A horse named Quebecois is scheduled to compete in a steeplechase race at Newbury on February 17, 2026. The event, the OLBG 'Chasing Excellence' Novices' Chase, is a key opportunity for Quebecois to achieve its initial win over fences. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, adding to the attention surrounding this particular horse's performance.
The past success of horses in similar races at Newbury suggests the track conditions and the competitive nature of the event are significant factors for the outcome. Quebecois has demonstrated potential in hurdle races, and its performance over fences is now under scrutiny.
Quebecois's Recent Performance and Pedigree
Quebecois enters the race with a mixed record over fences. Its last outing resulted in a victory in a handicap hurdle, marking its first career win for trainer Linda Perratt.
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Following this win, the horse was assessed by the handicapper, leading to a weight increase of 6 pounds.
Prior to its recent success over hurdles, Quebecois had competed in steeplechase events, including a third-place finish at Ffos Las in late October.
The winner of that Ffos Las race later achieved success in the Challow Hurdle, indicating a potentially strong class of competition in which Quebecois has previously placed.
The horse's earlier success came over smaller obstacles at Ayr in April.
Race Details and Competition
The OLBG 'Chasing Excellence' Novices' Chase at Newbury is set to feature several notable contenders.
Quebecois will face competitors such as Personal Ambition and Old Cowboy.
The race is scheduled for 2:15 PM at Newbury.
Information from At The Races indicates that Quebecois has a history of winning hurdle races over distances of 2m 1f and 2m 4f on soft ground.
The horse has also shown effectiveness over distances ranging from 2m 4f to 3m and performs well on soft and good to soft ground.
However, its most recent performance in a handicap hurdle at Chepstow saw it finish well beaten.
Contrasting Views on Quebecois's Chances
While the recent win provides a confidence boost, there are differing perspectives on Quebecois's suitability for steeplechase racing at this level.
Optimism for Steeplechase Success
Some reports suggest that Quebecois is seeking its first chase win, highlighting the significance of this particular race for the horse's progression.
The fact that the winner of a previous race involving Quebecois went on to higher-class competitions is seen as a positive indicator of Quebecois's own potential.
Cautionary Notes
The significant weight increase following its last handicap hurdle win raises questions about how it will perform under a heavier load in a chase.
The report from At The Races notes that Quebecois was "well beaten" in its last hurdle outing, suggesting potential performance issues.
Expert Analysis
A report from Racing Post notes that a chaser trained by Gary and Josh Moore is considered well-primed for a Newbury test. While this does not directly refer to Quebecois, it highlights the general competitive environment at Newbury. This trainer, Gary & Josh Moore, also has a horse named Havaila listed in a 3:55 PM race at Newbury on the same day, suggesting the stable's active presence at the venue.
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Paul Nicholls, a trainer, is quoted stating, "He loves the ground and track and it was a welcome return to form last time." This comment, while not about Quebecois, reflects an optimistic outlook for horses performing well under specific conditions.
Racecard Information for February 17, 2026
Detailed racecard information for February 17, 2026, at Newbury lists several horses in the 3:55 PM 500 Logistics Decade of Delivery Handicap Chase. While Quebecois is not explicitly listed in this particular race summary from Timeform, the presence of other horses such as:
| Horse Name | Age | Weight (st-lbs) | Official Rating | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Palais (FR) | 9 | 12-0 | 130 | Richard Bandey |
| As The Fella Says (IRE) | 7 | 10-13 | 115 | Nicky Henderson |
| Havaila (IRE) | 7 | 11-0 | 116 | Gary & Josh Moore |
| Major Fortune (IRE) | 8 | 11-6 | 122 | Dan Skelton |
| Sheldon (IRE) | 10 | 10-13 | 115 | Seamus Mullins |
This list indicates a competitive field with varying ratings and weights, providing context for the challenges any horse, including Quebecois, might face.
Past Encounters and Implications
A notable previous encounter between Quebecois and Doyen Quest at Newbury resulted in Doyen Quest winning the Future Stars Novices' Chase over 3 miles. In that race, Quebecois was the odds-on favorite but finished behind Doyen Quest. This outcome suggests that while Quebecois has been a favored contender, it has faced and been defeated by other strong performers. The report from Racing Post on this event mentions that Doyen Quest was cut to 20-1 for the Coral Gold Cup after this victory.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The upcoming race at Newbury presents a significant juncture for Quebecois. Its previous win in a handicap hurdle has been recognized by the handicapper, potentially increasing the challenge in steeplechase competition. The horse's history includes both promising performances and instances of being well beaten, making its exact capability over fences somewhat uncertain.
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Future monitoring of Quebecois's performance at Newbury on February 17, 2026, will be essential to gauge its progress and potential in steeplechase racing. Observers will be keen to see if the horse can secure its first win over fences against a competitive field.
Sky Sports Racing: Source for the initial announcement of Quebecois's participation.
At The Races: Provides general fixture information for Newbury races.
Link: https://www.attheraces.com/racecards/Newbury/17-February-2026
Racing Post: Offers trainer insights and historical race details, including past performances involving Quebecois.
Timeform: Details racecards and specific entries for races at Newbury.
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