Challow Novices’ Hurdle 2025: Can Klimt Madrik Star at Newbury?

The Christmas racing festivities continue at Newbury this Monday (29th December) with the Grade 1 Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle.

Often a stepping stone to greatness (past winners include Denman and Bravemansgame), this race is the ultimate test for the finest novice hurdlers in Britain. With the King George dust settling, all eyes turn to Newbury for this prestigious Grade 1 contest.

Here is our runner-by-runner guide and betting verdict for Monday’s big race.

The Leading Contenders

1. Klimt Madrik

• Trainer: [Check Racecard – likely P. Nicholls/D. Skelton based on trends]

• The Case For: Arrives here in red-hot form. He showed a devastating turn of foot to beat Kalkbrenner at Newbury last month. He clearly loves this track and ground. As a Course & Distance winner, he sets the standard.

• The Case Against: This is a step up in grade, and he faces fresh challengers who have been kept specifically for this race.

2. Kalkbrenner

• The Case For: He finished second to Klimt Madrik last time out but was closing at the finish. With a significant pull in the weights or slightly softer ground, he could easily reverse that form. He is a dour stayer who will love a battle up the long Newbury straight.

• The Verdict: A solid each-way player, but he needs to find a few pounds of improvement to turn the tables on his rival.

3. No Drama This End

• The Case For: An impressive winner at Cheltenham in November. He skipped the deeper winter races to come fresh to Newbury. His jumping technique is his biggest asset—slick, fast, and efficient.

• The Case Against: This is his first run in a true Grade 1 slog. Will his stamina hold up if it turns into a war of attrition in the mud?

Challow Hurdle Trends

• The “Paul Nicholls” Factor: The Ditcheat trainer has dominated this race for the last two decades. Always respect his first string.

• Previous Experience: 8 of the last 10 winners had already won a race over 2 miles 4 furlongs. This is not a race for speed horses stepping up in trip.

• Grade 1 Quality: Look for horses rated 135+. This isn’t just a novice hurdle; it’s a championship race.

RaceTipsClub Verdict

This looks like a classic renewal. While No Drama This End has the flashier profile, we are sticking with the proven course form.

KLIMT MADRIK beat a high-class field here last month and looks tailor-made for the Challow. He travels, jumps, and battles. If he repeats his last run, he will be very hard to beat.

• Win Tip: Klimt Madrik

• Next Best: No Drama This End