Thursday, January 29, 2009

ENTRIES FOR FESTIVAL NOVICE HURDLES REVEALED

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle always provides a thrilling curtain-raiser to The Festival and this year’s contest looks as competitive as ever with 112 entries, including 38 from Ireland. Leading contenders include last year’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner Cousin Vinny and the hugely exciting Hurricane Fly, who are two of seven entries from Willie Mullins’ yard, while Nicky Henderson’s Mad Max, unbeaten in four starts, looks one of the strongest contenders from the home-trained contingent.

Few horses so far this season have created such a favourable impression as Diamond Harry, who is now unbeaten in six starts and one of 125 entries for the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle. Two of his victories have come at Cheltenham, most recently in the Grade Two Racecourse Of The Year Classic Novices’ Hurdle on Festival Trials Day, January 24. There are 46 entries from Ireland while Francois Doumen supplies the two contenders from France.

Always one of the most competitive contests at The Festival, the JCB Triumph Hurdle has attracted 83 entries in 2009, including 20 from Ireland and two from France. There are several unbeaten four-year-olds engaged, including Zaynar from the Nicky Henderson stable and Starluck, who could aim to give Alan Fleming a Festival winner in his first season as a trainer. Alan King won the JCB Triumph Hurdle in 2005 with Penzance and with subsequent Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle victor Katchit in 2007. This year he has another strong contender in Walkon, who advertised his credentials with success in the Grade Two Wragge & Co Finesse Hurdle at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day.

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, run over three miles, has received 102 entries, including 37 from Ireland and three from France. Paul Nicholls has nominated the contest as a likely target for Pride Of Dulcote.

TURNELL BACK ON FESTIVAL TRAIL WITH MICHEAL FLIPS
Wiltshire-based trainer Andrew Turnell has recorded four successes at The Festival, most notably with Katabatic in the 1991 Queen Mother Champion Chase, and has another live contender for glory this year in the shape of Micheal Flips, a £200,000 purchase from the Brightwells Sale held at the racecourse in April, 2008. The five-year-old, a winning Irish point-to-pointer, has won three of his four starts over hurdles. His latest victory came at Kempton on Boxing Day, when he scored by an impressive seven lengths.

Turnell said today: “We have given Michael Flips entries in both the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle and he will almost certainly go for the two-mile race at the moment.
“He’s come out of his win at Kempton in good form and we will be going straight to The Festival with him now because he goes well fresh. He made a very bad blunder at the penultimate flight when he was second to Show Winner at the same course in November, and cut his knee open.

“He would appear to be more effective on a faster surface but he won a point to point at Lismore last March on yielding ground so I’m hopeful that he’s quite versatile in terms of ground.
“I would be optimistic that he’s improved since Boxing Day and he’s only five so we’ve still got plenty to look forward to with him. We bought him as a potential chaser and he’ll go over the larger obstacles next season so anything that he does this season is a bonus.”

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2009
ANALYSIS OF ENTRIES

NUMBER OF ENTRIES
SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
112 130 131 113 119 106 127 156 139
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
122 107 130 122 106 87 75 78

BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
125 156 137 138 147 113 128 169 160
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
137 120 147 150 128 114 100 90

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
83 91 103 116 89 125 111 103 123
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
89 95 100 108 107 99 81 91

ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
102 106 116 114 117 First run in 2005


IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES
SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
38 46 53 45 41 30 38 46 44
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
28 24 31 31 29 26 14 24


BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
46 57 59 44 51 35 39 40 38
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
34 23 29 31 26 25 17 17


JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
20 32 34 34 21 38 20 21 31
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
20 21 20 22 20 20 14 18


ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
37 38 40 36 40 First run in 2005


FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES
SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
0 0 2 4 2 3 3 2
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
4 3 1 2 1 0 0

BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
2 0 0 3 2 4 1 2
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
4 2 1 3 1 0 0

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
2 4 5 8 4 7 4 4
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
5 3 2 0 1 0 0

ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
3 0 4 2 2 First run in 2005

THE SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £120,000, 1.30pm Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 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 27, 2009 (112 entries), entries released, January 29, forfeit stage February 17. Six-day confirmation stage, March 4, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 9. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including Wednesday, January 28, 2009. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
AACHEN 5 Findlay & Bloom Venetia Williams
1- ABOUKIR BAY (IRE) 5 Roger Brookhouse David Pipe
ACAPULCO (IRE) 5 J Higgins Edward O'Grady IRE
1 AINAMA (IRE) 5 J P McManus Nicky Henderson
4 AL AMAAN 4 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
ALARAZI (IRE) 5 J L Eddis Terry Mills
65-3013 ALASAO 6 Mr & Mrs Graham Whitaker Simon Burrough
31 ALEXANDER SEVERUS (IRE) 4 Patrick Wilmott Edward O'Grady IRE
134 AMERICAN TRILOGY (IRE) 5 Fulton, Donlon, Kilduff & Scott-MacDonald Paul Nicholls
22- AN INNOCENT MAN 6 J P McManus Noel Meade IRE
2-U1312 AWESOME GEORGE 5 Gwen Meacham Alan King
BALLET BOY (IRE) 5 Paul J McMahon Charles O'Brien IRE
BEE STING 5 D Goulding Lisa Williamson
332-012 BELCANTISTA (FR) 7 J P McManus Philip Hobbs
120 BERGO (GER) 6 Findlay & Bloom Evan Williams
BEST LOVER (FR) 7 The Best Lovers James Ewart
10-F4 BIG EARED FRAN (IRE) 6 Thomas Barr David Pipe
601-313 BOB LINGO (IRE) 7 J P McManus Tom Mullins IRE
(1)1 BORROWADDY (IRE) 6 Martin Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
0(1)0(1)- CALAFICIAL (IRE) 6 Trevor Hemmings Alan King
P1 CARAVEL (IRE) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
05 CHAMPUS (GER) 5 Out Of The West Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
66-1021 CHINA ROCK (IRE) 6 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
10-315 COCKNEY TRUCKER (IRE) 7 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
21-4 CONFLICTOFINTEREST 7 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
15-31 COPPER BLEU (IRE) 7 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs
24-4012 COPSIANO (IRE) 6 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
11 COSMEA 4 Four Mile Racing Alan King
110-05 COTTAGE OAK (IRE) 6 Mrs Pat Sloan Noel Meade IRE
111-311 COUSIN VINNY (IRE) 6 Festival Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
10/3/2/-12 CRACBOUMWIZ (FR) 9 John Hales Alan King
43- CRICKET BOY 5 David Johnson David Pipe
421 DAN DARE (USA) 6 Noel Meade Horse Trainer Ltd Noel Meade IRE
DILSHAAN'S PRIZE (IRE) 5 High Street Ceathar Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
11-131 DOESLESSTHANME (IRE) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
11210 DONNAS PALM (IRE) 5 Grand Alliance Racing Club Noel Meade IRE
2125 DOOR BOY (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
6 EL DANCER (GER) 5 Ron Davies Lucy Wadham
51 ENFANT DE LUNE (FR) 5 Million in Mind Partnership Alan King
1 ERADICATE (IRE) 5 Alan Spence Nicky Henderson
4-4 FIFTY SHEETS (FR) 6 Byrne Bros (Formwork) Limited Charles Egerton
FIRST STREAM (GER) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
0-11204 FISHER BRIDGE (IRE) 6 P R Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
053232 FOSTERS CROSS (IRE) 7 Pat O'Donovan Tom Mullins IRE
223-21 FUSHE JO 5 Shearer, Fulton & Johnson Howard Johnson
622B03 GLOUCESTER 6 S M Smith & Keith Hunter Michael Scudamore
21-1212 GO NATIVE (IRE) 6 Docado Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
11114 GOLAN WAY 5 W R B Racing 58 Sheena West
110- GOLD AWARD 6 The Queen Nicky Henderson
HORSEFORD HILL 5 Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
11211 HURRICANE FLY (IRE) 5 George Creighton & Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
42-5041 INDIAN SPRING (IRE) 5 Noel Murphy Edward O'Grady IRE
05 INTENSIFIER (IRE) 5 G A Morgan Dai Williams
035-223 JUDGE ROY BEAN (IRE) 6 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
1 JUMBO RIO (IRE) 4 Patrick Wilmott Edward O'Grady IRE
21 KANDARI (FR) 5 J P McManus Noel Meade IRE
012 KANGAROO COURT (IRE) 5 N Mustoe Emma Lavelle
1-3211 KARABAK (FR) 6 David Mason Alan King
4-11 KEMPES (IRE) 6 Three Cheers Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
KING O'THE GYPSIES (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
2-51 KING'S FOREST (IRE) 5 Richard Lavelle Emma Lavelle
3 KYRIE ELEISON (IRE) 4 New Busted Sofas Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
12310U LEAMINGTON LAD (IRE) 6 Three Off The Tee Partnership Nigel Twiston-Davies
111315 LEO'S LUCKY STAR (USA) 7 Sheila Brookhouse David Pipe
11-11 MAD MAX (IRE) 7 Carole Skipworth & Paul Murphy Nicky Henderson
MARC AURELE (IRE) 4 Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson Paul Nicholls
301P MARTYS MISSION (IRE) 7 The Stewart Family Richard Rowe
MASTER OF ARTS (USA) 4 Roger Brookhouse David Pipe
1143 MCMURROUGH (IRE) 5 Mr & Mrs J M Davenport Malcolm Jefferson
23-1211 MEDERMIT (FR) 5 The Dunkley & Reilly Partnership Alan King
121 MICHEAL FLIPS (IRE) 5 M Tedham Andrew Turnell
26-2111 MIKAEL D'HAGUENET (FR) 5 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
23 MOUNT HELICON 4 Masterson Holdings Limited Alan King
23-26P1 MR THRILLER (FR) 4 Pegasus Farms Ltd David Pipe
NICE STYLE (IRE) 4 Findlay & Bloom David Pipe
0 NOBLE PRINCE (GER) 5 Des Sharkey Paul Nolan IRE
44 ONE TO MANY (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Charlie Swan IRE
3 PALE RIDER (FR) 6 P H Betts Nick Gifford
410B21 PERSIAN CITY (IRE) 6 Need A Winner Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
PERSIAN STORM (GER) 5 Graham Gillespie Gary Moore
2/42- POLYFAST (FR) 6 Bill Brown Nicky Henderson
P0 PRAIRIE SPIRIT (FR) 5 Alan Halsall Charlie Longsdon
0/1-52 PUYOL (IRE) 7 John Mulhern John Mulhern IRE
432 QUALVIRO (FR) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Jim Culloty IRE
3100-01 QUARTETTO (GER) 5 Ms A Torrens Mervyn Torrens IRE
4-41 QUARTZ DE THAIX (FR) 5 ROA Arkle Partnership Venetia Williams
1-311 QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) 5 Dr B M Doyle Willie Mullins IRE
4-11 QUWETWO 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
321212 REALT DUBH (IRE) 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
11 RED MOLONEY (USA) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
P- REGIONAL COUNSEL 5 A S Helaissi Alan Hales
0 RISK (IRE) 6 The Picnic Party Charles Egerton
12211 RONALDO DES MOTTES (FR) 4 K & D Ives David Pipe
1 RUTHENOISE (FR) 4 Galaxy Sports Management Ltd David Pipe
0/P-2 SADLER'S STAR (GER) 6 Paul Green Alan King
3-20 SEARCH FOR GOLD (IRE) 7 The P J Partnership Jonathan Geake
6- SEEKING THE BUCK (USA) 5 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
10 SHAMARI (FR) 5 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
334-133 SHOREACRES (IRE) 6 David Nash Brendan Powell
1-413 SOMERSBY (IRE) 5 Mrs T P Radford Henrietta Knight
222212 SON OF FLICKA 5 Twenty Four Seven Recruitment Donald McCain Jnr
14-3111 SUNNYHILLBOY (IRE) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
321133 THE LAST DERBY (FR) 5 J J Brennan Eoin Griffin IRE
0-4652F TIME ELECTRIC (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
1 TORPHICHEN 4 Thomas Barr David Pipe
1 TRENCHANT 4 Peter Harding & Stephen Williams Alan King
3111 VOLER LA VEDETTE (IRE) 5 Eamon Kelly Colm Murphy IRE
06-110P WEATHER FRONT 5 Mrs N Unsworth & R Greenway Nigel Twiston-Davies
113 WENDEL (GER) 5 Sally Morgan&Dick Prince/Jared Sullivan Charlie Mann
WISHFULL THINKING 6 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
1113-21 ZAARITO (IRE) 7 Victoria Syndicate Colm Murphy IRE
20213F ZARINAVA (IRE) 5 D Donegan Jessica Harrington IRE

112 Entries
38 Irish-trained

SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES

1. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle was known as the Gloucestershire Hurdle until 1974. Capel Cure Sharp backed the contest 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 while Anglo Irish Bank was the sponsor from 2006 to 2008.

2. The 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 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 1993, the first race 12 months later.

5. The 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, the 2002 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle winner Hors La Loi III took the race in 1999, and Brave Inca took the Champion Hurdle in 2006 having landed the novice event two years earlier.

6. The race has been won by Irish-trained raiders on no less than 37 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 has won six of the last eight runnings, most recently Captain Cee Bee in 2008.

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’s success in 1998. The maximum field allowed is now 24.

8. Since the race ceased to be divided, big-name jockeys have found the 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, while the 2007 victor Ebaziyan is one of only two 40/1 shots to have scored. The shortest-priced winners at 4/9 were Tsaoko in 1950 and Flyingbolt in 1964. Favourites have been successful eight times in the 36 runnings since 1972, with three of the last seven winning.

10. The fastest time for the winning horse was achieved by Montelado in 1993 at 3m 50.6s. French Ballerina came close to that record in 1998 when her time was 3m 50.9s.

Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

10 Entries
Noel Meade IRE (2000 Sausalito Bay)
David Pipe
Alan King

8 Entries
Howard Johnson (2005 Arcalis)

7 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE (1995 Tourist Attraction, 2007 Ebaziyan)

6 entries
Nicky Henderson (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown)

5 Entries
Edward O’Grady IRE (1978 Golden Cygnet, 2003 Back In Front)
Paul Nicholls (2006 Noland)

4 Entries
Philip Hobbs

3 Entries
Tom Mullins IRE

2 Entries
Charles Egerton (1997 Shadow Leader)
Emma Lavelle
Mouse Morris IRE (1983 Buck House)
Colm Murphy (2004 Brave Inca)
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1994 Arctic Kinsman)
Venetia Williams

1 Entry
Simon Burrough
Jim Culloty IRE
James Ewart
Jonathan Geake
Nick Gifford
Eoin Griffin IRE
Alex Hales
Jessica Harrington IRE
Dessie Hughes IRE (1982 Miller Hill)
Malcolm Jefferson
Henrietta Knight
Carl Llewellyn
Charlie Longsdon
Charlie Mann
Donald McCain
Gary Moore
Terry Mills
John Mulhern IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Charles O’Brien
Jonjo O’Neill
Brendan Powell
Richard Rowe
Michael Scudamore
Charlie Swan IRE
Mervyn Torrens IRE
Andrew Turnell
Lucy Wadham
Sheena West
Dai Williams
Evan Williams
Lisa Williamson



Supreme Novices' Hurdle – Analysis
The Grade One Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, run over an extended two miles, provides a thrilling commencement to four days of breathtaking sport at The Festival. The championship contest has attracted a 112-strong entry, with 38 of those being trained in Ireland.

County Carlow trainer Willie Mullins won this race with Tourist Attraction (1995) and Ebaziyan (2007) and leads the Irish assault with two of the current market leaders. Hurricane Fly has won four of five starts for Mullins since arriving from France last year, including a brace of Grade Ones this season. He defeated Donnas Palm and stablemate Cousin Vinny in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in November before seeing off Go Native and Zarinava to win the paddypower.com Future Champion Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 27. Last season’s Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper hero Cousin Vinny has won both his starts since that reversal. The Mullins-trained Mikael D’Haguenet landed the Grade One Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novices’ Hurdle at Navan in December and added a Grade Two at Naas on January 4.

Numerically, Mullins’ seven-strong entry does not match that of compatriot Noel Meade who numbers Donnas Palm and Go Native among 10 entries. Edward O’Grady saddled Back In Front to win the race in 2003 following on from Golden Cygnet in 1978. He has five horses engaged, notably Leopardstown maiden hurdle victor Alexander Severus, as well as fellow former Ballydoyle inmate Acapulco, who contested the Derby and St Leger in 2007.
Colm Murphy saddled subsequent Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle hero Brave Inca to win this race in 2004 and he has entered Voler La Vedette alongside Zaarito, third in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival in 2008 and successful over hurdles at Punchestown on January 12.

It is 17 years since Flown landed the spoils for Nicky Henderson, also successful with River Ceiriog in 1986, but the trainer leads a strong home defence with six entries topped by the unbeaten Mad Max, successful over hurdles at Ascot and Newbury this term, and Ainama, who made an impressive winning debut at Kempton on January 26. The Seven Barrows contingent also includes classy Flat racer Eradicate, a comfortable winner on debut at Taunton on January 15.
Alan King’s 10 entries include Karabak, second to Mad Max before winning novice events at Cheltenham and Ascot, Grade Two Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle winner Medermit, the hat-trick seeking Cosmea and Doncaster winner Enfant De Lune.
The giant Quwetwo, an easy winner at Doncaster on January 23, could bid to give County Durham trainer Howard Johnson a second victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle following Arcalis in 2005. The trainer also has classy Flat recruit Red Moloney among eight entries. Andy Turnell rode Beacon Light to victory in 1976 for his trainer father Bob and could saddle Micheal Flips after the five-year-old registered a seven-length triumph at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has five entries, the pick being Conflictofinterest, who could bid to follow the trainer’s Noland (2006) to victory in the race. Fellow West Country handler Philip Hobbs has entered a quartet that includes Copper Bleu and The Ladbroke runner-up Belcantista, while Golan Way, a course and distance winner at The Open in the Grade Two Sharp Novices’ Hurdle, could represent trainer Sheena West.

David Pipe has entered 10 horses including Master Of Arts, a prolific winner on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, and the former Ger Lyons-trained Dundalk winner Nice Style, a well as Ronaldo Des Mottes and Torphichen.

Grade Two Blue Square Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Son Of Flicka and third-placed McMurrough could represent trainers Donald McCain and Malcolm Jefferson, respectively.

SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE PREVIOUS RESULTS

2008-WINNER-CAPTAIN CEE BEE 7-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Edward Harty IRE; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-17/2
2ND-Binocular 4-10-13 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-8/1 Co Fav
3RD-Snap Tie 6-11-07 Owner-Diana Whateley; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-20/1
22 ran, Time-4m 6.45s; Dist-2, 4½ 8/1 Co Favs Pigeon Island (11th), Muirhead (12th)

2007-WINNER-EBAZIYAN 6-11-07 Owner-Peter Garvey; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Davy Condon; SP-40/1
2ND-Granit Jack 5-11-07 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-15/2
3RD-Amaretto Rose 6-11-00 Owner-Weatherbys Racing Club; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-2/1 Fav
22 ran, Time-3m 56.1s; Dist-3, nk

2006-WINNER-NOLAND 5-11-07 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-6/1
2ND-Straw Bear 5-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Nick Gifford; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-11/1
3RD-Buena Vista 5-11-07 Owner-Matt Archer & the late Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-14/1
20 ran, Time-3m 54.50s; Dist-nk, 1¼ 5/2 Fav Sweet Wake (5th)

2005-WINNER-ARCALIS 5-11-07 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee: SP-20/1
2ND-Wild Passion 5-11-07 Owner-Des Sharkey; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-10/1
3RD-Dusky Warbler 6-11-07 Owner-Mike Charlton & Rodger Sargent; Trainer-Gary Moore; Jockey-Jamie Moore; SP-20/1
20 ran, Time-3m 53.00s; Dist-6, ½ 13/2 Fav Marcel (13th)

2004-WINNER-BRAVE INCA 6-11-07 Owner-Novices Syndicate; Trainer-Colm Murphy IRE; Jockey-Barry Cash; SP-7/2 Fav
2ND-War Of Attrition 5-11-07 Owner-Gigginstown House Stud; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-33/1
3RD-Fleet Street 5-11-07 Owner-Henry Ponsonby; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Andrew Tinkler; SP-20/1
19 ran, Time-3m 55.60s; Dist-nk, 7

2003-WINNER-BACK IN FRONT 6-11-08 Owner-Dermot Cox; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-3/1 Fav
2ND-Kicking King 5-11-08 Owner-Conor Clarkson; Trainer-Tom Taaffe IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-13/2
3RD-Chauvinist 8-11-08 Owner-Bunny & Nick Roberts; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-20/1
19 ran, Time-3m 56.80s; Dist-10, 4

2002-WINNER-LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY 8-11-03 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-7/4 Fav
2ND-Westender 6-11-08 Owner-Matt Archer and Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-6/1
3RD-In Contrast 6-11-08 Owner-Peter Emery and A Staple; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-16/1
28 ran, Time-3m 54.25s; Dist-nk, 2½

2001 - Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-SAUSALITO BAY 6-11-08 Owner-The High Street Racing Syndicate; Trainer- Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-14/1
2ND-Best Mate 5-11-08 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-6/1
3RD-Youlneverwalkalone 6-11-08 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-5/4 Fav
15 ran, Time-3m 51.70s; Dist-¾, 1¼

1999-WINNER-HORS LA LOI III 4-11-00 Owner-Paul Green; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-9/2
2ND-Joe Mac 5-11-08 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-6/1
3RD-Arctic Fancy 6-11-08 Owner-The Cool Customers; Trainer-Julian Smyth-Osbourne; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-66/1
20 ran, Time-3m 54.6s; Dist-17, 7 11/4 Fav Cardinal Hill (ur)

1998-WINNER-FRENCH BALLERINA 5-11-03 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Pat Flynn IRE; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-10/1
2ND-His Song 5-11-08 Owner-David Lloyd; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-4/1 Fav
3RD-Gatflax 6-11-08 Owner-Giles Clarke; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-16/1
30 ran, Time-3m 50.9s, Dist-7, 1

1997-WINNER-SHADOW LEADER 6-11-08 Owner-James Blackshaw; Trainer-Charles Egerton; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-5/1
2ND-Princeful 6-11-08 Owner-Robert & Elizabeth Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-25/1
3RD-Nordic Breeze 5-11-08 Owner-Malcolm Jones; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-David Walsh; SP-100/1
16 ran, Time-3m 49.5s, Dist-10, ½ 2/1 Fav Finnegan’s Hollow (f)

1996-WINNER-INDEFENCE 5-11-08 Owner-Indef Limited; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-25/1
2ND-Kimanicky 6-11-08 Owner-Elaine Barnes; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/2
3RD-Castle Sweep 5-11-08 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Peter Niven; SP-7/2 Fav
27 ran, Time-4m 1.8s, Dist-8, hd


SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
ROLL OF HONOUR

(Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2006-2008, Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2004-2005, Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2003, Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2001-02, Capel Cure Sharp Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2000, Citroen Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1994-99,Trafalgar House Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1991-93, Waterford Crystal Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1978-90, Lloyds Bank Champion Novice Hurdle 1974-1977, Gloucestershire Hurdle before 1974)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Captain Cee Bee 7-11-07 Robert Thornton Edward Harty IRE J P McManus 17/2 22
2007 Ebaziyan 6-11-07 Davy Condon Willie Mullins IRE Peter Garvey 40/1 22
2006 Noland 5-11-07 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls John Hales 6/1 20
2005 Arcalis 5-11-07 Graham Lee Howard Johnson Andrea & Graham Wylie 20/1 20
2004 Brave Inca 6-11-07 Barry Cash Colm Murphy IRE Novices Syndicate 7/2F 19
2003 Back In Front 6-11-08 Norman Williamson Edward O’Grady IRE Dermot Cox 3/1F 19
2002 Like-A-Butterfly 8-11-03 Charlie Swan Christy Roche IRE J P McManus 7/4F 28
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth Disease)
2000 Sausalito Bay 6-11-08 Paul Carberry Noel Meade IRE High Street Racing Syndicate 14/1 15
1999 Hors La Loi III 4-11-00 Tony McCoy Martin Pipe Paul Green 9/2 20
1998 French Ballerina5-11-03 Graham Bradley Pat Flynn IRE Sue Magnier 10/1 30
1997 Shadow Leader 6-11-08 Jamie Osborne Charles Egerton James Blackshaw 5/1 16
1996 Indefence 5-11-08 Warren Marston Jenny Pitman Indef Ltd 25/1 27
1995 Tourist Attraction6-11-03 Mark Dwyer Willie Mullins IRE North Kildare Racing Club 25/1 20
1994 Arctic Kinsman 6-11-08 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Rosie Hambro 50/1 18
1993 Montelado 6-11-08 Charlie Swan Pat Flynn IRE Ollie Hannon 5/1 15
1992 Flown 5-11-08 Jamie Osborne Nicky Henderson Edward Winfield 13/2 17
1991 Destriero 5-11-08 Pat McWilliams Andy Geraghty IRE Elizabeth Furlong 6/1 21
1990 Forest Sun 5-11-08 Jimmy Frost Toby Balding Salehurst Paper Co Ltd 7/4F 18
1989 Sondrio 8-11-08 Jonathon Lower Martin Pipe Mrs J M Ryan 25/1 21
1988 Vagador 5-11-08 Mark Perrett Guy Harwood Amanda Harwood 4/1F 26
1987 Tartan Tailor 6-11-08 Phil Tuck Gordon Richards Edinburgh Woollen Mill Ltd 14/1 20
1986 River Ceiriog 5-11-07 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Bobby McAlpine 40/1 29
1985 Harry Hastings 6-11-08 Chris Grant John Wilson Robert Leask 14/1 30
1984 Browne’s Gazette 6-11-08 Mr Dermot Browne Michael Dickinson John Poynton 11/2 18
1983 Buck House 5-11-08 Tommy Carmody Mouse Morris IRE Mrs S Purcell 8/1 22
1982 Miller Hill 6-11-08 Tom Morgan Dessie Hughes IRE J Harvey 20/1 19
1981 Hartstown 6-11-08 Niall Madden Mick O'Toole IRE J McGowan 2/1F 16
1980 Slaney Idol 5-11-08 Tommy Carmody Liam Browne IRE Mrs M Hayes 9/1 27
1979 Stranfield 6-11-08 Tommy Kinane Des McDonogh IRE D Devlin 16/1 16
1978 Golden Cygnet 6-11-08 Mr Niall Madden Edward O'Grady IRE Raymond Rooney 4/5F 18
1977 Mac’s Chariot 6-11-08 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs A Jordan 7/1 16
1976 Beacon Light 5-11-08 Andy Turnell Bob Turnell Jim Joel 14/1 11
1975 Bannow Rambler6-11-08 Frank Berry Padge Berry IRE Mrs K White 9/2 18
1974 Avec Moi 5-11-06 Roger Rowell Auriol Sinclair Lord Blackford 5/4F 16
1973 King Pele 4-10-10 David Nicholson Gavin Pritchard-Gordon J Richardson 13/2 20
1972 Noble Life 5-11-06 Stan Murphy Christy Grassick IRE M Gallagher 16/1 18
1971(I) Persian Majesty 4-10-13 Terry Biddlecombe Ryan Price Ken Wheldon 13/2 10
1971 (II) Barnard 7-12-00 Johnnie Haine Fulke Walwyn Mrs B Heath 4/1 13
1970 (I) Ballywilliam Boy 5-12-00 Bobby Coonan Paddy Sleator IRE P Smyth 4/1 20
1970 (II) Bula 5-12-00 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Bill Edwards-Heathcote 3/1F 21
1969 (I) Normandy 4-11-02 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Bryan Jenks 10/1 28
1969 (II) Private Room 5-11-10 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Mrs A L Hoare 10/1 20
1968 (I) King Cutler 5-12-00 Brian Fletcher Denys Smith Joe Lisle 85/40 12
1968 (II) L’Escargot 5-12-04 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 13/2 11
1967 (I) Chorus 6-11-12 Johnnie Haine Tom Jones Lord James Crichton-Stuart 15/2 20
1967 (II) Early To Rise 7-11-12 Jeff King Bob Turnell Paul Mellon 11/2 14
1966 (I) Beau Caprice 12-12-02 Tommy Jennings Fulke Walwyn Richard Head 6/1 14
1966 (II) Fosco 5-11-06 David Moore Mick Goswell David Montagu 7/2 19
1965 (I) Red Tears 5-11-06 Stan Mellor Tom Jones Major Victor McCalmont 7/1 19
1965 (II) Havago 6-12-04 Bobby Beasley Paddy Sleator IRE Clifford Nicholson 11/8 15
1964 (I) Flyingbolt 5-12-02 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Mrs Jean Wilkinson 4/9F 11
1964 (II) Elan 5-12-02 Dave Dick John Sutcliffe R Tucker 9/2 18
1963 (I) Honour Bound 5-11-10 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Katie Gaze 3/1F 18
1963 (II) Buona Notte 6-11-08 Johnnie Haine Bob Turnell Jim Joel 7/2 15
1963 (III) Deetease 5-12-02 Clive Chapman Basil Foster Charles Chandler 9/1 18
1962 (I) Tripacer 4-10-12 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Lady Honor Svejdar 20/1 18
1962 (II) Clerical Grey 4-11-02 Willie Robinson P Murphy IRE Mrs R A Palfreyman 100/8 18
1961 (I) Beau Normand 5-11-06 Bill Rees Bob Turnell Jim Joel 5/1 18
1961 (II) Greektown 5-12-02 Michael Scudamore Willie Stephenson Lionel Ensten 100/8 15
1960 (I) Blue Mountain 6-11-05 Dick Broadway George Todd Sidney Banks 5/1 20
1960 (II) Bastille 5-10-13 Bill Woods Tom Masson Mrs V Cripps 33/1 18
1959 (I) York Fair 5-11-10 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE John McShain 4/5F 16
1959 (II) Albergo 5-11-06 Doug Page Clem Magnier IRE Mrs Clem Magnier 9/1 19
1958 (I) Admiral Stuart 7-11-12 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Mrs T V Ryan 6/5F 19
1958 (II) Prudent King 6-11-08 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Captain R Westmacott 3/1F 19
1957 (I) Tokoroa 6-12-01 Dave Dick Fred Rimell David Deyong 5/4F 10
1957 (II) Saffron Tartan 6-11-12 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Lady Cottenham 10/11F 12
1956 (I) Boys Hurrah 8-11-08 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE M J Sheehan 9/4F 17
1956 (II) Pelargos 5-11-06 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE Vincent O’Brien 6/4F 22
1955 (I) Vindore 6-11-12 Mr Phonsie O’Brien Vincent O’Brien IRE J A Wood Evs F 19
1955 (II) Illyric 6-11-08 Tommy Burns Vincent O’Brien IRE R Mulrooney 3/1F 23
1954 (I) Stroller 6-11-08 Pat Taaffe Vincent O’Brien IRE Joe Griffin 13/8F 18
1954 (II) Tasmin 4-10-07 Rene Emery Harry Count FR Harry Count 5/1 18
1953 (I) Assynt 5-11-01 Eddie Newman Danny Morgan IRE Lady Ursula Vernon 9/4F 18
1953 (II) Dessin 7-11-08 Johnny Gilbert Frank Hudson H J Barlow 100/9 17
1952 (I) Cockatoo 6-11-03 Mr Phonsie O’Brien Vincent O’Brien IRE Harry Keogh 4/1 13
1952 (II) Evian 4-10-07 Fred Winter George Archibald M S Westwick 10/1 14
1951 (I) Red Stranger 4-10-12 Denis Dillon Ron Smyth L Jarvis 100/8 20
1951 (II) Oukileles II 4-10-12 Fred Winter George Archibald B Campbell 6/1 13
1950 (I) Tsaoko 5-11-08 Martin Molony Sam Armstrong H E Habib I Rahimtoola 4/9F 9
1950 (II) Sir Charles 4-10-04 Mr Michael Scudamore Geoffrey Scudamore S A Mailes 25/1 15
1949 (I) French Wedding 4-10-07 Jimmy Brogan Gerry Wilson E L Gosling 11/2 14
1949 (II) Tough Guy 4-10-00 Denis Dillon Ivor Anthony Jack Olding 4/1 18
1948 (I) Vulgan 5-10-10 Rickie Black John De Moraville H Coriat 9/2 13
1948 (II) Jean’s Last 6-11-00 Bryan Marshall Fulke Walwyn Lady Throckmorton 7/4F 21
1947 No race
1946 (I) Prince Rupert 5-11-03 Ron Smyth Ted Smyth John J Astor 9/2 19
1946 (II) Freetown 6-11-00 George Archibald W Larkin H Rogers 8/1 17
1946 (III) Gremlin 5-10-10 Phil Canty George Todd Desmond Baring 5/1 16

THE 2008 SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE RESULT
2m 1/2f, Old Course, £120,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 10st 13lb; 5yo+11st 7lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 130 pay £125 1st Forfeit 94 pay £250 Confirmed 42 pay £125 Penalty Value 1st £68,424, 2nd £25,668, 3rd £12,852, 4th £6,408, 5th £3,216, 6th £1,608

1 CAPTAIN CEE BEE (IRE) (J P McManus) Edward Harty IRE 7-11-7 Robert Thornton 17/2
2 BINOCULAR (FR) (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 4-10-13 Tony McCoy 8/1 co-fav
3 SNAP TIE (IRE) (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs 6-11-7 Richard Johnson 20/1
4 KALAHARI KING (FR) (Mrs J Morgan) Ferdy Murphy 7-11-7 Tony Dobbin 40/1
5 RIPPLING RING (SAF) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 5-11-7 Ruby Walsh 10/1
6 BLUE BAJAN (IRE) (Dr John Hollowood) Andrew Turnell 6-11-7 Tom Scudamore 33/1
7 CORK ALL STAR (IRE) (Exors of the Late Cathal Ryan) Jessica Harrington IRE 6-11-7 Barry Geraghty 17/2
8 TRANQUIL SEA (IRE) (D Cox) Edward O'Grady IRE 6-11-7 Andrew McNamara 18/1
9 DEEP PURPLE (Paul Green) Evan Williams 7-11-7 Paul Moloney 16/1
10 KHYBER KIM (Caroline Mould) Nicky Henderson 6-11-7 Mick Fitzgerald 17/2
11 PIGEON ISLAND (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 5-11-7t Paddy Brennan 8/1 co-fav
12 MUIRHEAD (IRE) (Pat Sloan) Noel Meade IRE 5-11-7 Paul Carberry 8/1 co-fav
13 NUMIDE (FR) (H Hunt) Gary Moore 5-11-7p Jamie Moore 33/1
14 THE GLOVES ARE OFF (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Mouse Morris IRE 5-11-7 Davy Russell 33/1
15 SENTRY DUTY (FR) (Peter Spiller) Nicky Henderson 6-11-7 Andrew Tinkler 11/1
16 SOPHOCLES (Mrs A Donnelly) James Leavy IRE 5-11-7 David Casey 25/1
17 QUARTANO (GER) (Malcolm Denmark) Carl Llewellyn 5-11-7 Noel Fehily 100/1
18 CALGARY BAY (IRE) (Mrs T Radford) Henrietta Knight 5-11-7 Timmy Murphy 40/1
19 LEMON SILK (IRE) (A Helaissi) Kahlil Burke 4-10-13 Paul O'Neill 150/1
P PASCO (SWI) (Terry Warner) Paul Nicholls 5-11-7 Sam Thomas 16/1
P STRIKING ARTICLE (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 6-11-7 Denis O'Regan 100/1
P NORTHER BAY (FR) (John Brennan) Eoin Griffin IRE 5-11-7 Tom Doyle 150/1

22 ran
Non-runner: 21 Zebra Crossing
Distances: 2, 4 1/2, 5, 2 1/4, 1 1/2, 1, 4, 3/4, 2 1/4, 17, 6, 10, 22, 4 1/2, 7, 6, 9, 1 3/4, 24, 2 3/4 Time-4m 6.45s
Breeding: b g Germany - Elea Victoria (Sharp Victor)
Breeder: Maurice Stack
Totes: Win: £12.00 Places: £4.70; £2.60; £6.80 Exacta: £65.70

Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 Background: First sat on a horse aged eight, and started working for David Nicholson aged 14, becoming stable amateur in 1995. Crowned Champion Conditional in 1998, riding 71 winners, before joining Kim Bailey and turning professional in 1999. Now rides for Alan King. Writes an article for the Gloucstershire Echo, and is nicknamed Choc because he used to always eat chocolate. Had his hair shaved for charity in June 2007, despite protests from his girlfriend First Winner Under Rules: K C’s Dancer (Cheltenham, October 25, 1995) Cheltenham Festival wins: (13) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Captain Cee Bee), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase (King Lucifer 1997), Pertemps Final (Pharanear 1997), William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning, 2005 Kelami), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2007Andreas) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-0 Hurdle (2007 Katchit), Martell Foxhunters’ Chase (Blue Cheek 1997), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (Shankar 1997), Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shakespeare); John Smith’s Mares Only Nh Flat Race (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Big Race Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Trouble At Bay), Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (2005 Innox), Agfa Hurdle (2005 Self Defense), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal D’ainay, 2007 Blazing Bailey), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Coralpoker.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2005 Kadount, 2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (My Way De Solzen), Rendlesham Hurdle (1999 Pharanear, 2005 Crystal D’ainay), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Sporting Index Chase (2002 Famfoni), Totesport Long Walk Hurdle (2005 My Way De Solzen), Victor Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Wragg & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Moneytrain, 2007 Katchit), Desert Orchid Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Wins (1995/96-2006/07): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73; 97; 73; 99 Wins this Season: 86

Winning Trainer: EDWARD HARTY Based: Mulgrave Lodge, Pollardstown, Curragh, County Kildare, Ireland Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Captain Cee Bee) First Runner at The Festival: Captain Cee Bee (won), Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, March 11, 2008 Background: Previously worked as a currency trader for Anglo Irish Bank in Dublin before starting training in 2004. Grandfather was Captain Cyril B Harty (whom his Captain Cee Bee is named after), who an international showjumper with the Irish Army team, an amateur rider and successful jumps trainer responsible for 1944 Irish Grand National winner Knight’s Crest. Father, also called Edward, represented Ireland in three-day-eventing at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome before becoming a professional jockey, winning the 1969 Grand National on Highland Wedding (although he never rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival). Edward jnr wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a jockey, but became too big and moved to London to become a stockbroker in 1982, returning home three years later. Married Marie, a qualified vet, in 1987.Primarily a flat trainer, Edward’s cousin is fellow trainer Sabrina Harty. First Winner (jumps): Captain Cee Bee, Kilbrew Recuperation & Nursing INH Flat Race, Fairyhouse, April 18, 2006. Wins in Ireland this season: 3 Wins in Britain this season: 1


THE BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £120,000, 2.05pm, Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 11, 2009. 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 Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Entries revealed Thursday, January 29 (125 entries). Forfeit stage February 17. Six-day confirmation stage March 5. Final declaration stage 10am, Tuesday, March 10. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, January 28. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
AACHEN 5 Findlay & Bloom Venetia Williams
1- ABOUKIR BAY (IRE) 5 Roger Brookhouse David Pipe
ACAPULCO (IRE) 5 J Higgins Edward O'Grady IRE
12 ACCORDING TO DICK (IRE) 6 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
011-1 ALDERLUCK (IRE) 6 Celia Rayner Nick Gifford
134 AMERICAN TRILOGY (IRE) 5 Fulton, Donlon, Kilduff & Scott-MacDonald Paul Nicholls
22- AN INNOCENT MAN 6 J P McManus Noel Meade IRE
22P-111 AUX LE BAHNN (IRE) 8 Exors of the late A D Weller Noel Chance IRE
F06 BECKETT ROCK (IRE) 5 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
332-012 BELCANTISTA (FR) 7 J P McManus Philip Hobbs
1112 BENSALEM (IRE) 6 Alan Marsh & John Duggan Alan King
120 BERGO (GER) 6 Findlay & Bloom Evan Williams
BEST LOVER (FR) 7 The Best Lovers James Ewart
10-F4 BIG EARED FRAN (IRE) 6 Thomas Barr David Pipe
0245/-4U BLUE TEAL (IRE) 7 Lady Vestey & Barry Brazier Henrietta Knight
601-313 BOB LINGO (IRE) 7 J P McManus Tom Mullins IRE
(1)1 BORROWADDY (IRE) 6 Martin Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
3-25121 BROWNS BAILY (IRE) 7 R A Scott Mouse Morris IRE
11 BURTON PORT (IRE) 5 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
0-41111 CAIM HILL (IRE) 6 Dempsey Construction Ltd Philip Fenton IRE
0(1)0(1)- CALAFICIAL (IRE) 6 Trevor Hemmings Alan King
113-11 CAPE TRIBULATION 5 J David Abell Malcolm Jefferson
11-211 CAROLE'S LEGACY 5 Carole Skipworth & Paul Murphy Nicky Henderson
611 CHARIOT CHARGER (IRE) 5 The Fox Inn Syndicate Emma Lavelle
146-001 CHATEAU D'EAU (FR) 6 Mrs Pat Sloan Noel Meade
66-1021 CHINA ROCK (IRE) 6 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
12132 CLAN TARA (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Paul Nolan IRE
10/-16 CLAY HOLLISTER 6 J P McManus Nicky Henderson
10-51 COCKLESHELL ROAD (IRE) 6 Eamonn Duignan Edward O'Grady IRE
6-3411 COMHLA RI COIG 8 Gingers Whingers Donald McCain Jnr
15-31 COPPER BLEU (IRE) 7 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs
24-4012 COPSIANO (IRE) 6 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
111-311 COUSIN VINNY (IRE) 6 Festival Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
43- CRICKET BOY 5 David Johnson David Pipe
110/- DEN OF INIQUITY 8 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
1/1-1111 DIAMOND HARRY 6 Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership Nick Williams
5 DOCTOR PAT (IRE) 5 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
11210 DONNAS PALM (IRE) 5 Grand Alliance Racing Club Noel Meade IRE
2125 DOOR BOY (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
150200 DORSET SQUARE (IRE) 5 Shanakiel Racing Syndicate John Murphy IRE
6-B5 DREAMY SWEENEY (IRE) 7 W J Brown Nicky Henderson
r311 EBADIYAN (IRE) 4 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
0-04141 EDGBRIAR (FR) 7 D Allen Paul Webber
FIRST STREAM (GER) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
4141F FRONTIER DANCER (IRE) 5 Jump For Fun Racing Nigel Twiston-Davies
312-620 GONEBEYONDRECALL (IRE) 6 Noel Glynn Noel Glynn IRE
111 GREAT ENDEAVOUR (IRE) 5 David Johnson David Pipe
25-2444 HERNANDO ROYAL 6 Paul Murphy Dr Richard Newland
3-4633 HEY BIG SPENDER (IRE) 6 Brocade Racing Colin Tizzard
11211 HURRICANE FLY (IRE) 5 George Creighton & Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
510 IN THE ZONE (IRE) 5 J P McManus Mouse Morris IRE
42-1 JESSIES DREAM (IRE) 6 Martin Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
035-223 JUDGE ROY BEAN (IRE) 6 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
0-52122 JUNIOR 6 Paul Green Alan King
012 KANGAROO COURT (IRE) 5 N Mustoe Emma Lavelle
1-3211 KARABAK (FR) 6 David Mason Alan King
4-11 KEMPES (IRE) 6 Three Cheers Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
1/10-41 KIMBERLITE KING (IRE) 7 Aspirations Syndicate Colm Murphy IRE
2-51 KING'S FOREST (IRE) 5 Richard Lavelle Emma Lavelle
12-1P3 KNOCKARA BEAU (IRE) 6 W F Trueman George Charlton
30 LEAD THE PARADE (IRE) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
11214 LITTLE JOSH (IRE) 7 Findlay & Bloom Nigel Twiston-Davies
05 LORD RAGNAR (IRE) 6 Mr & Mrs Richard Kelvin Hughes Nicky Henderson
2 LORD TOMNODDY 7 David Jenks David Pipe
11-11 MAD MAX (IRE) 7 Carole Skipworth & Paul Murphy Nicky Henderson
301P MARTYS MISSION (IRE) 7 The Stewart Family Richard Rowe
11/4-15 MASSASOIT (IRE) 7 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
1143 MCMURROUGH (IRE) 5 Mr & Mrs J M Davenport Malcolm Jefferson
121 MICHEAL FLIPS (IRE) 5 M Tedham Andrew Turnell
2226-31 MICK THE MAN (IRE) 8 James Grace Colm Murphy IRE
26-2111 MIKAEL D'HAGUENET (FR) 5 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
MONEYWISE (IRE) 5 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
23-26P1 MR THRILLER (FR) 4 Pegasus Farms Ltd David Pipe
0 NOBLE PRINCE (GER) 5 Des Sharkey Paul Nolan IRE
1-122F ON RAGLAN ROAD (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
44 ONE TO MANY (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Charlie Swan IRE
5-14543 OSCAR DAN DAN (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
3 PALE RIDER (FR) 6 P H Betts Nick Gifford
1-1112 PANDORAMA (IRE) 6 R J Bagnall Noel Meade IRE
3132 PAUSE AND CLAUSE (IRE) 5 Robert Cohen Emma Lavelle
410B21 PERSIAN CITY (IRE) 6 Need A Winner Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
2/42- POLYFAST (FR) 6 W J Brown Nicky Henderson
0-403 POWER OF ATTORNEY (IRE) 5 J P McManus Mouse Morris IRE
432 QUALVIRO (FR) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Jim Culloty IRE
3100-01 QUARTETTO (GER) 5 Ms A Torrens Mervyn Torrens IRE
4-41 QUARTZ DE THAIX (FR) 5 ROA Arkle Partnership Venetia Williams
4 QUINZ (FR) 5 Andrew Cohen Philip Hobbs
1-311 QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) 5 Dr B M Doyle Willie Mullins IRE
4-11 QUWETWO 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
321212 REALT DUBH (IRE) 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
02-34 REBECCAS CHOICE (IRE) 6 J E Mutch Mark Rimell
412 RHYL ACCORD (IRE) 7 Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
556-4 RICHARD THE THIRD 5 Vijay Kara John Harris
0 RISK (IRE) 6 The Picnic Party Charles Egerton
1 RUTHENOISE (FR) 4 Galaxy Sports Management Ltd David Pipe
0/P-2 SADLER'S STAR (GER) 6 Paul Green Alan King
433-5 SCRIPTWRITER (IRE) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
3-20 SEARCH FOR GOLD (IRE) 7 The P J Partnership Jonathan Geake
6- SEEKING THE BUCK (USA) 5 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
334-133 SHOREACRES (IRE) 6 David Nash Brendan Powell
12 SOFT SPOKEN GUY (IRE) 6 R A Green & Mrs Paul Shanahan Philip Hobbs
5 SOLSTICE KNIGHT (IRE) 6 D Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
222212 SON OF FLICKA 5 Twenty Four Seven Recruitment Donald McCain Jnr
121 STROKESTOWN 6 T G Leslie Donald McCain Jnr
14-3111 SUNNYHILLBOY (IRE) 6 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
121 TARABLAZE 6 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
3-10 TEDDY'S REFLECTION (IRE) 6 The Bailey Family Henrietta Knight
0-04202 TEN FIRES (GER) 7 Barry Connell Dessie Hughes IRE
0111 THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (IRE) 8 C C R Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
12-S1 THE NIGHTINGALE (FR) 6 C G Roach Paul Nicholls
15-2 THE OLD PRETENDER (IRE) 6 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Carl Llewellyn
2-3132 THE SHOE (NZ) 7 Gerard Peterson & Owen Glenn Nicky Henderson
0 THE WEDDING HORSE (IRE) 6 Piers Pottinger and P B-J Partnership Mark Bradstock
506224 THEMOONANDSIXPENCE (IRE) 6 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
33 THREATENING TO PAY (IRE) 7 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams
0-4652F TIME ELECTRIC (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
1 TORPHICHEN 4 Thomas Barr David Pipe
314-10 UIMHIRACEATHAIR (IRE) 7 Full House Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
14P046 UNFORGETTABLE (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud John Murphy IRE
2-1 WEIRD AL (IRE) 6 Brannon Dennis Dick Holden Ian Williams
113 WENDEL (GER) 5 Sally Morgan & Dick Prince/Jared Sullivan Charlie Mann
PP1r25 WESTERN CHARMER (IRE) 7 Gerard Burke Dessie Hughes IRE
WISHFULL THINKING 6 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
1113-21 ZAARITO (IRE) 7 Victoria Syndicate Colm Murphy IRE
11 ZAYNAR (FR) 4 Men In Our Position Nicky Henderson

125 Entries
46 Irish-trained
2 French-trained

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 sponsored the contest for the first time in 2007.

2. The Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle, along with the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the RSA 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 RSA 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. There were also 15 runners in 2004, 2007 and 2008. The largest field was 29, achieved in 1979, 1984 and 1991. The current 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 36 runnings. The longest-priced winner was 40/1 chance Even Dawn in the second running in 1972.

6. The Irish have an excellent record in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle with 14 wins, including six consecutive victories from 1973-78.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

Breakdown of Entries per Trainer and Past Successes in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle

12 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE (2008 Fiveforthree)

9 Entries
Nicky Henderson

8 Entries
David Pipe

7 Entries
Philip Hobbs (2007 Massini’s Maguire)

6 Entries
Mouse Morris IRE

5 Entries
Howard Johnson (2005 No Refuge)
Alan King
Noel Meade IRE (2006 Nicanor)

4 Entries
Emma Lavelle
Edward O’Grady IRE (1980 Drumlargan, 1982 Mister Donovan)

3 Entries
Carl Llewellyn
Donald McCain
Thomas Mullins IRE
Colm Murphy IRE
Paul Nicholls

2 Entries
Francois Doumen FR
Nick Gifford
Dessie Hughes IRE (2003 Hardy Eustace)
Malcolm Jefferson
Henrietta Knight
John Murphy IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist)
Evan Williams
Venetia Williams

1 Entry
Mark Bradstock
Oliver Brady IRE
Noel Chance
George Charlton
Jim Culloty IRE
Charles Egerton
James Ewart
Philip Fenton IRE
Jonathan Geake
Noel Glynn IRE
John Harris
Charlie Mann
Dr Richard Newland
Jonjo O’Neill
Brendan Powell
Mark Rimell
Richard Rowe
Charlie Swan IRE
Colin Tizzard
Mervyn Torrens IRE
Andrew Turnell
Paul Webber
Dermot Weld IRE
Ian Williams
Nick Williams

Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle - Analysis

The Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle was first run in 1971 and this year’s race on Wednesday, March 11, has attracted 125 entries, 46 of which are Irish-trained and two French-trained.

The unbeaten Diamond Harry landed his second Cheltenham success of the campaign in the Grade Two Racecourse of the Year Classic Novices’ Hurdle on Festival Trials Day, January 24. The Nick Williams-trained six-year-old saw off the Alan King-trained Bensalem in a close finish, having previously defeated another King inmate, Junior, to win the Grade One Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury in December.

King’s five-strong entry also includes Karabak, who easily defeated Kangaroo Court in an extended two mile, three furlong novice hurdle at Ascot on January 17.
The Malcolm Jefferson-trained Cape Tribulation was impressive when winning the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster on January 24, and has been entered alongside stablemate McMurrough.
Seven Barrows trainer Nicky Henderson has a strong hand. His nine entries include the unbeaten Mad Max and that gelding’s half-sister Carole’s Legacy, successful in four of her five career starts. Burton Port was a comfortable winner at Hereford on January 19, while Zaynar won at Ascot the same day, having previously defeated Walkon at Newbury in December.

Philip Hobbs saddled Belcantista to finish second in The Ladbroke and his entry also includes Copper Bleu, while the Carl Llewellyn-trained Den Of Iniquity made a winning debut over hurdles at Folkestone on January 27, Noel Chance may run Aux Le Bahnn and Donald McCain has engaged Grade Two Blue Square Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Son Of Flicka alongside Comhla Ri Coig and Strokestown.

Howard Johnson was victorious in 2005 with No Refuge and could run the giant Quwetwo. Jonjo O’Neill has engaged Sandown Listed handicap winner Sunnyhillboy.

Paul Nicholls seeks a first success in the race with three entries – American Trilogy, Massasoit and The Nightingale. David Pipe is also looking to break his duck with eight entries including the unbeaten three-time winner Great Endeavour, Auteuil winner Ruthenoise and Big Eared Fran.
Irish-trained horses have won two of the past three renewals, with the Willie Mullins-trained Fiveforthree taking the prize last year. The trainer has 12 engaged, notably 2008 Weatherbys Champion Bumper hero Cousin Vinny, dual Grade One winner Hurricane Fly, Grade One Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novices’ Hurdle victor Mikael D’Haguenet, Quiscover Fontaine, The Midnight Club and Kempes.

Noel Meade saddled Nicanor to defeat Denman in this race three years ago and he has five entered including Pandorama, who won five races in a row before running second to Mikael D’Haguenet in the aforementioned Navan Grade One. Realt Dubh and Donnas Palm could also line up.

Philip Fenton has entered multiple winner Caim Hill, while Oliver Brady could run Grade Three Punchestown Juvenile Hurdle hero Ebadiyan. The Colm Murphy-trained Zaarito defeated the Tom Mullins-trained Time Electric at Punchestown on January 12.

The two French entries are trained by Francois Doumen - Newbury bumper fifth Doctor Pat and the unraced Moneywise.

Previous results - BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
2008-WINNER-FIVEFORTHREE 6-11-07 Owner-Olde Crowbars Syndicate; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-7/1
2ND-Venalmar 6-11-07 Owner-Michael O’Flynn; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Paddy Flood; SP-11/1
3RD-Trafford Lad 6-11-07 Owner-Butler Family Syndicate; Trainer-Eamon Sheehy IRE; Jockey-Tom Doyle; SP-9/1
15 ran, Time-5m 2.20s Dist-nk, 4; 4/1 Fav Aigle D’Or (13th)

2007-WINNER-MASSINI’S MAGUIRE 6-11-07 Owner-Alan Peterson; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-20/1
2ND-Tidal Bay 6-11-07 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-10/1
3RD-Catch Me 6-11-07 Owner-J P O’Shea; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-7/1
15 ran, Time-5m 5.40s; Dist: nk, 1½; 5/2 Fav Aran Concerto (5th)

2006-WINNER-NICANOR 5-11-07 Owner-Des Sharkey; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-17/2
2ND-Denman 6-11-07 Owner-Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-11/10 Fav
3RD-Refinement 7-11-00 Owner-Michael Tabor; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-11/2
17 ran, Time-5m 1.00s Dist: 2½, 6

2005-WINNER-NO REFUGE 5-11-07 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-17/2
2ND-Racing Demon 5-11-07 Owner-Camilla Radford; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-14/1
3RD-Our Ben 6-11-07 Owner-Trevor Hemmings; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-33/1
20 ran, Time-5m 00.00s Dist: ¾, 2½ 9/2 Jt Favs Gold Medalist (5th) & Royal Paradise (7th)

2004-WINNER-FUNDAMENTALIST 6-11-07 Owner-Gripen; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-12/1
2ND-Inglis Drever 5-11-07 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-7/4 Fav
3RD-Grey Report 7-11-07 Owner-Anne La Trobe; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-25/1
15 ran, Time-5m 1.90s, Dist-.5, 4

2003-WINNER-HARDY EUSTACE 5-11-07 Owner-Laurence Byrne; Trainer-Dessie Hughes IRE; Jockey-Kieran Kelly; SP-6/1
2ND-Pizarro 6-11-07 Owner-Edward Wallace; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-2/1 Fav
3RD-Lord Sam 7-11-07 Owner-Plain Peeps; Trainer-Victor Dartnall; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-10/1
Coolnagorna, finished 2nd, placed last for causing interference 19 ran, Time-5m 5.70s, Dist (as they passed the post)-1¼, 1

2002-WINNER-GALILEO 6-11-07 Owner-Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner; Trainer-Tom George; Jockey-Jason Maguire; SP-12/1
2ND-Over The Bar 6-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Edward O’Grady IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-14/1
3RD-Lanzerac 5-11-07 Owner-Cleartherm Ltd; Trainer-John Harris; Jockey-Paul Flynn; SP-66/1
27 ran; Time-5m 19.70s, Dist-3½, sh; 5/1 Fav Classified (4th)

2001-Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-MONSIGNOR 6-11-07 Owner-Malcolm Denmark; Trainer-Mark Pitman; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-5/4 Fav
2ND-No Discount 6-11-06 Owner-Seamus Ross; Trainer-Charlie Swan IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-20/1
3RD-Gentle Rivage 6-11-07 Owner-Geoffrey and Donna Keeys; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; SP-50/1
14 ran, Time-4m 52.0s, Dist-8,5

1999-WINNER-BARTON 6-11-07 Owner-Stan Clarke; Trainer-Tim Easterby; Jockey-Lorcan Wyer, SP-2/1 Fav
2ND-Artadoin Lad 6-11-07 Owner-Jim Shaw; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-28/1
3RD-Winston Run 7-11-07 Owner-Mr & Mrs John Poynton; Trainer-Ian Williams; Jockey-Glenn Tormey; SP-100/1
18 ran, Time-5m 5.6s, Dist-9, ½

1998-WINNER-FRENCH HOLLY 7-11-07 Owner-Kieran Flood; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-2/1 Fav
2ND-Torboy 8-11-07 Owner-Paul Green; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-8/1
3RD-Cloone Bridge 6-11-07 Owner-Kathleen Gillane; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/1
18 ran, Time-4m 59.7s, Dist-14, 2½

1997-WINNER-ISTABRAQ 5-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-6/5 Fav
2ND-Mighty Moss 6-11-07 Owner-Ken Hutsby; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Mr Fred Hutsby; SP-11/1
3RD-Daraydan 5-11-07 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-16/1
17 ran, Time-4m 58.2s, Dist-1, ¾


BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE
ROLL OF HONOUR
(Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle since 2007, Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle 1998-2006, Royal Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle 1997, Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle 1974-96, Aldsworth Hurdle 1971-73)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Fiveforthree 6-11-07 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins IRE Olde Crowbars Syndicate 7/1 15
2007 Massini’s Maguire 6-11-07 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Alan Peterson 20/1 15
2006 Nicanor 5-11-07 Paul Carberry Noel Meade IRE Des Sharkey 17/2 17
2005 No Refuge 5-11-07 Graham Lee Howard Johnson Andrea & Graham Wylie 17/2 20
2004 Fundamentalist 6-11-07 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Gripen 12/1 15
2003 Hardy Eustace 6-11-07 Kieran Kelly Dessie Hughes IRE Laurence Byrne 6/1 19
2002 Galileo 6-11-07 Jason Maguire Tom George Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner 12/1 27
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Monsignor 6-11-07 Norman Williamson Mark Pitman Malcolm Denmark 5/4F 14
1999 Barton 6-11-07 Lorcan Wyer Tim Easterby Stan Clarke 2/1F 18
1998 French Holly 7-11-07 Andrew Thornton Ferdy Murphy Kieran Flood 2/1F 18
1997 Istabraq 5-11-07 Charlie Swan Aidan O’Brien IRE J P McManus 6/5F 17
1996 Urubande 6-11-07 Charlie Swan Aidan O’Brien IRE Martin St Quinton 8/1 24
1995 Putty Road 5-11-07 Norman Williamson David Nicholson Lady Harris 7/1 21
1994 Danoli 6-11-07 Charlie Swan Tom Foley IRE Dan O’Neill 7/4F 23
1993 Gaelstrom 6-11-02 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Jenny Powell 16/1 19
1992 Thetford Forest 5-11-07 Richard Dunwoody David Nicholson Saeed Manana 7/1 27
1991 Crystal Spirit 4-10-12 Jimmy Frost Ian Balding Paul Mellon 2/1F 29
1990 Regal Ambition 6-11-07 Peter Scudamore Martin Pipe Skeltools Ltd 3/1F 22
1989 Sayfar’s Lad 5-11-07 Mark Perrett Martin Pipe Arthur Whiting 12/1 22
1988 Rebel Song 6-11-07 Simon Sherwood Oliver Sherwood Maggie Heath 14/1 25
1987 The West Awake 6-11-07 Simon Sherwood Oliver Sherwood Maggie Heath 16/1 28
1986 Ten Plus 6-11-07 Kevin Mooney Fulke Walwyn Basil Thwaites 5/2F 28
1985 Asir 5-11-07 Mr Ronnie Beggan Paul Kelleway HH Prince Yazid Saud 9/1 27
1984 Fealty 4-10-12 Seamus O’Neill Peter Brookshaw Peter Brookshaw 33/1 29
1983 Sabin Du Loir 4-10-08 Graham Bradley Michael Dickinson Brian Kilpatrick 16/1 27
1982 Mister Donovan 6-11-08 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE J P McManus 9/2 21
1981 Gaye Chance 6-11-08 Sam Morshead Fred Rimell Mrs M Curtis 7/1 21
1980 Drumlargan 6-11-08 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE Mary Cuddy 5/2F 27
1979 Venture To Cognac 6-11-08 Mr Oliver Sherwood Fred Winter Nat Sherwood 4/1 29
1978 Mr Kildare 5-11-07 Tommy Carmody Liam Browne IRE Owen Canty 8/11F 20
1977 Counsel Cottage 6-11-08 Sean Treacy Paddy Mullins IRE Lady Elizabeth Byng 6/1 26
1976 Parkhill 5-11-07 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs J McGowan 4/1 21
1975 Davy Lad 5-11-07 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs J McGowan 5/2F 20
1974 Brown Lad 8-11-08 Ron Barry Paddy Osborne IRE J Osborne 2/1F 25
1973 Willie Wumpkins 5-11-06 Pat Colville Adrian Maxwell IRE Jane Pilkington 11/1 15
1972 Even Dawn 5-11-06 Ron Hyett Katie Gaze Katie Gaze 40/1 17
1971 Midsprite 5-11-12 Macer Gifford Tom Jones Mrs Ogden Phipps 7/1 20

THE 2008 BALLYMORE PROPERTIES NOVICES’ HURDLE RESULT
2m 4 1/2f, New Course, £120,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 10st 12lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 156 pay £125 1st Forfeit 107 pay £250 Confirmed 40 pay £125 Penalty Value 1st £68,424, 2nd £25,668, 3rd £12,852, 4th £6,408, 5th £3,216, 6th £1,608

1 FIVEFORTHREE (IRE) (Olde Crowbars Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 6-11-7 Ruby Walsh 7/1
2 VENALMAR (Michael O’Flynn) Mouse Morris IRE 6-11-7 Paddy Flood 11/1
3 TRAFFORD LAD (Butler Family Syndicate) Eamon Sheehy IRE 6-11-7 Tom Doyle 9/1
4 FORPADYDEPLASTERER (IRE) (Goat Racing Syndicate) Thomas Cooper IRE 6-11-7 Davy Russell 13/2
5 GROUP CAPTAIN (Peter Webb) Alan King 6-11-7 Robert Thornton 5/1
6 LIGHTNING STRIKE (GER) (John Nicholls (Trading) Ltd) Venetia Williams 5-11-7 Jamie Moore 33/1
7 RAZOR ROYALE (IRE) (C Cornes) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-7t Paddy Brennan 18/1
8 FOND OF A DROP (Joseph Doyle) Dessie Hughes IRE 7-11-7 Barry Geraghty 33/1
9 HOLD EM (IRE) (David Hugehes, Mike Evans & Partners) Keith Goldsworthy 6-11-7 Timmy Murphy 18/1
10 BREEDSBREEZE (IRE) (Jim Lewis, Markus Jooste, Malcolm King) Paul Nicholls 6-11-7 Sam Thomas 9/1
11 RAVEN'S RUN (IRE) (Michael Heaslip) Michael Cunningham 6-11-7 Michael Darcy 66/1
12 MAJESTIC CONCORDE (IRE) (Dr Ronan Lambe) Dermot Weld IRE 5-11-7 Paul Carberry 33/1
13 AIGLE D'OR (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 5-11-7 Tony McCoy 4/1 Fav
P WHATUTHINK (IRE) (Cavan Developments Bloodstock) Oliver McKiernan IRE 6-11-7 Conor O'Dwyer 14/1
P KING IN WAITING (IRE) (Akv Cladding Fabrications) A Brown 5-11-7 Jason Maguire 200/1

15 ran
Non-runner: 10 Logan’s Run
Distances: nk, 4, 1, 3/4, 2, 9, 20, 5, 13, 5, 13, 7 Time-5m 2.20s
Breeder: Peter And Anne Downes
Breeding: gr g Arzanni - What A Queen
Totes: Win: £7.90 Places:£2.50, £2.50, £4.00 Exacta: £107.70

Winning Trainer: WILLIE MULLINS Date of Birth: 15/9/56 Based: Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow Date of first licence: 1988 Cheltenham Festival wins (12): Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree), Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1995 Tourist Attraction, 2007 Ebaziyan), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1998 Florida Pearl, 2004 Rule Supreme), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1996 Wither Or Which, 1997 Florida Pearl, 1998 Alexander Banquet, 2000 Joe Cullen, 2005 Missed That, 2008 Cousin Vinny), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2002 Scolardy) Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Topham Chase (2002 Its Time For A Win), Betfair Bowl (2002 Florida Pearl), John Smith’s Grand National (2005 Hedgehunter) Other Major Wins Include: Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 Florida Pearl, 2002 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Rule Supreme), French Champion Hurdle (2004 Rule Supreme), Pierse Hurdle (2002 Adamant Approach), King George VI Chase (2001 Florida Pearl), Durkan New Homes Novice Chase (2005 Missed That), Baileys Arkle Perpetual Novice Chase (2006 Missed That), Cashmans Juvenile Hurdle (2006 Mister Hight), Thyestes Chase (2007 Homer Wells), Ten Up Novice Chase (2007 Snowy Morning), Bobbyjo Chase (2007 Homer Wells) Horses in Training (2003-05): 81; 96; 90 Number of Winners in Britain (2001/02-2006/07): 4; 1; 1; 2; 0; 1; Wins in Britain this season: 2

Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Background: Ruby (short for Rupert) inherited his name from his grandfather, who was a trainer. He became champion amateur in Ireland in the 1996-97 season, and retained his title the following year, before becoming champion Irish jockey five times, including his debut season. Ruby won the Grand National for his father Ted in 2000 with Papillon, and he is the only current jockey to have ridden the winner of all four nationals. He has broken both his legs, his wrist and his hip whilst race-riding. In Ireland, Ruby mainly rides for Willy Mullins, while he is number one jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Britain. First Winner: Siren Song, Gowran Park, July 25, 1995 Cheltenham Festival Wins (16): Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2004 (3), 2006 (3). Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Grand National (2000 Papillon (His first National ride), 2005 Hedgehunter), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle (2002 Ilnamar, 2006 Asian Maze), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Citroen C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre, 2006 Natal) Other Big Race Wins: Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2003 Ad Hoc); Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman); Stan James Christmas Hurdle (2005 Feathard Lady); totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek) December Festival Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2005 My Will); Feltham Novices’ Chase (2003 Strong Flow); Game Spirit Chase (2004, 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded); Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole); Haldon Gold Cup (2004 Azertyuiop); Heineken Gold Cup (1999 Imperial Call, 2000 Commanche Court); Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2003 Strong Flow); Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (2003 Thisthatandtother); Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother); Irish Grand National (2000 Commanche Court, 2005 Numbersixvalverde); King George VI Chase (2006 & 2007 Kauto Star); Kingwell Hurdle (2004 Rigmarole); Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Be Be King); Old Roan Chase (2006 Kauto Star); Peterborough Chase (2004 Le Roi Miguel); Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough); Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (2007 New Little Bric); Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel); Tied Cottage Chase (2007 Nickname); Tingle Creek Trophy (2002 Cenkos, 2006 Kauto Star); Tolworth Hurdle (2006 Silverburn), Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (2005 Hoo La Baloo); Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman), Dr P J Moriaty Novice Chase (2008 J’y Vole) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Divides his time riding for Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Wins in Britain This Season: 53

THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £120,000. 1.30pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 13, 2009. Two miles, one furlong. For novice four-year-olds only. Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Entries closed Tuesday, January 27. Entries revealed Thursday, January 29 (83 entries). Forfeit stage February 17, six-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 7. Final declaration stage 10am, Thursday, March 12. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, January 28. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
AATHER (IRE) 4 Andrew Wates Alan Fleming
4 AL AMAAN 4 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
31 ALEXANDER SEVERUS (IRE) 4 Patrick Wilmott Edward O'Grady IRE
ALWAYS BOLD (IRE) 4 T G Leslie Donald McCain Jnr
3 ART SLEUTH (USA) 4 P Purcell Willie Mullins IRE
BALLYHAUNIS 4 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
214 BALZACCIO (FR) 4 King, Roberts, Flintham & MCL Alan King
BITE THE BOSS 4 Mrs S J Brookhouse David Pipe
2222 BLACK JACARI (IRE) 4 David Bellamy & Alan King Alan King
624 BLUES IN CEE (IRE) 4 Lucinda White Charlie Longsdon
42 BRUSLINI (FR) 4 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
0 CHEVALIER COUNTRY (IRE) 4 Rory Larkin Jim Gorman IRE
0 CLASSIC SWAIN (USA) 4 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
COFFEE TEA OR ME 4 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
44 COLLEONI (IRE) 4 Howard Spooner Jessica Harrington IRE
11 COSMEA 4 Four Mile Racing Alan King
3 DER SPIELER (GER) 4 Stall B B C Christian von der Recke GER
0 DONEGAL (USA) 4 Bill Hennessy Robbie Hennessy IRE
r311 EBADIYAN (IRE) 4 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
126 EL PRESIDENTE (IRE) 4 Would'ya Would'ya Syndicate Michael Halford IRE
EXCAPE (IRE) 4 Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
FIRST AVENUE 4 H R Hunt Gary Moore
31U1 FLAG OF HONOUR (IRE) 4 Dessie Hughes Dessie Hughes IRE
FLY WITH THE STARS (USA) 4 Roger Brookhouse David Pipe
4-1615P GIORGIO QUERCUS (FR) 4 Million in Mind Partnership Nicky Henderson
GREEN DU CIEL (FR) 4 Dr Ronan Lambe Jim Culloty IRE
42 HEBRIDEAN (IRE) 4 Adrian Nolan Paul Nicholls
12211 HELIUM (FR) 4 Mr & Mrs Mark Tracey Nick Gifford
135 INDIAN GROOM (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1 JUMBO RIO (IRE) 4 Patrick Wilmott Edward O'Grady IRE
310 JUST ROB 4 Favourites Racing XXV Ian Williams
KING O'THE GYPSIES (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
04133 KING OF QUEENS (IRE) 4 Eugene McDermott Tom Mullins IRE
3 KYRIE ELEISON (IRE) 4 New Busted Sofas Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
111 LETHAL WEAPON (IRE) 4 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
201 LOVE AND GLORY (FR) 4 Paul Hancock Gary Moore
143145 MAIDSTONE MIXTURE (FR) 4 Judith Wilson Paul Murphy
MARC AURELE (IRE) 4 Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson Paul Nicholls
MASTER OF ARTS (USA) 4 Roger Brookhouse David Pipe
2-1423 MISS SARENNE (FR) 4 J B de Balanda & F Hoffet Nicky Henderson
23 MOUNT HELICON 4 Masterson Holdings Limited Alan King
2 MOURAD (IRE) 4 Teahon Consulting Limited Willie Mullins IRE
23-26P1 MR THRILLER (FR) 4 Pegasus Farms Ltd David Pipe
2145 NAMPOUR (FR) 4 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
NICE STYLE (IRE) 4 Findlay & Bloom David Pipe
141 NINE STORIES (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1 OPTIMUS MAXIMUS (IRE) 4 Stephanie Smith Nicky Henderson
1 OUT VOTED 4 Howard Spooner Jessica Harrington IRE
1121 PEPITE DE SOLEIL (FR) 4 The Whittaker Family Paul Nicholls
POINTS OF VIEW 4 Kim Bailey Racing Partnership Kim Bailey
253 POUR CHANGER (FR) 4 Haras d'Ecouves Francois Doumen FR
51 READY TO ROCKNROLL (IRE) 4 Mrs P A Foley Jim Gorman IRE
11 RESOUNDING GLORY (USA) 4 M Wynne Richard Fahey
6332 REVE DE SIVOLA (FR) 4 Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership Nick Williams
ROCK EXHIBITION 4 Jackie Bolger Brendan Duke
12211 RONALDO DES MOTTES (FR) 4 K & D Ives David Pipe
122003 RORY BOY (USA) 4 Colin Cornes Nigel Twiston-Davies
1 RUTHENOISE (FR) 4 Galaxy Sports Management Ltd David Pipe
1034 SATICON 4 S M Smith & Paul Duffen Alan King
52 SILK AFFAIR (IRE) 4 L Mulryan & M C Fahy Mick Quinlan
1211 SILK DRUM (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
141143 SIMARIAN (IRE) 4 Peter Conway Evan Williams
111 STARLUCK (IRE) 4 Andrew Wates Alan Fleming
13 STOW 4 GSM Properties Ltd Venetia Williams
SUMMER WINDS 4 John Humphreys Terry Mills
TASHEBA 4 Terry Benson Nicky Henderson
1 TERRASINI (FR) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
21122 THARAWAAT (IRE) 4 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
THUMBS UP 4 T G Leslie Donald McCain Jnr
6 TIMARI (IRE) 4 Gigginstown House Stud Shane Donohoe IRE
TOP TICKET (IRE) 4 T Hosier David Pipe
1 TORPHICHEN 4 Thomas Barr David Pipe
TREEKO (IRE) 4 S Dolan Philip Kirby
1 TRENCHANT 4 Peter Harding & Stephen Williams Alan King
TRI NATIONS (UAE) 4 Jared Sullivan Charlie Mann
642 TRUE BLUE SAGA (IRE) 4 Anthony Smurfit Francois Doumen FR
12202 TUANKU (IRE) 4 CGA Racing Partnership 3 Alan King
1 TYRRELLS WOOD (IRE) 4 P C Ryan Terry Mills
1211 WALKON (FR) 4 McNeill Racing Alan King
11 WEST WITH THE WIND 4 The Ivy Syndicate Tom Tate
WILD DESERT (FR) 4 Jim White & Stephen Dunn Ian Williams
331 WOODY WALLER 4 Howard Johnson Howard Johnson
11 ZAYNAR (FR) 4 Men In Our Position Nicky Henderson

83 Entries
20 Irish-trained
2 French-trained
1 German-trained



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 eighth 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. The 2008 field of 14 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. Three 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, Kribensis won the Triumph in 1988 and the Champion Hurdle in 1990 while last year Katchit added a Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle victory to his success in the 2007 JCB Triumph Hurdle.

6. The JCB Triumph Hurdle has a good record for home-trained winners. French-trained raiders 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 and 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 have current riders Richard Johnson and Robert Thornton, 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 in 2006 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 after registering 34 wins at The Festival, 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.

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

9 Entries
David Pipe

8 Entries
Alan King (2007 Katchit, 2005 Penzance)

6 Entries
Nicky Henderson (1999 Katarino, 1987 Alone Success, 1985 First Bout)
Howard Johnson

5 Entries
Paul Nicholls (2008 Celestial Halo)

4 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE (2002 Scolardy)

2 Entries
Francois Doumen FR (2000 Snow Drop)
Alan Fleming
Jim Gorman IRE
Jessica Harrington IRE
Philip Hobbs (2006 Detroit City, 2004 Made In Japan)
Dessie Hughes IRE
Donald McCain Jnr
Terry Mills
Gary Moore
Edward O’Grady IRE (1984 Northern Game)
Ian Williams

1 Entry
Kim Bailey
Oliver Brady IRE
Jim Culloty IRE
Shane Donohoe IRE
Brendan Duke
Gordon Elliott IRE
Richard Fahey
Nick Gifford
Mick Halford IRE
Robbie Hennessy IRE
Philip Kirby
Charlie Longsdon
Charlie Mann
Tom Mullins IRE
Paul Murphy
Mick Quinlan
Christian von der Recke GER
Christy Roche IRE
Tom Tate
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1998 Upgrade)
Evan Williams
Nick Williams
Venetia Williams


JCB Triumph Hurdle – Analysis
The JCB Triumph Hurdle is The Festival’s four-year-old championship contest and takes place on Friday, March 13. This year’s race has attracted 83 entries, including 20 trained in Ireland, two from France and one from Germany.

Nicky Henderson won the JCB Triumph Hurdle with First Bout (1985), Alone Success (1987) and Katarino (1999) and he has one of the favourites for this year’s race in Zaynar, who defeated the Alan King-trained Walkon on his hurdling debut at Newbury in December before registering an easy victory at Ascot on January 17.

Walkon franked the form with victory in Chepstow’s Grade One Finale Juvenile Hurdle, as well the Grade Two Wragge & Co Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on January 24, in which he saw off the Nick Williams-trained Reve De Sivola.

Henderson’s hand is strengthened by Newbury winner Optimus Maximus, who is among six entries for the Seven Barrows handler, while King, who won the race with Katchit (2007) and Penzance (2005), has an eight-strong contingent that also includes the filly Cosmea, unbeaten in two starts over hurdles, and Mount Helicon.

Paul Nicholls was successful in 2008 with Celestial Halo and he has five entries, including Pepite De Soleil and Hebridean. David Pipe’s nine entries include Master Of Arts, a prolific winner on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, another smart Flat recruit in Nice Style and Auteuil winner Ruthenoise.

The Alan Fleming-trained Starluck landed a hat-trick at Kempton on December 27, while the Howard Johnson-trained Silk Drum was runner-up to Resounding Glory - trained by Richard Fahey - at Wetherby in October and has won both starts since.

Philip Hobbs, victorious with Made In Japan (2004) and Detroit City (2006), relies on Bruslini and Nampour. The Evan Williams-trained Simarian won a Grade Two over the course and distance at The Open but has proved no match for Walkon twice since, while the Nick Gifford-trained Helium goes from strength to strength with his latest triumph at Sandown on December 5.
The Oliver Brady-trained Ebadiyan is a leading Irish fancy following his defeat of the Gordon Elliott-trained Tharawaat in a Grade Three contest at Punchestown on January 12. The latter was also runner-up to the Christy Roche-trained Lethal Weapon in the Grade One Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained Mourad and Jumbo Rio, trained by Edward O’Grady, fought out the finish to a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on December 31, in which Ebadiyan was third. Mullins has four entries in total, while O’Grady could also saddle Alexander Severus, winner of a Leopardstown maiden hurdle.

Robbie Hennessy has entered the smart Flat recruit Donegal. Out Voted won his only start over hurdles at Leopardstown on December 27 for trainer Jessica Harrington.

Francois Doumen captured the JCB Triumph Hurdle with Snowdrop in 2000 and has engaged Pour Changer and True Blue Saga, runner-up to Starluck at Kempton. German trainer Christian Von Der Recke saddled Der Spieler to finish third that day.


Previous results - JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
2008-WINNER-CELESTIAL HALO 4-11-00 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-5/1
2ND-Franchoek 4-11-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-Evens Fav
3RD-Won In The Dark 4-11-00 Owner- Gerard Crehan; Trainer-Sabrina Harty IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-16/1
14 ran, Time-4m 7.83s; Dist-2¼, 2¼

2007-WINNER-KATCHIT 4-11-00 Owner- DSJP Syndicate; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-11/2
2ND-Liberate 4-11-00 Owner-Diana Whateley; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-12/1
3RD-Mobaasher 4-11-00 Owner-Seasons Holidays; Trainer-Charlie Mann; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-33/1
23 ran, Time-3m 54.6s; Dist-9, 1 ¾ 7/2 Fav Lounaos (10th)

2006-WINNER-DETROIT CITY 4-11-00 Owner-Terry Warner; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-7/2 Fav
2ND-Fair Along 4-11-00 Owner-Alan Peterson; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-25/1
3RD-Blazing Bailey 4-11-00 Owner-Three Line Whip; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-14/1
17 ran, Time-3m 51.20s; Dist-5, 1

2005-WINNER-PENZANCE 4-11-00 Owner-Elite Racing Club; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-9/1
2ND-Faasel 4-11-00 Owner-Jim Ennis; Trainer-Nicky Richards; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-7/1
3RD-Akilak 4-11-00 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-7/2 Fav
23 ran, Time-4m 3.60s; Dist-hd, 8

2004-WINNER-MADE IN JAPAN 4-11-00 Owner-Terry Evans; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-20/1
2ND-Chief Yeoman 4-11-00 Owner-B Moore & E C Stephens; Trainer-Venetia Williams; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP- 40/1
3RD-Top Strategy 4-11-00 Owner-W J Kane; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-33/1
23 ran, Time-4m 5.30s; Dist-2, nk 5/1 Fav Trouble At Bay (10th)

2003-WINNER-SPECTROSCOPE 4-11-00 Owner-Gay Smith; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-20/1
2ND-Well Chief 4-11-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/1
3RD-Golden Cross 4-11-00 Owner-Mrs H Johnson; Trainer-Mick Halford IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-11/2 Fav
27 ran, Time-4m 0.30s; Dist-hd, 5

2002-WINNER-SCOLARDY 4-11-00 Owner-David Flynn; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-16/1
2ND-Newhall 4-10-09 Owner-Helen McParland; Trainer-Francis Flood IRE; Jockey-Fran Flood; SP-8/1
3RD-Diamond Joshua 4-11-00 Owner-Diamond Racing Ltd; Trainer-John Berry; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP- 66/1
28 ran, Time-4m 7.80s; Dist-11, ¾ 7/1 Fav Giocomo (PU)

2001 Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-SNOW DROP 4-10-09 Owner-John D Martin; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-7/1 Fav
2ND-Regal Exit 4-11-00 Owner-Brian Buckley; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-20/1
3RD-General Cloney 4-11-00 Owner-John J Brennan; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-20/1
28 ran, Time-3m 52.90s, Dist-2, nk

1999-WINNER-KATARINO 4-11-00 Owner-Robert Waley-Cohen; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/4 Fav
2ND-Balla Sola 4-11-00 Owner-Top Cat Syndicate; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-16/1
3RD-Afarad 4-11-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/1
23 ran, Time-4m 2.4s, Dist-8, 1½

1998-WINNER-UPGRADE 4-11-00 Owner-Matt Archer and Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-14/1
2ND-City Hall 4-11-00 Owner-Rosemary Key & Val Ward; Trainer-Val Ward; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-12/1
3RD-Nomadic 4-11-00 Owner-Des Sharkey; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-14/1
25 ran, Time-3m 57.1s, Dist-1¼ , 1¾ 10/3 Fav Zafarabad (4th)

1997-WINNER-COMMANCHE COURT 4-11-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-9/1
2ND-Circus Star 4-11-00 Owner-The Ringmasters; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
3RD-Shooting Light 4-11-00 Owner-John Brown; Trainer-Pat Murphy; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-7/1
28 ran, Time-4m 0.2s, Dist-1, 1¼ 9/2 Fav White Sea (9th)

1996-WINNER-PADDY’S RETURN 4-11-00 Owner-Paddy O’Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-10/1
2ND-Mistinguett 4-10-09 Owner-John Duggan; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-14/1
3RD-Hatta Breeze 4-10-09 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-14/1
29 ran, Time-4m 1.4s, Dist originally 4, hd, 1¾
Magical Lady (2nd) disqualified 6/1 Fav Debutante Days (f)


JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(JCB Triumph Hurdle since 2002, Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle from 1997-2000, Daily Express Triumph Hurdle 1965-1996, previously run at Hurst Park. Held at Cheltenham’s April meeting from 1965-67)


Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Celestial Halo 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls The Stewart Family 5/1 14
2007 Katchit 4-11-00 Robert Thornton Alan King DSJP Syndicate 11/2 23
2006 Detroit City 4-11-00 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Terry Warner 7/2F 17
2005 Penzance 4-11-00 Robert Thornton Alan King Elite Racing Club 9/1 23
2004 Made In Japan 4-11-00 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Terry Evans 20/1 23
2003 Spectroscope 4-11-00 Barry Geraghty Jonjo O’Neill Gay Smith 20/1 27
2002 Scolardy 4-11-00 Charlie Swan Willie Mullins IRE David Flynn 16/1 28
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Snow Drop 4-10-09 Thierry Doumen Francois Doumen FR John Martin 7/1F 28
1999 Katarino 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen 11/4F 23
1998 Upgrade 4-11-00 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst 14/1 25
1997 Commanche Court 4-11-00 Norman Williamson Ted Walsh IRE Dermot Desmond 9/1 28
1996 Paddy’s Return 4-11-00 Richard Dunwoody Ferdy Murphy Paddy O’Donnell 10/1 29
1995 Kissair 4-11-00 Jonathon Lower Martin Pipe Terry Benson 16/1 26
1994 Mysilv 4-10-09 Adrian Maguire David Nicholson Million In Mind Partnership (3) 2/1F 28
1993 Shawiya 4-10-09 Charlie Swan Michael O'Brien IRE Miss G Maher 12/1 25
1992 Duke Of Monmouth4-11-00 Mark Richards Simon Sherwood Ali Saeed 33/1 30
1991 Oh So Risky 4-11-00 Paul Holley David Elsworth Oh So Risky Syndicate 14/1 27
1990 Rare Holiday 4-11-00 Brendan Sheridan Dermot Weld IRE Dr Michael Smurfit 25/1 30
1989 Ikdam 4-11-00 Nigel Coleman Richard Holder LBI Law (873) Ltd 66/1 27
1988 Kribensis 4-11-00 Richard Dunwoody Michael Stoute Sheikh Mohammed 6/1 26
1987 Alone Success 4-11-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Sheikh Amin Dahlawi 11/1 29
1986 Solar Cloud 4-11-00 Peter Scudamore David Nicholson Ann McEwen 40/1 28
1985 First Bout 4-11-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Fahad Al Athel 5/1 27
1984 Northern Game 4-11-00 Tommy Ryan Edward O'Grady IRE Frank Conroy 20/1 30
1983 Saxon Farm 4-11-00 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor A Birchall 12/1 30
1982 Shiny Copper 4-11-00 Allen Webb Dina Smith Doug Tyler 66/1 29
1981 Baron Blakeney 4-11-00 Paul Leach Martin Pipe Wheatley Leisure Ltd 66/1 29
1980 Heighlin 4-11-00 Steve Jobar David Elsworth Woodside Engineers Ltd 40/1 26
1979 Pollardstown 4-11-00 Philip Blacker Stan Mellor Georgina Tulloch 12/1 28
1978 Connaught Ranger 4-11-00 John Burke Fred Rimell Jim McCaughey 25/1 14
1977 Meladon 4-11-00 Tommy Carberry Adrian Maxwell IRE Mrs N Flynn 6/1 30
1976 Peterhof 4-11-00 Jonjo O'Neill Mick Easterby H Gould 10/1 23
1975 Royal Epic 4-11-00 Fred McKenna Vernon Cross Robert Read 20/1 28
1974 Attivo 4-11-00 Robert Hughes Cyril Mitchell Peter O'Sullevan 4/5F 21
1973 Moonlight Bay 4-11-00 Johnnie Haine Ryan Price Meg Mullion 85/40F 18
1972 Zarib 4-11-00 Bill Smith Fred Rimell Mrs A Hornby 16/1 16
1971Boxer 4-11-03 Jimmy Uttley Ron Smyth Lord Blakenham 100/30JF 18
1970 Varma 4-11-04 Brian Barker Mick Masson Charles Clore 100/7 31
1969 Coral Diver 4-11-04 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Bryan Jenks 3/1F 26
1968 England’s Glory 4-11-00 Jimmy Uttley Staff Ingham Mrs M Sherman 9/2 16
1967 Persian War 4-11-08 Jimmy Uttley Brian Swift Henry Alper 4/1 13
1966 Black Ice 4-11-04 Bobby Beasley Arthur Thomas A Crowther 9/2 11
1965 Blarney Beacon 4-11-04 Geordie Ramshaw Ron Smyth Freddie Laker 8/1 7


THE 2008 JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE RESULT IN DETAIL
2m 1f, New Course, £120,000 guaranteed For 4yo Weights 11st, Allowances fillies 7lb Entries 91 pay £125 1st Forfeit 75 pay £250 Confirmed 38 pay £125 Penalty Value 1st v£68,424, 2nd £25,668, 3rd £12,852, 4th £6,408, 5th £3,216, 6th £1,608

1 CELESTIAL HALO (IRE) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 4-11-0t Ruby Walsh 5/1
2 FRANCHOEK (IRE) (J P McManus) Alan King 4-11-0 Tony McCoy Evens fav
3 WON IN THE DARK (IRE) (Gerard Crehan) Sabrina Harty IRE 4-11-0 Andrew McNamara 16/1
4 SONGE (FR) (Alan Halsall) Charlie Longsdon 4-11-0 Tom Siddall 25/1
5 STAR OF ANGELS (R Brookhouse) David Pipe 4-11-0b Tom Scudamore 50/1
6 SERABAD (FR) (Walters Plant Hire Ltd) Peter Bowen 4-11-0p Paddy Brennan 14/1
7 PERSONAL COLUMN (Howard Spooner) Jessica Harrington IRE 4-11-0 Barry Geraghty 18/1
8 CALLISTO MOON (B Bedford) Ian Williams 4-11-0 Seamus Durack 100/1
9 TEMLETT (IRE) (Double R Stables Llp Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 4-11-0 Davy Condon 100/1
10 SILVERHAND (IRE) (Anne Foxe) Noel Meade IRE 4-11-0 Paul Carberry 12/1
11 FIVE DREAM (FR) (Scott-McDonald, Kilduff, Donlon, Doyle) Paul Nicholls 4-11-0b1 Sam Thomas 9/1
12 SPECIAL DAY (FR) (P Betts) Lucy Wadham 4-11-0 Dominic Elsworth 100/1
13 BEAU MICHAEL (Total Recall Racing Club) Adrian McGuinness IRE 4-11-0 Davy Russell 10/1
P LEMON SILK (IRE) (A Helaissi) Kahlil Burke 4-11-0p Paul O'Neill 100/1

14 ran
Non-runner: 4 Diego Velasquez
Distances: 2 1/4, 2 1/4, 4 1/2, 2 1/4, 3/4, 2, 5, 9, 3/4, 6, 17, 3, dist Time-4m 7.83s
Breeder: Roncon Churchtown Bloodstock & Lane Ltd
Breeding: b g Galileo (IRE) - Pay The Bank
Totes: Win: £6.10 Places: £2.10, £1.10, £3.40 Exacta: £11.50

Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: Professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison), Citroen C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Betfair Bowl (2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (19): JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Brit Insurance Novices’ Prestige Hurdle (2006 Neptune Collonges), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 & 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Mided), King George VI Chase (1997 & 1999 See More Business, 2006 & 2007 Kauto Star), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star, 2007 Twist Magic), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba, 1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 Azertyuiop), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2007 Gungadu), Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup (2007 Neptune Collognes), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2007 Denman), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2006/07): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148; 124 Wins this Season: 122

Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Background: Ruby (short for Rupert) inherited his name from his grandfather, who was a trainer. He became champion amateur in Ireland in the 1996-97 season, and retained his title the following year, before becoming champion Irish jockey five times, including his debut season. Ruby won the Grand National for his father Ted in 2000 with Papillon, and he is the only current jockey to have ridden the winner of all four nationals. He has broken both his legs, his wrist and his hip whilst race-riding. In Ireland, Ruby mainly rides for Willy Mullins, while he is number one jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Britain. First Winner: Siren Song, Gowran Park, July 25, 1995 Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Grand National (2000 Papillon (His first National ride), 2005 Hedgehunter), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle (2002 Ilnamar, 2006 Asian Maze), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Citroen C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre, 2006 Natal) Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2004 (3), 2006 (3). Other Big Race Wins: Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2003 Ad Hoc); Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman); Stan James Christmas Hurdle (2005 Feathard Lady); December Festival Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Feltham Novices’ Chase (2003 Strong Flow); Game Spirit Chase (2004, 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded); Heineken Gold Cup (1999 Imperial Call, 2000 Commanche Court); Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2003 Strong Flow); Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother); Irish Grand National (2000 Commanche Court, 2005 Numbersixvalverde); King George VI Chase (2006 & 2007 Kauto Star); Old Roan Chase (2006 Kauto Star); Peterborough Chase (2004 Le Roi Miguel); Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough); Tingle Creek Trophy (2002 Cenkos, 2006 Kauto Star); Tolworth Hurdle (2006 Silverburn), Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (2005 Hoo La Baloo); Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman), Dr P J Moriaty Novice Chase (2008 J’y Vole) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Divides his time riding for Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Wins in Britain This Season: 54

THE ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £100,000, 2.40pm Friday, March 13, 2009, three miles, for novice four-year-olds and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 10st 11lb, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 7lb, fillies and mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed January 27, 2009 (102 entries), entries released, January 29, forfeit stage February 17. Six-day confirmation stage March 7, final declaration stage 10am, March 12. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including January 28. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
011-1 ALDERLUCK (IRE) 6 Celia Rayner Nick Gifford
30F-P2 ALL ABOUT TRIGGER (FR) 7 Have Fun Racing Partnership Kim Bailey
6-11121 ALPHA RIDGE (IRE) 7 J F Mernagh Paul Nolan IRE
6 ANOTHER DISPLAY (IRE) 7 Sean Lucey David Pipe
62222 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 6 Cash Is King Martin Keighley
22P-111 AUX LE BAHNN (IRE) 8 Exors of the late A D Weller Noel Chance
022 BALLY SANDS (IRE) 5 Robin Mathew Robin Mathew
1121 BARNHILL BROWNIE (IRE) 6 Findlay & Bloom Philip Hobbs
F06 BECKETT ROCK (IRE) 5 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
1112 BENSALEM (IRE) 6 Alan Marsh & John Duggan Alan King
120 BERGO (GER) 6 Findlay & Bloom Evan Williams
BEST LOVER (FR) 7 The Best Lovers James Ewart
601-313 BOB LINGO (IRE) 7 J P McManus Tom Mullins IRE
(1)1 BORROWADDY (IRE) 6 Martin Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
3-25121 BROWNS BAILY (IRE) 7 R A Scott Mouse Morris IRE
0-41111 CAIM HILL (IRE) 6 Dempsey Construction Ltd Philip Fenton IRE
113-11 CAPE TRIBULATION 5 J David Abell Malcolm Jefferson
3P-1320 CEASEN DESIST (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Shane Donohoe IRE
611 CHARIOT CHARGER (IRE) 5 The Fox Inn Syndicate Emma Lavelle
146-001 CHATEAU D'EAU (FR) 6 Mrs Pat Sloan Noel Meade IRE
52-331 CIRCUS OF DREAMS 6 David Knox Oliver Sherwood
12132 CLAN TARA (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Paul Nolan IRE
10-51 COCKLESHELL ROAD (IRE) 6 Eamonn Duignan Edward O'Grady IRE
P-0 COMKILRED CHAMP (IRE) 7 Martin Landau Nicky Henderson
24-4012 COPSIANO (IRE) 6 Michael O'Flynn Mouse Morris IRE
111-311 COUSIN VINNY (IRE) 6 Festival Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
110/- DEN OF INIQUITY 8 Malcolm Denmark Carl Llewellyn
110P0P DIABLO (IRE) 7 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
1/1-1111 DIAMOND HARRY 6 Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership Nick Williams
5 DOCTOR PAT (IRE) 5 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
150200 DORSET SQUARE (IRE) 5 Shanakiel Racing Syndicate John Murphy IRE
0-04141 EDGBRIAR (FR) 7 D Allen Paul Webber
2214 FABALU (IRE) 7 T G Leslie Donald McCain Jnr
1-22 FISTRAL BEACH (IRE) 6 C G Roach Paul Nicholls
31 GILES CROSS (IRE) 7 K C M S Partnership Victor Dartnall
111 GREAT ENDEAVOUR (IRE) 5 David Johnson David Pipe
5-153 GRIZEBECK (IRE) 7 John Hales Nicky Richards
332-111 HEATHCLIFF (IRE) 7 George Brookes & Family & Lord Daresbury Richard Lee
25-2444 HERNANDO ROYAL 6 Paul Murphy Dr Richard Newland
3-4633 HEY BIG SPENDER (IRE) 6 Brocade Racing Colin Tizzard
21-321 HONEST JOHN 5 P J Martin Tom Tate
510 IN THE ZONE (IRE) 5 J P McManus Mouse Morris IRE
12 INCHIDALY ROCK (IRE) 7 Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay Paul Nicholls
356/-301 JAUNTY JOURNEY 6 Colin Roberts Carl Llewellyn
42-1 JESSIES DREAM (IRE) 6 Martin Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
0-52122 JUNIOR 6 Paul Green Alan King
1-3 KASKADER (CZE) 5 Patricia Hunt Noel Meade IRE
6 LAND 'N STARS 9 Paul Blows Jamie Poulton
30 LEAD THE PARADE (IRE) 5 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
2 LORD TOMNODDY 7 David Jenks David Pipe
11/4-15 MASSASOIT (IRE) 7 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
2226-31 MICK THE MAN (IRE) 8 James Grace Colm Murphy IRE
33-331P MIDNIGHT SAIL 6 M 2 C Racing Partnership Alan King
26-2111 MIKAEL D'HAGUENET (FR) 5 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
MONEYWISE (IRE) 5 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
21212 MOSCOW CATCH (IRE) 6 Richard Collins Malcolm Jefferson
60 MR GARDNER (IRE) 6 Mr & Mrs Richard Kelvin Hughes Nicky Henderson
1-122F ON RAGLAN ROAD (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
0-52110 ON THE WAY OUT (IRE) 6 C Lannen, G J Curran, M J Curran John Kiely IRE
6-5S ONE COOL KNIGHT (IRE) 6 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
5-14543 OSCAR DAN DAN (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
3 PALE RIDER (FR) 6 P H Betts Nick Gifford
1-1112 PANDORAMA (IRE) 6 R J Bagnall Noel Meade IRE
22-34 PERKIN WARBECK 7 Mark Rimell Mark Rimell
410B21 PERSIAN CITY (IRE) 6 Need A Winner Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
6/-31 PICTURE IN THE SKY (IRE) 8 Rupert Dubai Racing Martin Keighley
0U0134 POMME TIEPY (FR) 6 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
F24-1F1 PRIDE OF DULCOTE (FR) 6 Angela Yeoman Paul Nicholls
4 QUINZ (FR) 5 Andrew Cohen Philip Hobbs
1-311 QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) 5 Dr B M Doyle Willie Mullins IRE
04F222 QUOLIBET (FR) 5 E Puerari Francois Doumen FR
02-34 REBECCAS CHOICE (IRE) 6 J E Mutch Mark Rimell
24-336P REGAL APPROACH (IRE) 6 P J Vogt Kim Bailey
412 RHYL ACCORD (IRE) 7 Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
14 RIVER SHANAKILL (IRE) 6 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
06-0011 ROCCO'S HALL (IRE) 7 A Germano Terrinoni, D Cox, M Roberts Edward O'Grady IRE
1-0 RUN FOR MOOR (IRE) 8 Mr & Mrs Richard Kelvin Hughes Nicky Henderson
433-5 SCRIPTWRITER (IRE) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
2-6 SHOULDERTOSHOULDER (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Tom Taaffe IRE
12 SOFT SPOKEN GUY (IRE) 6 R A Green & Mrs Paul Shanahan Philip Hobbs
5 SOLSTICE KNIGHT (IRE) 6 D Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
2543 SONG SUNG BLUE (IRE) 6 Singing and Dancing Racing Colin Tizzard
21614 STAR LORD (IRE) 6 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tom George
1/- STEADY TIGER (IRE) 7 Kingdom Taverns Ltd Nicky Richards
121 TARABLAZE 6 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
0-04202 TEN FIRES (GER) 7 Barry Connell Dessie Hughes IRE
0111 THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (IRE) 8 C C R Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
15-2 THE OLD PRETENDER (IRE) 6 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Carl Llewellyn
2-3132 THE SHOE (NZ) 7 Gerard Peterson & Owen Glenn Nicky Henderson
0 THE WEDDING HORSE (IRE) 6 Piers Pottinger and P B-J Partnership Mark Bradstock
506224 THEMOONANDSIXPENCE (IRE) 6 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
61-F32 THETWINCAMDRIFT (IRE) 7 Bensaranat Club Alan King
33 THREATENING TO PAY (IRE) 7 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams
0-4652F TIME ELECTRIC (IRE) 7 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
45-1213 TOBY BELCH (IRE) 6 Strachan,Griffith,Gabb,Lewis & Lawson Henry Daly
06 TRAFFIC CONTROL (IRE) 6 S C Nelson, Dollard, O'Donohoe & Bowen-Rees Tom George
314-10 UIMHIRACEATHAIR (IRE) 7 Full House Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
14P046 UNFORGETTABLE (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud John Murphy IRE
00-2 VAGRANT EMPEROR (IRE) 6 N Mustoe Emma Lavelle
25-5112 WEAPON'S AMNESTY (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Charles Byrnes IRE
2-1 WEIRD AL (IRE) 6 Brannon Dennis Dick Holden Ian Williams
PP1r25 WESTERN CHARMER (IRE) 7 Gerard Burke Dessie Hughes IRE

102 Entries
37 Irish-trained
3 French-trained


FACTS AND FIGURES ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
1. The Albert Bartlett 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. Initially sponsored by Brit Insurance, it was backed by Albert Bartlett for the first time in 2008, coinciding with its upgrade to Grade One status.

2. The inaugural running went to Moulin Riche, trained by Francois Doumen in France and partnered to success by Robert Thornton. Thornton enjoyed a second success aboard the Alan King-trained Nenuphar Collonges in 2008.

3. Trainer Jonjo O’Neill and jockey Tony McCoy have combined to take the two of the last three runnings with impressive winners – Wichita Lineman, who scored by 12 lengths in 2007, and Black Jack Ketchum, a nine-length winner in 2006. Both started favourite.

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE

11 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE

5 Entries
Philip Hobbs

4 Entries
Nicky Henderson
Alan King (2008 Nenuphar Collognes)
Mouse Morris IRE
Paul Nicholls

3 Entries
Francois Doumen FR (2005 Moulin Riche)
Howard Johnson
Carl Llewellyn
Noel Meade IRE
Tom Mullins IRE
Edward O’Grady IRE
David Pipe

2 Entries
Kim Bailey
Tom George
Nick Gifford
Dessie Hughes IRE
Malcolm Jefferson
Martin Keighley
Emma Lavelle
John Murphy IRE
Paul Nolan IRE
Nicky Richards
Mark Rimell
Colin Tizzard
Evan Williams

1 Entry
Mark Bradstock
Charles Byrnes IRE
Noel Chance
Henry Daly
Victor Dartnall
Shane Donohoe IRE
James Ewart
Philip Fenton IRE
John Kiely IRE
Richard Lee
Robin Mathew
Donald McCain Jnr
Colm Murphy IRE
Dr Richard Newland
Jamie Poulton
Oliver Sherwood
Tom Taaffe IRE
Tom Tate
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Paul Webber
Dermot Weld IRE
Ian Williams
Nick Williams

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle - Analysis

Run over three miles on the fourth day of The Festival, Friday, March 13, the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle has this year attracted a top-quality entry of 102. There are 37 Irish-trained entries and three contenders from France.

Having saddled Nenuphar Collognes to victory 12 months ago, Alan King could bid for back to back victories in the race with Bensalem, who found only Diamond Harry half a length too strong in the Grade Two Racecourse Of The Year Classic Novices’ Hurdle on Festival Trials Day, January 24.

A strong quartet from Paul Nicholls includes Pride Of Dulcote, who was travelling well prior to falling in the Listed Cleanevent Handicap Hurdle at The Open in November but subsequently showed his potential by taking a handicap hurdle at Wincanton on Boxing Day by 16 lengths.

The champion trainer could also be represented by impressive recent Taunton scorer Inchidaly Rock, Massasoit and Fistral Beach, who was second to Midnight Sail in a maiden hurdle at Ascot in December, while fellow West Country handler Philip Hobbs has entered Barnhill Brownie, who took a novice handicap hurdle at the same meeting, and Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Tarablaze.
A trio of entries from the yard of David Pipe includes Great Endeavour, who is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, while Ian Williams has engaged Weird Al, who made an excellent debut over the smaller obstacles with success in a novices’ hurdle at Warwick in mid-November.

Malcolm Jefferson may bid for a third victory at The Festival, 14 years after his last success with Dato Star in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, with the consistent Moscow Catch and the unexposed Cape Tribulation, who was a comprehensive 17-length winner of the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster on January 24, a contest that also featured fellow Festival hopefuls Junior, Grizebeck, Star Lord and On Raglan Road.

Emma Lavelle has engaged Chariot Charger, who continued his bright start over hurdles with a smooth success in a novice hurdle at Taunton in mid-January, while Richard Lee could be represented by Heathcliff, who completed a hat-trick of victories with a runaway success in a Warwick handicap hurdle on his latest appearance on January 22.
The bumper Irish entry of 37 is led by 11 potential challengers from the stable of Willie Mullins, headed by Mikael D’Haguenet, who followed up a facile victory over the Noel Meade-trained Pandorama in the Grade One Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan in December with an equally impressive success in the Grade Two Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas at the start of the year.

Mullins has also entered last year’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner Cousin Vinny, and the progressive pair of Quiscover Fontaine and The Midnight Club, while Charles Byrnes could be represented by Weapons Amnesty, who had Browns Baily four lengths in arrears when taking the Grade Two Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle at Limerick in December.

Other notable Irish-trained entries include eye-catching Fairyhouse maiden hurdle scorer Cockleshell Road, the prolific Caim Hill and the Paul Nolan-trained Alpha Ridge, who defeated several horses with Ladbrokes World Hurdle ambitions when winning the Grade Two Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park on January 22.

The three French-trained raiders all hail from the stable of Francois Doumen, who saddled Moulin Riche to victory in the inaugural Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle in 2005. The Chantilly-based handler has entered the J P McManus-owned pair of Doctor Pat and the unraced Moneywise alongside Quolibet, who was a neck runner-up in a Grade Three chase at Auteuil on his latest appearance in November.

Previous results – ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE

2008-WINNER-NENUPHAR COLLONGES 7-11-07 Owner-Top Brass Partnership; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-9/1
2ND-Liskennett 5-11-00 Owner- Patrick Pierce; Trainer-Charles Byrnes IRE; Jockey-Niall Madden; SP-16/1
3RD-The Tother One 7-11-07 Owner-Graham Roach; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Sam Thomas; SP-9/2 Jt Fav
18 ran, Time-6m 0.20s; Dist-2¾, ½ 9/2 Jt Fav Carruthers (11th)

2007-WINNER-WICHITA LINEMAN 6-11-07 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-11/8 Fav
2ND-Air Force One 5-11-07 Owner-Brian Walsh (Co Kildare); Trainer-Charlie Mann; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-25/1
3RD-Itsa Legend 8-11-07 Owner-The We’re A Legend Partnership; Trainer-The We’re A Legend Partnership; SP-100/1
20 ran Time-5m 43.60s; Dist-12, 6

2006-WINNER-BLACK JACK KETCHUM 7-11-07 Owner-Gay Smith; Trainer-Jonjo O'Neill; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-Evens Fav
2ND-Powerstation 6-11-07 Owner-Fat Frog Syndicate; Trainer-Charles Byrnes IRE; Jockey-Davy Russell; SP-9/1
3RD-Travino 7-11-07 Owner-P Kilroy; Trainer-Mags Mullins IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty 6/1
19 ran Time-5m 38.30s; Dist-9, 3

2005-WINNER-MOULIN RICHE 5-11-07 Owner- J-C Seroul; Trainer- Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-9/1
2ND-Over The Creek 4-11-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-5/1
3RD-Brewster 8-11-07 Owner- Mr & Mrs John Poynton; Trainer-Ian Williams; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-9/4 Fav
18 ran. Time-5m 55.80s; Dist-2½, nk

ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle 2005-2007)


Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Nenuphar Collonges 7-11-07 Robert Thornton Alan King Top Brass Partnership 9/1 18
2007 Wichita Lineman 6-11-07 Tony McCoy Jonjo O’Neill J P McManus 11/8 Fav 20
2006 Black Jack Ketchum 7-11-07 Tony McCoy Jonjo O’Neill Gay Smith Evs Fav 19
2005 Moulin Riche 4-11-00 Robert Thornton Francois Doumen FR J-C Seroul 9/1 18

THE 2008 ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
RESULT IN DETAIL
3m New Course, £100,000 guaranteed For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 10st 11lb; 5yo+ 11st 7lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 106 pay £120 1st Forfeit 77 pay £240 Confirmed 35 pay £120 Penalty Value 1st £57,020, 2nd £21,390, 3rd £10,710, 4th £5,340, 5th £2,680, 6th £1,340

1 NENUPHAR COLLONGES (FR) (Top Brass Partnership) Alan King 7-11-7b Robert Thornton 9/1
2 LISKENNETT (IRE) (Patrick Pierse) Charles Byrnes IRE 5-11-0 Niall Madden 16/1
3 THE TOTHER ONE (IRE) (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 7-11-7 Sam Thomas 9/2 JF
4 SIEGEMASTER (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Dessie Hughes IRE 7-11-7 Davy Russell 20/1
5 GONE TO LUNCH (IRE) (G Lever) Jeremy Scott 8-11-7 Tony McCoy 13/2
6 MIDDLETON DENE (IRE) (Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson) Nicky Richards 6-11-7 Miss Rose Davidson 20/1
7 ONE GULP (R McAlpine) Paul Webber 5-11-0 Dominic Elsworth 50/1
8 SOUND ACCORD (IRE) (George Ward) David Arbuthnot 7-11-7 Seamus Durack 50/1
9 UNCLE JUNIOR (IRE) (Mrs M McMahon) Willie Mullins IRE 7-11-7 Ruby Walsh 10/1
10 PARSONS PISTOL (IRE) (R Bagnall) Noel Meade IRE 6-11-7 Denis O'Regan 25/1
11 CARRUTHERS (The Oaksey Partnership) Mark Bradstock 5-11-7 Mattie Batchelor 9/2 JF
12 COE (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Sue Smith 6-11-7 Richie McGrath 66/1
13 HILLS OF ARAN (David Hughes, Mike Evans & Partners) Keith Goldsworthy 6-11-7 Richard Johnson 16/1
14 LODGE LANE (IRE) (O Wynne & S Wynne) Victor Dartnall 7-11-7 Barry Geraghty 6/1
15 GEM DALY (FR) (P McCormack) Noel Meade IRE 7-11-7t Paul Carberry 25/1
P HOME HUNTER (IRE) (Cavan Developments Bloodstock) Oliver McKiernan IRE 5-11-7 Timmy Murphy 66/1
P ALDHAHER BEEBERS (IRE) (Ahmed Abdel-Khaleq) M Phelan IRE 6-11-7 David Casey 100/1
P WHAT A FRIEND (Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson) Paul Nicholls 5-11-7 Liam Heard 25/1

18 ran
Non-runner: 2 Battlecry (vet’s certificate)
Distances: 2 3/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/2, 1 1/4, 7, 3/4, 5, 29, 8, 3 1/2, 1 1/2, 1/2, 2 1/2 Time-6m 0.20s
Breeder: Gaec Delorme Freres
Breeding: b g Video Rock (FR) - Diane Collonges (FR)
Totes: Win: £11.10 Places: £3.10, £8.40, £2.00 Exacta: £380.90

Winning Trainer: ALAN KING Born: December 13, 1966 Based: Barbury Castle Stables, Wroughton, Wiltshire Cheltenham Festival Wins (10): Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Nenuphar Collonges), Peter O’Sullevan National Hunt Chase (2008 Old Benny), Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2008 Katchit), William Hill National Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Arkle Challenge Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-0 Hurdle (2007 Katchit), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (2002 Spendid), John Smith’s HBLB TBA Mares’ Only NH (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Big Race Wins: Bula Hurdle (1999 Relkeel), Betfair Handicap Hurdle (2006 Halcon Genelardais), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Long Walk Hurdle (1999 Anzum, 2005 My Way De Solzen), Jim Ford Challenge Cup (2000 Spendid), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal d’Ainay), Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Coral Welsh National (2006 Halcon Genelardais), Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2007 Francheok), Desert Orchid Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Number of Winners (1999/2000-2006/07): 27; 18; 34; 39; 47; 66; 63 Wins this Season: 106

Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 Background: First sat on a horse aged eight, and started working for David Nicholson aged 14, becoming stable amateur in 1995. Crowned Champion Conditional in 1998, riding 71 winners, before joining Kim Bailey and turning professional in 1999. Now rides fro Alan King. Writes an article for the Gloucstershire Echo, and is nicknamed Choc because he used to always eat chocolate. Had his hair shaved for charity in June 2007, despite protests from his girlfriend First Winner Under Rules: K C’s Dancer (Cheltenham, October 25, 1995) Cheltenham Festival wins: (15) Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2008 Katchit), Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Captain Cee Bee), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase (King Lucifer 1997), Pertemps Final (Pharanear 1997), William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning, 2005 Kelami), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche, 2008 Nenuphar Collonges), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2007Andreas) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-0 Hurdle (2007 Katchit), Martell Foxhunters’ Chase (Blue Cheek 1997), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (Shankar 1997), Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shakespeare); John Smith’s Mares Only Nh Flat Race (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Big Race Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Trouble At Bay), Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (2005 Innox), Agfa Hurdle (2005 Self Defense), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal D’ainay, 2007 Blazing Bailey), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Coralpoker.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2005 Kadount, 2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (My Way De Solzen), Rendlesham Hurdle (1999 Pharanear, 2005 Crystal D’ainay), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Sporting Index Chase (2002 Famfoni), Totesport Long Walk Hurdle (2005 My Way De Solzen), Victor Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Wragg & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Moneytrain, 2007 Katchit), Desert Orchid Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Wins (1995/96-2006/07): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73; 97; 73; 99 Wins this Season: 88

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