Two new jump racing rivals who could break out in 2024
Imperial Aura at Ascot
Two types of horse racing are prevalent in the United Kingdom's biggest festivals. Flat racing and jump racing are both enjoyed by millions, and they feature simple differences that set them apart.
Flat racing involves no hurdles and fences and is generally a test of pure speed, while jump racing features fences or hurdles that have to be cleared many times throughout a race.
Here we will look at some exciting horses who will star in their first jump racing season in 2024 after making the switch from flat racing.
Golden Maverick
Golden Maverick secured five wins in 15 flat races before making the switch over to jumps for 2024 and secured a second-place finish in his first national hunt race at Catterick.
The strong start to jump-racing for the French horse could be a sign of a consistent 2024 overall, and perhaps some race victories. Golden Maverick's updates throughout the year of racing can be followed at RaceShare where racehorse shares for a variety of competitive horses are available.
Becoming a part-owner of a racehorse enables fans to follow the intricate details of a horse's development which is not typically possible anywhere else - owners would be the first to know about a potential switch between formats.
Besides the horse's debut jump racing event, other factors hint at long-term success in jump racing. For example, Golden Maverick has shown a preference throughout its career for soft ground which is vital when it comes to jumping.
Golden Maverick has an impressive Timeform rating of 91 and that could be set to rise this year if the horse continues to achieve ranked finishes in hurdle races.
The Jamie Snowden-trained horse will be a participant in the Triumph Hurdle on the final day of the prestigious Cheltenham Festival in March which will mark the first Grade One participation of his career - that alone is a sign of the horse's recent progress and suitability for top-level jumps racing.
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara is the very horse who got the better of Golden Maverick at Catterick, and he prepared for the event with a second-place finish in the Juvenile Maiden Hurdle at Hereford in January.
The horse has followed a similar career trajectory to Golden Maverick's in that he achieved some success in flat racing before his trainer and owners decided he was better suited to jumps.
Maasai Mara entered eight all-weather and flat turf races between 2022 and 2023 where he picked up three wins in the process.
The biggest test of his career will arrive at Cheltenham this year, where he will again feature alongside Golden Maverick, meaning a rivalry is perhaps on the horizon for the duo who first met in North Yorkshire in February.
The pair are not expected to make waves at Cheltenham and it will probably take some time before they can truly compete amongst the frontrunners in championship races.
However, the potential of the two prospective rivals has been made clear now that they have delivered their finest overall career performances just months into their time in jump racing.
They have the attributes to be consistent frontrunners, all that is required is further experience for them to push forward.
Their winning histories in flat racing are a sign of their raw speed, while their quick adaptation to jumps has shown they have the build to deal with the physically demanding courses - several wins will surely arrive for both during 2024.
