The James Owen yard have made Saturday’s Triumph Trial Hurdle at the Cheltenham November Meeting their own in recent years – winning the last two. And it looks like they mean business again – with TWO leading entries.
James Owen Eyes Third Straight Triumph Trial Hurdle Win
BURDETT ROAD got the ball rolling in the Triumph Trial Hurdle for trainer James Owen back in 2023 – winning for former champion jockey Harry Cobden.
But that horse missed the Cheltenham Festival that season and didn’t make the Triumph Hurdle.
Still only aged five, Burdett Road is one of the past Cheltenham November Meeting winners that is back in 2025 – having won the Greatwood Hurdle at this fixture last season.
You can find him running in Saturday’s Arkle Trial (1:45pm) as he reverts to fences this year. But clearly loves Cheltenham, bringing track form figures of 1-2-1-2 to the meeting.
However, getting back to the Triumph Trial Hurdle – and trainer James Owen made it two wins in the race in 2024 – this time with his versatile EAST INDIA DOCK.
Easy as you like 😎
East India Dock gets it done in the @JCBMachines Triumph Trial Hurdle 👏 pic.twitter.com/Mx7lwm41EB
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) January 25, 2025
He was then sent off as the 5/4 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
But despite having every chance was chinned into third late on by the shock 100/1 Willie Mullins winner Poniros (see below).
East India Dock has since shown his versatility to win the Chester Cup on the flat – but is not back in action at Cheltenham this week.
So, Owen is eyeing up a THIRD STRAIGHT win in Saturday’s Cheltenham opener.
Gredley Family Hunting Fourth Triumph Trail Hurdle Win Since 2019
As well as the last two Triumph Trial Hurdle winners being trained by James Owen – these were also owned by the Gredley Family, who have been a big supporter of British racing for decades.
The older readers will remember Bill Gredley’s User Friendly winning the 1992 Epsom Oaks over 30 years ago.
But the Gredley gang also won the Triumph Hurdle Trial back in 2019 with the Dan Skelton-trained Allmankind.
Meaning, these famous yellow colours have won this prize three times in the last six years.
But who is James Owen (and the Gredley family) targeting at the race this year?
James Owen Triumph Trial Hurdle Runners 2025
HALLELUJAH U 11/1
Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies has already been booked to ride this James Owen runner – he rode last year’s winner East India Dock for these connections too.
This 3 year-old Pinatubo gelding is yet to tackle a hurdle though, but is a two-time winner on the flat.
He was last seen running down the field in a 1m6f Handicap at Glorious Goodwood.
But before that was a fair sixth (beaten 2 1/4 lengths) in the Queen’s Vase Stakes at Royal Ascot in June (see below).
Rated 101 on the flat, he’s an interesting recruit over hurdles for the yard and the betting suggests he could be the main James Owen player here.
Hallelujah U is 4/1 here and 33/1 for the Triumph Hurdle in March.
KATE O’RILEY 14/1
Being a filly, this three year-old will get a handy weight allowance (7lbs) from most of the others.
She’ll be looking to become the first mare since the Nicky Henderson-trained Apple’s Shakira won in 2017.
Like Hallelujah U, she’s another ex-flat horse – but has had the benefit of a run over hurdles.
She’s won three times from eight starts on the level (see below), but one on her sticks debut when bolting up at Ludlow last month.
Champion jockey Sean Bowen has also been booked to ride. But it’s interesting that Sam Twiston-Davies rode her the last day and he seemingly prefers Hallelujah U.
Kate O’Riley is 14/1 here and 100/1 for the Triumph Hurdle in March.
✅️ Winner winner, chicken dinner as KATE O'RILEY off the mark on hurdles debut.
👍 85 rated flat horse was always likely to be too good today providing she got round – one to keep onside hopefully. https://t.co/gLdcH5X1f4
— Road To Cheltenham (@RoadCheltenham) October 8, 2025
Note: Odds are subject to change
Who Was The Last Trial Winner To Win The Triumph Hurdle?
As mentioned, last year’s Trial winner East India Dock was third in the main event at the Cheltenham Festival.
So, this means we still have to go back to the 2016/17 season to find the last winner of both races.
Step forward Defi Du Seuil, who was trained by Philip Hobbs.
Barry Geraghty rode him in the trial and Richard Johnson did the steering in the Triumph Hurdle (watch below).
Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle 2025 Race Details
📅Date: Saturday 15th November 2025
⌚Time: 12:35pm
🏇Racecourse: Cheltenham
💰Winner: £47,552
📺 TV: Racing TV
Watch Poniros Winning The Triumph Hurdle in 2024?
