With over 450 winners and several big festival winners, Jamie Snowden has become a staple of British horse racing since obtaining his licence in 2008. Jamie has experience as a jockey, riding in pony clubs, hunting, and point-to-points during his time at school. In his gap year, he worked as an assistant trainer for a flat yard in New Zealand. Following this, he joined the army, continuing his riding career and winning the Grand Military Gold Cup and Royal Artillery Gold Cup four times each.
To add to his already impressive resume, he spent a year as a pupil assistant for Paul Nicholls. He then switched to work as an assistant trainer and amateur jockey for Nicky Henderson before taking his license out in 2008.
The 2024/25 season
Jamie Snowden enjoyed one of his best National Hunt seasons yet in 2024/25, combining big wins and consistency that was reminiscent of the top yards. Julius Des Pictons added to Snowden’s growing tally of historic wins. He scored in the Grade 1 Sefton Novice Hurdle at Aintree. There were other graded breakthroughs too, notably Hollygrove Cha Cha’s victory in the Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown, underlining the yard’s growing strength in depth across divisions. Ga Law ran consistently at the big festivals; however, not as well as in previous seasons.
Datsalrightgino’s passing as an eight-year-old was a sad loss for connections, yard staff and Snowden. What Datsalrightgino left as a lasting memory was the clear proof of Snowden’s ability to train high-class winners that can dig deep and win.
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2025/26 season
Ga Law was slightly frustrating last season, with age potentially being the factor to blame. Ga Law is a French-bred chaser trained by Jamie Snowden, best known for winning the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham after a long injury layoff. Consistent at 2m4f–3m in top handicaps, he’s also scored at Cheltenham in 2024, though he’s found Grade 1 company tougher. Potential return remains on the cards, but a full season could depend on early-season form.
Julius Des Pictons was one of the big winners for Snowden last season, winning the Sefton at Aintree. A very positive season last time out, with a slightly unexpected win at Aintree to finish off the season. Multiple options are available for the upcoming season, with much expectation that the good form will continue. Potential seasonal appearances could be in graded novice chases through the autumn, with an eye towards stepping into open company later in the campaign. The Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury or the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas could be likely early targets, while a return to Aintree in the spring would provide a natural long-term aim.
Hollygrove Cha Cha is a young and talented set to light up the 2m-2 m 4f circuit next season. Already notching up five wins and a Grade 2 winner, it appears that Snowden has a serious horse on his hands. Still lightly raced, she combines a progressive profile with a likeable attitude, and connections will be hopeful she can develop into a serious force in the mares’ division. With natural improvement expected and the stamina to be versatile over a trip, Hollygrove Cha Cha looks primed to make her mark in open company and could be a regular feature at the big spring festivals.
Wendigo looks to be a potential stable star. With a strong novice career so far, racking up four wins under rules over eight races. Ran in valuable company in several races, including the Challow Novice Hurdle at Newbury and the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham. At Newbury ran into second towards the finish, coming second to The New Lion by 4 3/4 lengths in the Grade 1 challenge. Cheltenham posed a harder challenge with 20 runners in another Grade 1 hurdle. Ran on well considering stumbling badly two out after being hampered. A good jump last and staying on showed real potential for a Grade 1 win with no big mistakes. What was promising was the clear ability to run over the 3-mile distance, which opens up a few avenues.
La Conquiere is another one to watch for the season. A valuable second in the Nickel Coin Mares’ at Aintree in a national hunt flat race suggests a big season of progress. Being a six-year-old, she is a season behind; however, there is undoubtedly a plan to unleash her in some valuable races this season. Strong pedigree for the flat over longer distances, with her mother showing some form over the two-mile mark. Real potential, but will need to hit the ground running if a career is to be forged.
Hope Rising is only four years old, but it has strong handicap potential. She has run a few times this season, already winning three times and hitting the post on another two occasions. What is worth mentioning is the switch from flats to jumps and the subsequent upturn in form. Currently running and winning in Class three and four handicaps, but over the course of the season, could appear in some classy 2-mile events.
By the end of the season, Snowden not only won notable silverware but also had a clear sense that his yard is becoming a consistent force on the big stage.
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Sno’ many more winners to come
There will be an element of expectation that last season’s results will be repeated, with many looking to Jamie Snowden to build on that success. Having proven his ability to turn promising horses into consistent winners, he now faces the challenge of not only matching those achievements but surpassing them, as owners and fans alike anticipate another campaign filled with notable victories.
This has been another instalment of the Looking Ahead to the Jump season series. To read previous instalments like Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, and Dan Skelton, click HERE. The next trainer to be covered will be Mickey Bowen.
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