Go West Shines And Onlyforfrankie Stuns Favorites At Musselburgh

Horse racing fans were treated to a dramatic day at Musselburgh on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as the Scottish course hosted a full slate of competitive action. From surprise upsets to redemption stories, the meeting delivered a little bit of everything, keeping punters and enthusiasts glued to the unfolding drama. A blend of seasoned trainers, rising stars, and some unexpected results ensured that the day would be remembered for more than just the favorites.

The opening race, the bet365 Scottish Supreme Novices' Hurdle, set the tone for a day of unpredictability. Mossy Fen Road, the 1/3 favorite, had been the talk of the track after a runaway success at Chepstow last month. Many expected another smooth victory, especially after his main market rival, Captain Hugo, fell at the third-last flight. However, the Alastair Ralph-trained Onlyforfrankie, ridden by Ciaran Gethings, had other ideas. As Mossy Fen Road came under pressure between the final two hurdles, Onlyforfrankie surged ahead, storming away to win by four and a quarter lengths. Ralph, reflecting on his horse’s performance, told Racing TV, “He’s got good bumper form from Ireland. Jerry McGrath bought him for us privately. He is smart, his future is ahead of him and I can’t wait to get him over fences next year. He is a very sharp, very nice horse.”

Ralph’s knack for sending the right horses to Musselburgh was evident, and he humorously remarked, “I could do with a satellite yard up here really,” highlighting his strong strike rate at the course. He praised Musselburgh’s unique, sharp track and the way his horses seem to thrive there, adding, “It’s quite a unique track, a sharp track for them, and they just thrive round here.”

Elsewhere on the card, the bet365 Frodon Novices' Limited Handicap Chase saw Go West finally put his near-miss frustrations behind him. Trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Freddie Gingell, Go West started as a 7/2 chance and was effectively left in front after early drama unseated both Intense Approach and the 7/4 favorite Dedicated Hero. As Queen's Gamble closed in turning for home, Go West found another gear, pulling away over the final two fences to finish three and a quarter lengths clear of Elysian Knight. For Gingell, it was a moment of redemption after a series of agonizing defeats by a nose, and for Nicholls, it was a testament to patience and strategic planning. According to Nicholls, “He made a couple of mistakes early on at Kempton in an open handicap. The ground was probably a bit quicker than what we thought it would be that day so this slower ground, back in novice company, should suit him well.”

Nicholls’ day didn’t end there. He completed a double when Red Risk, piloted by Freddie Keighley, defied his 12/1 odds to win the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle. Red Risk’s victory was particularly sweet for connections, as the horse had run well in the same race last year before heading to Uttoxeter, and the plan appears to be similar this season. Nicholls noted, “He ran well in this race last year and then went on to Uttoxeter, which is the plan again, but at the moment I think he’s got it all to do.” Despite being in the grip of the handicapper and not getting any younger, Red Risk’s tenacity shone through on the day.

In the feature race, the bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Chase, Transmission emerged as a dominant force. Trained by Neil Mulholland and ridden by Conor O’Farrell, Transmission powered home to win by 12 lengths from the 2/1 favorite Rock My Way. For O’Farrell, it was a weekend double, and the performance left a strong impression. He told Racing TV, “Brendan’s horse [Rock My Way] was jumping left the whole way so it was one of those, it opened up the gap for me and I landed in it. In fairness to my fella, once he landed in there and got a squeeze from me, he took off; he’s won well. All he does is gallop and I’ve felt the few times I’ve rode him that he’s saving plenty for himself so I feel like the visors have brought out the best in him today.” O’Farrell added, “The performance he’s put in today, on this sort of ground, you’d like to think something like the Scottish National would be right up his street.”

The day’s undercard was no less intriguing. Matt Chapman, providing tips for the ITV Racing coverage, had touted Mossy Fen Road as the one to beat in the opener, but the script was flipped by Onlyforfrankie’s decisive run. Chapman’s selections for the rest of the Musselburgh card included Queens Gamble in the 13:25, Koukeo in the 13:55, The G Wizard in the 14:30, and Transmission in the 15:05. While Transmission delivered in style, not all favorites had their day, a reminder of how unpredictable jump racing can be, especially on a track as idiosyncratic as Musselburgh.

Queens Gamble, another of Chapman’s picks, was expected to improve over a longer trip but couldn’t quite get the measure of Go West in the Frodon Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. Koukeo, with two wins already this term, was a strong contender in the 13:55 handicap chase, while The G Wizard was noted for his potential in the 14:30 handicap hurdle. Each race added another layer of excitement and uncertainty, as punters and pundits alike tried to decipher the form and the impact of Musselburgh’s unique layout.

As the dust settled, the theme of the day was clear: Musselburgh rewards the adaptable, the resilient, and those who can seize an opportunity when it arises. Go West’s breakthrough, Onlyforfrankie’s upset, and Transmission’s commanding win all underscored the course’s reputation for producing memorable moments. The meeting also served as a reminder that even the most fancied horses are never guaranteed, and that every race can turn on a single incident or inspired ride.

Looking ahead, connections of several winners are already eyeing bigger prizes. For Go West and Red Risk, the road may lead to Uttoxeter and potentially the Cheltenham Festival, while Transmission’s stamina and form have sparked talk of a tilt at the Scottish National. Musselburgh’s Sunday meeting may have started with a surprise, but it finished with plenty of hope and anticipation for what lies ahead in the rest of the National Hunt season.