The Rising Stars of UK and Irish Racing
The 2023-24 racing season is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with a host of exciting young horses already catching the eye. Whether you're a casual fan or a seasoned punter, keeping track of these up-and-coming stars is crucial for making informed decisions. From novice hurdlers to potential Cheltenham Festival contenders, here’s a closer look at the horses you’ll want to follow.
For a full list of upcoming runners, check out our runners page, where you can keep tabs on today’s action.
Marine Nationale: A Shining Star for Barry Connell
One of the standout horses from last season, Marine Nationale, looks primed for a big campaign this year. Trained by Barry Connell, this five-year-old gelding remains unbeaten to date and announced himself on the big stage with a stunning victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March. Connell has hinted at a chasing career for Marine Nationale, and his jumping prowess could make him a dominant force in novice chases this winter.
Considering including Marine Nationale in your accumulator bets? Visit our accumulator tips page for guidance on how multiple bets could maximise your returns.
Questionnaire: A New Queen on the Block?
In the flat racing sphere, Aidan O’Brien’s filly Questionnaire has been making waves. After breaking her maiden with an eye-catching performance at Leopardstown, this two-year-old looks destined for Group-level competition next year. Her turn of foot and mature attitude caught the attention of many, and O’Brien’s Cheltenham Festival history suggests he knows how to develop versatile talents capable of excelling in different conditions.
If you’re looking for details on her entries, head to our racecards page for the latest updates.
Gerri Colombe: A Chasing Powerhouse
Gerri Colombe, trained by Gordon Elliott, continues to impress both fans and analysts alike. His thrilling run in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, where he was narrowly beaten by The Real Whacker, showcased his relentless stamina and will to win. Connections are aiming the seven-year-old at long-distance chases this season, with the Gold Cup already being whispered as a potential target for 2024.
Catch up with Gerri Colombe’s most recent results and analysis by visiting our fast results section.
Buckaroo: Ireland's Next Middle-Distance Superstar
For fans of Irish flat racing, Joseph O’Brien’s Buckaroo is a name worth noting. This talented three-year-old has demonstrated excellent form at a mile and could step up to Group 1 races in the mile or middle-distance categories. After securing the Tetrarch Stakes in May, expectations are high that this colt can deliver even more silverware for Team O’Brien.
Are you planning an each-way bet on Buckaroo's upcoming races? Take advantage of our each-way tips to boost your chances of a profitable wager.
Impending Contenders for the Cheltenham Festival
One of the highlights of the racing calendar is, of course, the Cheltenham Festival. With many of these young stars expected to shine under the Prestbury Park spotlight, it’s a good time to start analysing the fields and predicting which horses will rise to the occasion. Whether you’re interested in novice hurdlers like Inthepocket or seasoned handicappers stepping up to Grade 1 company, Cheltenham always delivers drama and surprises.
Don’t miss our dedicated Cheltenham Festival page for all the latest updates, race previews, and tips.
How to Stay Ahead of the Game
The key to enjoying and succeeding in horse racing is staying well-informed. That means following the latest news, studying form, and paying close attention to race withdrawals, which you can track on our non-runners page. Additionally, using our horse comparison tool can help you evaluate head-to-head matchups and historical statistics for the horses that capture your interest.
Finally, don’t forget to utilise our betting calculator tool to determine your potential payouts, particularly when experimenting with more complex betting strategies like accumulators or each-way combinations.
Final Thoughts
The 2023-24 racing season is packed with promise, and these young horses are just a snapshot of the remarkable athletes vying for glory across both the UK and Irish racing circuits. Whether it’s Marine Nationale tackling fences, Questionnaire showcasing her gears on the flat, or Gerri Colombe making his mark in staying chases, there is excitement to be found in every corner of the racing world.
For daily racing insights, including tomorrow’s best bets and advice, be sure to visit our tomorrow tips page regularly.



