Midnight Court was an Irish-bred racehorse who developed into a top class steeplechaser when trained in England by Fred Winter.

Ridden by his regular jockey John Francome, he delivered his challenge at the final fence and went to the front on the run-in to beat Arlonstown Boy by two lengths.

On his final appearance, in the Heinz Novices Handicap Chase over two and a half miles at Ascot, Midnight Court carried 11st 11lb in to second place behind Commandant, leading for much of the race but tiring and being caught on the run-in.

In what was intended to be his preparation race for Cheltenham, Midnight Court reverted to two and a half miles when lining up for the Morgan Grenfell Geoffrey Gilbey Memorial Handicap Chase at Newbury, where he carried two stone more than the runner up Young Arthur.

Originally scheduled for its normal March date, the 1978 Cheltenham Gold Cup was postponed due to snow making the course unraceable.

In the interim period Midnight Court had appeared in the Aynsley China Cup Chase at Chepstow, where he won without being stretched.

Rounding the home turn, Midnight Court came up on the inside to join Fort Devon and Royal Frolic.

Midnight Court ended the season with a Timeform rating of 164, and received the organisation’s ‘Best Staying Chaser’ award.

After pulling up in another hurdle race on his next start he then switched back to fences, carrying top weight in the Jerry M Handicap Chase at Lingfield.

[7] After being sent hunting, Midnight Court returned to Fred Winter and won three of his four starts, ridden by the stable’s amateur rider Oliver Sherwood on each occasion.

Midnight Court ran a highly credible race to finish in second place, twelve lengths behind Night Nurse.

A week prior to the Cheltenham Gold Cup he contested a Foxhunters race at Wincanton, winning without being troubled.