Racenews Newslink Archive - Monday, January 27, 2003

Monday, January 27, 2003

ULTRA-COMPETITIVE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NOVICE HURDLES IN PROSPECT

Three-figure entries are revealed today for each of the three championship novice hurdles at the 2003 National Hunt Festival with contestants from Ireland, France and Germany engaged in each of the Gerrard Wealth Management Novices’ Hurdle, Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle and JCB Triumph Hurdle.

The traditional Festival opener on Tuesday, March 11, the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, has a 127-strong entry this year with last season’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper runner-up Rhinestone Cowboy, who is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and is also entered in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, heading the ante-post betting.

There are 38 possibles to give Ireland a fourth success in the last five renewals of this race with the Weatherbys Champion Bumper third Back In Front, trained by Edward O’Grady, one of the leading hopes along with the Willie Mullins-trained Joueur D’Estruval, who scored at Navan earlier this month. The three entries from France include a pair trained by Francois Doumen, Little Rock and Peppercorn, and one overseen by Doumen’s son Thierry, Foreman. Translucid, trained in Germany by Christian Von Der Recke, adds further international interest.

There are 128 entries in the 2m 5f Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle, run on Wednesday, March 12, with Jonjo O’Neill again accounting for the ante-post favourite. It is Coolnagorna who heads this market after winning the Grade 1 Stan James Challow Hurdle at Newbury on December 28 by no less than 29 lengths.

Victor Dartnall’s stable star Lord Sam, whose latest success came at Kempton on January 18, is another leading contender with the 39 Irish-trained entries including last season’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner Pizzaro, Limestone Lad’s stablemate Solerina, a five-time winner this season, and the Dessie Hughes-trained Hardy Eustace, winner of useful events at Punchestown, Fairyhouse and Leopardstown this season. The Thierry Doumen-trained Foreman is also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle as are Acamani and Saitensohn, trained in Germany by Christian Von Der Recke.

A total of 111 four-year-olds are engaged in the 2003 JCB Triumph Hurdle, which opens the card on Thursday, March 13, and Nicky Henderson - who has won the race three times before - has the ante-post favourite in Saintsaire, an impressive winner at Newbury on his British debut on December 18.

Ten JCB Triumph Hurdle entries were due to have contested Saturday’s Grade 2 Wragge & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, namely Saintsaire, the Martin Pipe-trained Don Fernando, Christian Von Der Recke’s Moneytrain, Lougaroo, trained in France by Guillaume Macaire, Le Duc from Paul Nicholls’ stable, Kadara, Ken’s Dream, Quarter Masters, Sculptor and Correct And Right.

Other leading contenders include the Paul Nicholls-trained Bal De Nuit, who was successful on his British debut at Kempton on January 18, Dermot Weld’s unbeaten Party Airs and the November Handicap winner Red Wine, trained by Jamie Osborne. Count Can Do, trained by Francois Doumen, and Guillaume Macaire’s Crystal D’Ainay and Lilium De Cotte complete a four-strong French entry while Christian Von Der Recke has also entered the Dutch St Leger winner Double Fun.

Three expensive entries who have yet to run over hurdles are the former John Oxx-trained Lowlander, who is now with Dermot Weld having been bought for 125,000gns, the Nicky Henderson-trained Coalition, who was bought out of Sir Mark Prescott’s stable for 76,000gns by Thurloe Thoroughbreds, and King Solomon, a Listed winner for Paul Cole who joined Venetia Williams for an outlay of 88,000gns.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s Managing Director, said today: “The three championship novices’ hurdles will prove some of the most difficult races to win at this year’s National Hunt Festival because of the intense competition.”

For further information, please contact Edward Gillespie or Peter McNeile, the Commercial Manager, on 01242 513014.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2003
ANALYSIS OF ENTRIES

NUMBER OF ENTRIES

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

2003 - 127
2002 - 156
2001- 139
2000 - 122
1999 - 107
1998 - 130
1997 - 122
1996 - 106
1995 - 87
1994 - 75
1993 - 78
1992 - 84
1991 - 112

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 128
2002 - 169
2001 -160
2000 -137
1999 - 120
1998 - 147
1997 - 150
1996 - 128
1995 - 114
1994 - 100
1993 - 90
1992 - 141
1991 - 129

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2003 - 111
2002 - 103
2001 - 123
2000 - 89
1999 - 95
1998 - 100
1997 - 108
1996 - 107
1995 - 99
1994 - 81
1993 - 91
1992 - 89
1991 - 89

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 38
2002 - 46
2001 - 44
2000 - 28
1999 - 24
1998 - 31
1997 - 31
1996 - 29
1995 - 26
1994 - 14
1993 - 24
1992 - 20
1991 - 24

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 39
2002 - 40
2001 - 38
2000 - 34
1999 - 23
1998 - 29
1997 - 31
1996 - 26
1995 - 25
1994 - 17
1993 - 17
1992 - 32
1991 - 20

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2003 - 20
2002 - 21
2001 - 31
2000 -20
1999 - 21
1998 - 20
1997 - 22
1996 - 20
1995 - 20
1994 - 14
1993 - 18
1992 - 13
1991 - 21

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 3
2002 - 2
2001 - 4
2000 - 3
1999 - 1
1998 - 2
1997 - 1
1996 - 0
1995 - 0

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 1
2002 - 2
2001 - 4
2000 - 2
1999 - 1
1998 - 3
1997 - 1
1996 - 0
1995 - 0

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2003 - 4
2002 - 4
2001 - 5
2000 - 3
1999 - 2
1998 - 0
1997 - 1
1996 - 0
1995 - 0

There is also a German-trained entry in the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and two in both the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle and JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Martin Pipe’s entries

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 14
2002 - 32
2001 - 16
2000 - 22
1999 - 14
1998 - 13
1997 - 8
1996 - 9
1995 - 14
1994 - 10
1993 - 6
1992 - 4

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
2003 - 7
2002 - 21
2001 - 19
2000 - 13
1999 - 12
1998 - 15
1997 - 6
1996 - 11
1995 - 13
1994 - 8
1993 - 8
1992 - 7

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2003 - 11
2002 - 12
2001 - 19
2000 - 9
1999 - 13
1998 - 17
1997 - 8
1996 - 8
1995 - 8
1994 - 9
1993 - 7
1992 - 5

THE GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (CLASS A)

Grade 1, 2pm, Tuesday, March 11, 2003, total prize fund Ł100,000, two miles and about half a furlong, for novice four-year-olds and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 11st, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 8lb, fillies and mares allowance 5lb. Entries closed January 22, 2003 (127 entries), entries released, Monday, January 27, forfeit stage February 18. Form figures, which may not include some overseas runs) correct up to and including Friday, January 24, 2003.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
P ALMOST FREE 6 Ron MacDonald Brian Rothwell
110- ALVINO 6 Martin Broughton Henrietta Knight
1F1 ALWAYS RAINBOWS (IRE) 5 Premier Protection Services Ltd Brian Rothwell
ARABIE 5 Favourites Racing Venetia Williams
532 ARCH STANTON (IRE) 5 J J Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
0 ARDASHIR (FR) 4 Caroline Wilson Nigel Twiston-Davies
1130-2 BACK IN FRONT (IRE) 6 D Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
F3 BALLADEER (IRE) 5 Scott Hardy Partnership Henrietta Knight
140-232 BEECHCOURT 6 Pierse Contracting Limited Michael O'Brien IRE
40-151 BEYOND THE PALE (IRE) 5 Alan Weller Noel Chance
BOSHAM MILL 5 Ian Williams Ian Williams
4-1 BROOKLYN BREEZE (IRE) 6 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
CAMARGUE 5 M V Kirby Daniel Loughnane IRE
213 CARACCIOLA (GER) 6 Piers Pottinger Nicky Henderson
23-1112 CENTRAL HOUSE 6 John F Kenny Dessie Hughes IRE
CHAPEL ROYALE (IRE) 6 J Potts Jedd O'Keeffe
224-113 CHAUVINIST (IRE) 8 Mrs Bunny Roberts & Nick Roberts Nicky Henderson
01/- COLLIER COUNTY (IRE) 8 Sue Magnier Edward O'Grady IRE
0-2 CRIMSON PIRATE (IRE) 6 Flora Charlie Limited Ben De Haan
2F-1 DANCING BAY 6 Elite Racing Club Nicky Henderson
DANGEROUSLY GOOD 5 Norman Jones Out of training
DASH OF MAGIC 5 21st Century Racing James Hetherton
DEMI BEAU 5 Hugh Villiers Charlie Mann
020-05 DETONATEUR (FR) 5 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
11 DON FERNANDO 4 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
1 DOUBLE HONOUR (FR) 5 The 4th Middleham Partnership Philip Hobbs
0-1 DOWNPOUR (USA) 5 Favourites Racing Ian Williams
111116 DREAM WITH ME (FR) 6 G Madan Mohan Martin Pipe
015 DUMARAN (IRE) 5 R & E H Investments Ltd Andrew Balding
0-1 EMMET (IRE) 5 G T Pierse Edward O'Grady IRE
512 EVER PRESENT (IRE) 5 Ramsay Donald Brown Alan King
P FAIR QUESTION (IRE) 5 The MerseyClyde Partnership Venetia Williams
23/-1 FLORIDA COAST (IRE) 8 Michael J Bowe James Bowe IRE
132323 FOREMAN (GER) 5 Ecurie Passing Thierry Doumen FR
1-U3432 FOTA ISLAND (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Mouse Morris IRE
001411 GEORGES GIRL (IRE) 5 Glenn Martin Francis Flood IRE
211-143 GLENHAVEN NUGGET (IRE) 7 David Cahill Edward O'Grady IRE
P GRAND FINALE (IRE) 6 Leinster Bar Venetia Williams
0 GREAT OVATION (FR) 4 Claire Smith Richard Phillips
3 GREENFIELD (IRE) 5 Mrs S J Harvey Richard Phillips
516-111 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) 6 Laurence Byrne Dessie Hughes IRE
0-31160 HARRY THE EAR (IRE) 5 Would'ya Would'ya Syndicate Michael Halford IRE
HIRAPOUR (IRE) 7 C N Barnes and M Murphy Ian Williams
0 I CRIED FOR YOU (IRE) 8 One Stop Partnership James Given
IBERUS (GER) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1-321 INCA TRAIL (IRE) 7 Philip Myerscough Henrietta Knight
1P1220 JABOUNE (FR) 6 Mrs R.J Skan Alan King
14-51 JOUEUR D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 6 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
65-5411 JUPITER DE BUSSY (FR) 6 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
62D KADISKAR (IRE) 5 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
245-102 KELTIC BARD 6 M Rowland, M Collins & P Cox Charlie Mann
3-32123 KHETAAM (IRE) 5 Mrs J Hurley Noel Meade IRE
121-023 KICKHAM (IRE) 7 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
13-121 KICKING KING (IRE) 5 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
0 KOMBINACJA (POL) 5 Christine Davies,Sharon Nelson,Allan Stennett,Terry Warner Tom George
2-15 KOPECK (IRE) 5 Pat Betts Josh Gifford
12-211 LAOUEN (FR) 5 Ashley Bank Investments & Dr K Fraser Len Lungo
2224F LE DUC (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
1-24 LEINSTER (IRE) 6 Cathal M Ryan Dessie Hughes IRE
5123 LEWIS ISLAND (IRE) 4 Mr & Mrs Peter Orton Nigel Twiston-Davies
LIMERICK BOY (GER) 5 Favourites Racing Venetia Williams
LIRFOX (FR) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
0 LITTLE ROCK 7 John Greetham Francois Doumen FR
032-1 LOST TIME (IRE) 6 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
430-442 LOUP BLEU (USA) 5 Richard Green (Fine Paintings) Philip Hobbs
111115 LUNAR CRYSTAL (IRE) 5 Teddington Racing Club Martin Pipe
151123 MACS VALLEY (IRE) 6 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
2/22- MAMBO (IRE) 5 Belinda Harvey Nicky Henderson
MAN O'MYSTERY (USA) 6 Ecurie Pharos Paul Webber
MANIATIS 6 Andy Peake Micky Hammond
32 MARIGOLD (FR) 5 J J Ramsbottom Willie Mullins IRE
4111 MASTEROFFOXHOUNDS (IRE) 8 Sue Magnier David Wachman IRE
110-1 MIND HOW YOU GO (FR) 5 A Fiver In Mind Partnership John Best
F MIRANT 4 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
0-11110 MISE RAFTURAI (IRE) 5 Donal O'Gorman Paul Nolan IRE
MISTY FUTURE 5 The Mystics Venetia Williams
02 MOSCOW TRADITION (IRE) 5 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Jonjo O'Neill
2321/-2 MOSSY GREEN (IRE) 9 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
2-161 MULLACASH (IRE) 5 Banouche Stud Ireland Ltd Noel Meade IRE
30-1214 MUTAKARRIM 6 Dr Michael Smurfit Dermot Weld IRE
NAUTICAL 5 Gary J Roberts Martin Pipe
14- NO SHENANIGANS (IRE) 6 Bridget Hanbury Nicky Henderson
NORTH POINT (IRE) 5 Heart of the South Racing Roger Curtis
NOWATOR (POL) 6 Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner Tom George
PACHINCO 5 K A Ayres John O'Shea
111 PARTY AIRS (USA) 4 Kenneth Ramsey Dermot Weld IRE
PENNY PICTURES (IRE) 4 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
36 PEPPERCORN (GER) 6 Peter Battel Francois Doumen FR
1-5 PETANQUE (IRE) 7 Piers Pottinger Nicky Henderson
1/11-13 PIZARRO (IRE) 6 E Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
1F PRINCE DIMITRI 4 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
2P3/6- PRINCE SLAYER 7 Ahmed Abdel-Khaleq Tom McGovern
11F122 PUNTAL (FR) 7 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
12-111 RHINESTONE COWBOY (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Jonjo O'Neill
2//-124 RI NA REALTA (IRE) 8 Mrs D Mee Tony Mullins IRE
51 ROSAKER (USA) 6 High Street Ceather Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
202222 ROSENCA (FR) 7 P J Mackin Tony Martin IRE
433 SELF DEFENSE 6 Fraser Miller Racing Emma Lavelle
141 SHALAKO (USA) 5 D J Jones Philip Hobbs
SHOWPIECE 5 C S G Limited Charlie Mann
SINDAPOUR (IRE) 5 Mary Burke Martin Pipe
SIX OF ONE 5 Mrs R A Proctor Richard Rowe
5 SMUGGLER'S SONG (IRE) 4 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
125 SPUD ONE 6 R K Carvill Oliver Sherwood
2-211 STACUMNY BRIDGE (IRE) 5 Cathal M Ryan Michael Halford IRE
040-261 STEEL BAND 5 Irish World's Partners Syndicate Paul Roche IRE
0-13204 SUD BLEU (FR) 5 Barry Marshall & Terry Warner Paul Nicholls
161-232 SUPREME DEVELOPER (IRE) 6 Mrs A N Durkan Tony Mullins IRE
11 TACTFUL REMARK (USA) 7 Professor David & Mrs Heather Silk Martin Pipe
0/522-34 TAGAR (FR) 6 P J Orme Nicky Henderson
TARBOUSH 6 Gallagher Equine Ltd Brendan Powell
31 TARDAR (NZ) 7 Ray & Sue Dodd Partnership Jonjo O'Neill
13-11 THE BIKER (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
22-2111 THE NOMAD 7 S J Brewer & D Sugars Mick Easterby
THESIS (IRE) 5 The 1961 Partnership Venetia Williams
45-1121 THISTHATANDTOTHER (IRE) 7 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
13- TOUCH CLOSER 6 C N Barnes Alan Swinbank
14 TRAMANTANO 4 David Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
221 TRANSLUCID (USA) 5 B M K Racing Christian Von Der Recke GER
UNLEASH (USA) 4 Patricia Thompson Philip Hobbs
620-F3 VALEUREUX 5 Eureka Racing James Hetherton
WELL CHIEF (GER) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
00 WING BACK (IRE) 5 Sir Anthony O'Reilly Mouse Morris IRE
2-02311 WOODYS DEEP OCEAN (IRE) 7 Mrs P Sloan Noel Meade IRE
XTRA 5 Wally Sturt Jim Old
5-2 ZILARATOR (USA) 7 Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited Philip Hobbs
ZORN (GER) 4 C J Leech Ian Williams

127 entries,
38 Irish-trained,
3 French-trained,
1 German-trained

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES

1. The Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle was known as the Gloucestershire Hurdle until 1974. Capel Cure Sharp backed the contest for a first time in 2000 and the company is now known as Gerrard Wealth Management. It is the fifth sponsor since the initial backer Lloyds Bank in 1974.

2. The Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is the only race at the Festival to have been divided. From 1946-1971, it divided on no less than 25 occasions. In 1963 and 1946 there were even three divisions.

3. The oldest horse to have won was 12-year-old Beau Caprice in 1966 (Div One).

4. The 1993 winner, Montelado, holds a unique position in the history of the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham. He is the only horse to have won consecutive races at the Festival, through winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in 1992, the last race of that year’s meeting, and returning to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 1993, 12 months later, the first race of that year's meeting.

5. The Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has thrown up one winner of the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup and two winners of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. L'Escargot won in 1968, before consecutive Gold Cup triumphs in 1970 and 1971. Bula won in 1970, before Champion Hurdle victories in 1971 and 1972 while last year’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Hors La Loi III won the novices’ event in 1999.

6. The race has been won by Irish-trained raiders on no less than 33 occasions, and by the French once. Of the 16 divisions of the race from 1952-9, Vincent O'Brien won ten. The Irish also kept a stranglehold on the race for seven years from 1977-83 and have won three of the four latest runnings

7. The smallest field was in 1950, with nine runners in Division 1, and the largest, 30 runners, for both Harry Hastings' win in 1985 and French Ballerina in 1998.

8. Since the race ceased to be divided, jockeys have found the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle difficult to win. Tony McCoy, successful on Hors La Loi III in 1999, is the only one of the last four champion jockeys to have scored in this particular contest, and only Charlie Swan (1993 and 2002), Tommy Carmody (1980 and 1983) and Niall Madden (1978 and 1981) have been successful twice.

9. The longest-priced winner was Arctic Kinsman at 50/1 in 1994. The shortest-priced winners at 4/9 were Tsaoko in 1950 and Flyingbolt in 1964.

10. The fastest time for the winning horse was achieved by Montelado in 1993 at 3 mins 50.6 secs. French Ballerina came close to that record in 1998 when her time was 3 mins 50.9 secs.

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

14 entries
Martin Pipe (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III)

7 entries
Nicky Henderson (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown)

6 entries
Edward O’Grady IRE (1978 Golden Cygnet)
Venetia Williams

5 entries
Philip Hobbs
Willie Mullins IRE (1995 Tourist Attraction)
Ian Williams

4 entries
Noel Meade IRE (2000 Sausalito Bay)

3 entries
Dessie Hughes IRE (1982 Miller Hill)
Henrietta Knight
Len Lungo
Charlie Mann
Paul Nicholls
Jonjo O’Neill
Christy Roche IRE (2002 Like-A-Butterfly)
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1994 Arctic Kinsman)

2 entries
Francois Doumen FR
Tom George
Michael Halford IRE
James Hetherton
Alan King
Mouse Morris IRE (1983 Buck House)
Tony Mullins IRE

Richard Phillips
Brian Rothwell
Dermot Weld IRE

1 entry
Andrew Balding
John Best
James Bowe IRE
Noel Chance
Roger Curtis
Thierry Doumen FR
Mick Easterby
Francis Flood IRE
Josh Gifford
James Given
Ben De Haan
Micky Hammond
Emma Lavelle
Daniel Loughnane IRE
Tony Martin IRE
Tom McGovern
Paul Nolan IRE
Michael O’Brien IRE
Jedd O’Keeffe
Jim Old
John O’Shea
Brendan Powell
Paul Roche IRE
Richard Rowe
Oliver Sherwood
Alan Swinbank
Tom Taaffe IRE
Christian Von Der Recke GER
David Wachman IRE
Paul Webber

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis

The opening event of the 2003 National Hunt Festival is the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the extended two-mile contest for four-year-olds and upwards. With 127 entries having been received, this is the fourth-largest entry ever.

The current ante-post favourite is the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Rhinestone Cowboy, who is so far unbeaten over hurdles, including a cheeky victory on his last outing in the EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 13, when he denied Tealby by a neck. The former Aidan O’Brien lead horse was just beaten in last season’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

O’Neill’s three entries are completed by Moscow Tradition, a short-head runner-up most recently in a Chepstow novices’ hurdle in December, and Tardar, a winning favourite on his last start in a maiden hurdle at the same course last month.

Champion trainer Martin Pipe has won this event twice before courtesy of Sondrio in 1989 and Hors La Loi III ten years later.

The Nicholashayne handler has 14 entries this year, the best of which could be Puntal, who has also received a Smurfit Champion Hurdle entry. This seven-year-old has already won five hurdles during the current campaign, and in being denied by Kopeck and Thisthatandtother on his last two starts, he has been unfortunate in coming up against two top-class novices.

The Pipe contingent also includes Don Fernando (one of the leading JCB Triumph Hurdle fancies), Dream With Me, Iberus, Lirfox, Lunar Crystal, Mirant, Nautical, Penny Pictures, Prince Dimitri, Sindapour, Tactful Remark, The Biker and Well Chief.

Last year’s winner was Irish-trained in the form of Like-A-Butterfly and this year there are 38 entries from the Emerald Isle - the third-highest number ever received from Ireland.

The Edward O’Grady-trained Back In Front could represent Ireland’s best hope. Third in last year’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham’s National Hunt Festival, he made an extremely promising start to his hurdling career, going down by a length-and-a-half to Hardy Eustace in a Grade 1 contest at Fairyhouse on December 1. With that rival more likely to contest the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle, the door could be open for this Bob Back gelding to go one better.

Christy Roche opened his account in this event last season with Like-A-Butterfly and his three possibles are Smuggler’s Song, Kadiskar and Lost Time.

The former was fifth in a Grade 3 juvenile hurdle on his first start over timber earlier this month, Kadiskar won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last time but was subsequently disqualified, having ingested a prohibited substance from his feed and Lost Time was last seen when winning a bumper at Navan in November.

Francois Doumen is responsible for two of the French-trained entries, in Little Rock and Peppercorn, while son Thierry trains the other Gallic challenger, Foreman.

Little Rock failed to find his previous Flat form, which includes victory in a Group 2 contest, when well beaten on his hurdling debut, Peppercorn was third in a novices’ hurdle at Newbury in November, and Foreman filled the same position in a Grade 2 hurdle behind Kopeck at Ascot on December 20.

The international flavour is enhanced by the entry of Translucid, who hails from Christian Von Der Recke’s powerful training base in Germany. He was successful in a novices’ hurdle under a fine ride from champion jockey Tony McCoy at Warwick in November and was due to run at Cheltenham on Saturday.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICE’ HURDLE

532 ARCH STANTON (IRE) 5 b g Lahib - Sweet Repose (High Top)
Owner: J J Brennan Trainer: Willie Mullins
Has yet to win over hurdles, but has got closer to victory on each of his runs. Most recently he was the beaten favourite in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown just before the New Year, when he found just Stacumny Bridge a length too good.

1130-2 BACK IN FRONT (IRE) 6 br g Bob Back - Storm Front (Strong Gale)
Owner: D Cox Trainer: Edward O'Grady
After winning two bumpers, including Cheltenham’s Betfair Open Bumper at the Open Meeting, Back In Front finished a creditable three-length third to Pizarro in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at last season’s National Hunt Festival. On his first start over timber, the Bob Back gelding was a length and a half second to Hardy Eustace in the Grade 1 Boylesports Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 1.

140-232 BEECHCOURT 6 b g Son Pardo - Calametta (Oats)
Owner: Pierse Contracting Limited Trainer: Michael O'Brien
Has performed well over hurdles, being placed on each of his three outings without winning. Possibly his best performance came last time when a four-and-a-half length runner-up to Central House in a novices’ hurdle at Cork at the beginning of December.

CAMARGUE 5 ch g Pivotal - Colonial Line (Plenty Old)
Owner: M V Kirby Trainer: Daniel Loughnane
As yet unraced over obstacles, Camargue was a fair handicapper on the Flat last season, winning two races at Galway and more recently, a handicap at Gowran Park in October. Formerly trained by Eric Wheeler in Britain before transferring to Daniel Loughnane in Ireland.

23-1112 CENTRAL HOUSE 6 b g Alflora - Fantasy World (Kemal)
Owner: John F Kenny Trainer: Dessie Hughes
Looks a bright prospect following his three wins this season (one bumper and two hurdle races). However, he was no match for Solerina last time out although he may have paid the price for trying to take on his rival in that two-runner affair.

01/- COLLIER COUNTY (IRE) 8 ch g Be My Native - Deep Kitty (Deep Run)
Owner: Sue Magnier Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Has not been seen out since winning a bumper impressively at Leopardstown in December, 2000, on his second start for trainer Michael Cullen. Has since been sold and now under the care of Edward O’Grady. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

23/-1 FLORIDA COAST (IRE) 8 b g Florida Son - Deep Peace (Deep Run)
Owner: Michael Bowe Trainer: James Bowe
Hailing from the same yard as Limestone Lad and Solerina, Florida Coast looked as if he could also be a useful performer when landing a three-mile novice hurdle at Fairyhouse on January 19 in impressive fashion. That was his hurdling debut although he had earlier won a two-mile maiden on the Flat at Navan last year. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

1-U3432 FOTA ISLAND (IRE) 7 b g Supreme Leader - Mary Kate Finn (Saher)
Owner: Sue Magnier Trainer: Mouse Morris
Landed a bumper at Cork last April but has not yet managed to get his head in front over hurdles yet. Best effort probably came last time out when he chased home Nil Desperandum at Navan on January 11. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

001411 GEORGES GIRL (IRE) 5 b m Montelimar - Keshia (Buckskin)
Owner: Glenn Martin Trainer: Francis Flood
Took five attempts to get off the mark over hurdles and that was off a rating of 97 in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown earlier this month. The margin of victory on that occasion was 11 lengths, but even so this Montelimar mare needs to find plenty of improvement to figure here.

211-143 GLENHAVEN NUGGET (IRE) 7 br g Supreme Leader - Jasmine Melody (Jasmine Star)
Owner: David Cahill Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Landed back-to-back bumpers at Gowran and Punchestown at the end of last year. Made a good start to his hurdling career with a smooth success in a maiden hurdle at Thurles in October but was subsequently fourth in a Grade 3 at Navan and most recently finished third in a two-mile novice hurdle at Cork on December 1. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

516-111 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) 6 b g Archway - Sterna Star (Corvaro)
Owner: Laurence Byrne Trainer: Dessie Hughes
Yet to be beaten over hurdles, Hardy Eustace won a maiden at Punchestown in November and the following month scored in the Grade 1 Boylesports Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse, denying Back In Front by a length and a half. Over Christmas he retained his unbeaten record proving three-quarters of a length too strong for Nil Desperandum in a novices’ hurdle at Leopardstown. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

0-31160 HARRY THE EAR (IRE) 5 b g Definite Article - Kilboy Concorde (African Sky)
Owner: Would'ya Would'ya Syndicate Trainer: Michael Halford
The intriguingly-named Harry The Ear is another entry from the Emerald Isle who would look to need to improve to take his chance here. He has won both a maiden hurdle and a novices’ hurdle at Kilbeggan, but has been well beaten off marks of 113 and 112 on his last two outings in handicap hurdles at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown in December.

14-51 JOUEUR D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 6 gr g Perrault - Alrose (Kalyan)
Owner: Violet O'Leary Trainer: Willie Mullins
Trainer Willie Mullins announced that there should be plenty of improvement in Joueur D’Estuval after he won his maiden hurdle on his last start at Navan on January 11, when proving two lengths too strong for Supreme Developer. His one previous win came in a bumper on his racecourse debut at Fairyhouse in March. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

3-32123 KHETAAM (IRE) 5 b g Machiavellian - Ghassak (Persian Bold)
Owner: Mrs J Hurley Trainer: Noel Meade
Consistent over hurdles, having been placed on all of his seven starts, but his only win came in a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park in December. On his last start he was five lengths adrift of Nil Desperandum in a novices’ hurdle at Navan on January 11, and there look to be no real reasons why that form should be reversed at Cheltenham.

121-023 KICKHAM (IRE) 7 b g Supreme Leader - Knocknagow (Buckskin)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Edward O'Grady
One of the leading bumper performers last season, rounding off the campaign by winning the Grade 2 Martell Champion Bumper at Aintree on Grand National day. His efforts over hurdles so far this year have been slightly disappointing, although it has looked as though a step up in trip may suit him. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

13-121 KICKING KING (IRE) 5 b g Old Vic - Fairy Blaze (Good Thyne)
Owner: Conor Clarkson Trainer: Tom Taaffe
Kicking King has done very little wrong so far in his career. A bumper winner last season, he has won two out of his three hurdle starts to date. His one defeat over hurdles came at the hands of Solerina. Tom Taaffe believes he will be a better horse when sent over fences. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

1-24 LEINSTER (IRE) 6 br g Supreme Leader - Jennycomequick (Furry Glen)
Owner: Cathal M Ryan Trainer: Dessie Hughes
A winner of a Punchestown bumper in April on his racecourse debut, Leinster has failed to win a maiden hurdle in two attempts. Although his finishing position of fourth was worse on the second try, this Supreme Leader gelding actually finished closer to the winner on this occasion, finding Hi Cloy three-and-a-half lengths too strong at Leopardstown just after Christmas. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

032-1 LOST TIME (IRE) 6 b g Glacial Storm - Overtime (Executive Perk)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Christy Roche
Owned by the legendary J P McManus, Lost Time won a bumper at Navan on his last start in November. On his only outing over timber, he was a 16-length third to Canon Barney in a maiden event at the same venue in February. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

151123 MACS VALLEY (IRE) 6 b g Hubbly Bubbly - Black Valley (Good Thyne)
Owner: Margaret McManus Trainer: Willie Mullins
Macs Valley won three hurdles last year and accredited himself very well when stepped up in class to Grade 1 company last time. On that occasion he found Hardy Eustace ten and a half lengths too good in the Boylesports Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the beginning of December. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

32 MARIGOLD (FR) 5 b m Marju - Ionian Sea (Slip Anchor)
Owner: J J Ramsbottom Trainer: Willie Mullins
Although it is early days in French-bred Marigold’s hurdling career, so far she has only been placed in two maiden hurdles at Leopardstown and Navan. A lot of improvement will be required for her to line-up at Prestbury Park in March.

4111 MASTEROFFOXHOUNDS (IRE) 8 br g Be My Native - Sylvia Fox (Deep Run)
Owner: Sue Magnier Trainer: David Wachman
Masteroffoxhounds has only been beaten on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Navan in November. The Be My Native gelding then proceeded to win two similar events at Cork, before making a successful hurdling bow in a maiden race at Down Royal on January 15, readily justifying odds-on favouritism to beat Lonesome Man by a length-and-a-half. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

0-11110 MISE RAFTURAI (IRE) 5 b/br g Erin’s Isle - Nordic Union (Nordico)
Owner: Donal O'Gorman Trainer: Paul Nolan
Although Mise Rafturai has been a good servant to his owner winning four handicap hurdles in succession last year, the highest mark that he won off was 110. Raised 9lb for his latest success, he was well beaten. Also entered in the Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle.

2321/-2 MOSSY GREEN (IRE) 9 b g Moscow Society - Green Ajo (Green Shoon)
Owner: Greenstar Syndicate Trainer: Willie Mullins
While Mossy Green definitely needs to improve to figure here, his two and a half length second in a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park in December was a fair effort considering first, it was his first start over hurdles and secondly, it was his first run for nearly 20 months. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

2-161 MULLACASH (IRE) 5 b g Supreme Leader - The Parson’s Line (The Parson)
Owner: Banouche Stud Ireland Ltd Trainer: Noel Meade
The Noel Meade-trained Mullacash improved on his debut sixth over hurdles to win a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. A dark horse, only getting home by a short-head on this occasion but promising more to come in the future. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

30-1214 MUTAKARRIM 6 ch g Mujtahid - Alyakkh (Sadler’s Wells)
Owner: Dr Michael Smurfit Trainer: Dermot Weld
Internationally-successful trainer Dermot Weld ran Mutakarrim in the Gerrard Wealth Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, to see if his charge was good enough for this event. The gelding answered the question in no uncertain terms, beating Jaboune by four lengths, but he was beaten on his last start when an 11-length fourth to Hardy Eustace in the Grade 1 Boylesports Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 1.

111 PARTY AIRS (USA) 4 b g Geri - Elegant Champagne (Alleged)
Owner: Kenneth Ramsey Trainer: Dermot Weld
The Dermot Weld-trained Party Airs is unbeaten in three starts over timber. The gelding won a couple of three-year-old hurdles at Gowran Park and Thurles, before retaining his immaculate record in the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, when finishing three and a half lengths ahead of Kenilworth. Also entered in JCB Triumph Hurdle.

1/11-13 PIZARRO (IRE) 6 ch g Broken Hearted - Our Swan Lady (Swan’s Rock)
Owner: E Wallace Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Pizarro has already won at Cheltenham’s National Hunt Festival, when victorious in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in March, beating Rhinestone Cowboy by a neck. He made the perfect start to his hurdling career winning a Grade 3 novices’ hurdle at Navan in November, by two lengths from Solerina. He was then a disappointing odds-on favourite when 33 lengths behind that same rival in a similar event at the same venue the following month - he was later found to have mucus in his throat. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

2//-124 RI NA REALTA (IRE) 8 b g King’s Ride - Realteen (Deep Run)
Owner: Mrs D Mee Trainer: Tony Mullins
A bumper winner at Navan in November, this King’s Ride gelding has not yet indicated that he will be top-class over hurdles, despite finishing four lengths runner-up to Jack High in a maiden hurdle at Naas later in the same month. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

51 ROSAKER (USA) 6 b g Pleasant Tap - Rose Crescent (Nijinsky)
Owner: High Street Ceather Syndicate Trainer: Noel Meade
Thrown in at the deep end on his hurdling bow, but accredited himself well by finishing a 13-length fifth to Hardy Eustace in a Grade 1 event at Fairyhouse on December 1. Lowered in class, he justified favouritism in a maiden hurdle at the same venue 13 days later.

202222 ROSENCA (FR) 7 b g En Calcat - Rose De Hoc (Rose Laurel)
Owner: P J Mackin Trainer: Tony Martin
Deserves a victory after finishing runner-up in no less than seven bumpers and hurdles. Saying that his two seconds in maiden hurdles, although not beaten far on either occasion, mean that he has a long way to go before being able to tackle the opposition that he will encounter here.

5 SMUGGLER'S SONG (IRE) 4 b g Dr Devious - Liberty Song (Last Tycoon)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Christy Roche
A Listed winner on the level, Smuggler’s Song was thrown in at the deep end on his hurdling debut in a Grade 3 juvenile race at Punchestown in January, when 21 lengths fifth to Mutineer. His jumping was far from fluent and he was a drifter in the betting market - it might be unfair to judge him on just one performance. Also entered in JCB Triumph Hurdle.

2-211 STACUMNY BRIDGE (IRE) 5 b g Flying Spur - Karoi (Kafu)
Owner: Cathal M Ryan Trainer: Michael Halford
Lightly-raced over hurdles to date, Stacumny Bridge could do no more than win on his sole outing over timber to date in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown just before the New Year, when he beat Arch Stanton by a length. Also entered in the Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle.

040-261 STEEL BAND 5 ch g Kris - Quaver (The Minstrel)
Owner: Irish World's Partners Syndicate Trainer: Paul Roche
A former runner on the Flat for Henry Candy, Steel Band is now with Paul Roche in Ireland. It took this Kris gelding six attempts until he gained his first victory over hurdles in a maiden event at Limerick on December 29, and it would be a major shock if he were to figure here.

161-232 SUPREME DEVELOPER (IRE) 6 b g Supreme Leader - Bettys The Boss (Deep Run)
Owner: Mrs A N Durkan Trainer: Tony Mullins
Supreme Developer has run well this season in three maiden hurdles without getting his head in front and has never been beaten by more than two lengths. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

00 WING BACK (IRE) 5 b g Be My Native - Decent Skin (Buckskin)
Owner: Sir Anthony O'Reilly Trainer: Mouse Morris
Mouse Morris is too shrewd a trainer to enter a horse at Cheltenham for no reason, but the five-year-old has been beaten by over 30 lengths in a bumper and a hurdle. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

2-02311 WOODYS DEEP OCEAN (IRE) 7 b g Be My Native - Von Carty (Supreme Leader)
Owner: Mrs P. Sloan Trainer: Noel Meade
After a couple of narrow defeats, has won his last two starts over timber. His most recent success came in a novices’ hurdle at Gowran Park in December, when he justified odds-on favouritism to get the better of Moss Bawn by two lengths.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE GERRARD WEALTH
MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

132323 FOREMAN (GER) 5 ch h Monsun - Fleurie (Dashing Blade)
Owner: Ecurie Passing Trainer: Thierry Doumen
Previously with Christian Von Der Recke in Germany, for whom he won a maiden hurdle at Folkestone in May. Subsequently transferred to Francois and then Thierry Doumen and has been showing a good level of form without winning, most recently behind Kopeck and Puntal when third in a Grade 2 event at Ascot in December. Also entered in Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

0 LITTLE ROCK 7 b h Warning - Much Too Risky (Bustino)
Owner: John Greetham Trainer: Francois Doumen
A Group 2 winner on the Flat for Sir Michael Stoute, Little Rock made his debut over timber for French trainer Francois Doumen in a maiden hurdle at Newbury in December. Despite being backed to favouritism, he was 22 lengths seventh to Caracciola.

36 PEPPERCORN (GER) 6 b g Big Shuffle - Pasca (Lagunas)
Owner: Peter Battel Trainer: Francois Doumen
Trained on the Flat by Uwe Ostmann in Germany, Peppercorn has so far not set the world on fire over hurdles for Francois Doumen. In two appearances over timber in this country, his best effort came when third to Keltic Bard in a novices’ hurdle at Newbury in November.

GERMAN-TRAINED ENTRY IN THE GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

221 TRANSLUCID (USA) 5 b/br h Woodman - Gossamer (Seattle Slew)
Owner: BMK Racing Trainer: Christian Von Der Recke
Having previously raced over hurdles in Germany, Translucid made his debut in Britain finishing four lengths runner-up to Porak in a novices’ hurdle at Ascot in November. He then justified favouritism in a similar event at Warwick on November 26, beating Kali Des Obeaux by three lengths.

Previous results
GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE

2002-WINNER-LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY 8-11-03 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-7/4 Fav
2ND-Westender 6-11-08 Owner-Matt Archer and Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-6/1
3RD-In Contrast 6-11-08 Owner-Peter Emery and A Staple; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-16/1 28 ran, Time-3m 54.25s; Dist-nk, 2 1/2

2001 - Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-SAUSALITO BAY 6-11-08 Owner-The High Street Racing Syndicate; Trainer- Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-14/1
2ND-Best Mate 5-11-08 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-6/1
3RD-Youlneverwalkalone 6-11-08 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-5/4 Fav 15 ran, Time-3m 51.70s; Dist-.75, 1.25

1999-WINNER-HORS LA LOI III 4-11-00 Owner-Paul Green; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-9/2
2ND-Joe Mac 5-11-08 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-6/1
3RD-Arctic Fancy 6-11-08 Owner-The Cool Customers; Trainer-Julian Smyth-Osbourne; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-66/1 20 ran, Time-3m 54.6s; Dist-17, 7 11/4 Fav Cardinal Hill (ur)

1998-WINNER-FRENCH BALLERINA 5-11-03 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Pat Flynn IRE; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-10/1
2ND-His Song 5-11-08 Owner-David Lloyd; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-4/1 Fav
3RD-Gatflax 6-11-08 Owner-Giles Clarke; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-16/1 30 ran, Time-3m 50.9s, Dist-7, 1

1997-WINNER-SHADOW LEADER 6-11-08 Owner-James Blackshaw; Trainer-Charlie Egerton; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-5/1
2ND-Princeful 6-11-08 Owner-Robert & Elizabeth Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-25/1
3RD-Nordic Breeze 5-11-08 Owner-Malcolm Jones; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-David Walsh; SP-100/1
16 ran, Time-3m 49.5s, Dist-10, .5 2/1 Fav Finnegan’s Hollow (f)

1996-WINNER-INDEFENCE 5-11-08 Owner-Indef Limited; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-25/1
2ND-Kimanicky 6-11-08 Owner-Elaine Barnes; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/2
3RD-Castle Sweep 5-11-08 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Peter Niven; SP-7/2 Fav
27 ran, Time-4m 1.8s, Dist-8, hd

1995-WINNER-TOURIST ATTRACTION 6-11-03 Owner-North Kildare Racing Club; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-25/1
2ND-Ventana Canyon 6-11-08 Owner-Philip Myerscough; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE;Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-11/2
3RD-Simple Arithmetic 7-11-08 Owner-Mrs Michael Motley; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-9/1 20 ran, Time-4m 05.5s, Dist-2, hd 3/1 Fav Callisoe Bay (5th)

1994-WINNER-ARCTIC KINSMAN 6-11-08 Owner-Rosie Hambro; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-50/1
2ND-Pridwell 4-11-00 Owner-Pond House Racing; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Jonothan Lower; SP-14/1
3RD-Dreams End 6-11-08 Owner-T G Price; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Peter Hobbs; SP-12/1
18 ran, Time-4m 3.1s, Dist-8, 3.5 7/2 Fav Sound Man (10th)

1993-WINNER-MONTELADO 6-11-08 Owner-Ollie Hannon; Trainer-Pat Flynn IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-5/1
2ND-Lemon's Mill 4-10-09 Owner-Stuart Mercer; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-10/1
3RD-Satin Lover 5-11-08 Owner-D S Hall; Trainer-Nigel Tinkler; Jockey-Graham McCourt; SP-4/1
15 ran, Time-3m 50.6s, Dist-12, 2.5. 7/2 Fav Boro Eight (4th)

1992-WINNER-FLOWN 5-11-08 Owner-Edward Winfield; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-13/2
2ND-Halkopous 6-11-08 Owner-Athos Christodolou; Trainer-Mark Tompkins; Jockey-Adrian Maguire; SP-11/2
3RD-Fortune And Fame 5-11-08 Owner-Michael Smurfit; Trainer-Dermot Weld IRE; Jockey-Brendan Sheridan; SP-6/1 17 ran, Time-3m 54.6s, Dist-10, 3 4/1 Fav New York Rainbow (4th)

1991-WINNER-DESTRIERO 5-11-08 Owner-Elizabeth Furlong; Trainer-Andy Geraghty IRE; Jockey-Pat McWilliams; SP-6/1
2ND-Granville Again 5-11-08 Owner-Eric Scarth; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-2/1 Fav
3RD-Gran Alba 5-11-08 Owner-David Thompson; Trainer-Richard Hannon; Jockey-Graham McCourt; SP-25/1 21 ran, Time-3m 58.5s, Dist-4, .75

1990-WINNER-FOREST SUN 5-11-08 Owner-Salehurst Paper Co Ltd; Trainer-Toby Balding; Jockey-Jimmy Frost; SP-7/4 Fav
2ND-Danny Harrold 6-11-08 Owner-Shirley Robins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Mark Pitman; SP-20/1
3RD-Rakes Lane 5-11-08 Owner-John Livock; Trainer-John Jenkins; Jockey-Tom Morgan; SP-33/1
18 ran, Time-3m 52.9s, Dist-2.5, .5

1989-WINNER-SONDRIO 8-11-08 Owner-Mrs J M Ryan; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Jonothan Lower; SP-25/1
2ND-Island Set 7-11-08 Owner-Jim Short; Trainer-Kevin Morgan; Jockey-Hywel Davies; SP-12/1
3RD-Cruising Altitude 6-11-08 Owner-Maggie Heath; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-9/2 Fav 21 ran, Time-3m 59.2s, Dist-4, 15

1988-WINNER-VAGADOR 5-11-08 Owner-Amanda Harwood; Trainer-Guy Harwood; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-4/1Fav
2ND-Mixed Blends 6-11-03 Owner-Alfred Buller; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Frank Berry; SP-33/1
3RD-Relekto 6-11-08 Owner-Gay Jarvis; Trainer-Michael Jarvis; Jockey-Stuart Shilston; SP-15/2
26 ran, Time-4m 15.4s, Dist-2.5, 12

1987-WINNER-TARTAN TAILOR 6-11-08 Owner-Edinburgh Woollen Mill Ltd; Trainer-Gordon Richards; Jockey- Phil Tuck; SP-14/1
2ND-Hill's Pageant 8-11-08 Owner-Basil Thwaites; Trainer-Fulke Walwyn; Jockey-Kevin Mooney; SP-50/1
3RD-Outrider 5-11-08 Owner-Shanny Morris; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Niall Madden; SP-28/1 20 ran, Time-4m 2.6s, Dist-1, 2.5 7/2 Fav Kissane (13th)

1986-WINNER-RIVER CEIRIOG 5-11-08 Owner-Robin McAlpine; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Steve Smith Eccles; SP-40/1
2ND-Deep Idol 6-11-08 Owner-Herb Stanley; Trainer-P D Osborne IRE; Jockey-Niall Madden; SP-4/1 Fav
3RD-The Clown 5-11-08 Owner-Geoffrey Greenwood; Trainer-Mick Naughton; Jockey-Robert Stronge;
SP-100/1 29 ran, Time-3m 53.1s, Dist-15, 1.5

1985-WINNER-HARRY HASTINGS 6-11-08 Owner-Robert Leask; Trainer-John Wilson; Jockey-Chris Grant; SP-14/1
2ND-Kesslin 5-11-08 Owner-Ian Jewell; Trainer-Nicky Vigors; Jockey-John White; SP-20/1
3RD-The Breener 6-11-08 Owner-R E A Bott (Wigmore St) Ltd; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Mr Simon Sherwood; SP-14/1 30 ran, Time-3m 52.5s, Dist-4, 3 7/4 Fav Ararun (8th)

GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR

(Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2003, Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2002-01, Capel Cure Sharp Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2000, Citroen Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1994-99, Trafalgar House Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1991-93, Waterford Crystal Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1978-90, Lloyds Bank Champion Novice Hurdle 1974-1977 , Gloucestershire Hurdle before 1974)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2002 Like-A-Butterfly 8-11-03 Charlie Swan Christy Roche IRE J P McManus 7/4F 28
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth Disease)
2000 Sausalito Bay 6-11-08 Paul Carberry Noel Meade IRE High Street Racing Syndicate 14/1 15
1999 Hors La Loi III 4-11-00 Tony McCoy Martin Pipe Paul Green 9/2 20
1998 French Ballerina5-11-03 Graham Bradley Pat Flynn IRE Sue Magnier 10/1 30
1997 Shadow Leader 6-11-08 Jamie Osborne Charles Egerton James Blackshaw 5/1 16
1996 Indefence 5-11-08 Warren Marston Jenny Pitman Indef Ltd 25/1 27
1995 Tourist Attraction6-11-03 Mark Dwyer Willie Mullins IRE North Kildare Racing Club 25/1 20
1994 Arctic Kinsman 6-11-08 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Rosie Hambro 50/1 18
1993 Montelado 6-11-08 Charlie Swan Pat Flynn IRE Ollie Hannon 5/1 15
1992 Flown 5-11-08 Jamie Osborne Nicky Henderson Edward Winfield 13/2 17
1991 Destriero 5-11-08 Pat McWilliams Andy Geraghty IRE Elizabeth Furlong 6/1 21
1990 Forest Sun 5-11-08 Jimmy Frost Toby Balding Salehurst Paper Co Ltd 7/4F 18
1989 Sondrio 8-11-08 Jonothan Lower Martin Pipe Mrs J M Ryan 25/1 21
1988 Vagador 5-11-08 Mark Perrett Guy Harwood Amanda Harwood 4/1F 26
1987 Tartan Tailor 6-11-08 Phil Tuck Gordon Richards Edinburgh Woollen Mill Ltd 14/1 20
1986 River Ceiriog 5-11-07 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Bobby McAlpine 40/1 29
1985 Harry Hastings 6-11-08 Chris Grant John Wilson Robert Leask 14/1 30
1984 Browne’s Gazette 6-11-08 Mr Dermot Browne Michael Dickinson John Poynton 11/2 18
1983 Buck House 5-11-08 Tommy Carmody Mouse Morris IRE Mrs S Purcell 8/1 22
1982 Miller Hill 6-11-08 Tom Morgan Dessie Hughes IRE J Harvey 20/1 19
1981 Hartstown 6-11-08 Niall Madden Mick O'Toole IRE J McGowan 2/1F 16
1980 Slaney Idol 5-11-08 Tommy Carmody Liam Browne IRE Mrs M Hayes 9/1 27
1979 Stranfield 6-11-08 Tommy Kinane Des McDonogh IRE D Devlin 16/1 16
1978 Golden Cygnet 6-11-08 Mr Niall Madden Edward O'Grady IRE Raymond Rooney 4/5F 18
1977 Mac’s Chariot 6-11-08 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs A Jordan 7/1 16
1976 Beacon Light 5-11-08 Andy Turnell Bob Turnell Jim Joel 14/1 11
1975 Bannow Rambler6-11-08 Frank Berry Padge Berry IRE Mrs K White 9/2 18
1974 Avec Moi 5-11-06 Roger Rowell Auriol Sinclair Lord Blackford 5/4F 16
1973 King Pele 4-10-10 David Nicholson Gavin Pritchard-Gordon J Richardson 13/2 20
1972 Noble Life 5-11-06 Stan Murphy Christy Grassick IRE M Gallagher 16/1 18
1971(I) Persian Majesty 4-10-13 Terry Biddlecombe Ryan Price Ken Wheldon 13/2 10
1971 (II) Barnard 7-12-00 Johnnie Haine Fulke Walwyn Mrs B Heath 4/1 13
1970 (I) Ballywilliam Boy 5-12-00 Bobby Coonan Paddy Sleator IRE P Smyth 4/1 20
1970 (II) Bula 5-12-00 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Bill Edwards-Heathcote 3/1F 21
1969 (I) Normandy 4-11-02 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Bryan Jenks 10/1 28
1969 (II) Private Room 5-11-10 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Mrs A L Hoare 10/1 20
1968 (I) King Cutler 5-12-00 Brian Fletcher Denys Smith Joe Lisle 85/40 12
1968 (II) L’Escargot 5-12-04 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 13/2 11
1967 (I) Chorus 6-11-12 Johnnie Haine Tom Jones Lord James Crichton-Stuart 15/2 20
1967 (II) Early To Rise 7-11-12 Jeff King Bob Turnell Paul Mellon 11/2 14
1966 (I) Beau Caprice 12-12-02 Tommy Jennings Fulke Walwyn Richard Head 6/1 14
1966 (II) Fosco 5-11-06 David Moore Mick Goswell David Montagu 7/2 19
1965 (I) Red Tears 5-11-06 Stan Mellor Tom Jones Major Victor McCalmont 7/1 19
1965 (II) Havago 6-12-04 Bobby Beasley Paddy Sleator IRE Clifford Nicholson 11/8 15
1964 (I) Flyingbolt 5-12-02 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Mrs Jean Wilkinson 4/9F 11
1964 (II) Elan 5-12-02 Dave Dick John Sutcliffe R Tucker 9/2 18
1963 (I) Honour Bound 5-11-10 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Katie Gaze 3/1F 18
1963 (II) Buona notte 6-11-08 Johnnie Haine Bob Turnell Jim Joel 7/2 15
1963 (III) Deetease 5-12-02 Clive Chapman Basil Foster Charles Chandler 9/1 18
1962 (I) Tripacer 4-10-12 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Lady Honor Svejdar 20/1 18
1962 (II) Clerical Grey 4-11-02 Willie Robinson P Murphy IRE Mrs R A Palfreyman 100/8 18
1961 (I) Beau Normand 5-11-06 Bill Rees Bob Turnell Jim Joel 5/1 18
1961 (II) Greektown 5-12-02 Michael Scudamore Willie Stephenson Lionel Ensten 100/8 15
1960 (I) Blue Mountain 6-11-05 Dick Broadway George Todd Sidney Banks 5/1 20
1960 (II) Bastille 5-10-13 Bill Woods Tom Masson Mrs V Cripps 33/1 18
1959 (I) York Fair 5-11-10 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE John McShain 4/5F 16
1959 (II) Albergo 5-11-06 Doug Page Clem Magnier IRE Mrs Clem Magnier 9/1 19
1958 (I) Admiral Stuart 7-11-12 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Mrs T V Ryan 6/5F 19
1958 (II) Prudent King 6-11-08 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Captain R Westmacott 3/1F 19
1957 (I) Tokoroa 6-12-01 Dave Dick Fred Rimell David Deyong 5/4F 10
1957 (II) Saffron Tartan 6-11-12 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Lady Cottenham 10/11F 12
1956 (I) Boys Hurrah 8-11-08 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE M J Sheehan 9/4F 17
1956 (II) Pelargos 5-11-06 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Vincent O’Brien 6/4F 22
1955 (I) Vindore 6-11-12 Mr Phonsie O’Brien Vincent O’Brien IRE J A Wood Evs F 19
1955 (II) Illyric 6-11-08 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE R Mulrooney 3/1F 23
1954 (I) Stroller 6-11-08 Pat Taaffe Vincent O’Brien IRE Joe Griffin 13/8F 18
1954 (II) Tasmin 4-10-07 Rene Emery Harry Count FR Harry Count 5/1 18
1953 (I) Assynt 5-11-01 Eddie Newman Danny Morgan IRE Lady Ursula Vernon 9/4F 18
1953 (II) Dessin 7-11-08 Johnny Gilbert Frank Hudson H J Barlow 100/9 17
1952 (I) Cockatoo 6-11-03 Mr Phonsie O’Brien Vincent O’Brien IRE Harry Keogh 4/1 13
1952 (II) Evian 4-10-07 Fred Winter George Archibald M S Westwick 10/1 14
1951 (I) Red Stranger 4-10-12 Denis Dillon Ron Smyth L Jarvis 100/8 20
1951 (II) Oukileles II 4-10-12 Fred Winter George Archibald B Campbell 6/1 13
1950 (I) Tsaoko 5-11-08 Martin Molony Sam Armstrong H E Habib I Rahimtoola 4/9F 9
1950 (II) Sir Charles 4-10-04 Mr Michael Scudamore Geoffrey Scudamore S A Mailes 25/1 15
1949 (I) French Wedding 4-10-07 Jimmy Brogan Gerry Wilson E L Gosling 11/2 14
1949 (II) Tough Guy 4-10-00 Denis Dillon Ivor Anthony Jack Olding 4/1 18
1948 (I) Vulgan 5-10-10 Rickie Black John De Moraville H Coriat 9/2 13
1948 (II) Jean’s Last 6-11-00 Bryan Marshall Fulke Walwyn Lady Throckmorton 7/4F 21
1947 No race
1946 (I) Prince Rupert 5-11-03 Ron Smyth Ted Smyth John J Astor 9/2 19
1946 (II) Freetown 6-11-00 George Archibald W Larkin H Rogers 8/1 17
1946 (III) Gremlin 5-10-10 Phil Canty George Todd Desmond Baring 5/1 16

THE 2002 GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE RESULT

Class A, Grade One, 2.00pm, Tuesday, March 12, 2002, total prize fund Ł90,000, two miles about half a furlong, for novice four years old and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 11st, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 8lb, fillies and mares allowance 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł52,200; 2nd: Ł19,800; 3rd: Ł9,900; 4th: Ł4,500; 5th: Ł2,250; 6th: Ł1,350

1) LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 8-11-03 Charlie Swan 7/4F
2) WESTENDER (Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst) Martin Pipe bl 6-11-08 Tony McCoy 6/1
3) IN CONTRAST (Peter Emery) Philip Hobbs 6-11-08 Richard Johnson 16/1
4) ETERNAL SPRING (Paul Green) James Fanshawe 5-11-08 Dean Gallagher 14/1
5) SACUNDAI (Malm Syndicate) Edward O'Grady IRE 5-11-08 Tony Dobbin 16/1
6) NATIVE SCOUT (M F Sheasby) Donal Hassett IRE t6-11-08 Norman Williamson 14/1
7) SCOTTISH MEMORIES (Mary Halligan) Noel Meade IRE 6-11-08 Paul Carberry 50/1
8) STARS OUT TONIGHT (Jim Lewis) Henrietta Knight 5-11-08 Jim Culloty 33/1
9) DUBAI SEVEN STARS (Alison Farrant) Martin Pipe 4-10-09 Liam Cooper 100/1
10) GOT ONE TOO (Mary-Anne Parker & Sir Eric Parker) Nicky Henderson 5-11-08 Mick Fitzgerald 16/1
11) TURKESTAN (Gerald Myers) Martin Pipe 5-11-08 Rodi Greene 66/1
12) SOLTERO (Augustus Moon Syndicate) Jessica Harrington IRE 6-11-08 Barry Geraghty 40/1
13) JAYBEJAY (Lady Clarke) Martin Pipe 7-11-08 Tom Scudamore 50/1
14) DETONATEUR (Mr & Mrs John Poynton) Ian Williams 4-11-00 David Dennis 200/1
15) DUNGARVANS CHOICE (Elite Racing Club) Nicky Henderson 7-11-08 John Kavanagh 25/1
16) HITMAN (The Paper Boys) Mark Pitman 7-11-08 Barry Fenton 20/1
17) NEVER (Sir Peter O'Sullevan) Francois Doumen FR 5-11-08 Thierry Doumen 33/1
18) MUTAKARRIM (Dr Michael Smurfit) Dermot Weld IRE b5-11-08 David Casey 100/1
19) SNOB WELLS (Des Sharkey) Noel Meade IRE 5-11-08 Carl Llewellyn 50/1
20) SOSSUS VLEI (Peter Winkworth) Peter Winkworth 6-1108 Leighton Aspell 50/1
21) FORTO (N F Dawe) Dai Williams 6-11-08 Robert Thornton 150/1
22) FIREBALL MACNAMARA (Jeremy Hitchins) Mark Pitman 6-11-08 Timmy Murphy 100/1
23) ANSARI (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE 5-11-08 Joseph Elliot 50/1
F) THREE LIONS (Roger Brookhouse) Roger Brookhouse 5-11-08 Barry Keniry 150/1
F) BERNARDON (The Macca & Growler Partnership) Martin Pipe 6-11-08 Richard Guest 16/1
F) ADAMANT APPROACH (Greenstar Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 8-11-08 Ruby Walsh 12/1
F) BEST WAIT (J M Ryan) Tom Hogan IRE t5-11-03 Connor O’Dwyer 100/1
U) COLUMBA (Thomas Winters) Dessie Hughes IRE 6-11-08 Garrett Cotter 66/1

28 ran
Distances: nk, 2 .5, .5, nk, 3, 6, 1 1/4, sh, 7, nk, 1 3/4, 2.5, 1 3/4, 2.5, 1.5, 5, 2.5, 1.5, .5, 6, 1 3/4, dist
Breeder: Joe McGee Breeding: b m Montelimar - Swifts Butterfly (Furry Glen)
Totes: Win: Ł2.90 Places: Ł1.70; Ł3.00; Ł3.40 Exacta: Ł13.60

Winning Trainer: Christy Roche Based: Curragh View House, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland Cheltenham Festival Winners (2): Coral Cup Hcap Hurdle (1999 Khayrawani), Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Lke-A-Butterfly). Other Details: Former leading Flat jockey who won the 1984 Derby on Secreto.

Winning Jockey: Charlie Swan Date of Birth: 20/01/68 First Winner: March 1983 (Final Assault, Naas) Apprenticeship: Served with Kevin Prendegast. Cheltenham Festival Wins: (16) CHAMPION HURDLE (1998,1999 and 2000 Istabraq), ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE HURDLE (1994 Danoli, 1996 Urubande, 1997 Istabraq), GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (1993 Montelado, 2002 Like-A-Butterfly), STAKIS CASINOS FINAL (1993 Fissure Seal), TRIUMPH HURDLE (1993 Shawiya), CORAL CUP (1994 Time For A Run), BUMPER (1993 Mucklemeg, 2000 Joe Cullen), BONUSPRINT STAYERS HURDLE (1990 Trapper John, 1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh), QUEEN MOTHER CHASE (1995 Viking Flagship). General: won the Daily Telegraph Trophy for riding most winners at Cheltenham Festival in 1993 and 1994. Announced in September, 1998, that he will no longer ride over fences (but will continue to ride in hurdle events) to concentrate on training. Number of Wins in Britain (1988/89-2000/01): 2; 1; 1; 2; 7; 7; 5; 5; 6; 4; 3; 5; 3

THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE (CLASS A)

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund Ł100,000, Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 12, 2003. Two Miles, and Five Furlongs. For Novice Four-Year-Olds and upwards. Weights: four-year-olds 10st 12lb; five-year-olds and upwards 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 22, 2003. Entries revealed Monday, January 27, 2003 (128 entries). Forfeit stage Tuesday, February 18, 2003. Five-day confirmation stage Friday, March 7, 2003. Final declaration stage 10.15am, Tuesday, March 11, 2003. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 24, 2003. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
-3 ACAMANI (GER) 6 Gestut Park Wiedingen Christian Von Der Recke GER
2//-2 ALLEGED SLAVE (IRE) 8 Peter Prowting Alan King
206-2 AQUILINE 5 Risley Hall Partnership John Harris
F3 BALLADEER (IRE) 5 Scott Hardy Partnership Henrietta Knight
2P1 BATTLE WARNING 8 Peter Bowen Peter Bowen
4 BID FOR FAME (USA) 6 Elite Racing Club Nicky Henderson
BOSHAM MILL 5 Ian Williams Ian Williams
1322 BREWSTER (IRE) 6 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
20-1U12 CALLING BRAVE (IRE) 7 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
1-5 CAPPADRUMMIN (IRE) 6 Lady Lloyd Webber Nicky Henderson
102//-04 CAPTAIN ROBIN (IRE) 9 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
23-1112 CENTRAL HOUSE 6 John F Kenny Dessie Hughes IRE
224-113 CHAUVINIST (IRE) 8 Bunny & Nick Roberts Nicky Henderson
20-211 CHOPNEYEV (FR) 5 Claire Smith Richard Phillips
01/- COLLIER COUNTY (IRE) 8 Sue Magnier Edward O'Grady IRE
112311 COLONEL MONROE (IRE) 6 G F Mahony Edward O'Grady IRE
0/1-23 COMMANCHE COURSE (IRE) 7 M L Healy Thomas O'Leary IRE
02-3110 COMPOSTELLO (IRE) 8 J O'Connell Noel Meade IRE
16-2111 COOLNAGORNA (IRE) 6 Mrs Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
0-2 CRIMSON PIRATE (IRE) 6 Flora Charlie Limited Ben De Haan
2F-1 DANCING BAY 6 Elite Racing Club Nicky Henderson
DANGEROUSLY GOOD 5 Norman Jones Not In Training
636-154 DAPRIKA (FR) 5 Thurloe Thoroughbreds V Nicky Henderson
020-05 DETONATEUR (FR) 5 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
1 DOBBIESGARDENWORLD (IRE) 6 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
1 DOUBLE HONOUR (FR) 5 The 4th Middleham Partnership Philip Hobbs
0-1 DOWNPOUR (USA) 5 Favourites Racing Ian Williams
111116 DREAM WITH ME (FR) 6 Dr G Madan Mohan Martin Pipe
0- EDGATORIUS (IRE) 7 Julie Martin Bryan Smart
0-1 EMMET (IRE) 5 G T Pierse Edward O'Grady IRE
6 EPITRE (FR) 6 Vivamus Racing Milton Harris
512 EVER PRESENT (IRE) 5 Ramsay Donald Brown Alan King
P FAIR QUESTION (IRE) 5 The MerseyClyde Partnership Venetia Williams
23/-1 FLORIDA COAST (IRE) 8 Michael Bowe James Bowe IRE
132323 FOREMAN (GER) 5 Ecurie Passing Thierry Doumen FR
1-U3432 FOTA ISLAND (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Mouse Morris IRE
211-143 GLENHAVEN NUGGET (IRE) 7 David Cahill Edward O'Grady IRE
112-111 GLENMOSS TARA (IRE) 5 West Coast Fiddlers Nicky Richards
3 GREENFIELD (IRE) 5 Mrs S J Harvey Richard Phillips
136-0 HALF AN HOUR 6 C W Lane Alan King
516-111 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) 6 Laurence Byrne Dessie Hughes IRE
0-2311 HI CLOY (IRE) 6 Susan McCloy Michael Hourigan IRE
HIRAPOUR (IRE) 7 C N Barnes and M Murphy Ian Williams
1-321 INCA TRAIL (IRE) 7 Philip Myerscough Henrietta Knight
152-111 IRIS'S GIFT 6 Robert Lester Jonjo O'Neill
10-623IS LAND FAITH (IRE) 6 K Lee Ferdy Murphy
036115 JACK HIGH (IRE) 8 Brenda Ross Billy Rock IRE
14-51 JOUEUR D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 6 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
62D KADISKAR (IRE) 5 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
121-023 KICKHAM (IRE) 7 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
13-121 KICKING KING (IRE) 5 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
13- KING CLAUDIUS (IRE) 7 M C Banks Paul Webber
333 KING HARALD (IRE) 5 Piers Pottinger and P B-J Partnership Mark Bradstock
0 KOMBINACJA (POL) 5Christine Davies,Sharon Nelson,Allan Stennett,Terry Warner Tom George
2-15 KOPECK (IRE) 5 Pat Betts Josh Gifford
44-541 KRACK DE L'ISLE (FR) 5 John Elliot Alastair Whillans
12-211 LAOUEN (FR) 5 Ashley Bank Investments & Dr K Fraser Len Lungo
1-24 LEINSTER (IRE) 6 Cathal Ryan Dessie Hughes IRE
2F LIMITED EDITION (IRE) 5 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
LIRFOX (FR) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
110521 LISCANNOR LAD (IRE) 5 C P O'Brien Dessie Hughes IRE
231123 LITTLE SPORT (IRE) 6 Andy Scott Andy Scott
11-111 LORD SAM (IRE) 7 Plain Peeps Victor Dartnall
032-1 LOST TIME (IRE) 6 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
151123 MACS VALLEY (IRE) 6 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
035 MAJOR SHARK (FR) 5 New World Racing Luke Dace
41-1 MAMIDEOS (IRE) 6 Silkword Racing Partnership Tom George
02P-1F0 MASTER GEORGE 6 David Watson & Duncan Lofts Philip Hobbs
4111 MASTEROFFOXHOUNDS (IRE) 8 Sue Magnier David Wachman IRE
11-F214 MAYBE THE BUSINESS 7 David & F A Jackson Paul Nicholls
0-11110 MISE RAFTURAI (IRE) 5 Donal O'Gorman Paul Nolan IRE
226-231 MOORE'S LAW (USA) 5 Ricardo Sanz Michael Grassick IRE
02 MOSCOW TRADITION (IRE) 5 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Jonjo O'Neill
2321/-2 MOSSY GREEN (IRE) 9 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
1 MUGHAS (IRE) 4 B Winfield,A Longman,C Fenton & P McAdam Alan King
2-161 MULLACASH (IRE) 5 Banouche Stud Ireland Ltd Noel Meade IRE
6-50041 MY NAME'S NOT BIN (IRE) 6 John Kenny John Kenny IRE
21221 NAS NA RIOGH (IRE) 4 Brian Twojohns Partnership Nicky Henderson
2P4-321 NATIVE FOX 8 Joanna Needham John Needham
50F130 NATIVE SPARKLE (IRE) 6 L O'Regan Tom Hogan IRE
16121 NIL DESPERANDUM (IRE) 6 Mike Shone Frances Crowley IRE
151- OLD BEAN (IRE) 7 Wrestlers Racing Nicky Henderson
OOPS (IRE) 4 Mike Dawson Alastair Lidderdale
D6-2 OVER ANXIOUS (IRE) 7 Paul Green Jonjo O'Neill
4-2 PALUA 6 R J Lavelle Emma Lavelle
PENNY PICTURES (IRE) 4 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
1/11-13 PIZARRO (IRE) 6 E Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
1-02 POACHIN AGAIN (IRE) 6 C Hanbury Arthur Moore IRE
122130 PRIESTS BRIDGE (IRE) 7 Geoffrey & Donna Keeys Nigel Twiston-Davies
11F122 PUNTAL (FR) 7 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
22 QUEDEX 7 Fox and Cub Partnership Richard Price
1314//0/- QUEENS HARBOUR (IRE) 9 Philip Matton Nicky Henderson
RED LION (FR) 6 Henry Ponsonby Nicky Henderson
12-111 RHINESTONE COWBOY (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Jonjo O'Neill
2//-124 RI NA REALTA (IRE) 8 Mrs D Mee Tony Mullins IRE
0-16 RODDY THE VET (IRE) 5 Lady Wates Albert Ennis
P2 ROSSLEA (IRE) 5 Jim Lewis Henrietta Knight
613322 RUFF JUSTICE (IRE) 7 Mrs H Mullins Paddy Mullins IRE
006-252 RUSSIAN GIGOLO (IRE) 6 Caroline Beresford-Wylie Nigel Twiston-Davies
P-F0064 SAFARI PARADISE (FR) 6 Peter Deal, J Dale, Terry Neill Martin Pipe
5211 SAITENSOHN (GER) 5 Stall Weissenhof Christian Von Der Recke GER
61-112 SH BOOM 5 T G K Construction Ltd Jonjo O'Neill
066113 SHANNON RANGER (IRE) 8 D Sheehan Seamus Lynch IRE
121111 SOLERINA (IRE) 6 John Bowe James Bowe IRE
125 SPUD ONE 6 R K Carvill Oliver Sherwood
2-211 STACUMNY BRIDGE (IRE) 5 Cathal Ryan Mick Halford IRE
0-13204 SUD BLEU (FR) 5 Barry Marshall & Terry Warner Paul Nicholls
161-232 SUPREME DEVELOPER (IRE) 6 Mrs A N Durkan Tony Mullins IRE
1522-32 SUPREME HILL (IRE) 6 J E Brown Charlie Mann
1-11 SUPREME PRINCE (IRE) 6 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
31-11 SUPREME TOSS (IRE) 7 The Coin Tossers Richard Phillips
3/40- SWEET BIRD (FR) 6 Andrew Cohen Alex Hales
11 TACTFUL REMARK (USA) 7 Professor David & Heather Silk Martin Pipe
433220 TAKEYOURTIME 8 Andy Scott Andy Scott
031113 TAMING (IRE) 7 Oakview Racing Venetia Williams
154 TANDY'S BRIDGE (IRE) 7 John O'Meara Noel Meade IRE
31 TARDAR (NZ) 7 Ray & Sue Dodd Partnership Jonjo O'Neill
111105 TEXAS RANGER 5 The Whitcoombe Partnership Charlie Mann
0-1 THAIX (FR) 6 G T Pierse Michael O'Brien IRE
13-11 THE BIKER (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
22-2111 THE NOMAD 7 S J Brewer & D Sugars Mick Easterby
14-3 TOLLBRAE (IRE) 6 R A Bartlett Nicky Henderson
1-615 TRIBAL VENTURE (FR) 5 Network Training III Ferdy Murphy
UNLEASH (USA) 4 Patricia Thompson Philip Hobbs
45 WHAT A MAN (IRE) 6 Paul Green Tom George
00 WING BACK (IRE) 5 Sir Anthony O'Reilly Mouse Morris IRE
11/02/-4 WINTERTIDE 7 J E Brown Charlie Mann
5-2 ZILARATOR (USA) 7 Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited Philip Hobbs

128 entries
39 Irish-trained
2 German-trained
1 French-trained

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES

1. The Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle was introduced to the National Hunt Meeting in 1971 as the Aldsworth Hurdle. Sun Alliance, who merged with Royal Insurance in 1996, took it on in 1974, together with the Sun Alliance Chase, having previously sponsored the Foxhunters' Chase.

2. The Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle and Chase are acknowledged as the championship races for the staying novice hurdler and chaser.

3. Only one horse has won both Royal & SunAlliance races. The West Awake took the Hurdle in 1987 and the Chase a year later.

4. The smallest field for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle was 14 in 2000, when there were three non-runners. Previously the lowest number of runners was 15 in 1973, the year of Willie Wumpkins, who later dominated the Coral Golden Hurdle Final at the Festival with three straight wins from 1979-81. The largest field was 29, achieved in 1979, 1984 and 1991. Last year there were 27 runners

5. The 1994 winner, Danoli, was the subject of a massive gamble by the Irish and was sent off at 7/4 favourite. The shortest-priced winner was another Irish victor, Mr Kildare at 8/11 in 1978. The longest-priced winner was 40/1 chance Even Dawn in the second running in 1972.

6. Five of the last 14 winners won the Michael Page International/EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Warwick in mid-February (February 21 this year) en route to the race. These are Rebel Song (1988), Sayfar's Lad (1989), Thetford Forest (1992), Putty Road (1995) and Monsignor in 2000.

7. The Irish have an excellent record in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle with 11 wins, including six consecutive victories from 1973-78. Aidan O’Brien has won the race twice, with Urubande (1996) and Istabraq (1997).

8. Aidan O’Brien, Martin Pipe, Oliver Sherwood, Mick O'Toole and Edward O'Grady have each won two Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdles. Oliver Sherwood holds a unique position as the only trainer to have won the race as a jockey also, on Venture To Cognac in 1979. His training wins were with The West Awake (1987) and Rebel Song (1988).

9. The fastest time for the winning horse was 4m 52.0s set by Monsignor in 2000, beating the 4m 56.2s of Regal Ambition in 1990.

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

11 Entries
Nicky Henderson

7 Entries
Jonjo O’Neill
Martin Pipe (1990 REGAL AMBITION, 1989 SAYFAR’S LAD)

6 Entries
Edward O’Grady IRE (1980 DRUMLARGAN, 1982 MISTER DONOVAN)

5 Entries
Philip Hobbs
Ian Williams

4 Entries
Dessie Hughes IRE
Alan King

3 Entries
Tom George (2002 GALILEO)
Henrietta Knight
Charlie Mann
Noel Meade IRE
Willie Mullins IRE
Richard Phillips
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1993 GAELSTROM)

2 Entries
James Bowe IRE
Len Lungo
Mouse Morris IRE
Tony Mullins IRE
Ferdy Murphy (1998 FRENCH HOLLY)
Paul Nicholls
Christy Roche IRE
Andy Scott
Christian Von Der Recke GER
Venetia Williams

1 Entry
Peter Bowen
Mark Bradstock
Frances Crowley IRE
Luke Dace
Victor Dartnell
Ben De Haan
Thierry Doumen FR
Mick Easterby
Albert Ennis
Josh Gifford
Michael Grassick IRE
Alex Hales
Mick Halford IRE
John Harris
Milton Harris
Tom Hogan IRE
Michael Hourigan IRE
John Kenny IRE
Emma Lavelle
Alastair Lidderdale
Seamus Lynch IRE
Arthur Moore IRE
Paddy Mullins IRE (1977 COUNSEL COTTAGE)
John Needham
Paul Nolan IRE
Michael O’Brien IRE
Thomas O’Leary IRE
Mark Pitman (2000 MONSIGNOR)
Richard Price
Nicky Richards
Billy Rock IRE
Oliver Sherwood
(1988 REBEL SONG, 1987 THE WEST AWAKE)
Bryan Smart
Tom Taaffe IRE
David Wachman IRE
Paul Webber
Alastair Whillans

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis

The Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle opens the Wednesday programme at the National Hunt Festival and is always a hugely competitive affair. With 128 entries in 2003, another very exciting race looks guaranteed. Amongst the entries are 39 from Ireland, two from Germany and one from France.

Nicky Henderson has the highest number of entries with 11 horses engaged at this stage, including the likes of Calling Brave, Ladbroke Hurdle winner Chauvinist, Nas Na Riogh as well as the former useful Flat performers Bid For Fame and Dancing Bay.

The clear ante-post favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle is Coolnagorna and he is one of seven entries for local trainer Jonjo O’Neill. The six-year-old has been hugely impressive on his last three starts, most recently on heavy ground in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury last month.

He could be joined by stable companions Rhinestone Cowboy (who also holds entries for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and the Gerrard Wealth Management Novices’ Hurdle), the useful Sh Boom and Tardar, an impressive winner at Chepstow last time out.

Champion trainer Martin Pipe also has seven entries including Puntal, Dream With Me, a five-time winner this season, recent French import Lirfox and the unbeaten duo of Tactful Remark and The Biker.

The Irish challenge is headed by Solerina, who is owned and trained, like the great Limestone Lad, by the Bowe family. She has won her last four outings over hurdles in impressive fashion and was seen out when taking the Grade 2 Future Champions Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas. The Bowe family also have Florida Coast engaged, who looked a horse with a future when running away with a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse on January 19.

Also featuring prominently among the Irish contingent is Hardy Eustace from Dessie Hughes’ yard and unbeaten in his three outings over hurdles while last year’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner Pizarro is one of six entries for Edward O’Grady.

German handler Christian Von Der Recke has been enjoying a very fruitful time recently on his raids to Britain and has two possibles here. They are the former useful Flat performer Acamani and Saitensohn, who has run well on his last two starts at Newbury.

Other leading contenders include Lord Sam from the small yard of Victor Dartnell. The seven-year-old is unbeaten in five career starts to date and accounted for several useful types on his last run at Kempton on January 18. Kopeck will be one of trainer Josh Gifford’s final runners at the National Hunt Festival. He looked a very useful performer when winning a Grade 2 hurdle at Ascot last month on his hurdling debut but was disappointing last time out in the rescheduled Tolworth Hurdle at Wincanton.

Best Mate’s full-brother Inca Trail is one of three Henrietta Knight-trained entries and he was third to Rhinestone Cowboy in the Betfair Open Bumper at Cheltenham in November before chasing home Lord Sam in a novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. He came good at Ludlow last time after which trainer Henrietta Knight said he would go straight to Cheltenham.

Finally, Double Honour was a one of the leading stayers on the Flat on his day and couldn’t have done it better when scoring on his hurdling debut for Philip Hobbs at Huntingdon on January 15.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

23-1112 CENTRAL HOUSE 6 b g Alflora - Fantasy World (Kemal)
Owner: John F Kenny Trainer: Dessie Hughes
Looks a bright prospect following his three wins this year (one bumper and two hurdle races). However, he was no match for the Bowe family’s mighty mare Solerina last time out although he may have paid the price for trying to take on his rival in that two-runner affair.

112311 COLONEL MONROE (IRE) 6 b/br g Lord Americo - Fairy Blaze (Good Thyne)
Owner: G F Mahony Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Has improved for being sent over hurdles this year and has won four times already this season. Looks to appreciate a test of stamina, as he showed last time out when winning over 2m 6f at Limerick.

0/1-23 COMMANCHE COURSE (IRE) 7 b g Commanche Run - Parkavoureen (Deep Run)
Owner: M L Healy Trainer: Thomas O'Leary
Won a bumper in impressive fashion at Tipperary in 2001. Has finished second and third so far this year in maiden hurdles at Navan and Punchestown, suggesting that stamina is his forte.

02-3110 COMPOSTELLO (IRE) 8 ch g Erin’s Isle - Your Mine (Push On)
Owner: J O'Connell Trainer: Noel Meade
Was impressive when winning hurdles at Limerick and Tralee earlier this season but tailed off behind Pizarro on his last start at Navan in November and has not been out since.

0-1 EMMET (IRE) 5 b g Supreme Leader (Virginia Ironside (General Ironside)
Owner: G T Pierse Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Winning Irish pointer who left his one bumper run well behind him when dead-heating in a competitive 30-runner maiden hurdle over 2m 2f at Fairyhouse on January 19.

23/-1 FLORIDA COAST (IRE) 8 b g Florida Son - Deep Peace (Deep Run)
Owner: Michael Bowe Trainer: James Bowe
Hailing from the same yard as Limestone Lad and Solerina, Florida Coast looked as if he could also be a useful performer when landing a three-mile novice hurdle at Fairyhouse on January 19 in impressive fashion. That was his hurdling debut although he had earlier won a two-mile maiden on the Flat at Navan last year.

0-2311 HI CLOY (IRE) 6 b g Be My Native - Thomastown Girl (Tekoah)
Owner: Susan McCloy Trainer: Michael Hourigan
Shaped with promise in bumpers and has really come into his own over hurdles, winning his two races over timber, both at Leopardstown, in good style. Trainer Michael Hourigan insists that he is a chaser in the making and that anything he does over hurdles will be a bonus.

036115 JACK HIGH (IRE) 8 br g Erdelistan - Lyntim (Fidel)
Owner: Brenda Ross Trainer: Billy Rock
A bumper winner at Downpatrick in his younger days, Jack High took a few runs before he won over hurdles but came good in a maiden contest at Naas in November. Subsequently landed a decent handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas and ran with credit when fifth at the same track on January 12 in a qualifier for the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham.

14-51 JOUEUR D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 6 gr g Perrault - Alrose (Kalyan)
Owner: Violet O'Leary Trainer: Willie Mullins
Trainer Willie Mullins announced that there should be plenty of improvement in Joueur D’Estuval after he won his maiden hurdle on his last start at Navan on January 11, when proving two lengths too strong for Supreme Developer. His one previous win came in a bumper on his racecourse debut at Fairyhouse last March. Also entered in Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

62D KADISKAR (IRE) 5 b g Ashkalani - Kadissya (Blushing Groom)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Christy Roche
A half-brother to the 1988 Derby winner Kahyasi, Kadiskar was previously owned by the Aga Khan and ran twice for Sir Michael Stoute on the Flat in Britain, showing little. Bought by his present connections for 62,000gns in October, 2001, he ran with credit on his first two starts over hurdles at Roscommon and Punchestown last year before running out an impressive winner of a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 1. However he subsequently failed a drugs test and was disqualified.

121-023 KICKHAM (IRE) 7 b g Supreme Leader - Knocknagow (Buckskin)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Edward O'Grady
One of the leading bumper performers during the 2001/02 season and rounded off last season by winning the Grade 2 Martell Champion Bumper at Aintree on Grand National day. His efforts over hurdles so far this year have been slightly disappointing, although it has looked as though a step up in trip may suit him.

110521 LISCANNOR LAD (IRE) 5 b g Nicolotte - Tinerena Memories (Don’t Forget Me)
Owner: C P O'Brien Trainer: Dessie Hughes
A bumper winner at Naas and Galway earlier in the season, Liscannor Lad took a while to fins his feet over hurdles. He came good at the fourth time of asking when dead-heating with Emett in a competitive 30-runner maiden hurdle over 2m 2f at Fairyhouse on January 19.

032-1 LOST TIME (IRE) 6 b g Glacial Storm - Overtime (Executive Perk)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Christy Roche
Owned by the legendary J P McManus, Lost Time won a bumper at Navan on his last start in November. On his only outing over timber, he was a 16-length third to Canon Barney in a maiden event at the same venue in February. Also entered in Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

226-231 MOORE'S LAW (USA) 5 b g Technology - Brass Needles (Twice Worthy)
Owner: Ricardo Sanz Trainer: Michael Grassick
A maiden winner on the Flat at Tramore in 2001, Moore’s Law is now in his second season over hurdles. Has some good form, including when second in a Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in December, 2001, and finally came good over hurdles at the eighth time of asking last time out, when scoring in a maiden at Musselburgh on December 17.

2-161 MULLACASH (IRE) 5 b g Supreme Leader - The Parson’s Line (The Parson)
Owner: Barouche Stud Ireland Ltd Trainer: Noel Meade
The Noel Meade-trained Mullacash improved on his debut sixth over hurdles to win a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. A dark horse, only getting home by a short-head on this occasion but promising more to come in the future. Also entered in Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

6-50041 MY NAME'S NOT BIN (IRE) 6 b m Good Thyne - Crashrun (Crash Course)
Owner: John Kenny Trainer: John Kenny
Showed little in bumpers but has been much better over hurdles. Stayed on her first two starts at Fairyhouse (2m) and Limerick (2m 6f) before winning her third start over hurdles - a 2m 6f maiden contest at Navan on January 11.

50F130 NATIVE SPARKLE (IRE) 6 br m Star With A Glimer (Montekin)
Owner: L O'Regan Trainer: Tom Hogan
A Grade 3 winner at Navan last November and she has won three times over hurdles and two bumpers during her career to date. However, she has also been well beaten many times, including last time out when she finished a distant ninth behind Hardy Eustace in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December.

16121 NIL DESPERANDUM (IRE) 6 b g Un Desperado - Still Hoping (Kambalda)
Owner: Mike Shone Trainer: Frances Crowley
Sixth to Rhinestone Cowboy in the Betfair Open Bumper at Cheltenham in November, having earlier won a bumper at Roscommon in October, Nil Desperandum has subsequently won a maiden hurdle and novices’ hurdle at Punchestown and Navan respectively. His one reversal over timber came when three-quarters of a length runner-up to previous Grade 1 scorer Hardy Eustace in a novices’ hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

1-02 POACHIN AGAIN (IRE) 6 b g Supreme Leader - Ariannrun (Deep Run)
Owner: C Hanbury Trainer: Arthur Moore
Bumper winner at Punchestown in March and was well supported on his hurdling debut in a Grade 3 at Navan in November. However, he proved a disappointment that day, finishing tailed off. He bounced back to some sort of form last time when second in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

613322 RUFF JUSTICE (IRE) 7 b/br g Cashel Court - Rugged View (Rugged Man)
Owner: Mrs H Mullins Trainer: Paddy Mullins
Has yet to start over hurdles, but has run eight bumpers to date, with his sole win coming at Tipperary last July. Has not been out since finishing second in another bumper at the same track in October.

066113 SHANNON RANGER (IRE) 8 ch g Mister Lord - Kafu’s Girl (Kafu)
Owner: D Sheehan Trainer: Seamus Lynch
Successful in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle during the course of his career but has finished down the field on many occasions as well. Last seen out at Limerick on Boxing Day when he was beaten in a handicap hurdle.

121111 SOLERINA (IRE) 6 b m Toulon - Deep Peace (Deep Run)
Owner: John Bowe Trainer: James Bowe
Has really come into her own over hurdles, winning five of her six starts over timber this season. The classiest of these victories came on her most recent outing in a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle at Leopardstown just before the New Year. Although there were only two contestants, she beat Central House by a distance to justify odds-on favouritism.

161-232 SUPREME DEVELOPER (IRE) 6 b g Supreme Leader - Bettys The Boss (Deep Run)
Owner: Mrs A N Durkan Trainer: Tony Mullins
Supreme Developer has run well this season in three maiden hurdles without getting his head in front and ha’s never been beaten by more than two lengths. Also entered in Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

154 TANDY'S BRIDGE (IRE) 7 b g Mister Lord - Danny’s Charm (Arapahos)
Owner: John O'Meara Trainer: Noel Meade
A half-brother to last season’s Irish Grand National winner The Bunny Boiler. Made a winning debut in a bumper at Navan on December 15 and has since finished fifth and fourth in maiden hurdles at Leopardstown and Navan.

0-1 THAIX (FR) 6 b g Roi De Rome - Action De Balle (Cricket Ball)
Owner: G T Pierse Trainer: Michael O'Brien
Hinted at promise on his only start in a Punches town bumper last season, when trained by Eddie Hales. His hurdling career got off to the best possible start when he was successful by six lengths in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, despite showing greeness and jumping to the right.

GERMAN-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

-3 ACAMANI (GER) 6 b h Winged Love - Adjani (Surumu)
Owner: Gestut Park Wiedingen Trainer: Christian Von Der Recke
A very useful Flat performer, with his best efforts on the level coming when finishing third in a Group 3 event at Cologne and sixth in the Group 1 Grosser Preis Von Baden. His only outing over hurdles came earlier this year when third to Facts Not Fiction at Baden-Baden in May.

5211 SAITENSOHN (GER) 5 b h Monsun - Saite (Marduk)
Owner: Stall Weissenhof Trainer: Christian Von Der Recke
Listed-placed on the Flat, Saitensohn has shown some very good form over hurdles on his two visits to Britain. On November 13 he won a 2m 3f novice hurdle at Newbury by five lengths and returned to the Berkshire course on November 29, defying a penalty to win another novice hurdle by five lengths from Master Trix.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

132323 FOREMAN (GER) 5 ch h Monsun - Fleurie (Dashing Blade)
Owner: Ecurie Passing Trainer: Thierry Doumen
Previously with Christian Von Der Recke in Germany, for whom he won a maiden hurdle at Folkestone in May. Subsequently transferred to Francois and then Thierry Doumen and has been showing a good level of form without winning, most recently behind Kopeck and Puntal when third in a Grade 2 event at Ascot in December.

Previous results
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE

2002-WINNER-GALILEO 6-11-07 Owner-Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner; Trainer-Tom George; Jockey-Jason Maguire; SP-12/1
2ND-Over The Bar 6-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-14/1
3RD-Lanzerac 5-11-07 Owner-Cleartherm Ltd; Trainer-John Harris; Jockey-Paul Flynn; SP-66/1
27 ran; Time-5m 19.70s, Dist-3 .5, sh; 5/1 Fav Classified (4th)

2001-Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-MONSIGNOR 6-11-07 Owner-Malcolm Denmark; Trainer-Mark Pitman; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-5/4 Fav
2ND-No Discount 6-11-06 Owner-Seamus Ross; Trainer-Charlie Swan IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-20/1
3RD-Gentle Rivage 6-11-07 Owner-Geoffrey and Donna Keeys; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; SP-50/1 14 ran, Time-4m 52.0s, Dist-8,5

1999-WINNER-BARTON 6-11-07 Owner-Stan Clarke; Trainer-Tim Easterby; Jockey-Lorcan Wyer,SP-2/1 Fav
2ND-Artadoin Lad 6-11-07 Owner-Jim Shaw; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-28/1
3RD-Winston Run 7-11-07 Owner-Mr & Mrs John Poynton; Trainer-Ian Williams; Jockey-Glenn Tormey; SP-100/1 18 ran, Time-5m 5.6s, Dist-9, .5

1998-WINNER-FRENCH HOLLY 7-11-07 Owner-Kieran Flood; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-2/1 Fav
2ND-Torboy 8-11-07 Owner-Paul Green; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-8/1
3RD-Cloone Bridge 6-11-07 Owner-Kathleen Gillane; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/1 18 ran, Time-4m 59.7s, Dist-14, 2.5

1997-WINNER-ISTABRAQ 5-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-6/5 Fav
2ND-Mighty Moss 6-11-07 Owner-Ken Hutsby; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Mr Fred Hutsby; SP-11/1
3RD-Daraydan 5-11-07 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-16/1
17 ran, Time-4m 58.2s, Dist-1, .75

1996-WINNER-URUBANDE 6-11-07 Owner-Martin St Quinton; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/1
2ND-Go-Informal 5-11-07 Owner-R G Marshall; Trainer-Malcolm Jefferson; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-12/1
3RD-Karshi 6-11-07 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jason Titley; SP-14/1
24 ran, Time-5m 11.7s, Dist-.75, .75 11/2 Fav Jet Rules (10th)

1995-WINNER-PUTTY ROAD 5-11-07 Owner-Lady Harris; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Norman Williamson;
SP-7/1
2ND-Berude Not To 6-11-07 Owner-G Addiscott; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-3/1
3RD-Treble Bob 5-11-07 Owner-Dr Michael Smurfit; Trainer-Dermot Weld IRE; Jockey-Brendan Sheridan; SP-9/4 Fav 21 ran, Time-5m 20.1s, Dist-hd, 2

1994-WINNER-DANOLI 6-11-07 Owner-Dan O'Neill; Trainer-Tom Foley IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-7/4 Fav
2ND-Corrouge 5-11-07 Owner-Michael Gates; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-10/1
3RD-Brief Gale 7-11-02 Owner-Carrie Zetter; Trainer-Josh Gifford; Jockey-Declan Murphy; SP- 8/1
23 ran, Time-5m 10.8s, Dist-2, 5

1993-WINNER-GAELSTROM 6-11-02 Owner-Mrs Jenny Powell; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-16/1
2ND-Cardinal Red 6-11-07 Owner-Cath Walwyn; Trainer-Cath Walwyn; Jockey-Ben De Haan; SP-150/1
3RD-Lord Relic 7-11-07 Owner-Hilda Clarke; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-5/2 Fav
19 ran, Time-4m 59.3s, Dist-2.5, 1.5

1992-WINNER-THETFORD FOREST 5-11-07 Owner-Saeed Manana; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-7/1
2ND-Muse 5-11-07 Owner-White Horse Racing Ltd; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Paul Holley; SP-13/2
3RD-Ashfold Copse 6-11-07 Owner-Mrs Paul Locke; Trainer-Guy Harwood; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-25/1
27 ran, Time-5m 2.7s, Dist-6, 2.5 5/1 Fav Bollin Patrick (bd)

1991-WINNER-CRYSTAL SPIRIT 4-10-12 Owner-Paul Mellon; Trainer-Ian Balding; Jockey-Jimmy Frost; SP-2/1 Fav
2ND-Minorettes Girl 6-11-02 Owner-Terry McKeever; Trainer-Paddy Mullins IRE; Jockey-Tony Mullins SP-4/1
3RD-Super Sense 6-11-07 Owner-Miss N Hughes; Trainer-Josh Gifford; Jockey-Declan Murphy; SP-40/1
29 ran, Time-5m 4.6s, Dist-4, 2

1990-WINNER-REGAL AMBITION 6-11-07 Owner-Skeltools Ltd; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-3/1 Fav
2ND-Judges Fancy 6-11-07 Owner-J C de C Scott; Trainer-Chris Trietline; Jockey-Robbie Supple; SP-66/1
3RD-Tom's Little Bet 6-11-02 Owner-T Staddon; Trainer-W R Williams; Jockey-Dean Gallagher; SP-200/1
22 ran, Time-4m 56.2s, Dist-12, .75

1989-WINNER-SAYFAR'S LAD 5-11-07 Owner-Arthur Whiting; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-12/1
2ND-Trapper John 5-11-07 Owner-Mrs P F N Fanning; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Tommy Carmody; SP-20/1
3RD-Knight Oil 6-11-07 Owner-R E A Bott (Wigmore St) Ltd; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-33/1
22 ran, Time-5m 17.4s, Dist-5, 5 9/2 Fav Green Willow (5th)

1988-WINNER-REBEL SONG 6-11-07 Owner-Maggie Heath; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-14/1
2ND-Slalom 7-11-07 Owner-Mrs M J Russell; Trainer-Michael Robinson; Jockey-John White; SP-12/1
3RD-Rustle 6-11-07 Owner-Robert Waley-Cohen; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Michael Bowlby; SP-14/1 25 ran, Time-5m 30.3s, Dist-hd, 1.5 7/4 Fav Mole Board (8th)

1987-WINNER-THE WEST AWAKE 6-11-07 Owner-Maggie Heath; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-16/1
2ND-City Entertainer 6-11-07 Owner-Andrew Haddock; Trainer-Charlotte Postlethwaite; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-13/2
3RD-Flying Trove 6-11-07 Owner-D Formosa; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE; Jockey-Tom Taaffe; SP-16/1
28 ran, Time-5m 15.1s, Dist-4, .75 4/1 Fav Midsummer Gamble (6th)

1986-WINNER-TEN PLUS 6-11-07 Owner-Basil Thwaites; Trainer-Fulke Walwyn; Jockey-Kevin Mooney; SP-5/2 Fav
2ND-Pike's Peak 5-11-07 Owner-Lord Soames; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Steve Smith Eccles; SP-10/1
3RD-Tophams Taverns 5-11-07 Owner-Roland Topham; Trainer-George Moore; Jockey-Micky Hammond; SP-20/1 28 ran, Time-5m 4.7s, Dist-15, .5

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR

(Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle since 1998, Royal Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle 1997,
Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle 1974-96, Aldsworth Hurdle 1971-73)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2002 Galileo 6-11-07 Jason Maguire Tom George Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner 12/1 27
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Monsignor 6-11-07 Norman Williamson Mark Pitman Malcolm Denmark 5/4F 14
1999 Barton 6-11-07 Lorcan Wyer Tim Easterby Stan Clarke 2/1F 18
1998 French Holly 7-11-07 Andrew Thornton Ferdy Murphy Kieran Flood 2/1F 18
1997 Istabraq 5-11-07 Charlie Swan Aidan O’Brien IRE J P McManus 6/5F 17
1996 Urubande 6-11-07 Charlie Swan Aidan O’Brien IRE Martin St Quinton 8/1 24
1995 Putty Road 5-11-07 Norman Williamson David Nicholson Lady Harris 7/1 21
1994 Danoli 6-11-07 Charlie Swan Tom Foley IRE Dan O’Neill 7/4F 23
1993 Gaelstrom 6-11-02 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Jenny Powell 16/1 19
1992 Thetford Forest 5-11-07 Richard Dunwoody David Nicholson Saeed Manana 7/1 27
1991 Crystal Spirit 4-10-12 Jimmy Frost Ian Balding Paul Mellon 2/1F 29
1990 Regal Ambition 6-11-07 Peter Scudamore Martin Pipe Skeltools Ltd 3/1F 22
1989 Sayfar’s Lad 5-11-07 Mark Perrett Martin Pipe Arthur Whiting 12/1 22
1988 Rebel Song 6-11-07 Simon Sherwood Oliver Sherwood Maggie Heath 14/1 25
1987 The West Awake 6-11-07 Simon Sherwood Oliver Sherwood Maggie Heath 16/1 28
1986 Ten Plus 6-11-07 Kevin Mooney Fulke Walwyn Basil Thwaites 5/2F 28
1985 Asir 5-11-07 Mr Ronnie Beggan Paul Kelleway HH Prince Yazid Saud 9/1 27
1984 Fealty 4-10-12 Seamus O’Neill Peter Brookshaw Peter Brookshaw 33/1 29
1983 Sabin Du Loir 4-10-08 Graham Bradley Michael Dickinson Brian Kilpatrick 16/1 27
1982 Mister Donovan 6-11-08 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE J P McManus 9/2 21
1981 Gaye Chance 6-11-08 Sam Morshead Fred Rimell Mrs M Curtis 7/1 21
1980 Drumlargan 6-11-08 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE Mary Cuddy 5/2F 27
1979 Venture To Cognac 6-11-08 Mr Oliver Sherwood Fred Winter Nat Sherwood 4/1 29
1978 Mr Kildare 5-11-07 Tommy Carmody Liam Browne IRE Owen Canty 8/11F 20
1977 Counsel Cottage 6-11-08 Sean Treacy Paddy Mullins IRE Lady Elizabeth Byng 6/1 26
1976 Parkhill 5-11-07 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs J McGowan 4/1 21
1975 Davy Lad 5-11-07 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs J McGowan 5/2F 20
1974 Brown Lad 8-11-08 Ron Barry Paddy Osborne IRE J Osborne 2/1F 25
1973 Willie Wumpkins 5-11-06 Pat Colville Adrian Maxwell IRE Jane Pilkington 11/1 15
1972 Even Dawn 5-11-06 Ron Hyett Katie Gaze Katie Gaze 40/1 17
1971 Midsprite 5-11-12 Macer Gifford Tom Jones Mrs Ogden Phipps 7/1 20

THE 2002 ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE RESULT IN DETAIL

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund Ł90,000. 2.00pm, Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 13, 2002. Two Miles, Five Furlongs. For Novice Four-Year-Olds and upwards. Weights: four-year-olds 10st 12lb; five-year-olds and upwards 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł52,200; 2nd: Ł19,800; 3rd: Ł9,900; 4th: Ł4,500; 5th: Ł2,250; 6th: Ł1,350

1) GALILEO (Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner) Tom George 6-11-07 Jason Maguire 12/1
2) OVER THE BAR (J P McManus) Edward O'Grady IRE 6-11-07 Charlie Swan 14/1
3) LANZERAC (Cleartherm Ltd) John Harris 5-11-07 Paul Flynn 66/1
4) CLASSIFIED (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-07 Tony McCoy 5/1 Fav
5) BALLYAMBER (David Doane) Willie Mullins IRE 7-11-07 Ruby Walsh 16/1
6) MOSS HARVEY (J R Salter) Malcolm Jefferson 7-11-07 Graham Lee 33/1
7) TOO FORWARD (T L Gibson & D Mathias) Mark Pitman 6-11-07 Dean Gallagher 33/1
8) WOODYS BLUE LAGOON (Mrs P Sloan) Noel Meade IRE 811-07 David Casey 50/1
9) FARMER JACK (Peter Partridge) Seamus Mullins 6-11-07 Joe Tizzard 25/1
10) THE BAJAN BANDIT (Ashleybank Investments Limited) Len Lungo 7-11-07 Tony Dobbin 10/1
11) INCHING CLOSER (Nicola Spence) Ferdie Murphy 5-11-07 J P McNamara 66/1
12) THARI (Des Sharkey) Noel Meade IRE 5-11-07 Paul Carberry 33/1
13) YEOMAN'S POINT (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 6-11-07 Charlie Swan 12/1
14) THE VILLAGER (Sylvia Tainton) Nigel Twiston-Davies t6-11-07 Carl Llewellyn 66/1
15) DIRECT BEARING (Dr Michael Smurfit) Dermot Weld IRE 5-11-07 Conor O’Dwyer 25/1
16) IRISH HUSSAR (Major Christopher Hanbury) Nicky Henderson 6-11-07 Mick Fitzgerald 16/1
17) SAMON (The Macca & Growler Partnership) Martin Pipe 5-11-07 Richard Guest 20/1
18) TUCACAS (Belinda Harvey) Martin Pipe 5-11-02 Tom Scudamore 50/1
BD) TARXIEN (Brian Kilpatrick) Martin Pipe t8-11-07 Rodi Greene 25/1
BD) BALLYHAMPSHIRE BOY (Kilmeadan Racing Syndicate) Sean Aherne IRE 6-11-07 Barry Geraghty 12/1
F) KEEN LEADER (Adair Catherwood) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-07 Liam Cooper 8/1
PU) ANOTHER GENERAL (Paul Duffy, Alan Beard, Brian Beard) Richard Phillips 7-11-07 Richard Johnson 33/1
S) ROUBLE (Pat Betts) Josh Gifford 6-11-07 Leighton Aspell 13/2
PU) MARDANI (Roger Brookhouse) Roger Brookhouse 7-11-07 Tom Siddall 200/1
PU) IVERAIN (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 6-11-07 Timmy Murphy 33/1
PU) EL VIEJO (Carrie Zetter-Wells) Lawrence Wells 5-11-07 Barry Keniry 100/1
PU) MASTER GEORGE (David Watson & Duncan Lofts) Ian Balding 5-11-07 Barry Fenton 100/1

27 ran Non-Runner: Chimes At Midnight (vet’s certificate)
Distances: 3 1/2, sh, 6, 6, 3/4, 4, 3, nk, 17, 15, 22, 10, 4, 4, 3 1/2, 14, 30
Breeder: S K Moszna Breeding: b g Jape - Goldika (Dakota)
Totes: Win: Ł10.70 Places: Ł3.50; Ł3.60; Ł43.60 Exacta: Ł141.10

Winning Trainer: Tom Richard George Born: June 4, 1967 Based: Springbank Stables, Slad, Stroud, Gloucestershire Date of First Trainer’s Licence: August 4, 1993 Horses in Training (1994-2001): 16; 20; 18; 32; 24; 26; 37; 44 Number of Winners (1993/94-2000/01): 4; 2; 4; 6; 11; 18; 21; 19 Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2002 Galileo) Other Major Wins: Charisma Gold Cup (2000 Tremalt) Wins This Season: 26 First Cheltenham Festival Win For Tom George

Winning Jockey: Jason Maguire Based: c/o Tom George, Stroud, Gloucestershire Number of Wins (1999/2000-2000/01): 8; 9 Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2002 Galileo) Wins This Season: 19 First Cheltenham Festival Win For Jason Maguire

THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (CLASS A)

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund Ł100,000, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 13, 2003. Two Miles, One Furlong. For Novice Four-Year-Olds only. Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 22, 2003. Entries revealed Monday, January 27, 2003 (111 entries). Forfeit stage Tuesday, February 18, 2003. Five-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 8, 2003. Final declaration stage 10.15am, Wednesday, March 12, 2003. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 24, 2003. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
4035 ACHATES (IRE) 4 Mark Roper Mark Roper IRE
3 ALLUDE (IRE) 4 Abbott Racing Limited Charlie Mann
ANDY GIN (FR) 4 Philip Hobbs Philip Hobbs
0 ARDASHIR (FR) 4 Caroline Wilson Nigel Twiston-Davies
AUTUMN FANTASY (USA) 4 Ashley Carr Brian Ellison
F0321 BAL DE NUIT (FR) 4 Monica Hackett Paul Nicholls
6 BAREME (FR) 4 Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
062 BELLAFICIENT (IRE) 4 Kildare Racing Club Michael Halford IRE
221121 BONGO FURY (FR) 4 Lord Donoughmore & Countess Donoughmore Martin Pipe
BRIGHT GREEN 4 Wally Sturt Jim Old
4 BURGUNDY LACE (USA) 4 The Salmon Racing Partnership Lucy Wadham
CASTANET 4 Carol Davis Cecil Price
COALITION 4 Thurloe Thoroughbreds IX Nicky Henderson
CODE SIGN (USA) 4 Denise Winton and Elizabeth Hodgson Philip Hobbs
302 CORRECT AND RIGHT (IRE) 4 Seamus Mullins Seamus Mullins
153 COUNT CAN DO (IRE) 4 Comtesse C A Armand Francois Doumen FR
4112 CRYSTAL D'AINAY (FR) 4 Haras De Saint-Voir Guillaume Macaire FR
DANCING WATER 4 Rita Shah Patrick O'Brady IRE
213 DASHING HOME (IRE) 4 Mrs P Towey Noel Meade IRE
DECISIVE 4 Peter Jensen Paul Webber
2 DESERT AIR (JPN) 4 Belinda Harvey Martin Pipe
DESERT CITY 4 The Huntingdon Hopefuls Paul Webber
31314 DO L'ENFANT D'EAU (FR) 4 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
11 DON FERNANDO 4 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
DON VALENTINO (POL) 4 Sir Stanley Clarke Tom George
20 DOUBLE FUN (HOL) 4 Biesdeel Stud Christian Von Der Recke GER
DR RAJ 4 C G Conway Bryan McMahon
15 DUKE OF EARL (IRE) 4 Speedlith Group Sylvester Kirk
EAST TYCOON (IRE) 4 Mrs Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
11 ENITSAG (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
EXTREMIST (USA) 4 Kim Bailey Kim Bailey
02 FANTASTIC CHAMPION (IRE) 4 Champion And The Fantastics Lucy Wadham
11 FAR PAVILIONS 4 David Abell Alan Swinbank
1023 FORTUNATE DAVE (USA) 4 M N Dennis Ian Williams
FORTUNE ISLAND (IRE) 4 John Brown & Michael Blackburn Martin Pipe
0 GALAXY SAM (USA) 4 S Munir Simon Dow
16 GOLDEN CROSS (IRE) 4 Mrs H Johnson Michael Halford IRE
20 GRANGE CLARE (IRE) 4 Heygarth Limited Paddy Mooney IRE
0 GREAT OVATION (FR) 4 Claire Smith Richard Phillips
140 HARCHIBALD (FR) 4 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
3 HARDRADA (IRE) 4 Patricia Hunt Noel Meade IRE
50032 INDIEN ROYAL (FR) 4 Kathy Stuart Paul Nicholls
13 ITS WALLACE JNR 4 Grand Day Out Partnership Sheena West
JUNGLE RUMBLER 4 Tessa Winkworth Peter Winkworth
1 KADARA (IRE) 4 Norma Kelly Robert Alner
25 KEN'S DREAM 4 Michael Underwood Alex Embiricos
022 KENILWORTH (USA) 4 Rita Shah Patrick O'Brady IRE
KING SOLOMON (FR) 4 Seasons Holidays Venetia Williams
2224F LE DUC (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
5123 LEWIS ISLAND (IRE) 4 Mr & Mrs Peter Orton Nigel Twiston-Davies
LIGHT SCENT (USA) 4 Alan Spence Jon Akehurst
31224 LILIUM DE COTTE (FR) 4 R Fougedoire Guillaume Macaire FR
251 LITTLE RORT (IRE) 4 Mrs C Grassick Michael Grassick IRE
11 LOST IN THE RAIN (IRE) 4 E J Cleary Noel Meade IRE
F1213 LOUGAROO (FR) 4 F X Chaussonniere Guillaume Macaire FR
LOUISVILLE (IRE) 4 Mrs P Sloan Noel Meade IRE
LOWLANDER 4 Robert Sinclair Dermot Weld IRE
55 MADALYAR (IRE) 4 Albert Reynolds Jonjo O'Neill
30 MADIBA 4 Eastwell Manor Racing Ltd Simon Dow
MALDOUN (IRE) 4 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
413 MASTER PAPA (IRE) 4 The Alchemists 2 Nigel Twiston-Davies
F MIRANT 4 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
MISS KOEN (IRE) 4 Dai Williams Dai Williams
463215 MISTANOORA 4 A M J Duggan Nigel Twiston-Davies
42 MONEYTRAIN (GER) 4 Mrs T Hamann Christian Von Der Recke GER
MR HAWKEYE (USA) 4 Alex Embiricos Alex Embiricos
1 MUGHAS (IRE) 4 B Winfield, A Longman, C Fenton & P McAdam Alan King
333311 MUTINEER (IRE) 4 Seven To Eleven Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
21221 NAS NA RIOGH (IRE) 4 Brian Twojohns Partnership Nicky Henderson
NEW DEAL 4 Mrs Trish Hyde John Hassett IRE
12 NEWLANDS GOLD (IRE) 4 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
NIGHT DRIVER (IRE) 4 Colin Brown Racing II Philip Hobbs
1 OLD CALIFORNIA (IRE) 4 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe
23r ORACLE DES MOTTES (FR) 4 Mark Tincknell Paul Nicholls
ORAPA 4 Ian Frazer Julian Poulton
6 OUR IMPERIAL BAY (USA) 4 A P & Mrs M D Jones Amanda Perrett
OVERSTRAND (IRE) 4 F F Racing Services Partnership IV Mary Reveley
111 PARTY AIRS (USA) 4 Kenneth Ramsey Dermot Weld IRE
PENNY PICTURES (IRE) 4 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
1F PRINCE DIMITRI 4 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
P60130 QUARTER MASTERS (IRE) 4 The Dowdstown Boy's George Moore
QUITE REMARKABLE 4 Pertemps Group Limited Ian Williams
RED WINE 4 Paul J Dixon Jamie Osborne
REVELINO (IRE) 4 John Pointon and Sons Sue Wilton
RUST EN VREDE 4 Alan Mann Declan Carroll
1 SAINTSAIRE (FR) 4 Anthony Speelman Nicky Henderson
F SARATOV (GER) 4 Peter Piller Jonjo O'Neill
SCULPTOR 4 Magic Moments Charlie Mann
2 SEROTONIN 4 Mike Browne Jonjo O'Neill
SHAUNAS VISION (IRE) 4 Breda Wright Michael Halford IRE
F3404 SILVER CHARMER 4 John Bull Stuart Howe
SIR ALFRED 4 W A Harrison-Allan & D Bellamy Alan King
5 SMUGGLER'S SONG (IRE) 4 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
1 SPAINKRIS 4 M Wainright Andy Crook
1B4 SPECTROSCOPE (IRE) 4 Mrs Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
33 SPORAZENE (IRE) 4 Ged Mason & David Jackson Paul Nicholls
41 STARZAAN (IRE) 4 Ben Arbib Hughie Morrison
2 STATIM 4 Sanguine Syndicate Michael O'Brien IRE
STILA (IRE) 4 Brendan W Duke Racing Brendan Duke
1 TANIKOS (FR) 4 Studwell Two Partnership Nicky Henderson
0 TERTULLIAN (IRE) 4 J R May Simon Dow
53111 THE LAST CAST 4 D P Barrie Charles Egerton
THUNDER CANYON (USA) 4 A Newby & D Blott Nicky Richards
0 TOUCH OF EBONY (IRE) 4 Jim Neville Jim Neville
14 TRAMANTANO 4 David Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
TRANSIT 4 Graeme Redpath Brian Ellison
125 TUNSTALL (USA) 4 Mike Dawson Tim Easterby
6 TURBO (IRE) 4 Peter Richardson Venetia Williams
21 VIGOUREUX (FR) 4 Ian Hesketh Steve Gollings
WELL CHIEF (GER) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
ZORN (GER) 4 C J Leech Ian Williams

111 entries,
20 Irish-trained,
3 French-trained,
2 German-trained

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES

1. The JCB Triumph Hurdle was formerly run at Hurst Park and transferred to Cheltenham in 1965 on the closure of the London course.

2. JCB, which supports the contest for the second time this year, is only the race’s third sponsor. The Elite Racing Club was due to back the race for a fifth time in 2001 while the Daily Express sponsored from 1965 to 1996. The race was originally run at the April Meeting but was transferred to the Festival in 1968.

3. The JCB Triumph Hurdle is one of the most competitive races of the National Hunt Meeting. The field of 23 runners in 1999 was the smallest since Connaught Ranger's win in 1978, and regularly reaches the safety factor of 30. In fact, the 14 runners in Connaught Ranger's year probably had more to do with the transfer of the race to April following the abandonment of racing on Gold Cup Day than any loss of its competitive nature. The smallest field was in its first running at Cheltenham in 1965, when seven runners took part. The largest field was 31 in 1970.

4. Since the race has been at Cheltenham, there has only once been an odds-on winner of the Triumph Hurdle. This was Attivo, owned by former BBC TV commentator, Sir Peter O'Sullevan, in 1973 at 4/5. The longest-priced winners were Baron Blakeney, Shiny Copper and Ikdam at 66/1 in 1981, 1982 and 1989.

5. Two horses have gone on from winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle to victory in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. Persian War won the Triumph in 1967, and reeled off three Champion Hurdles from 1968-70, while Kribensis won the Triumph in 1988 and the Champion Hurdle in 1990.

6. The JCB Triumph Hurdle has a good record of home-trained winners. The French won it on four consecutive occasions at Hurst Park from 1950-53, again in 1955 and with Snow Drop in 2000. There have only been six Irish successes (1977,1984,1990, 1993, 1997 and 2002). No trainer has been able to dominate the race. The late Fred Rimell and Nicky Henderson are the only trainers to have won it three times.

7. Among jockeys, Jimmy Uttley was successful three times. Fred Winter, Steve Smith Eccles and Richard Dunwoody had two winners, but perhaps the most interesting name is that of Lester Piggott, who won the race on King Charlemagne when run at Hurst Park in 1954.

8. The fastest time for the winning horse is 3m 52.90s, set by Snow Drop in 2000. The previous best was the 3m 54.4s recorded by Rare Holiday in 1990.

BREAKDOWN OF JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES

11 Entries
Martin Pipe (1995 Kissair, 1981 Baron Blakeney)

5 Entries
Nicky Henderson (1999 Katarino, 1987 Alone Success, 1985 First Bout)
Noel Meade IRE
Paul Nicholls
Jonjo O’Neill
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1998 Upgrade)

4 Entries
Philip Hobbs

3 Entries
Simon Dow
Mick Halford IRE
Guillaume Macaire FR
Ian Williams

2 Entries
Oliver Brady IRE
Brian Ellison
Alex Embiricos
Alan King
Charlie Mann
Michael O’Brien IRE (1993 Shawiya)
Christian Von Der Recke GER
Lucy Wadham
Paul Webber
Dermot Weld IRE (1990 Rare Holiday)
Venetia Williams

1 Entry
John Akehurst
Robert Alner

Kim Bailey
Declan Carroll
Andy Crook
Francois Doumen FR (2000 Snow Drop)
Brendan Duke
Tim Easterby
Charles Egerton
Tom George
Steve Gollings
Michael Grassick IRE
John Hassett IRE
Stuart Howe
Dessie Hughes IRE
Sylvester Kirk
Bryan McMahon
Patrick Mooney IRE
George Moore
Hughie Morrison
Seamus Mullins
Jim Neville
Jim Old
Jamie Osborne
Amanda Perrett
Richard Phillips
Julian Poulton
Cecil Price
Mary Reveley
Nicky Richards
Christy Roche IRE
Mark Roper IRE
Alan Swinbank
Sheena West
Dai Williams
Sue Wilton
Peter Winkworth

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Analysis

Despite there being 111 entries for this year’s JCB Triumph Hurdle, bookmakers currently rate Saintsaire, an eight-length winner on his sole British start at Newbury on December 18, no better than around a 5/1 chance to give Nicky Henderson a fourth winner of the juvenile hurdling championship.

Henderson has four other entries - Bareme, who put in an indifferent effort behind fellow French import Bal De Nuit when well-backed for his debut at Kempton on January 18, Coalition, who was bought by Thurloe Thoroughbreds for 76,000gns from Sir Mark Prescott;s stable but has yet to make his hurdling debut, the experienced Nas Na Riogh, who boasts wins at Sandown and Chepstow, and Tanikos, a winner in France.

Martin Pipe’s first significant success came via Baron Blakeney in the 1981 Triumph Hurdle, he won the race again with Kissair in 1995, and this year has 14 opportunities to bag win number three.

Don Fernando heads Pipe’s team this year after two Cheltenham successes, including when holding off Lilium De Cotte by three-quarters of a length in the Grade 2 Tripleprint Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle on December 14 and was in action at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Other interesting Pipe entries include the ex-John Dunlop Old California, who repaid some of his 85,000gns cost when making a winning hurdling debut at Fontwell on December 10, Enitsag, who boasts the unusual accolade for a JCB Triumph Hurdle entry of having won two bumpers - having landed a pair of the new events open to three-year-olds at Newbury and Exeter - Prince Dimitri, who had 12 lengths to spare on his nearest rival when making a successful debut at Warwick on December 21, and the useful German Flat performer Well Chief.

Mughas made an impressive hurdling debut for trainer Alan King at Warwick on Thursday, January 23, while Jamie Osborne - who was never successful in this event as a jockey - has entered his November Handicap winner Red Wine.

The Last Cast has won his last three hurdling starts, including when beating Serotonin by 17 lengths in the Steel Plate Trial Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. The runner-up is one of four Jonjo O’Neill-trained entries, with others including Spectroscope, who was originally bought as a yearling for 310,000gns by owner Gay Smith and finished fourth behind Bal De Nuit at Kempton on January 18, Madalyar, who sports the silks of former Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and caught the stewards’ eyes when incurring a Ł3,400 fine under the non-triers’ rule at Fakenham, Saratov, who was travelling well when falling on his hurdling debut at Warwick last week and East Tycoon, a Flat winner for Michael Grassick in Ireland.

Francois Doumen sent over Snow Drop to win the 2000 JCB Triumph Hurdle and he has entered Count Can Do, who finished third to Saintsaire at Newbury on December 18, while Guillaume Macaire supplies the other two French-trained entries in Lilium De Cotte and Crystal D’Ainay, who has yet to run in Britain but boasts winning form in France.

Leading German jumps trainer Christian von der Recke has entered Double Fun, the Dutch St Leger winner who finished second in an Ascot novices’ hurdle in November, and Moneytrain, who was due to have run at Cheltenham on Saturday.

There is a formidable team from Ireland including Party Airs, who has won both his starts for Dermot Weld, Golden Cross, a Grade 3 winner at Fairyhouse in November for Michael Halford, the Dessie Hughes-trained Mutineer, winner of a Grade 3 Hurdle at Punchestown on January 18 and J P McManus’s Smuggler’s Song, a Listed winner on the Flat who finished fifth to Mutineer at Punchestown.

Noel Meade’s entries include Down Royal maiden hurdle winner Dashing Home and Harchibald, who was bought for €90,000 from Bernard Goudot’s stable in France and made a successful hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in September.

An even more expensive purchase was the Sheikh Mohammed-bred Lowlander, who has yet to run for trainer Dermot Weld having been bought for 125,000gns at Tattersalls from trainer John Oxx, for whom he scored four times on the Flat.

Another highly-valued entry still to make his hurdling debut is the Venetia Williams-trained King Solomon, a Listed winner for Paul Cole who cost 88,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

4035 ACHATES (IRE) br f Charnwood Forest (IRE) - Trojan Relation (Trojan Fen)
Owner/Trainer: Mark Roper
Never came close to breaking her maiden in six starts on the Flat and she has experienced similar problems since taking up a hurdling career at Roscommon in August when a respectable fourth. Her best run since came at Gowran Park on October 10 when third to useful Party Airs

062 BELLAFICIENT (IRE) b or br g Revoque (IRE) - Efficient Funding (IRE) (Entitled)
Owner: Kildare Racing Club Trainer: Michael Halford
Never finished better than 10th on three Flat starts as a two-year-old and was none too promising on his first two starts over hurdles at Navan and Thurles in November. But he put in a much better effort when, receiving 5lb, he was only half a length behind the useful Harchibald with Mutineer a further length back in third.

DANCING WATER 4 gr g Halling - Gleaming Water (Kalaglow)
Owner: Rita Shah Trainer: Patrick O'Brady
Trained on the Flat by Fulke Johnson Houghton, for whom he did not register a victory, but did finish runner-up in two handicaps at Folkestone and Goodwood in August. Yet to race over obstacles.

213 DASHING HOME (IRE) b g Lahib (USA)-Dashing Rose (Mashhor Dancer (USA))
Owner: Mrs P Towey Trainer: Noel Meade
Scored on the Flat at the Curragh in August and Leopardstown a month later before embarking a very promising hurdle career that began with a very promising neck second to the useful Party Airs at Gowran Park on October 10. He followed up with a four-length victory from Little Rort and Mutineer in heavy ground at Down Royal on November 8 before finishing 10 lengths third to Golden Cross and Mirpour in the betfair.com Juvenile Hurdle on November 30.

16 GOLDEN CROSS (IRE) 4 b g Goldmark - Fordes Cross (Ya Zaman)
Owner: Mrs H. Johnson Trainer: Michael Halford
The winner of a Grade 3 juvenile three-year-old hurdle at Fairyhouse in November, on his hurdling bow, Golden Cross found the competition a lot stiffer when stepped up in class next time. On this occasion he was beaten 20 lengths into sixth place by Party Airs in the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle on Boxing Day at Leopardstown.

2 GRANGE CLARE (IRE) b f Bijou D’Inde-Scarlet Slipper (Gay Mecene (USA))
Owner: Heygarth Limited Trainer: Paddy Mooney
As a two-year-old made a winning debut at Southwell for trainer David Evans in May, 2001, before joining Paddy Mooney in Ireland, for whom she fared less well in two Flat starts. Between those runs she made a promising hurdling debut when second at Roscommon on August 6.

140 HARCHIBALD (FR) 4 b g Perugino - Dame D’Harvard (Quest For Fame)
Owner: Des Sharkey Trainer: Noel Meade
Previously trained on the Flat in France, Harchibald joined Noel Meade in Ireland and made the perfect start to his hurdling career winning a three-year-old maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. Upped in class, he subsequently finished nine lengths fourth to Party Airs in the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. More recently he was a disappointing favourite behind Mutineer in the Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Punchestown on January 18, trailing in 27 lengths behind that rival.

HARDRADA (IRE) b g Entrepreneur - Alamiya (IRE) (Doyoun)
Owner: Mrs Patricia Hunt Trainer: Noel Meade
Second on three of his six Flat starts last year for trainer Roger Charlton but has not yet made his hurdling debut for Noel Meade, who paid 28,000gns for the son of Entrepreneur at Tattersalls in October.

022 KENILWORTH (USA) 4 b c Darshaan - Kerenze (Seattle Dancer)
Owner: Rita Shah Trainer: Patrick O'Brady
His trainer has backed Kenilworth at 66/1 for this event and believes that his charge goes to Cheltenham with a better chance than most after finishing runner-up to Mutineer in a Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Punchestown in January, when only 80% fit. Prior to that he had filled the same position behind Party Airs in the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

251 LITTLE RORT (IRE) b g Ali-Royal (IRE) - Florinda (CAN) (Vice Regent (CAN))
Owner: Mrs C Grassick Trainer: Michael Grassick
Winner of an apprentices’ claiming handicap under Tadgh O’Shea at Killarney in July, he has shown progressive form in three hurdling starts culminating in a two-length defeat of Bringontheclowns on heavy ground at Limerick on December 28.

11 LOST IN THE RAIN (IRE) 4 b g King’s Theatre - Shanira (Shirley Heights)
Owner: E J Cleary Trainer: Noel Meade
Always considered the type to jump hurdles in time, Lost In The Rain has not yet let trainer Noel Meade down, winning both of his appearances over timber. Opened his account in a three-year-old hurdle at Tralee in August, and then followed up in a similar event at Listowel.

LOUISVILLE (IRE) b g Grand Lodge (USA) - Megastart (USA) (Private Account (USA))
Owner: Mrs P Sloan Trainer: Noel Meade
A facile winning debut in a mile maiden at the Curragh in May - with Irresistible Jewel in third - suggested that the then Aidan O’Brien-trained Louisville could have a bright future. He acted as a lead horse for Hawk Wing at Ballydoyle but was tailed off when ninth to stablemate High Chaparral under Kieren Fallon in the Vodafone Derby. He has not run since and was evidently bought privately by trainer Noel Meade after being withdrawn from the Tattersalls December Sale.

LOWLANDER 4 b g Fuji Kiseki - Lake Valley (Mr Prospector)
Owner: Robert Sinclair Trainer: Dermot Weld
Won four races on the Flat for trainer John Oxx and owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed and was bought for 125,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale by his present connections but has still to make his hurdling debut.

333311 MUTINEER (IRE) 4 gr g Highest Honor - Miss Amy R (Deputy Minister)
Owner: Seven To Eleven Syndicate Trainer: Dessie Hughes
Unable to win a maiden hurdle in four attempts, finishing third on each occasion, Mutineer then won a three-year-old hurdle at Punchestown on December 29, by 10 lengths from Newlands Gold. Stepped up in class, the Dessie Hughes-trained gelding then accounted for Kenilworth by a neck in a Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Punchestown on January 18.

NEW DEAL gr f Rainbow Quest (USA)-Dalinda (USA) (Nureyev (USA))
Owner: Mrs Trish Hyde Trainer: John Hassett
Trained by John Hammond to win over a mile on her debut at Chantilly im May for the late Gerald Leigh, New Deal now represents the shrewd connections of celebrated Irish horseman Timmy Hyde and wife Trish along with trainer John Hassett after selling for 24,000gns at the Tattersalls December Sale. The Hydes and Hassett teamed up to land a gamble with Generosa in the 1999 Stakis Casinos Final.

12 NEWLANDS GOLD ch h Goldmark (USA)-Persian Polly (Persian Bold)
Owner: Sean Mulryan Trainer: Michael O’Brien
Showed no great promise on three Flat starts but was an impressive hurdling newcomer at Navan on November 17 when beating Mirpour to score by a length and a half with Mutineer in third. The form was turned round on heavy ground at Leopardstown on December 29 when Newlands Gold, this time conceding 7lb, finished 10 lengths second to Mutineer.

111 PARTY AIRS (USA) 4 b g Geri - Elegant Champagne (Alleged)
Owner: K. L. Ramsey Trainer: Dermot Weld
The Dermot Weld-trained Party Airs is unbeaten in three starts over timber. The Geri gelding won a couple of three-year-old hurdles at Gowran Park and Thurles, before retaining his immaculate record in the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, when finishing three and a half lengths ahead of Kenilworth. Also entered in Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

SHAUNAS VISION (IRE) b f Dolphin Street (FR)-In Behind (IRE) (Entitled)
Owner: Miss Breda Wright Trainer: Michael Halford
Has yet to run over hurdles, indeed has not raced since finishing sixth in a 1m 1f handicap at Gowran Park in May. She boasts fair Flat form, having scored at Galway as a two-year-old.

5 SMUGGLER'S SONG (IRE) 4 b g Dr Devious - Liberty Song (Last Tycoon)
Owner: J. P. McManus Trainer: Christy Roche
A Listed winner on the level, Smuggler’s Song was thrown in at the deep end on his hurdling debut in a Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Punchestown in January, when a 21-length fifth to Mutineer. His jumping was far from fluent and he was a drifter in the betting market - it might be unfair to judge him on just one performance. Also entered in Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

STATIM b f Marju (IRE)-Rapid Repeat (IRE) (Exactly Sharp (USA))
Owner: Sanguine Syndicate Trainer: Michael O’Brien
Home-bred by Lord Hartington, Statim boasted some respectable Flat form, headed by a Haydock fillies’ handicap win in July, when she arrived at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale. She was bought there for 19,000gns to join Michael O’Brien but has yet to run over hurdles.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

153 COUNT CAN DO (IRE) br c Doyoun-Countess Candy (Great Nephew)
Owner: Comtesse C A Armand Trainer: Francois Doumen
Trained like the 2000 winner Snow Drop by Francois Doumen but was well beaten by Saintsaire and Vanormix in a juvenile hurdle at Newbury on December. A winner on the Flat at Maisons-Laffitte in October, he had made a successful hurdling debut in the Prix Verdi at Enghein on November 6.

4112 CRYSTAL D’AINAY (FR) b g Saint Pa
Owner: Haras De Saint-Voir Trainer: Guillaume Macaire
Trained at Les Mathes on the Atlantic coast in south-west France by Guillaume Macaire, Crystal D’Ainay has scored twice over hurdles including when beating Lombok by three-quarters of a length at Bordeaux Le Bouscat on November 11.

31224 LILIUM DE COTTE (FR) 4 b g Ragmar - Vanille De Cotte (Italic)
Owner: R Fougedoire Trainer: Guillaume Macaire
A winner on the Flat and over hurdles in France, the Guillaume Macaire-trained Lilium De Cotte was the three-quarter of a length joint runner-up with Nas Na Riogh to Don Fernando in the Grade 2 Tripleprint Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on his British debut on December 14. He then found the heavy going too much when well-beaten by the horse he had tied with previously at Prestbury Park in a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Chepstow just after Christmas.

F1213 LOUGAROO (FR) ch c Snurge-Titian Queen (Sicyos (USA))
Owner: F X Chaussonniere Trainer: Guillaume Macaire
A third entry for Guillaume Macaire, Lougaroo has run once in Britain when 30 lengths third to Nas Na Riogh and Lewis Island in the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on December 27. He has won twice in France, most recently at Auteuil on December 1, and was entered at Cheltenham on Saturday, January 25

GERMAN-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

20 DOUBLE FUN (HOL)
Owner: Biesdeel Stud Trainer: Christian Von Der Recke
Can boast classic-winning form on the Flat, albeit perhaps not at the very highest level, having landed Holland’s St Leger at Duindigt on September 30. Both his hurdling starts have been in Britain, when second in an Ascot novices’ event on November 2 and when seventh to Tramantano at Newbury 27 days later.

42 MONEYTRAIN (GER) b c Platini (GER)-Miss Esther (GER) (Alkalde (GER))
Owner: Mrs T Hamann Trainer: Christian Von Der Recke
A winner on the Flat in Germany, he has had both his two runs over hurdles in Britain - when fourth to Silver Buzzard at Haydock on November 7 and when eight-lengths second to Lewis Island at Leicester on December 5 when trainer Christian Von Der Recke felt the heavy ground did not suit his charge. Was due to have run at Cheltenham on Saturday, January 25.

Previous results
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

2002-WINNER-SCOLARDY 4-11-00 Owner-David Flynn; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-16/1
2ND-Newhall 4-10-09 Owner-Helen McParland; Trainer-Francis Flood IRE; Jockey-Fran Flood; SP-8/1
3RD-Diamond Joshua 4-11-00 Owner-Diamond Racing Ltd; Trainer-John Berry; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-66/1
28 ran, Time-4m 7.80s; Dist-11, 3/4 7/1 Fav Giocomo (PU)

2001 Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-SNOW DROP 4-10-09 Owner-John D Martin; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-7/1 Fav
2ND-Regal Exit 4-11-00 Owner-Brian Buckley; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-20/1
3RD-General Cloney 4-11-00 Owner-John J Brennan; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-20/1 28 ran, Time-3m 52.90s, Dist-2, nk

1999-WINNER-KATARINO 4-11-00 Owner-Robert Waley-Cohen; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/4 Fav
2ND-Balla Sola 4-11-00 Owner-Top Cat Syndicate; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-16/1
3RD-Afarad 4-11-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/1
23 ran, Time-4m 2.4s, Dist-8, 1.5

1998-WINNER-UPGRADE 4-11-00 Owner-Matt Archer and Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-14/1
2ND-City Hall 4-11-00 Owner-Rosemary Key & Val Ward;Trainer-Val Ward; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-12/1
3RD-Nomadic 4-11-00 Owner-Des Sharkey; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-14/1 25 ran, Time-3m 57.1s, Dist-1.25, 1.75 10/3 Fav Zafarabad (4th)

1997-WINNER-COMMANCHE COURT 4-11-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-9/1
2ND-Circus Star 4-11-00 Owner-The Ringmasters; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
3RD-Shooting Light 4-11-00 Owner-John Brown; Trainer-Pat Murphy; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-7/1 28 ran, Time-4m 0.2s, Dist-1, 1.25 9/2 Fav White Sea (9th)

1996-WINNER-PADDY’S RETURN 4-11-00 Owner-Paddy O’Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-10/1
2ND-Mistinguett 4-10-09 Owner-John Duggan; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-14/1
3RD-Hatta Breeze 4-10-09 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-14/1
29 ran, Time-4m 1.4s, Dist originally 4, hd, 1.75
Magical Lady (2nd) disqualified 6/1 Fav Debutante Days (f)

1995-WINNER-KISSAIR 4-11-00 Owner-Terry Benson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Jonothan Lower; SP-16/1
2ND-Silver Wedge 4-11-00 Owner-Shirley Robins; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-7/1
3RD-Anzum 4-11-00 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-9/1 26 ran, Time-4m 14.1s, Dist originally 2.5, 6, 2.5
Dr Leunt (2nd) disqualified 7/2 Fav Balanak (11th)

1994-WINNER-MYSILV 4-10-09 Owner-Million In Mind Partnership (3); Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Adrian Maguire; SP-2/1 Fav
2ND-Moorish 4-11-00 Owner-Adrian Fitzpatrick; Trainer-John White; Jockey-Declan Murphy; SP-12/1
3RD-Shirley's Delight 4-10-09 Owner-Liam Doherty; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-10/1
28 ran, Time-3m 59.7s, Dist 3.5, 1.5.

1993-WINNER-SHAWIYA 4-10-09 Owner-Miss G Maher; Trainer-Michael O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-12/1
2ND-Amazon Express 4-11-00 Owner-Jill Moss; Trainer-Reg Akehurst; Jockey-Simon McNeill; SP-12/1
3RD-Major Bugler 4-11-00 Owner-Colin Buckle; Trainer-Toby Balding; Jockey-Adrian Maguire; SP-16/1 25 ran, Time-3m 59.3s, Dist .75, 2.13/2 Fav Beauchamp Grace (17th)

1992-WINNER-DUKE OF MONMOUTH 4-11-00 Owner-Ali Saeed; Trainer-Simon Sherwood; Jockey-Mark Richards; SP-33/1
2ND-Crowded House 4-11-00 Owner-Armon Syndicate; Trainer-Barry Kelly IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-12/1
3RD-Al Mutahm 4-11-00 Owner-Wally Sturt; Trainer-Jim Old; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-16/1
30 ran, Time-4m 3.8s, Dist-6, 2.5 5/1 Fav Staunch Friend (pu)

1991-WINNER-OH SO RISKY 4-11-00 Owner-The Oh So Risky Syndicate; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey- Paul Holley; SP-14/1
2ND-Chirkpar 4-11-00 Owner-Michael Smurfit; Trainer-Jim Bolger IRE; Jockey-Liam Cusack SP-5/1
3RD-Boarding School 4-11-00 Owner-Mrs Mick O'Toole; Trainer-Mick O'Toole IRE; Jockey-Tommy Carmody; SP-33/1 27 ran, Time-4m 1.7s, Dist-12, 2.5 7/2 Fav Hopscotch (9th)

1990-WINNER-RARE HOLIDAY 4-11-00 Owner-Michael Smurfit; Trainer-Dermot Weld IRE; Jockey-Brendan Sheridan; SP-25/1
2ND-Ninja 4-11-00 Owner-Raymond Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Hywel Davies; SP-50/1
3RD-Native Friend 4-11-00 Owner-J Dick; Trainer-Jimmy FitzGerald; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-20/1 30 ran, Time-3m 54.4s, Dist-.5, 1 5/1 Fav Stone Flake (27th)

1989-WINNER-IKDAM 4-11-00 Owner-LBI Law (873) Ltd; Trainer-Richard Holder; Jockey-Nigel Coleman; SP-66/1
2ND-Highland Bud 4-11-00 Owner-Sheikh Mohammed; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-8/1
3RD-Don Valentino 4-11-00 Owner-Asil Nadir; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Mark Pitman; SP-9/1 27 ran, Time-4m 18.8s, Dist-1.5, nk 11/2 Jt Fav Enemy Action (15th), Nomadic Way (8th)

1988-WINNER-KRIBENSIS 4-11-00 Owner-Sheikh Mohammed; Trainer-Michael Stoute; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-6/1
2ND-Wahiba 4-11-00 Owner-J M Brown; Trainer-Richard Holder; Jockey-Nigel Coleman; SP-66/1
3RD-Chatam 4-11-00 Owner-Brendan Nolan; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore;SP-25/1
26 ran, Time-4m 10.8s, Dist-3, 4 4/1 Jt Fav Old Dundalk (7th), Surf Board (11th)

1987-WINNER-ALONE SUCCESS 4-11-00 Owner-Sheikh Amin Dahlawi; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey- Steve Smith Eccles; SP-11/1
2ND-Past Glories 4-11-00 Owner-Noel Hetherton; Trainer-Bill Elsey; Jockey-Patrick Farrell; SP-20/1 3RD-Grabel 4-10-09 Owner-Patrick Kehoe; Trainer-Paddy Mullins IRE; Jockey-Tony Mullins; SP-20/1 29 ran, Time-4m 3.6s, Dist-.5, 1.5 4/1 Fav High Knowl (4th)

1986-WINNER-SOLAR CLOUD 4-11-00 Owner-Ann McEwen; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-40/1
2ND-Brunico 4-11-00 Owner-Terry Ramsden; Trainer-Rod Simpson; Jockey-Dermot Browne; SP-16/1
3RD-Son Of Ivor 4-11-00 Owner-Allen Paulson; Trainer-Dermot Weld IRE; Jockey-Tommy Carmody; SP-16/1 28 ran, Time-4m 3.1s, Dist-.75, sh 9/2 Fav Roark (pu)

1985-WINNER-FIRST BOUT 4-11-00 Owner-Fahad Al Athel; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Steve Smith Eccles; SP-5/1
2ND-Against The Grain 4-11-00 Owner-H B Shouler; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-40/1
3RD-Nohalmdun 4-11-00 Owner-Ulceby Farms Ltd; Trainer-Peter Easterby; Jockey-Jonjo O'Neill; SP-12/1 27 ran, Time-4m 2.9s, Dist-1,.5 4/1 Fav Wing And A Prayer (Unpl)

1984-WINNER-NORTHERN GAME 4-11-00 Owner-Frank Conroy; Trainer-Edward O'Grady IRE; Jockey- Tommy Ryan; SP-20/1
2ND-See You Then 4-11-00 Owner-A McLean; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Tommy Carmody; SP-5/2 Fav
3RD-Manpower 4-11-00 Owner-W Flood; Trainer-B Malone IRE; Jockey-Tom McGivern; SP-20-1
30 ran, Time-4m 2s, Dist-2,3

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(JCB Triumph Hurdle since 2002, Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle from 1997-2000, Daily Express Triumph Hurdle 1965-1996, previously run at Hurst Park. Held at Cheltenham’s April meeting from 1965-67)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2002 Scolardy 4-11-00 Charlie Swan Willie Mullins IRE David Flynn 16/1 28
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Snow Drop 4-10-09 Thierry Doumen Francois Doumen FR John Martin 7/1F 28
1999 Katarino 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen 11/4F 23
1998 Upgrade 4-11-00 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst 14/1 25
1997 Commanche Court 4-11-00 Norman Williamson Ted Walsh IRE Dermot Desmond 9/1 28
1996 Paddy’s Return 4-11-00 Richard Dunwoody Ferdy Murphy Paddy O’Donnell 10/1 29
1995 Kissair 4-11-00 Jonothan Lower Martin Pipe Terry Benson 16/1 26
1994 Mysilv 4-10-09 Adrian Maguire David Nicholson Million In Mind Partnership (3) 2/1F 28
1993 Shawiya 4-10-09 Charlie Swan Michael O'Brien IRE Miss G Maher 12/1 25
1992 Duke Of Monmouth4-11-00 Mark Richards Simon Sherwood Ali Saeed 33/1 30
1991 Oh So Risky 4-11-00 Paul Holley David Elsworth Oh So Risky Syndicate 14/1 27
1990 Rare Holiday 4-11-00 Brendan Sheridan Dermot Weld IRE Dr Michael Smurfit 25/1 30
1989 Ikdam 4-11-00 Nigel Coleman Richard Holder LBI Law (873) Ltd 66/1 27
1988 Kribensis 4-11-00 Richard Dunwoody Michael Stoute Sheikh Mohammed 6/1 26
1987 Alone Success 4-11-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Sheikh Amin Dahlawi 11/1 29
1986 Solar Cloud 4-11-00 Peter Scudamore David Nicholson Ann McEwen 40/1 28
1985 First Bout 4-11-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Fahad Al Athel 5/1 27
1984 Northern Game 4-11-00 Tommy Ryan Edward O'Grady IRE Frank Conroy 20/1 30
1983 Saxon Farm 4-11-00 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor A Birchall 12/1 30
1982 Shiny Copper 4-11-00 Allen Webb Dina Smith Doug Tyler 66/1 29
1981 Baron Blakeney 4-11-00 Paul Leach Martin Pipe Wheatley Leisure Ltd 66/1 29
1980 Heighlin 4-11-00 Steve Jobar David Elsworth Woodside Engineers Ltd 40/1 26
1979 Pollardstown 4-11-00 Philip Blacker Stan Mellor Georgina Tulloch 12/1 28
1978 Connaught Ranger 4-11-00 John Burke Fred Rimell Jim McCaughey 25/1 14
1977 Meladon 4-11-00 Tommy Carberry Adrian Maxwell IRE Mrs N Flynn 6/1 30
1976 Peterhof 4-11-00 Jonjo O'Neill Mick Easterby H Gould 10/1 23
1975 Royal Epic 4-11-00 Fred McKenna Vernon Cross Robert Read 20/1 28
1974 Attivo 4-11-00 Robert Hughes Cyril Mitchell Peter O'Sullevan 4/5F 21
1973 Moonlight Bay 4-11-00 Johnnie Haine Ryan Price Meg Mullion 85/40F 18
1972 Zarib 4-11-00 Bill Smith Fred Rimell Mrs A Hornby 16/1 16
1971 Boxer 4-11-03 Jimmy Uttley Ron Smyth Lord Blakenham 100/30JF 18
1970 Varma 4-11-04 Brian Barker Mick Masson Charles Clore 100/7 31
1969 Coral Diver 4-11-04 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Bryan Jenks 3/1F 26
1968 England’s Glory 4-11-00 Jimmy Uttley Staff Ingham Mrs M Sherman 9/2 16
1967 Persian War 4-11-08 Jimmy Uttley Brian Swift Henry Alper 4/1 13
1966 Black Ice 4-11-04 Bobby Beasley Arthur Thomas A Crowther 9/2 11
1965 Blarney Beacon 4-11-04 Geordie Ramshaw Ron Smyth Freddie Laker 8/1 7

THE 2002 JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE RESULT IN DETAIL

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund Ł90,000. 2.00pm, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 14, 2002. Two Miles, One Furlong. For Novice Four-Year-Olds only. Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł52,200; 2nd: Ł19,800; 3rd: Ł9,900; 4th: Ł4,500; 5th: Ł2,250; 6th: Ł1,350

1) SCOLARDY (David Flynn) Willie Mullins IRE 4-11-00 Charlie Swan 16/1
2) NEWHALL (Helen McParland) Francis Flood IRE 4-10-09 Francis J Flood 8/1
3) DIAMOND JOSHUA (Diamond Racing Ltd) John Berry 4-11-00 Jim Culloty 66/1
4) BALAPOUR (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE t4-11-00 Joseph Elliott 100/1
5) HYDERABAD (Sir Tony O’Reilly) Mouse Morris IRE 4-11-00 David Casey 33/1
6) TURTLEBACK (Dermot Desmond) Edward O'Grady IRE 4-11-00 Norman Williamson 16/1
7) WESLEY SNYPE (Ecurie Passing) Francois Doumen FR 4-11-00 Laurent Metais 50/1
8) SUD BLEU (Barry Marshall & Terry Warner) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Timmy Murphy 16/1
9) QUAZAR (David Carr) Jonjo O'Neill t4-11-00 Conor O’Dwyer 16/1
10) VOL SOLITAIRE (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 4-11-00 Joe Tizzard 16/1
11) RIYADH (Salah Helaissi) Martin Pipe v4-11-00 Barry Geraghty 66/1
12) HAWKES RUN (The Baron Rouge Partnership) Charlie Mann 4-11-00 Noel Fehily 50/1
13) LIVE THE DREAM (The Reims Partnership) Martin Pipe v4-10-09 Tom Scudamore 33/1
14) VALEUREUX (Eureka Racing) James Hetherton 4-11-00 Graham Lee 50/1
15) BURNING IMPULSE (Pat Delaney Jr) Paul Webber 4-11-00 Tom Doyle 25/1
16) ELUNA (Mr & Mrs John Poynton) I Williams 4-10-09 David Dennis 11/1
17) TENDER COVE (Cabin Hill Syndicate) Paddy Mullins IRE 4-11-00 Shay Barry 14/1
18) CASHEL BAY (Luke Comer) Luke Comer IRE 4-11-00 Martin Mooney 66/1
19) HEEZAPISTOL (Amber Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh 14/1
PU) KELAMI (Queen Elizabeth) Francois Doumen FR b1 4-11-00 Thierry Doumen 33/1
PU) LORD JOSHUA (Sarah Farish & Lady Lloyd Webber) Nicky Henderson 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald 10/1
PU) VOLANO (Thurloe Finsbury) Nicky Henderson 4-11-00 Richard Johnson 16/1
PU) LONDONER (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 4-11-00 Tony McCoy 12/1
PU) NON SO (ROA Dawn Run Partnership) Nicky Henderson 4-11-00 John Kavanagh 40/1
PU) REVIEWER (Martyn Meade) Martin Pipe 4-11-00 Robert Thornton 25/1
PU) GIOCOMO (Euan & Bernardine Roger) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-00 Liam Cooper 7/1 Fav
PU) CANADA (Bill Gredley) Martin Pipe 4011-00 Rodi Greene 25/1
PU) TRAINED BYTHE BEST (Alison Farrant) Martin Pipe 4-10-09 Dean Gallagher 100/1
28 ran

Distances: 11, 3/4, 2, 4, 8, 1, 5, 5, 1, 11, 3 1/2, 2, 1/2, 3, 7, 8, 17, 11
Breeder: Jim Bolger Breeding: b c Turtle Island - Emerald Pendant (Nebos)
Totes: Win: Ł24.90 Places: Ł4.50; Ł2.10; Ł21.40; Ł34.20 Exacta: Ł85.10

Winning Trainer: Willie Mullins Date of Birth: 15/9/56 Date of first licence: 1988 Cheltenham Festival wins: (7) Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1995 Tourist Attraction), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1998 Florida Pearl), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1996 Wither Or Which, 1997 Florida Pearl, 1998 Alexander Banquet, 2000 Joe Cullen), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2002 Scolardy) Other Major Wins Include: Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (1999, 2000, 2001 Florida Pearl, 2002 Alexander Banquet), Pierse Hurdle (2002 Adamant Approach), King George VI Chase (2001 Florida Pearl)

Winning Jockey: Charlie Swan Date of Birth: 20/01/68 First Winner: March 1983 (Final Assault, Naas) Apprenticeship: Served with Kevin Prendegast. Cheltenham Festival Wins: (17) CHAMPION HURDLE (1998,1999 and 2000 Istabraq), ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE HURDLE (1994 Danoli, 1996 Urubande, 1997 Istabraq), GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (1993 Montelado, 2002 Like-A-Butterfly), STAKIS CASINOS FINAL (1993 Fissure Seal), TRIUMPH HURDLE (1993 Shawiya, 2002 Scolardy), CORAL CUP (1994 Time For A Run), BUMPER (1993 Mucklemeg, 2000 Joe Cullen), BONUSPRINT STAYERS’ HURDLE (1990 Trapper John, 1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh), QUEEN MOTHER CHASE (1995 Viking Flagship). General: won the Daily Telegraph Trophy for riding most winners at Cheltenham Festival in 1993 and 1994. Announced in September, 1998, that he will no longer ride over fences (but will continue to ride in hurdle events) to concentrate on training. Number of Wins in Britain (1988/89-2000/01): 2; 1; 1; 2; 7; 7; 5; 5; 6; 4; 3; 5; 3 Charlie Swan now the leading jockey at the 2002 Cheltenham Festival with two victories

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