THE first Tattersalls Cheltenham sale of the 2025/2026 National Hunt season promises to be an exciting one, as David Maxwell signs off his amateur riding career with a dispersal of 17 lots.

El Cairos is expected to be the headline act after racing on Friday, October 24th, returning to the scene of his Cheltenham Festival fifth in the Grade 1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

Bought for €200,000 after winning a four-year-old maiden for Sean Doyle, the No Risk At All gelding delivered on rules debut at Newbury and was last seen finishing second at the Punchestown Festival.

The future also looks bright for Queensbury Boy, who won his first two starts over hurdles before finishing fifth in the Champion Novices’ Hurdle at Punchestown. The son of Doyen also has a four-year-old maiden win and bumper success to his name.

He is trained by Harry Derham, who took charge of Just Ennemi earlier this year. The Kamsin five-year-old was twice a winner over hurdles in his native France, including at Auteuil.

Full of potential

Stablemate Mondoul Boy showed promise when placing on his sole start between the flags and followed up on rules debut when finishing second in a Class 2 bumper at Sandown. Fellow point-to-point recruit Off The Jury progressed for Alan King last season and was beaten just a neck when last seen in a Grade 3 premier handicap hurdle at Sandown.

Yet to have their potential unleashed are Midtown Manhattan, who sold for €205,000 after impressing on debut and fellow four-year-old maiden winner Risky Obsession.

Upon announcing the dispersal, David Maxwell commented: “I have been fortunate to enjoy many unforgettable days in the saddle, particularly at Cheltenham, and I am immensely proud of the string of horses we are offering.

“With several genuine Cheltenham Festival prospects among them, I hope they will bring their new owners the same excitement and success they have given me.

“I am grateful to Tattersalls Cheltenham for staging this dispersal at The Showcase Meeting, which provides a fitting conclusion to my riding career and the perfect stage for the next chapter in these horses’ journeys.”

Shirley Anderson-Jolag, Tattersalls Cheltenham Sales Manager, added: “We are honoured that David has chosen Tattersalls Cheltenham for this dispersal. Staging the sale at The Showcase Meeting, at the home of jump racing, provides a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.

“With horses such as El Cairos and Queensbury Boy among the line-up, it presents buyers with a rare opportunity to secure outstanding prospects for the major jumps festivals ahead.”