Join

Options open for Saratoga after Cheltenham success

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Tue 17 Mar 2026

Options are open for Saratoga after his victory in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – better known as the Fred Winter – at the Cheltenham Festival.

The JP McManus-owned grey started life as a Flat campaigner, running six times on the level for Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore partners, the most recent of which was in the Long Distance Cup on British Champions Day.

When changing hands he was gelded, and posted three encouraging runs over hurdles for Roche before lining up at 10-1 at Prestbury Park last week.

Under Mark Walsh he was triumphant by two and a quarter lengths, following in the footsteps of his late half-brother Brazil, who won the race in 2022 for the same owner, breeder, trainer and jockey.

“We’re delighted with him, he’s come out of the race great. No problem at all,” said Roche.

“It was a great, great thrill. We’re very grateful, it was unbelievable.”

Brazil went on to contest the Grade One juvenile hurdle at Aintree, where he was third, but Saratoga’s next step is not yet confirmed.

Roche said: “I wouldn’t think he’ll go to Aintree, I haven’t spoken to JP or Frank (Berry, racing manager) yet so we haven’t come up with a plan for him.

“It was great to get him after having Brazil, and we really enjoyed the day.”

Aintree calling for Ryanair hero Heart Wood

Kopek Des Bordes thriving since Cheltenham reverse

No rush to decide on National for Oscars Brother

Goldie forgets to confirm Ayr Gold Cup runners after mix-up

Horse racing tips: Angus McNae's four Sunday selections

Todays top offer

Get 1,000,000 Free Spins on J Cole

T&Cs Apply

18+ New customers only. Bet £10+ on pre-match accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get 4x £5 Horse Racing Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Claim Now

Featured offers

Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New Customers only. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. 18+ Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org.

Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets with Midnite

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

This is a test description for a Midnite offer etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc

Testing JC

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

Bet £10 Get £20 in free bets + £10 Casino + money back if 2nd to SP fav EXTERNAL LINK ANCHORAnother LINK

Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

Bet £20 Get £40 in free bets with BetVictor

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

18+ New Customers only. Opt in, bet £20 on Horse Racing, 1/1+ odds in 7 days, no cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on set markets valid 7 days. Debit Card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply. See below. begambleaware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly.

Please bet responsibly

My Account

Home

Watch

Live

Replays

On Demand

Catch Up

Tv Schedule

RTV Play Schedule

Racecards

Today's Runners

Non-Runners

Tommorow's Runners

Racing Calendar

Results

Tips

Racing TV Tipsters

Nap Of The Day

News

All

Latest

Highlights

Columnists