Saturday, November 14, 2009

THE OPEN 2009, CHELTENHAM
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
PADDY POWER GOLD CUP DAY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14


DRY WEATHER EXPECTED SOON AT CHELTENHAM

Claisse said: “A dry night is forecast and, while we are taking down running rails, we won’t be doing any work on the course.

“There’s no point in trying to do any work on the course at this stage. We’ll just get ready to set it up tomorrow.”


MASTER MINDED’S OWNER LOOKS FORWARD TO TOMORROW

Master Minded, the champion two-mile chaser, makes his seasonal debut in the new £50,000 Connaught Chase (1.45pm) at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Clive Smith, his owner, said today on Cheltenham Racecourse Radio: “He loves Cheltenham and seems to run as well here as anywhere.

“Master Minded is in great form according to Paul Nicholls. He likes a lot of work - Paul has to exercise him all the time.

“He works every day but during the summer he goes out in the field alongside Denman, Big Buck’s and Kauto Star just at the back of Paul’s house.

“We feel he wants races - he may have six this season if he stays in good form.”

Master Minded has won the last two Seasons Holidays Mile Champion Chases at the Cheltenham Festival



THOMAS PINK LEADING RIDER AWARD, 2009

SECOND DAY STANDINGS

Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
Andrew Lynch 1 - 1
Paddy Brennan 1 - 1
Miss Nina Carberry 1 - -
Daryl Jacob 1 - -
Graham Lee 1 - -
Mr Sam Twiston-Davies 1 - -
Noel Fehily 1 - -
Barry Geraghty 1 - -
Campbell Gillies 1 - -
Richard Killoran 1 - -
Andrew McNamara 1 - -
Robert Thornton 1 - -
Tony McCoy - 2 1
Ruby Walsh - 2 -
Aidan Coleman - 1 -
Jan Faltejsek - 1 -
Mr J T McNamara - 1 -
Tom Molloy - 1 -
Davy Russell - 1 -
Miss Isobel Tompsett - 1 -
Mr Mark Wall - 1 -
Charlie Wallis - 1 -
Sam Thomas - - 2
Jack Doyle - - 1
Mr Oliver Greenall - - 1
Jamie Moore - - 1
Michael Murphy - - 1
Timmy Murphy - - 1
Tom Scudamore - - 1
Christian Williams - - 1



THOMAS PINK LEADING TRAINER AWARD, 2009

SECOND DAY STANDINGS

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Nigel Twiston-Davies 2 1 1
Nicky Henderson 2 - -
Enda Bolger IRE 1 1 -
Ian Williams 1 - 2
Henry de Bromhead IRE 1 - 1
Willie Amos 1 - -
Tony Carroll 1 - -
Ferdy Murphy 1 - -
Edward O’Grady IRE 1 - -
Nick Williams 1 - -
Paul Nicholls - 2 -
Bob Buckler - 1 -
George Charlton - 1 -
Chris Gordon - 1 -
Sarah Humphrey - 1 -
Bernard Llewellyn - 1 -
Tom Mullins IRE - 1 -
Jonjo O’Neill - 1 -
Evan Williams - 1 -
David Pipe - - 2
Tom George - - 2
Victor Dartnall - - 1
Keith Goldsworthy - - 1
Alan Jones - - 1
John O’Shea - - 1


Race 4 - Paddy Power Gold Cup - Win Quotes

PADDY POWER CUP FINALLY CROSSES THE IRISH SEA ONCE AGAIN

It has been a long time coming, but Tranquil Sea finally broke the 29-year hiatus for Irish-trained horses in the £150,000 Paddy Power Gold Cup, winning by four and a half lengths from Poquelin. In total, he was the fifth Irish-trained winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup following Fortria (1960 and 1962), Skymas (1983) and Bright Highway (1980).

Partnered by Andrew McNamara, the seven-year-old was always travelling supremely well and looked to have the race at his mercy as Hold Em began to fade away. Poquelin came from off the pace to challenge, but there was only ever going to be one winner. The 11/2 market leader was trained by Edward O’Grady, the most successful current Irish trainer at The Festival with 18 winners. Tranquil Sea was also, surprisingly, O’Grady’s first runner in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Edward O’Grady said: “I looked up the three previous Irish winners of this race and they were fantastic. It would be nice if we could aspire to the same level with this horse.

“Two days after he won his novice hurdle at Punchestown (a Grade One event in April, 2008), he got spooked by a pigeon and injured his shoulder. At first we thought he might have broken his shoulder but fortunately he didn’t.

“However, his injury meant that he missed a summer at grass as he was in his box for three to four months and after starting last season well, he trained off.

“He ran well enough in the Jewson at The Festival last season and ran better than his finishing position suggested after making a mistake at the water. With a better run, he could maybe have finished second or third - he made up a lot of ground.

“Today’s race was always going to be on his agenda. I couldn’t have had him any better. It was more a case of whether he was good enough and whether he had luck in running. We should ideally have come here without a penalty, but I didn’t have the confidence.

“I think we might just sit back and not rush on deciding his next target. I hope he could be a horse for the Ryanair Chase and that is the race I would like to aim him at but at the moment he is still a handicapper and I’m not sure today was the strongest renewal of the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

“I don’t think the conditions helped him today although maybe they didn’t inconvenience him as much as some of the others. I think he will be a better horse on better ground.”

Winning rider Andrew McNamara added: “He travelled so much easier than I had expected and handled conditions well - it’s not easy jumping off this sort of ground.

"He did get tired on the run in but he had travelled so sweetly."

Paddy Power make Tranquil Sea 6/1 for the Ryanair Chase.

Race 4 - Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase - place quotes

GROUND AGAINST POQUELIN, SAYS NICHOLLS


It had been 29 years since an Irish stable won the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and while that losing run was ended by the victory of Tranquil Sea, the wait for Britain’s champion trainer Paul Nicholls goes on.

Nicholls has yet to train the winner of the famous handicap chase, and he had to be content with second today, when Poquelin and jockey Ruby Walsh proved best of the stable’s three runners. Chapoturgeon fell and Tatenen unseated.

Nicholls said of Poquelin: “He looked fantastic and has run a blinder on the ground - it’s just a shame that the ground was against him. I’ll not run him during the winter; we’ll put him away until the spring and bring him back for the Ryanair Chase [at The Festival]. He could run in one of the handicaps, but I suspect the Ryanair will be the target.

“Ruby said the horse was on and off the bridle because he was hating the ground, and when they went down the back he was going nowhere at all. I knew Ruby was nurturing him hoping to get a run going down the hill and I thought he might pick them up. Ruby is very good at that game plan but every time he hit a bit of soft ground he got stuck in it.”

Keith Goldsworthy from West Wales was pleased with the run of Hold Em, who finished third. Goldsworthy said: “He’s in the form of his life, is working very well at home and looks a million dollars. I stuck my neck out earlier this week and said he was the stand-out each-way bet of the race and here we are third at 14/1. Some of the boys got 70s on Betfair so they are happy.

“I train them, but don’t back them - it’s the best policy.

“He always runs so well at Cheltenham that we will have to come back here next month for the boylesports.com Gold Cup. Two miles five furlongs is his trip and Cheltenham his course. He’s an out-and-out handicapper so we won’t make life complicated, we’ll just come back here.”



IRISH WIN THE PADDY POWER GOLD CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1980

Tranquil Sea was the impressive winner of today’s £150,000 Paddy Power Gold Cup and became the fifth Irish-trained winner of the race since it was founded in 1960 and the first for 29 years.

The other Irish-trained winners have been Fortria who took the first running and was successful for a second time two years later in 1962.

The Irish had to wait for more than a decade for a further winner which came in the shape of Skymas in 1973, and Bright Highway was then successful from the Emerald Isle in 1980.

OVER 200 RACEGOERS GET THEIR MONEY BACK

Cheltenham Racecourse offered those booking Club tickets for today in advance an option - pay the full price of £30 and get your money back if an Irish-trained horse won the Paddy Power Gold Cup or pay the discounted price of £27.

Over 200 opted to pay the full price and will receive £30 from the racecourse after Tranquil Sea’s success.

THREE MIRRORS

Claisse reported that the Ferdy Murphy-trained Three Mirrors, who was quickly tailed off in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and was soon pulled up, had been humanely put down.

“It is thought he suffered a pelvic injury,” explained Claisse.

Race 1 - Prestbury Juvenile Novices' Hurdle

PISTOLET PUTS A GUN TO RIVALS' HEADS


Pistolet Noir beat 5/4 favourite Barizan in the opening Prestbury Juvenile Novices' Hurdle, and while trainer Nick Williams was absent, his wife Jane reckoned that may have been a factor in the success.

Devon-based Mrs Williams, who owns 7/2 chance Pistolet Noir, said: "Nick's at home holding the fort and getting ready for his wins tomorrow [he has three runners at Cheltenham], but he's not very lucky for me - I think I'm better off without him!"

She said of her winner: "The only thing we had in our favour against these Flat-bred horses was that ours is jumping bred, so while he's a baby we thought he would go on the ground. He ran very green at Chepstow on his debut [when third], but he has come on for that. He's a very nice little horse, only tiny, but with a huge stride on him. He liked the ground.

"You can buy good horses [off the Flat] and improve them a bit, but you are never going to buy a great horse that way. They've all got some reason to sell them. For us the best way is to buy young horses, especially with middle-distance pedigrees, and do a lot of jumping and schooling with them. All our young horses go on the moor, they go hunting and showjumping before they get to the racecourse.

"I couldn't watch the conclusion of today's race because we keep getting beaten by McCoy [Tony, who rode the runner-up] so it was nice to beat him for once. Daryl [Jacob] rode our horse beautifully - what a lovely jockey he is."

Asked if Pistolet Noir is for sale, Mrs Williams added: "Well he was before the race, but probably not now. I haven't had a win of my own for quite some time."

Pistolet Noir is now a candidate for the JCB Triumph Hurdle for which he was given a quote of 20-1 by totesport, Paddy Power and Victor Chandler, although Sean Graham make him a 25-1 chance.

FIRST RACE: PRESTBURY JUVENILE NOVICES’ HURDLE
Winning jockey quotes

WELL THOUGHT OF


Daryl Jacob, the winning rider on Pistolet Noir, said afterwards: “He’s a nice horse.

“We have always thought a lot of him. From the early days, even as a two-year-old, when he was working and schooling, we have liked him.

“His jumping has always been good and this was a strong point in soft ground today. He handled the ground well.

“He first raced last time when third at Chepstow and was bound to come on from that.

“He has done and never put a foot wrong.”



Race 1 - Prestbury Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle - Jockeys’ views on the ground

JOCKEYS SAY IT’S HARD WORK OUT THERE

After the running of the first race, the Grade Two Prestbury Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle, the following jockeys gave their views on the state of the ground.

Daryl Jacob, rider of the winner Pistolet Noir, said: “Soft. It was hard work.”

Tony McCoy, rider of second-placed Barizan, said: “It’s really tiring ground, especially with the wind.”

Sam Thomas, ride of the third Olofi, said: “Heavy. The wind is strong, which makes it hard work.”

Timmy Murphy, rider of Nicky Nutjob, said: “It’s pretty bad out there.”

Paddy Brennan, rider of Roseska, said: “Very soft.”

Richard Johnson, rider of Trumpstoo, said: “I would say it’s a mixture of soft and heavy. It was hard work for juveniles, especially with the wind.”

Jimmy McCarthy, rider of Princess Soraya, said: “Heavy.”



Race 2 - Ultima Frontrunner In IT Solutions Novices’ Chase - Winning Quotes

PETTIFOUR MAKES PERFECT START OVER FENCES

Pettifour, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by Paddy Brennan, commenced his chasing career perfectly by landing the Ultima Frontrunner In IT Solutions Novices’ Chase.

The seven-year-old, a Grade One winner over hurdles at Aintree in 2008, had to work hard for his victory as he was pursued by Toby Jug for much of the extended three-mile contest. The 8/11 favourite was in command from the final bend and stayed on well to win by a length and a half from Toby Jug.

Twiston-Davies, enjoying his second success of The Open 2009, commented: “That was very satisfying.

“It was difficult for Paddy out there today as this was the horse’s first run over fences, they are big fences and it is heavy ground. He needed pace to help him along but there wasn’t any. He needed help, but didn’t get it.

“I am delighted that he was won. It was originally the plan to keep him over hurdles this season but he was beaten so far behind Fair Along at Wetherby last time that I don’t think he is the right class for the top races over hurdles. We are only going to be placed with him over hurdles so we thought why not have a look at going novice chasing with him.

“We will have a look at the Scottish Grand National for him later in the season after a few more novice chases as he is an out-and-out stayer. He will certainly be given an entry in the RSA Chase at The Festival and could go there.”

Paddy Power go 20/1 about Pettifour for the RSA Chase, as do Ladbrokes, while Cashmans go 33/1.

Paddy Brennan added: “I am very pleased.

“He was the best horse in the race but had to do all the donkey work.

“He latches on late in his races and can look as if he is beaten but always stays on and could be an ideal Scottish National horse.”



Race 2 - Ultima Frontrunner In IT Solutions Novices’ Chase


GRAND PLANS FOR TOBY JUG

Toby Jug failed to give 8lb to winner Pettifour in the Ultima Frontrunner In IT Solutions Novices’ Chase, but he thrilled trainer Sarah Humphrey from West Wratting in Cambridgeshire.

Humphrey said: “We’re delighted with that - we were giving 8lb on ground we knew the horse didn’t really like. We would have loved to have won, but to have finished just one and a half lengths behind the winner is not bad.

“I did think we were going to win on the run-in, but Pettifour found a bit more.

“The four-mile National Hunt Chase [at the Festival in March] would be ideal for him because he jumps and travels well and has lots of stamina.” Cashmans bookmakers offer Toby Jug at 10-1 from 12-1 for that event.

Asked whether the John Smith’s Grand National might figure in her plans, Humphrey said the 2011 version would be considered. She added: “Aintree would up his street. He would love those fences and it’s a stamina test. He’ll have a break now because he’s been on the go a long time, and we’ll bring him back in the spring.”

Trainer John O’Shea, who saddled third place Kanpai, admitted a pre-race plan had backfired. O’Shea said: “Tony [McCoy] and I talked before the race and we agreed there would be a very strong wind out there and we didn’t want to be in front. After the race Tony felt he had done the wrong thing and should have made the running.

“He said the horse jumped great and handled the ground, but the way the race was run - they didn’t go that quick early on - didn’t suit him. I came here knowing the horse was back in form - he had a leg problem that was treated with stem cell treatment, but when that didn’t work he had the leg fired a year later. We’ll look for another small race.”



Race 3 - Servo Trophy Handicap Chase


NUIT SO GALANT IN STAMINA TEST


Five-year-old Galant Nuit, under jockey Graham Lee, showed determination and a touch of class to land the Servo Trophy Handicap Chase over three miles and three furlongs.

Trainer Ferdy Murphy, who hopes to run Galant Nuit in the John Smith’s Grand National “in three or four years’ time”, and owner David Parry were celebrating a double following Pistol Basc’s win at Wetherby.

Lee said: “He’s only five, but he gave me a great ride. Stamina is his forte and he jumps super.”

Murphy praised the winning jockey when he said: “Graham is remarkable in those conditions on a young horse. He came in and said ‘I just let the race come to me’. Sometimes Graham makes the running, but more often than not he’ll drop a horse in.

“When you’re running for good money on a track like this the adrenalin is up in the jockeys and every race is competitive.

“We try to make a plan for every horse and when we looked in the calendar we spotted this race and felt it would suit this horse. He likes these conditions, and while the ground was a little quick for him when he ran at the last meeting here he jumped great and that encouraged the owner to come back here. The Eider Chase [at Newcastle] will be the plan, but he’ll need a week or two to get over this and he probably won’t run again before then.

“I have a very good head lad in Sean Cusack who will monitor him, but I don’t expect you will see him until February.”

For Parry the result was a vindication of Galant Nuit’s ability. He said: “I didn’t back him, but I felt he was very good value yesterday when he was 16-1. I wanted him to go through the sale here last night [run by auctioneers Brightwells], but he was rejected. They said he wasn’t good enough. He’s still for sale, but the price has gone up now.”






Race 3 - Servo Trophy Handicap Chase - Placed Quotes


SO CLOSE FOR PUSH IT


In a ride reminiscent of that on Wichita Lineman in last season’s William Hill Handicap Chase at The Festival, champion jockey Tony McCoy delivered his challenge on Don’t Push It after travelling way off the pace for most of the extended three miles and three furlongs of the Servo Trophy Handicap Chase. However, while Wichita Lineman won his race by a neck back in March, Don’t Push It just failed today, going down by half a length to Galant Nuit.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill said: “That was a good run, he has run well but just found one too good for him on the day.

“He has jumped well and stayed on. The ground was a concern for him today, particularly over this trip.

“I was delighted with his performance today and we will now look at similar races for him. He could maybe be a horse for Aintree if he jumps and stays as well as he did today.”



Race 5 - Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle


GILLIES PROVES A POINT AFTER CRUNCHING EXPERIENCE


Scottish trainer Willie Amos’s first Cheltenham runner became his first winner at the home of jump racing when Lie Forrit won the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle.

Yet the real story behind this memorable victory relates to jockey Campbell Gillies, who endured a horrible experience at Aintree three weeks ago when riding Lie Forrit. Unseated at the penultimate hurdle, Gillies got to his feet, but while darting for safety was mown down by a following runner - he punctured his lung and cracked ribs, so the fact he was at Cheltenham today, let alone riding, is a testimony to his fortitude.

Gillies said: “This horse is owned by my granddad, my mum and uncle, so this feeling is second to none. This it fantastic. Cheltenham is where dreams are made great for them. I pushed myself to get back from injury to rise in this race. The horse has not let me down.

“I was robbed at Aintree of what would have been a fantastic victory, so I really pushed myself to get back early from injury to ride the horse today.

“That’s my second Cheltenham winner, the first having come on Culcabock in December. “ Gillies rides Lucinda Russell’s Culcabock in tomorrow’s Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and was successful on the same horse at the Grand National meeting in April.

Lie Forrit was bought by John McNeill, Gillies’ grandfather, as a foal at Doncaster Sales. McNeill, who was joined in the winner’s circle by his son, Crawford, and daughter, Lesley - who is Gillies’ mother - said: “The horse is as tough as nails. We always thought he was not bad, but he’s better than that. We just liked him as a foal. I’ve had two horses, the other being Reivers Moon. She won five and the money we earned from her paid for Lie Forrit. It is one of the most special days in my life.

“Campbell is a good jockey but we did not think he would be able to ride today. Unknown to me, he came down to Cheltenham yesterday to see the doctor. It has all come together today.”

Asked about the incident at Aintree that might have killed her son, Lesley Gillies said: “I had been on holiday in Cornwall and watched the race in Exeter while on my way home. As soon as the race was over I had to rush for a flight, and had no idea how badly hurt he was. It was the worst hour and a half of my life and it wasn’t until I got off the plane in Edinburgh that I heard he had been taken to hospital.

“It shows just how tough Campbell is to be here today. He had to prove a point. The horse is as tough as nails and so is Campbell. I’m so proud of him.”

Amos, who trains 19 horses at Newmill on Teviot in Hawick, said he would aim Lie Forrit at a Pertemps Hurdle qualifier at Newbury on Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup day. The final of that race, here at Cheltenham’s Festival meeting in March, would then go onto the agenda.

He added: “It was a slow run race - if they had gone a clip early on then it would have helped him because he just stays on. He was having to work but he found under pressure.

“It is a massive day and the atmosphere is brilliant. It is an exceptional day for a wee trainer.”



Race 6 - Ultima Business Solutions Novices’ Handicap Hurdle - Winning Quotes

ZAFRANAGAR SUITED BY THE GROUND

The concluding contest on day two of The Open, the Ultima Business Solutions Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, went the way of 14/1 chance Zafranagar in the hands of Robert Thornton.

After a slow early pace, the tempo quickened markedly from the final turn and it was the Tony Carroll-trained gelding who handled the conditions best, defeating Sweet World by half a length. This was Zafranagar’s first start of the current jump season, although he had a pipe-opener on Flat at Catterick earlier this month when finishing seventh in a maiden.

Successful trainer Tony Carroll said: “I am very happy. He is a nice horse and was probably nicely handicapped today.

“The conditions suited him today. He has nestled in nicely and come with a good run.

“His owner, Paul Downing, is based in Sratford and has four horses with me including Arctic Wings who finished third here at the last meeting.

“We bought this horse last year and on his three runs over hurdles last season, he over-jumped at the first on his first outing and then the ground was too firm for him on his next two outings. These conditions seem to suit him and we will look for something else for him now.”


COUNTRYSIDE DAY CROWD

The crowd at Cheltenham yesterday, Countryside Day, came to 19,451.



BETTING NEWS FROM PADDY POWER

Today features the highlight of The Open, the £150,000 Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.35pm), and the ones for money with Paddy Power are Chapoturgeon, who is now 7/1 (from 15/2), and northern raider According To Pete who is into 10/1 (from 12/1, having been 16/1 at the start of yesterday). One outsider attracting support is Knowhere, who is now 28/1 (from 33/1). Knowhere is one of two runners from the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard along with favourite Ballyfitz and finished third two years ago.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Tatenen is on the drift, going out to 9/1 (from 15/2).

Paddy Power himself said: “I am quite surprised that Tatenen is currently drifting, considering the ground has come in his favour.

“Punters should make sure they bet with us, as they will get their hard-earned back if Paul Nicholls wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup.”



OTHER MARKET MOVERS TODAY WITH PADDY POWER

12.50pm Prestbury Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle
1 Barizan - 10/11 (from 5/6)
6 Pistolet Noir - 4/1 (from 9/2)

1.55pm Servo Trophy Handicap Chase
11 Baron Windrush - 14/1 (from 20/1)

3.10pm Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle
9 Lie Forrit - 100/30 (from 4/1)
10 Le Beau Bai - 8/1 (from 14/1)

3.45pm Ultima Business Solutions Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
3 Psi - 5/1 (from 6/1)



FROM DAWN TO DUSK OUT OF PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

There is one further non-runner in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.35pm), with number 19 FROM DAWN TO DUSK joining Pop and Leslingtaylor who were taken out earlier today. The Philip Hobbs-trained 10-year-old has been withdrawn because of the ground. There are still 17 runners in the £150,000 feature race.

FURTHER MARKET MOVERS FROM PADDY POWER

12.50pm Prestbury Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle
6 Pistolet Noir - 7/2 (from 4/1, previously 9/2)

1.20pm Ultima Frontrunner In IT Solutions Novices’ Chase
1 Toby Jug - 2/1 (from 9/4)

2.35pm Paddy Power Gold Cup
4 Chapoturgeon - 13/2 (from 7/1, previously 15/2)
5 Poquelin - 11/1 (from 14/1)
14 According To Pete - 15/2 (from 10/1, previously 12/1)

3.10pm Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle
12 Made In Japan - 10/1 (from 16/1)

3.45pm Ultima Business Solutions Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
3 Psi - 4/1 (from 5/1, previously 6/1)




GOING CHANGES TO ‘SOFT, HEAVY IN PLACES’



Heavy showers blown by blustery wind during this morning have resulted in a going change before the start of day two of The Open.

Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse, said: “We changed the going at 11.45am from ‘soft’ to ‘soft, heavy in places’. The change affects both the chase and hurdles courses.

Claisse added: “The heavy areas are between fences eight and nine down the back straight, and approaching fence 13 coming down the hill.”

He said that despite the gusting winds no structural damage to the course had been reported, and continued: “Anything that looks like it cannot cope with the winds, which have been up to 40mph, will be taken down.

“We took the wings [of the fences and hurdles] down last night, but they have all gone back in this morning with extra reinforcement. We have not yet been unraceable and do not expect to be.”

The forecast is for the wind to subside this afternoon and the conditions to become brighter.

GOING CHANGED TO SOFT


The going on the Old Course at Cheltenham was changed to SOFT this morning by Cheltenham’s Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing Simon Claisse from yesterday’s good to soft.

This follows 14 millimetres of rain overnight, less than had been forecast.

Claisse reported: “The rain stopped at midnight and we are now soft all round. The forecast is for some squally showers today but it is going to be pretty bright most of the time.

“The wind is forecast to build this morning but then subside after lunchtime - we survived all right last night when the wind got up to 40 miles per hour.”

GoingStick reading: Old Course: 6.9 at 6am.

There are a few showers forecast on Sunday.

FIRST RACE RESULT

12.50pm PRESTBURY JUVENILE NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE TWO)
£30,000 guaranteed, 2m 1/2f. For 3yo. Weights 10st 12lb. Penalties: a winner of a Class 4 hurdle 4lb; of a Class 1 to 3 hurdle 8lb. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Entries: 13 pay £150. Penalty value: 1st £17,103, 2nd £6,417, 3rd £3,213, 4th £1,602, 5th £804, 6th £402.

1 PISTOLET NOIR (FR) (Jane Williams) Nick Williams 3-10-12 Daryl Jacob 7/2
2 BARIZAN (IRE) (Peter Conway) Evan Williams 3-11-6v Tony McCoy 5/4f
3 OLOFI (FR) (R&L Channing, S&F Roberts, McNeill Racing) Tom George 3-11-2 Sam Thomas 12/1
4 TRUMPSTOO (USA) (Suzanne Hart) Richard Fahey 3-10-12 Richard Johnson
5 ROYAL MAX (IRE) (Roger Brookhouse) Michael Chapman 3-11-6 Steven Gagan
6 NICKY NUTJOB (GER) (MacNiler Racing Partnership) Jeff Pearce 3-11-6 Timmy Murphy
7 PRINCESS SORAYA (Hughes & Stewart) Brendan Powell 3-10-5 Jimmy McCarthy
P ROSESKA (USA) (Kevin O’Donnell) Kevin O'Donnell IRE 3-10-13 Paddy Brennan

8 ran
Non-runner: Screaming Brave (Ground)
Distances: 9, 4 1/2, dist, 9, 13, dist
Breeder: Philippe Sauvage
Breeding: b g Maille Pistol (FR) - Black Et Or (FR)
Totes: Win: £5.00 Places: £1.80, £1.30, £2.60 Exacta: £10.20

Winning Trainer: NICK WILLIAMS Based: Culverhill Farm, Georgenympton, South Molton, Devon Backgound: Nick Williams, born June 25, 1956, was a dairy farm near Exmoor in Devon. He works as an accountant alongside his wife, Jane. Williams trains a string of around 15 horses and takes great efforts in researching through bloodstock books in his library of around 1,000. Williams started out in racing as a groom for Willie Musson in Surrey before leaving the sport for around 15 years to qualify as an accountant and then go into business. His first wife Sarah trains successfully and he formerly acted as her assistant. Soon after they divorced in 1996, Williams took out a permit and upgraded to a full licence in February, 2001. First Winner: Cage Aux Folles, Wincanton, April 24, 2000 Big Race Wins: Midlands Grand National (2005 Philson Run), intercasino.co.uk Hurdle (2006 Dom D’Orgeval), Eider Chase (2006 Philson Run), betchronicle.com Trophy Chase Handicap (2008 Maljimar), JETS/Richard Davis Awards Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Diamond Harry), Blue Square Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Diamond Harry), Racecourse Of The Year Classic Novices’ Hurdle (2009 Diamond Harry) Number of Winners (2002/03-2008/09): 3; 11; 9; 11; 15; 16; 10; Wins this Season: 4

Winning Jockey: Daryl Jacob Born: Donegal, August 25, 1983 Background: The son of a fisherman, Jacob initially attended the Racing School in Kildare and then spent two years with Dessie Hughes before spending a summer riding out Flat horses with Richard Hannon. Daryl joined Robert and Sally Alner’s Dorset stable and rode their point-to-pointers, and after a season with Paul Keane returned to the Alners in the summer of 2006. He enjoyed a fantastic 2006/07 season, highlighted by success on The Listener in the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December 2007, his first victory in his homeland since he switched to Britain in 2003. During his time with Hughes, he became very friendly with Kieran Kelly, who died in a fall in 2003, and Daryl dedicated his Lexus triumph to Kieran, who was instrumental in encouraging him to make the move to England. It was the decision of owner Ray Humphrey to give the ride on The Listener to Jacob, having “jocked off” Andrew Thornton, and the partnership continued to flourish, with Grade One victories in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown and the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown. First Double under NH Rules: Leicester, March 11, 2005 (Toms Gone Grey and Cobreces) Big Race Wins: Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (2006 I Hear Thunder), Lexus Chase (2006 The Listener) John Durkan Memorial Chase (2007 The Listener), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2008 The Listener) Wins (2003/04-2008/09): 2; 8; 19; 40; 36; 23 Wins this season: 17



SECOND RACE RESULT

1.20pm ULTIMA FRONTRUNNER IN IT SOLUTIONS NOVICES' CHASE
£20,000 guaranteed, 3m 1/2f. For 5yo+. Weights 10st 13lb. Penalties after April 25th, 2009, a winner of a Class 3 to 6 chase 5lb; of 2 chases or of a Class 1 or 2 chase 8lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries: 17 pay £100. Penalty value: 1st £12,524, 2nd £3,700, 3rd £1,850.

1 PETTIFOUR (IRE) (Julian Pettifer) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-10-13 Paddy Brennan 8/11f
2 TOBY JUG (P &C Chapman & Sarah Humphrey) Sarah Humphrey 8-11-7 Aidan Coleman 5/2
3 KANPAI (IRE) (Samurai Racing Syndicate) John O'Shea 7-11-4 Tony McCoy

3 ran
Distances: 1 1/2, 10
Breeder: William Noonan
Breeding: b g Supreme Leader - Queen Of Natives (IRE)
Totes: Win: £5.20 Place: £1.80 Exacta: £2.30

Winning Trainer: NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES Based: Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Date of birth: 16/5/57 Background: Rode as an amateur for Fred Winter, Fred Rimell and Kim Bailey. The Gloucestershire handler combined training as a permit-holder with his farming interests throughout the 1980s, having his first winner with Last Of The Foxes, who he also rode, at Hereford in March, 1982, before the agricultural recession prompted him to make training his full-time profession. He took out a full training licence in 1989, recording his first win as a public trainer in December of that year with Babil at Newbury. Born on May 16, 1957, as an amateur jockey Twiston-Davies rode 17 winners under Rules and gained a further 17 point-to-point victories, and served as assistant trainer to Richard Head and Fred Rimell. A childhood neighbour and friend of Peter Scudamore, he went into partnership with the former champion jump jockey to set up stables at Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Gloucestershire, although Scudamore is no longer involved in the venture, having teamed up with Denis Caro in 2002 and then his father Michael. Twiston-Davies has adopted and developed the pioneering techniques of Martin Pipe, such as interval training and regular blood tests for his string, enabling him to rapidly raise his profile among the training ranks. An essentially shy man, he momentarily shocked Des Lynam after Earth Summit’s Grand National success in 1998 by telling the BBC presenter in front of millions of viewers “I don’t do interviews”. Trained his 1,000th winner at Stratford in October 2006. Big Race Wins Include: Charlie Hall Chase (2005 Ollie Magern, 2007 Ollie Magern), Christmas Hurdle (1997 Kerawi), Classic Chase (2005 Baron Windrush), Elite Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Feltham Novices’ Chase (2004 Ollie Magern), Hennessy Gold Cup (2000 King’s Road), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1998 Mister Morose, 2004 Fundamentalist), Open Trophy (2003 Shardam), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1992 Tipping Tim, 2008 Imperial Commander), Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Rimsky), Peter Marsh Chase (1995 Earth Summit), Rehearsal Chase (1995 Grange Brake), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1995 Sweet Duke, 2000 Beau), Scottish Champion Hdle (1994 Corrouge, 2000 Mister Morose), Scottish Grand National (1992 Captain Dibble, 1994 Earth Summit, 2009 Hello Bud), Totesport Sandown Hcap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish), Welsh Champion Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Whitbread Gold Cup (2000 Beau), Wayward Lad Novices Chase (2007 Mahogany Blaze), Old Roan Chase (2008 Knowhere), John Smith’s Hurdle (2008 Pettifour), Cheltenham Festival wins (10): Ryanair Chase (2009 Imperial Commander), 139th Year Of The National Hunt Chase (2009 Tricky Trickster), William Hill NH Chase (1992 Tipping Tim), Royal & SunAlliance Hdle (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1993 Young Hustler), Letheby & Christopher Supreme H (1994 Arctic Kinsman), JCB Triumph Hurdle (1998 Upgrade), Pertemps Final H’cap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish, 2008 Ballyfitz) Wins (1982/3-2008/09): 0, 0, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 8, 19, 31, 76, 72, 81, 74, 52, 69, 65, 87, 47, 35, 31, 79 ; 69; 59; 60; 87; 83; Wins this Season: 33

Winning Jockey: Paddy J Brennan Born: Ardrahan, Galway, April 13, 1981 Background: Brennan spent the summer of 1995 working for County Kildare handler Gerry Stack before embarking on a five season apprenticeship with the leading Irish trainer Jim Bolger, for whom he rode eight winners. The first of those came on Ivory Isle at Gowran Park in August, 1998. He became too heavy and tall for the Flat and moved to Paul Nicholls' stable as a conditional jockey in 2001. He stayed there for two and a half years, riding winners for Nicholls and Jeff King, before joining Philip Hobbs in the 2003/4 season as one of that yard's conditionals. Brennan also struck up a good rapport with Ashley Brook, on whom he won the Grade One Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in 2005, and enjoyed a first Cheltenham Festival success that year aboard Shamayoun in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Brennan was appointed as retained rider to owners Andrea and Graham Wylie for the 2006/7season after dropping by trainer Howard Johnson's County Durham yard for a cup of tea and toast. He rewarded those connections when guiding Inglis Drever to victory in the 2007 Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham - the gelding's second success in the race. Brennan, who wanted to return to the south of England, left Johnson at the end of the 2006/07 season and joined Naunton-based handler Nigel Twiston-Davies at the start of the 2007/08 campaign Cheltenham Festival Wins (4): Ryanair Chase (2009 Imperial Commander), Pertemps Final (2008 Ballyfitz), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2006 Shamayoun), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2007 Inglis Drever) First Winner: Ivory Isle (Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap, Gowran Park, August 12, 1998) Other Big Race Wins: Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (2005 Hakim); intercasino.co.uk Molyneux Novices’ Chase (2006 Lennon); Sea Pigeon Handicap Hurdle (2002 Benbyas); Wensleydale Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Degas Art) Charlie Hall Chase (2007 Ollie Magern), Boylesports.com International Hurdle (2007 Osana), Old Roan Chase (2008 Knowhere), John Smith’s Hurdle (2008 Pettifour), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2008 Imperial Commander) Number of Wins (2000/01-2007/08): 3; 9; 15; 19; 67* (*Champion Conditional Jockey); 60; 80; 104; 84 Wins This Season: 28



THIRD RACE RESULT

1.55pm SERVO TROPHY HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE THREE)
£55,000 guaranteed, 3m 3 1/2f. For 4yo+. Minimum weight 10st. Penalties after November 7th, each chase won 5lb. Miko De Beauchene's Handicap Mark 152. Entries: 22 pay £275. Penalty value: 1st £31,355.50, 2nd £11,764.50, 3rd £5,890.50, 4th £2,937, 5th £1,474, 6th £737.

1 GALANT NUIT (FR) (David Parry) Ferdy Murphy 5-10-0 Graham Lee 9/2f
2 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 9-11-11 Tony McCoy 15/2
3 HELLO BUD (IRE) (Seamus Murphy) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-11-0 Paddy Brennan 8/1
4 RUSSIAN TRIGGER (Russian Partners) Victor Dartnall 7-11-0 Jack Doyle 6/1
5 MALJIMAR (IRE) (Jane Williams) Nick Williams 9-11-2 Daryl Jacob
6 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) (Mrs Paul Duffin/Sean Corby) Tom Mullins IRE 9-11-8 Davy Russell
7 LACDOUDAL (FR) (Carol Skann) Philip Hobbs 10-11-3 Richard Johnson
P BEST ACTOR (IRE) (Malcolm Denmark) Warren Greatrex 10-10-12 Tom Scudamore
P MIKO DE BEAUCHENE (FR) (Andrew Wiles) Venetia Williams 9-11-7 William Biddick (5)
P BARON WINDRUSH (The Double Octagon Partnership) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-9-13 Tom Molloy (5)
P REGAL HEIGHTS (IRE) (Janet Heler) Tom George 8-11-10 Sam Thomas
U1 ZACHAROVA (IRE) (The Leadenhall Partnership) Venetia Williams 6-10-6 Aidan Coleman

12 ran
Distances: 1/2, 1 3/4, 1 3/4, 8, 20, dist
Breeder: Francois Duguey & Patrick Perroud
Breeding: b g Comte Du Bourg (FR) - Little Blue (FR)
Totes: Win: £5.70 Places: £2.20, £2.20, £2.60 Exacta: £49.80

Winning Trainer: FERDY MURPHY Trains at West Witton, Leyburn, North Yorkshire Riding career: Professional 1966-82; rode about 100 winners Date of first Trainer’s Licence: 1990 Cheltenham Festival Wins (8): Coral Cup (2008 Naiad Du Misselot), Walwyn Muir (1996 Stop The Waller, 2006 You’re Special), Elite Triumph Hurdle (1996 Paddy’s Return), Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (1998 French Holly), National Hunt Chase (2006 Hot Weld), William Hill Trophy (2007 Joe’s Edge), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2007 L’Antartique) Other major wins: Servo Trophy Handicap Chase (2009 Galant Nuit), Betfred Gold Cup (2007 Hot Weld) Scottish National (2007 Hot Weld) Ballymore Properties Champion Stayers Hurdle (2005 Carlys Quest), Christmas Hurdle (1998 French Holly), Hennessy Gold Cup (1992 Sibton Abbey), Long Walk Hurdle (1997 Paddy’s Return), Prix La Barka (1999 French Holly), Rowland Meyrick Chase (2004 Truckers Tavern, 2006 Leading Man), BGC Chase (2001 Paddy’s Return), Scottish Grand National (2000 Paris Pike, 2005 Joes Edge), Tolworth Hurdle (1998 French Holly), Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2007 Another Promise) Number of Winners (1997/98-2008/09): 27; 40; 34; 41; 68; 43; 31; 55; 45; 61; 44; 45; Wins this Season: 12

Winning Jockey: Graham Lee Born: December 16, 1975 Background: Irish pony-racing circuit, left school at 15 to join handler Noel Meade. Five rides for Meade then joined Dessie McDonogh in County Meath. Ger Lyons then obtained Lee a position with Mary Reveley when he was 17. Began riding out for Bill Haigh, before joining Malcolm Jefferson. He was stable jockey for Howard Johnson between 2003-2006, and now rides predominately for trainer Ferdy Murphy. Trains with Middlesbrough football club to keep fit. Missed the final three months of the 2007/08 season (and Ferdy Murphy-trained winners at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals) after suffering a fractured jaw at Huntingdon in February, 2008. First Winner: Navan, November 7, 1992, Blushing Pearl Cheltenham Festival Wins (4): Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), Royal & Sunalliance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 No Refuge), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever), Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2007 L’Antartique) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2005 (3). Other Big Race Wins: Servo Trophy Handicap Chase (2009 Galant Nuit) Betfred Gold Cup (2007 Hot Weld) Ascot Hurdle (2005 No Refuge); Ballymore Properties Long Distance Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever), Charlie Hall Chase (2003 Ballybough Rasher; 2004 Grey Abbey); Elite Hurdle (2005 Royal Shakespeare); Finesse Juvenile Hurdle (2005 Akilak); John Smith’s West Yorkshire Hurdle (2003 Gralmano, 2005 Inglis Drever) Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Inglis Drever, 2005 No Refuge); Peterborough Chase (2006 Racing Demon), Peter Marsh Chase (2005 Lord Transcend); Pillar Propery Chase (2005 Grey Abbey); Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Rosa); Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (2006 LeadingMan); Scottish Grand National (2004 Grey Abbey); Stanleybet Handicap Hurdle (2005 Coat Of Honour); Tote Exacta Premier Kelso Hurdle (2003 Covent Garden), totesport Classic Chase (2004 Southern Star); Towton Novices’ Chase (2007 Heltornic); Winter Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Inglis Drever); Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (2007 Another Promise), Paddypower Gold Cup (2007 L’Antartique) Number of Wins (1993/94-2008/09): 6; 20; 11; 16; 21; 24; 28; 25; 58; 66; 94; 100; 108; 89; 67 Wins This Season: 32



FOURTH RACE RESULT

2.35pm PADDY POWER GOLD CUP CHASE (GRADE THREE)
£150,000 guaranteed, 2m 4 1/2f. For 4yo+. Minimum weight 10st. Penalties after October 31st, a winner of a chase 5lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb). Our Vic's Handicap Mark 161. Entries: 49 pay £225; Confirmed 26 pay £525. Penalty value: 1st £85,515, 2nd £32,085, 3rd £16,065, 4th £8,010, 5th £4,020, 6th £2,010.

1 TRANQUIL SEA (IRE) (Nelius Hayes) Edward O'Grady IRE 7-10-13 Andrew McNamara 11/2f
2 POQUELIN (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 6-11-1 Ruby Walsh 12/1
3 HOLD EM (IRE) (David Hughes, Mike Evans & Partners) Keith Goldsworthy 7-10-0tp Jamie Moore 14/1
4 BALLYFITZ (F Mills & W Mills) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-11 Paddy Brennan 6/1
5 ACCORDING TO PETE (P Nelson) Malcolm Jefferson 8-10-7 Phil Kinsella 9/1
6 OUR VIC (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 11-11-9b Danny Cook (3) 25/1
7 IL DUCE (IRE) (Mrs Peter Prowting) Renee Robeson 9-10-7 Sam Jones (3) 40/1
8 TARTAK (FR) (Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd) Tom George 6-11-5 Sam Thomas 18/1
P NORTHERN ALLIANCE (IRE) (Irish Rover Syndicate) Tony Martin IRE 8-10-12 Paul Carberry
P TAROTINO (FR) (John Webb) Alan King 7-10-10 Robert Thornton
P KNOWHERE (IRE) (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-11-0 Tom Molloy (5)
P MY PETRA (Mr & Mrs Richard Kelvin Hughes) Nicky Henderson 6-10-10 Tony McCoy
P THREE MIRRORS (Sean Murphy) Ferdy Murphy 9-10-1 Graham Lee
P bef 11th I'M SO LUCKY (Sandra Brookhouse) David Pipe 7-10-4 Tom Scudamore
U CHAPOTURGEON (FR) (David Johnson) Paul Nicholls 5-11-4 Timmy Murphy
U 3out TATENEN (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 5-11-0t Christian Williams

16 ran
Non-runners: 16 Pop (Ground), 18 Leslingtaylor (Ground), 19 From Dawn To Dusk (Ground), 13 Bible Lord (withdrawn at start on veterinary advice)
Distances: 4 1/2, 2, 3 1/2, 5, 6, 7, 24
Breeder: Edward Curtin Breeding: b g Sea Raven (IRE) - Silver Valley (IRE)
Totes: Win: £6.60 Places: £2.00, £3.00, £3.40, £2.10 Exacta: £97.60

Winning Trainer: EDWARD O’GRADY Based: Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Ireland Riding Career: 10 wins under Rules and point-to-points Date of First Trainer’s Licence: 1972 Big Race Wins Include: Paddy Power Gold Cup (2009 Tranquil Sea), Drinmore Novice Chase (1994 Sound Man, 2007 Sky’s The Limit), Tingle Creek Trophy Chase (1995 & 1996 Sound Man), Comet Chase (1996 Sound Man), Winning Fair Champion Novice Hurdle (2001 Ned Kelly), AIG Europe Champion Hurdle (2002 Ned Kelly), Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (2003 Back In Front), William Neville & Sons Novice Chase (2003 Pizarro), Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase (2004 Pizarro), vcbet.com Champion Novice Hurdle (2007 Clopf), Durkan New Homes Novice Chase (2007 Sky’s The Limit), Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle (2008 Tranquil Sea), Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2009 Catch Me), Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (2009 Jumbo Rio) Cheltenham Festival Successes (18): National Hunt Chase (1974 Mr Midland; 1983 Bit Of A Skite; 1996 Loving Around); Walwyn Muir (1976 Prolan); Cathcart (1977 Rusty Tears); Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1978 Golden Cygnet, 2003 Back In Front); Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1978 Flame Gun; 1980 Mountrivers); Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (1980 Drumlargan; 1982 Mister Donovan); County (1981 Staplestown); JCB Triumph Hurdle (1984 Northern Game); Coral Cup (1994 Time For A Run, 2006 Sky’s The Limit); Bumper (1994 Mucklemeg, 2002 Pizarro); Arkle Chase (1996 Ventana Canyon) Wins in Britain in (2001/02-2008/09): 3; 2; 0; 1; 1; 0; 0; 0; Wins in Britain this Season: 1

Winning Jockey: Andrew Joseph McNamara Based: Croom, County Limerick Background: Born on April 30, 1983, Andrew McNamara is the son of Co Limerick handler Andrew McNamara Snr, for whom he rode his first winner aboard La Captive at Wexford on July 13, 2002. McNamara senior has had three Grand National runners and saddled the 1985 Arkle Trophy winner Boreen Prince while his cousin is Ireland’s most-successful ever point-to-point rider, Mr J T McNamara. Andrew McNamara turned professional in June, 2004, having previously been champion point-to-point rider in Ireland in the 2003/04 season. He enjoyed the biggest win of his career at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival when Newmill collected the Queen Mother Champion Chase while he also won the 2006 John Smith’s Melling Chase at Aintree on Hi Cloy and the 2008 Irish Champion Hurdle on Sizing Europe. Picked up the ride on the well-fancied pair of Osana and Torphichen at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival after winning on owner Thomas Barr’s Bringbackthebiff at Gowran Park. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Queen Mother Champion Chase (2006 Newmill) Big Race Wins: Paddy Power Gold Cup (2009 Tranquil Sea), Byrne Group Plc Novice Hurdle (2006 Mounthenry); Irish Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Chase (2007 Beef Or Salmon); John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2005 Hi Cloy); Kerrygold Champion Chase (2006 Newmill); Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (2006 Mounthenry); Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase (2005 Hi Cloy); Red Mills Trial Hurdle (2007 Newmill); Ten Up Novice Chase (2006 Church Island), Ballymore Properties Novice Chase (2007 Sky’s The Limit), Durkan New Homes Novice Chase (2007 Sky’s The Limit), Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle (2008 Tranquil Sea) First Career Win: Danesford Hall First winner as a professional: Sir Onside (Kilbeggan, June 22, 2004, T & V Novices’ Hurdle) First four-timer in Britain: Musselburgh, November 25, 2005 (Not Today Sir, How Art Thou, Lanaken, Agent Lois) Wins in Britain (2005/06-2008/09): 10; 0; 0; 0; Wins in Britain This Season: 1



FIFTH RACE RESULT

3.10pm JARDINE LLOYD THOMPSON HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED)
£30,000 guaranteed, 3m 1 1/2f. For 4yo+ Minimum weight 10st. Penalties after November 7th, each hurdle won 6lb. Powerstation's Handicap Mark 157. Entries 30 pay £150. Penalty value: 1st £17,103, 2nd £6,417, 3rd £3,213, 4th £1,602, 5th £804, 6th £402.

1 LIE FORRIT (IRE) (J McNeill) Willie Amos 5-9-12 Campbell Gillies (3) 11/4f
2 EARTH PLANET (IRE) (R Penny) Paul Nicholls 7-10-5t Ruby Walsh 12/1
3 GREAT ENDEAVOUR (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 5-10-3 Timmy Murphy 8/1
4 MAUCAILLOU (GER) (G Murtagh) Paul Nolan IRE 6-10-0 Davy Condon
5 TIME ELECTRIC (IRE) (Mrs Paul Duffin/Sean Coby) Tom Mullins IRE 7-10-7 Davy Russell
6 POWERSTATION (IRE) (Fat Frog Syndicate) Eamon O'Connell IRE 9-11-5 Giles Hawkins (7)
7 LE BEAU BAI (FR) (Glass Half Full) Richard Lee 6-9-11 Mr Ollie Greenall (3)
8 MADE IN JAPAN (JPN) (Terry Evans) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-9-9 Tom Molloy (5)
9 ANDYTOWN (IRE) (Mr & Mrs Kelvin Hughes) Nicky Henderson 6-11-3 Tony McCoy
10 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 10-11-4 Christian Williams
11 WARNE'S WAY (IRE) (Nigel Stafford) Brendan Powell 6-10-2 Jimmy McCarthy
12 GREEN MILE (Road To No Town Syndicate) Tony Martin 7-10-2 Paul Carberry

12 ran
Distances: 3/4, nk, 1 1/2, 1/2, 8, 3/4, 4, 2, 16, 8, 13
Breeder: Niall McGrady
Breeding: b g Subtle Power (IRE) - Ben Roseler (IRE)
Totes: Win: £3.50 Places: £1.80, £3.30, £2.70 Exacta: £38.90

Winning Trainer: WILLIE AMOS Born: March 26, 1969 Based: Broadhaugh Farm, Newmill On Teviot, Hawick, Scottish Borders Date of First Trainer’s Licence: August, 2003 Big Race Wins: Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle (2009 Lie Forrit)(also first Cheltenham winner) Number of Winners (2001/02-2004/05): 1; 3; 0; 5; 0; 2; 4; 5 Wins this season: 5

Winning Jockey: Gillies, Campbell Background: Comes from Haddington, East Lothian. Attended British Racing School upon leaving school in August 2006 following a path trodden by his older sister Rita. Campbell's Grandad John McNeill had sparked the interest in racehorses as a Point-To-Point Trainer and he gained experience on weekends and school holidays at William Amos’ yard in Hawick. His first winner was on Gunson Hight in May 07 at 33-1 but an equally important winner for him was aboard his Grandad's horse Lie Forritt at 100-1 which was also part-owned by his mother and uncle. Moved onto Lucinda Russell’s stable in November 2007. First Cheltenham Winner: Lie Forrit, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle, November 14, 2009 Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (2009 Culcabock) First Winner Under Rules: Gunson Hight, Tant Pis Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase, Hexham, May 12, 2007. Wins (2006/07-2008/09): 0; 11; 27 Wins This Season: 14




SIXTH RACE RESULT

3.45pm ULTIMA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS NOVICES' HANDICAP HURDLE
£10,000 guaranteed, 2m 1/2f. For 3yo+ Rated 0-125. Weight raised 3lb; Minimum weight 10st. Penalties after November 7th, each hurdle won 7lb. Wizard Of Odds's Handicap Mark 120. Entries: 33 pay £50. Penalty value: 1st £6,262, 2nd £1,850, 3rd £925, 4th £463, 5th £231, 6th £116.

1 ZAFRANAGAR (IRE) (Paul Downing) Tony Carroll 4-10-11 Robert Thornton 14/1
2 SWEET WORLD (Bernard Llewellyn) Bernard Llewellyn 5-10-9 Isabel Tompsett (7) 11/1
3 COEUR DE FOU (FR) (Lady Clarke) Tom George 4-10-8 Sam Thomas 25/1
4 VINNES FRIEND (IRE) (True Blue Syndicate) Philip Rothwell IRE 5-10-12 Shane Jackson (3)
5 HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY (P Forster) Simon West 10-11-0p M Naughton (3)
6 PLAYING WITH FIRE (IRE) (Mrs A Merry) Robin Dickin 5-9-12 Wayne Kavanagh (3)
7 PSI (USA) (Nick Peacock) Gary Moore 4-11-7 Jamie Moore
8 L'HOMME DE NUIT (GER) (David & Jane George) Gary Moore 5-11-1p Philip Hide
9 ALAZAN (IRE) (Caren Walsh & R Budge) Philip Hobbs 3-10-3 Richard Johnson 7/2f
10 DINARIUS (A Helaissi) Alex Hales 4-11-9 Paddy Merrigan (3)
11 EYEFFESS (IRE) (R Walshe) Philip Rothwell IRE 8-10-12 Donal Macauley (5)

11 ran
Non-Runners: 1 Wizard Of Odds (Ground), 6 Points Of View (Ground)
Distances: 1/2, 1 1/4, 4, 3/4, 2 1/4, 1 1/4, 1 1/4, 1/2, 13, 7
Breeder: HH Aga Khan Studs S. C.

Breeding: b g Cape Cross (IRE) - Zafarinaya (IRE)
Totes: Win: £17.40 Places: £3.50, £3.00, £2.20 Exacta: £222.10

Winning Trainer: TONY CARROLL Based: Cropthorne, Worcs. Background: Stable jockey for Pat Taylor after leaving school. Also rode for Stan Mellor before becoming freelance. Date Of First Licence: August 1995 Big Race Wins: John Smith’s Scottish County Hurdle (2007 Forthright) Number of Winners (2002/03-2008/09): 9; 6; 20; 14; 15; 13; 16; Wins This Season: 11

Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 Background: Robert Thornton made a big splash in the 1996/7 season when, at the age of 18, he rode a double on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival (King Lucifer in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and Pharanear in the Gold Card Final), then added two more wins at Aintree (John Smith's Fox Hunters' Chase on Blue Cheek and the Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle aboard Shankar) and secured the amateur riders' title. Born on July 14, 1978, Thornton, nicknamed "Chocolate" or "Choc" for short due to his penchant for sweets in his younger days, hails from Leicestershire where his father Martin is a huntsman with the Belvoir and mother Sally trains a couple of point-to-pointers. He worked for the late David Nicholson at Jackdaws Castle after leaving Grantham College at 16 and was later pupil assistant. His first winner under Rules came aboard K C's Dancer at Cheltenham on October 25, 1995. He was the leading conditional rider in the 1997/8 season with 80 wins and has also ridden the winners of four amateur Flat races. After such a flying start, Thornton's career went through something of a lull but after a spell with Kim Bailey he linked up with Alan King at Barbury Castle and the pair have enjoyed great success. Had his hair shaved for charity in June 2007, despite protests from his girlfriend. First Winner Under Rules: K C’s Dancer (Cheltenham, October 25, 1995) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Melling Chase (2008 Voy Por Ustedes), John Smith’s Great Float Social Club Liverpool Hurdle (2008 Blazing Bailey), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-0 Hurdle (2007 Katchit, 2009 Walkon), Martell Foxhunters’ Chase (Blue Cheek 1997), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (Shankar 1997), Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shakespeare); John Smith’s Mares Only Nh Flat Race (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne), John Smith’s Red Rum Handicap Chase (2009 Oh Crick) Cheltenham Festival wins: (15) Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2008 Katchit), Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Captain Cee Bee), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase (King Lucifer 1997), Pertemps Final (Pharanear 1997), William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning, 2005 Kelami), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche, 2008 Nenuphar Collonges), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2007Andreas) Big Race Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Trouble At Bay), Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (2005 Innox), Agfa Hurdle (2005 Self Defense), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal D’ainay, 2007 Blazing Bailey), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Coralpoker.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2005 Kadount, 2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Rendlesham Hurdle (1999 Pharanear, 2005 Crystal D’ainay), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Sporting Index Chase (2002 Famfoni), Totesport Long Walk Hurdle (2005 My Way De Solzen), Victor Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Wragge & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Moneytrain, 2007 Katchit, 2008 Franchoek, 2009 Walkon), Desert Orchid Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes), Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle (2008 Blazing Bailey), Blue Square Poker Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Junior), betinternet.com Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (2008 Araldur), Mitie Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Medermit) Wins (1995/96-2008/09): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73; 97; 73; 99; 105; 119; Wins this Season: 33

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