Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26 — that’s the phrase on every National Hunt fan’s lips right now, and for good reason. The Ravenswell trainer has built one of the most consistent and likeable yards in Britain, blending hard work with humour and producing winners week after week. Since moving to Ravenswell Farm in 2019, O’Brien’s team has cemented its place among the UK’s top stables, mixing high-class hurdlers, reliable handicappers and progressive young chasers. The headline act, of course, is Crambo, the dual Long Walk Hurdle hero whose stamina and spirit define what this yard is all about.
What makes the Fergal O’Brien stable so fascinating — and why these ten horses to follow 2025/26 truly matter — is its depth. From smart bumper graduates to battle-tested stayers, every type is represented and improving.
If you also want a head-start on the key fixtures for the 2025/26 National Hunt season, don’t miss my full guide to the Top National Hunt Fixtures 2025/26 — the dates and races where these runners might shine.
Below, I’ve picked the ten runners I’ll be following most closely this season, explaining what I like about each, what to expect, and when to keep them on your side in the markets.
We’ll keep this guide updated as Fergal O’Brien’s horses run throughout the 2025/26 jumps season — check back each week for fresh performances and insights.
Ten Fergal O’Brien horses to follow for the 2025/26 National Hunt season
Before diving into the details, here’s a look at the ten Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26 that caught my eye for the new campaign. It’s a blend of proven stars and up-and-comers — stayers with grit, mares with gears and novices with serious upside.
The idea isn’t to predict ten straight winners (if only), but to flag those who look well-placed to improve, hold form or land a nice pot when the right race appears. Some are already household names at Ravenswell, others could be the next ones flying under the radar.
Crambo — Fergal O’Brien’s star stayer to follow in 2025/26
Among all the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, Crambo stands as the stable’s flagbearer. The dual Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle winner at Ascot proved again in December 2024 that stamina and courage remain his trademarks. Trained by O’Brien for the Sullivan Group & Chris Giles, he’s the benchmark for every major staying hurdle this National Hunt season.
Why he makes the list: He’s battle-hardened, thrives on a strong pace, and clearly loves Ascot’s long straight. The plan should mirror last term — a winter campaign centred on the Long Walk, with careful spacing before Cheltenham and Aintree.
Betting insight: Crambo is one to trust mid-season on galloping tracks with soft ground. At the Festival, I’ll be selective, but for pure staying hurdles between December and February, he’s the horse I want in my corner.
Dysart Enos — top mare among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
When it comes to Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, few generate more excitement than Dysart Enos. Fergal once described her as the quickest he’s ever trained — and watching her blitz the G2 Mares’ Bumper at Aintree (2023), it’s hard to argue. Through 2023/24 she built an impressive novice-hurdle streak, showing class, composure and a serious turn of foot. Even her testing run in the Greatwood Hurdle (Nov 2024) proved she belongs in deep company, while her Galway Hurdle spin in summer 2025 confirmed her versatility and durability.
Why she makes the list: Dysart Enos combines Flat speed with National Hunt stamina — the kind of dual talent Ravenswell thrives on. She’s likely to follow a Mares’ Hurdle route later in the season, or dip into handicaps where her mark still offers room to manoeuvre.
Betting insight: I’ll keep her firmly onside on good or good-to-soft ground, especially at 2m–2m1f on sharper tracks like Aintree or Market Rasen. Avoid her on testing winter going; she’s all about rhythm and fast jumping, not trench warfare.
Ryan’s Rocket — novice chaser to watch among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Of all the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, Ryan’s Rocket might be the one set for a breakout chasing campaign. He made an immediate impression when winning on chase debut at Chepstow, jumping fluently and showing the kind of balance every trainer wants in a novice. A bold front-running second at Ascot next time confirmed that his schooling at Ravenswell has turned potential into polish.
Why he makes the list: Ryan’s Rocket has the engine and temperament to climb the handicap ranks. His hurdling form — including solid efforts around Taunton and in the Persian War meeting build-up — already hinted at stamina, but fences seem to have unlocked another gear.
Betting insight: He’s best caught when allowed to dictate from the front over 2m3f–2m5f on galloping tracks like Chepstow or Sandown. If he’s forced to scrap for the lead, I’ll tread carefully, but when he gets his rhythm, he looks a horse on the rise.
Tripoli Flyer — progressive hurdler among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Another key name among the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26 is Tripoli Flyer, a horse whose improvement curve keeps heading north. His raw ability was evident early on, but he really announced himself when finishing third in the Grade 1 Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown (May 2025). That run placed him firmly among the better 2m4f novices in Britain and Ireland.
Why he makes the list: Now a six-year-old, Tripoli Flyer looks tailor-made for either a graded hurdling campaign or a switch to fences later in the season. He travels strongly, finds plenty, and gives the impression he’s still improving with every run.
Betting insight: I’ll be interested when he reappears on left-handed tracks with a bit of cut — his Punchestown form line is stronger than the market realised last spring. If connections keep him over hurdles for a while longer, he could grab valuable black type before moving up in trip.
Update (October 21, 2025): Tripoli Flyer began his 2025/26 jumps campaign at Perth in a small three-runner Class 3 contest. Sent off the 4/5 favourite under JJ Burke, he unfortunately came down at the fifth hurdle while travelling well in second, about two lengths off the leader. He ran off an official mark of 142 and looked to have plenty more to give — definite scope for improvement once he’s back on his feet.
Jack Hyde — reliable handicapper among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Among the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, Jack Hyde stands out as the kind of consistent handicapper every yard needs through autumn and winter. He picked up early-season wins and ran a cracker at the Cheltenham Showcase Meeting (Oct 2025) despite traffic issues late on. His record at Newton Abbot also highlights how well he goes fresh and how his rhythm-driven style suits tight, turning tracks.
Why he makes the list: He combines two-mile tactical speed with just enough stamina to cope with a strong-run race. He’s a horse that gives you a run for your money and can strike when the handicapper shows a bit of leniency.
Betting insight: I’ll keep him onside in Class 2 handicaps on good or good-to-soft ground, especially if his official rating eases before December. On heavy going, I’ll scale back stakes unless he gets a small field and can dictate tempo.
Update (October 25, 2025): Jack Hyde hasn’t quite hit top gear at the start of the 2025/26 jumps season. He began with a fifth-place finish in a Class 1 contest at Chepstow (8 runners), sent off at 5/1 under JJ Burke off a mark of 123. His second outing, also a Class 1 at Cheltenham on October 24, brought the same result — another solid fifth at 5/1, again off 123. The winner that day was Fortune De Mer from the Dan Skelton yard.
Manothepeople — solid staying chaser among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
When picking the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, I couldn’t leave out Manothepeople — the kind of tough, reliable stayer every National Hunt fan loves. He’s not a Gold Cup horse, but he’s a banker for big-field handicaps, the type that turns up, jumps well, and gives his running no matter the company. A Cheltenham winner already, he’s the sort who keeps earning cheques when others can’t handle the ground.
Why he makes the list: He represents everything that works at Ravenswell — honest placement, fitness, and courage. His attitude over fences and ability to travel sweetly before finding more off the bridle make him a yardstick for consistency.
Betting insight: I’ll back him in 3m+ staying chases at Cheltenham, Warwick or Doncaster, particularly on good-to-soft ground. Avoid deep winter slogs; he’s far more effective when the surface isn’t gluey and can make rhythm count.
Update (October 25, 2025): Manothepeople kicked off his 2025/26 campaign at Cheltenham in a competitive 18-runner Class 2 handicap chase. Things didn’t go to plan — he finished 13th, never really travelling or looking a threat. Sent off at 20/1 under JJ Burke off a mark of 135 (RPR 101), he raced towards the rear throughout and couldn’t land a blow. Not the ideal seasonal debut, suggesting he’ll need a run or two to sharpen up.
Lilting Verse — consistent staying mare among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Lilting Verse might not grab headlines, but she’s one of the most dependable names among the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26. This 8-year-old Yeats mare thrives between 3m and 3m3f over fences, keeping her form through the seasons and rarely running a bad race. She’s a regular in the frame and a genuine friend to each-way backers, especially at stamina-testing tracks like Ffos Las or Uttoxeter.
Why she makes the list: She’s tough, genuine and uncomplicated — a proper staying mare who turns up, jumps well and gives her all. She might not have the class to dominate top-graded company, but within Class 3–4 chases, she’s rock-solid.
Betting insight: I’ll treat her as an each-way anchor in small-field staying chases on soft or good-to-soft ground. If she steps up to Class 2, I’ll want a bigger price, but at her level she’s pure consistency and value.
Update (October 29, 2025): Lilting Verse made a bright start to her 2025/26 jumps season. She ran at Ffos Las on October 28 in a 13-runner Class 4 chase, finishing an excellent second behind Holokea. Sent off at 10/1 off a mark of 113 (RPR 117), she came from off the pace, moved into second two out, and stayed on well — just unable to match the winner’s late kick. A very encouraging return that confirms she’s in good heart.
Kingston Sunflower — comeback mare to note among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Every good yard has a comeback story, and among the Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, Kingston Sunflower is exactly that. After more than 700 days off the track, she returned with a bang, winning a 2m handicap hurdle (Oct 2025) under Fern O’Brien before backing it up with another strong effort next time. That tells me there’s still plenty of upside on her current handicap mark.
Why she makes the list: She’s a mare who clearly retains her ability, stays well at two miles, and responds under pressure. The team will manage her spacing carefully — she seems happiest on good-to-soft ground, where her fluent jumping can shine.
Betting insight: I’ll be keeping her on my radar for mares’ handicaps between 2m and 2m1f, especially if she gets a light weight or a useful claimer aboard. She’s still improving and looks well-handicapped enough to land another nice prize this season.
Update (October 10, 2025): Kingston Sunflower kicked off her 2025/26 jumps season in style. On October 8, she won a 2m Class 4 hurdle at Ludlow (6 runners), sent off at 4/1 off a mark of 110 and earning an RPR of 118. She showed real determination to outbattle the favourite, Sergeant Fury, producing a strong late finish that suggests she’s ready to climb the ranks quickly this season.
Chicker — promising bumper horse among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Among the younger Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, Chicker looks the most exciting bumper type. He made a strong debut at Worcester, then underlined his potential by winning at Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting (Class 2 NH Flat) under Jonathan Burke, defying a penalty in style. That kind of professionalism at Prestbury Park says plenty about his temperament and engine.
Why he makes the list: Chicker travels sweetly, quickens when asked, and looks the type to make a smooth transition to hurdles. Whether the team send him to a Listed bumper or straight into a novice campaign, his schooling and attitude make him a proper prospect.
Betting insight: I’ll be selective with him in bumpers — the market can overreact quickly — but I’ll be keen to back him in novice hurdles around 2m on good or good-to-soft ground, especially when the race shape allows him to use that turn of foot.
Update (October 26, 2025): Chicker wasted no time showing he’s one of Fergal O’Brien’s most exciting prospects. On his seasonal debut at Cheltenham, he landed a competitive 11-runner Class 2 contest under JJ Burke, sent off at 7/2. He posted an RPR of 114, defeating the favourite Le Beau Madrik with an impressive late surge. Having raced towards the rear early, he swept through the field from four furlongs out and finished strongly — a performance that hints at Class 1 potential sooner rather than later.
Start Again — novice hurdler with potential among Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
Few names fit better on a “Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26” list than Start Again, and not just for the headline. The 5-year-old by Kingston Hill announced himself with a smart novice hurdle win at Exeter (Oct 2025), travelling smoothly and finding plenty when asked. He’s already got future entries lined up, which tells you the yard expect him to handle a busy schedule and keep improving.
Why he makes the list: He’s got scope, neat technique, and that calm, professional way of going that Fergal O’Brien’s novices often show. He learns fast and has the frame to progress once he steps up in trip.
Betting insight: I’ll look to back him in GBB novice hurdles between 2m and 2m2f, especially on good-to-soft ground where rhythm matters more than raw speed. He’s still learning, but there’.
Update (October 22, 2025): Start Again made the perfect start to his 2025/26 jumps campaign. He scored in a 6-runner Class 4 contest at Exeter on October 21, sent off at 3/1 under KK Woods off a mark of 99, earning an RPR of 100. He jumped neatly throughout and finished strongly to win with something in hand — the kind of performance that suggests he could soon be tackling Class 2 or 3 company.
Three more Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26 on my extended tracker
- Because ten never feels like enough, here are three more Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26 that stay on my extended list — ones I can’t quite leave out when planning bets or ante-post notes:
- Tripoli Flyer: yes, again. If he stays hurdling into the spring, I’ll be eyeing a graded podium at 2m4f on good or good-to-soft ground. He’s improving fast and deserves another mention.
- Ryan’s Rocket: I want him back at Chepstow or Sandown, ideally allowed to lead early — his fencing rhythm there looked spot-on.
- Jack Hyde: I’ll keep monitoring the official ratings list; when he dips to the right mark, he’s a serious Class 2 handicap play.
How I’ll bet on these Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025
Betting on Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26 is never about guessing — it’s about timing, ground, and rhythm. If you enjoy analysing how horses perform when the mud is flying, take a look at my feature on Soft Ground Specialists – National Hunt 2025/26, where I highlight ten jumpers that come alive on testing ground.
The yard’s runners are generally fit, well-schooled, and rarely misplaced. I’ll side with them when they’re kept to their sweet spots: Crambo in deep mid-winter staying hurdles, Dysart Enos on spring ground, Ryan’s Rocket when he gets an uncontested lead, and Kingston Sunflower in mares’ handicaps around two miles.
Trip matters as much as talent. Tripoli Flyer looks an ideal 2m4f horse, Ryan’s Rocket shines between 2m3f–2m5f, Jack Hyde travels best at two miles, and Lilting Verse thrives over three miles and beyond. Getting those conditions right is 80% of the game.
Course specialists count. Manothepeople on Cheltenham’s New Course feels repeatable, Crambo at Ascot is a must-follow, and Chicker clearly handles Prestbury Park’s undulations. Sometimes the simplest angle is the best one.
MMarkets and staking strategy:
• Win-only: Crambo (Long Walk-type stayers), Tripoli Flyer (when underestimated returning to hurdles).
• Each-way or place-heavy: Lilting Verse (staying chases), Manothepeople (big handicaps), Kingston Sunflower (mares’ races).
• Watch-and-learn: Chicker (if aimed at a Listed bumper), Start Again (deep novice hurdles).
Jockey insight: With Jonathan Burke handling most Saturday rides and Fern O’Brien using her claim smartly, I always check the booking before placing a bet. It often signals intent — and affects how aggressively they’ll ride.
Final thoughts on Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26
When I look back at this list of Fergal O’Brien horses to follow 2025/26, what stands out isn’t just the talent — it’s the method. Ravenswell isn’t built around one superstar but around dozens of horses improving a little every time they run. That’s why Fergal O’Brien’s operation keeps producing Saturday winners and Festival contenders year after year. If you’re already looking ahead to the major spring meetings, you can check the official Cheltenham Festival website for updates, tickets and race details — it’s the centrepiece of the National Hunt season.
If you only want one name to pin your hopes on, it’s Crambo — the heart and stamina of the yard. But if you want winners spread throughout the season, it’s this whole group: mares with class, stayers with grit, and novices learning the trade the right way.
I’ll keep the kettle on, keep watching the marks, and play the long game. Because that’s what betting on Ravenswell’s finest is really about — patience, timing, and enjoying the ride.
Want to discover more top jumpers for this season? Check out the full Horses to Follow 2025/26 series for all my trainer-by-trainer picks.
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