Thursday, January 8, 2009

ENTRIES REVEALED FOR SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE AND RYANAIR CHASE

Many regarded Master Minded’s 19-length victory in last year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase as one of the best performances over fences in recent years as he became the first ever five-year-old to win Cheltenham’s two-mile showpiece.

Clive Smith’s gelding is one of 29 entries for the 2009 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase and one of seven entered by champion trainer Paul Nicholls. The Ditcheat handler has also engaged Andreas, Medicinal, Natal, Noland, Takeroc and Twist Magic.

“Master Minded was absolutely outstanding in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase last season. I was expecting a good performance because he improved throughout the season and I kept hearing leading up to Cheltenham that he was getting better all of the time,” said Smith.

“Cheltenham has again been the aim all this season and he didn’t necessarily have to be 100 per cent to win the Seasons Holidays Tingle Creek Chase (at Sandown on December 6). It wasn’t an outstanding performance but he did what he had to do and beat some sound opposition. He was very well ridden by Tony McCoy and the loose horse didn’t help his cause.

“The intention is to give him a run in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot next weekend (January 17) and then go straight on to Cheltenham. We ran him every month from December to April last season but I think there is a certain age when they can handle a lot of racing and that some horses benefit from a break between races when they get older.”
Possible rivals could include the David Pipe-trained Well Chief, who finished runner-up to Moscow Flyer in the 2005 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase and fell when sent off favourite for the 2007 race. He has been off the course since April, 2007, but Pipe reports that the 10-year-old could make his seasonal appearance at The Festival.

“We’ve given Well Chief an entry in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase and he’s cantering at the moment. The Festival is a long way off for him but he’s in good form and, touch wood, his
“It’s an early closing race and we won’t know how good his legs are until he does some quicker work. I doubt there would be time to get a run into him prior to Cheltenham and this year will be his final chance to line up in the race.”
Pipe has five entries in total including the multiple French Grade One winner Or Noir De Somoza, who has yet to run for his new trainer, I’m So Lucky, Pablo Du Charmil and Tamarinbleu.

“Or Noir De Somoza holds entries in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup,” added Pipe. “He was given an entry in the two-mile Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot next weekend because it was another early closing race but I have yet to confirm with the owners where he will start off in this country. His best form in France is over two and a half miles but we wanted to cover all of his options at this stage of the season.

“The novice I’m So Lucky will also be entered in The Irish Independent Arkle Chase, while Pablo Du Charmil has been running well lately and Tamarinbleu, who disappointed in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase last season, has also been given an entry in the Ryanair Chase.”
Other leading Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase entries include the 2007 winner Voy Por Ustedes, last season’s The Irish Independent Arkle Chase hero Tidal Bay, his stablemate Santa’s Son, a runaway winner of the Castleford Handicap Chase at Wetherby on December 27, Fiepes Shuffle, trained in Germany by Christian von der Recke and the Nicky Henderson-trained Petit Robin, who respectively finished first and second in the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on December 27.

The 2006 winner Newmill is one of five Irish-trained entries with others including the Colm Murphy-trained Big Zeb, winner of the Grade One Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on December 27, J’Y Vole, a Grade One novice chase scorer for Willie Mullins last season, his stablemate Scotsirish and the consistent Thyne Again.

There is a 48-strong entry for the Ryanair Chase with the 2008 winner Our Vic one of three engaged by David Pipe.

Several Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase entries have also been given the option of the longer Ryanair Chase, run over two miles and five furlongs, with champion trainer Paul Nicholls – who has won half of the four runnings to date – again boasting a powerful hand.

Noland, winner of the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on December 9, is one of seven entered by Nicholls, with his powerful team also including Gwanako, Natal, Oslot, Silverburn, Takeroc and Twist Magic.

Voy Por Ustedes and Tidal Bay have also been given the Ryanair Chase option while the former’s stablemate, leading novice chaser Araldur, is also engaged.

Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander, Lexus Chase winner Exotic Dancer, Peterborough Chase first and second, Monet’s Garden and Snoopy Loopy, and the Queen’s Barbers Shop are among a string of other high-class entries.

French handler Marcel Rolland could bid for a first Cheltenham success with Original, a nine-length winner of the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton on December 27 while there is a powerful 13-strong entry from Ireland.

All five Irish-trained Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase entries - Big Zeb, J’Y Vole, Newmill, Scotsirish and Thyne Again – are also in the Ryanair Chase while Tom Taaffe has three high-class representatives in Finger Onthe Pulse, Glenfinn Captain and Slim Pickings. Knight Legend, Schindler’s Hunt, Sky’s The Limit, Snowy Morning and Vic Venturi complete the list of possible Irish raiders.

For further information, please contact Cheltenham Racecourse’s Communications Manager Andy Clifton on 07876 330 090
ENTRY STATISTICS

SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE TOTAL ENTRIES
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
29 25 30 29 19 25 23 32 25 22

1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
28 19 17 21 15 16 24 20 15


SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
5 5 12 11 5 8 6 5 5 3

1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
5 2 4 3 0 1 4 2 2





RYANAIR CHASE NUMBER OF ENTRIES
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
RYANAIR CHASE 48 57 46 54 39 First run in 2005

RYANAIR CHASE IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
RYANAIR CHASE 13 18 15 16 10 First run in 2005

THE SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
Class 1, Grade 1, 2m, £320,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.20pm, Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 11, 2009. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 4 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 4 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights: 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 6, entries revealed January 8 (29 entries), forfeit stage February 10, £16,500 supplementary entry stage March 5, six-day confirmation stage March 5. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10am, March 9. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, January 6.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
04621-5 ANDREAS (FR) 9 Trevor Hemmings Paul Nicholls
5PP-100 ASHLEY BROOK (IRE) 11 Kay Ellis Kevin Bishop
1U221-1 BIG ZEB (IRE) 8 Patrick Joseph Redmond Colm Murphy IRE
16/21/-14 BRIAREUS 9 Miss E J Lambourne Andrew Balding
4P11F1 FIEPES SHUFFLE (GER) 9 Stall Jenny Christian von der Recke GER
2-2F112 I'M SO LUCKY 7 Sheila Brookhouse David Pipe
11133-0 J'Y VOLE (FR) 6 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
31/121P/- KILLAGHY CASTLE (IRE) 9 Valda Embiricos Nick Gifford
P32-264 LORD HENRY (IRE) 10 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
15-2340 MAHOGANY BLAZE (FR) 7 Lorna Berryman Nigel Twiston-Davies
4011-13 MARODIMA (FR) 6 M A Sherwood Rebecca Curtis
U1112-1 MASTER MINDED (FR) 6 Clive Smith Paul Nicholls
346-331 MEDICINAL (IRE) 8 S C Botham Paul Nicholls
1P6-642 MOON OVER MIAMI (GER) 8 Anne Fulton & Michael Lynch Charlie Mann
1F2-3U6 NATAL (FR) 8 Monica Hackett Paul Nicholls
B540-40 NEWMILL (IRE) 11 Mary T Hayes John Murphy IRE
1132-11 NOLAND 8 John Hales Paul Nicholls
2112-10 OR NOIR DE SOMOZA (FR) 7 Pegasus Farms Ltd David Pipe
3500-13 PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) 8 Joe Moran David Pipe
11/61-12 PETIT ROBIN (FR) 6 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Nicky Henderson
P0-1051 SANTA'S SON (IRE) 9 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1-0U421 SCOTSIRISH (IRE) 8 Double R Stables LLP Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
122-235 TAKEROC (FR) 6 Sandra Giles & Mark Tincknell Paul Nicholls
1103-20 TAMARINBLEU (FR) 9 The Arthur White Partnership David Pipe
4142-13 THYNE AGAIN (IRE) 8 Simply The Best Syndicate Liam Burke IRE
211-122 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
261-4F6 TWIST MAGIC (FR) 7 Barry Fulton Tony Hayward Michael Lynch Paul Nicholls
1221-43 VOY POR USTEDES (FR) 8 Sir Robert Ogden Alan King
221//1F3/- WELL CHIEF (GER) 10 David Johnson David Pipe

29 Entries
5 Irish-trained
1 German-trained

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
7 Entries
Paul Nicholls (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded)

5 Entries
David Pipe

2 Entries
Howard Johnson
Willie Mullins IRE

1 Entry
Andrew Balding
Kevin Bishop
Liam Burke IRE
Rebecca Curtis
Nick Gifford
Nicky Henderson (1992 Remittance Man)
Philip Hobbs (2002 Flagship Uberalles)
Alan King (2007 Voy Por Ustedes)
Charlie Mann
Colm Murphy IRE
John Murphy IRE (2006 Newmill)
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Christian von der Recke GER

Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase - Analysis

Following his devastating victory in last year’s race, Master Minded heads a top quality entry of 29 for the £320,000 Grade One Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, highlight of day two of The Festival, Wednesday, March 11.

Clive Smith’s outstanding chaser rewrote the record books last season by becoming the first five-year-old to triumph in the two-mile contest, beating the 2007 winner Voy Por Ustedes by 19 lengths and becoming the highest-rated jump horse in training in the process.
After finishing last season with a reversal to Voy Por Ustedes in the Grade One Melling Chase over two and a half miles at Aintree, Master Minded began this season with another imperious display over two miles when taking the Grade One Seasons Holidays Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park in December.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has entered seven horses in total, more than any other trainer, including Twist Magic, who could only finish sixth to his stablemate in this race last season before going on to Grade One success in the Kerrygold Champion Chase at Punchestown, and Noland, who also scored the biggest success of his career in Ireland when taking the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase at the same course in December.

The 2007 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup winner Andreas, Medicinal, Natal and Takeroc complete the potential challenge from the all-conquering Ditcheat stable.

The talented but fragile Well Chief may aim finally to secure victory in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, having finished second to the mighty Moscow Flyer in 2005 and having fallen early in the race when sent off favourite two years later.
The 10-year-old, successful in the 2004 The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, is one of five entries from the stable of David Pipe, which could also be represented by Tamarinbleu, Pablo Du Charmil, I’m So Lucky, and exciting French import Or Noir De Somoza, a Grade One winner over both fences and hurdles at Auteuil for his previous handler Arnaud Chaille-Chaille.

Nicky Henderson, who saddled Remittance Man to glory in this race in 1998, could bid for a second victory with the progressive Petit Robin, a winner of four of his six starts, while Philip Hobbs could also bid for a second success in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase with Lord Henry, who was second to Andreas in the Grade Two Celebration Chase at Sandown Park at the end of last season.

The Howard Johnson-trained Tidal Bay, impressive winner of The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase at last year’s Festival, could return to two miles following a good second under top-weight in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day, while the lightly-raced Briareus could also drop back in trip after an encouraging fourth in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on the same day.

Course winners Ashley Brook and Mahogany Blaze, first and second in the Grade Two William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter in November, have also been entered along with Santa’s Son and Moon Over Miami, who filled the first two places in the Castlefors Handicap Chase at Wetherby on December 27.

Nick Gifford, whose father Josh won this race with Deep Sensation in 1993, may bid to emulate his father with the lightly-raced Killaghy Castle, while up and coming trainer Rebecca Curtis has entered Marodima, who won a Grade Two novices’ chase at Sandown Park for Paul Nicholls in December, 2007.

An Irish challenge of five includes the 2006 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill and the progressive Big Zeb, who took a Grade One chase at Leopardstown in December on his first appearance of the season.
The Colm Murphy-trained eight-year-old had previously taken the Grade One Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase at Punchestown in April, beating Thyne Again, fourth in last year’s The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, and Grade One Dr P J Moriaty Chase victor J’Y Vole. Grade Two Hilly Way Chase scorer Scotsirish is the other potential runner from across the Irish Sea.

The one German possible is the Christian von der Recke-trained Fiepes Shuffle, who had six other Queen Mother Champion Chase hopefuls behind him when taking the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park on December 27.

SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE FACTS

1. The National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase was first run in 1959 and the Queen Mother’s name was added to the race title in 1980, the year of her 80th birthday.

2. The race’s roll of honour includes plenty of multiple winners. Badsworth Boy (1983-85) is the only three-time winner. The double winners are Fortria (1960 and 1961), Drinny’s Double (1967 and 1968), Royal Relief (1972 and 1974), Skymas (1976 and 1977), Hilly Way (1978 and 1979), Pearlyman (1987 and 1988), Barnbrook Again (1989 and 1990), Viking Flagship (1994 and 1995) and Moscow Flyer (2003 and 2005).

3. Irish-trained runners have a good record in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, winning 19 of the 49 runnings. Newmill, trained by John Murphy and ridden by Andrew McNamara, was the most recent Irish-trained scorer in 2006.

4. Tom Dreaper has the best record of any trainer in the race, winning six runnings with Fortria (1960 and 1961), Ben Stack (1964), Flyingbolt (1966), Muir (1969), and Straight Fort (1970). Of current trainers, Paul Nicholls (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop and 2008 Master Minded) has the best record.

5. Flyingbolt was the shortest-priced winner when succeeding at 1/5 in 1966, while Another Dolly, who was awarded the 1980 race at odds of 33/1, provided the biggest upset.

6. Pat Taaffe is the most successful rider with five wins, while Barry Geraghty (Moscow Flyer 2003 and 2005) and Ruby Walsh (Azertyuiop 2003 and Master Minded 2008) are the only current jockeys to have landed more than one Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.

7. The oldest horse to have triumphed was the 12-year-old Skymas in 1977, while the youngest victor was Master Minded, who was just five when winning last year.

8. A small but select field usually lines up for the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase. The largest field was in 1999 when 13 runners went to post, one while only five runners lined up in 1985, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963 and 1961.

9. The most successful owners are George Ansley, who enjoyed three wins with Fortria (1960 and 1961) and Straight Fort (1970), and Doug Armitage who had three victories with Badsworth Boy (1983, 1984 and 1985).

10. Michael Dickinson trained the winner for three consecutive years with Rathgorman (1982) and Badsworth Boy (1983 & 1984). His mother Monica had taken charge of the training operation for Badsworth Boy’s final success in 1985.

11. In 1986, the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Buck House subsequently met with that year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup heroine Dawn Run in a special match race at Punchestown in April, 1986. It was Dawn Run who prevailed by two and a half lengths.

12. The Irish Independent Arkle Chase is a good guide for future success in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase. Voy Por Ustedes (2007), Azertyuiop (2004), Moscow Flyer (2003 and 2005), Flagship Uberalles (2002), Klairon Davis (1996) and Remittance Man (1992) all won the novices’ event before their Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase victory.

PREVIOUS RESULTS - SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
2008-WINNER-MASTER MINDED 5-11-10 Owner-Clive Smith; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-3/1
2ND-Voy Por Ustedes 7-11-10 Owner-Sir Robert Ogden; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-5/2 Fav
3RD-Fair Along 6-11-10 Owner-Alan Peterson; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-12/1
8 ran, 3m 55.80s, Dist-19, 16

2007-WINNER-VOY POR USTEDES 6-11-10 Owner-Sir Robert Ogden; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-5/1
2ND-Dempsey 9-11-10 Owner-Tracy Brown; Trainer-Carl Llewellyn; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-20/1
3RD-River City 10-11-10 Owner-Sarah Rowley-Williams; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Tom Doyle; SP-33/1
10 ran, 3m 53.88s, Dist-1½, 5 Evens Fav Well Chief (Fell)

2006-WINNER-NEWMILL 8-11-10 Owner-Mary Hayes; Trainer-John Murphy IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-16/1
2ND-Fota Island 10-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-4/1
3RD-Mister McGoldrick 9-11-10 Owner-Richard Longley; Trainer-Sue Smith; Jockey-Dominic Elsworth; SP-50/1
12 ran, Time-3m 51.50s, Dist-9, 1.5 2/1 Fav Kauto Star (Fell)

2005-WINNER-MOSCOW FLYER 11-11-10 Owner-Brian Kearney; Trainer-Jessica Harrington IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-6/4 Fav
2ND-Well Chief 6-11-10 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-7/2
3RD-Azertyuiop 8-11-10 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-2/1
8 ran, Time-3m 54.30s, Dist-2, 13

2004-WINNER-AZERTYUIOP 7-11-10 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-15/8
2ND-Flagship Uberalles 10-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey; Richard Johnson; SP-14/1
3RD-Tiutchev 11-11-10 Owner-The Liars Poker Partnership; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-16/1
8 ran, Time-3m 54.10s, Dist-9, 1.5 5/6 Fav Moscow Flyer (UR)

2003-WINNER-MOSCOW FLYER 9-12-00 Owner-Brian Kearney; Trainer-Jessica Harrington IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-7/4 Fav
2ND-Native Upmanship 10-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-12/1
3RD Cenkos 9-12-00 Owner-Judy Stewart; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-7/1
11 ran, Time-3m 53.70s, Dist-7, 3

2002-WINNER-FLAGSHIP UBERALLES 8-12-00 Owner-Elizabeth Gutner & Michael Krysztofiak Racing; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-7/4 Fav
2ND-Native Upmanship 9-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Arthur Moore IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-9/1
3RD-Cenkos 8-12-00 Owner-Judy Stewart; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-66/1
12 ran, Time-4m 7.70s, Dist-3, 0.5

2001- Cancelled

2000-WINNER-EDREDON BLEU 8-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/2
2ND-Direct Route 9-12-00 Owner-Michael Thompson; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-5/1
3RD-Flagship Uberalles 6-12-00 Owner-Elizabeth Gutner & Michael Krysztofiak Racing; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Joe Tizzard; SP-11/10 Fav
9 ran, Time-3m 44.6s, Dist-sh, 6

1999-WINNER-CALL EQUINAME 9-12-00 Owner-Mick Coburn, Paul Barber and Colin Lewis; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-7/2
2ND-Edredon Bleu 7-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-3/1 Fav
3RD-Direct Route 8-12-00 Owner-Chris Heron; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Norman Williamson;
SP-11/2
13 ran, Time-3m 59.2s, Dist-1.25, 3.5

1998-WINNER-ONE MAN 10-12-00 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Gordon Richards; Jockey-Brian Harding; SP-7/2
2ND-Or Royal 7-12-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/2
3RD-Lord Dorcet 8-12-00 Owner-John Hogg; Trainer-Alistair Charlton; Jockey-Brian Storey; SP-50/1
8 ran, Time-3m 50.8s, Dist-4, 5 5/2 Fav Ask Tom (6th)

1997-WINNER-MARTHA’S SON 10-12-00 Owner-Paddy Hartigan and Michael Ward-Thomas; Trainer-Tim Forster; Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-9/1
2ND-Ask Tom 8-12-00 Owner-Brian Stewart-Brown; Trainer-Tom Tate; Jockey-Russ Garritty; SP-6/1
3RD-Viking Flagship 10-12-00 Owner-Roach Foods Ltd; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-3/1
6 ran, Time-3m 50.1s, Dist-2.5, 0.5 5/2 Fav Strong Promise (5th)

SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
ROLL OF HONOUR

(Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase since 2007, Queen Mother Champion Chase 1980-2006, previously National Hunt Two Mile Champion Chase from when first run in 1959)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Master Minded 5-11-10 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls Clive Smith 3/1 8
2007 Voy Por Ustedes 6-11-10 Robert Thornton Alan King Sir Robert Ogden 5/1 10
2006 Newmill 8-11-10 Andrew McNamara John Murphy IRE Mary Hayes 16/1 12
2005 Moscow Flyer 11-11-10 Barry Geraghty Jessica Harrington IRE Brian Kearney 6/4F 8
2004 Azertyuiop 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls John Hales 15/8 8
2003 Moscow Flyer 9-12-00 Barry Geraghty Jessica Harrington IRE Brian Kearney 7/4F 11
2002 Flagship Uberalles 8-12-00 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Elizabeth Gutner/Michael Krysztofiak 7/4F 12
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Edredon Bleu 8-12-00 Tony McCoy Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 7/2 9
1999 Call Equiname 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Paul Nicholls Mick Coburn,Paul Barber,Colin Lewis 7/2 13
1998 One Man 10-12-00 Brian Harding Gordon Richards John Hales 7/2 8
1997 Martha’s Son 10-12-00 Rodney Farrant Tim Forster Paddy Hartigan/Michael Ward-Thomas 9/1 6
1996 Klairon Davis 7-12-00 Francis Woods Arthur Moore IRE Chris Jones 9/1 7
1995 Viking Flagship 8-12-00 Charlie Swan David Nicholson Roach Foods Ltd 5/2F 10
1994 Viking Flagship 7-12-00 Adrian Maguire David Nicholson Roach Foods Ltd 4/1 8
1993 Deep Sensation 8-12-00 Declan Murphy Josh Gifford Robin Eliot 11/1 9
1992 Remittance Man 8-12-00 Jamie Osborne Nicky Henderson Jim Collins Evs F 6
1991 Katabatic 8-12-00 Simon McNeill Andrew Turnell Pell-Mell Partners 9/1 7
1990 Barnbrook Again 9-12-00 Hywel Davies David Elsworth Mel Davies 11/10F 9
1989 Barnbrook Again 8-12-00 Simon Sherwood David Elsworth Mel Davies 7/4F 8
1988 Pearlyman 9-12-00 Tom Morgan John Edwards Valerie Shaw 15/8F 8
1987 Pearlyman 8-12-00 Peter Scudamore John Edwards Valerie Shaw 13/8F 8
1986 Buck House 8-12-00 Tommy Carmody Mouse Morris IRE Mrs Phil Purcell 5/2 11
1985 Badsworth Boy 10-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Monica Dickinson Doug Armitage 11/8 5
1984 Badsworth Boy 9-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Doug Armitage 8/13F 10
1983 Badsworth Boy 8-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Doug Armitage 2/1 6
1982 Rathgorman 10-12-00 Kevin Whyte Michael Dickinson J Lilley 100/30 9
1981 Drumgora 9-12-00 Frank Berry Arthur Moore IRE D Monahan 25/1 9
1980 *Another Dolly 10-12-00 Sam Morshead Fred Rimell Ian Urquhart 33/1 7
1979 Hilly Way 9-12-00 Mr Ted Walsh Peter McCreery IRE J W Sweeney 7/1 9
1978 Hilly Way 8-12-00 Tommy Carmody Peter McCreery IRE J W Sweeney 7/1 10
1977 Skymas 12-12-00 Mouse Morris Brian Lusk IRE Mathew Magee 7/2 8
1976 Skymas 11-12-00 Mouse Morris Brian Lusk IRE Mathew Magee 8/1 7
1975 Lough Inagh 8-12-00 Sean Barker Jim Dreaper IRE A Martin 100/30 8
1974 Royal Relief 10-12-00 Bill Smith Edward Courage Edward Courage 6/1 6
1973 Inkslinger 6-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Mrs M Jenney 6/1 6
1972 Royal Relief 8-12-00 Bill Smith Edward Courage Edward Courage 15/8 5
1971 Crisp 8-12-00 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Sir Chester Manifold 3/1 8
1970 Straight Fort 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE George Ansley 7/4F 6
1969 Muir 10-12-00 Ben Hannon Tom Dreaper IRE Waring Willis 15/2 11
1968 Drinny’s Double 10-12-00 Frank Nash Bob Turnell Paul Mellon 6/1 5
1967 Drinny’s Double 9-12-00 Frank Nash Bob Turnell Paul Mellon 7/2 8
1966 Flyingbolt 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Mrs Jean Wilkinson 1/5F 6
1965 Dunkirk 8-12-00 Dave Dick Peter Cazalet Bill Whitbread 8/1 6
1964 Ben Stack 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 2/1 5
1963 Sandy Abbot 8-12-00 Stan Mellor George Owen Mrs J D McKechnie 5/1 5
1962 Piperton 8-12-00 Dave Dick Archie Thomlinson Archie Thomlinson 100/6 7
1961 Fortria 9-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE George Ansley 2/5F 5
1960 Fortria 8-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE George Ansley 15/8F 7
1959 Quita Que 10-12-00 Bunny Cox Dan Moore IRE Mrs D R Brand 4/9F 9

*Another Dolly finished second to Chinrullah, who was subsequently disqualified after failing a post-race urine test

THE 2008 SEASONS HOLIDAYS QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE RESULT IN DETAIL
2m, Old Course, £310,000 guaranteed, For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 4 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 4 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights 11st 10lb Allowances mares 7lb Entries 25 pay £360 1st Forfeit 22 pay £720 Confirmed 12 pay £360 Penalty Value 1st £176,762, 2nd £66,309, 3rd £33,201, 4th £16,554, 5th £8,308, 6th £4,154

1 MASTER MINDED (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 5-11-10 Ruby Walsh 3/1
2 VOY POR USTEDES (FR) (Sitr Robert Ogden) Alan King 7-11-10 Robert Thornton 5/2 fav
3 FAIR ALONG (GER) (Alan Peterson) Philip Hobbs 6-11-10 Richard Johnson 12/1
4 SCHINDLERS HUNT (IRE) (Slaneyville Syndicate) Dessie Hughes IRE 8-11-10v1 Paul Carberry 33/1
5 NEWMILL (IRE) (Mary Hughes) John Murphy IRE 10-11-10 Robbie Power 40/1
6 TWIST MAGIC (FR) (Barry Fulton, Tony Hayward, Michael Lynch) Paul Nicholls 6-11-10 Sam Thomas 5/1
7 TAMARINBLEU (FR) (The Arthur White Partnership) David Pipe 8-11-10b Tom Scudamore 7/2
PU bef 6th MANSONY (FR) (Michael Mulholland) Arthur Moore IRE 9-11-10 Davy Russell 16/1

8 ran
Non-runners: 1 Azulejo, 2 Contraband, 4 Lennon
Distances: 19, 16, 1, 8, 8, 4
Breeder: Marie-Christine Gabeur
Breeding: b g Nikos - Haute Tension (FR) (Garde Royale)
Totes: Win: £3.90 Places: £1.60, £1.30, £2.50 Exacta: £10.10

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) Cheltenham Festival Wins (18): 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) 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) 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), totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek, 2007 Ladalko), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 & 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), 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), Peterborough Chase (2004 Le Roi Miguel), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star, 2007 Twist Magic), Tolworth Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2006 Noland, 2007 Silverburn), 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: 121

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 Willie 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 (15): 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. Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Wins in Britain This Season: 52

THE RYANAIR CHASE
Class 1, Grade 1, 2m 5f, £220,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.40pm, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 12, 2009. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 5 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 5 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights: 5yo: 11st 9lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 6, entries revealed January 8 (48 entries), forfeit stage February 10, £11,500 supplementary entry stage March 6, six-day confirmation stage March 6. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 10. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, January 6.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
613111 ARALDUR (FR) 5 David Sewell Alan King
4121-21 BARBERS SHOP 7 The Queen Nicky Henderson
4332-24 BATTLECRY 8 Trevor Hemmings Nigel Twiston-Davies
1U221-1 BIG ZEB (IRE) 8 Patrick Joseph Redmond Colm Murphy IRE
3P/P40-P BILLYVODDAN (IRE) 10 Trevor Hemmings Henry Daly
353-231 EXOTIC DANCER (FR) 9 Sir Robert Ogden Jonjo O'Neill
2215-12 FINGER ONTHE PULSE (IRE) 8 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
653-114 GLENFINN CAPTAIN (IRE) 10 J P McManus Tom Taaffe IRE
1/P133/3- GOLDEN FLIGHT (FR) 10 John and Barbara Cotton Nicky Henderson
5321-U1 GWANAKO (FR) 6 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
1111F-0 HOBBS HILL 10 J P McManus Charles Egerton
3/114-16 IMPERIAL COMMANDER (IRE) 8 Our Friends in the North Nigel Twiston-Davies
00333P IRON MAN (FR) 8 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen
11133-0 J'Y VOLE (FR) 6 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
31/121P/- KILLAGHY CASTLE (IRE) 9 Valda Embiricos Nick Gifford
40-1302 KNIGHT LEGEND (IRE) 10 Martin St Quinton Jessica Harrington IRE
16UP-10 KNOWHERE (IRE) 11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
11640-5 L'ANTARTIQUE (FR) 9 Mrs A N Durkan Ferdy Murphy
5314/-12 MASSINI'S MAGUIRE (IRE) 8 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs
15-5P30 MISTER MCGOLDRICK 12 Richard Longley Sue Smith
3246-01 MONET'S GARDEN (IRE) 11 David Wesley Yates Nicky Richards
1P6-642 MOON OVER MIAMI (GER) 8 Anne Fulton & Michael Lynch Charlie Mann
1F2-3U6 NATAL (FR) 8 Monica Hackett Paul Nicholls
651-046 NATION STATE 8 J D Brownrigg Gary Moore
B540-40 NEWMILL (IRE) 11 Mary T Hayes John Murphy IRE
1132-11 NOLAND 8 John Hales Paul Nicholls
2112-10 OR NOIR DE SOMOZA (FR) 7 Pegasus Farms Ltd David Pipe
F/5-0431 ORIGINAL (FR) 7 Edward Walsh Marcel Rolland FR
21-1640 OSLOT (FR) 7 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
3/2211-P OUR VIC (IRE) 11 David Johnson David Pipe
111U1F OUZBECK (FR) 7 Axom VII Alan King
6/141F/1/- RUBBERDUBBER 9 Susan Orton Charles Egerton
14-0555 SCHINDLERS HUNT (IRE) 9 Slaneyville Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
1-0U421 SCOTSIRISH (IRE) 8 Double R Stables LLP Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
2314-64 SILVERBURN (IRE) 8 Paul Green Paul Nicholls
11544-3 SKY'S THE LIMIT (FR) 8 Raymond J Rooney Edward O'Grady IRE
S54-206 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) 10 Doubtful Five Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE
331320 SNOOPY LOOPY (IRE) 11 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Egan Waste Ltd Peter Bowen
332-56F SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 9 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
14-2P51 STAN (NZ) 10 Paul Beck Venetia Williams
2560-14 STATE OF PLAY 9 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams
122-235 TAKEROC (FR) 6 Sandra Giles & Mark Tincknell Paul Nicholls
1103-20 TAMARINBLEU (FR) 9 The Arthur White Partnership David Pipe
4142-13 THYNE AGAIN (IRE) 8 Simply The Best Syndicate Liam Burke IRE
211-122 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
261-4F6 TWIST MAGIC (FR) 7 Barry Fulton Tony Hayward Michael Lynch Paul Nicholls
002-542 VIC VENTURI (IRE) 9 J P Dunne Dessie Hughes IRE
1221-43 VOY POR USTEDES (FR) 8 Sir Robert Ogden Alan King

48 Entries
13 Irish-trained
1 French-trained

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE
RYANAIR CHASE

7 Entries
Paul Nicholls (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis)

3 Entries
Alan King
Willie Mullins IRE
David Pipe (2008 Our Vic)
Tom Taaffe IRE
Nigel Twiston-Davies

2 Entries
Peter Bowen
Charles Egerton
Nicky Henderson (2006 Fondmort)
Dessie Hughes IRE

1 Entry
Liam Burke IRE
Henry Daly
Nick Gifford
Jessica Harrington IRE
Philip Hobbs
Howard Johnson
Charlie Mann
Gary Moore
Colm Murphy IRE
Ferdy Murphy
John Murphy IRE
Edward O’Grady IRE
Jonjo O’Neill
Nicky Richards
Marcel Rolland FR
Sue Smith
Evan Williams
Venetia Williams

Ryanair Chase – Analysis
Upgraded to Grade One status for the first time last year, the £220,000 Ryanair Chase has already firmly established itself as one of the premier races in the calendar and the two mile, five furlong, contest, run on Thursday, March 12, has this year attracted a superb entry of 48.

Our Vic gave trainer David Pipe one of the biggest successes of his fledgling career in the race last year and the David Johnson-owned gelding went on to defeat 2007 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star in the Grade Two totesport Bowl at Aintree the following month.
The 11-year-old is one of three entries from Pond House along with last season’s Boylesports.com Gold Cup scorer Tamarinbleu and French import Or Noir De Somoza, who was victorious in Grade One contests over hurdles and fences for Arnuad Chaille-Chaille.

Paul Nicholls has an unrivalled record in the Ryanair Chase, having saddled both Thisthatandtother (2005) and Taranis (2007) to victory in the race. The champion trainer looks set to have another strong hand this year with seven entries, headed by last season’s The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase third Noland, who progressed to take the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December.

The champion trainer has also entered Silverburn, fourth in the RSA Chase at The Festival last year, and Grade One Kerrygold Champion Chase winner Twist Magic. Grade One runner-up Takeroc, Natal, Oslot and last season’s Festival Plate second Gwanako complete the Nicholls-trained septet.

Nicky Henderson, the only other trainer to have won the Ryanair Chase (with Fondmort in 2006), could be represented by Golden Flight, successful in the prestigious Grade One Prix La Haye Jousselin in 2005 for former handler Guillame Macaire, and The Queen’s Barbers Shop, who chased home Imperial Commander in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at The Open.

The 2007 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Voy Por Ustedes could bid for Festival glory over a longer trip. The eight-year-old won the Grade One Melling Chase at Aintree over two and a half miles at the end of last season and was third behind Kauto Star over three miles in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.
Alan King is also responsible for the prolific Ouzbeck and the only five-year-old entered, Araldur, who looked a horse with a bright future when getting the better of Free World in the Grade Two Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown Park in December.

The versatile Tidal Bay, victorious in The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at last year’s Festival, could return to Cheltenham for the Ryanair Chase. The eight-year-old finished second to Master Minded over two miles in the Seasons Holidays Tingle Creek Chase at Kempton in December and posted a good weight-carrying performance over three miles and a furlong when second in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby later the same month.

Exotic Dancer may also step back down in distance after gaining a deserved Grade One victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December. The Jonjo O’Neill-trained nine-year-old, who was second to Kauto Star in the 2007 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, was successful over the Ryanair course and distance in the Boylesports.com Gold Cup in December, 2006.

Nicky Richards has entered dual Grade One winner Monet’s Garden. The 11-year-old grey finished fourth in the 2007 Ryanair Chase and proved that he still retained his ability with victory over Betfair Chase winner Snoopy Loopy in the Grade Two totesport.com Peterbrough Chase at Huntingdon in December.
Stan began 2009 perfectly when recording a course and distance success in the Grade Three skybet.com Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on January 1 by an impressive 11 lengths and represents the combination of owner Paul Beck and trainer Venetia Williams.
A typically strong Irish entry of 13 includes dual Grade One scorer Big Zeb, who beat Thyne Again and J’Y Vole in the Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase at Punchestown in April prior to winning the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on his seasonal bow last month.

J’Y Vole’s trainer Willie Mullins could also be represented by last year’s Grand National third Snowy Morning and Grade Two Hilly Way Chase scorer Scotsirish, while Tom Taaffe has entered Slim Pickings, Grade Two winner Glenfinn Captain and Finger Onthe Pulse, who took the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at last season’s Festival.

The other Irish-trained entries are last year’s fourth Knight Legend, 2006 Cheltenham Festival winners Newmill and Sky’s The Limit, as well as the Dessie Hughes-trained pair of Schindlers Hunt and Vic Venturi.

The sole French-trained entry is the giant seven-year-old novice Original, who made a mockery of his 66/1 starting price when running away with the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park on December 27 for trainer Marcel Rolland.

25.

RYANAIR CHASE - Facts & Figures
1. The Ryanair Chase was introduced to The Festival in 2005. It replaced the Cathcart Chase, although the conditions of the race changed slightly with it being open to all horses rather than being restricted to first and second season chasers.

2. The first three renewals were run as Grade Two contests. It becomes a Grade One affair in 2008.

3. The Daily Telegraph backed the inaugural contest, with Irish airline Ryanair taking over the sponsorship for 2006.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, came close to winning his company’s money last year when owning the runner-up Mossbank.

4. Fondmort, the 100/30 joint-favourite, was landing his fourth race at Cheltenham when victorious in 2006. Our Vic, successful last year, was winning for the third time at the course and has a further four Cheltenham placed efforts to his name, including when runner-up in the 2007 Ryanair Chase.

RYANAIR CHASE - Past Winners
(Ryanair Chase from 2006, Daily Telegraph Chase 2005)
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Our Vic 10-11-10 Timmy Murphy David Pipe David Johnson 4/1 9
2007 Taranis 6-11-00 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls Mrs A B Yeoman & C R Whittaker 9/2 9
2006 Fondmort 10-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Bill Brown 100/30JF 11
2005 Thisthatandtother 9-11-03 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls Graham Roach 9/2 12

RYANAIR CHASE - Past Results
2008-WINNER-OUR VIC 10-11-10 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-David Pipe; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-4/1
2ND-Mossbank 8-11-10 Owner-Gigginstown House Stud; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Davy Russell; SP-4/1
3RD-Turko 6-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-7/1
9 ran, Time-5m 10.24s Dist-5, 7 100/30 Fav The Listener (5th)

2007-WINNER-TARANIS 6-11-00 Owner-Mrs A B Yeoman & C R Whittaker; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-9/2
2ND–Our Vic 9-11-05 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-David Pipe; Jockey-Timmy Murphy; SP-7/2
3RD–Billyvoddan 8-11-00 Owner-Trevor Hemmings; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-20/1
9 ran, Time-5m 10.60s Dist-nk, ½ 7/4 Fav Monet’s Garden (4th)

2006-WINNER-FONDMORT 10-11-00 Owner-Bill Brown; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerlad; SP-100/30 Jt Fav
2ND-Lacdoudal 7-11-00 Owner-Carol Skan; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-20/1
3RD-Impek Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-100/30 Jt Fav
11 ran, Time-5m 3.00s Dist-1¼, hd

2005-WINNER-THISTHATANDTOTHER 9-11-03 Owner-Graham Roach; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh;
SP-9/2
2ND-Fondmort 9-11-00 Owner-Bill Brown; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-9/1
3RD-Rathgar Beau 9-11-03 Owner-One-O-Eight Racing Club; Trainer-Eamon Sheehy IRE; Jockey-Shay Barry; SP-9/2
12 ran, Time-5m 11.90s Dist: ½, 2½ 7/4 Fav Our Vic (PU)

THE 2008 RYANAIR CHASE RESULT IN DETAIL
2m 4 ½f Old Course, £200,000 guaranteed For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 6; horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, Ireland or France may also be entered - such horses may be eligible providing the handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 6 would merit a minimum rating of 130; the decision of the BHA Handicapper is final. Weights 5yo 11st 9lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances mares 7lb. Penalty Value 1st £114,040, 2nd £42,780, 3rd £21,420, 4th £10,680, 5th £5,360, 6th £2,680

1 OUR VIC (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 10-11-10 Timmy Murphy 4/1
2 MOSSBANK (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Michael Hourigan IRE 8-11-10 Davy Russell 4/1
3 TURKO (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 6-11-10 Ruby Walsh 7/1
4 KNIGHT LEGEND (IRE) (Lynn Wilson) Jessica Harrington IRE 9-11-10 Barry Geraghty 33/1
5 THE LISTENER (IRE) (Old Moss Farm) Robert & Sally Alner 9-11-10 Daryl Jacob 100/30 fav
6 RACING DEMON (IRE) (Camilla Radford) Henrietta Knight 8-11-10 Tony McCoy 8/1
7 L'ANTARTIQUE (FR) (Mary Durkan) Ferdy Murphy 8-11-10 Paul Carberry 13/2
8 JUSTIFIED (IRE) (Braybrook Syndicate) Eamon Sheehy IRE 9-11-10 Andrew McNamara 33/1
9 BILLYVODDAN (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Henry Daly 9-11-10 Richard Johnson 25/1

9 ran
Non-runners: 6 Newmill, 9 Tamarinbleu
Distances: 5, 7, nk, 1/2, 2, 27, 19, 12
Breeder: Col W Mullins
Breeding: b g Old Vic - Shabra Princess (Buckskin)
Totes: Win: £5.10 Places: £1.80, £1.90, £2.40 Exacta: £21.40

Winning Trainer: DAVID PIPE Background: Son of Martin Pipe and former point-to-point trainer who took over at Pond House following the retirement of his father First Trainer’s Licence: May 2006 First winner under rules: Standin Obligation in the ‘Persimmon Homes Novices’ Chase’ at Kelso, May 9, 2006 - his first runner under rules Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), William Hill Trophy (2008 An Accordion), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurde (2007 Gaspara) Big Race Wins: Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic), Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle (2006 Acambo), Game Spirit Chase (2007 Well Chief), VC Casino.com Gold Cup (2007 Madison Du Berlais), Boylesports.com Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu), Boylesports.com International Hurdle (2007 Osana), BCG Long Walk Hurdle (2007 Lough Derg), Sunderlands Imperial Cup (2008 Ashkasar) Wins (2006/07): 134 Wins This Season: 89

Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 Background: Father Jimmy was a leading amateur and manager of Newberry Stud. Timmy began working for Noel Chance during weekends when still at school, and rode for the trainer as an amateur, as well as for Mick Halford and Michael Hourigan. Opted to relocate to England after turning professional and began riding for Kim Bailey. Began riding for Paul Nicholls in 1998, before being overtaken as first choice jockey for the trainer by Joe Tizzard. Returned to Nicholls as number one rider in May 2001, but following a lengthy battle with alcoholism, Murphy was jailed for four months in July 2002 for assaulting an air stewardess. Returned to the saddle on his release in October 2002, and has enjoyed considerable success since. Became the retained jockey for leading owner David Johnson after the departure of Tony McCoy from the Martin Pipe stable. Has published critically acclaimed biography “Riding The Storm”. First winner: Gayloire (Kilmuckridge point to point, Co Wexford) General: Rode the last ever winner over jumps at Nottingham - Dominie (29/2/96) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (7) Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), Mildmay of Flete Chase (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (1999 Sir Talbot, 2005 Fontanesi), Pertemps Final (2004 Creon), Irish Independent Arkle (2005 Contraband) Aintree Festival Wins: Cordon Bleu Hcap Hurdle (1999 Kinnescash), Unwins Wine Group Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Al Eile), Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle (2005 & 2007 Al Eile), Betfair Bowl (2006 Celestial Gold) Other major wins: Agfa Diamond Hcap Chase (1999 Clever Remark); Ascot totesport Chase (2006 Our Vic); Betfair Bowl (2006 Celestial Gold); Betfred Celebration Chase (2005 Well Chief); Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic); Commhoist Logistics Champion Hurdle Trial (2006 Al Eile); Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon); Faucets For Mira Showers Silver Trophy Chase (2006 Our Vic); Game Spirit Chase (2006 Don’t Be Shy, 2007 Well Chief); Hennessy Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold); Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (2004 Contraband, 2005 Racing Demon); Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef Or Salmon); John Smith’s Hurdle (2006 Redemption); Old Roan Chase (2005 Impek); Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold, 2005 Our Vic); Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase (2007 Point Barrow); Pillar Property Chase (1998 See More Business); Pricewaterhousecoopers Ascot Hurdle (1998 Juyush); Rehearsal Chase (1998 See More Business); Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic); Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (2005 Celtic Son); Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Nous Voila); Sunderlands Imperial Cup (2005 Medison); Swinton Handicap Hurdle (2003 Macs Joy); Tolworth Hurdle (2005 Marcel); Fraser Steele HBLB Chase (2007 Dempsey); Victor Chandler Chase (2005 Well Chief); woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle (2006 Celestial Wave), bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle (2007 Al Eile) Number of Wins (1995/96-2006/2007): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57; 143; 87; 98 Wins This Season: 58

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

©Racenews
designed and produced by Racenews Internet Services