Draft:Seddon

• Comment: See also the talk page. S0091 (talk) 23:11, 18 April 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: Sources are either listings/trivial mentions or largely based on what those affiliated say (i.e. John McConnell, etc.). S0091 (talk) 22:48, 18 April 2025 (UTC)

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Seddon (foaled 20 March 2013) is an Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse known for his versatility across hurdles, fences, and flat racing. Trained by John C. McConnell and owned by the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate, Seddon gained prominence with a victory in the 2023 Cheltenham Festival's Magners Plate Handicap Chase. He has achieved success in Ireland, the UK and the United States.

Background

Seddon is a bay gelding bred in Ireland by Tim and Helen Keoghan. He is sired by Stowaway (GB) out of the mare Andreas Benefit (IRE). Initially trained in Britain by Tom George and later Harry Whittington, Seddon transitioned to John McConnell's yard in County Meath in August 2022. [1] Seddon’s ownership by the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate, a group made up largely of friends and family members, has been highlighted in racing media as a standout example of the accessibility and inclusiveness of syndicate ownership in modern jump racing.

Racing Career

Early Career

Seddon began his racing career in National Hunt Flat races. He progressed to novice hurdles and chases, achieving moderate success under trainers Tom George and Harry Whittington. [2]

2022–23 Season

Seddon recorded a victory in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in October 2022. He followed this with a chasing win at Leopardstown during the Christmas Festival. His most notable win came in March 2023, when he won the Magners Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The win was widely regarded as a fairytale result, not only for McConnell and amateur jockey Ben Harvey, but also for the Galaxy Syndicate, who had bought the horse for a modest sum prior to his remarkable resurgence in form. His success was seen as one of the feel-good stories of the Festival. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

In April 2023, Seddon capped the season by winning the €100,000 Fitzwilliam Sports Handicap Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

2023–24 Season

Seddon began the 2023–24 campaign with a narrow second-place finish in the Deacy Gilligan Hurdle at Galway. He was then sent to the United States, where he ran third in the grade 1 American Grand National at Far Hills, New Jersey. Seddon’s appearance in the American Grand National reflected both his durability and international appeal. Despite travel and unfamiliar ground, he placed creditably in one of the United States' most prestigious steeplechase events. Returning to Ireland, he added two flat race victories at Killarney and Listowel. [9] [10]

2024–25 Season

In December 2024, Seddon finished fifth in the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. He returned to the same course on New Year’s Day 2025, placing third in the Betfair Exchange Chase, and later ran tenth in his title defense at the Magners Plate Handicap Chase during the Cheltenham Festival. [11]

Racing Record

Code	Runs	Wins	Places	Win %	Earnings
Flat	4	2	0	50%	€19,350
Hurdle	15	4	9	27%	€65,000 (IRE), £44,955 (GB)
Chase	15	4	6	27%	€12,000 (IRE), £103,777 (GB)
NHF	2	1	0	50%	£3,331
Total	36	11	18	31%	Approx. €114,350 (IRE), £151,063 (GB)

[12]

Pedigree of Seddon

Sire Stowaway (GB) b. 1994	Slip Anchor (GB) br. 1982	Shirley Heights	Mill Reef
			Hardiemma
		Sayonara	Birkhahn
			Suleika
	On Credit (FR) ch. 1988	No Pass No Sale	Northfields
			No Disgrace
		Noble Tiara	Vaguely Noble
			Tayyara
Dam Andreas Benefit (IRE) b. 2003	Beneficial (GB) b. 1990	Top Ville	High Top
			Sega Ville
		Youthful	Green Dancer
			First Bloom
	Knockhouse Rose (IRE) b. 1995	Roselier	Misti
			Peace Rose
		Ballybeg Maid	Prince Hansel
			No Hunting

[13]