In a sport where youth often takes the spotlight, the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Chase Series flips the script. Here, experience counts for everything. Ten years old or older is the only ticket to the party — and what a party it is.
Now striding into its second full season, the 2024/25 edition has already served up drama, big wins, and comeback stories galore. This is National Hunt racing with a twist: a celebration of the horses who’ve been there, jumped that, and still have the fire to go again. It’s a tribute to longevity, loyalty, and a proper sporting heart.
And with the £100,000 final set for Haydock Park on April 19, live on ITV, the veterans are heading into the home stretch — and it’s all to play for.
Racing for the Experienced
The concept behind the series is beautifully simple. It’s made for chasers aged ten or older — horses who’ve put in the miles, taken the knocks, and still have a spring in their step. Each race is run over a well-judged 2½ miles, just enough to test stamina while keeping the pace honest.
Eight qualifiers are held at racecourses around the UK, and all a horse needs to do to book their place in the Haydock final is finish in the top eight of any leg. You don’t have to win — but it definitely helps your street (or rather, turf) cred.
The beauty of this setup? Every race matters. And every one of these older competitors has a story worth watching.
The Season So Far: Comebacks, Surprises, and Old-School Class
The first race of the 2024/25 season launched at Wincanton in late October, and straight out of the gate, it was Numitor — already a fan favourite — who took the win. A few weeks later in Carlisle, Flic Ou Voyou proved his mettle by delivering as the favourite. Then came Cheltenham in December, and Numitor made it two for two, storming to a second victory at generous odds of 10/1.
January’s scheduled race at Wincanton didn’t go to plan — classic British weather caused an abandonment — but the momentum picked right back up with The Flier Begley winning at Market Rasen. At Warwick in February, the much-fancied Le Milos did the business with a strong performance.
Haydock played host to a real plot twist in mid-February, where Dubai Days romped home as a 16/1 outsider. Most recently, The Widdow Maker grabbed the headlines at Exeter, winning smartly as a 15/8 favourite.
Each result has added more depth to the season, but one name continues to stand out from the crowd.
Numitor: The Comeback King
If this series had a poster horse, Numitor would be front and centre. Trained by Heather Main and partnered with the ever-reliable Sean Bowen, this seasoned grey has made the series his own.
After taking the win in last year’s final, Numitor is now two-from-two in the current campaign. He’s proven that he can travel, adapt to conditions, and still find the finish line first. It’s not just ability — it’s racecraft, and he’s got it in spades.
All signs point to him lining up at Haydock again. If he’s fit and flying, he’ll be hard to stop — and punters keeping an eye on the horse racing odds will no doubt be circling his name.
Haydock Finale: Where Legends Are Made
There’s something magical about Haydock Park, especially when it plays host to a crowd. And with the Easter Family Fun Day falling on the same weekend as the final, expect atmosphere, energy, and plenty of cheering — for horses that have earned it over years of service.
There’s also the not-so-small matter of that £100,000 prize. But the final is about more than just money. It’s about proving that age doesn’t mean decline — it means experience, resilience, and a bit of racing rock ‘n’ roll.
Expect returning favourites, fresh challengers, and maybe one or two last-chance saloon stories. Whatever the outcome, it promises to be one of the best races of the spring.
Age Is Just a Number
With the final now just around the corner, the stage is set for a thrilling climax. Will Numitor confirm his place as a legend? Will a dark horse like Dubai Days gatecrash the party? Or will someone completely unexpected take the glory?
One thing’s for sure — these horses aren’t done yet. They’ve seen everything, jumped the lot, and still want more. And come April 19, they’ll be ready to remind everyone that class, much like fine wine or great jazz, only gets better with age.