David Probert, a reputable Welsh jockey, showed some exceptional skill at the 2025 Chester May Festival by claiming a double on the opening day. This performance places his name among the top names in British flat racing. All of this was possible thanks to his technical skills and strategic race awareness that helped him race through the tight turns and fast track of the historic Roodee.
For bettors who follow expert horse racing tips, Probert’s success was no surprise. His strong form, discipline, training ethics, and trusted partnerships with industry-leading stables made him a potential winner in Chester.
The first win of the Welsh jockey came in the 1:50 Envirosips EBF Novice Stakes. In this race, he guided the Simon & Ed Crisford-trained colt Artaois to victory over 7 furlongs. The two-year-old colt responded perfectly to Probert’s urging inside the final furlong when he pulled clear in the closing stages, which was seen as a promising debut performance. During this ride, Probert was able to keep the colt relaxed early before timing the final pull with precision.
The momentum did not stop at the second race, which Probert won in the 2:20 Deepbridge Estate Planning Nursery. This time, he guided a Ralph Beckett-trained colt named Unspoken, who had been knocking on the door in previous runs. During a midfield draw, Probert was able to keep Unspoken settled before perfectly timing the final pull that was just enough to win. This win was close, which showcased the two hallmarks of the jockey’s riding style: patience and perfect timing.
Probert has already had an excellent 2025 season, and these wins add to it. Before the start of May, he successfully reached 50 winners. Thanks to his calm presence in the saddle and work ethic off the track, he is now considered a reliable and well-performing rider in the eyes of trainers who are looking to win competitive handicaps and juvenile contests. Recent new wins at Doncaster and Ascot have only strengthened Probert’s reputation. He is riding as well as anyone in Britain right now.
While Chester’s track, the oldest racetrack in the world and the smallest one in Britain, is known for its short straight and tight turns that can be a real challenge for new and less experienced riders, Probert’s maturity and race-reading ability gave him a clear edge. Both of his wins showcased his skillset, which introduced a rider who was fully tuned into the rhythm of the race and confident in his decisions even under high pressure.
Since Probert is originally from the south of Wales, his achievements are a point of pride for many Welsh racing fans, especially since there are not many top Welsh jockeys anymore. His journey from local pony racing tracks to these kinds of competition-level wins is a story that attracts racing fans across the UK, especially in his home nation.
As the flat racing season continues, Probert as a rider will probably keep as a front runner, at least for certain races. It seems like it doesn’t matter whether he is riding in Chester, Ascot, or Chepstow; he will still perform confidently thanks to his calm presence, excellent timing, and race-reading ability.
