THE FIRST 2007 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL INFORMATION PACK
KAUTO HEADS 49 HOPEFULS SEEKING THE GOLD
Kauto Star, unbeaten on all four starts this season and regarded by many as the potentially the best chaser of recent times, heads 49 entries for the 2007 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, details of which are revealed today, Monday, January 8.
Owned by Clive Smith and trained by Paul Nicholls, the seven-year-old is on course for the Blue Riband of chasing following his spectacular victories in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park and the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Prize money for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup stands at a record £425,000 this year and the 49-strong entry is one of the largest in recent seasons, just below the 2006 record of 64 and equal to the previous highest number received in 2003.
Opposition to Kauto Star is sure to be strong with all of the first seven horses home in 2006 - War Of Attrition, Hedgehunter, Forget The Past, L’Ami, Take The Stand, Monkerhostin and Sir Rembrandt entered once again.
There is a particularly strong Irish challenge with a record 14 entries. As well as the first three home from last year’s race, the Irish challenge also includes the very exciting In Compliance, conqueror of War Or Attrition in a Grade One event at Punchestown last month, and Beef Or Salmon, who could bid to break his Cheltenham jinx with a fifth attempt at the three miles, two-and-a-half furlongs contest
There are five French-trained entries headed by L’Ami while the best of the British-trained contingent also includes The Listener, who saw off both Beef Or Salmon and War Of Attrition in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 as well as Exotic Dancer, successful in both the Paddy Power and boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham already this season and the Henrietta Knight-trained Racing Demon.
Edward Gillespie, Managing Director at Cheltenham Racecourse, commented: “Kauto Star is one of those rare horses who has truly set the world of Jump racing alight and it will be fascinating to see how he fares in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“This year’s race has attracted a very high-quality entry and it is extremely encouraging to see a record number of horses engaged from Ireland.”
THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Class 1, Grade 1, £425,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.15pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 16, 2007. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the Senior BHB Jumps Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 9 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 9 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the Senior BHB Handicapper shall be final), three miles, two and a half furlongs. Weights: 5yo 11st, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 3, entries revealed January 8 (49 entries), forfeit stage February 20, £21,250 supplementary entry stage March 10, six-day confirmation stage March 10. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 14. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 5.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
1U5-F16 BACK IN FRONT (IRE) 10 Dermot Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
U20P5P BALLYCASSIDY (IRE) 11 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen
2-21212 BEEF OR SALMON (IRE) 11 Joe Craig Michael Hourigan IRE
410U-51 BILLYVODDAN (IRE) 8 Trevor Hemmings Henry Daly
112P-14 BOB BOB BOBBIN 8 Sarah Tizzard Colin Tizzard
50P-211 CANE BRAKE (IRE) 8 Mount Temple Racing Sydicate Tom Taaffe IRE
21P-000 CHURCH ISLAND (IRE) 8 Joe Craig Michael Hourigan IRE
30P-P01 CORNISH REBEL (IRE) 10 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
14PP-2P CROZAN (FR) 7 Trevor Hemmings Noel Henderson
PPP2F-2 DISTANT THUNDER (IRE) 9 Old Moss Farm Noel Chance
P/411P-1 EUROTREK (IRE) 11 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
1F-2112 EXOTIC DANCER (FR) 7 Sir Robert Ogden Jonjo O'Neill
331135- FORGET THE PAST 9 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
4FF0-20 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE) 9 Gripen Nigel Twiston-Davies
1115-11 HALCON GENELARDAIS (FR) 7 Ian Payne & Kim Franklin Alan King
04222-5 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
313-653 HI CLOY (IRE) 10 Susan McCloy Michael Hourigan IRE
1324-26 IDLE TALK (IRE) 8 Mrs M J George Tom George
1123-11 IN COMPLIANCE (IRE) 7 Sean Mulryan Michael O'Brien IRE
242452//- JAHASH 9 Plato Racing Simon Earle
1F-1111 KAUTO STAR (FR) 7 Clive Smith Paul Nicholls
1343-2P KILL DEVIL HILL (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Paul Nolan IRE
1P20-46 KINGSCLIFF (IRE) 10 Arnie Sendell Robert Alner
243-534 L'AMI (FR) 8 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
54P-001 LEADING MAN (IRE) 7 Mrs C McKeane Ferdy Murphy
06-2223 LOUPING D'AINAY (FR) 8 Jean-Paul Senechal Francois Cottin FR
021536 MARBLE GARDEN (USA) 6 Fergus Wilson Richard Chotard FR
1121-16 MONET'S GARDEN (IRE) 9 David Wesley Yates Nicky Richards
2643-34 MONKERHOSTIN (FR) 10 Martin St Quinton Philip Hobbs
34F3-13 MY WILL (FR) 7 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
113-216 NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) 6 John Hales Paul Nicholls
240-346 NIL DESPERANDUM (IRE) 10 Michael Shone Venetia Williams
405-U40 OLLIE MAGERN 9 Roger Nicholls Nigel Twiston-Davies
3UP3-42F OUR BEN 8 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
1P101-1 OUR VIC (IRE) 9 David Johnson David Pipe
1-01F12 PATSY HALL (IRE) 7 C P Byrne Michael Cunningham IRE
1-12241 PRINCESSE D'ANJOU (FR) 6 Jean-Paul Senechal Francois Cottin FR
110-U13 RACING DEMON (IRE) 7 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight
30-13P2 SIR REMBRANDT (IRE) 11 Alan Hordle Robert Alner
1U111/-F SLEEPING NIGHT (FR) 11 David and Elizabeth Jackson Paul Nicholls
51-1525 SOUTHERN VIC (IRE) 8 Brendan Graham Ted Walsh IRE
11151-1 STATE OF PLAY 7 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams
044002 SYBELLIUS D'ARTAIX (FR) 7 Fergus Wilson Richard Chotard FR
2U-16P0 TAKE THE STAND (IRE) 11 David Robbins Frank Ridge Peter Bowen
11FF-21 THE LISTENER (IRE) 8 Old Moss Farm Robert Alner
3252-1P TURPIN GREEN (IRE) 8 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Richards
11-1223 WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE
614-236 WATSON LAKE (IRE) 9 John Corr Noel Meade IRE
111115 YES SIR (IRE) 8 Ms Y M Hill Peter Bowen
49 entries
14 Irish-trained
5 French-trained
BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
6 Entries
Paul Nicholls (1999 See More Business)
3 Entries
Robert Alner (1998 Cool Dawn)
Peter Bowen
Michael Hourigan IRE
2 Entries
Richard Chotard FR
Francois Cottin FR
Willie Mullins IRE
Michael O’Brien IRE
Nicky Richards
Nigel Twiston-Davies
1 Entry
Noel Chance (1997 Mr Mulligan, 2000 Looks Like Trouble)
Michael Cunningham IRE
Henry Daly
Francois Doumen FR (1994 The Fellow)
Simon Earle
Tom George
Nicky Henderson
Philip Hobbs
Alan King
Henrietta Knight (2002, 2003 & 2004 Best Mate)
Noel Meade IRE
Mouse Morris IRE (2006 War Of Attrition)
Ferdy Murphy
Paul Nolan IRE
Edward O’Grady IRE
Jonjo O’Neill
David Pipe
Tom Taaffe IRE (2005 Kicking King)
Colin Tizzard
Ted Walsh IRE
Evan Williams
Venetia Williams
LATEST totesport BETTING ON THE totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Monday, January 8, 2007)
11/8 KAUTO STAR, 4 WAR OF ATTRITION, 8 IN COMPLIANCE, 12 STATE OF PLAY, 14 THE LISTENER, 16 OUR VIC, 20 EXOTIC DANCER, 20 RACING DEMON, 25 HALCON GENELARDAIS, 25 HEDGEHUNTER, 25 MONET'S GARDEN, 33 BEEF OR SALMON, 33 CANE BRAKE, 33 FORGET THE PAST, 33 HI CLOY, 33 L'AMI, 33 MONKERHOSTIN, 33 MY WILL, 33 NEPTUNE COLLONGES, 40 SOUTHERN VIC, 40 TAKE THE STAND, 50 CORNISH REBEL, 50 EUROTREK, 50 IDLE TALK, 50 KINGSCLIFF, 50 PATSY HALL, 50 PRINCESSE D'ANJOU, 50 SLEEPING NIGHT, 50 TURPIN GREEN, 50 WATSON LAKE, 66 BACK IN FRONT, 66 KILL DEVIL HILL, 66 OUR BEN, 66 SIR REMBRANDT, 66 YES SIR, 100 BILLYVODDAN, 100 BOB BOB BOBBIN, 100 CHURCH ISLAND, 100 CROZAN, 100 FUNDAMENTALIST, 100 LEADING MAN, 100 LOUPING D'AINAY, 100 OLLIE MAGERN, 150 DISTANT THUNDER, 150 MARBLE GARDEN, 150 NIL DESPERANDUM, 150 SYBELLIUS D'ARTAIX, 200 BALLYCASSIDY, 250 JAHASH
E/W 1/4 THE ODDS A PLACE 1-2-3. ALL QUOTED
totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup - Analysis
Jumping sensation Kauto Star is among a quality 49-strong entry, including a recent record 14 contenders from Ireland, in the £425,000 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, run over three miles and two and a half furlongs at Prestbury Park on Friday, March 16, the final day of The Festival 2007.
The supremely talented seven-year-old, trained by Paul Nicholls, is unbeaten in four races this season, and was tremendously impressive last time out when landing the Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton by eight lengths on Boxing Day, despite making a couple of errors. Having also won the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, he will capture the £1 million Betfair Million if winning the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Nicholls is looking for a second victory in the Cheltenham showpiece, following the success of See More Business in 1999, and has six entries in total, with Becher Chase scorer Eurotrek, Rehearsal Chase winner Neptune Collonges, the enigmatic Cornish Rebel, the ultra-consistent seven-year-old My Will and the useful hunter chaser Sleeping Night also possibles.
War Of Attrition, who provided Ireland with a second successive victory in chasing’s premier prize last year when following in the footsteps of 2005 victor Kicking King, will bid for a repeat win for trainer Mouse Morris, while Tom Taaffe, Kicking King’s trainer, has Paddy Power Chase hero Cane Brake entered in the absence of his injured stable star.
Henrietta Knight’s name will forever be linked with the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup through the exploits of exceptional three-times winner Best Mate, and the Wantage handler has a likely candidate for this year’s renewal in the shape of Racing Demon, a good third to Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on his latest outing.
Cool Dawn gave Robert Alner his finest hour when lifting the Blue Riband of jump racing in 1998, and the Locketts Farm trainer has three strong entries this year, including The Listener and Sir Rembrandt, who has twice finished placed in the event, running second to Best Mate in 2004 and then third to Kicking King two years ago.
Sir Rembrandt ran well when seventh behind War Of Attrition last year, three places ahead of stablemate Kingscliff, while young pretender The Listener enhanced his burgeoning reputation in style with a decisive success over Beef Or Salmon and War Of Attrition in the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28, with Southern Vic and Back In Front back in fifth and sixth place respectively.
The 2006 Gold Cup fourth L’Ami finished fourth in the Lexus Chase behind The Listener last time for trainer Francois Doumen. The French supremo knows what it takes to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, having sent out The Fellow to gain the prize in 1994.
There are five French-trained entries in total, with Richard Chotard responsible for Marble Garden and Sybellius D’Artaix, and Francois Cottin entering Louping D’Ainay and Princess D’Anjou.
One man with a superb totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup record is Noel Chance, having been on the mark with Mr Mulligan in 1997 and Looks Like Trouble in 2000. He has an interesting entry this year in Distant Thunder, a Grade Two winner as a novice, who ran well when second to fellow Gold Cup entry Bob Bob Bobbin at Bangor on November 8.
Michael Hourigan has tried to land the Cheltenham feature on four occasions with Beef Or Salmon, who achieved his best placing when fourth to Best Mate in 2004. The 11-year-old could try and make it fifth time lucky, and may be joined by stable companions Hi Cloy, four times a winner at Grade One level, and Church Island, winner of the Steel Plate and Sections Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in 2005.
Nicky Richards could saddle Monet’s Garden, disappointing when only sixth in the King George VI Chase last time out but whose previous form includes an excellent second in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at The Festival last year, and Turpin Green, pulled up in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury when last seen but impressive when defeating Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Exotic Dancer at Carlisle the time before.
Take The Stand ran a huge race when chasing home Kicking King in the 2005 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, and could bid to go one place better this year for Peter Bowen, who also has Ballycassidy and the progressive novice Yes Sir entered.
Evan Williams is a young trainer making a big name for himself, having saddled State Of Play to land the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in November, a race in which Idle Talk finished sixth. Nigel Twiston-Davies has both Ollie Magern and Fundamentalist in, David Pipe relies on Charlie Hall Chase scorer Our Vic, and Venetia Williams has 2006 Grand National fourth Nil Desperandum entered.
Monkerhostin, sixth to War Of Attrition last year and fourth in the King George VI Chase on his last start, is Philip Hobbs’ sole representative, while Ferdy Murphy sent out Truckers Tavern to finish second to Best Mate in the 2003 Gold Cup, and could bid to improve on that placing with his recent Rowland Meyrick Chase hero Leading Man.
The strong Irish entry features the Michael O’Brien-trained duo Forget The Past, a tremendous third in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup last year, and the hugely exciting In Compliance, rated the classier of the pair by his shrewd handler, and who beat a strong field (including War Of Attrition in second) when capturing the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on December 10.
Willie Mullins’ Hedgehunter, winner of the 2005 John Smith’s Grand National, ran a blinder when second in the Gold Cup a year ago, while stable companion Our Ben will be hoping for more luck than in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at The Festival last year, when he unseated Ruby Walsh at the third fence.
Paul Nolan has entered his 2005 Grade One Drinmore Chase victor Kill Devil Hill, Noel Meade has the useful Watson Lake to consider, while Michael Cunningham has his smart novice Patsy Hall as a possible starter, having already seen his charge score at Prestbury Park this season on December 8, at the Boylesports International meeting.
The entries are completed by Alan King’s Coral Welsh National scorer Halcon Genelardais, Henry Daly’s Ascot Silver Cup winner Billyvoddan, the Nicky Henderson-trained Crozan and Jahash, trained by Simon Earle, who has not run since finishing second at Sandown in April 2004.
totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP FACTS & FIGURES
1. The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. The total prize money for the 2007 running will be £425,000, up from £400,000 in 2006. 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 £700.
2. Last year saw the joint biggest Gold Cup field ever, with 22 runners going to post. Since the race was first run in 1924, there has only been one other renewal with more than 20 runners - in 1982 when Silver Buck defeated 21 rivals.
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 Kappa 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 25 runnings have seen eight 9-year-olds, seven 8-year-olds, five 10-year-olds and five 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 25 favourites have justified the market confidence - Kicking King in 2005, 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 eight 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 four Irish-trained winners in the last 25 runnings were War Of Attrition last season, Kicking King in 2005, 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).
THE 2007 FESTIVAL
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 13 to 16, 2007
First Day - Tuesday, March 13 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 110y £120,000
* 2.35 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase(Grade 1) 2m £170,000
* 3.15 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 2m 110y £360,000
* 4.00 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 3m 110y £85,000
4.40 Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase 3m 7f £45,000
5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 2m 110y £75,000
Second Day - Wednesday, March 14 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f £120,000
* 2.35 Royal & SunAlliance Chase (Grade 1) 3m 110y £170,000
* 3.15 Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2m £310,000
* 4.00 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) 2m 5f £80,000
4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 3m 110y £55,000
5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) 2m 110y £50,000
Third Day - Thursday, March 15 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed Race) 2m 5f £80,000
* 2.35 Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m 5f £175,000
* 3.15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m £250,000
* 4.00 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 2m 5f £100,000
4.40 National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup 4m 1f £50,000
5.20 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed Race) 3m £70,000
Fourth Day – Friday, March 16 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Total Prize Fund
* 2.00 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f £120,000
* 2.35 Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m £80,000
* 3.15 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m 2f 110y £425,000
* 4.00 Christie's Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2f 110y £40,000
4.40 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade 3) 2m 110y £85,000
5.20 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 1f £70,000
* Channel 4 Televised Races
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY IN 2007 OF £3,185,000
(An 11% increase on the 2006 figure of £2,870,000)
* record, although The Festival was previously three days up until 2005
Nicky Henderson’s 31 Winners at The Festival
JCB Triumph Hurdle: 1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino
Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle: 1985, 1986 & 1987 See You Then
Irish Independent Arkle Chase: 1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev
Queen Mother Champion Chase: 1992 Remittance Man
AIB Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: 1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown
Cathcart Chase: 1990 Brown Windsor, 1994 Raymylette, 1999 & 2000 Stormyfairweather
Ladbrokes World Hurdle: 1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal
Racing Post Chase: 1985 & 1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine, 2006 Non So
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase: 1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur
Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle: 1993 Thumbs Up, 1997 Barna Boy
William Hill Handicap Chase: 2000 Marlborough
Royal & SunAlliance Chase: 2005 Trabolgan
Ryanair Chase: 2006 Fondmort
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase: 2006 Greenhope
Following the retirement of Martin Pipe in 2006, Nicky Henderson is the most successful current trainer at The Festival. He is third on the all-time list behind Fulke Walwyn and Martin Pipe.
Paul Nicholls’ 13 Winners at The Festival
AIB Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: 2006 Noland
Irish Independent Arkle Trophy: 1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop
Royal & SunAlliance Chase: 2006 Star De Mohaison
Queen Mother Champion Chase: 1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop
totesport Gold Cup: 1999 See More Business
Christie’s Foxhunter Chase: 2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase: 2004 St Pirran
Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle: 2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest
Ryanair Chase: 2005 Thisthatandtother
Paul Nicholls, who became champion trainer for the first time in the 2005/06 season, has trained 13 Festival winners.
Previous results - totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup
2006-WAR OF ATTRITION 7-11-10 Owner-Gigginstown House Stud; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-15/2
2ND-Hedgehunter 10-11-10 Owner-Trevor Hemmings; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-16/1
3RD-Forget The Past 8-11-10 Owner-Sean Mulryan; Trainer-Michael O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-9/1
22 ran, Time-6m 31.70s, Dist-2½, 7 4/1 Fav Beef Or Salmon (11th)
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
totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup ROLL OF HONOUR
(totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup since 2004, 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
2006 War Of Attrition 7-11-10 Conor O’Dwyer Mouse Morris IRE Gigginstown House Stud 15/2 22
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
2006 totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP RESULT IN DETAIL
Grade 1 (Class 1) 3m 2f 110y New Course, £400,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ Weights 5yo 11st; 6yo+ 11st 10lb Allowances mares 7lb Entries 64 pay £450 First forfeit 39 pay £900 Confirmed 28 pay £450 Penalty value 1st £228,080; 2nd £85,560; 3rd £42,840; 4th £21,360; 5th £10,720; 6th £5,360
1 WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Mouse Morris IRE 7-11-10 Conor O'Dwyer 15/2
2 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Willie Mullins IRE 10-11-10 Ruby Walsh 16/1
3 FORGET THE PAST (Sean Mulryan) Michael O'Brien IRE 8-11-10 Barry Geraghty 9/1
4 L'AMI (FR) (Jim McCarthy) Francois Doumen FR 7-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald 10/1
5 TAKE THE STAND (IRE) (David Robbins Frank Ridge) Peter Bowen 10-11-10 Tony Dobbin 20/1
6 MONKERHOSTIN (FR) (Martin St Quinton) Philip Hobbs 9-11-10 Richard Johnson 13/2
7 SIR REMBRANDT (IRE) (Alan Hordle) Robert Alner 10-11-10 Andrew Thornton 25/1
8 ROYAL EMPEROR (IRE) (Widdop Wanderers) Sue Smith 10-11-10 Dominic Elsworth 40/1
9 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 10-11-10 Christian Williams 20/1
10 KINGSCLIFF (IRE) (Arnie Sendell) Robert Alner 9-11-10 Robert Walford 12/1
11 BEEF OR SALMON (IRE) (Joe Craig) Michael Hourigan IRE 10-11-10 Paul Carberry 4/1 Fav
12 TIKRAM (Mike Charlton & Rodger Sargent) Gary Moore 9-11-10 Jamie Moore 100/1
13 JOES EDGE (IRE) (Chemipetro Ltd) Ferdy Murphy 9-11-10 Keith Mercer 100/1
14 BILLYCASSIDY (IRE) (Roddy Owen & Paul Fullager) Peter Bowen 10-11-10 Graham Lee 100/1
15 IZNOGOUD (FR) (The County Stores And Avalon Surfacing) Martin Pipe 10-11-10 Tom Scudamore 200/1
16 CORNISH REBEL (IRE) (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 9-11-10 Joe Tizzard 16/1
17 OLLIE MAGERN (Roger Nicholls) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-11-10 Carl Llewellyn 33/1
18 LORD OF ILLUSION (IRE) (Patrick Kennedy) Tom George 9-11-10 Jason Maguire 33/1
P IRIS'S GIFT (Robert Lester) Jonjo O'Neill 9-11-10 Tony McCoy 16/1
P LIMERICK BOY (GER) (Favourites Racing III) Venetia Williams 8-11-10 Sam Thomas 150/1
P ONE KNIGHT (IRE) (R Gibbs) Philip Hobbs 10-11-10 Paddy Brennan 20/1
U CELESTIAL GOLD (IRE) (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 8-11-10 Timmy Murphy 16/1
Winning Trainer: MICHAEL (MOUSE) MORRIS Date of birth: 4/4/1951 Based: Everardsgrange, Fethard, Co Tipperary Date of first licence: 1980 Previous Occupation: Jockey, won Irish Grand National and Queen Mother Champion Chase (twice) Cheltenham Festival Wins (6): Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1990 Trapper John), Christie’s Foxhunter (1986 Attitude Adjuster), Queen Mother (1986 Buck House), Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1983 Buck House), Grand Annual (2005 Fota Island), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2006 War Of Attrition) Aintree Festival wins: Mumm Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1998 Boss Doyle), John Smith’s Red Rum Handicap Chase (2005 Fota Island) Other major wins: Punchestown Chase (1993 Cahervillahow), Champion Novices’ Hurdle (1998 His Song), West Yorkshire Hurdle (2000 Boss Doyle), Intervet Trophy Handicap Chase (2000 Foxchapel King), Ulster Champion Chase (2001 Foxchapel King), Ericsson Chase (2001 Foxchapel King), Paddy Power Chase (2004 Keepatem), Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2005 War Of Attrition), Clonmel Oil Chase (2005 War Of Attrition), Normans Grove Chase (2006 Fota Island) Horses in Training (1984-2005): 45, 45, 44, 43, 38, 30, 43, 38, 38, 36, 33, 35, 41, 38, 36, 31, 37, 34, 21, 32, 27; 23 Winners in Britain (2000/01-2004/05): 3; 1; 2; 0; 2 Wins In Britain This Season: 1
Winning Jockey: Conor O'Dwyer Date of birth: April 8, 1966, County Wexford Background: Had his first pony at the age of nine. Went to the Racing Apprentice Centre in Kildare, aged 14. Apprenticed to Frank Oaks on the flat but rising weight prompted him to take out a conditional licence. Joined Francis Flood for whom he was Ireland’s champion conditional in 1988 Cheltenham Festival Winners: (4) totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1996 Imperial Call, 2006 War Of Attrition), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2004 & 2005 Hardy Eustace) Other Big Race Wins: Martell Cognac Melling Chase (1998 Opera Hat, 2002 and 2003 Native Upmanship), Martell Red Rum Handicap Chase (1998 Jeffell), Barton and Guestier Top Novices Hurdle (1999 Joe Mac), LADBROKE HURDLE (1990 Redundant Pal), IRISH HENNESSY GOLD CUP (1996 Imperial Call), MIDLANDS GRAND NATIONAL (1992 Laura’s Beau), Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2005 War Of Attrition), Clonmel Oil Chase (2005 War Of Attrition) Wins In Britain This Season: 1
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