The 2025 jump racing season is already shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with highs, heartbreaks, and headlines coming thick and fast. From the devastating news of State Man’s season-ending injury to the rise of an exciting new mare in Diva Luna and Dan Skelton’s charge at the top of the trainers’ championship, there’s no shortage of talking points for fans and punters tracking the latest horse racing odds and the ever-increasing stakes on thoroughbred contests.
State Man’s blow to the season
The news that State Man has been ruled out for the remainder of the season has sent shockwaves through the National Hunt community. The Willie Mullins-trained star suffered a tendon injury during routine work on the gallops on Wednesday, ending any hopes of another tilt at the Champion Hurdle this March at Cheltenham.
It’s a cruel twist of fate for one of the most consistent hurdlers in recent years. State Man has been a stalwart of the top division, consistently taking on Constitution Hill in some truly memorable duels. Their epic battles at Cheltenham have defined the past few seasons, and last year’s race will be remembered for State Man’s gallant performance, leading the field until a heartbreaking fall at the final hurdle.
Mullins confirmed that while the injury is not life-threatening, it will require a lengthy recovery period. Fans will be hoping to see the gelding return next year, although at eight years old, questions will inevitably arise about whether he can come back to his best.
For now, the Champion Hurdle picture looks slightly clearer, but not necessarily easier to predict, and horse racing odds for Cheltenham are already shifting rapidly in light of this news.
Diva Luna’s star turn at Bangor-on-Dee
While State Man’s absence casts a shadow, Diva Luna provided a bright spark with a scintillating display at Bangor-on-Dee. The six-year-old mare produced a breathtaking performance to outclass Joyeuse and Queens Gamble, storming home by a commanding 19 lengths in the Listed Mares’ Novice Chase.
It was a four-runner field, but Diva Luna made it look like a one-horse race. Her jumping was fluent and confident throughout, and she found another gear when asked, stretching away with authority in the final furlong. The win firmly established her as a serious prospect for the spring festivals, and punters have already taken note, with her odds for both the Mares’ Chase and the Arkle having shortened significantly since that impressive outing.
Trainer comments after the race hinted that Diva Luna could next be aimed at tougher company, possibly in graded contests over the coming weeks. If she continues this trajectory, she could well be one of the breakout stars of the 2025 campaign.
Skelton leads the way – For now
Meanwhile, in the Trainers’ Championship, Dan Skelton currently sits on top, with prize money exceeding £440,000. The Alcester-based trainer has made a blistering start to the season, notching up wins across the country with a string of in-form runners. His operation has been firing on all cylinders, and early-season form suggests he means business this year.
However, as history has shown, Willie Mullins is never far away. The Irish maestro has lifted the British Trainers’ title for the past two years in succession, often surging past his rivals with a dominant Cheltenham Festival. While Skelton’s strong start is commendable, the big question remains: can he finally hold off the Mullins juggernaut when it matters most?
The answer may well depend on whether Skelton can continue landing key graded races and major Saturday prizes through the winter. With State Man sidelined, Mullins may have to reshuffle his stable stars, but few would bet against him finding another top contender from his deep reserves.
