Newport
🐎 Newport (GB)
Foaled: 22nd March 2020 | Sex: Gelding | Colour: Bay
Sire: Starspangledbanner (AUS) | Dam: Chamber Maid (GB) (by Nathaniel (IRE))
Owner: Ursa Major Racing & I Jardine
Trainer: Iain Jardine
Why This Horse?
Newport is a fascinating and versatile gelding who has successfully transitioned from the Flat into the world of National Hunt racing. Originally trained on the Flat, he showed ability in competitive races before making the switch to hurdles, where he has found a new lease of life and developed into a progressive performer.
A horse with plenty of natural ability and a willing attitude, Newport represents the type of dual-purpose performer that can provide owners with excitement throughout the season. His progression over obstacles has been particularly pleasing, with his jumping career producing improved performances, including a first hurdle victory at Musselburgh and several placed efforts in competitive handicap company.
His versatility is one of his biggest assets. Having shown he can perform on the Flat, over hurdles and on a variety of surfaces, Newport gives his connections plenty of options when finding the right opportunities.
🏇 Racing Profile
Foaled on 22nd March 2020, Newport is a British-bred bay gelding who races in the colours of Ursa Major Racing & I Jardine. He began his career on the Flat, where he gained valuable experience before progressing into National Hunt racing.
Although yet to win on the Flat, Newport showed enough ability in that sphere to suggest he had the attributes to make a successful jumper. His switch to hurdles has brought out significant improvement, and he recorded his first victory over obstacles at Musselburgh in December 2025, travelling strongly and staying on well to win a handicap hurdle.
Since that success, Newport has continued to run consistently, finishing runner-up at Newcastle and Kelso before producing another solid effort at Sedgefield. His performances demonstrate his reliability and his ability to compete from his current handicap mark.
A horse who stays strongly and enjoys a proper test, Newport looks best suited to trips around two miles to two miles four furlongs, where his stamina and experience can be fully utilised.
🏠 Training
Newport is trained by Iain Jardine, who has built a strong reputation for improving horses and getting the best from them throughout their careers. Based in Scotland, the Jardine team have enjoyed success with both Flat and National Hunt performers, making them ideally suited to a horse with Newport’s dual-purpose profile.
Since joining Iain Jardine, Newport has clearly benefited from the change of scenery and the move into hurdling. The team have allowed him to develop confidence over obstacles while carefully placing him in races where his stamina and attitude can come to the fore.
His improvement over hurdles highlights the skill of the yard in finding a new route for horses and unlocking further potential. With continued experience, Newport looks capable of remaining competitive in staying handicap hurdles.
🧬 Pedigree Highlights
Newport is by Starspangledbanner, the exceptional Australian-bred sprinter who became a Group 1 winner in both Australia and Europe. Best known for his explosive speed, Starspangledbanner has also produced tough, versatile performers capable of excelling over a range of distances.
His dam, Chamber Maid, is by Nathaniel, the outstanding middle-distance performer and sire of high-class horses including the legendary Enable. This brings a strong stamina influence into the pedigree, helping to explain Newport’s ability to cope with longer distances and the demands of National Hunt racing.
The combination of Starspangledbanner speed and Nathaniel stamina has created an interesting dual-purpose pedigree — one that provides natural athleticism while also offering the toughness and resilience required for jumping.
🌟 Looking Ahead
Newport has already shown that a change of discipline can bring out the best in a horse. His progression over hurdles has been one of the most encouraging aspects of his career, and his first victory at Musselburgh proved that he has the ability to win races in this sphere.
Still only six years old, there is every reason to believe there is further improvement to come. With Iain Jardine continuing to place him carefully, Newport has the opportunity to add more victories and continue providing memorable days for his owners.
A genuine, versatile and progressive performer, Newport is exactly the type of horse that makes National Hunt ownership so rewarding — a horse with a story, plenty of ability and the potential for more success ahead.
