After a little holiday to Dubai, jockey Hector Crouch is back and raring to go ahead of the start of the new all-weather campaign this winter. Read his exclusive thoughts ahead of this weekend’s rides at Southwell and Newcastle.
Hector Crouch: Weekend Rides, Nov 20th 2025
My agent has done well this evening, getting us on a few nice horses and New York Minute (7.00) probably my strongest chance when bidding to complete the hat-trick in the 2m Handicap in those famous Valmont colours. We had high hopes for him earlier in the season, but for whatever reason it just wasn’t clicking. He wouldn’t travel with no headgear, and then when we put the blinkers on he ran away with me at Southwell.
Things fell right for him at Chelmsford and it seems to have done his confidence the world of good – it was no surprise to see him bolt-up last time out when following-up from a 3lb higher mark. The handicapper has had his say, and has raised him 12lb for that, but nevertheless he looks to be going the right way and I expect another big run.
Elsewhere, Ensor Mews (6.00) boasts a nice pedigree and looks a nice type to run well on debut for trainer Ralph Beckett. You would assume he will want further in time but it looks a nice starting point for him and he should go well.
James Tate’s Stanley Spencer (6.30) has the misfortune of being drawn in 14 of 14 for the 6f Handicap but if I can get across early he’d have a very good chance. He likes to be ridden prominently and is well-handicapped on his recent Southwell success to go close over his preferred 6f trip.
Hector Crouch: Saturday Rides
I’ll be making the long trip up north on Saturday to ride another from the Tate yard with Darn Hot Gallop (5.10) hopefully good enough to carry a penalty and maintain her unbeaten record up at Newcastle. I’d heard she was good before making a winning debut, with greenness the only real concern.. and she ended up winning despite being very green when I rode her to win at Wolverhampton at the start of the month. She will have learnt a lot from that and can hopefully progress to make it 2/2 on the all-weather.
Please note that the information provided in this Hector Crouch: Doncaster Races Preview article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
