• Race: Noel Laing Stakes (Grade 2) (Hurdle) (Turf) (4yo+)

• Distance: 2 Miles 4 Furlongs

• Date & US Post Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 – 4:00 PM EST (12:00 PM local gates/first race card starting 12:30 PM)

• Track: Montpelier Racecourse (Turf, Left-handed)

High-Profile European Exports Lead the Charge: James Du Berlais vs. Zabeel Champion

James Du Berlais Headlining for Thomas Garner

All eyes will be on the 10-year-old French-bred gelding James Du Berlais.

Formerly a flagship chaser and hurdler in Ireland for champion trainer Willie Mullins, the high-class veteran was transferred across the Atlantic to join trainer Thomas Garner for owners Leipers Fork Steeplechase. During his European career under Mullins and owner Simon Munir & Isaac Souede, James Du Berlais raced at the highest level-placing in Grade 1 events such as the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown and competing in major Cheltenham Festival events.

Now fully settled into the U.S. circuit, he carries 152 lbs with jockey Evan Dwan in the saddle.

Blinkers go back on this weekend as he looks to add a U.S. Grade 2 victory to his extensive international record.

Zabeel Champion Out to Maintain Jack Fisher’s Dominance

Challenging James Du Berlais is Zabeel Champion, representing Jack Fisher—the hall-of-fame trainer who secured victory in this very race last year.

The 9-year-old gelding (Poet’s Voice x Stars In Your Eyes) boasts a rich racing history in the UK. Originally starting out on the Flat with Sir Mark Johnston before transitioning to hurdles under Jonjo O’Neill, Zabeel Champion was later exported to the U.S. for Riverdee Stable.

He enters top of the weights at 160 lbs with Freddie Procter booked to ride. Having already scored Grade 1 (Iroquois) and Grade 2 (Temple Gwathmey) victories in 2026, Zabeel Champion poses a massive threat to defend Fisher’s crown.

2026 Noel Laing Stakes Runners

Here is a breakdown of all six contenders declared for Saturday’s feature:

Foxy Walk (IRE) (7yo Gelding | 150 lbs)

Jockey: Dan Nevin | Trainer: Leslie F. Young | Owner: Michael A. Smith Overview: A consistent performer from the Leslie Young barn, carrying light weight (150 lbs). Well-suited to the 2m4f trip and capable of pushing the top two if they falter.

Scorpion’s Revenge (IRE) (10yo Gelding | 148 lbs)

Jockey: Gustav Dahl | Trainer: Cyril Murphy | Owner: Estate of Irvin S. Naylor Overview: A veteran campaigner with deep experience on U.S. turf. Gets a featherweight of 148 lbs and will look to use his stamina in the closing stages.

Zabeel Champion (GB) (9yo Gelding | 160 lbs)

Jockey: Freddie Procter | Trainer: Jack Fisher | Owner: Riverdee Stable Overview: Grade 1 winner this season and top-weight runner. Former Johnston/O’Neill pupil who is the form pick for last year’s winning connections.

Too Friendly (GB) (8yo Gelding | 152 lbs)

Jockey: Niall Prendergast | Trainer: Leslie F. Young | Owner: Estate of Irvin S. Naylor Overview: Second runner for Leslie Young. A proven jumper imported from the UK who holds tactical speed and solid back-class.

James Du Berlais (FR) (10yo Gelding | 152 lbs)

Jockey: Evan Dwan | Trainer: Thomas Garner | Owner: Leipers Fork Steeplechase Overview: Former Willie Mullins star making noise in the States. Has the back-class to win this if fitting blinkers sharpens his finish.

Bellarmine Hall (9yo Gelding | 142 lbs)

Jockey: Paddy O’Hanlon | Trainer: David M. Bourke | Owner: Sawbuck Racing Overview: Carrying the bottom weight of just 142 lbs. Will need a career-best performance to top the Grade 2 opposition, but gets a massive weight break.

Where is Montpelier Race Course in the US?

Montpelier Race Course is located in Montpelier Station, Orange County, Virginia, USA (Physical Address: 11350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, VA 22957).

The racecourse is set on the historic grounds of Montpelier, the estate and home of James Madison, the 4th President of the United States.

Situated in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains roughly 85 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

Montpelier is famous for its natural hedge jumps and rich steeplechasing tradition dating back nearly a century.

Who won the 2m4f Noel Laing Stakes (Grade 2) (Hurdle) (Turf) (4yo+) in 2025?

The 2025 running of the Noel Laing Stakes saw Cool Jet (IRE) storm to a dominant victory for trainer Jack Fisher and owner Riverdee Stable.

• Winner: Cool Jet (IRE) (9-year-old gelding)

• Jockey: Bernard Dalton

• Trainer: Jack Fisher

• Owner: Riverdee Stable

• Winning Time: 5:12 2/5

• Margin: Won comfortably by 4¼ lengths

Noel Laing Stakes 2025: Full Result (Top 3)

• 1st Cool Jet (IRE) Bernard Dalton Jack Fisher 11st 4lb (158 lbs) —

• 2nd Noble Anthem (IRE) Evan Dwan Thomas Garner 10st 4lb (144 lbs) 4¾ lengths

• 3rd For The Parish (IRE) Jamie Bargary Leslie F. Young 10st 4lb (144 lbs) ¾ length