster on Saturday. He has had good lessons at home and we are sure that, with a little more practice, he will do just fine. He made great progress down the straight to finish third behind a very useful winner and I am sure he will bring plenty of excitement to the Richard Phillips Racing Syndicate in the future.

Smile Back jumped and cleared well in the two and a half mile mare hurdle at Leicester yesterday to finish second but was beaten by the heavily handicapped favourite. Our mare settled in a lot better on this occasion and will continue to bring great pleasure to the Somedays Here Partnership in the future, I am sure. She has the ability to jump fences, but we will stick to hurdles for the foreseeable future.

Shibuya Song (photo) has been entered this week for the Goffs Online Auction for breeding stock, which starts on Thursday 4^e. She has won on the flat and on the obstacles and is a beautiful mare with a beautiful pedigree. Hopefully there will be interest in her to act as a broodmare as I am sure she is very capable of breeding many winners. Her sales page can be viewed HERE