Here he is jumping to victory at Carlisle in March 2025 for his previous owners, the red silks.
Raffles isn't our usual jumps model (most of ours young ex-pointers, who do need time), aged 9, with a few races under his belt.
However, he's only 2/9,3p chasing , has just 20 total runs under rules, having made his debut aged 6, and the team is convinced he has more wins in him. He takes his training and racing well - proven soundess and hardiness.
Sam, Jonny and I are convinced he will be winning handicap chases, and is now below his last winning mark. The big positive is that he is well handicapped, allowing us to start immediately next jumps season without delay. The 2m handicap chase division in the North is weak, especially in the 0-100/105/110 brackets.
However, there is still some potential upside/unknown (which we like), and it isn't impossible he takes off at some stage given his profile. He did bolt up at Carlisle, from two good horses who've won races since, posting an RPR 111. He could be a late developer, as he hasn't had too much racing for his age, but he is hardy and tough.
It's exciting to see what Team England can do with him after a holiday and a full pre-season within their regime/routine. They work wonders, especially with horses from other yards.
The horse clearly has ability, and is on a workable mark. He could transform for the yard-switch. So, while he's more at the 'been there and done it' end, there is still excitement about what the future may hold next season.
Clearly when Sam & Jonny get him back firing, he will win handicap chases, which is exciting full stop. Some fun days out are ahead, and who knows, maybe we can win that Carlisle Final again for a nice pot £££.
He will start the season below the mark of his Carlisle win and we can crack on straight away in September/October. But who's to say Sam & Jonny can't improve him by 10–20 lb+, they've done so with plenty of others.
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Regarding his background and availability: His previous owners moved all their horses from Becky Menzies after this gelding's Carlisle run, which had been the plan all season. Therefore, you can ignore his form before that (to get his handicap mark lowered). He didn't perform well at Carlisle for whatever reason, but the yard wasn't in great form during the entire 2025/26 jumps season really, with only a 6% win strike rate for her chasers. Sam was 18% (15/82) vs 3/50. Becky is a very good and likeable trainer, but something must have been wrong with them last season generally.
Said owner has since been busy spending a decent amount of money at the sales, inc a 100k+ purchase, and is now happy for this lad to be off the books. His focus is on 'Saturday' horses. Jonny told the owner he should be winning more races which he's fine with, as he will now be in our colours.
He ran once for Sam & Jonny at Hexham, but he wasn't fit enough (travelled well, then tired), the ground was too quick, and was possibly 'over the top' for the season. A summer at grass and Team England's full pre season methods will work wonders for him.
He is great value at just £5k and represents the lowest risk this jumps game offers. We get a well handicapped proven winner that potentially still has more to offer. He is a superb jumper of a fence.
Racecourse targets: He likes Sedgefield, Hexham and clearly Carlisle. I suspect Kelso and Muss may suit also, but there will be other options, such as Wetherby and Catterick.
He is the perfect syndicate horse for immediate success, offering a few wins and a horse we can start campaigning straight away in September/October.
The Trainer... Sam England trains not far from Leeds, and along with jockey husband Jonny, are a superb outfit. They had a 18% win SR over fences last season, which is very good, and have worked wonders with our Coolree. They are very good at what they do, a bit underrated, but now getting more noticed.
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Now is the time to get involved.
Any capital and first month's fees will be expected in mid-June.
Costs:
1% = £50 one-off capital, £28pm fees (start June 1st)
2.5% = £125 capital, £69.99pm fees
5% = £250 capital, £139.98pm fees
7.5% = £375 capital, £189.97pm fees (ongoing fee discount)
10% = £500 capital, £239.96pm fees (ongoing fee discount)
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As an RTPS Owner...
We value communication above all else, (other than the horse's welfare of course), and you'll join our Raffles Wonder broadcast WhatsApp group, where we keep you updated every week and on race-days. Videos, photos, race plans etc.
Before each race you'll get a full preview from me, either video or via email, so in no doubt what is expected and who the main dangers could be.
When he returns to the racecourse we will also use 'The Racing Manager' app.
You will have access to O&T badges, your share of prize money, official yard visits (and welcome to pop in occasionally when it suits you), RTPS owners hospitality days and much more.
We have an all-owners Update group also, and an 'opt in' all owners chat group. You will become part of our growing racing family. We do have a good time together.
A full Agreement will follow, and of course we have a BHA Syndicate License.
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Secure your place...
This lad is the perfect value jumper for us, and with any luck many of you are excited to cheer on Raffle's to victory trackside next winter jumps season. He will win races!
We will reassess at the end of his first year with us to determine whether we continue for a second. You only need to commit for this initial one-year period.
I am excited about him; there has to be more to come as a chaser. Sam could turn him inside out, and it's not impossible he takes off. He has ability, jumps well and knows how to win. All good fun.
