Thursday, January 15, 2009

LAST YEAR’S FIRST FOUR IN 2009 LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE

Inglis Drever - also successful in 2005 and 2007 - completed a unique three-timer in the famous staying contest last year when coming home a length clear of French raider Kasbah Bliss, whose trainer Francois Doumen was successful in the 2002 and 2003 runnings with Baracouda.

The Eoin Griffin-trained Kazal, who finished third last year, and fourth-placed Blazing Bailey could all be bidding to enhance their records in the Grade One event. Kazal is set to run at Gowran Park next week and - if things go to plan - will head straight to the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, according to his trainer.

“The Ladbrokes World Hurdle is on the agenda for Kazal at the moment,” said Griffin. “He’s in good form and we have been happy with his preparation for the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park next week, in which he came third last year. His run in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (on November 30) was disappointing and so we decided to give the Christmas races a skip. We’ve changed a few things with him, including his training schedule, and are very happy with him now. We’ll see how he gets on in the Galmoy Hurdle and I would have a preference to send him straight to Cheltenham afterwards. Hopefully, he can win at Gowran Park in a comfortable fashion and that would give us the confidence to go straight to The Festival.

“His season has almost been a mirror image of last season because he disappointed on his first two starts, which were over fences, before running well in the Galmoy Hurdle when he wasn’t fully fit. He had an interrupted preparation for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle last year and we are hopeful that he can get back to form in the same race this season.

”He’s always been a horse who I have held in high regard and he was a very smart novice. The one regret I have with his novice season that he didn’t go to The Festival but we never thought that he would handle good ground. He’s an out and out stayer who doesn’t really have the ability to quicken, so we kept him on a softer surface. I thought that he was going to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle last season coming round the bend but Inglis Drever and Kasbah Bliss were able to quicken past him.”
Kazal is a 40/1 chance with sponsors Ladbrokes for Cheltenham although Inglis Drever, who has just returned to light work and could be retired, is not quoted. Kasbah Bliss is the 3/1 second favourite behind 2/1 market leader Punchestowns, winner of the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December and part of a six-strong entry from trainer Nicky Henderson.

The master of Seven Barrows, who has won the Ladbrokes World Hurdle twice before (1989 Rustle and 2000 Bacchanal), is also represented by BGC Long Walk Hurdle runner-up Duc De Regniere, Afrad, Afsoun, Aigle D’Or and Blue Shark.

Kazal and last year’s sixth-placed Aitmatov are among a powerful 11-strong Irish-trained entry that also includes Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle winners Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace, and the Edward O’Grady-trained Catch Me, winner of his last three starts this season. An intriguing entry is the Noel Meade-trained Nicanor, a stablemate of Aitmatov who is the only horse ever to beat Denman when landing the 2006 Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle although he has been off the track since that season. Meade revealed that, while Aitmatov is on course for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, Nicanor is more likely to have a novice chase target at The Festival.

“Aitmatov holds an entry in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and he is definitely a possible runner in the race if the ground is good,” said the County Meath trainer. “Last year I came to the conclusion that three miles was probably too far for him but he ran a sound race over three miles at The Festival and at Punchestown.

“He’s a funny little customer and I made a big mistake by not running him in the Christmas Hurdle over three miles at Leopardstown. He’s going to run in the Listed Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Saturday on ground he doesn’t really like but it is a winnable race and it is over a trip (2m 3f) that he enjoys. He’s also been entered in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle but if the ground came up good at The Festival, then I would be leaning towards the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

“We have also entered Nicanor in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and we wanted to keep all of our options open at the moment. He’s almost certainly going chasing but we just wanted to give him an entry over hurdles in case everything didn’t work out. At the moment, everything is going well with him, but you never know what turns and twists can happen.

“Hopefully, he will be returning to the racecourse soon and he might be entered for a novice chase before the end of the month. We will also give him entries in The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase and the RSA Chase, which would be my preferred options with him, but you never know with jump racing.”
The Henry Daly-trained Mighty Man, the top-rated staying hurdler of the 2006/07 season, is another who could return from a long lay-off having been off the track since April, 2007. Other notable entries include the Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck’s, who made an impressive return to hurdles when scoring at Cheltenham on January 1, his stablemate, the BGC Long Walk Hurdle third Mobaasher, Fair Along, who has been placed in Grade One company at the last three Festivals and has captured two Cheltenham handicap hurdles this season, last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner Nenuphar Collonges and Inglis Drever’s Festival-winning stablemates No Refuge and Tidal Bay.

Ladbrokes betting: 2/1 Punchestowns, 3/1 Kasbah Bliss, 10/1 Blazing Bailey, 12/1 Big Buck’s, Fair Along, 20/1 Mobaasher, Pettifour, Tidal Bay 33/1 Brave Inca, Catch Me, Mighty Man, Shakervilz, Tazbar, 40/1 Kazal, Lough Derg, Nicanor, 50/1 Aigle D’Or, Afsoun, Hardy Eustace, Nenuphar Collonges, No Refuge, Othermix, Pouvoir, P’Tit Fute, 66/1 Aitmatov, United, 100/1 Afrad, Blue Shark, Gaspara, Powerstation, The Jazz Musician, Whatuthink, 200/1 Johnnie Dillinger, Temoin, NQ Inglis Drever.

*Please note, in a change to the entry scheduled e-mailed out on January 5, entries for the 139th Year of the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup will be released next week alongside those for The Irish Independent Arkle Chase and RSA Chase.

LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE ENTRIES INFORMATION

NUMBER OF ENTRIES
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
36 41 35 50 35 33 33 48 56 36 51
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
43 49 51 39 52 40 56 52

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
11 9 9 13 5 12 6 10 12 4 5
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
4 10 13 8 12 10 9 7

LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE FACTS
1. The Ladbrokes World Hurdle is one of the youngest races at The Festival. Known as the Stayers’ Hurdle up to and including 2004, it was only introduced with its current race conditions in 1972. Before that, it was known as the Spa Hurdle.

2. The Ladbrokes World Hurdle has been run on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the meeting. It moved to its current Thursday slot in 1993.

3. Its first year of sponsorship was 1972, under the title of the Lloyds Bank Hurdle. There have been four sponsors of the race, Waterford Crystal from 1978 to 1990 and Bonusprint from 1991 to 2004. 2005 was the first year of Ladbrokes’ sponsorship and prize money currently stands at £260,000.

4. The Ladbrokes World Hurdle used to be a favourite with the Irish, who have won it nine times, most recently in 1995 with Dorans Pride. Baracouda provided a first success for France in 2002 and followed up again in 2003. In 2004 and 2005, he was runner-up behind Iris’s Gift and Inglis Drever respectively, while in 2006 he ran fifth behind My Way De Solzen.

5. Last year, Inglis Drever created history by becoming the first horse to win the contest three times. He was successful in 2005, missed the 2006 race due to injury before returning to land both the 2007 and 2008 renewals. There have been three dual winners - Crimson Embers (1982 & 1986), Galmoy (1987 & 1988) and Baracouda (2002 & 2003).

6. Howard Johnson (trainer of Inglis Drever) and the late Fulke Walwyn - with three wins apiece - are the only trainers to have won the contest more than twice. The race was dominated in the mid-1980s by Crimson Embers, trained by Walwyn, and the winner in 1982 and 1986. Indeed, Crimson Embers would have been awarded the race in the stewards’ room in 1985 had his rider not declined to give evidence to the enquiry afterwards, but the trainer won the race anyway with Rose Ravine. The owner, Sally Smart, was ambivalent about the result - she owned both horses!

7. Gaye Chance, the winner in 1984, was a full-brother to the 1983 Champion Hurdle winner Gaye Brief. Both horses were trained by Mercy Rimell.

8. No horse has managed to win both the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

9. A total of 11 favourites have been successful.

10. The smallest field to go to post was eight in 1973 while the largest was 22 in both 1985 and 1990. 17 ran last year and current safety limit is 24.

11. Tommy Carberry, Stuart Shilston, Tommy Carmody, Mark Perrett, Charlie Swan, Jamie Osborne and Thierry Doumen are the most successful jockeys, each recording two victories. No current jockey has won the race more than once. The three-time winner Inglis Drever was partnered by different jockeys for each of his victories – Graham Lee (2005), Paddy Brennan (2007) and Denis O’Regan (2008).

LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE
Class 1, Grade One, £260,000 Total Prize Fund, three miles. Cheltenham, 3.20pm, Thursday, March 12. For four-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 6 - 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 6 would merit a minimum rating of 130 – the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final), three miles. Weights: 4yo: 11st; 5yo+: 11st 10lb; fillies & mares allowed 7lb. Entries closed January 13, entries revealed January 15 (36 entries). Forfeit stage February 10, £15,500 supplementary entry stage March 6, six-day confirmation stage March 6, final declarations 10am, March 10. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, January 13.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
F21323/- AFRAD (FR) 8 The Not Afraid Partnership Nicky Henderson
100-1FF AFSOUN (FR) 7 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
110-20 AIGLE D'OR 6 J P McManus Nicky Henderson
63-5426 AITMATOV (GER) 8 John O'Meara Noel Meade IRE
1301-U1 BIG BUCK'S (FR) 6 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
2411-44 BLAZING BAILEY 7 Three Line Whip Alan King
3311//-00 BLUE SHARK (FR) 7 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
1226/-23 BRAVE INCA (IRE) 11 Novices Syndicate Colm Murphy IRE
165-111 CATCH ME (GER) 7 J P O'Shea Edward O'Grady IRE
312-112 DUC DE REGNIERE (FR) 7 Sir Peter & Lady Gibbings Nicky Henderson
430-211 FAIR ALONG (GER) 7 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs
333406- GASPARA (FR) 6 P McMahon David Pipe
220-130 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) 12 Laurence Byrne Dessie Hughes IRE
3/1113-P INGLIS DREVER 10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
145F/-00 JOHNNIE DILLINGER (IRE) 9 Sue Magnier Mouse Morris IRE
113512- KASBAH BLISS (FR) 7 Henri de Pracomtal Francois Doumen FR
3136-46 KAZAL (FR) 8 Joseph Comerford Eoin Griffin IRE
00-6661 LOUGH DERG (FR) 9 W Frewen David Pipe
1/2121P/- MIGHTY MAN (FR) 9 Joss Hanbury Henry Daly
041-223 MOBAASHER (USA) 6 Seasons Holidays Paul Nicholls
214-010 NENUPHAR COLLONGES (FR) 8 Top Brass Partnership Alan King
F22111//- NICANOR (FR) 8 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
45/15-32 NO REFUGE (IRE) 9 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1424-15 OTHERMIX (FR) 5 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tom George
4/05-111 P'TIT FUTE (FR) 8 JRM Racing Syndicate Francis Flood IRE
111-135 PETTIFOUR (IRE) 7 J B Pettifer Nigel Twiston-Davies
03/2421- POUVOIR (FR) 6 Bob and Pauline Scott Alan King
4-41412 POWERSTATION (IRE) 9 Fat Frog Syndicate Eamon O'Connell IRE
1113-11 PUNCHESTOWNS (FR) 6 Judy Wilson Nicky Henderson
2113-11 SHAKERVILZ (FR) 6 Thomas Gilligan Willie Mullins IRE
1162-35 TAZBAR (IRE) 7 The Supreme Partnership Keith Reveley
2250P-P TEMOIN 9 The Unemployables Richard Phillips
22/221- THE JAZZ MUSICIAN (IRE) 7 The Jazz Club Colin Tizzard
211-122 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
11143/-1 UNITED (GER) 8 R B Holt Lucy Wadham
5P-3252 WHATUTHINK (IRE) 7 Cavan Developments Bloodstock Oliver McKiernan IRE

36 Entries
11 Irish-trained
1 French-trained


Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the
Ladbrokes World Hurdle
6 Entries
Nicky Henderson (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal)

3 Entries
Howard Johnson (2005, 2007 & 2008 Inglis Drever)
Alan King (2006 My Way De Solzen)

2 Entries
Noel Meade IRE
Paul Nicholls
David Pipe

1 Entry
Henry Daly
Francois Doumen FR (2002 & 2003 Baracouda)
Francis Flood IRE
Tom George
Eoin Griffin IRE
Philip Hobbs
Dessie Hughes IRE
Oliver McKiernan IRE
Mouse Morris IRE (1990 Trapper John)
Willie Mullins IRE
Colm Murphy IRE
Eamon O’Connell IRE
Edward O’Grady IRE (1978 Flame Gun, 1980 Mountrivers)
Richard Phillips
Keith Reveley
Colin Tizzard
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Lucy Wadham

HORSES ENTERED IN BOTH THE SMURFIT KAPPA CHAMPION HURDLE
AND THE LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE

Afsoun
Aigle D’Or
Aitmatov
Brave Inca
Catch Me
Hardy Eustace
Othermix

Ladbrokes World Hurdle - Analysis
Having created history with a third victory in the race last year, Inglis Drever is among a top-quality entry of 36 for this year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, highlight of the third day of The Festival on Thursday, March 12.

The Howard Johnson-trained 10-year-old proved himself one of the great staying hurdlers when following up his successes in 2005 and 2007 with a game length victory in the three-mile contest last season, and is currently back in training following an injury sustained on his seasonal reappearance in the Grade Two toteswinger Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury at the end of November. However, his retirement is also being considered.

Johnson has also engaged the 2005 Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle victor No Refuge and Tidal Bay, successful over fences in last season’s The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, as he bids to become the first trainer to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle on three successive occasions.

Francois Doumen, who saddled Baracouda to victory in 2002 and 2003, is responsible for the French-trained entry, last year’s runner-up Kasbah Bliss, who has yet to make his seasonal reappearance over hurdles and finished fourth on the Flat in the Group One Prix du Cadran at Longchamp on his latest start in October.

Besides training current Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle ante-post favourite Binocular, Nicky Henderson looks to have an embarrassment of riches as he also bids for a hat-trick of victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, with six entries hailing from his Seven Barrows stable.

Punchestowns was an impressive winner of the Cotswold Style Intermediate Handicap Hurdle at The Open and the six-year-old leapt to the head of the market of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle with a comprehensive 11-length victory in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December. He is currently 2/1 ante-post favourite with the sponsors.

Stablemate Duc De Regniere was second on that occasion, but the six-year-old had previously staked his claim for Cheltenham glory with success in the toteswinger Long Distance Hurdle, where he defeated five other Ladbrokes World Hurdle hopefuls, including Mobaasher and Pettifour. Henderson - successful with Rustle in 1989 and Bacchanal in 2000 - has also entered Grade Two Rendlesham Hurdle runner-up Afrad, the Trevor Hemmings-owned pair of Afsoun and the lightly-raced Blue Shark, as well as Aigle D’Or, who finished a head runner-up in the Grade Three Greatwood Hurdle at The Open.
Alan King could bid for a second Ladbrokes World Hurdle victory in the space of four years with last season’s fourth Blazing Bailey, who went on to finish the 2007/2008 campaign with victory in the Grade One Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown. The Barbury Castle handler has also engaged Pouvoir, winner of the Grade Two Relkeel Hurdle on his latest start in December, 2007, and last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle victor Nenuphar Collonges.

Mighty Man, who was second to Inglis Drever in the 2007 Ladbrokes World Hurdle, may make a return to racing, having suffered an injury at Punchestown in April, 2007, and the nine-year-old could be joined by last year’s Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion chase third Fair Along, who has been victorious in handicap hurdles at Cheltenham on his last two starts.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck’s could also bid to continue his recent good form over the smaller obstacles. The six-year-old won the Grade Two Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April, but defied top weight to take the Unicoin Homes Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
The home challenge is completed by exciting French import Othermix, dual Grade Two winner Tazbar, Temoin, The Jazz Musician, United and the David Pipe-trained pair of the 2007 Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle scorer Gaspara and Grade One victor Lough Derg, who proved his well-being at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day with a game victory in the Steel Plate And Sections Hurdle.
The 11 Irish-trained entries include two previous winners of the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle - Hardy Eustace, who triumphed over the shorter distance in both 2004 and 2005, and the 2006 champion Brace Inca. The former, trained by Dessie Hughes, was runner-up in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle over three miles at Ascot last season prior to finishing 12th in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, while the Colm Murphy-trained Brave Inca was sixth over the same trip in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown in April, 2007.

Both horses filled the places behind Catch Me in the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in November. The Edward O’Grady-trained seven-year-old went on to defeat Whatuthink in Leopardstown’s Grade Two Christmas Hurdle on his latest appearance.

Last season’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle third Kazal could bid to go two places better this time around for trainer Eoin Griffin, while Willie Mullins has entered Shakervilz, who was an impressive winner of the Grade Two Tara Hurdle at Navan on his first appearance in Pattern company.

Noel Meade has entered the 2007 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle scorer Aitmatov, who was sixth in last year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, and the only horse to defeat Denman under rules, Nicanor, whose finest hour came at the 2006 Festival, when he defeated the subsequent totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle.

The other Irish-trained entries include Powerstation, who has been second on all four of his previous appearances at Cheltenham including in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the Coral Cup, and P’Tit Fute, who had the Mouse Morris-trained Johnnie Dillinger behind him when winning a Pertemps Qualifier at Leopardstown recently.

LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE PAST RESULTS

2008-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 9-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Denis O’Regan; SP-11/8 Fav
2ND-Kasbah Bliss 6-11-10 Owner-Henri De Pracomtal; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Christophe Pieux; SP-9/1
3RD-Kazal 7-11-10 Owner- Joseph Comerford; Trainer-Eoin Griffin IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-12/1
17 ran, Time-5m 52.90s; Dist-1, 7

2007-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 8-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-5/1
2ND-Mighty Man 7-11-10 Owner-Joss Hanbury; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-100/30
3RD-Blazing Bailey 5-11-10 Owner-Three Line Whip; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
14 ran, Time-5m 46.50s; Dist-3/4, 4 2/1 Fav Black Jack Ketchum (Fell)

2006-WINNER-MY WAY DE SOLZEN 6-11-10 Owner-B Winfield, A Longman, J Wright & C Fenton; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
2ND-Golden Cross 7-11-10 Owner-P Johnson; Trainer-Michael Halford IRE; Jockey-Johnny Murtagh; SP-5/1
3RD-Mighty Man 6-11-10 Owner-Joss Hanbury; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-4/1 Fav
20 ran, Time-5m 38.40s; Dist-hd, 4

2005-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 6-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-5/1
2ND-Baracouda 10-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-6/5 Fav
3RD-Rule Supreme 9-11-10 Owner-John Fallon; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-David Casey; SP-4/1
12 ran, Time-5m 48.40s; Dist-3, 3/4

2004-WINNER-IRIS’S GIFT 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Lester; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-9/2
2ND-Baracouda 9-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-8/11 Fav
3RD-Crystal D’Ainay 5-11-10 Owner-Tony & Jeni Fisher; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 49.80s; Dist-1½, 13

2003-WINNER-BARACOUDA 8-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-9/4 Jt Fav
2ND-Iris’s Gift 6-11-10 Owner-Robert Lester; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-7/1
3RD-Limestone Lad 11-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-9/4 Jt Fav
11 ran, Time-5m 41.25s; Dist- 3/4, 5

2002-WINNER-BARACOUDA 7-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-13/8 Fav
2ND-Bannow Bay 7-11-10 Owner-Linda Shanahan and Sue Magnier; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1
3RD-It Takes Time 8-11-10 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-12/1
16 ran, Time-6m 01.70s; Dist-nk, 13

2001 Cancelled

2000-WINNER-BACCHANAL 6-11-10 Owner-Lady Lloyd-Webber; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/2
2ND-Limestone Lad 8-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE; Jockey-Shane McGovern; SP-3/1
3RD-Behrajan 5-11-10 Owner-The Behrajan Partnership; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 36.60s; Dist-1, 3 5/2 Fav Lady Rebecca (6th)

1999-WINNER-ANZUM 8-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
2ND-Le Coudray 5-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1 Jt-Fav
3RD-Lady Rebecca 7-11-05 Owner-Kinnersley Optimists; Trainer-Venetia Williams; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-3/1
12 ran, Time-5m 51.7s; Dist-nk, 2½ 2/1 Jt-Fav Deano’s Beeno (9th)

1998-WINNER-PRINCEFUL 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-16/1
2ND-Splendid Thyne 6-11-10 Owner-John Glavanoni; Trainer-Terry Casey; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-10/1
3RD-Ocean Hawk 6-11-10; Owner-Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-5/1 9 ran, Time-5m 45.9s; Dist-2, 4 6/4 Fav Paddy’s Return (5th)

1997-WINNER-KARSHI 7-11-10 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-20/12ND-Anzum 6-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-25/1
3RD-Paddy’s Return 5-11-10 Owner-Paddy O’Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-20/1
17 ran, Time-5m 43.9s, Dist-2½, 2 9/2 Fav Escartefigue (5th)

1996-WINNER-CYBORGO 6-11-10 Owner-County Stores (Somerset) Ltd; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-David Bridgwater; SP-8/1
2ND-Mysilv 6-11-05 Owner-Elite Racing Club; Trainer-Charlie Egerton; Jockey-Jimmy McCarthy; SP-16/1
3RD-What A Question 8-11-05 Owner-Joy Valentine; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-33/1
19 ran, Time-5m 47.3s, Dist-3/4, 10 4/1 Fav Derrymoyle (4th)

LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(Ladbrokes World Hurdle from 2005, bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle 2004, Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle 1991-2003, Waterford Crystal Stayers’ Hurdle 1978-90, Lloyds Bank Hurdle 1972-77)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Inglis Drever 9-11-10 Denis O’Regan Howard Johnson Andrea & Graham Wylie 11/8F 17
2007 Inglis Drever 8-11-10 Paddy Brennan Howard Johnson Andrea & Graham Wylie 5/1 14
2006 My Way De Solzen 6-11-10 Robert Thornton Alan King B Winfield, A Longman, J Wright, C Fenton 8/1 20
2005 Inglis Drever 6-11-10 Graham Lee Howard Johnson Andrea & Graham Wylie 5/1 12
2004 Iris’s Gift 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty Jonjo O’Neill Robert Lester 9/2 10
2003 Baracouda 8-11-10 Thierry Doumen Francois Doumen FR J P McManus 9/4JF 11
2002 Baracouda 7-11-10 Thierry Doumen Francois Doumen FR J P McManus 13/8F 16
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Bacchanal 6-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Lady Lloyd-Webber 11/2 10
1999 Anzum 8-11-10 Richard Johnson David Nicholson Old Foresters Partnership 40/1 12
1998 Princeful 7-11-10 Rodney Farrant Jenny Pitman Robert Hitchins 16/1 9
1997 Karshi 7-11-10 Jamie Osborne Henrietta Knight Lord Vestey 20/1 17
1996 Cyborgo 6-11-10 David Bridgwater Martin Pipe County Stores (Somerset) Holdings 8/1 19
1995 Dorans Pride 6-11-10 Shane Broderick Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doran 11/4F 11
1994 Balasani 8-11-10 Mark Perrett Martin Pipe Mark Smith 9/2JF 14
1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh7-11-05 Charlie Swan Paddy Kiely IRE Mrs Paddy Kiely 20/1 12
1992 Nomadic Way 7-11-10 Jamie Osborne Barry Hills Robert Sangster 15/2 17
1991 King’s Curate 7-11-10 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor C J Ells 5/2F 15
1990 Trapper John 6-11-10 Charlie Swan Mouse Morris IRE Jill Fanning 15/2 22
1989 Rustle 7-11-10 Michael Bowlby Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen 4/1 21
1988 Galmoy 9-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell 2/1F 16
1987 Galmoy 8-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell 9/2 14
1986 Crimson Embers 11-11-10 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 12/1 19
1985 Rose Ravine 6-11-05 Ricky Pusey Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 5/1F 22
1984 Gaye Chance 9-11-10 Sam Morshead Mercy Rimell Mary Curtis 5/1 14
1983 A Kinsman 7-11-12 Geordie Dun John Brockbank Mrs John Brockbank 50/1 21
1982 Crimson Embers 7-11-12 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 2/1F 11
1981 Derring Rose 6-11-12 John Francome Fred Winter Peter Savill 3/1 14
1980 Mountrivers 6-11-12 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE B Burser 7/1 19
1979 Lighter 6-11-12 Philip Blacker John Edwards G Smith 14/1 14
1978 Flame Gun 6-11-12 Mr Niall Madden Edward O’Grady IRE Mary Kenny 14/1 13
1977 Town Ship 6-11-12 Tommy Carberry Peter Easterby Pat Muldoon 5/2 11
1976 Bit Of A Jig 8-11-12 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs Mick O’Toole 2/1F 12
1975 Brown Lad 9-11-12 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Mrs Peter Burrell 7/4F 12
1974 Highland Abbe 8-11-12 Richard Smith Les Kennard Mrs K Hankey 15/2 15
1973 Moyne Royal 8-11-12 David Mould Arthur Pitt E Cook 10/1 8
1972 Parlour Moor 8-11-12 Macer Gifford Tom Jones Charlotte Monckton 13/2 11

2008 LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE RESULT IN DETAIL
3m Old Course, £250,000 guaranteed, For 4yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 6; horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, Ireland or France 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 6 would merit a minimum rating of 130; the decision of the BHA Handicapper is final Weights 4yo 11st; 5yo+ 11st 10lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 41 pay £285 1st Forfeit 33 pay £ Confirmed 20 pay £285 Penalty value 1st £142,550, 2nd £53,475, 3rd £26,775, 4th £13,350, 5th £6,700, 6th £3,350

1 INGLIS DREVER (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 9-11-10 Denis O'Regan 11/8 Fav
2 KASBAH BLISS (FR) (Henri de Pracomtal) Francois Doumen FR 6-11-10 Christophe Pieux 9/1
3 KAZAL (FR) (Joseph Comerford) Eoin Griffin IRE 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty 12/1
4 BLAZING BAILEY (Three Line Whip) Alan King 6-11-10 Ruby Walsh 13/2
5 MY WAY DE SOLZEN (FR) (B Winfield, A Longman, J Wright & C Fenton) Alan King 8-11-10 Robert Thornton 15/2
6 AITMATOV (GER) (John O’Meara) Noel Meade IRE 7-11-10 Paul Carberry 33/1
7 CHIEF DAN GEORGE (IRE) (Maurice Chapman) James Moffatt 8-11-10 Brian Hughes 100/1
8 FLIGHT LEADER (IRE) (John And Heather Snook) Colin Tizzard 8-11-10 Joe Tizzard 100/1
9 WICHITA LINEMAN (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 7-11-10 Tony McCoy 14/1
10 MATERIAL WORLD (Southern Bloodstock) Suzi Smith 10-11-3 Colin Bolger 100/1
11 SONNYANJOE (IRE) (Anthony Byrne) Tom Hogan IRE 10-11-10 Noel Fehily 50/1
12 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) (Lar Byrne) Dessie Hughes IRE 11-11-10 Conor O'Dwyer 16/1
13 LOUGH DERG (FR) (W Frewen) David Pipe 8-11-10 Tom Scudamore 20/1
14 EBAZIYAN (IRE) (Peter Garvey) Willie Mullins IRE 7-11-10 Davy Condon 66/1
15 REDEMPTION (Nigel Twiston-Davies) Nigel Twiston-Davies 13-11-10 David England 250/1
P THE MARKET MAN (NZ) (Sir Robert Ogden) Nicky Henderson 8-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald 16/1
P SPECIAL ENVOY (FR) (Walters Plant Hire Ltd) Peter Bowen 6-11-10 Paddy Brennan 50/1

17 ran
Distances: 1, 7, 4 1/2, nk, 2 3/4, 11, 10, 1 1/4, 3 3/4, 18, 5, 6, 15, 13 Time: 5m 52.90s
Breeder: Bobby McAlpine & David Pickering
Breeding: b g In The Wings - Cormorant Creek
Totes: Win: £2.30 Places: £1.20, £3.10, £3.50 Exacta: £16.40

Winning Jockey: Denis O’ Regan Background: Rode out at yard ran by cousin John Crowley, before spending a summer with Francis Flood when 16, returning to the yard after finishing his education. Rode first winner for Flood aboard All Honey on April 20, 2001, and rode 12 more winners in the following two seasons. Joined Noel Meade as second stable jockey in 2004 and became stable jockey for Howard Johnson and Graham Wylie in the summer of 2007. Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2008 Inglis Drever), The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2008 Tidal Bay) First Cheltenham Festival Win: Tidal Bay, The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy, March 11, 2008 First winner at Cheltenham: Church Island (Steel Plate and Sections Novices’ Chase, November 11, 2005) Big Race Wins: Galway Plate (2005 Ansar), Champion Novice Chase (2007 Offshore Account), Boylesports.com Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu) Wins in Britain 2003/04-2006/07: 0; 0; 1; 1; Wins This Season: 49

Winning Trainer: HOWARD JOHNSON Based: White Lea Farm, Crook, County Durham Born: August 11, 1953, Barnard Castle Date of First Licence: 7th July 1986 Previous Occupation: worked for Arthur Stephenson, Roy Johnson Cheltenham Festival wins (7): The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2008 Tidal Bay), National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase (1993 Ushers Island), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 No Refuge), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever, 2007 Inglis Drever, 2008 Inglis Drever) Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Tidal Bay), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1995 Morceli, 1998 Direct Route), John Smith’s Red Rum Chase (1997 Down The Fell), John Smith’s Topham Chase (1996 Joe White), John Smith’s Melling Chase (1999 and 2000 Direct Route), Betfair Bowl (2005 Grey Abbey) Other major wins: Ballymore Properties Long Distance Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever), Blue Square Speed Dial 64555 Hurdle (2005 No Refuge), Charlie Hall Chase (2003 Ballybough Rasher, 2004 Grey Abbey), Dipper Novices’ Chase (1995 Morceli), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), John Smith’s Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever), Lonesome Glory Hurdle (1993 Dance Of Words), Pillar Property Chase (2005 Grey Abbey), Peter Marsh Chase (2005 Lord Transcend), Scottish National (2004 Grey Abbey), Stanleybet Handicap Hurdle (2005 Coat Of Honour), Tingle Creek Chase (1998 Direct Route), VC Casino.com Long Distance Hurdle (2006 Ingis Drever) Number of Winners (1988/9-2005/06): 14, 14, 10, 21, 19, 32, 32, 35, 23, 27, 18, 19, 13, 15, 33, 41, 68, 58, 54 Wins this Season: 56

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