Monday, January 31, 2005

NEW CONTEST ATTRACTS HUGE ENTRY

Brewster, winner of three of his last four starts for trainer Ian Williams, is likely to be among the leading contenders for the £75,000 event, with the Victor Dartnall-trained Mount Clerigo, Killeaney, winner of his last four starts for Co Kildare handler John Carr, the Martin Pipe-trained Celtic Son and the Willie Mullins-trained Homer Wells among the leading contenders.

Philip Wolski, Head of Marketing at Brit Insurance, said: "We are extremely encouraged by the level of interest from trainers in what promises to be a thoroughly competitive inaugural running of The Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle. The race is shaping up to be a real feature of the Friday afternoon's card and will undoubtedly attract a great deal of media interest. This more than justifies Brit Insurance's sponsorship investment into the 2005 Festival programme."

The Festival begins on Tuesday, March 15, with the LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE, which features 119 entries. Leading contenders include the Martin Pipe-trained Marcel, J P McManus's Olaso, the Dermot Weld-trained Akshar, Roman Ark, winner of his last three outings for trainer Malcolm Jefferson, Feathered Lady, trained like last year's winner Brave Inca by Colm Murphy, the Howard Johnson-trained Arcalis, Royal Paradise, trained by Tom Foley and Only Vintage from Henrietta Knight's stable.

The ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE, run on Wednesday, March 16, has 147 entries with Gold Medallist, an effortless winner of both his hurdling starts for Philip Hobbs, the ante-post favourite. The Charles Egerton-trained It's Just Harry, Pole Star and Reveillez from James Fanshawe's stable, Villon, winner of all his starts for Len Lungo and four-year-old Faasel, a 230,000 guineas sales purchase by Nicky Richards, are others with strong claims while Royal Paradise is one of no less than 51 Irish-trained entries.

There are 89 entries for the JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE, the championship for four-year-olds on Friday, March 18, a contest which looks wide open. Alan King's duo Penzance and Voy Por Ustedes, winners at Huntingdon on Wednesday, the Martin Pipe-trained Miss Academy and Yankeedoodledandy, a three-time winner for trainer Patrick Haslam, are among the leading domestic challengers.

The 21 entries from Ireland include Arch Rebel, winner of his only start for trainer Noel Meade, while Bonbon Rose, who was due to have run at Cheltenham on Saturday, is one of four French-trained entries, as is the Francois Doumen-trained Danaw.

Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, commented: "It is tremendous to see the new Brit Novices' Hurdle so well supported by a such a great spectrum of trainers from Britain, Ireland and France.The race will embellish the existing Festival programme and the three established championship novice hurdles have also attracted excellent entries."

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

THE LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE
Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £100,000, 2.00pm Tuesday, March 15, 2005, two miles and about half a furlong, for novice four-year-olds and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 10st 13lb, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 7lb, fillies and mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed January 26, 2005 (119 entries), entries released, Monday, January 31, forfeit stage February 22. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including Friday, January 28, 2005. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
ADMIRAL (IRE) 4 Willie McKay Richard Guest
4F-00 AKHTARI (IRE) 5 Gigginstown House Stud Dessie Hughes IRE
1 AKSHAR (IRE) 6 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
2121 ALERON (IRE) 7 Grahame Liles John Quinn
20-34 ALL THINGS EQUAL (IRE) 6 John Hales Simon Sherwood
11121 AMBOBO (USA) 5 Sean Mulryan Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR
ANTICIPATING 5 Kim Bailey Kim Bailey
053162 ANYPORTINASTORM (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
114 ARCALIS 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
032123 ARTEEA (IRE) 6 M O'Flaherty Michael Hourigan IRE
ASHKAWAR (IRE) 6 Sean Mulryan Dessie Hughes IRE
11F5 ASTRONOMIC 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
21-3120 AUGHERSKEA (IRE) 6 John O'Meara Noel Meade IRE
F3 BARATI (IRE) 4 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
BOURGAINVILLE 7 J C, J R and S R Hitchins Andrew Balding
F21360 CARAMAN (IRE) 7 Alan Mann Declan Carroll
13 CARTE DIAMOND (USA) 4 Ashley Carr Brian Ellison
0-022303 CASH AND CARRY (IRE) 7 Edward Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
2-110 CERIUM (FR) 4 Barry Fulton, Tony Hayward, S Fisher, Liam Brady Paul Nicholls
240-112 CHERUB (GER) 5 Atlantic Joinery Limited Jonjo O'Neill
1113 CHILLING PLACE (IRE) 6 Mike Tuckey Philip Hobbs
0-32125 CHOCKDEE (FR) 5 John & Barbara Cotton Paul Nicholls
COLD TURKEY 5 A Grinter Gary Moore
COMPTON BOLTER (IRE) 8 Erik Penser Gerard Butler
CONSONANT (IRE) 8 The Rule Racing Syndicate David Bridgwater
CRUISE DIRECTOR 5 K A Cosby Willie Musson
P5P1056 DALRIATH 6 Michael Gielty Michael Chapman
21 DALTON (FR) 4 Malm Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
01 DARYAL (IRE) 4 Let's Live Racing Alan King
DUNASKIN (IRE) 5 Mrs I Battla Don Eddy
13 DUSKY WARBLER 6 Mike Charlton and Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
1/11/0-3 ENHANCER 7 Gallagher Equine Ltd Linda Jewell
4F11F0 ESCOMPTEUR (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
FANDANI (GER) 5 N Kempner & Charlie Mann Charlie Mann
1111 FEATHARD LADY (IRE) 5 Lord Of The Ring Syndicate Colm Murphy IRE
05-2236 FINELY TUNED (IRE) 6 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
44 FRENCH ACCORDION (IRE) 5 Padraig Brady Paul Nolan IRE
2131-10 GEILL SLI (IRE) 7 Mrs B M McKinney Noel Meade IRE
213420 GOBLET OF FIRE (USA) 6 Angela Tincknell Paul Nicholls
F6 GOLD RING 5 Bridget Swire Jonathan Geake
6 HEAD TO KERRY (IRE) 5 Blueprint Construction Supplies Ltd Dominic ffrench Davis
HUE 4 Brian Ellison Brian Ellison
52(1)2 IL DUCE (IRE) 5 Mrs Peter Prowting Alan King
2 INNOCENT REBEL (USA) 4 Peter Deal & Jeff Dale Alan King
2 JAIR OHMSFORD (IRE) 6 K A Cosby Willie Musson
2 JOROBADEN (FR) 5 P J Hughes Developments Ltd Heather Dalton
121241 JUSTIFIED (IRE) 6 Braybrook Syndicate Eamon Sheehy IRE
451F53 LALA NOVA (IRE) 6 John Murphy John Murphy IRE
2-1612U LEONARDO DE VINCI (IRE) 5 E P Ryan Edward O'Grady IRE
0222 LETTERMAN (IRE) 5 Simon Tindall Edward O'Grady IRE
2F50/-11 LIMITED EDITION (IRE) 7 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
35213F LISSBONNEY PROJECT (IRE) 7 Seamus Carroll Philip Fenton IRE
411 LORD HENRY (IRE) 6 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
LOYAL FOCUS (IRE) 4 Robert Sinclair Dermot Weld IRE
2-50113 MACS FLAMINGO (IRE) 5 Craith Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
30/P-5 MADIBA 6 Eastwell Manor Racing Ltd Paul Howling
MAGNESIUM (USA) 5 Exors of the Late Mrs Chris Harrington Brendan Powell
MAILLE BLU (FR) 5 Dermot Desmond Ted Walsh IRE
10-1155 MAJOR VERNON (IRE) 6 B Doyle Willie Mullins IRE
MALKO DE BEAUMONT (FR) 5 Dream Makers Partnership Kim Bailey
3-F1213 MAN ABOUT TOWN (IRE) 6 J P McManus Tom Taaffe IRE
51 MANORSON (IRE) 6 Byrne Bros (Formwork) Limited Oliver Sherwood
111211 MARCEL (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
123-110 MASTER ALBERT (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier David Wachman IRE
1 MISS ACADEMY (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
00625/1- MONTY MINT (IRE) 7 Patrick Delaney Jnr Tom Foley IRE
215-53 MR MCAULEY (IRE) 7 Eugena Porter Mick Halford IRE
P2115 MY WAY DE SOLZEN (FR) 5 B Winfield, A Longman, J Wright & C Fenton Alan King
14214 NAPOLITAIN (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
31-133 NEW FIELD (IRE) 7 J P McManus Paddy Mullins IRE
NIPPY DES MOTTES (FR) 4 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
060 NORTH LODGE (GER) 5 PRD Holdings Limited Alan King
NOUS VOILA (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1 OLASO (GER) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
410-F11 ONLY VINTAGE (USA) 5 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Henrietta Knight
605 PABLO 6 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
11 PENZANCE 4 Elite Racing Club Alan King
PERFECT STORM 6 The Newchange Syndicate Martin Pipe
532116 PHAR BLEU (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Georgie Browne
211 POLE STAR 7 Paul Green James Fanshawe
13P PRAIRIE MOONLIGHT (GER) 5 Celtic Bloodstock Ltd Charlie Mann
1 PREDICAMENT 6 Sir Robert Ogden Jonjo O'Neill
022 PRETTY STAR (GER) 5 Exterior Profiles Ltd Alan King
12 PRINS WILLEM (IRE) 6 Chris van Hoorn James Fanshawe
6-03012 PROUD TO BE IRISH (IRE) 6 In The Rough Syndicate Seamus O'Farrell IRE
031313 PUBLICAN (IRE) 5 Outback Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
1 QUEEN ASTRID (IRE) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
4-31 RESEDA (GER) 6 R J Turton Ian Williams
04- RIVER PHANTOM (IRE) 6 Graham Ketley Ian Williams
42-1225 ROCKET SHIP (IRE) 5 Mrs P Sloan Noel Meade IRE
30 ROI DE L'ODET (FR) 5 Elite Racing Club Nicky Henderson
32-2111 ROMAN ARK 7 Richard Collins Malcolm Jefferson
111110 ROYAL HECTOR (GER) 6 Three Counties Racing 2 Martin Pipe
14-1131 ROYAL PARADISE (FR) 5 Patrick Delaney Jnr Tom Foley IRE
3 SAUTERELLE (IRE) 5 Mrs H Mullins Tom Mullins IRE
10 SEA CAPTAIN 5 The Queen Nicky Henderson
30-1134 SHUHOOD (USA) 5 Mr & Mrs M J Dowd Paul Webber
12- SIDONIUS (POL) 5 The Pole to Pole Partnership Pru Townsley
SIGN OF THE WOLF 5 B Van Dalfsen Francois Rohaut FR
12 SKY'S THE LIMIT (FR) 4 Raymond Rooney Edward O'Grady IRE
1-13 SNOOPY LOOPY (IRE) 7 Vicky Scott Vicky Scott
32412 STAN (NZ) 6 Paul Beck Richard Guest
SUALDA (IRE) 6 J H Tattersall Richard Fahey
SUNSPOT 5 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
0-4101 TACITUS (IRE) 5 Nozzie Boys Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
TELEMACHUS 5 Noel Meade Noel Meade IRE
THE PERSUADER (IRE) 5 David & F A Jackson Paul Nicholls
32-341 THE RAILWAY MAN (IRE) 6 Cathal Ryan Arthur Moore IRE
423 TIPPERARY ALL STAR (FR) 5 Cathal Ryan Mick Halford IRE
TIZZY MAY (FR) 5 Brian Ellison Brian Ellison
TUDOR BELL (IRE) 4 K W Bell & Son Ltd John O'Shea
TWIST BOOKIE (IRE) 5 Fitri Hay Stan Moore
1-111 VILLON (IRE) 6 Ronnie Bartlett Len Lungo
F3131U1 VOY POR USTEDES (FR) 4 Million in Mind Partnership Alan King
2 WELLBEING 8 Plantation Stud Philip Hobbs
2F-2114 WILD PASSION (GER) 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
WINDYX (FR) 4 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
221230 WITHOUT A DOUBT 6 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
45216 WOODCARVER 5 A Gannon Ken Condon IRE
119 entries, 41 Irish-trained, 2 French-trained

Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices' Hurdle

8 Entries
Alan King

7 Entries
Martin Pipe (1999 Hors La Loi III, 1989 Sondrio)

6 Entries
Paul Nicholls

5 Entries
Noel Meade IRE (2000 Sausalito Bay)
Edward O'Grady IRE (2003 Back In Front, 1978 Golden Cygnet)

3 Entries
Brian Ellison
Philip Hobbs
Dessie Hughes IRE (1982 Miller Hill)
Jonjo O'Neill
Mark Pitman
Dermot Weld IRE

2 Entries
Kim Bailey
Pat Fahy IRE
James Fanshawe
Tom Foley IRE
Richard Guest
Mick Halford IRE
Nicky Henderson (1992 Flown, 1986 River Ceiriog)
Howard Johnson
Charlie Mann
Gary Moore
Tom Mullins IRE
Willie Musson
Michael O'Brien IRE
Ian Williams

1 Entry
Andrew Balding
Oliver Brady IRE
David Bridgwater
Georgie Browne
Gerard Butler
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR
Michael Chapman
Declan Carroll
Ken Condon IRE
Heather Dalton
Don Eddy
Richard Fahey
Philip Fenton IRE
Dominic ffrench Davis
Jonathan Geake
Michael Hourigan IRE
Paul Howling
Malcolm Jefferson
Linda Jewell
Henrietta Knight
Len Lungo
Arthur Moore IRE
Stan Moore
Paddy Mullins IRE
Willie Mullins IRE (1995 Tourist Attraction)
Colm Murphy IRE (2004 Brave Inca)
John Murphy IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Seamus O'Farrell IRE
John O'Shea
Brendan Powell
John Quinn
Francois Rohaut FR
Vicky Scott
Eamon Sheehy IRE
Oliver Sherwood
Simon Sherwood
Tom Taaffe IRE
Pru Townsley
David Wachman IRE
Ted Walsh IRE
Paul Webber


LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis

The £100,000 Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices' Hurdle always offers an exciting curtain raiser to The Festival and has received an entry of 119 for the 2005 renewal on Tuesday, March 15.

Currently heading the ante-post betting is Martin Pipe's Marcel, who has already landed an amazing nine races in Britain since his 125,000 euros purchase at Goffs France in July last year. He scored his most prestigious win to date last time out when taking the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown with Chilling Place in third, Wild Passion fourth, My Way Del Solzen fifth, and Phar Bleu sixth.

Pipe, seeking his third success in the race, has six others to choose from including Miss Academy, an impressive scorer on her British debut at Newcastle, and Royal Hector, who won five handicaps on the bounce before disappointing when favourite for the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton.

Alan King is the trainer with the highest number of entries, eight in total. King's octet are recent Warwick scorer Daryal, the promising Il Duce, Innocent Rebel, My Way De Solzen, North Lodge, Pretty Star, and recent Huntingdon victors Voy Por Ustedes and Penzance, who race respectively in the colours of Million In Mind and the Elite Racing Club.

There are no less than 41 entries from Ireland with three of these trained by one of the world's great dual-purpose handlers, Dermot Weld. The master of Rosewell House has made entries for Akshar, formerly a very useful handicapper on the Flat and a winner on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown, Loyal Focus, a maiden winner in two starts on the Flat but yet to start over hurdles, and Queen Astrid, a Listed scorer on the Flat and successful on her hurdling debut at Leopardstown.

Other leading Irish contenders include Feathard Lady, from the yard of last year's winning trainer Colm Murphy and undefeated in four starts, David Wachman's Master Albert, third in last season's Weatherbys Champion Bumper and a winner of his first two runs over hurdles before disappointing last time, the Tom Foley-trained Royal Paradise, a place behind Master Albert in the 2004 Weatherbys Champion Bumper and winner of three out of four runs over hurdles and Noel Meade's Wild Passion, triumphant in the Grade One Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse in November but only fourth behind Marcel last time out in the Tolworth Hurdle.

A brace of entries hail from France. Francois Rohaut has entered Sign Of The Wolf, a Group Three winner on the Flat but yet to start over hurdles. Ambobo comes from the yard of Arnaud Chaile-Chaile and is a winner of four of his five starts over hurdles in France, most recently in a Listed contest at Enghien on November 5. He also won at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The pick of the remainder includes Howard Johnson's Arcalis, successful in the John Smith's Cup at York in 2004 and a winner of two out of three over hurdles, and the James Fanshawe-trained duo of Pole Star, third in the 2003 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and undefeated in two runs over hurdles, and Prins Willem, impressive on his hurdling debut at Huntingdon but disappointing on his latest start at the same track when he was beaten by Voy Por Ustedes.

Scotland's hopes rest with Villon, trained by Len Lungo and undefeated in four starts. He was particularly impressive when winning last time out at Ayr while a very interesting recruit from the Flat could be the useful 10-furlong handicapper Dunaskin from the small but shrewd Northumberland yard of Don Eddy.

Olaso, a Group Two winner on the Flat in Germany, won his only hurdle for trainer Jonjo O'Neill and owner J P McManus, while Roman Ark has won his last three races.

THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £100,000, 2.00pm, Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 16, 2005. Two miles and five furlongs. For novice four-year-olds and upwards. Weights: four-year-olds 10st 13lb; five-year-olds and upwards 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 26, 2005. Entries revealed Monday, Janaury 31 (147 entries). Forfeit stage Tuesday, February 22. Five-day confirmation stage Friday, March 11. Final declaration stage 10.00am, Tuesday, March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 28. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
32331- AFISTFULLOFDOLLARS (IRE) 7 Mrs U McElroy Noel Meade IRE
4F-00 AKHTARI (IRE) 5 Gigginstown House Stud Dessie Hughes IRE
20-34 ALL THINGS EQUAL (IRE) 6 John Hales Simon Sherwood
1 AMALFITANO (IRE) 5 P Senezio Frances Crowley IRE
11121 AMBOBO (USA) 5 Sean Mulryan Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR
4320-13 AMMONIAS (GER) 6 Mrs Jim Brown & P A Randall Charlie Mann
144 ARDAGHEY (IRE) 6 D J & S A Goodman Nigel Twiston-Davies
22-0120 ARDSALLAGH'S LARK (IRE) 6 Michael Griffin Michael Griffin IRE
211112 ASIAN MAZE (IRE) 6 Mrs C A Moore Paddy Mullins IRE
21-3120 AUGHERSKEA (IRE) 6 John O'Meara Noel Meade IRE
41 BAGAN (FR) 6 F F Racing Services Partnership III Charlie Mann
BARMAN (USA) 6 The Sport Of Kings Partnership Charlie Mann
6U1111 BASILEA STAR (IRE) 8 Brendan J O'Rourke Ferdy Murphy
314103 BERENGARIO (IRE) 5 Deborah Potter Simon Burrough
1-12 BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
04351 BILLY BUSH (IRE) 6 William Crowe Mouse Morris IRE
1-2013 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 6 Gerard Burke Philip Rothwell IRE
02-1121 BLUSHING BULL 6 Blushing Bull Partnership Paul Nicholls
24-1233 BOB BOB BOBBIN 6 Sarah Tizzard Colin Tizzard
03-4111 BREWSTER (IRE) 8 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
00-3221 BRIGHT GAS 6 Rome Syndicate Robert Burns IRE
0-1P BUGLE MAJOR (IRE) 6 Mrs Peter Curling Nicky Henderson
21-32 CAPTAIN SUNSHINE (IRE) 7 Mrs J Hurley Noel Meade IRE
012111 CELTIC SON (FR) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
CLEAR THINKING 5 Derek and Jean Clee Venetia Williams
463352 COURT LEADER (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
CROWN AGENT (IRE) 5 Miss A V Hill Andrew Balding
22 DANTE'S BACK (IRE) 7 The "Yes" - "No" - "Wait"....Sorries Nigel Twiston-Davies
3-1212 DARKNESS 6 Lady Lloyd-Webber Charles Egerton
130- DEMARCO (IRE) 7 Ronnie Bartlett Nicky Henderson
240-F2P DIAMOND MERCHANT 6 T J & Hilary Parrott Alan King
321110 DOMNUL ADMIRAL (IRE) 7 A Gannon Ken Condon IRE
13 DUSKY WARBLER 6 Mike Charlton and Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
3/4122-4 EASTER PRESENT (IRE) 6 Mrs R A Humphries Henrietta Knight
4F11F0 ESCOMPTEUR (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
25-2211 ESKIMO PIE (IRE) 6 Irvin S Naylor Chris Bealby
020-11 FAMOUS GROUSE 5 Gwilym J Morris Peter Bowen
15 FAR FROM TROUBLE (IRE) 6 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
1111 FEATHARD LADY (IRE) 5 Lord Of The Ring Syndicate Colm Murphy IRE
05-2236 FINELY TUNED (IRE) 6 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
113203 FOOTBALL CRAZY (IRE) 6 Ken Bevan, Stuart Brain Peter Bowen
1-01 FORAGER 6 Joseph Curran Mick Ryan
00-1 FOURBOYSTOY (IRE) 6 Farmers, Foresters & Financiers Chris Bealby
6-0 FOXTON BROOK (IRE) 6 Lynn Wilson Nicky Henderson
44 FRENCH ACCORDION (IRE) 5 Padraig Brady Paul Nolan IRE
21151 GALLERY GOD (FR) 9 James Etheridge Simon Dow
2131-10 GEILL SLI (IRE) 7 Mrs B M McKinney Noel Meade IRE
11 GIMLI'S AXE (IRE) 6 G Ruddock Frances Crowley IRE
11 GOLD MEDALLIST 5 Mrs D L Whateley Philip Hobbs
11-1241 GOLDEN ODYSSEY (IRE) 5 Sir Robert Ogden Keith Reveley
34 GOOD CITIZEN (IRE) 5 M J Hoskins Tom George
0-24 GULABILL 6 Jenny Powell Nigel Twiston-Davies
6 HEAD TO KERRY (IRE) 5 Blueprint Construction Supplies Ltd Dominic ffrench Davis
20-1112 HOMER WELLS (IRE) 7 Margaret McMahon Willie Mullins IRE
1140 ICY PROSPECT (IRE) 7 David Mason Nigel Twiston-Davies
52(1)2 IL DUCE (IRE) 5 Mrs Peter Prowting Alan King
0011 INCH PRIDE (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
3//3-112 IT'S JUST HARRY 8 James Blackshaw Charles Egerton
2 JAIR OHMSFORD (IRE) 6 K A Cosby Willie Musson
5-F JOLLY BOY (FR) 6 Favourites Racing Venetia Williams
121241 JUSTIFIED (IRE) 6 Braybrook Syndicate Eamon Sheehy IRE
00-223 KELTIC ROCK 6 D J Erwin Bloodstock & Tony Geake Johnathan Geake
152421 KERRYHEAD WINDFARM (IRE)7 James R Browne Michael Hourigan IRE
000-21F KILGOWAN (IRE) 6 The Ferandlin Peaches Ian Williams
0-23 KINGS ADVOCATE (IRE) 5 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
F22-212 LADALKO (FR) 6 Paul K Barber & Margaret Findlay Paul Nicholls
113212 LADY ZEPHYR (IRE) 7 David Langdon Nigel Twiston-Davies
14 LAGNIAPPE (IRE) 5 Who Syndicate Robert Burns IRE
0222 LETTERMAN (IRE) 5 Simon Tindall Edward O'Grady IRE
2F50/-11 LIMITED EDITION (IRE) 7 Malcolm C Denmark Mark Pitman
3-1221 LORD BROCK 6 Graham and Alison Jelley Nigel Twiston-Davies
0/- LORD RED 6 Tony Kilduff Mouse Morris IRE
320-314 LUSTRAL DU SEUIL (FR) 6 W J Brown Nicky Henderson
2-50113 MACS FLAMINGO (IRE) 5 Craith Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
202230 MAGICO (NZ) 7 Paul Beck Richard Guest
MAILLE BLU (FR) 5 Dermot Desmond Ted Walsh IRE
21 MAJLIS (JPN) 4 J P McManus Michael O'Brien IRE
10-1155 MAJOR VERNON (IRE) 6 B Doyle Willie Mullins IRE
MALKO DE BEAUMONT (FR) 5 Dream Makers Partnership Kim Bailey
51 MANORSON (IRE) 6 Byrne Bros (Formwork) Limited Oliver Sherwood
36-42P MANSION SPECIAL (FR) 5 Terry Warner Alan King
15 MASSIMO (FR) 5 J J Boulter Ian Williams
123-110 MASTER ALBERT (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier David Wachman IRE
MEPHISTO (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
42-5011 MISS FAHRENHEIT (IRE) 6 C L R S Associates Craig Roberts
11F621 MOULIN RICHE (FR) 5 J C Seroul Francois Doumen FR
112-311 MOUNT CLERIGO (IRE) 7 Stewart Andrew Victor Dartnall
0-30114 MR BABBAGE (IRE) 7 George Creighton Willie Mullins IRE
P2115 MY WAY DE SOLZEN (FR) 5 Ben Winfield,A Longman,J Wright & C Fenton Alan King
14214 NAPOLITAIN (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
31-133 NEW FIELD (IRE) 7 J P McManus Paddy Mullins IRE
NIPPY DES MOTTES (FR) 4 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
121 NO REFUGE (IRE) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1 OLASO (GER) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
410-F11 ONLY VINTAGE (USA) 5 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Henrietta Knight
3-1 OSCAR BRUNEL (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Pat Doyle IRE
0-01313 OUR BEN 6 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
5B2-110 OVER THE CREEK 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
60-3122 PACOLET (IRE) 6 David O'Reilly Pat Flynn IRE
02-1111 PHARVIVA (IRE) 8 Rathcoffey Racing Syndicate Michael Halford IRE
211 POLE STAR 7 Paul Green James Fanshawe
1 PREDICAMENT 6 Sir Robert Ogden Jonjo O'Neill
022 PRETTY STAR (GER) 5 Exterior Profiles Ltd Alan King
031313 PUBLICAN (IRE) 5 Outback Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
1 QUEEN ASTRID (IRE) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
1-2131 RACING DEMON (IRE) 5 Mrs T P Radford Henrietta Knight
526-111 RAMBLING MINSTER 7 The Lingdale Optimists Keith Reveley
1153P RED GEORGIE (IRE) 7 M P Wareing Nigel Twiston-Davies
12-125 REEL MISSILE 6 Charles Pogson Charles Pogson
3/6-1 REGENTS WALK (IRE) 7 Mrs D Vaughan Ben De Haan
4-31 RESEDA (GER) 6 R J Turton Ian Williams
11 REVEILLEZ 6 J P McManus James Fanshawe
04- RIVER PHANTOM (IRE) 6 Graham Ketley Ian Williams
1 ROARINGWATER (IRE) 6 Rip-Roarers Richard Phillips
32-2111 ROMAN ARK 7 Richard Collins Malcolm Jefferson
ROMANY PRINCE 6 John Webb Steve Gollings
111110 ROYAL HECTOR (GER) 6 Three Counties Racing 2 Martin Pipe
22-0 ROYAL KATIDOKI (FR) 5 Anthony Speelman Nicky Henderson
14-1131 ROYAL PARADISE (FR) 5 Patrick Delaney Jnr Tom Foley IRE
RUMOUR (USA) 6 John Joe Murphy John Joe Murphy IRE
31-1 SATOHA (IRE) 7 Never Despair Syndicate Francis Flood IRE
111-322 SECRET PLOY 5 A M Carding Hughie Morrison
F-34F3 SHOUETTE (IRE) 5 O Finetto John Joe Murphy IRE
30-1134 SHUHOOD (USA) 5 Mr & Mrs M J Dowd Paul Webber
1-13 SNOOPY LOOPY (IRE) 7 Victoria Scott Jnr. Victoria Scott
4 SOME LEGEND (IRE) 5 Tir Conaill Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
4211 SOUTHERN VIC (IRE) 6 Mrs B Graham Ted Walsh IRE
32412 STAN (NZ) 6 Paul Beck Richard Guest
F611 STAR DE MOHAISON (FR) 4 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
F STOOP TO CONQUER 5 Seasons Holidays Tony Carroll
034112 SUNAMI STORM (IRE) 7 W P Roche Willie Mullins IRE
2-113 TASMAN (IRE) 5 Mrs M Cusack Dermot Weld IRE
11-12 THAT'S AN IDEA (IRE) 7 J P McManus David Wachman IRE
12 THE MARKET MAN (NZ) 5 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
THE PERSUADER (IRE) 5 David & F A Jackson Paul Nicholls
32-341 THE RAILWAY MAN (IRE) 6 Cathal M Ryan Arthur Moore IRE
1P-14 THE RISING MOON (IRE) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
2-21402 TRISONS STAR (IRE) 7 Taylor Martin Scoular and White Lucy Normile
TUDOR BELL (IRE) 4 K W Bell & Son Ltd John O'Shea
2024 VA VAVOOM (IRE) 7 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
1-111 VILLON (IRE) 6 Ronnie Bartlett Len Lungo
324311 WASHINGTON LAD (IRE) 5 Garrafrauns Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
WAVERTREE BOY (IRE) 5 Wavertree Racing Club (2002) David Elsworth
2F-2114 WILD PASSION (GER) 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
5151F6 WISHWILLOW LORD (IRE) 6 Malachy C McDaniel-Stone Leonard Whitmore IRE
221230 WITHOUT A DOUBT 6 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
45216 WOODCARVER 5 A Gannon Ken Condon IRE
147 entries, 51 Irish-trained entries, 2 French-trained entries


Breakdown of Entries per Trainer and Past Successes in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle

8 Entries
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1993 GAELSTROM)

6 Entries
Nicky Henderson
Paul Nicholls

5 Entries
Alan King
Noel Meade IRE
Willie Mullins IRE
Martin Pipe (1990 REGAL AMBITION, 1989 SAYFAR'S LAD)
Ian Williams

3 Entries
Pat Fahy IRE
Howard Johnson
Henrietta Knight
Charlie Mann
Jonjo O'Neill
Mark Pitman (2000 MONSIGNOR)

2 Entries
Chris Bealby
Peter Bowen
Robert Burns IRE
Tony Carroll
Ken Condon IRE
Frances Crowley IRE
Charles Egerton
James Fanshawe
Richard Guest
Mouse Morris IRE
Paddy Mullins IRE (1977 COUNSEL COTTAGE)
John Joe Murphy IRE
Edward O'Grady IRE (1980 DRUMLARGAN, 1982 MISTER DONOVAN)
Keith Reveley
David Wachman IRE
Ted Walsh IRE
Dermot Weld IRE
Venetia Williams

1 Entry
Kim Bailey
Andrew Balding
Simon Burrough
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR


Victor Dartnall
Ben De Haan
Francois Doumen FR
Simon Dow
Pat Doyle IRE
David Elsworth
Dominic ffrench Davis
Francis Flood IRE
Pat Flynn IRE
Tom Foley IRE (1994 DANOLI)
Johnathan Geake
Tom George (2002 GALILEO)
Steve Gollings
Michael Griffin IRE
Michael Halford IRE
Philip Hobbs
Michael Hourigan IRE
Dessie Hughes IRE
Malcolm Jefferson
Len Lungo
Arthur Moore IRE
Gary Moore
Hughie Morrison
Tom Mullins IRE
Colm Murphy IRE
Ferdy Murphy (1998 FRENCH HOLLY)
Willie Musson
Paul Nolan IRE
Lucy Normile
Michael O'Brien IRE
John O'Shea
Richard Phillips
Craig Roberts
Christy Roche IRE
Philip Rothwell IRE
Mick Ryan
Victoria Scott
Eamon Sheehy IRE
Oliver Sherwood (1988 REBEL SONG, 1987 THE WEST AWAKE)
Simon Sherwood
Tom Taaffe IRE
Colin Tizzard
Paul Webber
Leonard Whitmore IRE



ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis


Philip Hobbs has never won this championship contest but this year the trainer has a leading candidate in Gold Medallist, who is unbeaten in two starts in novices' hurdles including a success on his debut at Exeter in December, when holding off Secret Ploy by one and a quarter lengths.

Charles Egerton has a brace of entries in the form of It's Just Harry and Lady Lloyd-Webber's Darkness. The former has also won two novices' hurdles this season before finding Marcel two lengths too powerful in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown earlier this month, while Darkness won a novice event at Plumpton on the second day of the year by eight lengths.

Brewster heads a five-strong entry from Ian Williams - he has won three of his last four outings over timber including the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park in December, when readily scoring by 12 lengths.

The Williams quintet is completed by Kilgowan, Massimo, Reseda and River Phantom.

Royal Paradise, trained by Tom Foley - whose Danoli won this event in 1994 - sets the standard for the 51 entries from Ireland. He was fourth in last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival when trained by Francois Doumen and won a Grade Two novices' hurdle at Leopardstown just after Christmas, staying on well to beat his five rivals by six lengths.

Paddy Mullins won this contest with Counsel Cottage in 1977 and this year the veteran trainer's two possibles are Asian Maze and J P McManus's New Field. Asian Maze won four hurdles on the bounce before coming up against Washington Lad in a Grade Three novices' hurdle at Leopardstown on January 23, going down by one and a half lengths to that rival with Mr Babbage and Wishwillow Lord in fourth and sixth.

New Field won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in November before putting in arguably his best effort when seven and a half lengths third to Justified and Kerryhead Windfarm in a Listed novices' hurdle at Punchestown the following month.

Edward O'Grady is another Irish handler to boast past successes in this race, winning with Drumlargan in 1980 and Mister Donovan two years later. He has entered Letterman and Some Legend in 2005. The former was a six-length runner-up to Queen Astrid on his hurdling bow at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, while Some Legend has yet to jump in public.

Moulin Riche, trained by Francois Doumen, and the Arnaud Chaille-Chaille-trained Ambobo are the two French possibles. The first-named won a Listed handicap hurdle as well as two chases at Auteuil last year and Ambobo also did extremely well in 2004, winning four hurdles including a Listed heat at Enghien in November. Ambobo also won at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Returning to the home defence, James Fanshawe had a brilliant latest season on the Flat and will be hoping to add one of the most prestigious jump races to his tally with Reveillez or Pole Star.

Reveillez was eased when beating Finely Tuned on his hurdling debut at Windsor in November, and remains unbeaten after staying on well to get the better of Pretty Star in another novices' hurdle at Doncaster earlier this month. Pole Star has two similar events to his name, most recently scoring at Newbury by seven lengths on January 12.

Other notable entries include Mount Clerigo, who has won his last two starts at Uttoxeter and Wetherby for Victor Dartnall, the Paul Nicholls-trained Ladalko, a Grade Two hurdle winner who found only Brewster too good when stepped up in class last time, and Howard Johnson's pair of No Refuge, another Grade Two hurdle winner, and Bewleys Berry, a five-length runner-up to Villon and then a winner at Doncaster on Saturday.

THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £100,000. 2.00pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 18, 2005. Two miles, about one furlong. For novice four-year-olds only. Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 26. Entries revealed Monday, January 31 (89 entries). Forfeit stage Tuesday, February 22, five-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 12. Final declaration stage 10.10am, Thursday, March 17 Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 28. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
ADMIRAL (IRE) 4 Willie McKay Richard Guest
31 AFRAD (FR) 4 The Not Afraid Partnership Nicky Henderson
AKILAK (IRE) 4 ADA Partnership Howard Johnson
3602 ALFHALA (IRE) 4 Cambridge and Stanstead Coursing Club Matt
Gingell
403314 ALL HEART 4 Mrs H Mullins Tom Mullins IRE
441 ALWAYS WAINING (IRE) 4 Peter J Douglas Engineering Pat Clinton
2 AMARULA RIDGE (IRE) 4 J P McManus Philip Hobbs
1 ARCH REBEL (USA) 4 Pat Garvey Noel Meade IRE
BARANOOK (IRE) 4 Terry Warner Bernard Llewellyn
F3 BARATI (IRE) 4 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
40154 BEAUCHAMP PRINCE (IRE) 4 The "Yes" - "No" - "Wait"....Sorries
Michael Scudamore
433432 BISCAR TWO (IRE) 4 Maenllwyd Racing Club Bernard Llewellyn
1111 BONBON ROSE (FR) 4 Sean Mulryan Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR
11615P CALOMERIA 4 B Dunn Ginger McCain
445451 CANNI THINKAAR (IRE) 4 Homewoodgate Racing Club Paddy Butler
13 CARTE DIAMOND (USA) 4 Ashley Carr Brian Ellison
2-110 CERIUM (FR) 4 B Fulton,Tony Hayward,S Fisher,Liam Brady Paul
Nicholls
513140 COURANT D'AIR (IRE) 4 J T Billson Lucinda Featherstone
21 DALTON (FR) 4 Malm Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
111 DANAW (FR) 4 Comtesse C A Armand Francois Doumen FR
01 DARYAL (IRE) 4 Let's Live Racing Alan King
121 DIEGO CAO (IRE) 4 Vetlab Supplies Ltd Gary Moore
DINAROBIN (USA) 4 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
122 DON'T BE BITIN (IRE) 4 A Mulvey Eoin Griffin IRE
23 DON'T BE SHY (FR) 4 Mrs Marc-Antoine Berghgracht ThomasTrapenard
FR
DOWNING STREET (IRE) 4 Racing For You Limited Jennie Candlish
62 DUBAI ACE (USA) 4 Mucky Duck II Partnership Sheena West
13 DUNLEA DANCER 4 Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs
5 EARL OF SPECTRUM (GER) 4 The Second Kennet Partnership Oliver
Sherwood
ETENDARD INDIEN (FR) 4 Belinda Harvey Nicky Henderson
1 FAASEL (IRE) 4 Jim Ennis Nicky Richards
5 GALARINI (IRE) 4 F N Doyle Willie Mullins IRE
1 GIFT VOUCHER (IRE) 4 R M Kirkland Paul Webber
GOVERNMENT (IRE) 4 Mrs S M Richards Michael Chapman
11 HELENSBURGH (IRE) 4 Helensburgh Syndicate Pat Hughes IRE
HUE 4 Brian Ellison Brian Ellison
IKTITAF (IRE) 4 Mrs P Sloan Noel Meade IRE
ILE FACILE (IRE) 4 Plough Racing Ben De Haan
IN GOOD FAITH (USA) 4 Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
2 INNOCENT REBEL (USA) 4 Peter Deal & J S Dale Alan King
5 IRISH BLADE (IRE) 4 Patricia Hunt Noel Meade IRE
1 IT'S BLUE CHIP 4 Blue Chip Feed Ltd Henrietta Knight
LISS ARD (IRE) 4 John Joe Murphy John Joe Murphy IRE
LOYAL FOCUS (IRE) 4 Robert Sinclair Dermot Weld IRE
MAHARAAT (USA) 4 Belinda Harvey Philip Hobbs
21 MAJLIS (JPN) 4 J P McManus Michael O'Brien IRE
MARALAN (IRE) 4 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
102 MAXXIUM (IRE) 4 M J Enright Michael Halford IRE
1 MISS ACADEMY (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
MISTER RIGHT (IRE) 4 Miss A Jones Dominic ffrench Davis
212535 NADOVER (FR) 4 Tony Hayward Charlie Mann
14214 NAPOLITAIN (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
124B NEW ENTIC (FR) 4 H R Hunt Gary Moore
NIPPY DES MOTTES (FR) 4 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
20213 NOBLE REQUEST (FR) 4 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
NOUS VOILA (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
23 OBAY 4 FF Racing Services Partnership XVIII Brendan Powell
121 PAPINI (IRE) 4 Newbury Racehorse Owners Group Nicky Henderson
32 PATRIXPRIAL 4 Pat Betts Mark Tompkins
1 PENZANCE 4 Elite Racing Club Alan King
532116 PHAR BLEU (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Georgie Browne
36 QUARRYMOUNT 4 Wally Sturt Jim Old
15 REGAL SETTING (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
REHEARSAL 4 Elite Racing Club Len Lungo
0 RICHIE BOY 4 Racing For You Limited Jennie Candlish
3 SAI SI (FR) 4 Exors of the late Mr A. Li Rupert Pritchard-Gordon
FR
12F14 SALUT SAINT CLOUD 4 A Grinter Gary Moore
1010 SIEGFRIEDS NIGHT (IRE) 4 K D Blanch Michael Chapman
SILVER SILENCE (JPN) 4 Jinquera Partnership Vinnie Smith
024 SIMONOVSKI (USA) 4 Deborah Potter Simon Burrough
12 SKY'S THE LIMIT (FR) 4 Raymond J Rooney Edward O'Grady IRE
SKYHAWK (IRE) 4 David O Moon Henry de Bromhead IRE
41 SOUND BLASTER (IRE) 4 Ormond Park Syndicate Liam McAteer IRE
26 SOVIET JOY (IRE) 4 Alan Mann Declan Carroll
F611 STAR DE MOHAISON (FR) 4 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
11 STRANGELY BROWN (IRE) 4 We Didn't Name Him Syndicate Eric McNamara
IRE

5315 TIME ON YOUR SIDE (IRE) 4 Mrs A Nolan Brian Nolan IRE
TOPKAT (IRE) 4 R Standring David Elsworth
TUDOR BELL (IRE) 4 K W Bell & Son Ltd John O'Shea
231 VICARIO 4 Jon Glews Ginger McCain
F3131U VOY POR USTEDES (FR) 4 Million in Mind Partnership Alan King
151 WALTZING BEAU 4 David Cliff and Philippa Clunes Brendan Powell
WATER TAXI 4 Ferdy Murphy Ferdy Murphy
WINDYX (FR) 4 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
WISH UPON A STAR (IRE) 4 Mrs N Dillane John Joe Murphy IRE
103 WOODY VALENTINE (USA) 4 Favourites Racing Venetia Williams
111 YANKEEDOODLEDANDY (IRE)4 K Tyre & Mrs C Barclay Patrick Haslam
P2100 YOUNG PATRIARCH 4 The Little Ireland Syndicate Charlie Mann
1 ZALDA 4 Mrs L Field Philip Hobbs
89 entries, 21 Irish-trained entries, 4 French-trained entries

Breakdown of Entries per Trainer and Past Successes in the JCB Triumph
Hurdle

5 Entries
Philip Hobbs (2004 Made In Japan)

4 Entries
Nicky Henderson (1999 Katarino, 1987 Alone Success, 1985 First Bout)
Alan King
Noel Meade IRE
Paul Nicholls

3 Entries
Gary Moore
Martin Pipe (1995 Kissair, 1981 Baron Blakeney)

2 Entries
Jennie Candlish
Michael Chapman
Brian Ellison
Howard Johnson
Bernard Llewellyn
Charlie Mann
Ginger McCain
John Joe Murphy IRE
Michael O'Brien IRE (1993 Shawiya)
Edward O'Grady IRE (1984 Northern Game)
Brendan Powell

1 Entry
Oliver Brady IRE
Georgie Browne
Simon Burrough
Paddy Butler
Declan Carroll
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR


Pat Clinton
Henry De Bromhead IRE
Ben De Haan
Francois Doumen FR (2000 Snow Drop)
David Elsworth (1991 Oh So Risky, 1980 Heighlin)
Lucinda Featherstone
Dominic ffrench Davis
Matt Gingell
Eoin Griffin IRE
Richard Guest
Michael Halford IRE
Patrick Haslam
Pat Hughes IRE
Henrietta Knight
Len Lungo
Liam McAteer IRE
Eric McNamara IRE
Tom Mullins IRE
Willie Mullins IRE (2002 Scolardy)
Ferdy Murphy (1996 Paddy's Return)
Brian Nolan IRE
Jim Old
John O'Shea
Rupert Pritchard-Gordon FR
Nicky Richards
Michael Scudamore
Oliver Sherwood
Vinnie Smith
Mark Tompkins
Thomas Trapenard FR
Paul Webber
Dermot Weld IRE (1990 Rare Holiday)
Sheena West
Venetia Williams



JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Analysis

Since 1984 Irish-trained horses have prevailed in the JCB Triumph Hurdle on five occasions, most recently courtesy of Willie Mullins's Scolardy in 2002.

This year's 21 entries from the Emerald Isle are headed by the Noel Meade-trained Arch Rebel, who made a winning debut over timber in a Grade Two juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, when getting the better of Don't Be Bitin by five lengths.

Strangely Brown, trained by Eric McNamara, is also unbeaten over hurdles, winning twice - most recently in a Grade Three juvenile event at Punchestown earlier this month, keeping on well to deny Sky's The Limit by one and a half lengths.

This season Willie Mullins's only hope is Galarini, who was unable to justify favouritism in a three-year-old maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, finishing fifth to Sound Blaster with Majlis in second.

Among the home contingent, Alan King will be hoping to build on his first Festival victory last season and his four entries include Penzance, Daryal, Innocent Rebel and Voy Por Ustedes.

The master of Barbury Castle had a rare bet on the former for this competitive event before he made an eight-length winning bow in a novices' hurdle at Taunton on January 10, running on well to hold off Amarula Ridge, and Penzance followed up in a similar event at Huntingdon on Wednesday, while Daryal also won a novices' hurdle at Taunton in January. Innocent Rebel was a distant runner-up behind Waltzing Beau in a juvenile novices' hurdle at Fontwell recently and King's quartet is completed by Voy Por Ustedes, a two-time winner in France for Guillaume Macaire who unseated his rider on his British debut at Lingfield last month, but made amends
by winning a novices' hurdle from a previous winner at Huntingdon on Wednesday

Patrick Haslam has had a great season with Yankeedoodledandy, unbeaten in three outings (until Saturday) including the Mr Crumb Premium Stuffings Juvenile Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park in December, when forging clear in the final 50 yards to beat Napolitain by four lengths.

Champion trainer Martin Pipe has won this event twice with Baron Blakeney in 1981 and Kissair 14 years later. This year the Nicholashayne-based handler has three possibles in the form of Miss Academy, Nous Voila and Windyx.

The former rewarded favourite backers on her British debut in a mares' only maiden hurdle at Newcastle this month, Nous Voila has yet to jump a hurdle in public but interestingly was beaten two lengths by Miss Academy on the Flat at Maisons-Laffitte in September, and Windyx has also yet to start in a jump race.

Francois Doumen's Danaw figures prominently among the four French-trained possibles. His three victories last year include success in a Grade Three hurdle at Enghien in November.

The Gallic entries are completed by Arnaud Chaille-Chaille's Bonbon Rose, the winner of four hurdles in France in 2004 including three at Auteuil, Thomas Trapenard's Listed hurdle winner Don't Be Shy and Sai Si, trained by Rupert Pritchard-Gordon.

Brighton-based Gary Moore has an abundance of riches in this division this year in the form of Salut Saint Cloud, Diego Cao and New Entic. The former won a Grade Two contest at Lingfield in December, beating Patrixprial by four lengths with previous Huntingdon scorer New Entic in fourth, while Diego Cao has won two of his three starts in juvenile novices' hurdles.

THE BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES' HURDLE
Class A, Grade Two, Total Prize Fund £75,000, 2.35pm Friday, March 18, 2005,three miles, for novice four-year-olds and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 10st 12lb, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 7lb, fillies and mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed January 26, 2005 (117 entries), entries released, Monday, January 31, forfeit stage February 22. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are
correct up to and including Friday, January 28, 2005. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
32331- AFISTFULLOFDOLLARS (IRE) 7 Mrs U McElroy Noel Meade IRE
30//-04P3 ALPINE STAR 8 Nick Embiricos Nick Gifford
1 AMALFITANO (IRE) 5 P Senezio Frances Crowley IRE
11121 AMBOBO (USA) 5 Sean Mulryan Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR
4320-13 AMMONIAS (GER) 6 Mrs Jim Brown & P A Randall Charlie Mann
322352 ARC EN CIEL (GER) 5 Gerry Cully Gerry Cully IRE
144 ARDAGHEY (IRE) 6 D J & S A Goodman Nigel Twiston-Davies
211112 ASIAN MAZE (IRE) 6 Mrs C A Moore Paddy Mullins IRE
6U1111 BASILEA STAR (IRE) 8 Brendan O'Rourke Ferdy Murphy
03 BENGO (IRE) 5 Willsford Racing Incorporated Ben De Haan
1-12 BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
04351 BILLY BUSH (IRE) 6 William Crowe Mouse Morris IRE
1-2013 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 6 Gerard Burke Philip Rothwell IRE
02-1121 BLUSHING BULL 6 Blushing Bull Partnership Paul Nicholls
24-1233 BOB BOB BOBBIN 6 Sarah Tizzard Colin Tizzard
246 BOX ON (IRE) 8 A Rice Vicky Scott
03-4111 BREWSTER (IRE) 8 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
00-3221 BRIGHT GAS 6 Rome Syndicate Robert Burns IRE
0-1P BUGLE MAJOR (IRE) 6 Mrs Peter Curling Nicky Henderson
5641P BUTTER BRIDGE (IRE) 7 Michael Doran Michael Doran IRE
21-32 CAPTAIN SUNSHINE (IRE) 7 Mrs J Hurley Noel Meade IRE
6-30132 CARRAIG BLUE (IRE) 6 Noel O'Reilly Eamon Sheehy IRE
25416U CELTIC BLAZE (IRE) 6 Michael Saunders Brian Rothwell
012111 CELTIC SON (FR) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
0054 CLASS ACTION (IRE) 7 John Kelly Gerry Cully IRE
CLEAR THINKING 5 Derek and Jean Clee Venetia Williams
463352 COURT LEADER (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
01F DALVENTO (IRE) 7 Ger Pierse John Murphy IRE
22 DANTE'S BACK (IRE) 7 The "Yes" - "No" - "Wait"....Sorries Nigel
Twiston-Davies
3-1212 DARKNESS 6 Lady Lloyd-Webber Charles Egerton
130- DEMARCO (IRE) 7 Ronnie Bartlett Nicky Henderson
321110 DOMNUL ADMIRAL (IRE) 7 A Gannon Kevin Condon IRE
25-2211 ESKIMO PIE (IRE) 6 Irvin Naylor Chris Bealby
020-11 FAMOUS GROUSE 5 Gwilym Morris Peter Bowen
15 FAR FROM TROUBLE (IRE) 6 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
24100//-0 FINAL ACT (IRE) 9 George Ross John Murphy IRE
000-110 FLORIDA DREAM (IRE) 6 D J & S A Goodman & T Puffett Nigel
Twiston-Davies
113203 FOOTBALL CRAZY (IRE) 6 Ken Bevan, Stuart Brain Peter Bowen
00-1 FOURBOYSTOY (IRE) 6 Farmers, Foresters & Financiers Chris Bealby
1-P GAELIC MUSIC (IRE) 6 P J Constable Mark Bradstock
21151 GALLERY GOD (FR) 9 James Etheridge Simon Dow
2131-10 GEILL SLI (IRE) 7 Mrs B M McKinney Noel Meade IRE
2P GET MY DRIFT (IRE) 6 Tony Ambler & Paul Barber Paul Nicholls
11 GIMLI'S AXE (IRE) 6 G Ruddock Frances Crowley IRE
11-1241 GOLDEN ODYSSEY (IRE) 5 Sir Robert Ogden Keith Reveley
21123 HAGGLE TWINS (IRE) 5 G Ruddock Frances Crowley IRE
4-642211 HE'S THE GUV'NOR (IRE) 6 M J Hallett Bob Buckler
031312 HEEZ A WONDER (IRE) 6 Striding Snail Syndicate Francis Flood
IRE
20-1112 HOMER WELLS (IRE) 7 Margaret McMahon Willie Mullins IRE
B5-2112 HOT WELD 6 S Hubbard Rodwell Ferdy Murphy
1140 ICY PROSPECT (IRE) 7 David Mason Nigel Twiston-Davies
14 IDLE TALK (IRE) 6 Mrs M J George Tom George
0011 INCH PRIDE (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
16-2111 INDY MOOD 6 Girsonfield Stud Racing Harriett Graham
3//3-112 IT'S JUST HARRY 8 James Blackshaw Charles Egerton
5/U-U232 JACKSON (FR) 8 C B Brookes Alan King
56-2324 JANBRE (IRE) 6 Granite By Design Ltd Michael Scudamore
2-11F03 KEEPTHEDREAMALIVE 7 Twentyman Bob Buckler
00-223 KELTIC ROCK 6 D J Erwin Bloodstock & Tony Geake Jonathan
Geake
321111 KILLEANEY (IRE) 8 James Hepburn John Carr IRE
0-23 KINGS ADVOCATE (IRE) 5 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
122-102 KINGS BAY 6 P J Doherty Hughie Morrison
F22-212 LADALKO (FR) 6 Paul Barber & Margaret Findlay Paul Nicholls
113212 LADY ZEPHYR (IRE) 7 David Langdon Nigel Twiston-Davies
14 LAGNIAPPE (IRE) 5 Who Syndicate Robert Burns IRE
400P-62 LASKA DE THAIX (FR) 6 D F P Racing Philip Hobbs
3-1221 LORD BROCK 6 Graham and Alison Jelley Nigel Twiston-Davies
0/- LORD RED 6 Tony Kilduff Mouse Morris IRE
1301 LOUP CHARTER (FR) 6 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight
MALKO DE BEAUMONT (FR) 5 Dream Makers Partnership Kim Bailey
123-110 MASTER ALBERT (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier David Wachman IRE
10-35 MILLENAIRE (FR) 6 The Risky Partnership Jonjo O'Neill
43-3121 MINSTER SHADOW 6 Anne Cairns And Partners Chris Grant
42-5011 MISS FAHRENHEIT (IRE) 6 C L R S Associates Craig Roberts
11F621 MOULIN RICHE (FR) 5 J C Seroul Francois Doumen FR
112-311 MOUNT CLERIGO (IRE) 7 Stewart Andrew Victor Dartnall
0-30114 MR BABBAGE (IRE) 7 George Creighton Willie Mullins IRE
P6012 NICK THE SILVER 4 Four Men And A Liver Bird Martin Pipe
121 NO REFUGE (IRE) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
3-1 OSCAR BRUNEL (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Pat Doyle IRE
0-01313 OUR BEN 6 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
5B2-110 OVER THE CREEK 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
211 POLE STAR 7 Paul Green James Fanshawe
POLISH POWER (GER) 5 Fitri Hay Stan Moore
022 PRETTY STAR (GER) 5 Exterior Profiles Ltd Alan King
1 QUEEN ASTRID (IRE) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
526-111 RAMBLING MINSTER 7 The Lingdale Optimists Keith Reveley
1153P RED GEORGIE (IRE) 7 M P Wareing Nigel Twiston-Davies
12 REFLECTED GLORY (IRE) 6 Derek Millard Paul Nicholls
11 REVEILLEZ 6 J P McManus James Fanshawe
1 ROARINGWATER (IRE) 6 Rip-Roarers Richard Phillips
ROMANY PRINCE 6 John Webb Steve Gollings
2 ROTHERAM (USA) 5 The Icy Fire Partnership Charlie Mann
25-1230 SANS SOUCI BOY (IRE) 7 D & S Syndicate Tom Foley IRE
111-322 SECRET PLOY 5 A M Carding Hughie Morrison
22-55 SENOR SEDONA 6 Felix Rosenstiel's Widow & Son Nick Gifford
224340 SEOMRA HOCHT (IRE) 8 Mrs M Monaghan William O'Brien IRE
F-34F3 SHOUETTE (IRE) 5 O Finetto John Murphy IRE
1-13 SNOOPY LOOPY (IRE) 7 Vicky Scott Vicky Scott
4 SOME LEGEND (IRE) 5 Tir Conaill Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
4211 SOUTHERN VIC (IRE) 6 Mrs B Graham Ted Walsh IRE
111226 STAGE BY STAGE (USA) 6 Evelyn Hankinson Charlie Egerton
034112 SUNAMI STORM (IRE) 7 W P Roche Willie Mullins IRE
2-113 TASMAN (IRE) 5 Mrs M Cusack Dermot Weld IRE
34/3P-31 THAMES (IRE) 7 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
11-12 THAT'S AN IDEA (IRE) 7 J P McManus David Wachman IRE
1P-14 THE RISING MOON (IRE) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
4F5 THEATRE (USA) 6 Chris Steward Jamie Poulton
2-21402 TRISONS STAR (IRE) 7 Taylor Martin Scoular and White Lucy
Normile
2024 VA VAVOOM (IRE) 7 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
236-5133 VERSUS (GER) 5 The Safest Syndicate Charlie Mann
224 VICTOM'S CHANCE (IRE) 7 Mr & Mrs T Conway Noel Chance
324311 WASHINGTON LAD (IRE) 5 Garrafrauns Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
11-21
1 WILD CANE RIDGE (IRE) 6 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
221230 WITHOUT A DOUBT 6 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
45216 WOODCARVER 5 A Gannon Kevin Condon IRE
30-2611 WOODLANDS GENPOWER (IRE) 7 Woodland Generators Philip
Pritchard
117 entries, 40 Irish-trained, 2 French-trained


BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER IN THE BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES' HURDLE

8 Entries
Nigel Twiston-Davies

4 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE
Paul Nicholls
Martin Pipe

3 Entries
Frances Crowley IRE
Charles Egerton
Nicky Henderson
Charlie Mann
Noel Meade IRE
John Murphy IRE

2 Entries
Chris Bealby
Peter Bowen
Bob Buckler
Robert Burns IRE
Kevin Condon IRE
Gerry Cully IRE
James Fanshawe
Nick Gifford
Howard Johnson
Alan King
Mouse Morris IRE
Hughie Morrison
Ferdy Murphy
Jonjo O'Neill
Keith Reveley
Vicky Scott
David Wachman
Dermot Weld IRE

1 Entry
Kim Bailey
Mark Bradstock
John Carr IRE
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR
Noel Chance
Victor Dartnall
Michael Doran IRE
Francois Doumen FR
Simon Dow
Pat Doyle IRE
Pat Fahy IRE
Francis Flood IRE
Tom Foley IRE
Ben De Haan
Jonathan Geake
Tom George
Steve Gollings
Harriett Graham
Chris Grant
Philip Hobbs
Henrietta Knight
Len Lungo
Stan Moore
Paddy Mullins IRE
Tom Mullins IRE
Lucy Normile
William O'Brien IRE
Edward O'Grady IRE
Richard Phillips
Mark Pitman
Jamie Poulton
Philip Pritchard
Christy Roche IRE
Craig Roberts
Brian Rothwell
Philip Rothwell IRE
Michael Scudamore
Eamon Sheehy IRE
Tom Taaffe
Colin Tizzard
Ted Walsh IRE
Ian Williams
Venetia Williams

BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis

The inaugural running of the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle takes place over three miles at Cheltenham on Friday, March 18 and has attracted 117 entries.

Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies dominates the entries with eight horses engaged. These include the tough mare Lady Zephyr, a four-time winner already this season, and the unexposed Lord Brock, a good winner at Leicester last time. Twiston-Davies' octet is completed by Ardaghey, Dante's Back, Florida Dream, a full-brother to Florida Pearl and successful on his first two outing this season before disappointing at Kempton, Icy Prospect, Red Georgie and Va Vavoom.

Lady Zephyr's last run (fourth on Saturday) was at Warwick on January 15 in the Grade Two Leamington Novices' Hurdle when she found one too good in Howard Johnson's No Refuge, formerly a smart staying handicapper on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott. Johnson has also made an entry for the highly-regarded Bewley's Berry who landed an Irish bumper and made a winning debut over hurdles at Hexham before being beaten by Villon at Ayr and then winning at Doncaster on Saturday.

There are 40 entries hailing from Ireland, with four from the Willie Mullins yard including Homer Wells, a Grade Two winner at Naas on January 2 and Sunami Storm, successful in two of his last three starts. A very promising Irish contender is the John Carr-trained Killeaney, who has shown significant improvement this season to win his last four starts in handicap company.

Frances Crowley looks to hold a strong hand with three entries including the unbeaten duo of Amalfitano and Gimli's Axe while Dermot Weld also has two entries, the Tasman and the unbeaten Queen Astrid. Other interesting Irish contenders include the Ted Walsh's Southern Vic, a very smooth winner of his two hurdling runs to date, and Oscar Brunel from the Pat Doyle
yard and an impressive winner on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day.

Two of the entries are from France, in the form of Arnaud Chaille-Chaille's Ambobo, a winner of four of his five starts over hurdles in France, most recently in a Listed contest at Enghien on November 5. He also won at Cheltenham on Saturday. Francois Doumen could also be represented with Moulin Riche who has winning form over both hurdles and fences in France.

A horse that has shown tremendous improvement this year is the Ian Williams-trained Brewster, successful at both the Open and December meetings at Cheltenham this season before going on to land the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He was second at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Martin Pipe is well represented with four entries including Celtic Son, victorious on his last three starts including in a competitive handicap at Warwick last time out on January 15. Pipe could also run Inch Pride, a former Irish bumper performer who scored a facile triumph on his
British debut at Fontwell, Over The Creek and Nick The Silver.

Paul Nicholls also has a quartet of entries to choose from including the well-touted Blushing Bull, who was a very impressive winner at Chepstow in November before going down by a short-head Miss Fahrenheit. He has subsequently returned to winning ways with a victory at Uttoxeter on January 22. Nicholls other three entries Get My Drift, Ladalko and Reflected Glory.

Other interesting contenders include James Fanshawe's pair of former smart Flat performers, Pole Star and Reveillez, the Ferdy Murphy-trained Basilea Star, winner of his last four starts, Len Lungo's Wild Cane Ridge, a very easy victor on his latest two runs, the Keith Reveley-trained Rambling Minster and Mount Clerigo, from the Victor Dartnall yard.

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