Prince Rupert providing Oppenheimer with rare jumping foray

Classic-winning owner Anthony Oppenheimer is no stranger to visiting Kempton Park, but it was something entirely different that saw him venture to the Sunbury track last Saturday, as his first ever National Hunt runner Prince Rupert earned rave reviews when landing the bumper.

A towering 17 hands, the son of Oppenheimer’s Derby- and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning Golden Horn was deemed the perfect candidate for a rare foray across the code divide, with the 88-year-old delighted with what he witnessed as the four-year-old surged to a striking three-length success under Nico de Boinville.

Oppenheimer said: “It was quite different and it’s the first time I’ve ever had a National Hunt horse so it was something brand new.

“He’s 17 hands and I thought on the Flat he might have some problems, he’s a genuine National Hunt horse and his baby run first time out on the racecourse was enjoyable.

“His jockey and trainer were very pleased and on we go, but he’s only a four-year-old and still very young. It was really enjoyable and great fun to see him run so well first time out.”

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Prince Rupert is in the perfect place to excel in the jumping sphere, with Oppenheimer – keen to leave plans to the master of Seven Barrows – anticipating things to be kept low key for the time being before the prospect of tackling obstacles comes into range next term.

“You probably won’t see much of him until next year, but we’ll probably go for another bumper fairly soon,” continued Oppenheimer.

“I’ll leave it entirely up to Nicky who knows the bumpers well and I wouldn’t have the slightest clue which one to go for.

“A number of the horses I’ve sold have won in National Hunt races, but it’s the first time I’ve had one. I’m thrilled to have him, but I’m not intending to have many more National Hunt horses – I’m a Flat man totally!”

Despite Prince Rupert’s welcome distraction, attentions will soon turn to the summer discipline where Oppenheimer’s heart belongs, with the owner-breeder encouraged by the early reports from his team of trainers, as the Flat turf season appears swiftly on the horizon.

The flagbearer of his 2026 string could prove to be Danielle, who signed off with an emphatic nine-length Listed success on the final day of the season at Doncaster and resumes training with John and Thady Gosden as a five-year-old seeking top honours.

“Danielle has stayed in training and Mr (John) Gosden feels if she gets her ground – which is soft – that she is capable of winning a Group One race,” said Oppenheimer.

“Soft is what she needs and it’s quite a problem to wait until the ground is soft enough. We waited last year until the storm softened the ground at Goodwood and she ran really well there in her first run for some time, finishing second in the Group Two.

“She’s an extraordinary filly, but she just loves the soft ground.”