Zurich a fine fifth at the Cheltenham Festival

Posted March 16, 2026

Zurich did his owners proud with a mighty run in the Plate on Tuesday at the Cheltenham Festival.

He was knocked sideways at the first by one jumping across him and that meant jockey Brian Hayes had to revert to Plan B! Having hoped to race handily, Zurich ended up towards the rear of midfield and found the gaps closing on several occasions as he tried to make his way through the field. He kept on very gamely up the straight and came from further back than any of the first eight home, so it was a really promising performance.

We’ve given him an entry in the Topham at the Aintree Grand National meeting (entries for which close today), but there is also a Grade 2 handicap chase back at Cheltenham in April to consider. There is also a 2m4f Listed novice handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival which could suit.

Nathaniel Barnett

Nathaniel Barnett has been a leading syndicate and racing club manager since 2008, with over 200 winners in that time, as well as an established, successful bloodstock agent. Nathaniel has a wealth of experience in the industry, having worked as a form advisor for Andrew Balding, as researcher for racing presenter Clare Balding and as assistant trainer to Tim Vaughan, prior to setting up as a bloodstock agent in 2013. He has bought the winners of over 400 races to date, including 2022 Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) winner Le Milos. Nathaniel’s recent winners include successes in 2025 on Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp, on French Gold Cup day and in Listed company at Auteuil. As well as Pimlico Racing, Nathaniel also runs the Kingsclere Racing Club for the Balding family and is racing manager in France for Sangwin Bloodstock.