ADMISSION PRICES - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - Club £65, Tattersalls £35,
Best Mate £20. Friday - Club £80, Tattersalls £50, Best Mate sold out.
The Festival's four novice hurdles each have huge three-figure entries,
which are revealed today, with a string of lightly-raced and exciting
performers set to line up in the contests.
There are a record 53 Irish-trained entries among the 131 engaged in the
Grade One ANGLO IRISH BANK SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE. Ante-post favourite De
Valira, trained by Michael O'Brien, and Hide The Evidence, who was seventh
in yesterday's AIG Europe Champion Hurdle, are among those who will bid to
add to Ireland's five wins in the last eight runnings of the Festival pipe
opener on Tuesday, March 13.
The impressive Nicky Henderson-trained mare Amaretto Rose and the James
Fanshawe-trained Buster Hyvonen, a winner at Huntingdon last week, are among
the home-trained team.
There are 137 entries for the Grade One BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES'
HURDLE, run on Wednesday, March 14, and Aran Concerto, one of a record 59
entries from Ireland, heads ante-post lists after runaway victories on his
last two starts for trainer Noel Meade. Wichita Lineman and Tidal Bay, first
and second for Jonjo O'Neill and Howard Johnson respectively at Cheltenham
on Saturday, the Henrietta Knight-trained Ringaroses, winner of both his
hurdling starts, and Silverburn - whose brother Denman finished second in
last year's contest - are other notable entries.
Last year's Grade One JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE winner Detroit City is favourite
for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle and there look to be many potential
star performers in this year's line-up.
These include the Alan King-trained Katchit, who was successful again at
Cheltenham on Saturday in the Wragge & Co Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle from Good
Bye Simon, representing French trainer Thierry Doumen, Pauillac from David
Pipe's stable, the Paul Nicholls-trained Predateur and the Philip
Hobbs-trained Pancake. Smart Flat performer Mountain had been due to make
his hurdling debut in the same race but missed it because of the heavy
ground. Degas Art has been an impressive winner on both his starts for
Howard Johnson, while a couple of intriguing entries are Ermine Sea, who
finished third in the Group 3 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and is now trained
by Henrietta Knight, and Noddies Way, whose Flat debut came when a 500/1
outsider for the Vodafone Derby in June.
Purple Moon, at 440,000gns the record paid for a Flat horse to go jumping,
is one of several expensive purchases in the field. The Venetia
Williams-trained Lightning Strike and Warsaw Pact from Philip Hobbs' stable
each cost 200,000gns while Gary Moore's pair King's Head and Mon Michel were
bought for a combined total of 250,000gns. The Eoin Griffin-trained Lounaos,
a good fourth in yesterday's AIG Europe Champion Hurdle, is among 34
Irish-trained entries in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Wichita Lineman, trained like last year's winner Black Jack Ketchum by Jonjo
O'Neill, is among 116 entries in the Grade Two BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES'
HURDLE, also run on Friday, March 16. Colin Tizzard's stable star Flight
Leader, third in the Grade Two Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on
Saturday, and the Eoin Griffin-trained Kazal, one of 40 entries from Ireland
and winner of a Leopardstown Grade Three on Sunday, are others with
excellent form.
Andy Clifton, Cheltenham's Communications Manager, said: "Two of last year's
novice hurdle winners, Detroit City and Black Jack Ketchum, are now leading
fancies for championship honours at this year's Festival and it will be
fascinating to see which future stars emerge from this year’s four novice
hurdles."
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £120,000, 2.00pm Tuesday, March 13, 2007,
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 24, 2007 (131 entries), entries
released, Monday, January 29, forfeit stage February 20. Six-day
confirmation stage, March 7, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 12. Form
figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including Thursday,
January 25, 2007. May not include some overseas form.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
1 ACADEMY REWARD (IRE) 7 R S T Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
0-32121 AITMATOV (GER) 6 John O'Meara Noel Meade IRE
10-111 AMARETTO ROSE 6 Weatherbys Racing Club Nicky Henderson
4-1122 AMEEQ (USA) 5 C E Stedman Gary Moore
5/01-1 AMSTECOS (IRE) 7 Sean Macklin Brian Hamilton IRE
ANOTHER BOTTLE (IRE) 6 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
1611 ARAN CONCERTO (IRE) 6 John Corr Noel Meade IRE
132 BLYTHE KNIGHT (IRE) 7 Maxilead Limited John Quinn
141 BUSTER HYVONEN (IRE) 5 Simon Gibson James Fanshawe
1-51223 CASEY JONES (IRE) 6 Gillian Burke Noel Meade IRE
112 CATCH ME (GER) 5 J P O'Shea Edward O'Grady IRE
4-13 CEDRUS LIBANI (IRE) 6 Matthew Green and Howard Johnson Howard Johnson
502020- CLASSIC ROLE 8 Pillar To Post Racing Lawrence Wells
116-112 CLOPF (IRE) 6 Bernard Anthony Heffernan Edward O'Grady IRE
14546F COBHAM 7 New Court Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
24 CORTINAS (GER) 5 W Brindle, Barry Fulton,Tony Hayward & A Merritt Charlie
Mann
21 CROCODILE DUNDEE (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
211116 CUAN NA GRAI (IRE) 6 John Brennan Paul Nolan IRE
150-520 DANCING HERO (IRE) 6 J Brohan Tom Foley IRE
112220 DAVENPORT DEMOCRAT (IRE) 9 P M Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
2/4-0114 DE SOTO 6 Peter Deal Paul Webber
1-211 DE VALIRA (IRE) 5 D Mac A'Bhaird Michael O'Brien IRE
1 DEUTSCHLAND (USA) 4 Allan McLuckie Willie Mullins IRE
DIKTATORIAL 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
6510-4 DON CASTILLE (USA) 5 D P Barrie & M J Rees Paul Webber
161 DOONEYS GATE (IRE) 6 Thomas Gilligan Willie Mullins IRE
F DZESMIN (POL) 5 JAS Partnership Richard Guest
2 EBAZIYAN (IRE) 6 Peter Garvey Willie Mullins IRE
0-3135 RIO DE JANEIRO (IRE) 6 Fraser Miller Racing Emma Lavelle
212 ROBIN DU BOIS (FR) 4 Seamus Ross Tony Martin IRE
1/11-113 ROLL ALONG (IRE) 7 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Carl Llewellyn
00-265 ROYAL RHYTHM (IRE) 5 John Murphy John Murphy IRE
SALUTE HIM (IRE) 4 Patsy Byrne Tony Martin IRE
U3 SCOTLAND YARD (UAE) 4 John Brown & Michael Blackburn David Pipe
212P SELF RESPECT (USA) 5 Sir Robert Ogden Alan King
25-0410 SHANGHIDE 6 J Fitzgerald Mouse Morris IRE
2 SHAZAND (FR) 4 Simon Tindall Edward O'Grady IRE
0P-1416 SHE'S OUR DAISY (IRE) 7 G Regan Bob Buckler
SIGNATORY (USA) 5 J P McManus Noel Meade IRE
21-211 SILVERBURN (IRE) 6 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
31-21 SIR BOREAS HAWK 5 William Powrie Alan Swinbank
2-5113 SIZING EUROPE (IRE) 5 Alan Potts Henry de Bromhead IRE
3/F305- SNOW PATROL 6 Michael Watt Philip Hobbs
341 SPECIAL ENVOY (FR) 5 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Peter Bowen
0/3-121 TAGULA BLUE (IRE) 7 Boston R S Ian Bennett Ian Williams
364-0 THE FLYING FARRIER (IRE) 6 Mrs K Fitzgibbon Liam Roche IRE
00-304 THE SLIOTAR (IRE) 6 Cathal Ryan Mouse Morris IRE
2413P2 THENFORD FLYER (IRE) 7 Fools With Horses Dominic ffrench Davis
22-111 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
3/06-110 TIPPERARY ALL STAR (FR) 7 Cathal Ryan Mick Halford IRE
13-10 TURTLE DUBH (IRE) 6 The Caesar Club Eamon Sheehy IRE
TYSON (SAF) 7 Paul Beck, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood M Slack Venetia
Williams
VALAIN (IRE) 4 J P McManus Charlie Swan IRE
WARSAW PACT (IRE) 4 Mrs D L Whateley Philip Hobbs
52-06U WHATSABILLION (IRE) 5 Don't Know Syndicate John Murphy
WIND INSTRUMENT (IRE) 6 Ryder Racing Ltd Carl Llewellyn
60-2F11 WINS NOW 6 J P McManus Niall Madden IRE
2 WISE OWL 5 The Wise Partners David Pipe
2122-2 WYLDELLO 6 Mickleton Racing Club Alan King
ZEBRA CROSSING (SAF) 6 Peter Deal Nicky Henderson
131 entries
53 Irish-trained
2 French-trained
ANGLO IRISH BANK SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES
1. The Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle was known as the
Gloucestershire Hurdle until 1974. Capel Cure Sharp backed the contest for
the first time in 2000 and the company, which became Gerrard Wealth
Management, supported the race until 2003. Racecourse caterers Letheby &
Christopher became the sixth sponsor since the initial backer Lloyds Bank in
1974 when supporting the contest in 2004 and 2005. Anglo Irish Bank sponsors
the race for the second time in 2007.
2. The Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is the only race at The
Festival to have been divided. From 1946-1971 when known as the
Gloucestershire Novices’ Hurdle, it divided on no less than 25 occasions. In
1963 and 1946 there were even three divisions.
3. The oldest horse to have won was 12-year-old Beau Caprice in 1966 (Div
One). Three eight-year-olds have also been successful; Like-A-Butterfly in
2002, Sondrio in 1989 and Boys Hurrah in 1956 (Div One).
4. The 1993 winner, Montelado, holds a unique position in the history of The
Festival at Cheltenham. He is the only horse to have won consecutive
Festival races, landing the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in 1992, the last
race of that year’s meeting, and returning to win the Anglo Irish Bank
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 1993, the first race12 months later.
5. The Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has thrown up one winner of
the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and three Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle
heroes. L'Escargot won in 1968, before consecutive Gold Cup triumphs in 1970
and 1971. Bula scored in 1970, before Champion Hurdle victories in 1971 and
1972, while the 2002 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle winner Hors La Loi III
took the race in 1999, and Brave Inca took the Champion Hurdle last year
having landed the novice event in 2004.
6. The race has been won by Irish-trained raiders on no less than 35
occasions, and by the French once. Of the 16 divisions from 1952-59, Vincent
O'Brien won 10. Ireland also kept a stranglehold on the race for seven years
from 1977-83 and have won three of the last five runnings.
7. The smallest field was in 1950, with nine runners in Division 1, and the
largest, 30 runners, for both Harry Hastings' win in 1985 and French
Ballerina in 1998. The maximum field allowed is now 24.
8. Since the race ceased to be divided, big-name jockeys have found the
Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle difficult to win. Tony McCoy,
successful on Hors La Loi III in 1999, is the only one of the last four
champion jockeys to have scored in this particular contest, and only Charlie
Swan (1993 and 2002), Tommy Carmody (1980 and 1983) and Niall Madden (1978
and 1981) have been successful twice.
9. The longest-priced winner was Arctic Kinsman at 50/1 in 1994. The
shortest-priced winners at 4/9 were Tsaoko in 1950 and Flyingbolt in 1964.
Favourites have been successful eight times in the 34 runnings since 1972,
with three of the last five winning.
10. The fastest time for the winning horse was achieved by Montelado in 1993
at 3 mins 50.6 secs. French Ballerina came close to that record in 1998 when
her time was 3 mins 50.9 secs.
Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the Anglo Irish Bank
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
10 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE (1995 Tourist Attraction)
8 Entries
Paul Nicholls (2006 Noland)
7 Entries
Noel Meade IRE (2000 Sausalito Bay)
Alan King
6 Entries
Philip Hobbs
Edward O’Grady IRE (Golden Cygnet 1978, Back In Front 2003)
David Pipe
4 Entries
Nicky Henderson (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown)
Howard Johnson (2005 Arcalis)
Tony Martin IRE
Mouse Morris IRE (1983 Buck House)
John Quinn
3 Entries
Carl Llewellyn
Charlie Mann
Paul Webber
2 Entries
Michael Chapman
Charles Egerton (1997 Shadow Leader)
Tom Foley IRE
John Murphy IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Eamonn Sheehy IRE
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1994 Arctic Kinsman)
1 Entry
Peter Bowen
Roger Brookhouse
Bob Buckler
Henry de Bromhead IRE
Francois de Chevigny FR
Francois Doumen FR
James Fanshawe
Dominic Ffrench Davis
Steve Gollings
Eoin Griffin IRE
Richard Guest
Michael Halford
Brian Hamilton IRE
Jessica Harrington IRE
Tom Hogan IRE
Emma Lavelle
Helen Lewis
Niall Madden IRE
Eric McNamara IRE
Brian Meehan
Gary Moore
Ferdy Murphy
Michael O’Brien IRE
Gerard O’Leary IRE
Jonjo O’Neill
Jonnie Portman
Mark Rimell
Liam Roche IRE
Giles Smyly
Tommy Stack IRE
Charlie Swan IRE
Alan Swinbank
Mark Tompkins
Ted Walsh IRE
Lawrence Wells
Sheena West
Ian Williams
Venetia Williams
Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Analysis
The Grade One £120,000 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has
attracted a bumper 131-strong entry, the highest since 2002 and 18 more than
in 2006, including a record 53 from Ireland.
Irish-trained runners have landed four of the last six renewals but last
year the Noel Meade-trained hot favourite Sweet Wake could manage only fifth
behind the Paul Nicholls-trained Noland, with Sublimity the best of the
Irish raiders in fourth.
Michael O’Brien has entered current market leader De Valira, who defeated
the Edward O’Grady-trained Catch Me by a neck in the Grade Two
Paddypower.com Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas
meeting, with Sizing Europe, Mickataine and Turtle Dubh behind.
Meade took this race with Sausalito Bay in 2000 and he has seven entered,
headed by Grade One Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle winner Aran
Concerto, and also including dual hurdle winner Aitmatov, Casey Jones, and
the former John Gosden-trained Signatory, who was bought for 90,000gns by J
P McManus in October but is yet to race over hurdles and has not been seen
since finishing last when favourite for the totesport Ebor at York in
August.
The Jessica Harrington-trained Hide The Evidence, winner of his first four
starts over obstacles, was six lengths too good for the O’Grady-trained
Grade Three scorer Clopf in the Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at
Fairyhouse on December 3.
Willie Mullins, successful with 25/1 shot Tourist Attraction in 1995, has
more entries than any other trainer with his 10 including Davenport
Democrat, who was runner-up to Iktitaf in the Grade Three Anglo Irish Bank
Hurdle at Down Royal in November, the smart Financial Reward, as well as
maiden hurdle winners Orge d’Ete, Deutschland, Dooneys Gate and Nay.
The Irish contingent also includes Paul Nolan’s Galway Hurdle winner Cuan Na
Grai and the same trainer’s Rhacophorus, winner of the Listed mares only
bumper at Aintree in April and subsequently sold for £220,000 at Cheltenham
in April, the record for a jumping mare in training.
Tom Hogan has entered Grade Three winner Kalderon, while course and distance
scorer Tipperary All Star could represent Michael Halford and Brian Hamilton
has entered dual-bumper winner Amstecos. Niall ‘Boots’ Madden won the race
twice as a jockey aboard Golden Cygnet in 1978 and Hartstown in 1981 and has
entered Wins Now who has won both his starts since falling at the last
behind De Valira in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in December.
Tommy Stack could run Perce Rock who was a fine second to the
Nicholls-trained Silverburn in the Grade One Anglo Irish Bank Tolworth
Hurdle at Sandown on January 6.
Silverburn is one of the leading home-based novices and is part of Nicholls’
eight-strong entry. The Ditcheat handler also has Granit Jack who was
runner-up to Labelthou in the Grade Two Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle
at Sandown in December, last season’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper third Kicks
For Free, unbeaten French import Oslot, classy Flat recruits Ouninpohja and
Another Bottle, Pepporoni Pete and impressive Taunton winner Predateur.
Nicky Henderson has entered the classy mare Amaretto Rose, who defeated
Hobbs Hill at Ascot in December and had Leslingtaylor well behind on heavy
ground when winning the Grade Two Anglo Irish Bank Novices’ Hurdle at
Haydock recently, as well as Zebra Crossing, winner of the prestigious Group
One J&B Met on the Flat in South Africa last year, and French import Monfils
Monfils - who made a winning debut on Huntingdon on January 24.
Howard Johnson saddled Arcalis to success in 2005 and he has entered Tidal
Bay, who was second at Cheltenham on Saturday and had won his previous three
starts over hurdles this term, as well as Cedrus Libani, and Flat Group
Three winners Crocodile Dundee and Diktatorial.
De Soto, runner-up to Missed That in the 2005 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at
The Festival, won twice over hurdles this term before finishing fourth to
Silverburn at Sandown on January 6.
The Charlie Mann-trained My Turn Now fell at the last when making headway in
that Grade One contest and had won all his previous four starts over
hurdles. Mann has also entered Cortinas and Moon Over Miami who was
successful over two miles at Cheltenham in the Grade Two Anglo Irish Private
Banking Novices’ Hurdle in November.
The latter was subsequently held in second by the Ian Williams-trained
Tagula Blue in the Grade Two Mitie Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot in
December.
Alan King has engaged Self Respect who defeated Moon Over Miami at Kempton
in October, as well as King’s Revenge, My Petra, Onyx Bruere, Pouvoir, Pur
de Sivola and Wyldello.
David Pipe has entered Pauillac, unbeaten in two starts in Britain before
running third at Cheltenham on Saturday, Kavatcha, My Immortal, Osana,
Scotland Yard and Wise Owl.
Venetia Williams has an interesting entry in the seven-year-old Tyson, a
Grade Three winner on the Flat in South
Africa and twice a winner at the Dubai International Racing Carnival in
2006, who has yet to race over hurdles.
Philip Hobbs has engaged dual winner Liberate, Manhattan Boy, Snow Patrol,
200,000gns purchase Warsaw Pact, Odal d’Airy and Huntingdon winner French
Saulaie.
The James Fanshawe-trained Buster Hyvonen was useful on the Flat and made it
two wins from three starts over hurdles when defeating Royal Ascot winner
I’m So Lucky and Et Maintenant at Huntingdon on January 24.
John Quinn has entered Blythe Knight, Pevensey and King’s Quay alongside
Leslingtayor, while Brian Meehan has engaged Junior and Charles Egerton
could run Pukka, who finished ninth in the 2004 Derby.
Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented by Ouragan de Prairie and Platin
Grounds, while Carl Llewellyn has entered Nightfly, Wind Instrument and Roll
Along. Gary Moore could run Ameeq, who was runner-up to Detroit City in the
Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham’s Open meeting, while Emma Lavelle has Rio De
Janeiro engaged, and Alan Swinbank may run dual bumper winner Sir Boreas
Hawk.
The French entry consists of the Francois Doumen-trained Grand Bleu, who
defeated the Francois De Chevigny-trained Kaldonn Speed at Fontainebleau in
December.
THE BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £120,000, 2.00pm, Cheltenham, Wednesday,
March 14, 2007. Two miles and five furlongs. For novice four-year-olds and
upwards. Weights: four-year-olds 10st 12lb; five-year-olds and upwards 11st
7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 24,
2007. Entries revealed Monday, January 29 (137 entries). Forfeit stage
Tuesday, February 20. Six-day confirmation stage March 8. Final declaration
stage 10.00am, Tuesday, March 13. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and
are correct up to and including the racing of Thursday, January 25. May not
include some overseas form.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
1 ACADEMY REWARD (IRE) 7 RST Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
P-51 AIR FORCE ONE (GER) 5 Brian Walsh (Co Kildare) Charlie Mann
0-32121 AITMATOV (GER) 6 John O'Meara Noel Meade IRE
0431 ALBANOV (IRE) 7 Ronnie Scott Four Syndicate Jessica Harrington IRE
52-11P3 AMALFITANO (IRE) 7 P Senezio Karl Wyse IRE
AMERICAN CRICKET (IRE) 6 Ryder Racing Ltd Carl Llewellyn
5/01-1 AMSTECOS (IRE) 7 Sean Macklin Brian Hamilton IRE
1611 ARAN CONCERTO (IRE) 6 John Corr Noel Meade IRE
1-421 ARRIVE SIR CLIVE (IRE) 6 J P Dunne Philip Fenton IRE
2331-16 ASKTHEMASTER (IRE) 7 C Wall Robert Tyner IRE
2 ATOUCHBETWEENACARA (IRE) 6 Paul Beck Suzy Smith
0-22246 BADGERLAW (IRE) 7 Lynn Wilson Jessica Harrington IRE
1-312 BARBERS SHOP 5 The Queen Nicky Henderson
13FP BATTLECRY 6 Hamsard Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies
10/402-1 BEST ACTOR (IRE) 8 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
1-05311 BLACK HARRY (IRE) 7 Sean O'Driscoll Willie Mullins IRE
21-13 BLEAK HOUSE (IRE) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
2232-11 BRADLEY BOY (IRE) 6 Steve Hemstock Carl Llewellyn
Edward O’Grady IRE (1980 Drumlargan, 1982 Mister Donovan)
David Pipe
Paul Webber
3 Entries
Jessica Harrington IRE
2 Entries
Peter Bowen
Noel Chance
Joe Crowley IRE
Philp Fenton IRE
Howard Johnson (2005 No Refuge)
Charlie Mann
Tony Martin IRE
Eric McNamara IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Jonjo O’Neill
Charlie Swan IRE
Evan Williams
Ian Williams
Venetia Williams
1 Entry
Robert Alner
Mark Bradstock
David Bridgewater
Michael Chapman
Jim Dreaper IRE
Tom Foley IRE (1994 Danoli)
Keith Goldsworthy
Eoin Griffin IRE
Brian Hamilton IRE
Dessie Hughes IRE (2003 Hardy Eustace)
Peter Jones
Neil King
Henrietta Knight
Helen Lewis
Shaun Lycett
Brian Meehan
Ferdy Murphy (1998 French Holly)
Jimmy Moffatt
Nicky Richards
Liam Roche IRE
Eamonn Sheehy IRE
Suzy Smith
Tommy Stack IRE
Robert Tyner IRE
Ted Walsh IRE
Sheena West
Karl Wyse IRE
BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES
1. The Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle was introduced to The Festival
in 1971 as the Aldsworth Hurdle. Sun Alliance, who merged with Royal
Insurance in 1996, took it on in 1974, together with the Sun Alliance Chase,
having previously sponsored the Foxhunter Chase. Ballymore Properties
sponsor the contest for the first time in 2007.
2. The Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle, along with the new Brit
Insurance Novices’ Hurdle and the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, are
acknowledged as championship races for the staying novice hurdler and
chaser.
3. Only one horse has won both the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle and
the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Chase. The West Awake took the hurdle race
in 1987 and the chase event a year later.
4. The smallest field for the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle was 14 in
2000, when there were three non-runners. Previously the lowest number of
runners was 15 in 1973, the year of Willie Wumpkins, who later dominated the
Coral Golden Hurdle Final at the Festival with three straight wins from
1979-81. The largest field was 29, achieved in 1979, 1984 and 1991. Last
year there were 17 runners and the safety limit is 24.
5. The Irish-trained 1994 winner, Danoli, was the subject of a massive
gamble and was sent off the 7/4 favourite. The shortest-priced winner was
another Irish victor, Mr Kildare, at 8/11 in 1978. Favourites have been
successful in 12 of the 35 runnings. The longest-priced winner was 40/1
chance Even Dawn in the second running in 1972.
6. Five of the last 18 winners won the Blue Square Novices' Hurdle at
Warwick in mid-February en route to the race. These are Rebel Song (1988),
Sayfar's Lad (1989), Thetford Forest (1992), Putty Road (1995) and Monsignor
(2000). The Warwick race was abandoned in 2006.
7. The Irish have an excellent record in the Ballymore Properties Novices’
Hurdle with 13 wins, including six consecutive victories from 1973-78.
Nicanor, trained by Noel Meade, scored for the Irish last year when
upsetting hot favourite Denman.
8. Aidan O’Brien, Martin Pipe, Oliver Sherwood, Mick O'Toole, Edward O'Grady
and Nigel Twiston-Davies have each won two Ballymore Properties Novices’
Hurdles. Oliver Sherwood and Dessie Hughes are the two trainers to have also
won the race as jockeys. Sherwood was in the saddle on Venture To Cognac in
1979, while his training wins were with The West Awake (1987) and Rebel Song
(1988). Dessie Hughes was twice successful as a jockey with Davy Lad (1975)
and Parkhill (1976) and sent out Hardy Eustace (2003) to victory as a
trainer.
9. The fastest time for the winning horse was 4m 52.0s set by Monsignor in
2000,beating the 4m 56.2s of Regal Ambition in 1990.
10. Istabraq (1997) and Hardy Eustace (2003) both won this race en route to
victory in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle while Davy Lad (1975) went on
to take the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle - Analysis
A total of 137 entries have been received for the £120,000 Grade One
Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle, run over two miles and five furlongs
at Cheltenham on Wednesday, March 14, day two of The Festival 2007, among
them Aran Concerto, described by trainer Noel Meade as "possibly the best
horse I’ve had". The six-year-old only saw a racecourse for the first time
in October but has quickly made up into a top-class performer, landing three
of his four starts, most recently when recording a decisive seven-length
victory over Footy Facts in the Grade One Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial
Novice Hurdle at Navan on December 17.
Noel Meade, who captured last year’s renewal with Nicanor, has 12 entries in
all, including Leading Run, a Grade One bumper winner who finished second to
Dusty Sheehy’s Turtle Dubh at Punchestown in December, and Academy Reward, a
narrow winner on his hurdling debut at Cork on January 21.
The Irish are responsible for a record 59 entries this year. Edward O’Grady,
successful in 1980 with Drumlargan and two years later with Mister Donovan,
has four entries, headed by Catch Me, second to De Valira in the Grade Two
Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 27.
Dessie Hughes won the contest with subsequent dual Smurfit Kappa Champion
Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace in 2003 and has Grangeclare Lark, who completed a
four-timer at Leopadstown in December, as a possible runner this year, while
Tom Foley, trainer of the great Danoli who scored in 1994, has Dancing Hero
engaged.
Howard Johnson has a live candidate in the shape of Tidal Bay, unbeaten in
three hurdles outings before his second at Cheltenham on Saturday, and
conqueror of Kicks For Free in the EBF/Boylesports.com "National Hunt"
Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 8. Bleak House is the other entry
for the trainer of 2005 Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle victor No
Refuge.
Wichita Lineman produced a gutsy display in the Grade One Ballymore
Properties Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury on December 29 and scored
again in the Grade Two Ballymore Properties Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham on
Saturday (Jan 27). Sir Jimmy Shand, Roll Along, Massini’s Maguire and
Battlecry were all behind in the Newbury race. His trainer, Jonjo O’Neill,
has also entered Mountain, eighth behind Sir Percy in the Epsom Derby in
June, who missed make his hurdling debut at Cheltenham on Saturday (January
27).
Champion jump trainer Paul Nicholls is responsible for four entries,
including the exciting Silverburn, who triumphed in the Grade One Anglo
Irish Bank Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown on January 6, beating the Tommy
Stack-trained Perce Rock by four lengths. Charlie Mann’s My Turn Now held
every chance when coming to grief at the final flight.
Henrietta Knight’s Ringaroses has impressed with the manner of his two
victories over hurdles, Hide The Evidence, from the Jessica Harrington
stable, was the stylish winner of the Grade One Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle
at Fairyhouse on December 3, defeating Clopf by six lengths, while last
year’s Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper hero Hairy Molly, trained by Joe
Crowley and third in a Leopardstown hurdle on Sunday, and the Philip
Fenton-trained Arrive Sir Clive are other fascinating contenders.
Nigel Twiston-Davies captured the prize with Gaelstrom in 1993 and
Fundamentalist in 2004, and has seven entries.
THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £120,000. 2.00pm, Cheltenham, Friday,
March 16, 2007. Two miles, one furlong. For novice four-year-olds only.
Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Entries closed Wednesday,
January 24. Entries revealed Monday, January 29 (103 entries). Forfeit stage
Tuesday, February 20, six-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 10. Final
declaration stage 10.00am, Thursday, March 15. Form figures supplied by
Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Thursday,
January 25. May not include some overseas form.
Form Horse Owner Trainer
ADAJAL (IRE) J P McManus Charlie Swan IRE
ALDE GOTT (FR) Sean Mulryan Didier Prod'homme FR
2 ALQAAB (USA) Munnelly Support Services Ltd Noel Meade IRE
161 ALTILHAR (USA) H R Hunt Gary Moore
430 PARTADI (FR) Mette Campbell-Andenaes Paul Nicholls
BEAU NASH (USA) Peter Deal & Chris Grant David Pipe
BEDOUIN BLUE (IRE) Blue Lion Racing VII Patrick Haslam
0-02 CADOULITIQUE (FR) Martin Pipe David Pipe
1452 CELTIC WARRIOR (IRE) Mrs K Fitzgibbon Liam Roche IRE
101 CONVINCING John Murphy John Murphy IRE
CORUM (IRE) Nick Shutts Karen Waldron
COUNTING HOUSE (IRE) Wally Sturt Jim Old
CROOKHAVEN J P Kelly John Murphy IRE
363 DARUSSO Tom & Evelyn Yates Stan Moore
11 DEGAS ART (IRE) Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
13 DEPUTY CONSORT (USA) Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
1 DEUTSCHLAND (USA) Allan McLuckie Willie Mullins IRE
2 DUTY (IRE) D J Sharkey Kevin O'Brien IRE
ELCANOS (GER) Seamus Carroll Tony Martin IRE
ERMINE SEA Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Henrietta Knight
4 ESTIQRAAR (IRE) Mrs B Neville Noel Meade IRE
EUMENE (IRE) Paul Vogt Chris Bealby
213150 EUROPEAN DREAM (IRE) You Trotters Richard Guest
32-13 FAUCON BLEU (FR) Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Henrietta Knight
1241 FINANCIAL REWARD (IRE) Mrs M Warde Willie Mullins IRE
311122 FREEZE THE FLAME (GER) Matthew Green & The Outlaws Charles Egerton
GALILEO GALILEI (IRE) Brian Comer Luke Comer IRE
GEE DEE NEN David Noblett Mark Tompkins
2121 GOOD BYE SIMON (FR) J Hayoz Thierry Doumen FR
1 GRAND BLEU (IRE) Uplifting Bloodstock Ltd Francois Doumen FR
5 HAPPY REUNION (IRE) J Sullivan Charlie Swan IRE
F HONOUR'S DREAM (FR) Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tom George
HOUSE OF BOURBON (IRE) Arabian Ranches Syndicate Charlie Swan IRE
4 INGRATITUDE (IRE) Club ISM & JSC Sport Nicky Henderson
111120 IS IT ME (USA) J T Billson Paul Blockley
02311 ISLAND LIFE (IRE) Ann O'Brien Noel Meade IRE
5221 JACK ABSOLUTE (IRE) Valerie O'Connor John Murphy IRE
1P JAYO (FR) Peter Garvey Willie Mullins IRE
14 JIMBOREAL (FR) Lord Vestey Henrietta Knight
2 JUNIOR Paul Green Brian Meehan
11211 KATCHIT (IRE) D S J P Syndicate Alan King
KHACHATURIAN (IRE) Brendan Richardson and Jon Glews Donald McCain Jnr
KING'S HEAD (IRE) The Gingerbread Men Gary Moore
21 KING'S REVENGE Ian, Jonny & Richard Kirkham Alan King
LAST WARRIOR More Busted Sofa's Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
44P142 LAUSTRA BAD (FR) Sarah Ling David Pipe
63 LEARNING THE BLUES (FR) Lady Clarke David Pipe
112 LIBERATE Mrs D L Whateley Philip Hobbs
LIGHTNING STRIKE (GER) John Nicholls (Trading) Ltd Venetia Williams
234U LORD ADONIS (IRE) Brooklands Racing Kahlil Burke
LOS CABOS (IRE) Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
11 LOUNAOS (FR) Martine Griffin Eoin Griffin IRE
130 LOUP DU SAUBOUAS (FR) C Kearney Noel Meade IRE
33 MARKINGTON Ron Stepney Peter Bowen
3F MARSAM (IRE) Liam Mulryan John Murphy IRE
MOBAASHER (USA) Charlie Mann Charlie Mann
F MON MICHEL (IRE) The Gingerbread Men Gary Moore
MOUNTAIN (IRE) Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
00 MUNNINGS (IRE) Sociable Seven Syndicate Tony Martin IRE
1114 MY PETRA Mrs P S Wallace Alan King
5 NAUGHTY DIESEL Naughty Diesel Ltd Brian Ellison
1222 NED LUDD (IRE) M J Vandenberghe Jonny Portman
NODDIES WAY Wayne Cox John Panvert
NORTH WALK (IRE) Alan Baxter Jennie Candlish
P PAKTOLOS (FR) P Finnegan Alan King
06411 PANCAKE (FR) Andrew Cohen Philip Hobbs
10313 PARRAIN (FR) D Dormeuil Francois Doumen FR
311 PAUILLAC (FR) David Johnson David Pipe
PENN DA BENN (FR) Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
0 PHILANTHROPIST Cunningham Racing Evan Williams
5 PIANO PLAYER (IRE) Steve Jenkins & Francine Colling Richard Phillips
540 PIGEON ISLAND Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
4013 POLINAMIX (FR) Lord & Countess Donoughmore I David Pipe
12F POMMEROL (FR) Eric Puerari Francois Doumen FR
31 POQUELIN (FR) The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
F221 POUVOIR (FR) Bob and Pauline Scott Alan King
31 PREDATEUR (FR) T Kilduff, C Donlon L Scott-Macdonald Paul Nicholls
012 PRINCE ARY Belinda Harvey & Andrew Black David Pipe
PRINCE DES NEIGES (FR) Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
1F0 PSYCHO CAT Simon Lewis Simon Lewis
PUNJABI Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
5-00553 PUR DE SIVOLA (FR) Thurloe 50 Alan King
1 PURPLE MOON (IRE) Craig Bennett Nicky Richards
211 RASLAN D J Reid David Pipe
6 REMEMBER RAMON (USA) Maggie Findlay Philip Hobbs
212 ROBIN DU BOIS (FR) Seamus Ross Tony Martin IRE
SALUTE HIM (IRE) Patsy Byrne Tony Martin IRE
0 SAVANNAH Brian Comer Luke Comer IRE
U3 SCOTLAND YARD (UAE) John Brown & Michael Blackburn David Pipe
26 SHAZAND (FR) Simon Tindall Edward O'Grady IRE
SIR RIQUE (FR) I Russell Philip Hobbs
SOUTH WEST ONE (USA) Pat Sloan Noel Meade IRE
r144 SUPSONIC Bill Gavan Philip Hobbs
TOP JARO (FR) A Ram, A Baggie, A Red & Big Al Jennie Candlish
31100 TOTAL VICTORY (IRE) Borg Syndicate Tom Hogan IRE
113 TRITONIX (IRE) J P McManus Philip Hobbs
7 VALAIN (IRE) J P McManus Charlie Swan IRE
53 VAQUERAS (FR) Howard Spooner Jessica Harrington IRE
WARSAW PACT (IRE) Mrs D L Whateley Philip Hobbs
0 YELLOW RIDGE (IRE) Luke Comer Luke Comer IRE
ZANDERI (IRE) John J Brennan Paul Nolan IRE
2222 ZILCASH David Bellamy & Stephen Williams Alan King
103 entries, 34 Irish-trained, 5 French-trained
Breakdown of Entries per Trainer and Past Successes in the JCB Triumph
Hurdle
9 Entries
David Pipe
8 Entries
Philip Hobbs (2004 Made In Japan, 2006 Detroit City)
7 Entries
Alan King (2005 Penzance)
5 Entries
Noel Meade IRE
4 Entries
Tony Martin IRE
Willie Mullins IRE (2002 Scolardy)
John Murphy IRE
Charlie Swan IRE
3 Entries
Luke Comer IRE
Francois Doumen FR (2000 Snow Drop)
Henrietta Knight
Gary Moore
Paul Nicholls
2 Entries
Jennie Candlish
Nicky Henderson (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino)
Michael O’Brien IRE (1993 Shawiya)
1 Entry
Chris Bealby
Paul Blockley
Peter Bowen
Kahlil Burke
Thierry Doumen FR
Charles Egerton
Brian Ellison
Tom George
Eoin Griffin IRE
Richard Guest
Jessica Harrington IRE
Pat Haslam
Tom Hogan IRE
Dessie Hughes IRE
Howard Johnson
Simon Lewis
Charlie Mann
Donald McCain Jnr
Brian Meehan
Stan Moore
Paul Nolan IRE
Kevin O’Brien IRE
Edward O’Grady IRE (1984 Northern Game)
Jonjo O’Neill (2003 Spectroscope)
Jim Old
John Panvert
Richard Phillips
Jonny Portman
Didier Prod’homme FR
Liam Roche IRE
Mark Tompkins
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1998 Upgrade)
Karen Waldron
Evan Williams
Ian Williams
Venetia Williams
Nicky Richards
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES
1. The JCB Triumph Hurdle was formerly run at Hurst Park and transferred to
Cheltenham in 1965 on the closure of the London course.
2. JCB, which supports the contest for the sixth time this year, is only the
race’s third sponsor. The Elite Racing Club was due to back the race for a
fifth time in 2001 when The Festival was cancelled, while the Daily Express
sponsored from 1965 to 1996. The race was originally run at the April
Meeting but was transferred to The Festival in 1968.
3. The JCB Triumph Hurdle has been one of the most competitive races of The
Festival. Last year’s field of 17 was by far the smallest since Connaught
Ranger beat 13 rivals in 1978 - the recent introduction of the Fred Winter
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle has meant that the JCB Triumph Hurdle now attracts
the very best four-year-olds. The race regularly reached the safety factor,
reduced from 28 to 24 in 2004. In fact, the 14 runners in Connaught Ranger's
year probably had more to do with the transfer of the race to April
following the abandonment of racing on Gold Cup day than any loss of its
competitive nature. The smallest field was for its first running at
Cheltenham in 1965, when seven runners took part. The largest field was 31
in 1970.
4. Since the race has been at Cheltenham, there has only once been an
odds-on winner of the Triumph Hurdle. This was Attivo, owned by former BBC
TV commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan, in 1973 at 4/5. The longest-priced
winners were Baron Blakeney, Shiny Copper and Ikdam at 66/1 in 1981, 1982
and 1989.
5. Two horses have gone on from winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle to victory in
the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle. Persian War won the Triumph in 1967, and
reeled off three Champion Hurdles from 1968-70, while Kribensis won the
Triumph in 1988 and the Champion Hurdle in 1990. Last year’s winner Detroit
City is ante-post favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
6. The JCB Triumph Hurdle has a good record of home-trained winners. The
French won it on four consecutive occasions at Hurst Park from 1950-53,
again in 1955 and with Snow Drop in 2000. There have only been six Irish
successes (1977,1984,1990, 1993, 1997 and 2002). No trainer has been able to
dominate the race. The late Fred Rimell and Nicky Henderson are the only
trainers to have won it three times.
7. Among jockeys, Jimmy Uttley was successful three times. Fred Winter,
Steve Smith Eccles and Richard Dunwoody had two winners as has current rider
Richard Johnson, but perhaps the most interesting name is that of Lester
Piggott, who won the race on King Charlemagne when run at Hurst Park in
1954.
8. The fastest time for the winning horse is 3m 51.20s, recorded last year
by Detroit City. The previous best was 3m 52.90s, set by Snow Drop in 2000.
9. It has a justifiable reputation for being one of the more unpredictable
contests at The Festival - there have been three 66/1 winners and only eight
successful favourites since 1965.
10. It was in the 1981 JCB Triumph Hurdle that Martin Pipe, the 15-time
champion jump trainer who retired at the end of the 2005/06 season, enjoyed
his first Festival success with the 66/1 shot Baron Blakeney.
11. Three fillies have been successful; Snow Drop in 2000, Mysilv in 1994
and Shawiya in 1993.
JCB Triumph Hurdle - Analysis
Alan King’s Katchit is among a high-class entry of 103 for the £120,000
Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle, run over two miles, one furlong at Cheltenham
on Friday, March 16, the final day of The Festival 2007.
The Kalanisi gelding - successful again at Cheltenham on Saturday - has won
five of his six starts over hurdles, taking the boylepoker.com Juvenile
Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 9, having previously scored at
Prestbury Park in the Grade Two Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle
in November, getting the better of the Charlie Egerton-trained Freeze The
Flame.
King, who landed the JCB Triumph Hurdle in 2005 with Penzance, is
responsible for seven entries in all, including Pouvoir, who got off the
mark in this country with a comfortable win at Kempton on January 13,
defeating Prince Ary, trained by David Pipe, by 14 lengths.
Philip Hobbs sent out Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle fancy Detroit City to
score last year, having also hit the bullseye in 2004 with Made In Japan,
and the West Country handler has eight entries this year, among them dual
Newbury victor Pancake, Liberate, successful in two of his three hurdles
outings so far, and Warsaw Pact, yet to race over hurdles but bought off the
Flat for 200,000 guineas at Tattersalls in October, having previously been
trained by Sir Mark Prescott.
Lounaos, a good fourth in Sunday’s AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, has
been most impressive in both hurdles starts to date for her handler Eoin
Griffin, taking the Grade Two Durkan New Homes Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown
on Boxing Day without breaking sweat, with Robin Du Bois, Deputy Consort,
Financial Reward, Loup Du Saubouas, Total Victory and Convincing all well
beaten off.
Francois Doumen recorded a success for France in the 2000 JCB Triumph Hurdle
with Snow Drop, and he has three of the five French-trained entries this
year, including Pommerol, who fell when still travelling well in Katchit’s
race at Cheltenham in December, while his son Thierry - on board Snow Drop
for his Festival triumph - has Grade One Champion Finale Juvenile Hurdle
scorer and Saturday’s second Good Bye Simon entered.
Purple Moon, a Listed-class performer on the Flat, was bought to go jumping
for 440,000guineas and repaid a tiny percentage of that massive outlay when
scoring on his hurdling debut at Musselburgh on January 5, while Mountain
was eighth behind Sir Percy in the Epsom Derby in June when trained by Aidan
O’Brien, and missed his hurdling debut at Cheltenham on Saturday for his
current handler, Jonjo O’Neill, who saddled Spectroscope to victory in the
2003 JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Martin Pipe, who retired at the end of the 2005/06 season, landed the first
of his 34 Cheltenham Festival winners in the 1981 JCB Triumph Hurdle with
Baron Blakeney, and son David will be hoping to follow in his father’s
illustrious footsteps at his first Festival this year. He has nine entries
in all, ths highest entry from any trainer, including Pauillac, winner of
his first two starts in this country having been bought from France by
leading owner David Johnson, and third at Cheltenham
on Saturday.
Degas Art, trained by Howard Johnson, made a bright start to his hurdling
career when defeating Katchit at Wetherby in October, doubling up at Aintree
a month later when denying Pouvoir by half a length.
Champion jump trainer Paul Nicholls has three entries, including Poquelin,
who edged out Liberate at Kempton Park in December, and Predateur, a facile
nine-length scorer at Taunton on January 8, while Nicky Henderson, who has
landed the JCB Triumph Hurdle three times with First Bout (1985), Alone
Success (1987) and Katarino (1999), has two entries in Ingratitude, fourth
to Pancake on his hurdling bow at Newbury on December 29, and Punjabi, who
is yet to run over obstacles.
There are 34 Irish-trained entries overall - equalling last year’s record
number - with Noel Meade leading the challenge with five contenders who
include Island Life, most impressive in beating Jack Absolute on his last
two outings on heavy ground. Willie Mullins, trainer of 2002 JCB Triumph
Hurdle scorer Scolardy, has four entries, including Jayo, disappointing when
pulled up behind Convincing at Punchestown on January 13 having scored
readily on his hurdling bow at Limerick the previous month, and Deutschland,
successful at the first time of asking over hurdles at Punchestown on
December 31.
THE BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 2, Total Prize Fund £80,000, 2.35pm Friday, March 16, 2007,
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 24, 2007 (116 entries), entries released, Monday, January 29,
forfeit stage February 20. Five-day confirmation stage March 10, final
declaration stage 10.00am, March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and
are correct up to and including Thursday, January 25. May not include some
overseas form.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
F1U112 ABRAGANTE (IRE) 6 David Johnson David Pipe
2/44-113 ACCORDELLO (IRE) 6 Mr & Mrs W J Williams Keith Reveley
1221 ACES OR BETTER (IRE) 6 Sue Magnier Mags Mullins IRE
P-51 AIR FORCE ONE (GER) 5 Brian Walsh (Co. Kildare) Charlie Mann
52-11P3 AMALFITANO (IRE) 7 P Senezio Karl Wyse IRE
AMERICAN CRICKET (IRE) 6 Ryder Racing Ltd Carl Llewellyn
0/23-111 ARCTIC ECHO 8 R P Dineen Alan Swinbank
1-421 ARRIVE SIR CLIVE (IRE) 6 J P Dunne Philip Fenton IRE
2331-16 ASKTHEMASTER (IRE) 7 C Wall Robert Tyner IRE
2 ATOUCHBETWEENACARA (IRE) 6 Paul Beck Suzy Smith
3/530- AZKABAN WINGS (IRE) 6 Joseph Joyce Murty McGrath
0-22246 BADGERLAW (IRE) 7 Lynn Wilson Jessica Harrington IRE
14 BALLYVOGE (IRE) 6 Craig Bennett Nicky Richards
1-312 BARBERS SHOP 5 The Queen Nicky Henderson
1-21 BENETWOOD (IRE) 6 J P McManus Victor Dartnall
10/402-1 BEST ACTOR (IRE) 8 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
1-05311 BLACK HARRY (IRE) 7 Sean O'Driscoll Willie Mullins IRE
21-13 BLEAK HOUSE (IRE) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
2232-11 BRADLEY BOY (IRE) 6 Steve Hemstock Carl Llewellyn
22-111 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
3-52054 TOUGH ENOUGH (IRE) 5 M O'Callaghan John Murphy IRE
304-12 TRIGGER THE LIGHT 6 Fred & Sue Welch & Mrs A A Shutes Alan King
334-1 VINANDO 6 Evelyn Hankinson Charles Egerton
100-121 WICHITA LINEMAN (IRE) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
1-34 WILLIE PEP (IRE) 6 Rhydian Morgan-Jones Charles Egerton
412- WOODBINE WILLIE (IRE) 6 J Gleeson Philip Fenton IRE
2122-2 WYLDELLO 6 Mickleton Racing Club Alan King
116 entries
40 Irish-trained
1 French-trained
FACTS AND FIGURES BRIT INSURANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
1.The Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle was added to The Festival in 2005 and
provides a valuable opportunity for staying novice hurdlers as it is run
over three miles.
2.The inaugural running went to Moulin Riche, trained by Francois Doumen in
France and partnered to success by Robert Thornton.
3. Last year’s renewal saw Black Jack Ketchum, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and
ridden by Tony McCoy, extend his unbeaten record to six with an impressive
nine-length success.
BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE BRIT INSURANCE
NOVICES’ HURDLE
7 Entries
Noel Meade IRE
Willie Mullins IRE
6 Entries
Philip Hobbs
5 Entries
Carl Llewellyn
4 Entries
Nicky Henderson
Nicky Richards
Nigel Twiston-Davies
3 Entries
Joe Crowley IRE
Charles Egerton
Jessica Harrington IRE
Howard Johnson
Alan King
Mouse Morris IRE
John Murphy IRE
Paul Nicholls
David Pipe
Paul Webber
2 Entries
Peter Bowen
Bob Buckler
Victor Dartnall
Philip Fenton IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Charlie Swan IRE
Evan Williams
1 Entry
James Bowe IRE
David Bridgewater
Noel Chance
Michael Cunningham IRE
Francois Doumen FR (2005 Moulin Riche)
Jim Dreaper IRE
Keith Goldsworthy
Eoin Griffin IRE
Gardie Grissell
Harry Hogarth
Peter Jones
Neil King
Emma Lavelle
Helen Lewis
Len Lungo.
Shaun Lycett
Charlie Mann
Murty McGrath
Jimmy Moffatt
Gary Moore
Hughie Morrison
Margaret Mullins IRE
Seamus Mullins
Ferdy Murphy
Michael O’Brien IRE
Jonjo O’Neill (2006 Black Jack Ketchum)
Keith Reveley
Sue Smith
Suzy Smith
Alan Swinbank
Colin Tizzard
Robert Tyner IRE
Sheena West
Ian Williams
Karl Wyse IRE
Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle - Analysis
The Grade Two £80,000 Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle over three miles is now
in its third year and has attracted 116 entries with 40 from Ireland and one
from France.
Black Jack Ketchum scored a sensational victory for trainer Jonjo O’Neill in
2006, and the Jackdaws Castle handler could bid for a follow-up success with
Wichita Lineman, a half-brother to the trainer’s brilliant hurdler
Rhinestone Cowboy and winner of the Grade One Ballymore Properties Challow
Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury in December and the Grade Two Ballymore
Properties Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. Wichita Lineman easily
held Sir Jimmy Shand and Massini’s Maguire at Newbury, having earlier
defeated the top-class Silverburn at Aintree.
Massini’s Maguire, winner of the Gideon Kasler Novices’ Hurdle from Wichita
Lineman at Cheltenham in November but beaten in third on Saturday, is one of
six Philip Hobbs entries, which also includes Chepstow winner Leading
Contender.
Colin Tizzard has entered the soft ground-loving Flight Leader, twice
successful at Cheltenham this term, who accounted for Labelthou, The
Whisperer, Air Force One, Imperial Commander and Massini’s Maguire in the
Grade Two Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle over the course and distance on
December 9. Flight Leader ran a fine race on Saturday in Cheltenham’s Grade
Two Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle, coming third to Blazing Bailey.
The Emma Lavelle-trained dual Grade Two winner Labelthou previously defeated
Granit Jack, trained by Paul Nicholls, in the Grade Two Ballymore Properties
Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown on December 1. Nicholls has also entered the
former Cheveley Park Stud-owned Elusive Dream, a Listed winner on the Flat,
and impressive Exeter victor Ornais.
Howard Johnson has engaged former top-class bumper horse Tidal Bay, winner
of his first three starts over hurdles and then second to Wichita Lineman on
Saturday since being bought for 300,000gns at Doncaster in May. Johnson also
has the smart Bleak House and the unraced Companero entered.
Keith Reveley has entered his improving mare Accordello, a daughter of the
high-class performer Marello, who has won at Wetherby and Aintree this term,
while Hughie Morrison could be represented by Kempton novice hurdle winner
Secret Ploy, who was 10th to No Refuge in the Grade One Ballymore Properties
Novices’ Hurdle at the 2005 Festival.
Alongside Sir Jimmy Shand, Nicky Henderson could bid for a royal victory
with the Queen’s home-bred Barbers Shop, a winner twice from four starts,
including at Ascot in December, and a half-length second to Secret Ploy at
Kempton. Len Lungo could run Skippers Brig, impressive in minor events at
Ayr and Haydock this term, while Nigel Twiston-Davies’ quartet includes
Imperial Commander.
Carl Llewellyn heads to his first Festival as a trainer with five entries in
the race including two-time winner Bradley Boy, who defeated Leading
Contender at Worcester in October, Fontwell maiden hurdle winner Best Actor,
For All Mankind and the useful Hennessy.
The Alan Swinbank-trained Arctic Echo easily completed a hat-trick in minor
events at Catterick on January 1, while Ian Williams has entered Corrib
Eclipse, a winner over hurdles as well as the marathon Queen Alexandra
Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2004.
Victor Dartnall’s seven-year-old Here’s Johnny gave 28lb and a head beating
to Dancing Dasi at Exeter in December, while David Pipe’s trio includes
smart chaser Joacci who has won both starts since switching to hurdles this
term, as well as French Grade Three winner Little Brick and Abragante, who
was second to the Helen Lewis-trained Celtic Major at Wincanton on January
20.
Evan Williams has an interesting contender in Im Spartacus who defeated
subsequent St Leger winner Scorpion in the Group Three Gallinule Stakes at
the Curragh in May, 2005, and won on his hurdles debut over an extended two
and a half miles at Southwell on December 8. He could be joined by
stablemate Court Ruler.
Irish trainers are seeking a first success in the race. The strong Irish
challenge includes seven possible contenders from both the Willie Mullins
and Noel Meade yards.
Mullins’ septet includes Equus Maximus, not seen since finishing a beaten
favourite in the Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper at last year’s
Festival, as well as Black Harry, easy winner of a three-mile Fairyhouse
novice hurdle on January 21, and victorious over Grade One Weatherbys
Champion Bumper winner Hairy Molly on his debut in a December, 2005,
Leopardstown bumper.
Meade’s entry includes Leading Run who defeated Hairy Molly in the Grade One
Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race at Punchestown in April.
Meade has also entered Bridge Run and Clarnazar, both unbeaten in two
starts, Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle third Cleni Boy, the useful Casey
Jones, Offaly, and the former John Gosden-trained Signatory.
The Eoin Griffin-trained Kazal has won four of five starts and defeated
Earth Magic in the two and a half mile Grade Two Woodlands100 Slaney Novice
Hurdle at Naas on January 7, having held Foligold over two and three-quarter
miles in a Limerick Grade Three in December. Paul Nolan has entered the
classy mare Rhacophorus and Shuil Aris. Philip Fenton has entered useful
bumper performer Woodbine Willie and Arrive Sir Clive who was second to
Grade One winner De Valira in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle in December and
subsequently won over two and a half miles at Leopardstown, with Black Harry
well held in third.
Joe Crowley has entered Pontium, who defeated the John Murphy-trained
Lemonfield at Thurles in December and was subsequently runner-up to Cleni
Boy at the same course, as well as Naas maiden hurdle winner Druid’s Castle
and Hairy Molly. The Michael O’Brien-trained Le Toscan accounted for Leading
Run over two miles, three furlongs at Naas in October and followed up at
Clonmel but was only fifth to Aran Concerto in a Grade One at Navan in
December. Other Irish raiders include the Karl Wyse-trained Amalfitano,
Grade One Royal Bond sixth Askthemaster, trained by Robert Tyner, as well as
the Charlie Swan-trained pair Go Silver Bullet and Gripit N Tipit, and the
promising Mags Mullins-trained Aces Or Better.
Francois Doumen took the inaugural running of this Grade Two contest with
Moulin Riche in 2005 and the French handler has entered Rebond, a winner at
Fontainebleau in September.
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL ENTRIES CLOSE ON JANUARY 31
Entries for the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree close at noon on
Wednesday, January 31.
The world’s most famous chase takes place at 4.15pm on Saturday, April 14,
and has prize money of £700,000, with almost £400,000 going to the winner,
nearly £150,000 to the second and just short of £75,000 to the third, plus
prizes continuing down to the sixth horse home.
The John Smith’s-sponsored showpiece, for six-year-olds and upwards with a
rating of at least 110, has a maximum field of 40 and is run over 30 fences
and four and a half miles.
The 2007 entries are released on Thursday, February 1, while the weights for
the John Smith’s Grand National will be announced at a media lunch in London
on Tuesday, February 13.
The great handicap chase, won last year by the Martin Brassil-trained
Numbersixvalverde, is the highlight of Aintree’s thrilling three-day
meeting, which commences on Thursday, April 12.
The John Smith’s Grand National, along with the John Smith’s Topham Chase
which takes place on Friday, April 13, and has an entry deadline of
Wednesday, March 21, are the only early-closing races at the meeting. All
the other 19 contests over the three days close at the six-day stage.
Prize money at the 2007 meeting is a record £2,320,000.
Charles Barnett, Aintree’s Managing Director, commented: "We wish to remind
connections that the John Smith’s Grand National closes on Wednesday,
January 31.
"Aintree is delighted that John Smith’s are sponsoring the world’s most
recognised and popular jump race for the third time, and we eagerly
anticipate a tremendous set of entries for Europe’s most valuable chasing
prize."
Tickets and hospitality packages are still available for all three days of
the meeting within the grandstands and the Tattersalls Enclosure. To
purchase tickets, telephone 0151 522 2929 or 0151 522 2911 (hospitality).
MURPHY HOPING FOR WETHERBY DOUBLE
£30,000 totepool Towton Novices’ Chase and £26,000 Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle highlights of superb seven-race card
North Yorkshire trainer Ferdy Murphy is looking for a prestigious Grade Two double with classy duo L’Antartique and Negus De Beaumont at Wetherby this Saturday, February 3.
L’Antartique is one of 16 entered for the £30,000 Grade Two totepool Towton Novices’ Chase (3.30pm) over three miles and a furlong, while Negus De Beaumont is among 17 engaged in the £26,000 Grade Two Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (3.00pm).
L’Antartique fell six fences from home when travelling strongly in an extended two and three-quarter mile novice chase at Kelso on Sunday, January 28, but is none the worse for the spill and is ready to test his Cheltenham Festival credentials.
Murphy revealed today: "He’s absolutely 100 percent this morning - he’s bouncing. He’s a high-class horse and I think he was maybe going a bit too easy. Graham (Lee) thought he was just a bit too exuberant and it’s just one of those things."
Murphy’s charge had progressed with each of his four starts over fences prior to his Kelso mishap and ran well when runner-up to Royal Rosa over two miles, four and a half furlongs in the One Man Novices’ Chase at Wetherby on December 2.
L’Antartique broke his duck over the same trip at Bangor on December 23, when staying on gamely to defeat subsequent winner Regal Heights by a length, and Murphy has no doubts that the mud-loving seven-year-old will handle the step up in distance.
The Wynbury Stables handler reported: "The trip wouldn’t worry me because he’ll mix it over any distance. He’s one of those that I think you could run over two miles or three miles and it wouldn’t make a slight bit of difference. We ran him over two and two and a half miles over hurdles and it doesn’t seem to matter to him.
"The ground at present would be ideal for him. A little bit of rain during the week would help because it’s just starting to dry out here."
Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival, Murphy revealed: "We’d be looking at something like the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase or the Racing Post Plate - two miles, five furlongs would be ideal. I don’t think I’d run him in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase."
L’Antartique could come up against his previous Wetherby conqueror, the high-class Howard Johnson-trained Royal Rosa, as well as the Venetia Williams-trained Heez A Dreamer, who defeated Murphy’s charge by the narrowest margin at Uttoxeter in November.
Nicky Richards has entered According To John, whose only defeat in seven starts came when fourth in the Grade One Stan James Feltham Novices’ Chase on Boxing Day, while David Pipe has entered classy staying hurdler Dom d’Orgeval, impressive on his chasing debut at Fakenham on January 15.
The totepool Towton Novices’ Chase, which will be shown live on Channel 4, has a reputation for producing top-class performers and was won last year by subsequent Coral Welsh National winner Halcon Genelardais.
The race was won by the brilliant Mr Mulligan in 1996, who went on to triumph in the Grade One totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup the following season.
Negus De Beaumont will bid for a five-timer in the Grade Two Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle over three miles and a furlong, having secured four consecutive handicap victories prior to Christmas.
The progressive six-year-old defied top-weight on his most recent outing when inflicting a five-length defeat on Young Lorcan in a heavy ground three-mile contest at Uttoxeter on December 15.
Murphy is on a fact-finding mission with his charge, who joined the yard from Frank Jordan before the start of the current campaign.
He revealed today: "I’m delighted with Negus De Beaumont. It’s grand to get a horse like that and he was well-handicapped when we got him. He has progressed a bit and it’s time to see where we want to go with him later on in the season.
"He looks great at the moment and he’s had a good break. Hopefully, he comes back a bit fresh but he’s a horse that takes a lot of work. Graham (Lee) will come and sit on him in the morning and he definitely runs on Saturday."
The Grade Two contest was won last year by the high-class Paul Nicholls-trained Neptune Collonges.
The high-quality seven-race card also features the £20,000 totesport 0800 221 221 Handicap Chase (2.20pm) over two and a half miles, which is live on Channel 4.
LATEST GOING
The going at Wetherby is currently: SOFT, HEAVY IN PLACES
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
Archive
