Racenews Newslink Archive - Monday, January 9, 2006

Monday, January 9, 2006

RECORD NUMBER GOING FOR GOLD

Last year’s winner Kicking King may be missing, but the 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup promises to be as open as it has ever been with a record 64 entries revealed today, beating the previous highest total of 49 set in 2003.

There are many established stars entered, among them recent Lexus Chase winner Beef Or Salmon, Betfair Chase hero Kingscliff, 2005 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup second Take The Stand, 2004 Coral Welsh National winner Silver Birch and Monkerhostin, who came within a whisker of catching Kicking King in the Stan James King George VI Chase last month.

Fondmort, winner of the Unicoin Homes Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, Peterborough Chase scorer Impek, Lexus Chase runner-up War Of Attrition, last season’s John Smith’s Grand National hero Hedgehunter and Sir Rembrandt, who has made the Gold Cup frame for the past two seasons, are among others already proven at the highest level.

The now 11-year-old Hors La Loi III, winner of the 2002 Smurfit Champion Hurdle, is one of several past Festival scorers engaged with others including 2004 Ladbrokes World Hurdle hero Iris’s Gift, One Knight, winner of the 2003 Royal & SunAlliance Chase, Fundamentalist, who took the 2004 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle, last season’s Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase hero King Harald, 2005 National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup winner Another Rum, 2004 Mildmay Of Flete Challenge Cup scorer Tikram and Our Armageddon, who captured that year’s Cathcart Challenge Cup (now the Ryanair Chase).

Martin Pipe’s five entries include Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Our Vic, 2004 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup hero Celestial Gold, who is set to make his seasonal comeback in the Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham on January 28, Iznogoud, Rowland Meyrick Chase winner Therealbandit and Joacci, who looked a potential star when taking the Cheltenham Racing Handicap Chase on New Year’s Day.

Among several top novices entered are Darkness, winner of Sandown’s Feltham Novices’ Chase, The Listener, who captured Cheltenham’s Unicoin Homes Dipper Novices’ Chase on January 1, the Tom George-trained Idle Talk, Crozan, a winner at Cheltenham in November, and the Howard Johnson-trained Bewleys Berry, while Neptune Collonges, a smart chaser in France who has been campaigned over hurdles since joining Paul Nicholls, is another entry.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s Managing Director, said today: “While we are obviously sad that the last two totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners will not be bidding to win the contest again in 2006, the race continues to be the one prize that every owner and trainer dreams of winning, as demonstrated by this year’s record 64-strong entry.”

THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

Class 1, Grade 1, Ł400,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.15pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 17, 2006. For 5yo+, three miles, two and a half furlongs. Weights: 5yo 11st, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 4, entries revealed January 9 (64 entries), forfeit stage February 21, Ł20,000 supplementary entry stage March 11, five-day confirmation stage March 11. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 6.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer

2F413-0 ANOTHER RUM (IRE) 8 Ronald Lilley Ian Duncan IRE
0P00P-F ASTONVILLE (FR) 12 Fergus Wilson Phillippe Cottin FR
113050 BALLYCASSIDY (IRE) 10 Roddy Owen & P Fullagar Peter Bowen
D//3F5P0- BE MY ROYAL (IRE) 12 Dr David Chapman-Jones Robert Alner
312P-21 BEEF OR SALMON (IRE) 10 Joe Craig Michael Hourigan IRE
1FP-123 BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
/34113///- BIG-AND-BOLD (IRE) 10 The Border Reivers Nicky Richards
3/-12132 BLACK DE BESSY (FR) 8 Mrs Derek Fletcher David Elsworth
400-046 BRIGADIER BROWN (IRE) 9 Eamonn Duignan John Murphy IRE
111U/2P- CALLING BRAVE (IRE) 10 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
21/1130- CELESTIAL GOLD (IRE) 8 David Johnson Martin Pipe
30P40-P CHIVES (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
1332-33 CORNISH REBEL (IRE) 9 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
3602-14 CROZAN (FR) 6 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
0-12111 DARKNESS 7 Lady Lloyd-Webber Charles Egerton
F1F/24P- EARLY EDITION 10 Oliver Carter Oliver Carter
02P-4B1 FONDMORT (FR) 10 Bill Brown Nicky Henderson
12-1033 FORGET THE PAST 8 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
1/112U-4 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE) 8 Gripen Nigel Twiston-Davies
3/113U-2 GRAPHIC APPROACH (IRE) 8 Mr & Mrs Peter Orton Charles Egerton
1151-PP GREY ABBEY (IRE) 12 The Roper Family and Norman Furness Howard Johnson
0U3/24P- HARBOUR PILOT (IRE) 11 Kays Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
0611-04 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 10 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
4162305 HIGH MOON (USA) 10 Fergus Wilson Richard Chotard FR
F43R0//-1 HORS LA LOI III (FR) 11 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
141P-11 IDLE TALK (IRE) 7 Mrs Mike George Tom George
2-22113 IMPEK (FR) 10 Jim Lewis Henrietta Knight
10-5615 INCA TRAIL (IRE) 10 Susie Chown & Kathy Stuart Paul Nicholls
25-1112 IRIS'S GIFT 9 Robert Lester Jonjo O'Neill
1/P2P/3-P IRISH HUSSAR (IRE) 10 Major Christopher Hanbury Nicky Henderson
F6/0200- IZNOGOUD (FR) 10 The County Stores and Avalon Surfacing Martin Pipe
3/1123-1 JAZZ D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 9 Ashleybank Investments Limited Nicky Richards
112F-1 JOAACI (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1-2U044 JOES EDGE (IRE) 9 Chemipetro Limited Ferdy Murphy
512011/- KELTIC BARD 9 M Rowland, M Collins & P Cox Charlie Mann
2121-4U KING HARALD (IRE) 8 Piers Pottinger and P B-J Partnership Mark Bradstock
2/2-421P KINGSCLIFF (IRE) 9 Arnie Sendell Robert Alner
43-3324 L'AMI (FR) 7 Jim McCarthy Francois Doumen FR
4-16134 LACDOUDAL (FR) 7 Carol Skan Philip Hobbs
311/2-U1 LEASE BACK (FR) 7 Paul Zetter Lawrence Wells
21PFP-5 LIMERICK BOY (GER) 8 Favourites Racing III Venetia Williams
1F3P-5P LORD SAM (IRE) 10 Plain Peeps Victor Dartnall
5/1/4F1-2 LORD TRANSCEND (IRE) 9 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
111-P02 LORD OF ILLUSION (IRE) 9 Patrick Kennedy Tom George
3-12242 MONKERHOSTIN (FR) 9 Martin St Quinton Philip Hobbs
F1-1412 NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) 5 John Hales Paul Nicholls
416-00P NIL DESPERANDUM (IRE) 9 Mike Shone Frances Crowley IRE
U12-106 OLLIE MAGERN 8 Roger Nicholls Nigel Twiston-Davies
111/F/1-F ONE KNIGHT (IRE) 10 Roger Gibbs Philip Hobbs
21P14/-0 OUR ARMAGEDDON (NZ) 9 Leslie Garrett Richard Guest
3/FPP-1P OUR VIC (IRE) 8 David Johnson Martin Pipe
102-31P PRINCE OF TARA (IRE) 9 James Swan Stephen Mahon IRE
3F-2F21 REBEL RHYTHM 7 The Fees R Us Syndicate Sue Smith
42F-515 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) 9 Clive Smith Paul Nicholls
30UP22- ROYAL EMPEROR (IRE) 10 Widdop Wanderers Sue Smith
24P/111- SILVER BIRCH (IRE) 9 Paul Barber & Des Nichols Paul Nicholls
43P-PPF SIR REMBRANDT (IRE) 10 Alan Hordle Robert Alner
UP-5362 TAKE THE STAND (IRE) 10 David Robbins, Frank Ridge Peter Bowen
21S-111 THE LISTENER (IRE) 7 Old Moss Farm Robert Alner
330-001 THEREALBANDIT (IRE) 9 David Johnson Martin Pipe
552461- TIKRAM 9 Mike Charlton and Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
4120P0- TURNIUM (FR) 11 Fergus Wilson Phillippe Cottin FR
P0P400- VENN OTTERY 11 Oliver Carter Oliver Carter
2-11152 WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE
64 entries, 9 Irish-trained, 4 French-trained

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

6 Entries
Paul Nicholls (1999 SEE MORE BUSINESS)

5 Entries
Martin Pipe

4 Entries
Robert Alner (1998 COOL DAWN)
Nicky Henderson

3 Entries
Philip Hobbs
Howard Johnson
Sue Smith

2 Entries
Peter Bowen
Oliver Carter
Phillippe Cottin FR
Charles Egerton
Tom George
Nicky Richards
Nigel Twiston-Davies

1 Entry
Mark Bradstock
Richard Chotard FR
Frances Crowley IRE
Victor Dartnall
Francois Doumen FR (1994 THE FELLOW)
Ian Duncan IRE
David Elsworth (1989 DESERT ORCHID)
Richard Guest
Michael Hourigan IRE
Henrietta Knight (2002, 2003 & 2004 BEST MATE)
Stephen Mahon IRE
Charlie Mann
Noel Meade IRE
Gary Moore
Mouse Morris IRE
Willie Mullins IRE
Ferdy Murphy
John Murphy IRE
Michael O’Brien IRE
Jonjo O’Neill
Lawrence Wells
Venetia Williams

LATEST totesport BETTING ON THE totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Monday, January 9, 2006)

9/2 KINGSCLIFF
5 BEEF OR SALMON
13/2 MONKERHOSTIN
10 WAR OF ATTRITION
12 HEDGEHUNTER
12 TAKE THE STAND
16 CELESTIAL GOLD
16 IRIS’S GIFT
16 JOAACI
16 L’AMI
16 ONE KNIGHT
20 CORNISH REBEL
20 OLLIE MAGERN
20 ROYAL AUCLAIR
25 DARKNESS
25 FORGET THE PAST
25 THE LISTENER
33 CROZAN
33 FONDMORT
33 FUNDAMENTALIST
33 HARBOUR PILOT
33 IMPEK
33 JAZZ D’ESTRUVAL
33 LORD OF ILLUSION
33 LORD TRANSCEND
33 SIR REMBRANDT
33 THEREALBANDIT
40 BEWLEYS BERRY
40 CALLING BRAVE
40 GREY ABBEY
40 IDLE TALK
40 IRISH HUSSAR
40 KING HARALD
40 LACDOUDAL
40 NEPTUNE COLLONGES
40 OUR VIC
40 SILVER BIRCH
50 GRAPHIC APPROACH
50 HORS LA LOI III
50 LIMERICK BOY
50 REBEL RHYTHM
66 ANOTHER RUM
66 BIG-AND-BOLD
66 KELTIC BARD
66 OUR ARMAGEDDON
66 ROYAL EMPORER
100 BALLYCASSIDY
100 BLACK DE BESSY
100 CHIVES
100 HIGH MOON
100 INCA TRAIL
100 IZNOGOUD
100 JOES EDGE
100 LEASE BACK
100 LORD SAM
100 PRINCE OF TARA
100 TIKRAM
100 VENN OTTERY
150 ASTONVILLE
150 NIL DESPERANDUM
200 BE MY ROYAL
250 BRIGADIER BROWN
500 EARLY EDITION
500 TURNIUM
three places at a quarter of the odds

THE totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup

Analysis

The Ł400,000 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is always eagerly anticipated and this year is no exception, with the knowledge that a new name will be added to the race’s prestigious roll of honour.

The untimely death of triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate and the season-ending tendon injury suffered by last year’s victor Kicking King have robbed chasing’s Blue Riband of its two most recent heroes, but a record 64-strong entry -15 more than the previous record of 49 entries in 2003 - indicates that a thrilling, top-class spectacle is once more assured on Friday, March 17.

The Irish captured the prize last year and the Emerald Isle has a nine-strong entry this time, headed by Beef Or Salmon who will be lining up for his fourth assault on the race.

Michael Hourigan’s 10-year-old fell at the third fence in 2003 before running fourth to Best Mate in 2004. He put up a lacklustre show and was pulled-up behind his compatriot Kicking King last term.

Beef Or Salmon showed himself to be in superb form over Christmas when landing his third Lexus Chase in impressive fashion with a four-length defeat of fellow entrant, War Of Attrition.

The last named looked a force to be reckoned with when handing Kicking King a three-length beating at Punchestown in October and then defeating Rathgar Beau in the Clonmel Oil Chase.

Willie Mullins has entered the 2005 John Smith’s Grand National winner Hedgehunter who ran fourth in the Lexus Chase, one place behind the Michael O’Brien-trained Forget The Past.

Iris’s Gift defeated the mighty Baracouda in the 2004 Ladbrokes World Hurdle at The Festival. The Jonjo O’Neill-trained grey has won three from five starts over fences. He is a hugely exciting prospect but was found wanting when second to Darkness at Newbury in November.

Charlie Egerton’s novice impressed with that Newbury success and augmented his reputation with two victories over Zabenz at Cheltenham and Sandown in December. He could be joined by stablemate Graphic Approach.

Robert Alner captured the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cool Dawn in 1998 and he has Sir Rembrandt, runner-up in 2004 and third last year, and the hugely promising novice The Listener entered alongside Kingscliff.

The latter missed the last two Festivals through injury but could attempt to add to his resounding victory in the 2003 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase.

The nine-year-old took the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November with Beef Or Salmon and Kicking King filling the minor placings. A mistake at the 10th fence saw him pulled up in the King George VI Chase on his next start. He is unbeaten in two outings at Cheltenham.

Paul Nicholls saddled See More Business to victory in 1999 and this season’s leading handler has the most entries of any trainer.

His six include Royal Auclair who was fourth in last year’s renewal before finishing runner-up in the Grand National, 2004 Coral Welsh National winner Silver Birch, Heros Collonges, and Best Mate’s brothers Cornish Rebel and Inca Trail.

The most intriguing of Nicholls’ sextet is Hors La Loi III, who could attempt to emulate Dawn Run and become the second Champion Hurdle winner to add the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 11-year-old landed the 2002 Smurfit Champion Hurdle for trainer James Fanshawe but was not seen for over two and a half years until landing a novice chase in exuberant style in December.

The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the few races to have eluded Martin Pipe but the record-breaking trainer has five possible candidates for glory. Celestial Gold captured the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in 2004 but finished a disappointing seventh in this race last year. He has not raced since but could line up alongside the 2005 Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Our Vic.

Pipe has also entered the exciting Joaaci, an impressive course and distance winner on New Year’s Day, along with Iznogoud and Therealbandit.

Nicky Henderson is another leading trainer yet to break his Gold Cup duck. The Seven Barrows handler could be four-handed with 2003 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Fondmort, Calling Brave, Irish Hussar and the novice Crozan.

Four French raiders could vie for the Ł400,000 prize but the only likely Gallic victor would be the Francois Doumen-trained L’Ami, who could emulate the trainer’s 1994 winner The Fellow. The seven-year-old followed a good second to Trabolgan in this season’s Hennessy with a decent fourth in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

The Fergus Wilson-owned trio of Astonville, Turnium and High Moon complete the French challenge but face a mountainous task.

Last year’s runner-up Take The Stand has been in good form without winning this season and, given his favoured good ground, may attempt to go one better.

The Philip Hobbs-trained Monkerhostin, an agonisingly close second to Kicking King in the King George VI Chase, could bid for the Grade One glory that so narrowly eluded him.

Hobbs may also saddle Lacdoudal and the 2003 Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner One Knight, a faller at the last when lying second in this season’s Welsh National.

Harbour Pilot, third in 2003 and 2004, appears to have seen better days, while the 12-year-old Grey Abbey, the top-rated staying chaser in Britain last season, will have to improve on two lacklustre efforts this term.

Howard Johnson’s grey could be joined by his stablemates Bewleys Berry and the lightly-raced Lord Transcend, while fellow northern trainer Nicky Richards could run last season’s good novice Jazz D’Estruval and 2002 Powers Gold Cup winner Big-And-Bold.

Our Armageddon won the 2004 Cathcart Challenge Cup and, along with Scottish National winner Joes Edge and Sue Smith’s trio of Chives, Rebel Rhythm and Royal Emperor, could further strengthen the northern-trained challenge.

Ollie Magern looked a potential star when running away with the Charlie Hall Chase in October but he has since posted two below-par efforts in the Betfair Chase and the King George.

The eight-year-old’s trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, has also entered 2004 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle winner Fundamentalist. The eight-year-old was well beaten over two miles in December but that was his first start for almost 12 months.

King Harald captured the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at The Festival last season, but, like former classy novice Lord Sam, he has failed to fire this term.

Tikram landed the 2004 Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup for trainer Gary Moore and is yet another Festival winner who could take his chance in the big one.

It is 17 years since David Elsworth led in Desert Orchid after his famous victory and the trainer could saddle the consistent handicapper Black De Bessy.

Impek could represent the ever popular Best Mate team of Henrietta Knight and Jim Lewis although the distance may stretch his stamina.

Be My Royal, first past the post in the 2002 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup but subsequently disqualified, has failed to recapture his best form after a career-threatening injury, while the Oliver Carter pair of Venn Ottery and Early Edition face a stiff task.

Tom George could saddle the well-regarded pair Lord Of Illusion and Idle Talk, while the lightly-raced Lease Back has an entry along with Limerick Boy and the increasingly frustrating Ballycassidy.

The Irish-trained quartet of Another Rum, winner of the National Hunt Chase at The Festival in 2005, Brigadier Brown, Prince of Tara and Nil Desperandum, complete the entry.

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP FACTS

1. The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. The total prize money for the 2006 running will be Ł400,000, up from Ł350,000 in 2005.

2. The first Cheltenham Gold Cup was a three-mile Flat race in 1819, won by a Mr Bodenham’s Spectre. The chase as we now know it was introduced in 1924, and won that year by Red Splash. The winning prize money was just Ł700.

3. Golden Miller holds the record for the most Gold Cup victories, with five consecutive wins from 1932-36. The race is fiercely competitive - so much so that before Best Mate in 2002, 2003 and 2004, the last horse to win more than once was L’Escargot in 1970 and 1971.

4. Golden Miller’s owner, Dorothy Paget, is also the most successful owner in the race with an amazing seven victories, with Roman Hackle (1940) and Mont Tremblant (1952) adding to Golden Miller’s five wins.

5. The most successful trainer is Tom Dreaper, who won five Gold Cups with three separate horses, namely Prince Regent (1946), Arkle (1964-66) and Fort Leney (1968).

6. Tony McCoy’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle/totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup double in 1997 on Make A Stand and Mr Mulligan was the 11th time that the big-race double has been landed by one jockey in the same year. The other jockeys to have achieved the feat were Dick Rees (1929), Tom Cullinan (1930), Ted Leader (1932), Bill Stott (1933), Gerry Wilson (1935), Aubrey Brabazon (1949 and 1950), Tim Molony (1953), Fred Winter (1961) and Norman Williamson (1995).

7. Alderbrook and Master Oats in 1995 enabled Norman Williamson and Kim Bailey to join a very select group of jockey and trainer partnerships who have won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup in the same year. The other partnerships were Tom Cullinan and Jack Anthony in 1930, Ted Leader and Basil Briscoe in 1932, Bill Stott and Basil Briscoe in 1933, and Aubrey Brabazon and Vincent O’Brien in both 1949 and 1950.

8. Dawn Run is the only horse to have won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. She was successful in 1984 and 1986 respectively.

9. The longest-priced winner of the Gold Cup is Norton’s Coin, who started at 100/1 in 1990, while the shortest-priced winner was Arkle, the 1/10 favourite in 1966.

10. The last grey Gold Cup winner was Desert Orchid in 1989.

11. totesport has sponsored the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1980.

12. In the Gold Cup's history only six horses have won more than once, and the most recent of them is Best Mate in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The others were L'Escargot (1970/71) Easter Hero (1929/30), Golden Miller (1932/33/34/35/36), Cottage Rake (1948/49/50) and Arkle (1964/65/66). Their successes were all in consecutive years.

13. The last 24 runnings have seen eight 9-year-olds, seven 8-year-olds, five 10-year-olds and four 7-year-olds be successful. The last horse over the age of 10 to win was 12-year-old What A Myth in 1969.

14. Seven of the last 24 favourites have justified the market confidence - Kicking King last year, Best Mate in 2003 and 2004, Master Oats in 1995, Desert Orchid in 1989, Dawn Run in 1986 and Bregawn in 1983. Six of the last seven favourites have reached the frame or won - See More Business was fourth in 2000, Florida Pearl third in 1999 and Dorans Pride third in 1998.

15. The three Irish-trained winners in the last 24 runnings were Kicking King last season, Imperial Call in 1996 and Dawn Run 10 years before that. Irish-trained horses did better between 1946 and 1977 when 16 successes were achieved. The only French–trained winner was The Fellow in 1994 while there has also been a Welsh-trained victor in Norton’s Coin (1990).

Previous results - totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup

2005-KICKING KING 7-11-10 Owner-Conor Clarkson; Trainer-Tom Taaffe IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-4/1F
2ND-Take The Stand 9-11-10 Owner-The Courters; Trainer-Peter Bowen; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-25/1
3RD--Sir Rembrandt 9-11-10 Owner-Alan Hordle; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-12/1
15 ran, Time-6m 42.9s, Dist-5, 8

2004-BEST MATE 9-11-10 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-8/11F
2ND-Sir Rembrandt 8-11-10 Owner-Alan Hordle; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-33/1
3RD-Harbour Pilot 9-11-10 Owner-Kays Syndicate; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-20/1
10 ran, Time-6m 42.60s, Dist-.5, 1.25

2003-BEST MATE 8-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-13/8F
2ND-Truckers Tavern 8-12-00 Owner-Margaret & Ray Scholey; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Davy Russell; SP-33/1
3RD- Harbour Pilot 8-12-00 Owner-Kays Syndicate; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-40/1
15 ran, Time-6m 39.00s, Dist-10, 2 .5

2002-WINNER-BEST MATE 7-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-7/1
2ND-Commanche Court 9-12-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-25/1
3RD-See More Business 12-12-00 Owner-Sir Robert Ogden and Paul Barber; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Joe Tizzard; SP-40/1 18 ran, Time-6m 50.10s, Dist-1.75, 8 9/2 Fav Looks Like Trouble (13th)

2001-Cancelled

2000-WINNER-LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE 8-12-00 Owner-Tim Collins; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-9/2
2ND-Florida Pearl 8-12-00 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-9/2
3RD-Strong Promise 9-12-00 Owner-Exors of the Late Geoff Hubbard; Trainer-Chris Kinane; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-20/1 12 ran, Time-6m 30.3s, Dist-5, nk 9/4 Fav See More Business (4th)

1999-WINNER-SEE MORE BUSINESS 9-12-00 Owner-Paul Barber and John Keighley; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-16/1
2ND-Go Ballistic 10-12-00 Owner-Sheila Lockhart; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-66/1
3RD-Florida Pearl 7-12-00 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-5/2 Fav
12 ran, Time-6m 41.9s, Dist-1, 17

1998-WINNER-COOL DAWN 10-12-00 Owner-Hon. Dido Harding; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-25/1
2ND-Strong Promise 7-12-00 Owner-Geoff Hubbard; Trainer-Geoff Hubbard; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-14/1
3RD-Dorans Pride 9-12-00 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-9/4 Fav
17 ran, Time-6m 39.7s, Dist-1.75, hd

1997-WINNER-MR MULLIGAN 9-12-00 Owner-Michael and Gerry Worcester; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-20/1
2ND-Barton Bank 11-12-00 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-David Walsh; SP-33/1
3RD-Dorans Pride 8-12-00 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Shane Broderick; SP-10/1
14 ran, Time-6m 35.5s, Dist-9, .5 4/1 Fav Imperial Call (pu)

1996-WINNER-IMPERIAL CALL 7-12-00 Owner-Lisselan Farms Ltd; Trainer-Fergie Sutherland IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-9/2
2ND-Rough Quest 10-12-00 Owner-Andrew Wates and Lady Wates; Trainer-Terry Casey; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-12/1
3RD-Couldnt Be Better 9-12-00 Owner-Dick Whittle; Trainer-Charlie Brooks; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-11/1
10 ran, Time-6m 42.5s Dist-4,19 11/8 Fav One Man (6th)

1995-WINNER-MASTER OATS 9-12-00 Owner-Paul Matthews; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-100/30 Fav
2ND-Dubacilla 9-11-09 Owner-Henry Cole; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Dean Gallagher; SP-20/1
3RD-Miinnehoma 12-12-00 Owner-Freddie Starr; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-9/1
15 ran, Time-6m 56.20s Dist-15,15

1994-WINNER-THE FELLOW 9-12-00 Owner-Marquesa de Moratalla; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Adam Kondrat; SP-7/1
2ND-Jodami 9-12-00 Owner-John Yeadon; Trainer-Peter Beaumont; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-6/4 Fav
3RD-Young Hustler 7-12-00 Owner-Gavin MacEchern; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-20/1
15 ran, Time-6m 40.6s Dist-1.5, 4

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup ROLL OF HONOUR

(totesport Gold Cup since 2006, totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup 2004-2005, Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup 1980-2003, Piper Champagne Cheltenham Gold Cup 1975-1979, no sponsor before 1975)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2005 Kicking King 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe IRE Conor Clarkson 4/1F 15
2004 Best Mate 9-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 8/11F 10
2003 Best Mate 8-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 13/8F 15
2002 Best Mate 7-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 7/1 18
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Looks Like Trouble 8-12-00 Richard Johnson Noel Chance Tim Collins 9/2 12
1999 See More Business 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Paul Nicholls Paul Barber/John Keighley 16/1 12
1998 Cool Dawn 10-12-00 Andrew Thornton Robert Alner Hon. Miss Dido Harding 25/1 17
1997 Mr Mulligan 9-12-00 Tony McCoy Noel Chance Michael & Gerry Worcester 20/1 14
1996 Imperial Call 7-12-00 Conor O’Dwyer Fergie Sutherland IRE Lisselan Farms Ltd 9/2 10
1995 Master Oats 9-12-00 Norman Williamson Kim Bailey Paul Matthews 100/30F 15
1994 The Fellow 9-12-00 Adam Kondrat Francois Doumen FR Marquesa De Moratalla 7/1 15
1993 Jodami 8-12-00 Mark Dwyer Peter Beaumont John Yeadon 8/1 16
1992 Cool Ground 10-12-00 Adrian Maguire Toby Balding Whitcombe Manor Racing Stables 25/1 8
1991 Garrison Savannah 8-12-00 Mark Pitman Jenny Pitman Autofour Engineering 16/1 14
1990 Norton’s Coin 9-12-00 Graham McCourt Sirrell Griffiths Sirrell Griffiths 100/1 12
1989 Desert Orchid 10-12-00 Simon Sherwood David Elsworth Richard Burridge 5/2F 13
1988 Charter Party 10-12-00 Richard Dunwoody David Nicholson Claire Smith & Jenny Mould 10/1 15
1987 The Thinker 9-12-00 Ridley Lamb Arthur Stephenson T P M McDonagh Ltd 13/2 12
1986 Dawn Run 8-11-09 Jonjo O'Neill Paddy Mullins IRE Charmian Hill 15/8F 11
1985 Forgive N' Forget 8-12-00 Mark Dwyer Jimmy FitzGerald T Kilroe and Sons Ltd 7/1 15
1984 Burrough Hill Lad 8-12-00 Phil Tuck Jenny Pitman Stan Riley 7/2 12
1983 Bregawn 9-12-00 Graham Bradley Michael Dickinson James Kennelly 100/30F 11
1982 Silver Buck 10-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Christine Feather 8/1 22
1981 Little Owl 7-12-00 Mr Jim Wilson Peter Easterby Robin Wilson 6/1 15
1980 *Master Smudge 8-12-00 Richard Hoare Arthur Barrow Arthur Barrow 14/1 15
1979 Alverton 9-12-00 Jonjo O'Neill Peter Easterby Snailwell Stud Co Ltd 5/1JF 14
1978 Midnight Court 7-12-00 John Francome Fred Winter Olive Jackson 5/2 10
1977 Davy Lad 7-12-00 Dessie Hughes Mick O'Toole IRE Mrs Joe McGowan 14/1 13
1976 Royal Frolic 7-12-00 John Burke Fred Rimell Sir Edward Hanmer 14/1 11
1975 Ten Up 8-12-00 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 2/1 8
1974 Captain Christy 7-12-00 Bobby Beasley Pat Taaffe IRE Mrs Jane M A Samuel 7/1 7
1973 The Dikler 10-12-00 Ron Barry Fulke Walwyn Mrs D W August 9/1 8
1972 Glencaraig Lady 8-12-00 Frank Berry Francis Flood IRE P Doyle 6/1 12
1971 L'Escargot 8-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 7/2JF 8
1970 L'Escargot 7-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 33/1 12
1969 What A Myth 12-12-00 Paul Kelleway Ryan Price Lady Weir 8/1 11
1968 Fort Leney 10-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Colonel John Thomson 11/2 5
1967 Woodland Venture 7-12-00 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Harry Collins 100/8 8
1966 Arkle 9-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 1/10F 5
1965 Arkle 8-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 3/10F 4
1964 Arkle 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 7/4 4
1963 Mill House 6-12-00 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Bill Gollings 7/2F 12
1962 Mandarin 11-12-00 Fred Winter Fulke Walwyn Madame Peggy Hennessy 7/2 10
1961 Saffron Tartan 10-12-00 Fred Winter Don Butchers Colonel Guy Westmacott 2/1F 9
1960 Pas Seul 7-12-00 Bill Rees Bob Turnell John Rogerson 6/1 11
1959 Roddy Owen 10-12-00 Bobby Beasley Danny Morgan IRE Lord Fingall 5/1 11
1958 Kerstin 8-12-00 Stan Hayhurst Verly Bewicke George H Moore 7/1 9
1957 Linwell 9-12-00 Michael Scudamore Charlie Mallon David Brown 100/9 13
1956 Limber Hill 9-12-00 Jimmy Power Bill Dutton John Davey 11/8F 11
1955 Gay Donald 9-12-00 Tony Grantham Jim Ford P J Burt 33/1 9
1954 Four Ten 8-12-00 Tommy Cusack John Roberts A Strange 100/6 6
1953 Knock Hard 9-12-00 Tim Molony Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 11/2 12
1952 Mount Tremblant 6-12-00 Dave Dick Fulke Walwyn Dorothy Paget 8/1 13
1951 Silver Fame 12-12-00 Martin Molony George Beeby Lord Bicester 6/4F 6
1950 Cottage Rake 11-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 5/6F 6
1949 Cottage Rake 10-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 4/6F 6
1948 Cottage Rake 9-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 10/1 12
1947 Fortina 6-12-00 Mr Richard Black Hector Christie Lord Grimthorpe 8/1 12
1946 Prince Regent 11-12-00 Tim Hyde Tom Dreaper IRE Jimmy Rank 4/7F 6
1945 Red Rower 11-12-00 Davy Jones Lord Stalbridge Lord Stalbridge 11/4F 16
1943/1944 No race
1942 Medoc II 8-12-00 Frenchie Nicholson Reg Hobbs Lord Sefton 9/2 12
1941 Poet Prince 9-12-00 Roger Burford Ivor Anthony D Sherbrooke 7/2 10
1940 Roman Hackle 7-12-00 Evan Williams Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget Evs 7
1939 Brendans Cottage 9-12-00 George Owen George Beeby Mrs Arthur Smith-Bingham 8/1 5
1938 Morse Code 9-12-00 Danny Morgan Ivor Anthony Lt Col Dealtry Part 13/2 6
1937 No race (flooded)
1936 Golden Miller 9-12-00 Evan Williams Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget 21/20F 6
1935 Golden Miller 8-12-00 Gerry Wilson Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 1/2F 5
1934 Golden Miller 7-12-00 Gerry Wilson Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 6/5F 7
1933 Golden Miller 6-12-00 Billy Stott Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 4/7F 7
1932 Golden Miller 5-11-05 Ted Leader Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 13/2 6
1931 No race (frost)
1930 Easter Hero 10-12-00 Tommy Cullinan Jack Anthony John Hay Whitney 8/11F 4
1929 Easter Hero 9-12-00 Dick Rees Jack Anthony John Hay Whitney 7/4F 10
1928 Patron Saint 5-11-05 Dick Rees Stanley Harrison F W Keen 7/2 7
1927 Thrown In 11-12-00 Hon Hugh Grosvenor Owen Anthony Lord Stalbridge 10/1 8
1926 Koko 8-12-00 Tim Hamey Alfred Bickley Frank Barbour 10/1 8
1925 Ballinode 9-12-00 Ted Leader Frank Morgan IRE J C Bentley 3/1 4
1924 Red Splash 5-11-05 Dick Rees Fred Withington Major Everard Wyndham 5/1 9
*Master Smudge finished second to Tied Cottage, who was subsequently disqualified for failing a post-race urine test

2005 totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP RESULT
Class A, Grade One, Ł365,980 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3m 2.5f. Weights: 5yo 11st; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: Ł212,268.40; 2nd: Ł80,515.60; 3rd: Ł40,257.80; 4th: Ł18,299; 5th: Ł9,149.50; 6th: Ł5,489.70

1) KICKING KING (Conor Clarkson) Tom Taaffe IRE 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty 4/1 Fav
2) TAKE THE STAND (The Courters) Peter Bowen 9-11-10 Tony Dobbin 25/1
3) SIR REMBRANDT (Alan Hordle) Robert Alner 9-11-10 Andrew Thornton 12/1
4) ROYAL AUCLAIR (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls t8-11-10 Christian Williams 40/1
5) GREY ABBEY (The Roper Family & Norman Furness) Howard Johnson 11-11-10 Graham Lee 15/2
6) STRONG FLOW (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Ruby Walsh 5/1
7) CELESTIAL GOLD (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 7-11-10 Timmy Murphy 9/2
8) BALLYCASSIDY (Roddy Owen & P Fullagar) Peter Bowen 9-11-10 Seamus Durack 80/1
9) THEREALBANDIT (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 8-11-10 Tony McCoy 16/1
10) ASTONVILLE (Fergus Wilson) Michael Scudamore 11-11-10 Tom Scudamore 500/1
F) PIZARRO (Edward Wallace) Edward O'Grady IRE v1 8-11-10 Davy Russell 14/1
PU) BEEF OR SALMON (Joe Craig) Michael Hourigan IRE 9-11-10 Paul Carberry 5/1
PU) TIUTCHEV (The Liars Poker Partnership) Martin Pipe 12-11-10 Robert Thornton 50/1
PU) TRUCKERS TAVERN (Margaret Scholey) Ferdy Murphy t10-11-10 Brian Harding 100/1
PU) VENN OTTERY (Oliver Carter) Martin Pipe t10-11-10 Jamie Moore 200/1

15 ran Non-Runner: Rule Supreme (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: Sunnyhill Stud Breeding: b g Old Vic - Fairy Blaze (IRE) (Good Thyne)
Dist: 5, 8, nk, 9, 1 1/4, 1/2, 14, 11, dist
Tote Win: Ł4.40 Places: Ł2.30; Ł6.20; Ł2.80 Exacta: Ł131.90

Winning Trainer: Tom Taaffe Big Race Wins include: Byrne Group Plc Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Kicking King); Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase (2004 Kicking King); Champion Chase (2004 Kicking King); John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2004 Kicking King); King George VI Chase (2004 Kicking King) Background: Former jockey, son of Pat Taaffe, who rode 400 winners and partnered Arkle to his three victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 1964 to 1966 and won the race again as a jockey on Fort Leney in 1968. Pat also won chasing’s Blue Riband as a trainer with Captain Christy in 1974 Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2005 Kicking King)

Winning Jockey: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: one of six children from a “horse-mad” family in Drumree. His father Tucker was a useful amateur rider and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brothers Ross and Norman are both jockeys. The former won the 2002 Irish Grand National on The Bunny Boiler, while Norman is an amateur who doubles as a farrier. Barry has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that arena in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride the following month. Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Cheltenham Festival Wins (9): Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer), William Hill Trophy Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003, 2005 Moscow Flyer), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift) Big Race Wins: Grand National (2003 Monty’s Pass), Midlands Grand National (1998 Miss Orchestra), Melling Chase (2004 Moscow Flyer), Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle (1999 Moscow Flyer), Evening Herald Champion Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Moscow Flyer), Intervet Trophy (2002 Stormez), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2002 Cyfor Malta), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio), Tingle Creek Chase (2003 & 2004 Moscow Flyer) Wins in Britain in 2002/3-2003/4: 26; 13 Wins This Season (In Britain): 9 Second win of The Festival 2005

THE 2006 FESTIVAL

Tuesday, Wednesday ,Thursday and Friday, March 14 to 17, 2006

First Day - Tuesday, March 14 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 110y Ł100,000
* 2.35 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase(Grade 1) 2m Ł140,000
* 3.15 Smurfit Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 2m 110y Ł340,000
* 4.00 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 3m 110y Ł80,000
4.40 Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase 3m 7f Ł40,000
5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 2m 110y Ł75,000

Second Day - Wednesday, March 15 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f Ł100,000
* 2.35 Royal & SunAlliance Chase (Grade 1) 3m 110y Ł140,000
* 3.15 Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2m Ł290,000
* 4.00 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) 2m 5f Ł75,000
4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 3m 110y Ł50,000
5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) 2m 110y Ł40,000

Third Day - Thursday, March 16 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed Race) 2m 5f Ł80,000
* 2.35 Ryanair Chase (Grade 2) 2m 5f Ł150,000
* 3.15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m Ł230,000
* 4.00 Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 2m 5f Ł75,000
4.40 National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup 4m 1f Ł50,000
5.20 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed Race) 3m Ł60,000

Fourth Day – Friday, March 17 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f Ł100,000
* 2.35 Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m Ł75,000
* 3.15 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m 2f 110y Ł400,000
* 4.00 Christie's Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2f 110y Ł40,000
4.40 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade 3) 2m 110y Ł75,000
5.20 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 1f Ł65,000

* Channel 4 Televised Races

TOTAL PRIZE MONEY IN 2006 OF Ł2,870,000
(Ł2,710,000 in 2005)

2006 FESTIVAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES

TOTAL ENTRIES

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

2006 - 64
2005 - 40
2004 - 32
2003 - 49
2002 - 43
2001 - 38
2000 - 44
1999 - 46
1998 - 38
1997 - 44
1996 - 38
1995 - 35
1994 - 46
1993 - 31
1992 - 25
1991 - 29
1990 - 32

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

2006 - 9
2005 - 5
2004 - 9
2003 - 9
2002 - 8
2001 - 13
2000 - 9
1999 - 7
1998 - 6
1997 - 8
1996 - 7
1995 - 6
1994 - 7
1993 - 6
1992 - 2
1991 - 3
1990 - 2

Irish-trained successes at the Cheltenham Festival

2005-9*
2004-4
2003-6
2002-5
2001-cancelled
2000-3
1999-5
1998-4
1997-3
1996-7
1995-4
1994-3
1993-6
1992-2
1991-2
1990-2
1989-0
1988-1
1987-1
1986-4
1985-2
1984-4
1983-5
1982-6
1981-3
1980-4
1979-5
1978-6
1977-7

* record, although The Festival was previously three days

GOING AT THE FESTIVAL SINCE 1981

TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY/ FRIDAY

2005 Good & Cross Country: Good To Soft (Soft in places)/ Good, Good to Soft in places/ Good / Good

2004 Good/ Good / Good, Good to Soft in places

2003 Good Good to Soft in places/ Good Good to Soft in places/ Good Good to Soft in places

2002 Good to Soft, Good in places/ Good to Soft/ Good, Good to Soft in places

2001 cancelled

2000 /Good / Good, Good to Firm in places /Good to Firm,Good in places

1999 /Good to Soft,Soft in places/ Good to Soft,Good in places/ Good to Soft,

1998 / Good to Soft/ Good/ Good

1997 /Good /Good, Good to Firm in places/ Good, Good to Firm in places

1996 / Good to Soft/ Good to Soft,Good in places/ Good

1995 /Soft/ Soft/ Soft

1994 /Good, Soft in places/ Good to Soft/ Good, Good to Soft in places

1993 /Ch: Good, Good to Firm in places Hdle: Good to Firm,Good in places/ Good to Firm/ Good to Firm

1992 /Good / Good / Good

1991 /Good to Soft/ Good to Soft / Good

1990 / Good to Firm / Good / Good to Firm

1989 / Good to Soft/Soft / Soft / Heavy

1988 / Soft / Heavy / Soft

1987 / Good / Good / Good/Good to Soft

1986 / Good to Soft / Good / Good

1985 / Good / Good / Good

1984 / Good / Good / Good

1983 / Good to Soft / Good to Soft / Good to Soft

1982 / Heavy / Heavy / Heavy

1981 / Heavy / Soft / Soft

MARTIN PIPE'S ENTRIES

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup

2006 - 5
2005 - 4
2004 - 5
2003 - 9
2002 - 6
2001 - 4
2000 - 4
1999 - 9
1998 - 4
1997 - 2
1996 - 6
1995 - 2
1994 -11

Martin Pipe's 34 winners at The Festival

2005
Contraband - Irish Independent Arkle Chase
Fontanesi - Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle
2004
Well Chief - Irish Independent Arkle Chase
Maximize - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase
2003
Royal Predica - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase
Liberman - Weatherbys Champion Bumper
2002
Ilnamar-Coral Eurobet Cup
Blowing Wind-Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup
Royal Auclair-Cathcart Challenge Cup
2000
Dark Stranger-Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup
1999
Hors La Loi III - Citroen Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Majadou - Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup
1998
Champleve - Guinness Arkle Chase
Unsinkable Boxer - Unicoin Homes Gold Card Final (Handicap Hurdle)
Cyfor Malta - Catchcart Challenge Cup Chase
Blowing Wind - Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle
1997
Or Royal - Guinness Arkle Challenge Trophy
Make A Stand - Smurfit Champion Hurdle
Big Strand - Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
Terao - Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
1996
Cyborgo - Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle
Challenger Du Luc - Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase
1995
Kissair - Daily Express Triumph Hurdle
1994
Balasani - Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle
1993
Granville Again - Smurfit Champion Hurdle
Olympian - Coral Cup
1992
Miinnehoma - Sun Alliance Chase
1991
Chatam - Cathcart Chase
Omerta - Kim Muir Handicap Chase
Rolling Ball - Sun Alliance Chase
1990
Regal Ambition - Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle
1989
Sayfar's Lad - Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle
Sondrio - Trafalgar House Supreme Novices' Hurdle
1981
Baron Blakeney - Daily Express Triumph Hurdle

Martin Pipe is the most successful current trainer at the Cheltenham Festival, with Nicky Henderson next on 28 victories and Edward O’Grady in third place on 17 successes.

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive