A gripping finish in the AIS Novices’ Hurdle
The AIS Novices’ Hurdle, a Grade 2 contest registered as the Classic Novices’ Hurdle, delivered a thrilling contest as six-year-old Kripticjim (FR) made a bold late surge to clinch victory. Trained by Joao Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, the horse carried 11-5 with an official rating of 130, and his performance showcased both speed and stamina over the hurdles on a testing track.
Kripticjim’s race profile
Starting from mid-division, the French-bred may have looked to others to set the pace, but he steadily moved into contention. Powell’s decision to press the gelding around the seven-furlong mark paid dividends as Kripticjim made headway going well, and the critical moment came at the third from home. Kripticjim took the lead after the 3-out hurdle, showing the class and determination to stay in front despite a late mistake at the last hurdle.
That slip at the final obstacle could have opened the door for rivals; instead, Kripticjim recovered quickly, rallying gamely to punch back and hold on by a narrow margin. It was a performance that illustrated both his talent and his trainer’s ability to get a horse ready for a high-stakes test in a Grade 2 event.
What the result means for Kripticjim and connections
Securing victory in a prestigious AIS (The Classic Novices’ Hurdle) is a meaningful step for Kripticjim’s progression path. For the J. Tizzard team, the win reinforces confidence in a young stayer with potential to mix it with the best of his generation. Brendan Powell’s patient, confident drive from mid-field to the lead demonstrated a balanced ride that kept the horse within striking distance until the decisive moment.
With an official rating of 130 now flexing its muscles in Grade 2 company, Kripticjim’s triumph could open up more opportunities at mid-season targets and potentially place him on the radar for future assignments at the festival meeting, should his form hold up under tougher assignments.
Context: the AIS Novices’ Hurdle landscape
The AIS Novices’ Hurdle holds a special place as a stepping stone for emerging talents. While the event remains a proving ground for young hurdlers, performances in this Grade 2 often signal a horse capable of stepping up to larger tests later in the season. This year’s renewal added another memorable chapter to the race’s history, with Kripticjim’s emphatic finish proving that form in this division can be predictive of brighter things to come.
Looking ahead: what comes next?
Following his gutsy performance, Kripticjim is positioned to target additional early-season tests within the National Hunt program. The team will be mindful of keeping him sound and progressing his stamina, given his six-year-old profile and the need to maintain form as the campaign intensifies. For bettors and fans, the race reinforced the idea that Kripticjim is a horse to monitor as the season unfolds, with the potential to challenge in further Grade-level events if he continues to display the same blend of speed and resolve at the hurdles.
In brief
– Kripticjim (FR), trained by J. Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, came from mid-division to win the AIS Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2). 11-5, official rating 130. 3-out lead, last hurdle misstep, rallied to prevail close home. A notable performance for connections and an indicator of stronger races to come.
