Steel Ally triumphs at Ascot as Sam Thomas eyes Welsh National glory
Steel Ally won the Grade Two Noel Novice Chase at Ascot on 19 December 2025, ridden by jockey Dylan Johnston. Steel Ally finished nine lengths clear of Push The Button after the 7-5 favourite, No Questions Asked, who led briefly, could not sustain the challenge and faded from the lead.
Steel Ally is now quoted around 33-1 for the Arkle Trophy Novice Chase at Cheltenham in 2026. Meanwhile, trainer Sam Thomas is targeting the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on 27 December 2025 with two horses: Jubilee Express and Shomen Uchi. Thomas aims to repeat his 2021 Welsh National victory secured with Iwilldoit.
Thomas's stable is in excellent form, having saddled four winners from seven runners in December. Jubilee Express is described as a big, burly horse, whereas Shomen Uchi is considered slightly classier but more fragile; both remain in contention for the Chepstow race.
In other racing news, Honesty Policy, trained by Gordon Elliott, is a leading contender for the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. With Mersey Novice Hurdle and Punchestown form, Honesty Policy is odds-on to challenge for the staying hurdle crown. The best home-trained contender in the Long Walk field is Impose Toi, trained by Nicky Henderson for owner JP McManus. Impose Toi, a five-year-old with 15 races to Honesty Policy’s five, holds around 5-2 odds.
