Record Purchase Caldwell Potter May Not Appear Until Aintree

Caldwell Potter made history earlier this year when he became the most expensive National Hunt horse in history. He was sold for 740,000 euros (£632,910) at Tattersalls Ireland to a group of owners that includes former Manchester United football manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

As a result of the sale, Caldwell Potter moved to Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat operation. Nicholls has begun working with the talented novice hurdler, but he does not believe he will be able to get him ready for an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival.

After making a big mark in the early stages of the 2023/24 National Hunt season, Caldwell Potter was expected to feature in either the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle or Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Those placing horse racing bets on those two races will find Ballyburn is now the strong favourite in both markets, particularly the former where he is as short as evens.

Ballyburn will be one of the most popular Cheltenham Festival bets this year, but those looking for a clash between the Irish-trained horse and Caldwell Potter will have to wait until Aintree at the earliest.

Nicholls has not ruled out another run over hurdles this season, but he is already planning his novice chase campaign. The 14-time Champion Trainer wants his horse to appear over fences by the end of October.

The six-year-old made his debut over hurdles back in November at Punchestown for Irish trainer Gordon Elliott. He finished second behind a smart horse from Willie Mullins’ yard. He did not need to wait long to break his maiden, as that came just weeks later at Navan.