Palladium, the record-breaking £1m jumps horse, received glowing praise after his impressive debut performance at Huntingdon on January 23, 2025. The four-year-old colt, who was purchased for €1.4m at a sales ring in France in October, was expected to perform at a high level given his hefty price tag, but his first appearance over hurdles quickly dispelled any doubts.
Despite his status as a seven-figure horse, Palladium was an unproven talent on the jumps scene, having never raced over obstacles before. His entry into the race, a maiden hurdle with a £4,221 prize for the winner, was a significant step forward in his career. The betting market had placed him as the 8-15 favorite, and the performance on the track lived up to expectations. Under the guidance of jockey Nico de Boinville, Palladium was calm and professional, easing into the lead after jumping the third-last hurdle and holding off a late challenge from the outsider, Wolf Moon.
Although the victory was not eye-catching in terms of form, it was a promising start to Palladium’s jumping career. Trainer Nicky Henderson was delighted with the colt’s debut and rated him “10 out of 10,” citing his professionalism and ability to jump well from start to finish. Henderson acknowledged that there is still more improvement to come from Palladium, particularly in terms of fitness, as the colt had not yet undergone full galloping work before the race. Henderson suggested that another run, most likely the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on February 22, would further enhance Palladium’s condition.
Looking ahead, Henderson highlighted that the Cheltenham Festival, specifically the Triumph Hurdle in March, was a primary goal for Palladium, but the horse’s potential extended beyond just jumping. Given his status as a colt, Palladium also holds significant stallion potential, which could lead to high-profile races like the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot later in the year. Henderson’s long-term vision for Palladium includes both his career on the track and his future as a breeding prospect.
While Palladium’s debut performance was a step in the right direction, Henderson was mindful of the challenges that lay ahead. The trainer emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum throughout the season and ensuring Palladium stays in peak condition for the biggest races on the horizon. As Henderson prepares his stable for the busy months ahead, including the anticipation of Constitution Hill’s appearance at Cheltenham’s Trials Day, Palladium’s journey is just beginning.
Henderson’s focus now shifts to maintaining the form of his horses, with the hopes of heading into the Cheltenham Festival with a strong, well-prepared team. Palladium’s early success over hurdles signals a promising future, but his development remains an ongoing project that could unfold in exciting ways over the next year.
