Saturday, November 13, 2004

PRECAUTIONARY INSPECTION

Cheltenham will hold a precautionary inspection at 7am tomorrow morning because three degrees of frost are forecast. It is then meant to be sunny.

RECORD CROWD ON PADDY POWER GOLD CUP DAY

Today’s crowd was 29,524, up 1,069 on 2003, and is a new record figure for Paddy Power Gold Cup day.

Last year’s attendance was 28,455 while the 2002 crowd came to 28,092 and the previous year’s attendance was 27,870.

The 2000 attendance came to 25,666 and the 1999 figure was 24,921.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s Managing Director, said today: “This is a very good attendance, above our expectations, and everyone has enjoyed tremendous racing.

“The totepool turnover figures were also good, with on-course cash turnover here today being £779,474, up 10 per cent on the corresponding day last year.”

NEW COUNTRYSIDE DAY RECORD

The attendance yesterday, on the first day of The Open 2004, came to 19,725, an increase of 350 on last year.

This is a new record for Countryside Day, beating the previous one of 19,614 seen in 2001.

THE OPEN 2004 DINNER AWARDS

Three awards were made at last night’s The Open 2004 dinner.

Tony McCoy was honoured for being champion jump jockey for the ninth successive time last season.

Dick Francis, champion jump jockey in 1953-54 and novelist, was given a standing ovation when receiving his lifetime achievement award.

Best Mate received plaudits for winning the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup for the third successive time. Owner Jim Lewis picked up the award.

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW’S GREATWOOD HURDLE

Rigmarole, Rooster Booster and Westender, the last three winners of the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, are set to clash in what promises to be a
fascinating renewal of the £70,000 guaranteed contest tomorrow.

Rooster Booster, hero of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle two seasons ago and runner-up last term to Hardy Eustace, has to shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb, but he is such a determined and tenacious battler that in any circumstances he will be hard to overcome.

This will be his first appearance since he went down for a second time to Hardy Eustace at Punchestown in April when the pair ran very much to their Champion Hurdle form, but he is certainly fit and forward enough to do himself justice and his stable has been in cracking form.

So has that of Rigmarole, who produced a 33-1 shock when winning this race last season only a week after he had turned in a feeble performance at Wincanton, one for which his trainer Paul Nicholls could offer no explanation.

Curiously, he will come here tomorrow off a similar dismal effort as he turned in a lifeless show behind his stablemate Perouse there last weekend, though before that he had looked much more the part when beating Trouble At Bay at Kempton last month.

Trouble At Bay was a useful juvenile last season when he won five times and he now enjoys a huge 19lb weight pull with Rigmarole on that Kempton form. On the other hand, because of Perouse’s penalty for his Wincanton success, Rigmarole will be 6lb better in with his stable companion.

There is nothing between Rooster Booster and Geos on their form in last season’s Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury when Geos just got up near the line to snatch the spoils, as he will now be just 1lb worse off.

Westender, who won the race three years ago, has been trying his luck over fences without much joy as he was beaten into second place on his chasing debut and then refused in his second such race. He was, though, some way ahead of his stablemate Copeland when they were both unplaced behind Macs Joy at Haydock in May.

Torrid Kentavr has a lot to do from 9lb out of the handicap, but the Irish challenger Accordion Etoile ran an excellent second to the smart Solerina at Tipperary last month and could well come into calculation.

WINNING QUOTES RACE ONE
RACING UK NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE


THIRD STRIKE FOR NICHOLASHAYNE

The combination of David Johnson, Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy struck for the third time at the meeting when Over The Creek justified strong market support in the Racing UK Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

Johnson took 3-1 about his five-year-old, who was returned as the 9-4 favourite after beating 66-1 Caraman by two and a half lengths, in spite of wandering about quite a bit at and after the final flight of hurdles.

“He is a fine big horse and a chaser in the making, by Over The River,” declared the trainer. “He will go over fences quite soon, though I don’t know
exactly when; maybe he will have a couple more educational runs over hurdles and then go chasing.

“He is still green and a bit of a baby, which is why he wandered about a bit, so he still has plenty to learn, but he jumped well and Timmy gave him a splendid ride.

“He is still only five, so there is plenty of time, and he will need that so that he can grow into his frame.”

This was the third time in the last four years that Johnson and Pipe have won this particular prize as they took it last season with Gone Too Far and two years before that with Image de Marque 11, both ridden by Tony McCoy.


Race One: Racing UK Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Placed Quotes:

CARAMAN BELIES HIS ODDS

Caraman, having his first run for Declan Carroll, belied his odds of 66-1 when running by far and away the best race of his career to chase home hot-favourite Over The Creek in the Racing UK Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

Delighted to see Caraman, who was beaten two and a half lengths, finish five lengths clear of the rest, Carroll said: “I was not surprised by that as he has been working very well.

“It is the first time that he has run on ground this good - it was nearly always bottomless when he ran in Ireland - and he looked to appreciate it.

“I thought he was going to pick up the favourite at the final flight, but Tom (Scudamore) reckons the hill just found him out. The ground is still a bit tacky, and he just faltered on the climb.”

Caraman had tipped up when favourite for a selling hurdle at Stratford on his last run for Christy Roche - after which he was claimed by Carroll - and the Warthill trainer added with a wry smile: “He is on a handy mark and on this form you would think he might win us a seller!”

Race Two: Jim Brown Memorial Novices’ Chase
Winner’s Quotes:

VODKA BLEU DOUBLES UP FOR PIPE TEAM

The David Johnson, Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy team, successful in the opener with Over The Creek, were quick to make it a double (6.7/1), topping up the celebrations with Vodka Bleu in the Jim Brown Memorial Novices’ Chase.

Left in front when the trailblazing Irish challenger Jonhjoe’s Express capsized at the third last, Vodka Bleu, the 11-8 favourite, had to dig deep to beat off the persistent attack of the Paul Nicholls-trained Mount Karinga after the final fence, winning by three parts of a length.

“Vodka Bleu has the one run, and it did not help being left in front that far out,” reflected Johnson, who was full of praise for his youngster for showing plenty of pluck when the chips were down.

Pipe, whose best tally at the Open meeting was seven winners, was clocking up his fourth victory this - and the half-time whistle has not yet been blown!

“I hope you all took the 11-8 about me being top trainer at the meeting,” beamed Pipe, adding “I told everyone to help themselves, and it is looking good right now.

“We might have had luck on our side, but Vodka Bleu was very game and he kept running all the way to the line. He is only five and he is finally fulfilling the promise that we always felt he had.

“Whether he will stay three miles is the 64,000 dollar question. This is a stiff two and a half and he got it well, and I hope he’ll get a bit futher in time.”

This was the third successive victory for Pipe in this race, following Puntal in 2003 and Tarxien in 2002. He also won the contest in 1999 with Mondigua.

PLACED QUOTES RACE TWO
JIM BROWN MEMORIAL NOVICES’ CHASE

NICHOLLS DELIGHTED

“I was really pleased with that for his first attempt over fences,” said Paul Nicholls after Mount Karinga had beaten all but favourite Vodka Bleu in the Jim Brown Memorial Novices’ Chase.

“He jumped really well and was a bit unlucky as he was hampered (by the falling leader Johnjoe’s Express at the third last) just at the worst possible moment.

“I don’t know where he will go now, but he can obviously win a novice chase wherever we want to take him,” Nicholls went on. “I know it seemed a bit brave bringing him here first time out over fences and against more experienced horses, but I could not be more pleased with what he has done.”


WINNING QUOTES RACE THREE
LOMBARD PROPERTIES HANDICAP HURDLE


OWNERS ARRIVE JUST IN TIME

Anthony and Victoria Pakenham returned from a working-holiday to Australia and Hong Kong, which took in the Melbourne Cup, yesterday morning, just in time to receive a message from their trainer Lucy Wadham that she had entered their horse The Dark Lord in the Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle.

So they made immediate plans to hotfoot it to Cheltenham today and were rewarded when The Dark Lord took advantage of his big weight concession from Mistanoora to win by a length and a quarter.

“We only just got back in time,” said the delighted Mrs Pakenham after The Dark Lord had gained his second consecutive win here and raise hopes that he will be back again in March.

The plan was that the seven-year-old, whom Mrs. Pakenham bought privately just over two years ago, would go chasing this season, but as he keeps on improving all the time that plan keeps being postponed.

“I think there will be another delay to chasing now as he keeps on progressing,” said Mrs. Wadham,” and I really don’t know what we will do with him now.

“I think it is flying a bit high to start thinking of races like the Ladbroke World (formerly the Stayers’) Hurdle, but we might look at the Pertemps final for him. He is not yet qualified for that, so that may be our next move.

“One of the snags with him is that he shows very little at home, so it is difficult to know how much he may be improving; you just have to follow your nose with him, but I really could not give Anthony and Victoria any big encouragement today for that reason.

“I don’t think he really liked this sticky ground, either, and in view of that I think he stayed on really well.”



Race Three: Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle
Placed Quotes:

THEREALBANDIT FLOPS MYSTIFIES PIPE

Therealbandit, who trailed in last but one on his attempt to win the Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle for the second year running, left trainer Martin Pipe and owner David Johnson scratching their heads in disbelief.

“He had been working like a champion and it was disappointing to see him go out so quickly,” was Johnson’s frank assessment of Therealbandit, who adopted his customary trailblazing tactics but folded up tamely in the straight.

Therealbandit went into the race as ante-post favourite for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, and, despite this miserable run, Pipe confirmed that he will still take his chance in the Newbury showpiece in a fortnight’s time.

Pipe said: “It is a complete mystery, but if we find nothing from his post-race tests he will definitely go for the Hennessy.”

Nigel Twiston-Davies was delighted with runner-up Mistanoora, who was giving 22lb to the winner The Dark Lord.

Twiston-Davies said: “I am chuffed to bits with Mistanoora, and he will now go for the Long Walk Hurdle at Windsor. With doubts surrounding Iris’s Gift, the Ladbrokes World Hurdle title could be up for grabs, so that is the route we will take.”


Race Four: Paddy Power Gold Cup (Handicap Chase)
Winner’s Quotes:

JOHNSON WINS HIS FIFTH PADDY POWER

David Johnson has a stranglehold on the Paddy Gold Cup, winning it today with Celestial Gold and previously twice with Cyfor Malta, Lady Cricket and Challenger du Luc. Celetestial Gold is also his fifth success at The Open 2004.

The in-form Essex owner, disappointed that ante-post favourite Our Vic had to miss the race through injury, was all smiles after 12-1 shot Celestial Gold enabled him to lift the 2004 Paddy Power Gold Cup when coming from off the pace to strike the front at the second last and hold the challenge of Thisthatandtother by a length and three quarters.

Johnson said: “Five winners in two days - if you are going to get lucky, Cheltenham is the place to be, and I have been very lucky.

“All credit to Martin and Timmy (Murphy), who is getting to know all the horses in his first season at Nicholashayne, and it is proving a terrific meeting.”

Pipe, who was winning the race for the seventh time, said: “Celestial Gold comes from my son David’s point-to-point academy, and it was his idea to come back down to two and a half miles for this race.

“This horse was David’s pride and joy last season, and he thought he would win the Foxhunters here, but things did not work out.

“However, David always assured me that he had both speed and stamina, though I was a bit worried when Timmy dropped a four-miler so far out the back.

“The leaders went off very fast and Timmy clearly knew what he was doing, He produced Celestial Gold at just the right time, but it is ironic because Our Vic was always our number one for this race until he got injured.”

Timmy Murphy commented: “Celestial Gold settled great and the race went according to plan - the only thing I was worried about was the shorter trip. The fast pace they went took the sting out of everything else. He is as tough as old boots and he galloped to the line

“It has been a fantastic day after a few teething problems yesterday. I cannot ask for anything better today.”

It was the third winner of the day for Pipe, Johnson and Murphy, a 99/1 treble.

PLACED QUOTES RACE FOUR
PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

WALSH FEELS HE SHOULD HAVE WON

“I am delighted with that, but Ruby is hopping as he thinks he should have won,” said Paul Nicholls after Thisthatandtother had gone down by a length and three-quarters to Celestial Gold in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

“He said that he got mucked about in the country and he wanted to be four lengths closer starting down the hill,” Nicholls added.

The runner-up’s owner Graham Roach was very happy with his horse’s performance. “Now we know that he gets the trip of two and a half miles -- to be fair to them beforehand Paul and Ruby were adamant that he would -- that gives us extra options, and we shall start to plan backwards from Cheltenham to see where we go with him,” he said.

“But he is a proper horse, not too big and not too small and with good sound limbs and we shall have to make our plans to avoid the other horse.”


Philip Hobbs was very pleased with the display by favourite Monkerhostin who finished third. “I think he will win the Tripleprint (now renamed the bonusprint.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham next month) after that,” he said. “I wish he had won but I am not too depressed; he was going really well at the top of the hill, but then he seemed to hit a flat spot before he ran on again.”

Tony Dobbin endorsed the trainer’s enthusiasm. “He was as brave as a lion and really winged his fences,” he said. “I could not have been going better at the top of the hill, but then at the second last he did not quite pick up like I thought he would, and then he ballooned the last a bit.”

WINNING QUOTES RACE FIVE
SERVO COMPUTER SERVICES HANDICAP CHASE

THEY JUST GO ON AND ON

Once again David Johnson, Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy were in the number one spot, this time after Stormez had won the Servo Computer Services Handicap Chase, in which no fewer than six fences were omitted because of the low sun.

And this made a big difference to the outcome for Stormez has what his trainer calls his “idiosyncratic way” of jumping which consists more of getting over the fence rather than taking them in the approved style.

Pipe had such reservations about Stormez’ prospects that he bet Murphy a tenner that he would not win on the horse, and was horrified when Murphy not only took the bet but then rode the horse to victory.

“I have been robbed,” the trainer complained after the team’s fourth winner of the day (for an 801-1 four timer) and sixth of the meeting. “But I told everyone earlier in the week to take the 11-8 against me being champion trainer at the meeting and I am delighted to hear that Paddy Power is now paying out.

“When Timmy was riding out the other day I told him that he ought to have a school on Stormez because of the way the horse jumps, but unfortunately I forgot to put in a lead horse so that Stormez just about refused and I decided that was enough for Timmy.

“It was certainly a big help for Stormez that the three fences were missed out - I believe Mr Johnson organised that specially for the horse!

“I am ecstatic about the day, to have four winners at Cheltenham is wonderful and Stormez is a great old character who just has his own way of doing things. He is a grand staying chaser and we will keep him for races like this.”


Race Six: Jet UK Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle
Winner’s Quotes:

CERIUM LOOKS POTENTIAL STAR

It might have been Martin Pipe’s day, but his arch-rival Paul Nicholls struck back in the finale, the Jet UK Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle, winning with his exciting French recruit Cerium.

The 10-11 favourite, who had made a successful British debut at Kempton last month, was always travelling best under Ruby Walsh and, taking command at the second last, he was not extended to beat Phar Bleu by three and a half lengths.

Cerium was immediately promoted to favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle back here in March - Cashmans offer 12-1, but 16-1 is available with Hills - but Nicholls pointed out that “the Festival is a long way away.”

However, Nicholls was not disguising how highly he rates Cerium, who was bought by bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley after finishing second to the much-vaunted Guillaume Macaire-trained Balko at Auteuil in March.

Nicholls said: “Cerium is an embryo chaser, and Ruby got off and said that he could win a three-year-old chase tomorrow.

“Like all ours, he schools over baby fences at home, and he is a natural. He has loads of ability and bags of potential, and my only worry was the ground as he has a soft ground action.

“Now he will run in the Finale Junior Hurdle at Chepstow over Christmas - he should get his ideal ground conditions there.”

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH LEADING TRAINER AWARD AT THE END OF DAY TWO

1st 2nd 3rd
Martin Pipe 6 1 -
Paul Nicholls 2 2 1
Enda Bolger IRE 1 - -
Eric McNamara IRE 1 - -
Matt Sheppard 1 - -
Lucy Wadham 1 - -
Nigel Twiston-Davies - 2 -
Philip Hobbs - 1 1
Peter Bowen - 1 -
Declan Carroll - 1 -
Georgina Harvey - 1 -
Oliver McKiernan - 1 -
John Joseph Murphy IRE - 1 -
Evan Williams - 1 -
Frances Crowley IRE - - 1
Nicky Henderson - - 1
Alan King - - 1
Ferdy Murphy - - 1
Bridget Nicholls - - 1
Susan Nock - - 1
Jonjo O’Neill - - 1
Nicky Richards - - 1
John Spearing - - 1
Paul Webber - - 1


THE PADDY POWER LEADING JOCKEY AWARD AT THE END OF DAY TWO
1st 2nd 3rd
Timmy Murphy 6 1 -
Ruby Walsh 1 2 1
Christian Williams 1 1 -
Leighton Aspell 1 - -
Brian Byrnes 1 - -
J T McNamara 1 - -
Mr Lee Stephens 1 - -
Carl Llewellyn - 2 -
Barry Geraghty - 1 1
William Callaghan - 1 -
Garrett Cotter - 1 -
Seamus Durack - 1 -
Tom Scudamore - 1 -
Mr Robert Stephens - 1 -
Tony Dobbin - - 2
Tom Doyle - - 2
Mr Tom Dreaper - - 1
Mick FitzGerald - - 1
Wayne Hutchinson - - 1
Alan O’Keeffe - - 1
Sam Stronge - - 1
Andrew Tinkler - - 1

GOING NEWS AT 10 AM

The going for Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham is

GOOD.

“There was one degree of frost at 6.15 am this morning, but it did not cause us any problems,” said clerk of the course Simon Claisse.

“The forecast is for two dry and bright days today and tomorrow, with more frost, maybe two degrees, overnight.

“That will not cause any difficulties, but if we had as much as six degrees then there would be something to worry about.

“We shall be covering all the take offs and landing sides of the jumps overnight in order to keep the frost away from those areas.”

GAMBLE IN PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

Victor Chandler report a considerable gamble on Kelrev for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and Venetia Williams’s six-year-old, who finished fourth in the Mildmay of Flete Chase at last season’s Festival, has been cut to 14-1 from 20-1.

Neal Wilkins, Chandler’s spokesman, said: “Within 10 minutes of opening trading, we had laid Kelrev to lose more than £100,000, and punters are banking on Pricewise of The Racing Post coming good yet again.”

However, Cashmans, who have taken the decision to refund all single win bets on former ante-post favourite Our Vic, forced to miss the race through injury, report that the majority of their clients are plumping for the favourite Monkerhostin, who has been cut from 4-1 to 100-30, following bets of £40,000-£10,000, £28,000-£7,000 and £14,000-£3,500, while Paddy Power have also tightened up the favourite to 100-30 (from 7-2).

The sponsors, Paddy Power, have also seem money for the market leader, cutting him from 7-2 to 100-30 and they have clipped Fondmort from 10-1 to 9-1 while pushing out Tikram to 10-1 (from 9), Ground Ball to 11-1 (from 10), Colca Canyon 18-1 (from 16), It Takes Time 20-1 (from 16-1) and Led Duc 20-1 (from 16-1).

In contrast, other major firms report “a quiet market” on the feature race, though Simon Clare of Corals conceded: “The fact that we had Kelrev on our side (16-1) has definitely helped, because punters have gone shopping elsewhere.”



MORE BETTING NEWS

There has been a monumental morning plunge on Martin Pipe’s Over The Creek for the opening Racing UK Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, with Corals, Paddy Power, Victor Chandler, Ladbrokes and Cashmans all reporting punters putting on their size tens in rowing in with Timmy Murphy again doing the business in the David Johnson colours.

Simon Clare of Corals said: “Victory for Over The Creek would hit the industry hard, and we had laid him to lose more than £100,000 by 10 o’clock.

“He is bound to be one of the bankers in our 1,000 shops, so we anticipate he will be a loser to the tune of £500,000, and, though we opened up at 5-2, we have been forced to retreat all morning and he is now tight at 15-8.”

Paddy Power have cut him from 5/2 to 2/1 while Chandlers now offer 7-4 from 2-1, Ladbrokes, who have cut the Pipe horse to 2-1 from 11-4, and Cashmans have shaved him to 9-4 from 5-2.

Charlie Mann’s Merchants Friend, who runs in the Servo Computer Services Trophy, is far and away Ladbrokes worst loser, taking £100,000 out of their “book” by mid-morning, forcing the Harrow firm to reduce offers to 4-1 from 11-2.

Therealbandit, attempting to win the Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle for the second year running, is significantly weak in the market this time around, being eased to 4-1 from 100-30 with Paddy Power, the money coming for both Irish challenger Model Son and northern raider Paperprophet..

However, owner David Johnson has made no secret of the fact that the idea of today’s exercise is to give Therealbandit a pipe-opener for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in a fortnight’s time, and both Ladbrokes and Corals report plenty of interest this morning for the Newbury showpiece, the latter reducing their quote on the Pipe horse to 13-2 from 8-1.

Both Corals (20-1 from 25-1) and Paddy Power (20-1 from 28-1) report “inspired money” for Model Son in today’s staying hurdle, and Tony Coleman, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “We opened up at 28-1 and, while his chance is not an obvious one looking in the formbook, the right people have been backing him.”

Paperprophet has been all the rage for this race with Cashmans, who now go 5-2 from 3-1.

FIRST RACE RESULT
1.00pm THE RACING UK NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE

Class D, £20,000 Added. For 3yo+, 2m 110yds Minimum Weight: 10st. Penalties: after November 6, a winner of a hurdle 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £13,862; 2nd: £5,258; 3rd: £2,629; 4th: £1,195; 5th £597.50; 6th: £358.50

1 OVER THE CREEK (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-11-07 Timmy Murphy 9-4fav
2 CARAMAN (Alan Mann) Declan Carroll 6-11-00 Tom Scudamore 66-1
3 BALLYALBANY (Gerard Nock) Susan Nock 6-11-07 Sam Stronge 33-1
4 KELLY (Peter Deal) Venetia Williams 7-11-08 Alan O'Keeffe (3) 14-1
5 ROOFTOP PROTEST (M Byrne) Tom Hogan IRE 7-11-03 Keith Hadnett (3)
6 ENGLISHTOWN (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-00 Seamus Durack
7 EPITRE (Let’s Live Racing) Alan King 7-11-05 Robert Thornton
8 GAN EAGLA (T Hywel Jones) Venetia Williams 5-10-09 Sam Thomas (3)
9 ROOKWITH (P Jordan) Tom McCourt IRE 4-11-05 Barry Geraghty
10 SEEYAAJ (Wellers Racing Partnership) Jonjo O'Neill 4-11-05 Tommy Phelan (5)
11 WIZARD OF THE WEST (Norman Webb) Paul Keane 4-10-07 James Jenkins (7)
12 INFIDEL (Dorothy Mosley) Charlie Mann 4-11-01 Noel Fehily
13 KJETIL (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 4-11-11 Ruby Walsh
14 SALINAS (Prevention & Detection (Holdings) Ltd) Milton Harris 5-11-02 Ollie McPhail
15 BALL O MALT (Declan Kinahan) Richard Fahey 8-11-12 Tony Dobbin
16 BERNINI (Maureen Buckley) Nicky Henderson 4-11-01 Mick Fitzgerald
17 HALLAND (The HQ Partnership Ltd) Nick Littmoden 6-11-07 Carl Llewellyn

17 ran Non-runners: No 11 Gaelic Flight (vet’s certificate); No 14 Tyholland (vet’s certificate) and No 19 Pease Blossom (vet’s certificate) Distances: 2 1/2, 5, 2 1/2, 8, 3/4, 3 1/2, 3, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3/4, 1, 7, 2 1/2, 2 1/2 Breeder: H Llewellyn Breeding: br g Over The River - Solo Girl (Le Bavard)
Tote Win: £3.40 Places: £1.40; £18.50; £8.10; £2.30 Exacta: £305.20

Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe. Aintree Festival wins: Martell Top Novices’ Hurdle (1991 Granville Again, 1996 Tragic Hero, 1998 Fataliste), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1992 Cyphrate, 2004 Well Chief), Martell Cognac Cup Chase (1991 Aquilifer, 2004 Tiutchev), Martell Noblige H’cap Hurdle (1990 Sayparee, 1991 Trefelyn Cone, 1997 Cadougold), Martell Mildway Novices’ Chase (1995 Banjo, 1997 Cyborgo), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1993 Lemon’s Mill, 1994 Cyborgo, 1996 Silver Shred, 2002 Classified), Martell Topham Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell, 2002 Ilnamar), Martell XO 4-Y-O Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Martell Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Cognac Handicap Hurdle (2001 and 2003 Carlovent), Martell Cognac Red Rum Handicap Chase (2003 Golden Alpha), Martell Cognac Grand Nationaal (1994 Miinnehoma), Cheltenham Festival wins: (32) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Eurobet Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica, 2004 Maximize), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Gerrard Supreme Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve, 2004 Well Chief), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), betfred Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur, 2004 Puntal), Tote Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand, 2002 Copeland), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno), cantorsport.co.uk Silver Cup (2001 Shooting Light, 2003 Horus), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic) Wins (1974/75-2003/04): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235, 190, 175 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140, 165, 165 Wins This Season: 71 (3rd success of The Open Meeting)

Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 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: (4) MILDMAY OF FLETE CHASE (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HCAP HURDLE (1999 Sir Talbot), PERTEMPS FINAL (2004 Creon) Other major wins: REHEARSAL CHASE (1998 See More Business), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1998 See More Business), PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS ASCOT HURDLE (1998 Juyush), AGFA DIAMOND HCAP CHASE (1999 Clever Remark); REYNOLDSTOWN NOVICES’ CHASE (2004 Our Vic), Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef OR Salmon), Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon) Number of Wins (1995/96-2003/2004): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57 Wins This Season: 53 (3rd success of The Open Meeting)


SECOND RACE RESULT
1.00pm THE JIM BROWN MEMORIAL NOVICES’ CHASE

Class B, £20,000 Added. For 5yo+, 2m 4110yds. Weights: 10st 13lb. Penalties: after April 24, 2004, a winner of a Class D to H chase 5lb; of 2 chases or of a Class A to C chase 8lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: £12,528; 2nd: £4,752; 3rd: £2,376; 4th: £1,080; 5th: £540; 6th: £324

1 VODKA BLEU (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-11-07 Timmy Murphy 11-8fav
2 MOUNT KARINGA (Derek Millard) Paul Nicholls 6-10-13 Ruby Walsh 6-4
3 DANIELS HYMN (Top Marques Syndicate) Frances Crowley 9-10-13 Tom Doyle
4 WALK ON SEAS (Peter Hans Vogt) Francois Doumen FR 9-10-13 Dean Gallagher
F3out JOHNJOE'S EXPRESS (T Doran) Jessica Harrington IRE 7-11-04 Barry Geraghty

6 ran Non-runner: No 3 Be Fair (vet’s certificate)
Distances: 3/4, dist, 10
Breeder: Y Houyvet Breeding: b g Pistolet Bleu - Viva Vodka (Crystal Glitters)
Tote Win: £2.10 Places: £1.70; £1.60 Exacta: £3.10

Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe. Aintree Festival wins: Martell Top Novices’ Hurdle (1991 Granville Again, 1996 Tragic Hero, 1998 Fataliste), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1992 Cyphrate, 2004 Well Chief), Martell Cognac Cup Chase (1991 Aquilifer, 2004 Tiutchev), Martell Noblige H’cap Hurdle (1990 Sayparee, 1991 Trefelyn Cone, 1997 Cadougold), Martell Mildway Novices’ Chase (1995 Banjo, 1997 Cyborgo), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1993 Lemon’s Mill, 1994 Cyborgo, 1996 Silver Shred, 2002 Classified), Martell Topham Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell, 2002 Ilnamar), Martell XO 4-Y-O Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Martell Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Cognac Handicap Hurdle (2001 and 2003 Carlovent), Martell Cognac Red Rum Handicap Chase (2003 Golden Alpha), Martell Cognac Grand Nationaal (1994 Miinnehoma), Cheltenham Festival wins: (32) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Eurobet Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica, 2004 Maximize), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Gerrard Supreme Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve, 2004 Well Chief), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), betfred Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur, 2004 Puntal), Tote Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand, 2002 Copeland), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno), cantorsport.co.uk Silver Cup (2001 Shooting Light, 2003 Horus), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic) Wins (1974/75-2003/04): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235, 190, 175 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140, 165, 165 Wins This Season: 72 (4th success of The Open Meeting)

Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 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: (4) MILDMAY OF FLETE CHASE (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HCAP HURDLE (1999 Sir Talbot), PERTEMPS FINAL (2004 Creon) Other major wins: REHEARSAL CHASE (1998 See More Business), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1998 See More Business), PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS ASCOT HURDLE (1998 Juyush), AGFA DIAMOND HCAP CHASE (1999 Clever Remark); REYNOLDSTOWN NOVICES’ CHASE (2004 Our Vic), Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef OR Salmon), Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon) Number of Wins (1995/96-2003/2004): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57 Wins This Season: 54 (4th success of The Open Meeting)

THIRD RACE RESULT
2.10pm THE LOMBARD PROPERTIES HANDICAP HURDLE

Class A, Listed Race, £55,000 Total Prize Fund. For 4yo+, 3m 1110yds. Minimum Weight: 10st. Penalties: after November 6, a winner of a hurdle 6lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £31,900; 2nd: £12,100; 3rd: £6,050; 4th: £2,750; 5th £1,375; 6th: £825

1 THE DARK LORD (Anthony Pakenham) Lucy Wadham 7-10-04 Leighton Aspell 8-1
2 MISTANOORA (A Duggan) Nigel Twiston-Davies 5-11-12 Carl Llewellyn 10-1
3 PAPERPROPHET (The Jockeys Whips) Nicky Richards 6-10-10 Tony Dobbin 10-3fav
4 BRIGADIER BROWN (John Joseph Murphy) John Joseph Murphy 7-9-07 William Callaghan (7)
5 AD HOC (Sir Robert Ogden) Paul Nicholls 10-11-02 Ruby Walsh
6 WHAT'S UP BOYS (Mrs J Deithrick) Henrietta Knight 10-10-11 Barry Geraghty
7 MR ED (Gwilym Morris) Peter Bowen 6-11-09 Seamus Durack
8 MODEL SON (Peter Hughes) Donal Hassett IRE 6-10-00 Jamie Moore
9 THEREALBANDIT (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 7-11-09 Timmy Murphy
10 L'AVENTURE (C Harriman) Paul Nicholls 5-10-06 Colm Sharkey (7)
UR1 GREY REPORT (Mrs D La Trobe) Philip Hobbs 7-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald

11 ran
Distances: 1 1/4, 8, 4, 6, 1 1/4, 10, 1 3/4, dist, dist
Breeder: Thomas Barry Breeding: b g Lord Americo - Khalkeys Shoon (Green Shoon)
Tote Win: £10.80 Places: £3.50; £3.20; £1.80 Exacta: £105.80

Winning trainer: WADHAM, LUCY Based: The Trainer’s House, Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket, Suffolk Wins 2001/02 to 2003/04: 14; 8; 9 Number of horses in training (2003-04): 16; 20 Big Race Wins Include: Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle (2004 The Dark Lord)

Winning Jockey: Leighton Aspell Born: June 12, 1976 Based: Old Barn Cottage, School Lane, Washington, west Sussex Riding Weight: 9st 9lb Number of Wins (1993/94-2003/04): 2; -; 16; 23; 15; 12; 28; 23; 42; 59; 47 Big Race Wins include:Coral Welsh National (2001 Supreme Glory), Gerrard Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Kopeck); Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle (2004 The Dark Lord); Swinton Hurdle (Dreams End) Wins This Season: 17

FOURTH RACE RESULT
2.45pm THE PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

Class A, Grade Three, £110,000 Total Prize Fund. For 5yo+, 2m 4110yds. Minimum Weight: 10st. Penalties: after October 30, a winner of a Class C chase 3lb; of a Class A or B chase 6lb (no penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb). Penalty Values: 1st: £63,800; 2nd: £24,200; 3rd: £12,100; 4th: £5,500; 5th £2,750; 6th: £1,650

1 CELESTIAL GOLD (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-10-02 Timmy Murphy 12/1
2 THISTHATANDTOTHER (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 8-10-12 Ruby Walsh 13/2
3 MONKERHOSTIN (M St Quinton) Philip Hobbs 7-10-00 Tony Dobbin 3/1fav
4 OLLIE MAGERN (Roger Nicholls) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-10-12 Carl Llewellyn
5 IT TAKES TIME (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 10-10-09 Jamie Moore
6 TAKE THE STAND (The Courters) Peter Bowen 8-11-07 Seamus Durack
7 TIKRAM (Mike Charlton & Rodger Sargent) Gary Moore 7-10-11 Leighton Aspell
8 GROUND BALL (J P McManus) Charlie Swan IRE 7-10-06 Robert Thornton
9 LE DUC (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 5-10-02 Joe Tizzard
10 KELREV (Len Jakeman, Flintham, King & Roberts) Venetia Williams 6-9-12 Sam Thomas (3)
11 FONDMORT (W Brown) Nicky Henderson 8-11-12 Mick Fitzgerald
Pubef12 COLCA CANYON (Philip Myerscough) Jessica Harrington IRE 7-10-13 Barry Geraghty
Pubef13 BETTER DAYS (Trevor Hemmings) Sue Smith 8-10-00 Dominic Elsworth
F13 FARMER JACK (Peter Partridge) Philip Hobbs 8-11-08 Paul Flynn

14 ran Distances: 1 3/4, 5, 2 1/2, 6, 1 1/2, 13, 1/2, 2 1/2, 7, 15 Breeder: P Downes Breeding: br g Persian Mews - What A Queen (King’s Ride) Tote Win: £14.20 Places: £3.60; £3.00; £2.20 Exacta: £171.30

Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe. Aintree Festival wins: Martell Top Novices’ Hurdle (1991 Granville Again, 1996 Tragic Hero, 1998 Fataliste), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1992 Cyphrate, 2004 Well Chief), Martell Cognac Cup Chase (1991 Aquilifer, 2004 Tiutchev), Martell Noblige H’cap Hurdle (1990 Sayparee, 1991 Trefelyn Cone, 1997 Cadougold), Martell Mildway Novices’ Chase (1995 Banjo, 1997 Cyborgo), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1993 Lemon’s Mill, 1994 Cyborgo, 1996 Silver Shred, 2002 Classified), Martell Topham Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell, 2002 Ilnamar), Martell XO 4-Y-O Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Martell Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Cognac Handicap Hurdle (2001 and 2003 Carlovent), Martell Cognac Red Rum Handicap Chase (2003 Golden Alpha), Martell Cognac Grand Nationaal (1994 Miinnehoma), Cheltenham Festival wins: (32) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Eurobet Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica, 2004 Maximize), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Gerrard Supreme Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve, 2004 Well Chief), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta, 2004 Celestial Gold), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), betfred Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur, 2004 Puntal), Tote Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand, 2002 Copeland), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno), cantorsport.co.uk Silver Cup (2001 Shooting Light, 2003 Horus), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic) Wins (1974/75-2003/04): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235, 190, 175 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140, 165, 165 Wins This Season: 73 (5th success of The Open Meeting)

Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 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: (4) MILDMAY OF FLETE CHASE (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HCAP HURDLE (1999 Sir Talbot), PERTEMPS FINAL (2004 Creon) Other major wins: REHEARSAL CHASE (1998 See More Business), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1998 See More Business), PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS ASCOT HURDLE (1998 Juyush), AGFA DIAMOND HCAP CHASE (1999 Clever Remark); REYNOLDSTOWN NOVICES’ CHASE (2004 Our Vic), Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef OR Salmon), Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold) Number of Wins (1995/96-2003/2004): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57 Wins This Season: 55 (5th success of The Open Meeting)

FIFTH RACE RESULT
3.20pm THE SERVO COMPUTER SERVICES TROPHY HANDICAP CHASE

Class A, Grade Three, £65,000 Total Prize Fund. For 5yo+, 3m 3110yds. Minimum Weight: 10st. Penalties: after November 6, a winner of a chase 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £37,700; 2nd: £14,300; 3rd: £7,150; 4th: £3,250; 5th £1,625; 6th: £975

1 STORMEZ (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 7-11-05 Timmy Murphy 7-1
2 BALLYCASSIDY (R Owen & P Fullagar) Peter Bowen 8-11-10 Seamus Durack 12-1
3 LORD NOELIE (Executive Racing) Bridget Nicholls 11-11-04 Barry Geraghty 8-1
4 THE VILLAGER (Sylvia Tainton) Michael Scudamore 8-10-00 Tom Scudamore
5 FASGO (F Smith) Paul Nicholls 9-10-02(inc1lbow) Ruby Walsh
6 BRIGHT APPROACH (J Burbidge) John Cann 11-9-07 Tom Malone (7)
7 LORDS BEST (Jerry Wright, Peter Smith & Jules Sigler) Alan King 8-10-03 Robert Thornton
8 ROYAL EMPEROR (Widdop Wanderers) Sue Smith 8-11-12 Dominic Elsworth
9 INNOX (Marquesa de Moratalla) Francois Doumen FR 8-10-07 Dean Gallagher
10 DUNSTER CASTLE (Mrs D Whateley) Philip Hobbs 9-10-00 Carl Llewellyn
PUbef15 MERCHANTS FRIEND (Magic Moments) Charlie Mann 9-10-01 Noel Fehily 4-1fav

11 ran Distances: 3, 2 1/2, 2, hd, 6, 2 1/2, 11, 19, dist Breeder: Satwa Farm Breeding: b g Ezzoud - Stormy Scene (Storm Bird) Tote Win: £6.30 Places: £2.30; £3.30; £2.40 Exacta: £105.50

Winning trainer: MARTIN CHARLES PIPE Date of birth: 29/5/45 Date of first licence: 1977 Previous occupation: Amateur rider, shop manager for father, bookmaker David Pipe. Aintree Festival wins: Martell Top Novices’ Hurdle (1991 Granville Again, 1996 Tragic Hero, 1998 Fataliste), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1992 Cyphrate, 2004 Well Chief), Martell Cognac Cup Chase (1991 Aquilifer, 2004 Tiutchev), Martell Noblige H’cap Hurdle (1990 Sayparee, 1991 Trefelyn Cone, 1997 Cadougold), Martell Mildway Novices’ Chase (1995 Banjo, 1997 Cyborgo), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1993 Lemon’s Mill, 1994 Cyborgo, 1996 Silver Shred, 2002 Classified), Martell Topham Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell, 2002 Ilnamar), Martell XO 4-Y-O Hurdle (1999 Hors La Loi III), Martell Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), Martell Cognac Handicap Hurdle (2001 and 2003 Carlovent), Martell Cognac Red Rum Handicap Chase (2003 Golden Alpha), Martell Cognac Grand Nationaal (1994 Miinnehoma), Cheltenham Festival wins: (32) JCB Triumph Hurdle (1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair), Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1997 Make A Stand, 1993 Granville Again), Coral Eurobet Cup (2002 Ilnamar, 1997 Big Strand, 1993 Olympian), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (1991 Omerta, 2003 Royal Predica, 2004 Maximize), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition), Gerrard Supreme Hurdle (1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III), Cathcart (1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair), Irish Independent Arkle (1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve, 2004 Well Chief), Mildmay of Flete (1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (1998 Blowing Wind), Pertemps Final (1998 Unsinkable Boxer), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2003 Liberman) Other major wins: Welsh National (1993 Riverside Boy, 1992 Run For Free, 1991 Carvill's Hill, 1988 & 1989 Bonanza Boy), Scottish Grand National (1993 Run For Free), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1987 Beau Ranger, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Lady Cricket, 2001 Shooting Light, 2002 Cyfor Malta, 2004 Celestial Gold), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (1991 Chatam, 1988 Strands Of Gold), betfred Gold Cup (1995 Cache Fleur, 2004 Puntal), Tote Gold Trophy (1997 Make A Stand, 2002 Copeland), Tripleprint Gold Cup (1993 Fragrant Dawn, 1998 Northern Starlight), Long Walk Hurdle (1992 Vagog, 2002 Deano’s Beeno), cantorsport.co.uk Silver Cup (2001 Shooting Light, 2003 Horus), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic) Wins (1974/75-2003/04): 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 12, 14, 20 23, 32, 51, 79, 106, 129, 208, 224, 230, 224, 194, 126, 137, 176, 212, 208, 187, 243, 168, 235, 190, 175 Number of horses in training (1984-2004): 28, 38, 65, 60, 62, 108, 107, 131, 120, 81, 122, 66, 91, 94, 106, 136, 146, 103, 140, 165, 165 Wins This Season: 74 (6th success of The Open Meeting)

Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 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: (4) MILDMAY OF FLETE CHASE (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HCAP HURDLE (1999 Sir Talbot), PERTEMPS FINAL (2004 Creon) Other major wins: REHEARSAL CHASE (1998 See More Business), PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE (1998 See More Business), PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS ASCOT HURDLE (1998 Juyush), AGFA DIAMOND HCAP CHASE (1999 Clever Remark); REYNOLDSTOWN NOVICES’ CHASE (2004 Our Vic), Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef OR Salmon), Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold) Number of Wins (1995/96-2003/2004): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57 Wins This Season: 56 (6th success of The Open Meeting)
SIXTH RACE RESULT
3.55pm THE JET UK JUVENILE NOVICES’ HURDLE

Class A, Grade 2, £30,000 Guaranteed. For 3yo, 2m 110yds. Penalties: a winner of a Class D hurdle 4lb; of a Class A to C hurdle 8lb . Penalty Values: 1st: £17,400; 2nd: £6,600; 3rd: £3,300; 4th: £1,500; 5th £750; 6th: £450

1 CERIUM (B Fulton, T Hayward, S Fisher, L Brady) Paul Nicholls 3-11-02 Ruby Walsh 10-11fav
2 PHAR BLEU (Judy Stewart) Georgina Harvey 3-10-12 Barry Geraghty 20-1
3 FIRE DRAGON (Mrs G Smith) Jonjo O'Neill 3-11-02 Mick Fitzgerald 5-1
4 COURANT D'AIR (J Billson) Lucinda Featherstone 3-10-12 J P McNamara
5 MOON CATCHER (David Brace) David Brace 3-10-13 Carl Llewellyn
6 CALOMERIA (B Dunn) Ginger McCain 3-10-13 Tony Dobbin
7 SCARLET MIX (Davud Johnson) Martin Pipe 3-10-12 Timmy Murphy
8 BLANDINGS CASTLE (Jane Williams) Nick Williams 3-10-12 Seamus Durack
Pubef6 MAGUIRE (Milton Harris) Milton Harris 3-10-12 Robert Thornton
F7 SALUT SAINT CLOUD (A Grinter) Gary Moore 3-10-12 Jamie Moore

10 ran
Distances: 3 1/2, 8, 1 1/2, 8, 11, 6, dist
Breeder: SARL Harast de Saint-Faust & Andre-Paul Larrieu Breeding: b g Vaguely Pleasant - Tantatura (Akarad)
Tote Win: £2.10 Places: £1.20; £3.20; £1.90 Exacta: £26.90

Winning trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 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) Wins (1992/3--2003/04): 20,29,28,53,56,82,110,71, 83, 136, 152, 127 Horses in training (1997-2004): 52, 60, 66, 65, 78, 105, 106, 121 Aintree Festival wins: Chivas Regal Amateur Novices’ Chase (1998 Calling Wild), Martell Cognac Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel), Martell Cup Chase (2000 See More Business), Martell Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), Martell Foxhunters (2002 Torduff Express); Martell Cognac xo Annivesary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre) Other big race wins: Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles), Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother) William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba and 1999 Flagship Uberalles), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), King George VI Chase (1997, 1999 See More Business), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), attheraces Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Tote Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (8) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene) Wins This Season: 41 (2nd success of The Open Meeting)

Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (6): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene) Aintree Festival wins: MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon) (His first National ride); MARTELL MELLING CHASE (2001 Fadalko); MARTELL COGNAC XO ANNIVESARY 4-Y-O NOVICES’ HURDLE (2003 Le Duc), CORDON BLEU HANDICAP HURDLE (2003 Risky Reef); MARTELL COGNAC MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE (2003 Le Roi Miguel); MARTELL COGNAC AINTREE HURDLE (2003 Sacundai), Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre) Other Big Race Wins: HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), GREATWOOD HURDLE (2003 Rigmarole), RACING POST CHASE (2004 Marlborough) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2003/04): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls Wins This Season in Britain: 21

THE VALUE BETTING COLUMN EVERY SATURDAY

CHELTENHAM, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2004

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